1 campground with availability this weekend
Horse Flats Campground, located in Pearblossom approximately 35 miles from La Puente, offers primitive camping facilities in a natural setting that accommodates horses. The campground features established campsites at 5,000 feet elevation in the Angeles National Forest with picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. While there are no dedicated horse corrals on site, the spacious camping areas provide ample room for setting up portable corrals or highlines for horses. Sites are well-spread out from each other, providing privacy and space for horse trailers. The large, flat sites work well for equestrian camping needs with sufficient room to maneuver trailers and set up temporary containment.
The campground connects to numerous bridle trails within Angeles National Forest, making it a practical base for day rides. Located near bouldering areas popular with climbers, Horse Flats remains quieter than nearby Buckhorn Campground and offers a more secluded horse camping experience. The campground is accessible via forest roads, though riders should note there is no potable water available on site, so all water for both horses and humans must be brought in. Trail access varies seasonally, with the campground typically closed from November through April due to weather conditions. The surrounding forest provides miles of riding opportunities with varying terrain suitable for different experience levels. Campers note the vault toilets can be challenging during fly season, so coming prepared with your own facilities may enhance the experience.
"Awesome park, clean, level paved pads with a parking space..nice amenities, small NEX nearby. Wildlife reserve adjacent to the park made it nice for walking the dogs, too"
"Very clean, cement slab, walking paths well lit and near to many areas to explore. Wetlands on the base and birds galore."
"Horse Flats is not as popular as Buckhorn, and is a little less "green" with regards to the immediate scenery. It is also quieter for this reason, which is nice."
"We usually only see rangers come around in the morning. With that said, we still like Horse Flats because there is usually a spot or two open if we arrive on a Saturday."
from $12 / night
"Rv sites, tent sites and equestrian (horse) sites. Paved road is good for bike riding. Behind my Camp site was a few different hiking paths. Restroom buildings have water, toilets, and showers."
"It has several restrooms, showers, equestrian areas, nature trails and picnicking for day use too."
from $20 / night
"But otherwise a great spot to spend a few summer days away from anyone not hale enough to trek in a few miles."
"Crossing the tiny bridge at the west end of Switzer Picinic area(park up top during the weekdays, adds half a mile), you’ll see Switzer Trail Camp."
"Nice level grounds to walk around. Lakeside has gravel roads / pads... other side has asphalt roads / concrete pads. Restrooms are clean and acceptable."
"The lakeview area has dirt roads, sparse grass and a few spots close to the lake. The Cottonwood campground has concrete pads and well maintained grass throughout."
from $40 - $55 / night
"It is prime location for some great hiking and at night it is super quiet. There are restrooms and showers as well."
"The grounds were beautiful and well maintained, the camp host super friendly and helpful, the bathrooms well positioned and clean, and the sites had shade and everything we needed."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $45 - $225 / night
"Already been here twice once in 01/25 and 11/25 great campsite some have access to running water facet if not there are some that are close by, have also close by trash bins, has a little shop near by"
"It is right next to the lake which has a swimming area, bike path, climbing area, Hiking trails, along with a camp store which has boat rentals and much more! "
from $25 - $300 / night
"great views 360 degrees once you're on top. a 7 mile hike north on the Pacific Crest Trail from mill creek fire station. fire rings with multiple spots"
"Great hiking and equestrian trails. Excellent equestrian camping with a private corral right next to each campsite in the equestrian area."
"Casper is a great park located 15min from the city. It has three main camping areas that cater to campers, RVs and horses. There are a number of hiking trails around that range from a 1 to 12 miles."
from $20 - $25 / night
ScoutBeautiful spot on seal Beach naval weapons command base. A bit pricey, but has showers and free laundry facilities seems to be on the flight path to John Wayne Airport beautiful grounds must have a DBIDS card to get in and out of base if not military.
TravelerNice spot with great hiking. Limited facilities. No hookups. $1 for 2 minute shower (tokens).
TravelerI was lucky to find this place. It’s well run, comfortable, friendly. Nice spots.
ScoutI found the campground to be very friendly kid friendly and pet friendly. The spots were spacious and some had privacy others were out in the open. The rangers were very friendly and helpful, they helped me set up my tent when they saw I was having trouble. There are trails to explore. A great last minute getaway from the city and not to far, the bathroom was clean and modern with hot showers and toilets.
ScoutThe scenery is unique and enjoyable, with nice views of either sunrise or sunset, depending on site. I found the lake itself very pretty. However when we arrived 4 vehicles are in our spot, people were nice enough moving but we had to go door to door knocking on camper to ask who's cars they were due to no signal and no rangers nearby. Our site was pretty dirty with lots of trash, copious ants near the drainage attachments, and two of the nearby groups had excessive tents extending into the back of our site making our view look more like a homeless encampment and less like a serene mountain sunset. They also were littering, urinating outside, and excessively drinking and partying like crazy until the wee hours. As a family group we felt really uncomfortable. It seemed like not all spots are like this, however, on my walk around deer loop in the morning. If you do go, the water activities and rentals look fun, the walking trail/biking trail was nicely done, and you could optimize your spot by booking a whole group of spots (instead of booking one, book one on the right and left side to avoid feeling like you have entered homeless refuge). It maybe was a bit worse as we were here over a holiday weekend. But we most likely won't be back, there are other places that are less expensive and with better enforcement and a family atmosphere. If you want to party it is probably a fine spot, and if you love water sports also likely ok. I thin it's a beautiful place with unique scenery and a lot of potential, but needs more enforcement regarding guest code of conduct.
