Equestrian Camping near New Cuyama, CA

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    KCL Campground on Bureau of Land Management property features areas for horses within a small, 12-site campground about 13 miles down a rough dirt road. The equestrian site includes stalls for horses, and basic campground amenities include vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings at most sites. Water is available from a single spigot, though visitors report it's occasionally shut off and may not be potable due to agricultural nitrates. The campground accommodates both drive-in and walk-in camping with most sites suitable for smaller RVs under 30 feet or tents. Horse owners particularly appreciate the shade from eucalyptus trees, which helps provide relief from the high desert heat. The campground is free with a 14-day stay limit.

    Trail access directly from the campground connects riders to numerous hiking and riding opportunities throughout Carrizo Plain National Monument. Multiple reviews confirm that KCL offers excellent opportunities for horseback riding through California's largest remaining native grassland. The terrain features rolling hills with trails leading to scenic viewpoints. During spring, the landscape transforms with wildflower blooms across the open plains, making it an ideal season for equestrian camping. The remote location offers exceptional stargazing opportunities after riding, with minimal light pollution allowing clear views of the night sky. The road to the campground can become impassable during or after rain, so checking weather conditions before traveling with horse trailers is essential. No other services or amenities exist for miles, requiring horse owners to bring all necessary supplies.

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    Best Equestrian Campgrounds near New Cuyama (16)

      1. KCL Campground

      4.3(22)11mi from New CuyamaRVs, Tents

      "trail to hill top. Equestrian site for sure."

      "There is an area for your horse. Walk in sites, rv/car camp/van/tent sites. It’s first come first serve, no reservations and it’s free."

      2. Sycamore Campground

      4.3(7)12mi from New CuyamaRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "Great hikes nearby and the beach is just a short walk away! We saw lots of cute animals during our stay. The campsite pass also gets you free parking at pretty much any beach along the PCH."

      "Less than 1/2 mile walk to the beach. Bike or hiking trails."

      3. Cachuma Lake Recreation Area

      4.3(61)30mi from New CuyamaRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "We stayed during the recent storm of the century in Central California so weren’t able to take advantage of what the park has to offer. The sites are very long and not too jammed together."

      "As with many southern California lakes, there is no human contact with the water due to it being a reclamation center. Unlike many other southern California lakes, this one has a pool!"

      4. Reyes Creek Campground

      4.8(15)28mi from New Cuyama27 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "It's about a 40 minute drive from the nearest town (and therefore the nearest gas station or market - plan ahead). There is no power, or water."

      "There is a bar at the campground entrance if that is your speed, but we took advantage of the winding creek side path behind site 18."

      from $30 - $154 / night

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      5. Miranda Pine Campground

      4.3(4)21mi from New CuyamaTents

      "We arrived on Saturday 4th of July and all the sites were taken so we decided to drive another 15 miles up the road to a nice shaded location just right off the road."

      "I drive up on Old Sierra Madre Road from hwy 166, and it took about an hour."

      6. Thousand Trails Rancho Oso

      3.6(7)28mi from New CuyamaRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "I played some mini golf, right next to the horseshoe pits, but other amenities you use at your own risk. The store, and kitchen are closed."

      "Horse trips were booked up, so call in advance."

      7. Lopez Lake Recreation Area

      4.5(35)47mi from New CuyamaRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "I grew up camping at Lopez Lake as well as other campsites. Lopez Lake offers a lot. Fishing hiking camping horse back riding etc. I highly recommend camping here."

      "It was located right next to the water park but they had already closed for the season."

      from $60 - $70 / night

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      8. Colson Canyon Campground

      3.0(6)28mi from New CuyamaTents

      "Few fire pits and tables a couple flat spots for camping, 30-45 minute drive from Santa Maria. Drive slow down the dirt road as to not upset the residents of Colson Canyon."

      "Clean site Areas are well spaced out First compound of campsites are the best end of the road are the trails to hike and only able to fit 3 trucks up there comfortably Bring your own toilet amenities"

      9. Barrel Springs Campground

      5.0(2)26mi from New CuyamaTents, Glamping

      "There's plenty of tree and shade coverage, nice spread out spots to set up camp, and good nearby hikes. We stayed here during our PCT thru hike after crossing mile 100."

      10. Wagon Flat Campground

      4.0(1)24mi from New CuyamaTents, Glamping

      "You can hunt fish hike horse back riding and wake up to the sound of birds. I have seen bears and mountain lions so be prepared for that. Never been attacked by them. Bring your own water."

