9 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Cowboy Camp offers dispersed equestrian camping near Middletown with basic facilities for horse owners. Located within Bureau of Land Management property, this primitive campground accommodates both tent and RV camping with direct access to Cache Creek and surrounding wilderness areas. While the site lacks drinking water and dedicated horse corrals, it provides adequate space for trailer parking and setting up temporary containment systems for horses. The dirt access roads are navigable for vehicles with horse trailers, though conditions may vary seasonally. Camping photos and user guides for Middletown, California are available on The Dyrt.
The trail system connecting to Cowboy Camp provides access to miles of riding opportunities through oak woodland terrain and rolling hills typical of Lake County. Riders can explore the Cache Creek Natural Area's extensive network of multi-use trails that wind through diverse landscapes. Water access for horses is limited to natural sources in the area, so campers should bring their own water supply for both human and equine needs. The camp features vault toilets and trash collection but no hookups or other amenities. During peak seasons, weekends can become busy with other trail users including hikers and mountain bikers sharing the same trail system. Horse owners should practice appropriate manure management and follow standard wilderness camping protocols.
"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"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"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"Next to a stream and surrounded by hills. The only tough part is getting across the stream to some of the hikes."
"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"
"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"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 Availabilityfrom $40 / night
Check Availability
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.
TravelerGreat free campground! We've stayed here many times. It's open, grassy level and quiet. Next to a stream and surrounded by hills. The only tough part is getting across the stream to some of the hikes. It's a hot spot for horses which of course have no stream problems, so the only negative is fly's sometimes. But just keep your screen door closed (& fly swatter handy). We always manage to level out in our 23" Winnebago View. There is lots of open space so no crowding. There is a rural road near by but traffic noise isn't a problem. Perhaps I should say it's awful so fewer people come and it's not discovered.
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!!
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."
ScoutThis location is easily accessible for all. Biking, trails for hiking and the gardens are gorgeous. Rvs and horses welcome.
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.
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
GuideThis was a great campground to come on a winter weekend. Only 90 minutes from home to site. We stayed on site 3. 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. The bathrooms were clean but older... 2 of the stalls were incredibly narrow. There were showers but I didn’t look at them. The campground is next to a very popular lake. Lots of trails. A great place to bring a bike too.
It is close to town. We picked up a pizza at Urban Pizza on our way. Excellent Pi! There were tons of restaurants though if you need to pick something up.
ScoutBeautiful 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
Cowboy Camp offers equestrian camping near Middletown, California within the Bureau of Land Management's Cache Creek Natural Area. Located at approximately 1,000 feet elevation, this area experiences hot, dry summers with temperatures often exceeding 90°F and mild winters with occasional rainfall. The open grassland terrain provides spacious camping areas for horse trailers, though seasonal creek crossings can present challenges for riders.
Hiking at Lake Sonoma: Nearby Liberty Glen Campground offers multiple trails with wildlife viewing opportunities. "There is a hiking trail down to the lake. Also a pro that it isnt too far out of the bay area," notes Julie D.
Horseback riding: The surrounding Cache Creek trails provide diverse terrain for riders of all levels. The Cowboy Camp area connects to extensive trail systems through oak woodlands. Jorg F. describes it as "open, grassy level and quiet. Next to a stream and surrounded by hills."
Wine tasting: Venture into nearby Napa Valley vineyards for day trips. Skyline Wilderness Park puts you "Literally 5 mins outside of the town of Napa," according to Leanne R., making it convenient for exploring wine country attractions.
Natural surroundings: The rural setting provides opportunities for wildlife viewing. At Cowboy Camp, campers appreciate the natural landscape. "It's open, grassy level and quiet. Next to a stream and surrounded by hills," writes Jorg F.
Proximity to attractions: Bothe-Napa Valley State Park offers a strategic location for exploring the region. Robert S. notes it's "a great place to stay at when visiting the Napa wine valley that is halfway between St Helena and Calistoga, two nice tourist towns."
Affordable base camp: The dispersed camping options provide economical accommodations compared to local lodging. Susan H. comments about Bothe-Napa Valley State Park: "Camping here leaves lots of money for food and wine splurges!"
Seasonal variations: Summer heat impacts camping comfort and horse management. At Cowboy Camp, Catherine L. warns that it's a "Quiet stop, but I wouldn't call it the most beautiful stop I've ever stayed."
Insect activity: Prepare for seasonal insects, especially during warmer months. Patricia Y. cautions about Cowboy Camp: "No trees just dry open land inhabited by an unusual amount of flies. It was crazy how thick they were."
Facility limitations: Middle Creek Campground offers basic amenities only. Justin W. advises: "This campground is dry and built primarily for HOV people. It's got dropped toilets and it has potable water. Problem is that the spigots don't have any hose fittings, so you can't hook up."
Gate closures: Verify operating hours before arrival as some facilities have restricted access. Natalie T. reports about Cowboy Camp: "Visit was for 11/19/2024 found the gates locked, no entry. Seasonal? No signage to tell."
Playground access: Some nearby campgrounds offer recreational facilities for children. Joshua H. mentions about Bu-Shay Campground: "Our young kids had a great time playing on the playground which was an unexpected bonus."
Educational opportunities: The area provides hands-on learning about local ecology and wildlife. At Bodega Dunes Campground, Justin B. suggests: "There are some cool hikes to the dunes and to the beach. Go to the wharf near by to pick up some live crab to boil over the fire. Overall a great campground for adults and kids."
Spacing considerations: Some campgrounds offer more privacy between sites than others. Emily W. advises about Bodega Dunes: "If you want a sunny site, go for the center of the loop in the 60s/70s. We prefer shade and some space."
Leveling requirements: Flat sites accommodate horse trailers and RVs without extensive setup. At 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."
Water management: With limited facilities, bring sufficient water for both people and horses. Justin W. explains at Middle Creek: "It's got dropped toilets and it has potable water. Problem is that the spigots don't have any hose fittings, so you can't hook up, which I think is a good thing to keep people from taking over water for an extended period of time."
Road conditions: Access roads to equestrian camping areas near Middletown vary seasonally. Justin W. cautions: "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 Middletown, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Middletown, CA is Ritchey Creek Campground — Bothe-Napa Valley State Park with a 4.1-star rating from 32 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Middletown, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 9 equestrian camping locations near Middletown, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
