Looking for a rustic and comfortable horse camping experience near Lafayette? Finding a place to stay in California while traveling with your horse has never been easier. With our help, you'll find the best California equestrian campsites from scenic to easily accessible.
Del Valle campgrounds will be closed until further notice, due to storm damage.
Deep in a valley framed by oak-covered hills, with sailboats and sailboards skimming over its waters, Del Valle is like a lakeside resort only 10 miles south of Livermore.
The centerpiece of the park is a lake five miles long with a variety of water-oriented recreation, from swimming to windsurfing and boating, surrounded by 4,395 acres of beautiful land for hiking, horseback riding, and nature study. Del Valle also is the eastern gateway to the Ohlone Wilderness Trail, 28 miles of scenic back-country trail.
Family Campground: The Del Valle Family Campground has 150 sites (two accessible), 21 of them with water and sewage, and electrical hook-ups (120 volt, 50 and 30 amp). The sites are served by centrally located toilets and shower facilities.
Group camps: There are several group campsites for groups of 11 people or more.
Equestrian camps: The Little Chaparral horse camp area has 4 small paddocks. The reservation of one paddock includes space for 1-2 horses, 4 people maximum, and parking for one trailer and rig only. Equestrian groups should reserve the Caballo Loco equestrian group camp as Little Chaparral is not designed for group use. Please note that horses are not allowed in developed areas of the park.
One- to six-person sites: 12 Seven- to 25-person sites: 2 Coast Campground is nestled within a small coastal valley with easy access to the beach and tidepools. The beach is within 220 yards of the campground and tidepools are located ~720 yards to the southeast. One may access Coast Campground by foot, bicycle, or horse; not by boat, auto, or RV. The shortest approach on solid ground is via the 1.8-mile slightly uphill hike on the Laguna and Fire Lane Trails, starting at the Laguna Trailhead just east of the hostel. There are 12 regular sites and two group sites.
$30 - $90 / night
Hikers and equestrians have access to an extensive 51 mile trail system. Mountain bikes are permitted on over 75% of the park's trails as designated. The diverse trail system at the park makes this a popular place to stage large-scale organized trail events such as equestrian endurance rides, mountain bike events and foot races. Dogs are also allowed on the trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds as long as they are on a 6 ft. leash.
Shaded picnic areas are available on a first-come first-served basis. Campers can choose from almost forty (40) reservable family campsites. Hot showers are available with paid campsite use. Group picnic and youth camping areas are available by reservation. One large lake and several smaller ponds are accessible for warm water fishing. Fires are permitted in designated fire rings only. Do not gather wood. Extinguish fires when unattended. When posted "NO FIRES", only campstoves or gas grills are permitted. For further questions please call the park office: (408) 274-6121.
$15 - $400 / night
Scout
Beautiful view we were in campsite 40. A beautiful view of vineyards and the sunset and people riding their horses. So calm and beautiful and so many activities here to do. Also there is showers, bathrooms, and hookups, we love this place. Only 8 mins from downtown Napa
Guide
Nice bathrooms no tokens needed, hot water, clean sink for dishes. Lotsa shaded oak spaces. Good trails.
Ranger
I had a very different take on this place than the others. The RV spot was a fair distance from the neighboring spots, it was low-density, quite, all good qualities, but there was very little see or do near the loop. There were no hikes suitable for young kids as far as I could tell. There was a little store for ice cream and camping supplies and dump station on the loop. HOWEVER, WARNING: the road around the campground looks wide but there are boulders every 10 feet or so making it insanely hard to back into our spot - and we had only a 22ft trailer! I can't see myself coming back here. The maps do accurately depict the relatively narrow space you have for back in spots. Once we were in, it was fine. The pedestal and sewer set-up was just fine. No issues there. It's just not worth the hassle.
As for the park/water part of the park, well, it was covered in garbage from the day-trippers. It was packed and only accessible by driving to it. Truly not a place I wanted to BBQ or picnic at. Cars, people, dogs, loud music, and garbage. A gross diaper on the shore. We took a very nice hike starting at the dog run. That was beautiful, but not worth the trip.
I didn't bother to photograph our site. There were all adequate, just avoid back in site here. There are so many better places to visit. I checked this off the list, no reason to return. I don't believe there was reception either from the campsite.
