16 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Horse-friendly camping options are limited near Pinole, California. Skyline Wilderness Park in Napa offers tent, RV, and cabin accommodations with trails that allow horseback riding, though reviews indicate horses are not permitted on certain paths. The park provides picnic tables, fire pits, and basic amenities, but lacks dedicated horse corrals or specialized equestrian facilities. Wild turkeys are frequently observed wandering through the campground areas, adding to the natural ambiance of this urban-adjacent wilderness setting.
Las Trampas Regional Wilderness and Tilden Regional Park permit horseback riding on designated trails but offer limited equestrian-specific camping facilities. The 31-mile East Bay Skyline National Recreation Trail traverses through multiple parks in the region, creating connections for longer rides. Trails throughout these parks vary in difficulty, with some providing sweeping views of Berkeley, Oakland, and the surrounding East Bay area. Horse owners must bring their own portable corrals or highlines as permanent equine facilities are not available at most campgrounds in the immediate Pinole vicinity.
"This location is easily accessible for all. Biking, trails for hiking and the gardens are gorgeous. Rvs and horses welcome."
"We only stayed overnight the staff was very friendly,lots of stuff to do around the campsite from hiking,mtb,watch horses, frisbee golf and then you have napa where you can get wine,brewery,and restaurants"
"Anthony Chabot Campgrounds sits high up on the Castro Valley Hills overlooking Lake Chabot. There are several awesome hiking trails going down to the lake as well as some equestrian trails."
"as usual some spots are better than others but most close to restrooms and/or water. lots of poison oak and star thistle right off trail. great deterrent for kids to stay out of tick areas but id worry"
from $25 - $200 / night
Check Availability"Tilden is great for anyone looking for a close park right outside of the Berkeley/San Fran area. It is a rather large park area that overlooks Berkeley."
"Tilden offers a lake in the middle to swim in and fish. The campsites have lots of fire pits. The weather is always great too!"
from $75 - $120 / night
Check Availability"The 31-mile East Bay Skyline National Recreation Trail, part of the Bay Area Ridge Trail system, traverses"
from $15 / night
Check Availability"in an open meadow on a bluff overlooking the ocean with a short walk to the beach and a 3.2 kilometer (2.0 miles) round-trip walk to [Alamere Falls](https://www.nps.gov/pore/planyourvisit/alamere_falls.htm"
"Really great site right next to the water and beach. The hike in is pretty easy and beautiful. We had fun making a fire on the beach at night. It's pretty windy, so be prepared."
"We just stayed here for 2 nights, great location very close to Calistoga and not to far from Saint Helena! Next time i would love to try out a cabin or yurt."
"Good access to wineries close by. Only real downside was that because of the dry conditions we could not have a campfire."
from $43 / night
Check Availability"West Marin offers an incredibly picturesque location to explore, and Coast Camp is about as good as it gets."
"The beach offers tidepools close by as well as a great place for beach fire (permit needed). There are two routes to hike in."
from $30 - $90 / night
Check Availability"This campsite is centrally located on the peninsula. Access to several roadside dog friendly beaches within minutes. The bay and the beach are within walking distance to campground."
"There are also equestrian trails, so you can book a horseback ride from a local ranch as well!!"
from $45 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $75 / night
Check Availability"This hidden gem hides behind the vineyard crested mountain range just due south of Livermore."
"After time spent here at this oasis in the middle of Eastbay, California, you’ll very much feel like part of this place with its endless trails, fantastically well-kept camping grounds and the warm hospitality"
from $15 - $200 / night
Check Availability
RangerThis campsite is centrally located on the peninsula. Access to several roadside dog friendly beaches within minutes. The bay and the beach are within walking distance to campground. The bathrooms are clean and the showers are coin operated. Sites are flat and semi private. The staff is friendly and campground is large.
LegendAnthony Chabot Campgrounds sits high up on the Castro Valley Hills overlooking Lake Chabot. There are several awesome hiking trails going down to the lake as well as some equestrian trails. The hiking trails go around the lake. Dogs are allowed but they should be on a leash. Lake Chabot has a marina that rents boats for recreational use and fishing. It's a few miles driver to get there from the campgrounds. I only gave it 4 stars because of that. They have tent and RV campsites, but no RV hookups.