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    Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near New Cuyama, CA

    9 Photos of 16 New Cuyama Campgrounds


    Equestrian Camping Reviews near New Cuyama, CA

    167 Reviews of 16 New Cuyama Campgrounds


    • C
      Jan. 21, 2022

      KCL Campground

      Standard spot

      Bathrooms, vaulted tent spots, fire pits. Has a water spigot but doesn’t work (maybe off during winter?) trail to hill top. Equestrian site for sure.

    • Antonio  C.
      Mar. 10, 2020

      Upper Oso Campground - Temporarily Closed

      Nice and Quiet Getaway

      Nice, quiet and beautiful campground. Campground host was super nice and friendly. Bathrooms were clean and flushable. Creek was flowing and had an abundance of toads. Water was available from the many spigots around the campground. The soothing sound of the flowing creek and the hooting of an owl made for a peaceful night. Ample distance from other sites which gives some privacy. The upper equestrian sites were closed off due to the access road being washed out.

    • April C.The Dyrt PRO User
      Apr. 14, 2023

      KCL Campground

      Great location

      Nice and clean. Vault toilets. There’s water, but not sure if it’s potable, there wasn’t a sign. No trash service, you have to pack it out. There is an area for your horse. Walk in sites, rv/car camp/van/tent sites. It’s first come first serve, no reservations and it’s free.

    • Tom W.
      Nov. 5, 2020

      Thousand Trails Rancho Oso

      Nice Place

      I drove up the 101 by the coast of Santa Barbara on a Wednesday. It was beautiful, and pretty chilly by the water. Then I made the climb up the mountains to Rancho Oso. I stayed in the 5th level that had full hookups, and it was tiered in 7 levels, with an average of 10 spaces a level. The pool is open by sign up. I played some mini golf, right next to the horseshoe pits, but other amenities you use at your own risk. The store, and kitchen are closed. The lodge is open to use their WiFi, which is wicked slow, but beggars can’t be choosers. They have horse rides, and farm animals for the kids to view, and horses to rent for rides. There’s also there’s also a couple of families of Turkeys wandering around. The closest full grocery store is about 1/2 hour away, in Solvang, but Lake Cachuma has a gas station, and a small convenience store, and gas, at the midway point. I ran out of gas on my Vespa going there one day. No bueno! And forget about that chilly weather on the coast. This is in the mountains, and even though it’s a little over 1,000 feet up, it was quite a bit warmer. Unseasonably warm for the first week, in the mid-90’s. There was also a steady breeze going through. More like a steady wind, as it was pretty strong. I had to take my awning down it was so strong. My second week started out nice, as it cooled down to the upper 70’s, but that wind still swept through the canyon we’re located in. Since I don’t have a truck or car in tow, I had plenty of room to back in, and fully open my awning when I first set up, not realizing the wind in the early afternoon kicks in. Plus there was still room for the picnic table, BBQ at every space. And I also had plenty of room for my Vespa . Most people can’t open their awnings, since they parked their tow vehicle in that area. The ones that could open them had them closed, like I did, because of the wind. All levels are full hookups, and some in another area were just E/W. Pretty much full sun all day, except for a couple of shady spaces. No fires, but charcoal grilling is okay, and probably a portable propane fire pit would be okay, too. The Men’s and Women’s rest rooms/showers were 2 spaces over from me, right where the washers/dryers were. The lI stayed on the 5th tier, right next to the laundry was , whichvery reasonable at $2.00 to wash, $1.50 to dry. If you have a heavy load of clothes to wash, they charge an extra 25 cents to wash., and free hot , No cell service, but I The only was and it was super slow, and that was with my WeBoost. I ran a speedtest, and it wasn’t even 1 Mbps. The upload speed was twice as fast, at a whopping 2Mbps. I was there for an hour for something that should have taken 10 minutes. On one But, beggars can’t be choosers, if you really need it, which I did. Cell service was , surprisingly, one bar, if you’re lucky, but most days it’s none, even with my WeBoost. Next time I’ll put it up higher. No OTA channels with my Winegard antenna. I only watch TV at night anyway, and I have the Dish Playmaker, so no biggie. I mostly listened to my tunes, walked the dog during the day, and take the the occasional scooter ride., and I played a couple rounds of mini. Even got 2 holes in one! ranger I his Took water for both of us. They cater to horse owners, and there were at least 20 horses I saw roaming in their corrals, and I’m sure there’s some nice trails around here, too. I love it in the mountains, heat and all, and the Western feel of Rancho Oso has a nice vibe to it. I’ll be back, as it’s nice and quiet, and you always see the rangers, or employees riding around. Not bad enough to keep me away, as I’m sure I’ll be back this way again. I spent a nice quiet, enjoyable, 2 weeks.

