6 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Horse camping near Pacific Grove, California is limited, with the closest equestrian campgrounds located roughly 62 to 65 miles inland. Henry W. Coe State Park, located 62 miles inland from Pacific Grove, permits horses but lacks dedicated horse corrals in its campground. The park maintains trails suitable for day rides but requires horse owners to provide their own containment systems. Restrooms, potable water, and picnic tables are available at Coe Ranch Campground, which accommodates both tent and small RV camping. Park rules require all feed to be certified weed-free.
Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch County Park offers alternative equestrian day-use approximately 65 miles northeast of Pacific Grove. The park features multiple hiking trails that permit horseback riding, though overnight horse camping options are restricted. The campground provides water hookups and 30-amp electrical connections for RV campers. Wildlife frequently visits the campgrounds, including deer and wild pigs in the evening hours. For Pacific Grove visitors seeking overnight horse camping, most will need to trailer their horses to these parks for day rides rather than overnight equestrian camping, as true horse camping facilities with corrals are limited within 70 miles of Pacific Grove.
"Close to the highway with a fairly easy on and off the although it's a little confusing at first. All day/night highway noise but it starts to become white noise after a while."
"The location is very secluded as bd far from stores but fairly close to the sea. Have visited a few time and enjoy the stay. Not many issues. I’m looking forward to the Upgrades!"
"Part of the KOA franchise, this is a very clean, well positioned RV and Cabin park for exploring the Monterey, Salinas, Watsonville, Santa Cruz area."
"Typical TT resort park off the beaten path, far out but nice place, we enjoyed our stay. At the time we were there a lot of the riverfront sports were out of order."
"Right near Pinnacles National Park! We had Condors above our cabin, deer around us, wild pigs crossing the roads. Its amazing!!!! My favorite part of our California trip was staying here!"
"The lake is closed to any and all water-craft because the water level is too low. It is very clean and well maintained for the most part. Cell phone service for Xfinity/Verizon is spotty at best."
"Campsites are along the beautiful Coyote lake. The lakeside sites are mostly shaded as are the sites along the road. Sites 43, 44 and 45 would be the most secluded."
from $34 / night
Check Availability"This is a primitive campground, no showers only vault toilets and restroom near visitor center ( 2 min walk from campground) both decently clean. Water for washing dishes is available."
"There is a small visitor center close to the entrance, with a few souvenirs and some snacks and drinks. Visitor Center only takes cash."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"However, this gorgeous state park has dozens of beautiful trails winding through cattle country and down along streams and ponds in the Dinosaur Point area. NO WATER."
TravelerVery reasonable $36 per night for rv hookup. Off season is cheaper and less crowded. Turkeys and deer. There are wild pigs, but I haven’t seen any. Bathrooms are clean, showers are free. I had several sites to choose from when I arrived-without a reservation.
GuideCoe Ranch Campground is small, clean, and well run, with plenty of nearby toilets and garbage cans. Sites aren’t terribly private but not too close together either. Some reviewers complained there wasn’t a level site in the whole campground but Site 13 was perfectly level for our truck camper down at the bottom. Maybe research your options here and on CampsitePhotos.com beforehand to see if they fit your style of camping. (The more exposed sites and the two sites by the bathrooms wouldn’t work for me.) Views are excellent from the campground parking lot, as well as from some sites, although those sites have little privacy. It’s a twisty 13-mile drive up to the campground but worth the effort if you’re looking for a quiet getaway for the weekend. Coe SP has miles of beautiful trails, loads of wildlife, and hike-in campsites that make a stay worthwhile, even if you decide the campground isn’t for you.
TravelerWe hiked into the campsite with a scenic 3 mile journey. Very shady, very simple site. Pit toilets, fire pits, and some tables… what more could you need? Loved hiking down to the river and taking a swim on a hot day.
GuidePretty basic place. Level, noisy highway. Very friendly staff clean. I enjoy more of the outdoors so not really my cup of tea. Very narrow spaces.
RangerI had a big spot and no neighbors my entire half of the campground on a Monday night in June. I was under 2 big oaks that were buzzing with bird activity.
The bathrooms were clean and I had water on my site. I had some AT&T service.
ScoutOne of my favorite campgrounds as it’s very local and has beautiful scenery. I come here atleast once a month for some camping!
Scoutsite #8 should NOT be a site. It is situated just feet from the holding tanks for the vault toilets. Somebody did not think through this site. Breathe in the fresh scent of raw sewage as you attempt to enjoy food being swarmed by all the flies in camp that had previously been sitting on said sewage. Drift off to dreamland as your tent is filled with and subsequently sharpens your awareness of the state of the bathrooms.
