14 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Big Pine Equestrian Group Campground serves tent and RV campers with horses in the San Bernardino area. The campground allows pets and provides fire rings for camping groups. Located on Forest Service land, this site caters specifically to equestrian users with appropriate parking for horse trailers. Most visitors arrive by driving directly to their campsite. No drinking water, electrical hookups or shower facilities are available at this primitive campground. Reservations are required for the equestrian group site. Trains run frequently past nearby Mojave Narrows Regional Park campground, making it less suitable for horses sensitive to noise.
Several horse-friendly trails connect to camping areas in this region of California's high desert. The Pioneertown Corrals campground provides toilets and trash service for campers with horses and allows both tents and RVs. Located on Mane Street in Pioneertown, this big-rig friendly location accepts reservations and permits campfires, though no water hookups or showers are available. Campers must bring their own drinking water for themselves and their horses. Water troughs are not provided at most horse campgrounds near Newberry Springs. Heart Bar Campground offers drinking water and operates seasonally from May 16 to September 27, allowing equestrians to plan summer trail riding excursions. The dirt roads to some campgrounds require careful driving with horse trailers, especially during wet conditions.
"We camped one night and explored/ hiked around the area. We also did the scenic drive. Very cool spot in the Mojave. We will be back."
from $6 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $29 - $58 / night
Check Availability"There is some garbage, target shooting in the distance and the occasional maniac driving through too fast and kicking up lots of dust. Generally it was quiet."
"We pulled in at night and passed a few other people camping, but there are so many little roads/trails around we had no problem finding a spot."
"The lakes are nice, there are mountain views, and some cool hikes to explore in the riverbed area."
from $3 - $40 / night
Check Availability"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."
"Trees provide lots of shade and some privacy despite campsites being fairly close to one another. Easy road in most anything can drive it."
"Easy access to the hot springs and no services to speak of. Basically a patch of dirt you can occupy for $10 a night. Loved it."
"Super fun place to visit with the hot springs trail. Went in January with snowfall, hardly any campers and nature all around! Two nights are perfect."
from $10 - $119 / night
Check Availability"Next to one of best small music venues. We stayed here for a concert and walked to and from the show avoiding the traffic in and out. Friendly host."
from $60 - $75 / night
Check Availability"You will have to drive 6 miles of mountainous dirt roads to reach the property, but it takes you away from all signs of the city and surrounds you in nature when you get there, making a very nice camping"
from $15 - $119 / night
Check Availability"Nice views of the lake but it's fenced off and access to the lake and park close in the evening. There is a small older bathroom there a flush toilet and a shower"
"Tents RVs fishing showers water electric hookups and reasonable ducks beautiful lake! Buttt..you can only stay 5 days. 😔"
from $35 - $40 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $127 - $137 / night
Check Availability
RangerWe 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.
RangerThis 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.
ScoutI 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.
GuideBeen here many times since it is local to me.
This place has changed a lot over the years, and not necessarily for the good, in my opinion.
What there is:
What there is no longer:
Beware of skunks and loud trains!
It is still a somewhat nice place to visit for a couple hours with the kids.
We have camped in a tent. The tents sites are adjacent to the lake.
Trailer camping isn't too bad, other than being adjacent to the busy railroad. Most sites have grass.
ScoutHeart Bar Campground is one of my favorites. 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. The campground is away from the town enough to feel secluded and quiet. If you plan to camp in the Big Bear area, I strongly suggest giving Heart Bar a try. The beauty of the surrounding environment is worth it alone.
LegendGeneral: A mix of FHU RV sites tent sites, group sites around Horseshoe Lake and some additional dry camping and equestrian sites around Pelican Lake. There are also four RVs you can “rent” in the Horseshoe Lake area. The sites around Horseshoe Lake are close to an active rail line. And by active, I mean really active – I stopped counting after I counted 24 trains lumbering by during our short overnight stay.
Site Quality: IMO the waterfront tent sites are the nicest. They are farthest away from the trains (but not far enough!) The other dry sites have paved camper pads; some are “doubles” which would kind of suck if both sites were occupied by people who did not know each other! (Ours was one but fortunately, this was not the case for us on a Sunday in November).
Bath/Shower House: There were two restrooms about equidistant from our campsite, but both were very basic– no soap, hooks or shelves and no mirrors (it looked like they had been ripped off the wall). The floors were concrete, and the entire appearance was very drab. I did not use the shower.
This was an overnight stop for us, so we did not take advantage of any of the activities (horseback riding, hiking, disc golf, fishing). There was a very nice playground in the day-use area, a reasonable walking distance from the Horseshoe Lake sites. I had called about a week ahead of time to make a reservation (the online reservation system has been down for quite some time) and was assured would not need a reservation. However, there is a gate that is locked at 4 pm and we knew we would not arrive in time, so we called and were able to make a phone reservation when our site was assigned. We were a little concerned when we saw a security guard making rounds around 10 pm (and this combined with the locked gate), we wondered if we were in a safe environment, although we did not encounter any problems. Make sure you know that the park is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays (which seems a bit bizarre) so you will need to know the gate code after 4 pm and on those days (the code seems to change daily). Also, I read that seniors (62 and older), active duty military, and veterans receive a $5 discount Sundays through Thursdays but you have to go to the office and show proof and then you will receive a “rebate” a few days later (which we did). This was just an overnight for us as we worked our way back home but we would likely not stay here again.
