Best Equestrian Camping near Monterey, CA

Near Monterey, CA, lies some of the best camping in the state. It's the perfect place to explore the surrounding California hills and valleys on horseback before heading to your tent or a relaxing cabin for an evening gazing at the stars. RVs have some great options in the area with necessary hookups and amenities and stunning views. Among the beautiful natural surroundings, Monterey offers campsites in forested hills or where you can catch the sunset over the water. Near the city you can find Jacks Peak Park, Garrapata State Park, Garland Ranch Regional Park, Hastings Natural History Reservation, and more.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Monterey, California (6)

    1. Salinas-Monterey KOA

    7 Reviews
    Castroville, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 663-2886

    "If you appreciate the coast near Big Sur, you will love Monterey."

    "Close to the highway with a fairly easy on and off the although it's a little confusing at first. All day/night highway noise but it starts to become white noise after a while."

    2. Cabana Holiday RV Park-cabins

    2 Reviews
    Castroville, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (831) 663-2886

    "Part of the KOA franchise, this is a very clean, well positioned RV and Cabin park for exploring the Monterey, Salinas, Watsonville, Santa Cruz area."

    3. Thousand Trails San Benito

    12 Reviews
    Paicines, CA
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "Typical TT resort park off the beaten path, far out but nice place, we enjoyed our stay. At the time we were there a lot of the riverfront sports were out of order."

    "Right near Pinnacles National Park! We had Condors above our cabin, deer around us, wild pigs crossing the roads. Its amazing!!!! My favorite part of our California trip was staying here!"

    4. Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch County Park

    11 Reviews
    San Martin, CA
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (408) 842-7800

    $34 / night

    "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."

    "Campsites are along the beautiful Coyote lake. The lakeside sites are mostly shaded as are the sites along the road. Sites 43, 44 and 45 would be the most secluded."

    5. Coe Ranch Campground — Henry W. Coe State Park

    14 Reviews
    Morgan Hill, CA
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (408) 779-2728

    $20 / night

    "This is a primitive campground, no showers only vault toilets and restroom near visitor center ( 2 min walk from campground) both decently clean. Water for washing dishes is available."

    "There is a small visitor center close to the entrance, with a few souvenirs and some snacks and drinks. Visitor Center only takes cash."

    6. Pacheco State Park Campground

    1 Review
    Hollister, CA
    48 miles
    Website
    +1 (209) 826-6283

    "However, this gorgeous state park has dozens of beautiful trails winding through cattle country and down along streams and ponds in the Dinosaur Point area.

    NO WATER."

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Monterey, CA

47 Reviews of 6 Monterey Campgrounds


  • Erin G.
    Aug. 20, 2018

    Salinas-Monterey KOA

    Best beach destinations in CA

    If you appreciate the coast near Big Sur, you will love Monterey. They have stellar camping grounds on the beach and awesome tourist destinations to visit while you’re in town, including the Monterey Bay Aquarium (which I visit at least once a year). These beaches are chalked full of wildlife and the awesome beach town of Monterey is bustling with great restaurants and shops. Like most of my beach camping choices, Monterey is ideal for ocean activities like Kayaking, whale watching, etc. It’s absolutely beautiful and worth the trip year round!

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 6, 2020

    Cabana Holiday RV Park-cabins

    Good Basic Home Base

    Part of the KOA franchise, this is a very clean, well positioned RV and Cabin park for exploring the Monterey, Salinas, Watsonville, Santa Cruz area. There are limited recreation facilities due to the terrain and size of property. As of this writing, it is under certain restrictions due to the pandemic. Good idea to check first before making any reservations.

  • Tyler V.
    Jan. 22, 2021

    Thousand Trails San Benito

    Good spot to explore Pinnicales National Park

    Good spot to explore Pinnicales National Park. Typical TT resort park off the beaten path, far out but nice place, we enjoyed our stay. At the time we were there a lot of the riverfront sports were out of order. Park does have a lot of those devil spikes in the grass so beware of those with the dogs or bare feet. I did see someone bare foot walking and I was confused as how he was not stepping on them little spiked mines/ thorns then it happened and he went down having to crawl back to the road and get shoes. Pinnacles NP has lots of great hikes, bird watching is a thing out here and home to the California Condors. Near the town of Gilroy home of the garlic festival. A little out of the way but a nice scenic backroad alternate from I5 or 99 if traveling north/south.

