Joseph D Grant County Park offers dedicated equestrian camping with facilities designed specifically for horse enthusiasts. Located in the eastern hills of Santa Clara County, the park stands at approximately 1,800 feet elevation with rolling grasslands and oak woodlands spread across 10,882 acres. Trail access closes daily at 8:15 pm, requiring riders to plan return trips accordingly while temperatures can fluctuate significantly between day and night.
What to do
Trail riding through diverse terrain: Explore miles of multi-use trails connecting to Mount Hamilton at Henry W. Coe State Park. As one camper notes, "The hike is uphill.... it starts along a creek/river which is referred to as Little Yosemite. Fun creek area with lots of water/rock formations. Then climb and climb the hill."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Early mornings provide the best chances to spot native wildlife. At Del Valle Campground, visitors report "quite a bit of wildlife roaming through the park mainly in the early morning. I saw deer and turkeys roaming the campground."
Stargazing after sunset: The area's elevation and minimal light pollution create excellent stargazing conditions. One camper at Joseph D Grant County Park mentioned it's a "Great place to stargaze, hike, & camp. Has showers & bathroom & don't forget to check out the mansion!!"
What campers like
Free hot showers: Several campgrounds offer complimentary shower facilities. An Anthony Chabot Regional Park visitor appreciated that "The showers were great. Hot and FREE!"
Historical attractions: Joseph D. Grant County Park features an interesting historical component. A camper mentioned, "There is an interesting Ranch House and Museum that showcases the life of Joseph Grant and his offspring, with many eccentric and macabre details of their history in the area."
Cell service disconnect: The lack of connectivity helps campers unplug. According to one visitor at Joseph D Grant Park Campground, "The lack of cell reception really helps the feeling of being away from the city life."
What you should know
Gate closing times: Plan your rides accordingly as park gates close early. One rider mentions, "Gates close at 8:15pm, requiring riders to plan return trips accordingly."
Limited facilities: While the horse camp has basics, amenities are minimal. A camper observed, "Campsites are fairly spare, with some having shade."
Water availability: Bring sufficient water for horses. At Anthony Chabot Regional Park, a visitor cautions about water access: "While you can get down to the lake easily, there's no swimming for either dogs or humans."
Wildlife precautions: Be prepared for various wildlife encounters. One camper noted, "Some seasons there are wild pigs running around everywhere."
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The diverse ecosystem offers educational opportunities for children. A visitor at Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch shared, "Beautiful 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."
Pack for temperature fluctuations: Days can be warm while nights cool significantly. At Henry W. Coe State Park, a camper warned, "It was fairly hot in mid-spring, and there is not much shade on the trails, especially the dirt roads."
Tick prevention: After trail rides, check thoroughly for ticks. An experienced visitor cautioned, "Keep in mind that if you walk the single track trails with your dogs, you'll be spending some quality time with them later picking off ticks."
Food storage solutions: Secure food properly to prevent wildlife issues. A Coyote Lake visitor advised, "There are food lockers since wild pigs come out at night. Be sure to lock all food up! They will roam through the camp ground all through the night if anyone has left any food out."
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Many equestrian sites are on uneven terrain. One RVer at Henry W. Coe State Park cautioned, "We were surprised when we made it to this campground- that it was built on the side of a hill. The walk-in sites may be different, but all of the pull in sites were extremely off-level."
Road conditions approaching campgrounds: Access roads can be challenging for larger rigs. A visitor mentioned, "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."
Utility connections: Most equestrian sites have limited or no hookups. The campground at Cabana Holiday RV Park-cabins offers more amenities, where "the streets are wide and the pull-ins are easy to access."
Ice and firewood availability: Plan for limited on-site purchases. A camper noted, "They do not sell ice but firewood is available for $13 a bundle. Not much to do in the park. Lots of beautiful wildlife."
Legend