GuideIt is always windy and therefore cold on the beach. That is why there are such big sand dunes.
Regardless, a beautiful place to visit and camp. There are also equestrian trails, so you can book a horseback ride from a local ranch as well!!
LegendSibley Regional Preserve
San Francisco East Bay residents actually have a volcano in their backyard at Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve. Originally called Round Top Park, Sibley shares with Temescal and Tilden Parks the distinction of being one of the East Bay Regional Park District's original parks.
The Sibley backpack camp is a small, primitive hike-in site for a maximum of 15 campers (although this would be super cramped in my opinion, unless it a bunch of small kids), a moderate 0.2 mile walk from the parking lot (NO VEHICLE ACCESS). The site has basically 360 degree views of Mount Diablo, Vollmer Peak and Tilden Park. There are only two tent pads - approximately 10'x25' and 10'x20'. Site has 2 picnic tables, 1 serving table, and a pit toilet close by which was very clean and well maintained.
During the day you’ll have lots of people walk semi/sorta by the campground, but there is no reason that anyone would walk through your area as if they did they’d tumble off and down the side of a nice steep hill…
No wood fires or BBQs are allowed; only camp stoves are allowed for cooking, your night time enjoyment.
Drinking water is 0.2 miles from camp at the trail head so keep that in mind before it gets too dark to hike back and forth for a drink.
There are several trails providing tons of access throughout the preserve. The 31-mile East Bay Skyline National Recreation Trail, part of the Bay Area Ridge Trail system, traverses the preserve along the ridgeline between Wildcat Canyon and Anthony Chabot Parks. Round Top Road goes from the Sibley visitor center to the top of Round Top. Round Top Loop Trail circles Round Top peak. Volcanic Trail, once a quarry haul road, contains most of the stops on the self-guided volcanic tour.
Dogs are allowed throughout this section of the park and in camp on leash but are not allowed on the adjacent Huckleberry trails. Also, the EBRPD lists, dogs “must be under owner's control at all times” and must not disturb other animals or park visitors, but I definitely saw a lot of loose well behaved dogs running free.
Bikes are allowed on the fire trail, but there are lots of hikers and dog walkers in this park so be mindful. Also, Horses are allowed but there is no hitching rail and no water troughs in the park (or at least that I saw anywhere).
If you decide to try and bike be mindful that most trails are hiking and equestrian only. A few trails are multi-use. Bicycles are not allowed on narrow-gauge trails, except on the Skyline Trail between the Sibley visitor center and Old Tunnel Road. Bicycles are allowed on the wider-gauge fire trails and paved roads but are not allowed on Sibley Round Top from EBMUD water tank road junction to top of Round Top Peak.
Vehicles must be parked in the staging area and display a valid overnight parking permit: 3 parking permits are included in the reservation and will be mailed 5 days in advance. No additional parking permits are available. Otherwise, you can actually get here via public transport by Taking the AC Transit CB bus to the Mountain Blvd stop, them walk about 3 miles to the park.
While you can check if it’s already reserved online. Reservation must be completed at least 5 days in advance by calling 1-888-EBPARKS or 1-888-327-2757, press option 2.
RangerSkyline Wilderness County Park is a great little campground just outside of downtown Napa. There are always a lot of RVs there, but thankfully the tent section is separate from most of the RVs. The tent area leaves a little to be desired and is basically just a stretch of grass with picnic tables, BBQs and very little separation or cover from trees. Of course you don’t really think wilderness camping when you think of Napa Valley.
Despite being close to town there is actually quite a bit to do in the park and once you get back from the campground a bit you can really feel kind of far away from the congested Napa Valley. There are quite a few hiking trails and some offer beautiful views of the valley. By far the most popular is the Lake Marie Trail and Fire Road and Manzanita is popular with mountain bikers.
