Limited equestrian camping options exist near Larkspur, California, with most public lands in Marin County not offering dedicated horse corrals or facilities. Las Trampas Regional Wilderness permits equestrian use on select trails with tent and RV camping, but does not provide horse-specific amenities like stalls or wash stations. Most riders visiting Point Reyes National Seashore, which contains popular backpacking sites like Wildcat Campground and Coast Camp, typically day-ride rather than overnight with horses due to the lack of equestrian camping infrastructure. The tall grass surrounding campsites at Wildcat provides natural separation between sites but no specific horse accommodations.
The closest formal horse camping opportunities require traveling beyond immediate Larkspur vicinity. Trail riders access Point Reyes via multiple entry points including Bear Valley Visitor Center and Palomarin trailhead, with routes varying from 5.5 to 6.3 miles to reach Wildcat Camp. East Bay regional parks like Tilden offer some equestrian day-use trails but similarly lack overnight horse camping facilities. Seasonal considerations affect trail conditions, with spring bringing wildflowers and summer often presenting dry, brown grasslands. Visitors planning equestrian activities should contact park authorities directly for current regulations and permits, as proper preparations prevent potential disappointment upon arrival.
"in an open meadow on a bluff overlooking the ocean with a short walk to the beach and a 3.2 kilometer (2.0 miles) round-trip walk to [Alamere Falls](https://www.nps.gov/pore/planyourvisit/alamere_falls.htm"
"Really great site right next to the water and beach. The hike in is pretty easy and beautiful. We had fun making a fire on the beach at night. It's pretty windy, so be prepared."
$30 - $90 / night
"West Marin offers an incredibly picturesque location to explore, and Coast Camp is about as good as it gets."
"The beach offers tidepools close by as well as a great place for beach fire (permit needed). There are two routes to hike in."
$25 - $200 / night
"Anthony Chabot Campgrounds sits high up on the Castro Valley Hills overlooking Lake Chabot. There are several awesome hiking trails going down to the lake as well as some equestrian trails."
"as usual some spots are better than others but most close to restrooms and/or water. lots of poison oak and star thistle right off trail. great deterrent for kids to stay out of tick areas but id worry"
"This location is easily accessible for all. Biking, trails for hiking and the gardens are gorgeous. Rvs and horses welcome."
"We only stayed overnight the staff was very friendly,lots of stuff to do around the campsite from hiking,mtb,watch horses, frisbee golf and then you have napa where you can get wine,brewery,and restaurants"
$75 - $120 / night
"Tilden is great for anyone looking for a close park right outside of the Berkeley/San Fran area. It is a rather large park area that overlooks Berkeley."
"Tilden offers a lake in the middle to swim in and fish. The campsites have lots of fire pits. The weather is always great too!"
$45 / night
"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!!"
$15 / night
"The 31-mile East Bay Skyline National Recreation Trail, part of the Bay Area Ridge Trail system, traverses"
$43 / night
"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."
$35 / night
"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."
RangerThis 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. The bathrooms are clean and the showers are coin operated. Sites are flat and semi private. The staff is friendly and campground is large.
LegendAnthony Chabot Campgrounds sits high up on the Castro Valley Hills overlooking Lake Chabot. There are several awesome hiking trails going down to the lake as well as some equestrian trails. The hiking trails go around the lake. Dogs are allowed but they should be on a leash. Lake Chabot has a marina that rents boats for recreational use and fishing. It's a few miles driver to get there from the campgrounds. I only gave it 4 stars because of that. They have tent and RV campsites, but no RV hookups.
GuideIt is always windy and therefore cold on the beach. That is why there are such big sand dunes.
Regardless, a beautiful place to visit and camp. There are also equestrian trails, so you can book a horseback ride from a local ranch as well!!
LegendSibley Regional Preserve
San Francisco East Bay residents actually have a volcano in their backyard at Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve. Originally called Round Top Park, Sibley shares with Temescal and Tilden Parks the distinction of being one of the East Bay Regional Park District's original parks.
The Sibley backpack camp is a small, primitive hike-in site for a maximum of 15 campers (although this would be super cramped in my opinion, unless it a bunch of small kids), a moderate 0.2 mile walk from the parking lot (NO VEHICLE ACCESS). The site has basically 360 degree views of Mount Diablo, Vollmer Peak and Tilden Park. There are only two tent pads - approximately 10'x25' and 10'x20'. Site has 2 picnic tables, 1 serving table, and a pit toilet close by which was very clean and well maintained.