Seriously, this was bad. This is a review that came at the end of a 5 week camping trip where we stayed in 9 different campgrounds. We are lifelong campers. I have NEVER left a bad review of a campground. This was bad. Again, almost every site in this campground is great and has lots of privacy. Site #08 is a mistake and should be used for additional parking at most.
TravelerI was able to enjoy the view of lake and mountains inside the tent. Wild pigs appeared at night. It was our first camping trip and we had a great time! No internet and no electricity. Restroom was clean.
ScoutBirds, trees, flowers, grass. Doesn’t have that jammed together RV park like some Thousand trails parks (ahem Cottonwood and Yuma AZ )
Established campgrounds near Pacific Grove, California provide options for equestrian day use without extensive overnight horse facilities. The region, characterized by oak woodlands and rolling hills east of Monterey Bay, experiences mild coastal weather with morning fog and afternoon clearing. Most campgrounds in this area sit at elevations between 200-2,500 feet with varying terrain.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch County Park offers excellent wildlife spotting. "We saw lots of wildlife - deer, wild pigs, turkeys, frogs just to name a few," notes Kate L. The park includes multiple hiking trails about 65 miles from Pacific Grove.
Hiking trails with elevation: Henry W. Coe State Park features extensive trail networks. "Henry Coe is a completely underrated state park. There are ample opportunities for backpacking and bikepacking. The lakes throughout the park are beautiful to camp by," shares Caitlin S. Most trails have limited shade, so morning hikes are recommended during summer months.
Water activities: While swimming isn't permitted at some locations, other water activities are available. "Bring kayaks here (must be inspected first). No swimming allowed," advises a visitor to Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch County Park. Boat ramps close when water levels drop too low, typically by late summer.
Family facilities: Salinas-Monterey KOA includes amenities for families. "They have nice facilities and a heated pool although a hot tub would be nice also. The sites are a little small but very mature trees and they keep it clean," explains Ben V. The camp store stocks essentials and some grocery items.
Relative seclusion: Thousand Trails San Benito offers a more remote experience. "We stayed towards the back site 353 I believe and had no others around us," reports Alberto C. The campground sits approximately 70 miles from Pacific Grove in rural countryside.
Wildlife encounters: Campers consistently mention wildlife sightings. "Seriously love this place and wish we could go all the time! We had Condors above our cabin, deer around us, wild pigs crossing the roads," shares Samantha N. about San Benito. Note that proper food storage is essential at all regional campgrounds.
Terrain challenges: Many campgrounds in this region feature uneven ground. "We were surprised when we made it to this campground- that it was built on the side of a hill. The walk-in sites may be different, but all of the pull in sites were extremely off-level," warns Karen about Coe Ranch Campground.
Limited equestrian facilities: True horse campgrounds near Pacific Grove, California are scarce. While several parks permit horseback riding on trails, dedicated overnight facilities with corrals are minimal within 70 miles of Pacific Grove.
Seasonal considerations: Coe Ranch Campground restricts campfires during fire season. "Campfires are allowed in the fire rings only during non-fire season (no campfires during summer months)," notes Sara W. Water availability also fluctuates seasonally at most parks.
Plan for wildlife encounters: "Wild pigs appeared at night. It was our first camping trip and we had a great time!" shares Hae Sook Y. about Coyote Lake. All food must be secured in lockers or vehicles overnight at most campgrounds.
Consider campground layout: Site selection impacts experience. "SUV tents are usually limited to one entrance/exit point on the tent. Usually the driver's side. Each campsite is different," advises Toni R. Request specific site information when booking.
Pack for temperature swings: "Very cold on the winter...I just use campground and showers is free hot water showers. Seems like fun on the summer I went on the winter and the place is very cold," notes Andre P. about San Benito. Temperature differences between coastal Pacific Grove and inland campgrounds can exceed 20°F.
Limited hookup options: Most equestrian-friendly campgrounds near Pacific Grove offer only basic services. "Bathroom is clean and nice club/game room and clean washing facility. Close to the highway with a fairly easy on and off although it's a little confusing at first," explains Ben V. about Salinas-Monterey KOA.
Access challenges: Many campgrounds have narrow roads. "The roads through the campground itself is so steep/narrow and windy that it would be extremely difficult to back in (we watched someone get stuck while trying)," cautions Karen about Coe Ranch Campground. Smaller RVs under 30 feet fare better at most local campgrounds.
Service availability: Cell service varies significantly. "This KOA has everything you need. the streets are wide and the pull-ins are easy to access. the Wi-Fi here is good enough to check email but not for streaming or anything intensive," notes CJ J. about Cabana Holiday RV Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Pacific Grove, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Pacific Grove, CA is Salinas-Monterey KOA with a 4.4-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Pacific Grove, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Pacific Grove, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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