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Cowboy Camp in Lake County provides a primitive horse camping experience with a staging area designed for equestrian access. Located along the public lands of Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument, the campground features vault toilets but lacks amenities like drinking water or garbage service. Riders benefit from the open, grassy terrain that makes for easy trailer parking and horse management. The entire area serves as a hub for horse owners heading into the Cache Creek wilderness area. While flies can be problematic during warmer months due to the presence of horses, the adjacent stream and surrounding hills create a natural backdrop for camping. The campground layout accommodates horses with ample space for portable corrals or highlines.
The Cache Creek Ridge Trail connects directly to Cowboy Camp, offering miles of riding opportunities through oak woodlands and chaparral. Horse owners should bring all necessary supplies including water for their animals, as no potable water sources exist on site. The campground occasionally closes seasonally, with gates locked during winter months or high fire danger periods, though the BLM website doesn't always reflect current closure status. When open, the dispersed camping area provides a convenient overnight base for day rides on the extensive trail network. The mostly level terrain allows for easy setup of temporary horse containment systems. Riders particularly appreciate the spacious layout that prevents crowding, even during busier periods. Road noise from nearby Highway 16 remains minimal and doesn't typically disturb horses or camping experience.
"Beautiful location, campground was easily accessible going up Elk Mountain Road. Camped in Site 11, pull through, no hook ups, nice picnic table, grill and fire pit. Vault toilets, no showers."
"If it's in a beautiful location and if you're into four-wheeling or dirt bikes, you're going to have a blast."
from $8 / night
Check Availability"Campsite is above lake, no access feom campground. Not all water faucets have hose attachment."
"If you talk to the the ranger at the gate, most of the time they will let you drive around the grounds and pick any open site."
"The walk down to swim in the lake was a significant downhill but the dip was worth it! Funny dead trees sticking out of the lake were fun to climb on."
from $25 - $100 / night
Check Availability"We just stayed here for 2 nights, great location very close to Calistoga and not to far from Saint Helena! Next time i would love to try out a cabin or yurt."
"Good access to wineries close by. Only real downside was that because of the dry conditions we could not have a campfire."
from $43 / night
Check Availability"This campsite is centrally located on the peninsula. Access to several roadside dog friendly beaches within minutes. The bay and the beach are within walking distance to campground."
"There are also equestrian trails, so you can book a horseback ride from a local ranch as well!!"
from $45 / night
Check Availability"Was 0.75 miles away from water (we have been in a drought?) but beautiful spacious campsite. Even with annoying neighbors, you can have peace and quiet."
"The local store is about a 10 minute drive away and during the summer has ice beer and provides firewood for sale (during winter no ice but plenty of snow)."
from $5 / night
Check Availability"Next to a stream and surrounded by hills. The only tough part is getting across the stream to some of the hikes."
"It’s close to the entrance but the driveway only had a slight grade. Mostly folks with trailers. The sites are not too close together but it is easy to see into the surrounding neighbors."
"Spring Lake has been that for us. We have been here for 2 weekends in the last few months."
from $35 / night
Check Availability"There was a small creek behind the campground which was nice. It was about a 30 minute drive to fort Bragg made for an easy day trip. The campground is maintained by cal fire $20 a night."
"Jackson State Demonstration forest is about 6 miles from fort Bragg on hwy.20 Campground is about 3 miles down a dirt road down into the forest from the highway. Beautiful, clean and peaceful."
TravelerGreat camp with amazing views. But, you should not camp alone. I've been here often this month and have seen a herd sheep eating the grass on the hillside, heard a pack of coyotes several nights in a row, until I heard a Mt Lion doing it's bird like sounds at night, as it circled my rv. This is last night, 10/07/2026 - mt lion presence detected, not seen. Be careful.
TravelerCowboy Camp had everything I had heard it offered & more! There was plenty of space when I visited and I got to pick a spot down by the water. Easy access & semi-secluded. The spot was half shaded and half sunny by 3 PM. Perfect for our truck to park in & stay cool. Vaulted toilets were in decent shape & even had TP. Lots of awesome spots to pull off at on the way there from Winters area. Beautiful views of flowing green water & colorful trees.
TravelerUpside: almost no one here, including security and onsite host (private and undisturbed), no road noise, great playground, bathrooms, showers and water views.
Downside: no onsite host, book online (reserveca.com). Some spots are VERY OPEN no privacy and all overgrown meadow. Campsite is above lake, no access feom campground. Not all water faucets have hose attachment.
See attached map for most private $35 spots ( not waterfront) and the blue dot has a water spiket with hose attachment.
GuideApparently this place has been closed for four years and is just re-opening. It definitely looks like it. Sections of the campground are still closed, and the parts that are open were ROUGH. This places does have potential- views of the lake are good, bathrooms have showers. By far the worst part of camping here is that there was no camp host and no park ranger. Saw unsafe fire practices, and experienced extremely loud music that went to 2:00 am and started again at 6:30 am. Did I ask for it by coming here on Fourth of July weekend? Probably. On the whole, the entire experience felt like trying to camp in a run down city park. Having no one to contact when things get out of control after the sun goes down invites campers to try to regulate other campers, which is always recipe for disaster. I’ve camped in all kinds of place - Nat’l park, state parks, county parks, BLM, National Forests, and have experienced the full range of camping experiences . I will never come back to this place again.
