Equestrian camping near Point Reyes Station, California remains limited with facilities designed primarily for hikers and backpackers. Located on the San Andreas Fault, Point Reyes National Seashore sits on a triangular peninsula that juts into the Pacific Ocean with elevations ranging from sea level to 1,407 feet at Mount Wittenberg. Winter temperatures average 45-54°F while summer ranges 58-65°F, creating mild conditions year-round that can change rapidly with coastal fog.
What to do
Beach exploration from Wildcat Camp: The campground provides direct beach access for day rides and overnight stays. "A very cool spot for backpacking in with 6-8 miles to hike in, depending on the trails you take. The tall grass gave some privacy between neighboring campsites... Just yards away from the beach," shares Taylor A. from Wildcat Campground.
Day rides on Tomales Bay: Equestrian visitors can arrange boat-accessible camping for a unique experience. "The pristine shores of the Western beaches of Tomales Bay await you. Primitive sites are unmarked, first come first serve, and accessible only by boating in," notes Tiffany F. about Coast Campground.
Volcano hiking with horses: For riders seeking different terrain, Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve offers unique landscapes. "San Francisco East Bay residents actually have a volcano in their backyard at Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve... The Sibley backpack camp is a small, primitive hike-in site for a maximum of 15 campers," explains Elliott B.
What campers like
Private ranches for horse camping: When seeking horse-friendly accommodations, private facilities fill the gap where public parks lack specific equestrian campsites. "Inside the Point Reyes National seashore, this is a hike in only campground. But has pit toilets, potable water. Groups sites also available. Sites have picnic tables and bear/critter lockers for food," reports Jason R. about Coast Campground.
Varied trail systems: The network of trails offers diverse options for day rides with horses. "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," notes Elliott B. about camping at Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve.
Coastal access points: Several access points around the peninsula provide entry for day rides. "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," mentions Elliott B.
What you should know
Horse trailer parking limitations: Most camping areas have restricted parking for large vehicles including horse trailers. "The road in is fairly winding with a bit of a drop down the cliff. If you're heading in at dusk or dawn, go slow. You will see deer stepping through the road," warns Ryan W. about visiting Anthony Chabot Regional Park.
Water availability for horses: Always confirm water sources for your horses before arrival. "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," advises Elliott B.
Permit requirements: Many areas require advance reservations or permits for overnight stays with horses. "Reservation must be completed at least 5 days in advance by calling 1-888-EBPARKS or 1-888-327-2757, press option 2," notes Elliott B. about regional parks.
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly day rides: For families with children, several local stables offer guided rides. "We had fun making a fire on the beach at night. It's pretty windy, so be prepared. Enough room for a big group of us and the remote location was perfect," shares Madelyn G. from Wildcat Campground.
Educational opportunities: Combine horse activities with nature education. "The Coast Trail is nice, but it wouldn't be my first choice for a basecamp in Point Reyes. We just spent one night on a three-day trip around the park, but it was great for that," explains Michael I.
Weather considerations: Coastal weather changes quickly, so pack accordingly. "During the day it actually got pretty hot at our campsite (#1), lots of exposure probably around low 70s. At night it did get chilly, 38-39 degrees F, nothing a good sleeping bag couldn't fix," reports Char A.
Tips from RVers
Nearby alternatives: Since horse camping with RVs is limited at Point Reyes, consider nearby facilities. "This campground is in the heart of Bodega Bay. There are many sites with various amounts of privacy. The sites include long paved driveways, tables, and fire pits in the sand," describes Haley C. from Bodega Dunes Campground.
Staging areas for day rides: Some parks offer parking areas suitable for temporary horse trailer parking. "Arrived after hours end of May on Thursday night. Selected non-reserved level paved site in 54-89 loop (close to bay)," shares Leonard H.
Hookup availability: When planning horse camping trips with RVs, confirm hookup options. "They 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," notes Shari G.
