1 campground with availability next weekend
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.
"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."
"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."
"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!"
"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."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $30 - $154 / night
"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."
"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."
"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
"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"
"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."
"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."
GuideWhen I pulled in, everyone else was pulling out (Sunday mid morning). So I had the place to myself and my beagles! I've wanted to introduce them to camping and wasn't sure how they would do. It's quiet, peaceful and even beagles were relaxed enough to sleep!
LegendITS BIG.... tons of great sites some not do good, some packed right others lots of space, a great lake, a fun bar café, super good general store and lots of people, ther is plenty to do and it's a big chunk of land. And the oak trees and wildlife is fantastic....looking forward to seeing how winter is
TravelerThe lake was amazing. The bar & grill stocks some great craft beers (didn't try the food so can't speak to its quality). The store was well stocked, the staff were friendly and helpful. The sites were reasonably well spread out (at least where we were).
That's the good. Here's the bad.
Ants. So many ants. But that's just camping - come prepared with ant spray, ant baits, and diatomaceous earth.
But the worst part was the group campsite near us. Nice enough people, looked like they were having a great time and making good memories for their kids. But someone brought a jobsite style generator - one of the extremely noisy ones - and had it running from 7am to 10pm every day, so that constant rattle was completely inescapable. You can't hang out in your site in peace. You can't wake up and enjoy the birds. You can't sing by a campfire. All you have is rattling generators.
We told the park staff about this, but it didn't seem to matter. And we never once saw park staff anywhere near our site - I haven't been to a single other campground, whether county, state, federal, or private, where that's been the case.
TravelerJust happened to stumble into this place on our way to Santa Cruz and fell in love with it we will definitely be coming back.
GuideWe didn't expect much, but we stayed one night enroute from San Diego to San Francisco.
The lake was pretty, the site was nice, but we couldn't see the lake from the site. We just didn't spend much time here.
TravelerTried out on a whim - note, NO swimming in the lake because it’s a source of drinking water. Get a waterfront spot for sure. General store pricey and there are yellow jackets during heat of day. BUT, gorgeous sunset and lake trails, big open campground with spacious spots. Def a fishing spot.
TravelerWe loved the lake view from our site. We had a lot of space. You can’t swim in the lake tho. Sadly the swimming pool was not opened yet when we were here but it looked great.
GuideIt’s a very simple place but I found it so peaceful being surrounded by the golden plains, the breeze through the big shaded eucalyptus trees, and hearing the owls near sundown. Theres also hummingbirds that’ll get up right in your face. I was also the only one at the site so that was nice. The area is clean, vault toilets kinda gross though. Very small campground, a couple drive in sites and a couple walk in sites but each drive in site had a picnic table, fire ring, and a metal pole hook and theres one drinking water spigot for the whole campground. So not bad!! Road was surprisingly smooth majority of way and has some paved parts but there was some washboard parts too. Road to get here was long though about 13 miles from the blm sign. There was paper maps at the sign area. I got 3 bars at the campground with AT&T but was spotty on the drive over.
TravelerA lot of shade, very green during the spring. Plenty of bathroom everywhere. Very big camp ground.
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 23 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.
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