Looking for a rustic and comfortable horse camping experience near Loma Mar? 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.
$88 / night
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.
Live Oak Campground
$30 / night
Coe Ranch Campground
$20 / night
$34 / 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
Guide
Nice bathrooms no tokens needed, hot water, clean sink for dishes. Lotsa shaded oak spaces. Good trails.
Ranger
I had a big spot and no neighbors my entire half of the campground on a Monday night in June. I was under 2 big oaks that were buzzing with bird activity.
The bathrooms were clean and I had water on my site. I had some AT&T service.
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
ScoutOne of my favorite campgrounds as it’s very local and has beautiful scenery. I come here atleast once a month for some camping!
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.
Scout
site #8 should NOT be a site. It is situated just feet from the holding tanks for the vault toilets. Somebody did not think through this site. Breathe in the fresh scent of raw sewage as you attempt to enjoy food being swarmed by all the flies in camp that had previously been sitting on said sewage. Drift off to dreamland as your tent is filled with and subsequently sharpens your awareness of the state of the bathrooms.
Seriously, this was bad. This is a review that came at the end of a 5 week camping trip where we stayed in 9 different campgrounds. We are lifelong campers. I have NEVER left a bad review of a campground. This was bad. Again, almost every site in this campground is great and has lots of privacy. Site #08 is a mistake and should be used for additional parking at most.
TravelerI was able to enjoy the view of lake and mountains inside the tent. Wild pigs appeared at night. It was our first camping trip and we had a great time! No internet and no electricity. Restroom was clean.
TravelerStayed here in March. Camp ground was mostly empty. Showers were locked. $35 a night. There’s an electronic kiosk to pay. Intermittent signal with ATT. 20 min drive into town with lots of amenities.
ScoutTypical evening park. Everyone on top of one another. Good electricity and decent wifi.
Scout
this KOA has everything you need. the streets are wide and the pull-ins are easy to access. the Wi-Fi here is good enough to check email but not for streaming or anything intensive. however you can get a good starlink connection and over 100 megabits per second. it is pet friendly and has a store filled with pretty much anything you would need. they also give cookies to guests and treats to dogs.
Scout
great campsite! be careful driving up the windy road and watch for the many cyclists. going up/down with you.
driving in was very easy; parking is right next to the site. the campsite itself was beautiful - panoramic views of the east bay area. i could recognize walnut creek, lafayette, danville and san ramon through the binoculars. site was clean, but the ground itself was very rocky. irritating that there wasn't really any level spots to set up the tent, so sleeping on a slant was a real treat (sarcasm). weather was very mild during the day; not too hot, nor too cold. nights were bearable in the high 50s, and by late night (cuz i kept waking up because of slanted sleeping), but felt like low 40s and slightly windy. make sure you bring thermals and a warm sleeping bag. sleeping pad is a definite must on the sharp rocks; be careful when stepping around in the tent with just socks on.
drought meant that flushing toilets were all locked.. as were the showers.. but from what i heard the "chemical toilets" (aka porta-potties) were an adequate substitute. water access had been shut off as well, so make sure you bring plenty of your own for washing and drinking.
critters - we didn't encounter any during our stay. no racoons, bears, mice, rats.. nada. just a ton of pincher bugs everywhere. not even many flies! we had those spinning fly deterrent things, though. maybe those really DO work?
ALSO because of the drought - NO WOOD FIRES ALLOWED. total/complete bummer to camp without a campfire. gas stoves and lanterns were permitted, though.
GuidePerfect stop before dropping off rental RV in SF and clean, top up propane etc.
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.
RangerFrustrating web site, said 0 available sites but when we got there, Ranger John was very helpful and we got a perfect spot. Beautiful scenery. Showers only have cold water, but with 100° temp outside it wasn’t so bad, and happy to get the Yosemite dust off. Must go to top of mountain, lovely views. Met some locals that explained where You can see San Francisco and places to see while in the area. $30 for the site, no power but water nearby.
GuideWe arrived pretty late without reservation and there was very friendly worker and we got to choose our spot from the popular or less popular sites. We took less popular and it was peaceful. There were toilets and hand washing possibility. 30$ for night
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.
ScoutBeautiful view of the preserve with wild pigs off in the brush and the call of turkeys in the a.m. a nice refresh from the city.
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.
TravelerIt was a nice campground to go to. Lots of wildlife and hiking. Dogs are allowed. The lake is closed to any and all water-craft because the water level is too low. It is very clean and well maintained for the most part. Cell phone service for Xfinity/Verizon is spotty at best. There is weak wifi.
