Best Equestrian Camping near Mountain Center, CA

Ribbonwood Equestrian Campground provides dedicated facilities for horse camping near Mountain Center in the San Bernardino National Forest. Each campsite includes standard amenities with picnic tables, fire rings, and access to toilets and drinking water. The campground primarily accommodates RVs with horse trailers, offering water hookups at sites while maintaining a rustic forest setting. Nights can become extremely cold according to campers who have stayed there. The nearby McCall Equestrian Park offers an alternative with clean bathroom and shower facilities, making it suitable for families camping with horses.

Located along scenic riding trails, both equestrian campgrounds provide direct access to mountain riding opportunities. McCall Equestrian Park sits at a higher elevation, offering cooler temperatures during summer months with views of surrounding wilderness areas. The trails connect to extensive networks within the San Bernardino National Forest, allowing for varied riding experiences from beginner-friendly paths to more challenging terrain. The bathrooms and showers at McCall are notably clean and well-maintained, an unusual luxury for horse camping facilities. Most visitors report minimal crowding even during peak seasons, with enough privacy between campsites despite the open layout. Reservations are recommended, especially for weekend camping during spring and fall when weather conditions are most favorable for riding.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Mountain Center, California (33)

    1. Lake Skinner Recreation Area

    25 Reviews
    Temecula, CA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (951) 926-1541

    $25 - $45 / night

    "This is a great family campground right around the corner from Temecula, Murrietta, and Menifee."

    "The charge $10 per person per day to fish in their Lake. And you can’t swim or let the kids play in the lake because it’s a reservoir."

    2. South Ridge Yellow Post Sites

    3 Reviews
    Idyllwild, CA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 382-2921

    "Very nice to find a campsite this private on a weekend in southern California elevation is high enough that temperatures were very enjoyable (mid 80's)"

    "Yellow Post #2 – San Bernardino National Forest Secluded, free, first-come-first-served tent site tucked deep in the forest near Hemet, CA."

    3. McCall Equestrian Park

    2 Reviews
    Mountain Center, CA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (951) 659-2311

    $30 - $280 / night

    "This is listed as horse campsite, but there’s few tent sites available. Not crowded and winds from mountains keep area cooled."

    "Few trails for wandering around as well. Great Verizon service"

    4. Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground

    38 Reviews
    Moreno Valley, CA
    28 miles

    $25 - $300 / night

    "It is right next to the lake which has a swimming area, bike path, climbing area, Hiking trails, along with a camp store which has boat rentals and much more!  "

    "Paved full hookup sites right next to each other but quiet neighbors. Campground is just 5minutes from busy town."

    5. Black Rock Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

    48 Reviews
    Yucca Valley, CA
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 367-5554

    $35 / night

    "Short drive to the park and easy to get to the main grocery stores. The sites are not very shady and there is not too much privacy but overall it's a nice place and the bathrooms are very clean."

    "This campground is a little outside the main Joshua Tree area.  It used to be the only campground you could reserve ahead. "

    6. Dripping Springs Campground

    15 Reviews
    Aguanga, CA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 788-0250

    $25 - $50 / night

    "well ran, all sites were marked open or reserved with the arrival and departure date on it, bathrooms are the cleanest vault toilets we have ever seen (and we camp all over), there is a fire station located"

    "Equestrian sites up the hill. Saw a few rabbits and lizards, not too loud, it’s peaceful and good distance between some sites."

    7. Lake Cahuilla

    12 Reviews
    La Quinta, CA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 564-4712

    "Equestrian sites are partial hookup and are $35. There is a dump station on site for all campers to use."

    "Lake Cahuilla has a lot to offer, including a playground, lake for fishing only (no swimming), and a pool that was closed while we were there, and somewhat spacious sites."

    8. Heart Bar Campground

    20 Reviews
    Big Bear City, CA
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 866-8550

    $29 - $58 / night

    "There are a lot of equestrian campgrounds in the area so be prepared to see horses on the near by trails."

    "The first thing to mention is the location. The back of the campground faces west where the rolling mountains seem to part in a way that showcases the beautiful California sunset."

    9. Reflection Lake RV Park

    2 Reviews
    San Jacinto, CA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (951) 654-7906

    10. Ribbonwood Equestrian Campground

    1 Review
    Indian Wells, CA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 862-9984

    $15 / night

    "Good campsite, has the coolest hike trails, and the nights are really beautiful. It was so much fun and I would definitely come back Id just need more blankets because the nights are beyond cold."

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Mountain Center, CA

293 Reviews of 33 Mountain Center Campgrounds


  • Troy L.
    Jul. 23, 2020

    Heart Bar Campground

    Great spot

    We normally camp in the other side of Big Bear, but decided to try a new campground this year. Overall we really liked this campground. Although some of the sites are close together most of them have good separation. There are a lot of equestrian campgrounds in the area so be prepared to see horses on the near by trails. It’s close enough for a quick trip to the lake yet you are far enough away that you still get the true camping experience.

  • K
    Sep. 27, 2022

    Dripping Springs Campground

    Very relaxing

    I was so excited to check this campground out. When my hubby and I arrived we automatically were happy. The campground was very clean, well ran, all sites were marked open or reserved with the arrival and departure date on it, bathrooms are the cleanest vault toilets we have ever seen (and we camp all over), there is a fire station located close to the campground which was good to know in case of fires. The host is very nice and helpful. If you have any questions or concerns he is happy to help! There is running water for dishes and campfires as well as horse corrals for your horse. Pull through sites for trailers. Everyone that was staying on the equestrian loop was amazing. Site 31 did have a problem with ants.

  • Steve C.
    Sep. 10, 2021

    Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park

    Caspers Wilderness Park

    Lovely campground in the Orange County foothills. Great hiking and equestrian trails. Excellent equestrian camping with a private corral right next to each campsite in the equestrian area.

