Horse camping is the perfect way to enjoy Ocotillo Wells. If you're an equestrian lover who prefers nature-based adventure, yet still wants comfort, this is the perfect opportunity for you. Whether you own a horse or are joining a tour group, equestrian camping is an adventurous and unique way to experience the city. These scenic and easy-to-reach Ocotillo Wells campsites are perfect for equestrian campers.
Laguna Campground is a great mountain getaway just one hour east of San Diego, California in the Laguna Mountain Recreation Area. Campers can enjoy cooler temperatures, unique natural areas and an extensive trail system at this mountain facility from summer through early fall.
The Laguna Mountain Recreation Area is known for great horseback riding, mountain biking and hiking trails. Visitors can get their boots dusty on the Laguna Meadow Trail system or access a segment of the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail, which runs from California to the State of Washington. Wildflowers are usually abundant in April and May on the Big Laguna Trail, which takes visitors past Big Laguna Lake. In wet years there is water in Big Laguna Lake by December or January and ducks and other birds can be found. The trail presents a number of options to the user. A return to the trailhead parking can be made by cutting through the Laguna Campground or by taking the Pacific Crest Trail north. Families can learn about the area's flora and fauna by attending educational programs at the facility's amphitheater. Or for history buffs, the El Prado Cabin located at nearby El Prado Campground, is the first ranger cabin built in the Cleveland National Forest in 1911. The San Diego State University Observatory also sponsors "Star Parties" for campers most Saturday evenings during the summer (schedule can be obtained at the nearby visitor center or by calling 619-473-8547).
The campground sits at an elevation of 6,000 ft. in the Laguna Mountains. It is forested with pines and oaks that provide plenty of shade, in addition to a meadow. The area is home to many species of birds, as well as the endangered Laguna Skipper butterfly. Little Laguna lake is located just a short distance from the campground and is an excellent hiking destination for photographers and visitors looking to explore the area.
$35 / night
The beautiful park offers camping and hiking in an oak woodland forest, with a sprinkling of pines and lovely meadows with creeks. There are over 100 miles of trails which accommodate hikers, bikers, and equestrians. The two family camps, Paso Picacho and Green Valley, are open and on the reservation system spring through fall. Green Valley sits at an elevation of 4,000 feet and has a creek which runs through the middle of the campground. The day use area offers sets of cascades and shallow pools, great for water play on hot days. Green Valley has 81 campsites.
Paso Picacho, 5 miles north, sits at an elevation of 5,000 feet. The most popular hikes start from this camp, including the 2 mile hike up Stonewall Peak (elevation 5,700 feet), and the 3.5 mile hike up Cuyamaca Peak (elevation 6,512 feet), both which offer breathtaking views of the deserts to the east, the coast to the west, and Lake Cuyamaca at the bottom. Lake Cuyamaca, operated by the Helix Water District, is two miles north of Paso Picacho and offers boating and fishing. Paso Picacho campground has 85 campsites.
Each campsite has a picnic table and a fire ring. Restrooms with flush toilets and pay showers are in the campground. Water faucets a located every few campsites. There are no hookups. Each campground has a dump station. Firewood and ice may be purchased at the camps. Interpretive programs are offered during the summer season. Campsites are $30 per night. Reservations are necessary for weekends April through October. The camping fee includes one motorized vehicle. Extra vehicles are $10 per night. There is a limit of 8 persons per campsite. Dogs are allowed but are restricted to the campgrounds, picnic areas, and paved roads and Cuyamaca Peak Fire Road. They may not be left unattended.
Environmental backpack in or horseback ride in camps are also available. Granite Springs and Arroyo Seco Environmental camps are open on first come, first serve. Both have chemical toilets, non-potable water, corrals and tent sites.
$40 - $250 / night
Green Valley sits at an elevation of 4,000 feet and has a creek which runs through the middle of the campground. The day use area offers sets of cascades and shallow pools, great for water play on hot days. Cuyamaca camping has 81 campsites. Each campsite has a picnic table and a fire ring. Restrooms with flush toilets and pay showers are in the campground. Water faucets a located every few campsites. There are no hookups. Each campground has a dump station. Firewood and ice may be purchased at the camps. Interpretive programs are offered during the summer season.