During the day you’ll have lots of people walk semi/sorta by the campground, but there is no reason that anyone would walk through your area as if they did they’d tumble off and down the side of a nice steep hill…
No wood fires or BBQs are allowed; only camp stoves are allowed for cooking, your night time enjoyment.
Drinking water is 0.2 miles from camp at the trail head so keep that in mind before it gets too dark to hike back and forth for a drink.
There are several trails providing tons of access throughout the preserve. The 31-mile East Bay Skyline National Recreation Trail, part of the Bay Area Ridge Trail system, traverses the preserve along the ridgeline between Wildcat Canyon and Anthony Chabot Parks. Round Top Road goes from the Sibley visitor center to the top of Round Top. Round Top Loop Trail circles Round Top peak. Volcanic Trail, once a quarry haul road, contains most of the stops on the self-guided volcanic tour.
Dogs are allowed throughout this section of the park and in camp on leash but are not allowed on the adjacent Huckleberry trails. Also, the EBRPD lists, dogs “must be under owner's control at all times” and must not disturb other animals or park visitors, but I definitely saw a lot of loose well behaved dogs running free.
Bikes are allowed on the fire trail, but there are lots of hikers and dog walkers in this park so be mindful. Also, Horses are allowed but there is no hitching rail and no water troughs in the park (or at least that I saw anywhere).
If you decide to try and bike be mindful that most trails are hiking and equestrian only. A few trails are multi-use. Bicycles are not allowed on narrow-gauge trails, except on the Skyline Trail between the Sibley visitor center and Old Tunnel Road. Bicycles are allowed on the wider-gauge fire trails and paved roads but are not allowed on Sibley Round Top from EBMUD water tank road junction to top of Round Top Peak.
Vehicles must be parked in the staging area and display a valid overnight parking permit: 3 parking permits are included in the reservation and will be mailed 5 days in advance. No additional parking permits are available. Otherwise, you can actually get here via public transport by Taking the AC Transit CB bus to the Mountain Blvd stop, them walk about 3 miles to the park.
While you can check if it’s already reserved online. Reservation must be completed at least 5 days in advance by calling 1-888-EBPARKS or 1-888-327-2757, press option 2.
RangerThis campground is nice with newer bathrooms and shower facilities, but it's also very open and exposed. Great access to Spring Lake's water-based activities and hiking trails, plus easy access to Trione-Annadel State Park for hiking and mountain biking. Howarth Park, a city park, also borders Spring Lake Regional Park and provides access to boating and fishing on Lake Ralphine, plus they have a small train, carousel, tennis courts, and a softball field. Overall a good campsite for families in need of lots of recreation options, but not the best for those wishing to "get away from it all."
RangerSkyline Wilderness County Park is a great little campground just outside of downtown Napa. There are always a lot of RVs there, but thankfully the tent section is separate from most of the RVs. The tent area leaves a little to be desired and is basically just a stretch of grass with picnic tables, BBQs and very little separation or cover from trees. Of course you don’t really think wilderness camping when you think of Napa Valley.
Despite being close to town there is actually quite a bit to do in the park and once you get back from the campground a bit you can really feel kind of far away from the congested Napa Valley. There are quite a few hiking trails and some offer beautiful views of the valley. By far the most popular is the Lake Marie Trail and Fire Road and Manzanita is popular with mountain bikers.
The River to Ridge Trail is nice and provides access to the Kennedy Park, the Napa River, and miles of bike paths, but check at the kiosk if the gate next to highway 221 (Soscol Ferry Road) is open and I have found it to not have a very consistent schedule.
According to a couple of friends that are pretty die-hard disk golfers, the course at Skyline is one of the best and most challenging in the area. I found it to be pretty fun, especially is your expectations are extremely low.
Being Napa Valley there is of course wine tasting and having a parking spot at the campground you have the perfect opportunity to take an Uber or car service to ensure your safety while enjoying Napa’s most famous export.
This is not a park that will provide you with memorable hikes or photos for your Instagram, but it is a decent place to stay in Napa if you’re the type that prefers to sleep in a tent or RV over a very pricey hotel.
ScoutThis location is easily accessible for all. Biking, trails for hiking and the gardens are gorgeous. Rvs and horses welcome.