Scout
RangerBest $10 camping site in funky old western faux town. Next to one of best small music venues. We stayed here for a concert and walked to and from the show avoiding the traffic in and out. Friendly host. It’s basically a gravel lot but you can park anywhere along the fence and have access to running water and a real bathroom. Plus you’re super close to JT NP and funky 29 Palms. Can’t beat it.
ScoutThis is a nice little retreat from the desert. The only real complaint I have is the train. It takes a little while to get used to it going by. Wish they still had the paddle boats and horse back riding. The little zero gravity water park is nice if you have children.
Newberry Springs sits in the Mojave Desert at 1,850 feet elevation, between Barstow and the Mojave National Preserve. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F while winter nights can drop below freezing. The area features volcanic cinder cones, desert washes, and juniper-dotted hills that create distinct camping environments throughout the region.
Explore volcanic formations: Rainbow Basin/Owl Canyon Campground provides access to unique geological features. "We camped one night and explored/hiked around the area. We also did the scenic drive. Very cool spot in the Mojave," notes Tommy B. The campground has primitive facilities with pit toilets and BBQ areas.
Visit Horseshoe Lake: Mojave Narrows Regional Park offers fishing and wildlife viewing around its lake system. "This is one of the only parts of the river to flow above ground year round. As a result, a small forest of Cottonwood trees abounds, which are the only native tree to this area," explains Megan S. The park features a disc golf course, playground, and hiking trails.
Soak in hot springs: The Deep Creek Hot Springs Camp Retreat provides therapeutic mineral pools. "The spring pools at our site were so relaxing to have all to ourselves and well worth it to reserve for our party! The deep creek hot springs were absolutely fabulous, as they were situated next to a cold creek where we could do therapeutic hot cold plunges," shares Jessica B. The site requires navigating 6 miles of dirt roads to reach.
Direct trail access: At Coon Creek Yellow Post Sites, riders appreciate the connection to equestrian trails. "The PCT is nearby if you want to get a few extra miles logged," mentions Tom P. These free dispersed sites include fire rings and picnic tables, with varying levels of privacy depending on which site you choose.
Shaded campsites: Heart Bar Campground offers tree cover that equestrian campers value in summer months. "The campground is littered with tall standing pines and even some massive junipers, providing ample shade. You can't help but feel like your are elsewhere like the Eastern Sierra," writes Nick L. The campground sits at higher elevation, providing cooler temperatures during hot months.
Convenient town access: For equestrian camping near Newberry Springs, California with urban amenities, campers mention the accessibility. "We had a great dinner at Pappy & Harriet's and then watched live music at the Red Dog Saloon. Red Dog is pet friendly, we could bring our dog right to the bar," explains Heather L. about staying at Pioneertown Corrals, where horses and riders can camp right in town.
Railroad noise issues: Train activity impacts sleep at some campgrounds. "I stopped counting after I counted 24 trains lumbering by during our short overnight stay," reports Lee D. about Mojave Narrows. Noise-sensitive horses may struggle with the frequent trains.
Limited water access: Most horse camping areas require bringing your own water supply. "You'll pass an equestrian campground on the way in that you might be able to get water from," notes Amanda L. about Coon Creek, where potable water is limited to specific locations.
Seasonal closures: Equestrian trails and campgrounds follow scheduled closures. "Heart Bar Campground operates seasonally from May 16 to September 27," allowing riders to plan summer excursions. Winter snow can close high-elevation equestrian campsites from late fall through spring.
Plan for playground access: Families appreciate designated play areas. "There was a very nice playground in the day-use area, a reasonable walking distance from the Horseshoe Lake sites," mentions Lee D. about Mojave Narrows Regional Park, which offers structured recreation alongside camping.
Consider noise sensitivity: Children and some family members may struggle with train noise. "The only real complaint I have is the train. It takes a little while to get used to it going by," explains Michelle K. Schedule naps and quiet time away from railway corridors.
Check seasonal wildlife: Deep Creek Hot Springs Campground visitors note varying conditions by season. "Went in January with snowfall, hardly any campers and nature all around! Two nights are perfect," shares Kelly Anne M. Spring visits offer wildflower viewing while avoiding summer heat that can be challenging for families.
Site selection for horses: When bringing horses, evaluate parking configurations. "Double sites are a must when going with a group of 10 people. This specific site is very spacious with double of the parking spots (4 cars total), 2 fire pits, and 2 benches," explains Chrystal M. about Heart Bar Campground's layout, which accommodates horse trailers.
Road conditions: RVers pulling horse trailers need updated road information. "Dirt roads were well kept. I came with a 170 wheel base Sprinter Van w/ 2 wheel drive and had no problems making it to site post #11," reports Derek M. about Coon Creek Yellow Post Sites. Some access roads require slower driving with trailers, especially following precipitation.
Utility limitations: Most equestrian sites offer minimal hookups. "Water and electric only on camp sites. No dump site there," James C. notes about Hesperia Lake Park, requiring self-contained operation for longer stays. Plan water usage carefully when camping with horses that require regular watering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Newberry Springs, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Newberry Springs, CA is Rainbow Basin/Owl Canyon Campground with a 3.5-star rating from 4 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Newberry Springs, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 14 equestrian camping locations near Newberry Springs, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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