Edited and gave 3 stars instead of 2. Views are really nice now that our poorly behaved neighbors left. Worth considering a visit during less busy times.
ScoutThe hike-in experience has captivating views and diverse environment. Really felt away from the " concrete jungle" of the city.
TravelerDespite the fact that one night costs $42, there are a lot of stupid, miserable people here who listen loudly to stupid music through their stupid speakers after 10pm. It's also full of cockroaches here and it's annoying.
TravelerI do recommend. Beautiful, peaceful place. Good folks. It’s right near Magic Mountain theme park and many useful stores nearby: Home Depot, Walmart, Target, genetic stores, movie theaters. I’ll camp here again.
Scoutdon’t try to reach out to this park via phone with any questions, they won’t answer you. they won’t even answer the phone when their own reservation agents are calling them. gates close strictly at 10 so if you’re camping here make sure to show up by then. showed up at 9:58 after leaving a music festival early to make sure i made it on time, and their staff was immensely rude to me about not making it on time. the morning staff is incredibly nice, apologizing for the problems and giving me advice. the night staff though has a problem and they take it out on their visitors. for how rude they were to me, somehow the campsite across from me showed up at 11pm, so seems like they pick and choose who to give problems. avoid camping here. campsites are very close together and nothing special.
Horse Flats Campground is situated at 5,000 feet elevation in Angeles National Forest, approximately 35 miles from La Puente, California. The campground connects to numerous hiking trails and bouldering areas. Sites are positioned to accommodate horse trailers and portable corrals, making it one of the few dedicated equestrian camping options in the region. Seasonal operation typically runs May through October due to winter closures at this elevation.
Bouldering excursions: Horse Flats provides access to climbing areas with various difficulty levels. "Horse Flats is a popular campground deep in Angeles National Forest... Popular with climbers as there's bouldering in the area," notes Kate O. from Horse Flats Campground.
Creek exploration: During spring months, nearby waterways offer refreshing stops. At Bear Canyon Campground, campers can enjoy "the creek which is GORGEOUS with waterfalls and shade in the spring," according to Shannon E. The area features multiple small waterfalls and pools when water levels are sufficient.
Fishing opportunities: Lake Perris offers productive fishing approximately 30 minutes from La Puente. "This lake has been good to me and my friends, always catch something, maybe not a lunker but fun," states John H. The lake stocks catfish during warmer months and maintains bass populations year-round.
Elevation and climate: The higher elevation at Horse Flats provides cooler summer temperatures. "We come to this campground throughout the year, and its one of our favorite spots for summer camping when we're short on time. It's an hours drive from LA and because the campground is at elevation it stays cooler during the hot months," explains Les R.
Night sky viewing: The distance from urban areas creates opportunities for stargazing. "Sleeping with a completely open tent and viewing the night sky was amazing. Moon lit the entire mountain up," reports Justin B. about his experience at Horse Flats Campground.
Trail variety: O'Neill Regional Park offers accessible hiking paths just over 30 miles from La Puente. "The campground is located next to Oneil Park, which is huge and great for bike and running. There are many hiking trails nearby in all directions," Mike G. explains. The park features trails suitable for most ability levels.
Fire restrictions: Always check current fire regulations before your trip as they change seasonally. "They often have no burn times, these are dependent on the winds," explains Kelly E. about Caspers Wilderness Park.
Insects can be problematic: Multiple campers note insect issues, especially during warmer months. "Lots of flies. Toilets were unbearable with the amount of flies," warns Justin B. about Horse Flats Campground. Bringing insect repellent is strongly recommended.
Wildlife encounters: The area hosts active wildlife that may visit campsites. "Plenty of squirrels, bunnies, the occasional deer and coyotes at night, signs warning you are now in mountain lion territory," James notes about Caspers Wilderness Park. Proper food storage is essential to prevent attracting animals.
Educational opportunities: Rancho Jurupa Park offers family-friendly amenities close to La Puente. "Water park and mini golf for kids. Showers and laundry convenient. Camping spots all have fire pit and spacious area for RVs and tents," Xochiquetzal G. shares.
Story trails: O'Neill Regional Park provides educational hiking options for children. "Easy and fun 'Story Trail' hike for children. The hike features a new book every month, each page is mounted to a placard along the trail," explains Johnny G.
Water activities: Lake-based recreation options vary seasonally. "Splash pad, park, mini golf great amenities," Marcella D. mentions about Rancho Jurupa Park. Most water facilities operate between May and September, weather permitting.
Site selection for horse trailers: When planning equestrian camping near La Puente, California, choose outer sites at Horse Flats for easier parking. "The sites are large and spread out from each other, so it is easy to have some privacy," notes Les R.
Power considerations: Malibu Creek State Park offers camping options without electrical hookups. "Best for tents, tight for RVs," warns Rick L. Plan accordingly with battery power or generators where permitted.
Parking logistics: Larger rigs need careful site selection. "The sites are pretty standard, but they are spacious and have some privacy from neighboring sites," notes Chanel C. about Malibu Creek State Park. Most equestrian-friendly sites accommodate trailers up to 35 feet in length, though turning radius may be limited.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near La Puente, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near La Puente, CA is Seabreeze At Seal Beach with a 4.7-star rating from 10 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near La Puente, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 20 equestrian camping locations near La Puente, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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