Last thing, we peaked in on the cabins in our loop. They looks very nice and maintained.
ScoutGreat lake and fishy, clean sites, bathrooms are great. All around awesome camping
LegendGreat place to hit Napa Valley. Staff was super friendly. Spots were pretty level, but close together. They gave free wifi but it was not consistent. It constantly dropped.
They had a great little fenced in dog park which was great for our dog. The bathrooms were pretty clean with nice hot water. Codes needed for showers.
Very quiet, no issues. We had friendly neighbors. There were people coming in for day use to use the trails for hiking, biking etc. We didn't get to explore as we were strictly in area to wine taste and eat some good food. We enjoyed our time there and would stay there again. $65 a night. Pricey compared to some places in CA, but probably a good price for Napa.
Scout
A good RV park @ fairground with lot of RVs $42 for 30-AMP though we don’t need it. Good Wifi & clean toilet/shower Friendly staff
Guide
Stopped on a road trip passing through, was able to get a nice spot. No one else was in the campground, so it was definitely quiet. Bathrooms and showers were available. Camp host was friendly. They also sell ice which was nice to grab for the cooler. Nice stay, saw a lot of bunnies and a bobcat on the way out.
LegendIt’s good for an RV park type setting, but it’s still an RV Park.
Close to town.
We didn’t try the trails as we explored the area by car.
The RTT area is generously sized, but not marked so you just have to hope you have respectful neighbors. We did!
No shade in that area.
We enjoyed the wild turkeys wandering through camp.
Recommend the Hog Island Oyster Company at the farmers market in town.
ScoutTypical evening park. Everyone on top of one another. Good electricity and decent wifi.
Scout
We pulled in with a travel trailer and an suv with small cargo trailer. They made us rent 2 spots even tho we could have fit it one as the sites are HUGE. Full hookup, no wifi, cable connection but no cable, and NO BATHROOMS.
GuidePerfect stop before dropping off rental RV in SF and clean, top up propane etc.
Legend
Hike in (or boat in) — part of what makes this place so amazing is the awesome and unspoiled nature. Miles and miles of hiking trails, unique ecosystem you won’t find anywhere else along the coast (or in the world!). This is an experience everyone who loves the Bay Area should have at least once.
TravelerGreat place for a quick getaway with some friends or family. Enjoyed walking around and taking in the views. Saw some deer, rabbits, and hummingbirds. Enjoyed hanging out by the lake.
Staff is very friendly. Bathrooms were clean.
GuideFinally properly working wifi and nice hot shower. We reserved dry rv spot for 55$. I think price should be less but place is nice and has very easy acces. Shop and laundry are very close to the campground.
Staff were friendly and very helpful.
TravelerThe Fairview RV Park is a great Bay Area location easy to find right off hwy 680, in the Alameda county fairgrounds. The staff are all pleasant to work with and the park and facilities are clean. I will always go back when in that area.
TravelerI camped with a roof top tent so was away from the RV parking lot. Fantastic views and good facilities. Would come back for sure.
TravelerWe hit Del Valle throughout the year, it's really close for us, but makes you feel like you're out in the cuts. Pretty much ZERO cell service, which is a good thing, helps you to disconnect. The lake is enjoyable, just wish the water level would rise.
ScoutFun baby backpacking trip with my husband . The hike to the campsite went by fast. Only 1.8 miles, not too bad on the elevation gain either. During the day it actually got pretty hot at our campsite (#1), lots of exposure probably around low 70s. At night it did get chilly, 38-39 degrees F, nothing a good sleeping bag couldn’t fix. We went for two nights on 02/28. Got a permit for a beach fire but couldn’t find enough drift wood to make it last. Wonderful campsite though, can’t beat our view and sounds of the ocean. Hardly any bugs and thankfully wasn’t windy when we went. The beach was sandy and beautiful, not that many people around.
TravelerInside the Point Reyes National seashore, this is a hike in only campground. But has pit toilets, potable water. Groups sites also available. Sites have picnic tables and bear/critter lockers for food. 2 min walk to beach, with amazing views of the cliffs and seashore. Access to a long list of other short/long hikes.
TravelerWe camp here with our travel trailer at the start of each season, to check out all our systems. If you are visiting and want to go to San Francisco, I think this is one of the closest RV parks to the city.