Scoutas usual some spots are better than others but most close to restrooms and/or water. lots of poison oak and star thistle right off trail. great deterrent for kids to stay out of tick areas but id worry if we brought dogs! we were at #45, family sites and there were families with kids all over. there even was a patch of grass for kids to play on. trails nearby good for easy mountain biking and hiking
GuideWe only stayed overnight the staff was very friendly,lots of stuff to do around the campsite from hiking,mtb,watch horses, frisbee golf and then you have napa where you can get wine,brewery,and restaurants that's only 5 minutes away....would definetly be back here again
Equestrian campsites near Larkspur lie scattered throughout Marin County, with most requiring day rides rather than overnight facilities. The closest options for horse camping require traveling 30-40 minutes from Larkspur, with terrain varying from wooded hills to coastal bluffs. During summer months, trails often become dusty while spring brings mud alongside vibrant wildflowers.
Beach access hiking: At Wildcat Campground, the beach is just a short walk from your tent. "Really great site right next to the water and beach. The hike in is pretty easy and beautiful. We had fun making a fire on the beach at night," notes Madelyn G. The campground offers access to Alamere Falls via a beach walk.
Mountain biking trails: Anthony Chabot Regional Park features extensive trail networks ideal for cyclists. "There is an extensive network of trails accessible from the campground," explains Amanda P. The park maintains several multi-use trails where bikes are permitted, creating connections to the wider East Bay trail system.
Volcanic landscapes: Explore ancient lava formations at Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve. "San Francisco East Bay residents actually have a volcano in their backyard at Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve," writes Elliott B. The preserve features self-guided volcanic tours with interpretive stops along former quarry roads.
Wildlife viewing: Campers frequently mention animal sightings. "We saw deer, cattle, raccoons and many other four legged vermin running around the area," notes Stuart K. about Las Trampas Regional Wilderness. Sites often include glimpses of turkeys, owls, and occasional foxes wandering through camp.
Hot showers: Several campgrounds offer shower facilities. "The showers were great. Hot and FREE!" reports Ryan W. at Anthony Chabot. These amenities provide welcome comfort after dusty trail rides, especially for equestrians returning from day trips.
Beach fire permits: Coastal campgrounds allow beach fires with proper documentation. "We got a permit for a beach fire but couldn't find enough drift wood to make it last," shares Char A. about Coast Campground. These permits must be obtained at visitor centers before heading to camp.
Horse camping limitations: For equestrians seeking overnight facilities near Larkspur, options remain limited. Las Trampas permits equestrian use but lacks dedicated horse facilities. "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," explains Stuart K., noting the basic amenities.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance planning. "These are sites are in high demand, but totally worth the wait to experience," explains Sara S. about Wildcat Camp. Reservations should be made 3-6 months in advance for weekends.
Poison oak awareness: Several parks contain significant poison oak hazards. "Beautiful and close to downtown Calistoga however the campgrounds were infested with poison oak," warns Samantha T. about Bothe-Napa Valley State Park. Wearing long pants and recognizing the plant remains essential for trail riders.
Kid-friendly features: Several parks offer attractions beyond camping. "Traditional campground, yurts and a seasonal pool make this a fun place to go with the kids," notes Kate L. about Bothe-Napa Valley State Park. The pool operates during summer months only.
Sheltered sites: For families concerned about coastal weather, select protected campsites. "Sites 1-7 are located on the inland side of the Coast Trail just south of the junction with Firelane Trail. They're spread out in a scrub-brush area that provides a nice amount of privacy and protection for the wind," recommends Michael I. about Coast Campground.
Wildlife education: Many parks offer nature programs. "The tall grass surrounding campsites at Wildcat provides natural separation between sites," while allowing children to observe small wildlife from safe distances. Rangers sometimes conduct evening programs during summer months.
Full hookup availability: Alameda County Fairgrounds RV Park provides complete services. "Sites are grassy, some with trees, and pretty close together," notes N V. This location offers the closest full-service option to Larkspur with water, electric, and sewer connections.
Limited spaces: RV spaces remain limited at natural parks. "Only 12 RV sites" exist at Anthony Chabot, with many parks offering no RV accommodations. Advance reservations remain essential, especially for horse-friendly camping areas.
Dump station locations: Several parks provide sanitary dump facilities. "Clean park at edge of SF Bay Area," notes N V. about Alameda County Fairgrounds RV Park, which maintains an on-site dump station. This infrastructure proves important for equestrian campers with living-quarter trailers seeking overnight options near Larkspur.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Larkspur, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Larkspur, CA is Wildcat Campground — Point Reyes National Seashore with a 4.8-star rating from 15 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Larkspur, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 14 equestrian camping locations near Larkspur, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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