However, here's where it loses a star:
I arrived on a Friday late afternoon. Set up my tent. People were fairly loud until about 11pm. Bathrooms were really nice and clean…at first. Saturday, in came the crowd. Loud, obnoxious, and inconsiderate way past midnight. There was no reinforcement of quiet hours past 10pm. The toilets were clogged by 9pm at both restrooms. Men's restrooms have ONLY ONE STALL. And they were clogged beyond belief. I cannot understand why people do not know how to flush a toilet in public. Do they do this crap at home? Anyway, Sunday morning past 9am, still clogged up. Lines waiting to use the compromised restrooms as well. Ridiculous. Unfortunately, that's what ruined my experience. People just being completely selfish in a public campground and staff not be able to keep up with their antics. Maybe there shouldn't be so many sites for so few facilities. Just a thought.
For SUV tents, check out campsite pics on other sites before booking. SUV tents are usually limited to one entrance/exit point on the tent. Usually the driver's side. Each campsite is different. The one I reserved had only one pic that basically showed me nothing. I only could back in to set up my tent on the grass. Both the picnic table and firepit were facing the passenger side way far from the parking spot (as you can see in the second pic) opposite the entrance to my tent. So something to consider.
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.
GuideI was born, raised and have lived just below this mountain my entire life and camped here for the first time just last year. Now my wife and I, and or my dogs and I will come up for a last minute Stay-Cation.
I have only stayed at the Juniper Campground. The Juniper Campground is one of three campgrounds on Mt. Diablo, and is the closest to the peak of the mountain. I like it because there is a large open space that looks out to the southwest, w and nw with views. When it's crowed and not to cold, I will go to the far back of the parking lot just below the top and almost have the place to myself for the views of the east, se, s and west then return to camp after sunset …shhh. Wake up early and watch an amazing sun rise at the same spot.
You can get some narly a_ _ "Diablo Winds" so make sure you clean your campsite and put your things away including trash and put your fire out completely before going to bed…seriously. I have been there and seen campers looking all over and not able to find stuff the next day because of the winds; on my last trip a guy lost a large storage box he said was around 3'x1.5'x 1.5', so not a small box. The "Diablo Winds" are compared to the notorious Santa Ana winds. The term "Diablo winds" refers to winds that flow from east to west up and over the Diablo Range over the East Bay region. I was there early January 2022, had an amazing clear night with hardly any wind. Went to bed around 10PM because the winds were slowly picking up. By 1AM my dogs was pooping her pants because it felt like my van was going to roll over…okay, I'm exaggerating a little…she really doesn't wear any pants and it might of been me.
Cell coverage has always been great for me. Hope you have a fun time experiencing this awesome place.
GuideTons of hiking trails, summit trail was nearby our spot in Juniper, no water available when we went, gates are closed sunset-sunrise, all around a cool spot and its nice how close it is to home. Seems pretty difficult to get a reservation, but its worth it if you can get in
GuideMt. Diablo SP has 3 campgrounds: Live Oak, Juniper, and several first come first serve sites at the junction of South Gate and North Gate roads about 2000ft up the mountain.
Live Oak is the closest to the entrance (and town), and features some cool rock formations to explore, but it's colder, has terrible cellular data service, and doesn't quite have the sunset / sunrise views that Juniper has.
Juniper is way up there, plan for a 45 minute drive from town to the top, longer if you are doing it on a weekend when you'll be waiting to pass cyclists (be very careful, do not pass on blind corners, this is a cycling destination). But it is absolutely worth it for the views of the east bay, and on a clear day, all the way to SF and the pacific. Truly one of the best camping views I've had.
Juniper had decent 10-15mbps ATT cellular service in most site locations, and also decent t-mobile, but ping was slow. The best sites at Juniper if you're sleeping in your vehicle are the flat ones down by the parking lot and vista (18, 20, 22). Note that most of the sites on the west side are not flat for a vehicle. Fine for a ground tent. Lot's of wind up this high, and not a lot of shelter, so plan accordingly. Water is off, probably forever as CA will be in perpetual drought, so plan for that as well.
Only reason for 4 stars is that they lock you in at sunset; if you want to leave you have to call the fire department to open the locked gate, it's not like a tiger-teeth exit but no entry kind of situation. This significantly reduces flexibility, but I can understand why they don't want a bunch of cars trying to race up and down the mountain after dark.
RangerCampsite 10/11 are great if connected, with the only view in the place. Other sites are secluded but cornered off with not much view.
Bugs! Lots and lots of flies, wasps and mosquitos here. Keep your trash and cooking in your car to be safe, wasps will swarm quickly.
Pit toilets are at the top of the campground, full of flies and paper was empty.
Wildlife! You’ll see plenty of deer and tiny foxes at night scrambling for snacks.
Lovely drive up, no cell service.
TravelerNice close to home
Camping near Loma Mar, California, offers a fantastic escape into nature, surrounded by towering redwoods and beautiful coastal views. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.
Camping near Loma Mar, California, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, with plenty of options for families and RVers alike. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the beautiful scenery!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Loma Mar, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Loma Mar, CA is Mount Madonna with a 4.6-star rating from 29 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Loma Mar, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 14 equestrian camping locations near Loma Mar, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