    Room for large rigs and good space for tents with flat pads.

  • Andy H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 30, 2019

    Pioneertown Corrals

    Cool experience, sites not ideal for tent camping

    This is a really fun place to stay and has a bunch of awesome amenities. Right behind the campground is the Pioneertown Main Street, featuring replica buildings from the old west. They have stores, gun fights, and a restaurant nearby. The campground itself has a communal fire pit and bbq area that all campers can use. Each site has a table and fire pit. The layout of the sites is a little cramped and there is no privacy. It is designed mostly for equestrian camping and has horse stalls you can rent along with your site. The restaurant (Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace) is somewhat of a local icon, and has amazing food and is known for their live music.

  • Amanda L.
    Aug. 17, 2021

    Coon Creek Yellow Post Sites

    Quiet, spacious

    I only saw the first 9 or so sites and stayed I think at site #9. For the most part, spacious spots, fire ring, picnic table, a lot of trees, and varied slopes. Road in is placed initially then dirt but is fine. There's other rough roads further in and access to hikes nearby. I loved how quiet it was, except for neighbors since sound carries so easily even though spots are quiet apart from each other. You'll pass an equestrian campground on the way in that you might be able to get water from.

  • MomentoMori C.
    Nov. 30, 2020

    Sweet Oaks Winery - Temporarily Closed

    Great camping for newbies

    Sweet Oaks winery campgrounds has 16 sites available for both tent camping and RV’s (no hook-ups). It’s pretty close to grocery stores and big box stores just in case you forgot some gear/supplies. They have a beautiful well-kept property with super-clean restrooms (no showers). They do have a water hose for you to fill up your tanks or Jerry cans. They didn’t allow campfires due to high fire danger though. You’ll have to bring your own fire pit setup if they ever allow them in the future. It was a beautiful walk around the vineyards but there are also hiking trails nearby. It’s off a road suitable for road bikes but there are also mountain bike trails nearby. They have equestrian activities also available for guests. We were able to get our tin top Eurovan to fit on one of their tent sites which offered a beautiful view of Temecula valley. The wine tasting room was closed due to the pandemic but you can order wine online and they will deliver to your site. One more thing, we counted about 8 hot air balloons as we had breakfast!

  • Berton M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2019

    Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park

    Hidden Gem

    Casper is a great park located 15min from the city. It has three main camping areas that cater to campers, RVs and horses. There are a number of hiking trails around that range from a 1 to 12 miles. On Saturdays there’s a nature walk.

  • Elena S.
    Jul. 22, 2018

    Black Rock Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

    Close to Joshua Tree

    Stayed here one night when the park was full. Short drive to the park and easy to get to the main grocery stores. The sites are not very shady and there is not too much privacy but overall it's a nice place and the bathrooms are very clean. It also has an equestrian campground attached.

  • Jeremiah F.
    Nov. 30, 2020

    Black Rock Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

    Acceptable campground on the edge of Joshua Tree...

    While technically in Joshua Tree National Park, this campground sits on the Northwest edge of J.T., requires no park entrance fee, and does not connect with the main road through the park. It's a fine campground for those who can't get a site at one of the other campgrounds, or those who don't want to make the long, slow drive into the park. If you want to actually visit Joshua Tree, I'd find a different campground further into the park.

    PROS: Easy access, Lots of sites with nice views overlooking the town, Several hiking trails starting at the edge of campground, separate campground for people with horses.

    CONS: No shade, lot of the sites are uneven and hard-packed ground  (You can't get spikes in deep enough at some sites, I wouldn't trust my tent being secure in high winds), Not really "in" the park, long drive to park entrance, you don't get that isolated feeling, campsites feel a bit too close to each other.

    Each site has a fire pit and a concrete picnic table. Size of campsites seem to vary greatly. Facilities are clean, with flush toilets/urinals.

    After being unable to get a site at our preferred campground in Joshua Tree we grabbed two spots at Black Rock Campground. While not bad, it wasn't that normal Joshua Tree feel, the lights from the nearby town wash out some of the night sky, and the camp just felt packed, even when it was at ~60% capacity.


Guide to Mountain Center

Horse camping in California offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and equestrian enjoyment, with numerous campgrounds catering specifically to horse enthusiasts.

Campers appreciate these amenities for horses

  • The Dripping Springs Campground features horse corrals, making it convenient for equestrian campers to secure their animals while enjoying the great outdoors.
  • At Ribbonwood Equestrian Campground, visitors can take advantage of reservable sites that accommodate both horses and riders, ensuring a comfortable stay.
  • McCall Equestrian Park offers clean facilities and a peaceful environment, perfect for families and their horses to relax after a day of riding.

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

  • The scenic trails at Heart Bar Campground provide excellent opportunities for horseback riding, allowing campers to explore the beautiful San Bernardino National Forest.
  • Coon Creek Yellow Post Sites is a great spot for horseback riding, with easy access to various trails that wind through the picturesque landscape.
  • Campers at Lake Cahuilla can enjoy fishing and hiking, making it a well-rounded destination for equestrian adventures.

Tips for equestrian camping near Mountain Center, California

  • When visiting Bogart County Park, arrive early to secure a good spot, especially on weekends when families flock to the area.
  • Be prepared for cooler nights at Heart Bar Equestrian, and bring extra blankets to keep warm after a day of riding.
  • At Indian Oaks Trailer Ranch, ensure you have all necessary supplies, as the area may not have nearby stores for last-minute needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Mountain Center, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Mountain Center, CA is Lake Skinner Recreation Area with a 4.1-star rating from 25 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 33 equestrian camping locations near Mountain Center, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.