GuideThe location is great since you’re close to st Helena and Calistoga. The road is narrow and the spots are tricky to back into. It was our first time with out 20ft trailer and we struggled a bit, took us three tries we kept having to drive around the loop of the campground. Lots of poison oak. Dog friendly on the paved road/path. We didn’t use the pool, but it’s open 1-5pm and it’s spring fed. Lots of kids, definitely kid friendly since it’s so small!
GuideGreat spot to camp and explore the Santa Rosa area. No hook ups but there is a spot to fill fresh water tank and a dump station. Sites are well spaced and very clean. Will get weekend locals so you will likely hear people having fun :) My go to in the area.
TravelerI stayed overnight in the winter so it was pretty empty. The sites are all separate and not too close to one another like they look in photos. The hosts were very nice and it was very quiet when I was there. It's close enough to where you could walk into town but I drove because it was raining. I will definitely be camping here again.
LegendAfter finding the local state parks closed for a few days due to having no water, we headed out to take a chance on this dispersed site. It was simply a pull off as all the designated campgrounds in the area were closed for the season. The sign posted at the day use noted they close campgrounds in wet weather to save wear and tear on them since they are maintained by the forestry service. It does make sense as the road was quite muddy.
TravelerLove this campground. So many sites that feel snug and cozy, embedded in nature and not too close to neighbors.
The bathroom on one of the loops is in repair; but in the loop by camp sites 90s it’s working well.
Cowboy Camp provides equestrian camping near Lakeport, California with designated areas for horse trailers and staging. Located on the eastern border of Lake County at 1,325 feet elevation, the area features volcanic soil and seasonal grasslands typical of the inner Coast Range. The camp serves as an access point to several trail systems within Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument, with camping spots situated on level terrain away from Highway 16.
Trail riding opportunities: The Oak Flat Campground area offers excellent riding terrain with access to the Mendocino National Forest. "I've been coming here since I was a kid and my dad was a hang glider pilot. Target shooting is available at the end of the airstrip which you will pass over on the way to the campground," notes Keith B., highlighting additional recreation options.
Water recreation: When water levels permit at Lake Pillsbury, fishing becomes a prime activity. As Jeanette C. mentions, "When the water level is high great fishing from this camp ground." The lake provides boat access from two launches about 10 minutes from the campground.
Wildlife viewing: The open grasslands around Cowboy Camp support diverse wildlife. "It's open, grassy level and quiet. Next to a stream and surrounded by hills," shares Jorg F., describing the natural setting that attracts various animal species.
Natural setting: The Middle Creek Campground receives high marks for its peaceful environment. Donna M. writes, "you can hear the creek running along the camp, as well as the wild turkeys. There must be over 15 different species of birds as well." The campground maintains a quieter atmosphere since many OHV trails were closed.
Spacious layouts: Campers appreciate room to spread out at Jackson Demonstration Forest. Danielle F. notes, "There was a massive group site that would be gorgeous for a family gathering too!" Most horse camping areas feature open designs that prevent crowding and allow for adequate distancing between campers.
Seasonal differences: Weekday visits often provide the most peaceful experience. At Oak Flat, Angela advises, "Quiet and peaceful, watch elk, birds, lizards, toads/frogs on weekdays. All but the hardiest of wildlife and people should avoid the weekends."
Seasonal closures: Cowboy Camp experiences periodic closures without clear notification. Natalie T. reports, "Visit was for 11/19/2024 found the gates locked, no entry. Seasonal? No signage to tell." Similarly, Derek D. confirms, "The camp area is closed, as of 2/9/2024. No indication of that on the BLM website."
Insects: Flies can be problematic at horse camps during warmer months. Patricia Y. warns about Cowboy Camp: "No trees just dry open land inhabited by an unusual amount of flies. It was crazy how thick they were." Jorg F. advises, "just keep your screen door closed (& fly swatter handy)."
Water sources: Many campgrounds have limited or no drinking water. At Stony Gorge Reservoir, Cat C. notes, "This campground is free!!! It has lots of vault toilets and trash cans, but there is no running water." Always bring sufficient water for both people and horses.
Look for amenities: Some campgrounds offer unexpected features for children. At COE Mendocino Lake Bu-Shay Campground, Joshua H. shares, "Our young kids had a great time playing on the playground which was an unexpected bonus."
Consider noise levels: Family-friendly campgrounds typically maintain quieter environments. Joshua adds, "We stayed on a Saturday night and there weren't that many other people in the campground. I'm not sure why it's not busier, as it's just as nice as the state park campgrounds we've stayed in."
Plan for supplies: Most horse camps lack stores or services. For Middle Creek, Justin W. advises, "There's a small town not far, 15 minutes or so, that has gas, a market, pizza places, and a few other stores. So there's plenty of access to food and gas when necessary."
Leveling considerations: RV campers should prepare for uneven terrain. About Cowboy Camp, Jorg F. notes, "We always manage to level out in our 23" Winnebago View. There is lots of open space so no crowding."
Limited hookups: Most equestrian camping areas near Lakeport operate as dry camping with few amenities. Michi P. describes Middle Creek: "Beautiful location, campground was easily accessible going up Elk Mountain Road. Camped in Site 11, pull through, no hook ups, nice picnic table, grill and fire pit."
Road conditions: Access roads to horse camps may present challenges. Justin W. cautions about Middle Creek, "Just keep in mind that Elk mountain road, especially the part leading up to the top of the mountain right as you leave the campground is an absolutely terrible road, it needs a lot of maintenance."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Lakeport, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Lakeport, CA is Middle Creek Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 4 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Lakeport, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 equestrian camping locations near Lakeport, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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