The River to Ridge Trail is nice and provides access to the Kennedy Park, the Napa River, and miles of bike paths, but check at the kiosk if the gate next to highway 221 (Soscol Ferry Road) is open and I have found it to not have a very consistent schedule.
According to a couple of friends that are pretty die-hard disk golfers, the course at Skyline is one of the best and most challenging in the area. I found it to be pretty fun, especially is your expectations are extremely low.
Being Napa Valley there is of course wine tasting and having a parking spot at the campground you have the perfect opportunity to take an Uber or car service to ensure your safety while enjoying Napa’s most famous export.
This is not a park that will provide you with memorable hikes or photos for your Instagram, but it is a decent place to stay in Napa if you’re the type that prefers to sleep in a tent or RV over a very pricey hotel.
RangerThis campground is nice with newer bathrooms and shower facilities, but it's also very open and exposed. Great access to Spring Lake's water-based activities and hiking trails, plus easy access to Trione-Annadel State Park for hiking and mountain biking. Howarth Park, a city park, also borders Spring Lake Regional Park and provides access to boating and fishing on Lake Ralphine, plus they have a small train, carousel, tennis courts, and a softball field. Overall a good campsite for families in need of lots of recreation options, but not the best for those wishing to "get away from it all."
ScoutThis location is easily accessible for all. Biking, trails for hiking and the gardens are gorgeous. Rvs and horses welcome.
Scoutas usual some spots are better than others but most close to restrooms and/or water. lots of poison oak and star thistle right off trail. great deterrent for kids to stay out of tick areas but id worry if we brought dogs! we were at #45, family sites and there were families with kids all over. there even was a patch of grass for kids to play on. trails nearby good for easy mountain biking and hiking
LegendWhat a find! This hidden gem hides behind the vineyard crested mountain range just due south of Livermore. Once you get off the 680/580 highways, you'll be immediately swept into a different wind-strewn, rocky landscape that you'll have to wind around several bends on some decent inclined well-paved roads before making your arrival to Del Valle regional park.
You'll have to pay the$10 to get through, but this is one of the few parks where that fee, if maximized, is a great investment. The campgrounds here are all incredibly well maintained, spacious (perhaps a bit too spacious and open in some places). With a great number of trails to take in any direction, the great find here is the well-appointed lake that rents kayaks, paddle boats and canoes. There's even horses you can rent nearby if you get tired of all the hiking.
There's plenty of places to picnic if you get tired of eating at your campsite. Be wary of the weekends, especially long holiday weekends where this park gets completely overrun. Other than this, it's a fantastic camping site.
Happy Camping!
Equestrian camping options near Pinole, California offer several trails and facilities for horse enthusiasts. The region features elevations ranging from sea level to over 1,000 feet across East Bay parks, with summer temperatures averaging 70-85°F during peak camping season. Most equestrian-friendly campgrounds require advance reservations, especially during weekends from May through September.
Trail riding at Anthony Chabot Regional Park: This park offers extensive hiking and riding trails with varying difficulty levels. "There is an extensive network of trails accessible from the campground," notes one camper, while another mentions "Very nice trails and not super far from town to get food."
Wildlife viewing at Del Valle Campground: Located about an hour from Pinole, the park provides opportunities to spot native wildlife. "I saw deer and turkeys roaming the campground," reports one visitor. Another camper notes there are "Lots of turkey and deer in the area" making it ideal for nature enthusiasts with horses.
Beach riding at Bodega Dunes Campground: For a coastal equestrian experience, head to Sonoma Coast. "Hiking among the sand dunes and along the beach provide some really stunning scenery. Reaching the beach, you'll find as much coastal sand as you can handle with miles and miles of it to yourself," says one reviewer.
Exploring volcanic landscapes at Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve: This unique area offers distinct terrain for riding. "San Francisco East Bay residents actually have a volcano in their backyard at Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve," explains one camper. The preserve features "several trails providing tons of access throughout the preserve."
Accessible trail connections: The East Bay Regional Park system provides connected riding paths. At Anthony Chabot Regional Park, campers appreciate that "There are plenty of easily accessible hiking and biking trails in the area." These connections allow for longer rides without trailer transportation.