    • Bear G.
      Jun. 21, 2021

      Lopez Lake Recreation Area

      Beautiful camping

      I grew up camping at Lopez Lake as well as other campsites. Lopez Lake offers a lot. Fishing hiking camping horse back riding etc. I highly recommend camping here.

    • Talia B.
      Oct. 25, 2018

      Lopez Lake Recreation Area

      Scenic campground

      I camped in Mustang during the last weekend of September. It was located right next to the water park but they had already closed for the season. The campsites were pretty close to each other and unfortunately we were stuck between two different groups that did not obey the quiet hours. Not a huge deal at night since they were quiet by midnight or so but one of the groups was also loud with kids early in the morning as well. This didn't make the best camping experience but we tried to make the best of it.

      The lake was within walking distance but since the water level is so low, you had to walk quite a way out. There are some decent hiking trails you can go on right from the campground. We took the Escondido trail from camp that took us to the top of a ridge and had numerous switchbacks. Great views from the top.

    • Jessica P.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jul. 31, 2019

      KCL Campground

      Great place for family BBQ and Camping

      I love how this campground is secluded, there are about 7 campgrounds available, 2 restrooms and stalls for horses. You can go out for a hike with great scenic views. I would truly recommend. This place has a lot of monumental history.

    • S
      Oct. 27, 2020

      Thousand Trails Rancho Oso

      Nice trip

      Only two nights this time. Parked trailer in section without sewage, which I prefer because it has more trees and campers are not on top of each other. Horse trips were booked up, so call in advance.

    • Michelle M.
      Apr. 10, 2022

      KCL Campground

      Serene, simple and lots of wildlife

      This rustic campground offers an arid natural beauty with endless walking. It's a popular place for birdwatchers –the resident owls who roost in the eucalyptus trees above the campsites are very vocal and they inspire daily gazers donning binoculars.

      During spring there are poppy runs blooming in a couple places close to the campground. Venturing up on the ridges will yield a spare bit more floral variety if you watch the ground.

      It's BLM, so amenities are basic – be prepared to bring your own water, the single spigot isn't potable due to agricultural nitrate impact on the water table. Vault toilets are kept clean, but bring your own tp if you arrive after the weekend. Not smelly, the rooms are airy, fairly large and free of flying bugs.

      Surprisingly, my TMobile was fairly consistent 90% of the time and I was able to tether my laptop/kindle to my phone on occasion. This allowed me to extend my stay and upload my artwork.

      It's an inspiring place for creativity. And I was so happily surprised to hear a group of really excellent blue grass musicians playing from the campsite across from mine during the first few days when I arrived.

      Most sites are back-in. There are a few sites that could accommodate RVs-dry camping only, all sites include a gravel tent pad, concrete table, post for hooking up things, and a fire ring. And there is an adjacent lot for the four walk-in sites behind the barn. No fires permitted in the walk-in area.

      The 19mile access road from highway 33 can be grueling in places with heavy washboard.

      But for the walks, stargazing, creative inspiration and abundant wildlife, the payoff is well worth the driving effort. And there are more remote opportunities in the nearby hills for folks with good tires, who prefer a quieter boondock place to camp.


    Guide to New Cuyama

    KCL Campground in the Carrizo Plains National Monument offers primitive equestrian accommodations including stalls for horses. The campground provides a natural setting for horse riders with seven drive-in sites and several walk-in tent camping areas. Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring with grill, and parking area suitable for smaller horse trailers. The campground features clean vault toilets and access to non-potable water. Riders can explore the surrounding grasslands and hills on numerous trails. The large eucalyptus trees provide ample shade for both horses and campers during hot weather. Owls roost in these trees and are often vocal at night.

    The riding terrain surrounding KCL Campground consists primarily of open grasslands with moderate hills, perfect for day rides through California's largest remaining native grassland. Trail access begins directly from the campground with routes connecting to various points throughout the Carrizo Plains. The remote location ensures quiet riding experiences with opportunities to observe diverse wildlife including hawks, rabbits, and ground squirrels. Water for horses must be packed in as the campground spigot may be unreliable or non-potable due to agricultural nitrate impacts. The access road includes approximately 13 miles of dirt road which can be challenging for larger trailers or during wet conditions. Road conditions often feature washboard sections, requiring slower travel and careful planning for those hauling horses.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near New Cuyama, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near New Cuyama, CA is KCL Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 22 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 16 equestrian camping locations near New Cuyama, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.