  • WThe Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 22, 2021

    Pacheco State Park Campground

    Beautiful, Magnificent ... But No Camping

    YOU CANNOT CAMP HERE. However, this gorgeous state park has dozens of beautiful trails winding through cattle country and down along streams and ponds in the Dinosaur Point area.

    NO WATER. Note that there is no safe potable water at the park, so if you're hiking, bring plenty to drink.

    NOT DOG-FRIENDLY: Dogs are allowed on leash in the parking lot only. You cannot hike with your dog here.

    VERY HORSE-FRIENDLY: The park is especially friendly to horses, because the lady that donated the land was an equestrienne. There is a corral at the main parking lot area and the park is fenced for livestock. They make a point of stating that although the water in the creeks and ponds is unsafe for humans, it is safe for livestock and horses. (The one exception to the no camping rule, actually, is when those on horseback are allowed to camp during special events.)

  • Ben V.
    Oct. 10, 2021

    Salinas-Monterey KOA

    Great campground for a few days

    They have nice facilities and a heated pool although a hot tub would be nice also. The sites are a little small but very mature trees and they keep it clean. Some of the back in sites for tent trailer are a pain to get into but very nice setup with private dishwashing station and cook space. Bathroom is. Lean and nice club/game room and clean washing facility. Close to the highway with a fairly easy on and off the although it's a little confusing at first. All day/night highway noise but it starts to become white noise after a while. Staff are friendly and accommodating and quick to respond to any issues. Its got a grocery store nearby and the camp store is fairly complete as well. Not a lot of outdoor activities other than the pool and bags and the K9 trail, but pleasant to walk though. It is very hilly and steps are around to get between levels. After being here for 4 days, I would consider coming back again.

  • Lady L.
    May. 18, 2021

    Coe Ranch Campground — Henry W. Coe State Park

    Awesome primitive camping

    This is a primitive campground, no showers only vault toilets and restroom near visitor center ( 2 min walk from campground) both decently clean. Water for washing dishes is available. Spots are not close to each other so there is privacy. It is small, quiet, surrounded with beautiful views. Good hiking trails and good opportunity for bird watching, wild flowers viewing and plenty of deer around. From main road it takes about 35 min drive up the hill through narrow road which is paved but I don't think it is appropriate for RVs. It is a bit of hassle getting here but worth it! If you are car camping I advice NOT to choose drive in spots as it is not leveled but the parking where you have to walk to your camp spot is okay.

  • Samantha N.
    Aug. 20, 2022

    Thousand Trails San Benito

    Wildlife EVERYWHERE

    Seriously love this place and wish we could go all the time! Too bad we live on the East Coast or id he here 24/7. We stayed in a cabin in January. Right near Pinnacles National Park! We had Condors above our cabin, deer around us, wild pigs crossing the roads. Its amazing!!!! My favorite part of our California trip was staying here!

  • M
    Jul. 24, 2018

    Coe Ranch Campground — Henry W. Coe State Park

    Bay Area Oasis

    This small and quite campground is our favorite in Bay Area. Each site has a picnic table and a fire pit, with enough of trees and privacy. Campground is really small with only 20 campsites. The camp is a great base for hikes and bike rides all over the park, but also great just to enjoy the campground. There is a small visitor center close to the entrance, with a few souvenirs and some snacks and drinks. Visitor Center only takes cash. Overall, this place is a great spot to run away from Bay Area noise and rush.

  • Toni R.
    Feb. 22, 2022

    Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch County Park

    Nice but crowded-SUV tent camper review

    It 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.


Guide to Monterey

Horse camping in California offers a unique way to explore the stunning landscapes while enjoying the company of your equine friends. With a variety of campgrounds catering to horse enthusiasts, you can find the perfect spot to set up camp and ride the trails.

Tips for equestrian camping near Monterey, California

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

Equestrian campgrounds include unique features

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Monterey, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Monterey, CA is Salinas-Monterey KOA with a 4.4-star rating from 7 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Monterey, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Monterey, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.