Natural surroundings at Wildcat Campground: Though further from Pinole, this Point Reyes destination offers unique coastal camping. "The 800+ acres of hills, woods and fields offers archery, disc golf, hiking, horseback riding and more," mentions a visitor to the area. Another notes, "The Falls will get extremely busy during the day as people start hiking in."
Wine country proximity at Bothe-Napa Valley State Park: For riders seeking post-trail amenities, this park combines nature with nearby wineries. "Location itself is GREAT. 5 mins from everything in town," notes one camper. Another mentions, "A shuttle stops at the park to take people into town for dinner if they don't want to drive after drinking."
Family-friendly environment: Many parks cater to families with horses. At Del Valle Campground, visitors note, "Great family campground" with amenities that support both riders and non-riders. Another visitor mentions it's "a decent place for locals looking to get a break from routine."
Limited designated equestrian facilities: Most campgrounds lack permanent horse corrals. At Anthony Chabot Regional Park, "There's no swimming for either dogs or humans. Keep in mind that if you walk the single track trails with your dogs, you'll be spending some quality time with them later picking off ticks."
Reservation requirements at Skyline Wilderness Park: This popular equestrian destination requires planning ahead. "RV Campsites are nothing fancy and close together. But the park itself is nice...hiking trails, views, nature, and close to Napa," reports one visitor. Another states, "$65/night for water and electricity."
Seasonal considerations: Summer heat affects trail conditions in the East Bay hills. One Del Valle camper notes, "Can get hot during summer but close to the lake to swim and paddle board," while another mentions, "The ground is volcanic rock and super hard in the dry weather."
Wildlife awareness: Many parks have active wildlife that can affect horses. At Bothe-Napa Valley, "Be careful of the poison oak, it is prevalent there as it is so anywhere in Northern California." Similarly, at Skyline Wilderness Park, campers often see "Wild turkey, deer, wood peckers regularly seen!"
Trail difficulty planning: Choose appropriate routes for younger riders. Del Valle offers "Great hikes, paddle boarding, kayaking, swimming and beginner windsurfing," but some visitors note "The hills are pretty intense."
Alternative activities for non-riders at Coast Campground: When not everyone rides, consider locations with diverse options. "There are miles of beach to explore, and you can continue along the coast trail to hike even farther," says one camper. Another notes that it's "Inside the Point Reyes National seashore, this is a hike in only campground. But has pit toilets, potable water."
Safety precautions: Prepare for varying weather and terrain. At Bodega Dunes, one camper advises, "Given that the campground is on the water, it can get very chilly at night and the wind tends to pick up." Another notes, "The water, which is normally pretty cold year round, can also be pretty rough for swimming."
Educational opportunities: Several parks offer learning experiences alongside riding. At Sibley Volcanic Preserve, there's a "self-guided volcanic tour" that can complement riding activities for children learning about natural history.
Site selection at Las Trampas Regional Wilderness: While offering horse trails, RV accommodations are limited. "From the parking lot, there's 3-4 hiking trails to take, but the one to the campsite is the only one heading south from the parking lot. You'll have to hike all your gear in from here."
Hookup availability: Most equestrian-friendly campgrounds offer limited services. At Skyline Wilderness Park, campers note "Sites are level with minimal need for blocks. Staff are friendly," but also mention "RV location is basically a gravel parking area pretty close to one another."
Access considerations: Some equestrian trails have RV parking limitations. At Del Valle, "There is no hookups where we camped for the travel trailer," though the sites "can accommodate" larger rigs up to 27 feet according to visitors.
Parking logistics: Trailer parking requires advance planning. At Bodega Dunes, sites are "generally smaller pull-in sites geared more toward tents, vans, and small travel trailers. There are just a handful of sites that can accommodate bigger RVs."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Pinole, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Pinole, CA is Skyline Wilderness Park with a 4.2-star rating from 30 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Pinole, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 16 equestrian camping locations near Pinole, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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