Sites are grassy, some with trees, and pretty close together.
If the Alameda Fairgrounds are having an event, you can't beat this location, it's on the property.
TravelerNice and quite. Shower is hot:)
LegendAfter time spent here at this oasis in the middle of Eastbay, California, you’ll very much feel like part of this place with its endless trails, fantastically well-kept camping grounds and the warm hospitality given you both by the camp rangers and fellow campers you’ll come across.
From a range of activities including horseback riding, kayaking on the namesake lake as well as hiking the foothills, if you’ve come here for nature, you’ll strike gold! The amenities are basic and – key to all California Regional Parks – everything is very well maintained, easy to find and wonderful to make use of.
Happy Camping!
Legend
This site is a nice hidden gem that many won't know even has a campground. While tiny and available only for a small number of campers, if you can get a spot booked well in advance, you'll have the place nearly all to yourself. Located just off of 680, you'll take Bollinger Canyon Road where you'll head just north of Las Trampas Stables before coming to a round-about where there's ample parking for about 30 cars (no worries, overflow parking on the street is allowed).
From the parking lot, there's 3-4 hiking trails to take, but the one to the campsite is the only one heading south from the parking lot. You'll have to hike all your gear in from here, and it's about 150 yards, so not all that bad, but the pathway is a bit choppy in places, so you'll want to carry most of what you've got on your back (or head!). There's just a few simple amenities at the campground, where I could only count 6-8 or so places to park a tent. Once you're all set up, take the hiking trail straight up to Las Trampas hiking ridge (there's only one trail up from your campground, so if you're not panting, then you're heading in the wrong direction). Pass the cows grazing in the meadows to climb clear to the top for a most spectacular view of Eastbay and nearby Mt. Diablo.
The other 2-3 trails that you'll find here are all worth taking and all fairly easy-to-medium in difficulty, but anyone heading up to the ridge, will find at many places it is steep and can be difficult hiking (just apply the icy hot after your hike!). As for the campground itself, it is bare minimum - the ground is relatively flat, but the entire space is encased in a barbed wire fence area playpen to keep the roaming cattle and other wildlife from coming near the area. When we were there we saw deer, cattle, raccoons and many other four legged vermin running around the area. Inside of the pen though, there's 5-6 stone picnic tables, a water fountain, only a single locker to place your food (so first-come, first served!) and a double-mounted grill.
All in all, if your aim is to spend 2-3 days scouring Las Trampas ridge, then this is a great place to call home for a few days, but it lacks the amenities and natural serenity that you would normally expect when outbacking here in Cali. And if you get tired of the campfire food, it's SO easy to just head into nearby San Ramon for a classic In-N-Out burger (it's a staple here in Cali, but I'm not from here, so I don't get what all the fuss is about: sorry California, but Johnny Rockets burgers from Chicago still win out!) or for the best bite around, try out Zachary's Chicago-style Deep Dish Pizza (this Chicagoan approves!) and a frosty cold mug of Anchor Steam to wash it down with.
Happy Camping!
GuideClose to the Bay Area and probably one of the better options. It can get crowded over the weekends.
Looks like they recently increased the price for campsites, which makes it easier to find/reserve a site. Not sure that this was a good thing, but it is what it is.
Overall, the experience falls and rises with your neighbors, and you probably know what I mean. The sites are reasonably spaced.
Lots of foxtails in case you have dogs, but this is CA and they are everywhere.
Traveler
I've been coming here since in jr. High.good hiking exploring is fun fishing too
ScoutThe tent camping is good. It’s spread out now because of social distancing. There are only 3 other campers besides me. Dogs are allowed but not on the trails so that’s a real bummer because this is a great place for hiking and horseback riding. Campsite is nothing special but the restroom gets 4 stars and the shower does as well only because the shower pressure is fantastic. Take yer skin clear off . I’m happy that I’m here and really that’s all you can ask for
TravelerThis place is magical. We rode our bikes around the vineyards and enjoyed every single moment. Would come back next time for sure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Lafayette, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Lafayette, CA is Skyline Wilderness Park with a 4.2-star rating from 23 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Lafayette, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 11 equestrian camping locations near Lafayette, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