$40 / night
reservations required
Download the NPS app prior to visiting the park trail maps and more! Cottonwood Group Campground is one of the best places in Joshua Tree National Park for stargazing and wildflower viewing. The group campground is part of the main Cottonwood Campground and has three sites that are by reservation only. It is one of three group campgrounds in the park and the only campground that lies in the southern section. To get the most out of your visit Plan Like a Park Ranger Travelers who enjoy warm, dry winters flock to Joshua Tree from October through May, when temperatures reach between 70 to 90-degrees during the day and drop to 40 to 60-degrees at night. Summer is the park's off-season due to the uncomfortably high desert heat. Cottonwood Group Campground is at an elevation of 3,000 ft. and has little shade from vegetation; however, there are picnic shelters that provide shade at each site.
Stargazing and wildflower viewing are among the most popular activities at this facility. Several hiking trails leave from the campground and several more trailheads are within a 1-2 hour drive.
The landscape around Cottonwood is that of the Colorado Desert, which encompasses the southern edge of the park and a large portion of Southern California. Rather than being surrounded by large rock formations and uniquely-shaped Joshua trees, like campgrounds in the northern section, this facility overlooks flat, open-desert shrubland. It is also further from towns or cities that would contribute light pollution. As a result, it offers wide, dark and uninterrupted views of the night sky that draw astronomers and amateur sky watchers alike. Cottonwood is at a lower elevation than other campgrounds within the park, so desert wildflowers begin to bloom earlier in the spring than in other locations. Flowering occurs anytime between the beginning of February to the end of March; timing varies depending on the amount of winter precipitation and the arrival of warm temperatures.
The General Patton Memorial Museum, a U.S. military history museum, is just over 12 miles away in the town of Chiriaco.
Reservation Cancellations & Changes Cancelling a Reservation: Customers may cancel their reservation prior to arrival both on-line and through the call center. A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refund for a cancellation. Depending on when you cancel in relation to your arrival day, it may be considered a late cancellation (see below). Changing an Existing Reservation: When changes are made prior to the cut-off window: If a customer wants to switch dates that are entirely outside of the original reservation dates, there is a $10 change fee. There is no change fee if a customer extends or shortens a reservation, as long as the change includes dates from the original reservation. If they choose to depart early, they may forfeit the recreation fee for the day of departure. There is no change fee if the customer wants to switch sites that are the same price with the same reservation dates in the same facility. If a reservation is made that includes dates beyond the maximum booking window, that reservation cannot be changed until 18 days have passed from the original booking date. Late Cancellations or Cancellations within the Cut-off Window Group Facility : Customers who cancel a group overnight facility reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee. No-Shows Overnight Facilities: A no-show customer is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out (noon) time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time (noon) on the day following the arrival date. No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first nights recreation fee for a campsite. *Note: the entire reservation will be cancelled for no-shows.
$25 - $50 / night
You will love this serene campground only 25 minutes from the quaint mining town of Julian CA. Set in a high desert (2400 ft) valley surrounded by Mountains adjacent to Anza Borrego State park with its hundreds of miles of vehicle, mountain bike and foot trails. There is fishing 30 minutes away at Lake Cuyamaca, Golf in Borrego Springs and lots of nearby exploring and hiking.
$39 - $640 / night
If you want to experience all of the four seasons, then Oakzanita Springs RV Camping is the perfect getaway. Our RV camp is set at a 4000' elevation in the California mountains, and can bring a wide range of weather conditions from the fall through the winter months; therefore, during that time we operate a limited season RV camp in California. The pools, activities and weekend breakfasts are hibernating, and store hours are limited. All other Oakzanita Springs facilities, campsites, spa, and RV camping amenities remain open during this time. In the summer, Oakzanita Springs RV Camping has a perfect climate of warm days and comfortable nights. Relax and enjoy our weekend activities at our RV camp in California's beautiful mountain region. If you enjoy fishing, Cuyamaca Lake is just 15 minutes away or you can hike the Cuyamaca State Park trails starting right off our property. To make your visit a safe and enjoyable one, remember that only pressed logs and charcoal fires are allowed during the summer and fall months due to high fire danger. No wood fires are allowed except under wet conditions. Please make sure anyone under the age of 18 remembers their bicycle helmets for bikes and scooters. Due to the terrain, no skateboards are allowed. Clean restrooms, a comfortable lodge area, and free WiFi access round out the first-class service you'll find at Oakzanita Springs. Our RV camping areas are a bit remote, but you can get Verizon and Sprint cell service at the RV camp park. And even though we may be in the California mountains, we have a small camp store with basic camping supplies, novelties and ice. Best of all, Oakzanita Springs is just a short, 45-minute drive from all of San Diego's wonderful attractions. Year-Round RV Camp in California Whether you're planning a retreat for the whole family, a group of friends or a getaway for two, there's no shortage of unique activities to explore at Oakzanita Springs RV Campground. Plan activities upon arrival or visit this page before your departure to plan ahead. Looking for more? Our friendly staff can fill you in on all of the great ways to make your stay a memorable experience.
$30 - $213 / night
Traveler
Super cute area, and much cooler since it’s a little higher altitude. Nice big sites and an entire loop with equestrian sites.
Pit toilets. One dumpster. Water.
I was there May 5, 2024 and the fee was $14.
Guide
We got a bit unlucky with rain, but would stay on the north side of the park if we did it again. South side doesn’t have as much going for it comparatively. Neighbors were loud.
GuideNo internet or cellphone capability unless you drive back near I-10.
Guide
Might be my favorite campground ever. Very quiet, we were here midweek before Christmas. Very dark at night which was so great. Little lake for fishing, we didn’t catch anything. Very little traffic. Huge sites. Most sites are dry or water/ electric only no sewer but there is a dump station. Staff was very friendly and helpful. Camp is a good distance from any stores. Target was about 15 minutes.
Guide
Me and my husband camped here for about five days we are in spot 42 lots of room back in plus pull in spots full hook ups has paddle boats fishing and spots to walk your dog
Scout
My family and I take a yearly camping trip and this is one of the sites that we regularly come to. We are a big group of 19 and find this place very comfortable and enjoy the trails. However, we will not be returning! A squatter had hijacked one of our reserved spots and the rangers have done nothing but give is the run around. They just allowed her to stay in our reserved spot the entire stay. The rangers just kept making excuses for the squatter. What was supposed to be a carefree week turned to a stressful and cramped week. They do not care about the campers and it clearly shows.
Scout
G-29 was a nice spot, and there is a lot to do and see in the surrounding area. Restrooms and facilities are clean, but there is no soap.
We visited post July 4th, so it was pretty quiet for the most part. Largest downside is the campsite is already warm by 8:30am, and hot by about 10.
Firewood is $8 from the camp host but we had trouble finding them our first night and had to drive an hour back and forth to Julian for wood.
ScoutCampsites are clean, and most that I see have shade. Fire rings and tables on each site, T-Mobile signal, and supplies are a 30 min round trip if you forgot something. The Ranger was extremely friendly, and I appreciated our chat.
Scout
Nice people, mainly for during the winter here.
SPA and pool is nice - but no fire allowed. We took the cheapest side for 39. But they also have some with a table and more atmosphere.
dirt camp is 30.
Guide
Older park, sites gravel and not level. Bathrooms/laundry need updates/repair. Pool and hot tub. Accommodation based on sales pitch to join as a member.
TravelerNice campground great activities for kids laundry on site Jacuzzi pool fishing for RV hook Up. Over 40 cabins available. Membership costs us around $2000 And have access to / 3000 different camp sites nationwide At any time of the year a drop of a dime essentially
GuideWe were in site #3. Sites are W/E only. Dump station on site. The park has a campground feel, with a bit more space between spots than mist rv parks. Sites are gravel and easy to get into. Bathrooms are decent. 3 stalks and two showers. Many people were fishing. Our site backed up the the road through the campground and cars traveled well above the 15 mph limit and starting going by before 6 am. The nights were dark and quiet, no street lights! Always a plus for us! The weekend was busy, but still quiet at night.
RangerCottonwood Campground is an excellent home base for exploring Joshua Tree NP. There are hiking trails right out of the campground, and easy trails from trailheads within a short drive. You pass the visitor's center on the way in. Sites are narrow and short and unlevel, but you are surrounded by Sonoran desert. Great dark skies! Great scenic drives! Great sunsets!
TravelerBeautiful campsite. No Joshua Trees on this side of the park, but beautiful sunrise and sunset views. Sites are a bit narrow for big rigs with slides, but we made it happen with our class A super slide.
GuideWe absolutely loved staying at this campsite that was tucked away in the San Diego mountains. There is so many trials to hike. A little local downtown that had a great BBQ spot! Our site was shaded which was great while staying over the summer. The lake isnt really a lake given the high temps was more of a pond. But it was nice to walk out across the meadow.
LegendNice campground with a variety of sites to choose from. Primitive sites are $25 and are first come first serve only. Partial hookups were $30 I think, and FHU were $40 if I remember right. Equestrian sites are partial hookup and are $35. There is a dump station on site for all campers to use. I forgot to ask if you could also fill your tanks with water if you're staying in a primitive site.
Online reservation fee is $8 but you don't have to pay that if you show up and pay on site.
They do take Passport America but only Monday, Tues, Wednesday.
There was cell service at this campground. There is no greenery here and no division between sites.
An Iron Man takes place here which would be neat to see if you're able to get a spot when it's taking place.
GuideClose to Julian, CA about 10-15 minutes. We camped during Veteran’s day weekend. The terrain of the campground is ideal for kids. Trees, hills, and large rocks for the kids to climb on. The sites we had #59 and #61 were located on a slight hill. The tent pad sites were slightly slanted. The bathrooms were super clean especially during a holiday weekend. The Green Valley falls trail is located in the campground and it’s super kid friendly.
TravelerMade us pack up and leave after one day because our member was offsite for a doctors appointment
GuideNice resource to have a lake and campground in the Coachella Valley. Overall a nice stay when not too hot. Historically no one in my family has been able to catch a fish there but fun to do at night if camping there
GuideGreat campground for the family and kids. Every first Saturday of the month they have the Wolf Education Project come visit with their wolves. It was really neat for the kids and adults to learn and pet the wolf. They have so many different activities for the family. I gave it 4 stars because there wasn’t any Wi-Fi, but still had cellphone service.
GuideWas very peaceful. Nice big oak trees…. Toilets were clean. No showers.
Guide
Such a nice quiet place! Nice pool… excellent showers and bathrooms! Very nice people as well!
TravelerI've spent many weekends at this resort over the last 15 years or so, visiting my grandparents that lived here in the winter. Tons of activities, clean and quiet, such a wonderful spot!
TravelerA beautiful RV resort, stayed pretty dispersed by staying in couple tent sites.
Wouldn’t come again this time of year without a heater, as it got uncomfortably cold at night. But the bathrooms are kept warm and very clean. The lodge is also warm and clean, worked out of there a couple of mornings, and the Wi-Fi was actually decent.
GuideStayed there for our visit to Joshua Tree. Very nice campground. Tighter spots but enough to be comfortable at your site. The surrounding areas are very nice.
GuideReally nice little desert campground in the east portion of the park. Sites are pretty tight together. Beautiful night sky viewing. Pit toilets and running water.
ScoutOakzanita is 4000 ft elevation up in the San Diego Mountains. Sites are mainly off roads that are narrow and may be hard to maneuver. Many sites are without sewer however on certain days a honey wagon may be available for $25.00. Park is about 40 minutes from Jillian. Park is okay but nothing to write home about.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Ocotillo Wells, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Ocotillo Wells, CA is El Prado Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 22 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Ocotillo Wells, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 14 equestrian camping locations near Ocotillo Wells, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
