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Best Equestrian Camping near Ranchita, CA

216 Reviews

Several horse-friendly camping options are available near Ranchita, California. Stagecoach Trails Resort provides camping with spacious sites accommodating large horse trailers. The resort features clean bathroom facilities and offers a secluded location with quiet surroundings. Sites include fire rings, picnic tables, and full hookups for RVs. The campground maintains trash collection services and allows pets alongside horses. Regular campers note the resort's peaceful atmosphere makes it ideal for those seeking a quiet getaway with their horses.

Located approximately 20 minutes from Julian, the campground connects to multiple riding trails that extend through the surrounding desert landscape. Trail access points begin directly from the camping areas, allowing riders to set out without trailering. Water is available for horses at designated stations throughout the property. The Great Southern Overland Stage Route offers additional riding opportunities nearby. Campers should be aware that summer temperatures can be extreme, making spring and fall the optimal seasons for equestrian camping in this region. Winter visits provide comfortable daytime temperatures for riding. The area's varied terrain supports both beginner and experienced riders with options ranging from easy desert trails to more challenging mountain paths.

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Best Equestrian Sites Near Ranchita, California (23)

    1. Paso Picacho Campground — Cuyamaca Rancho State Park

    23 Reviews
    Descanso, CA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 765-3023

    $40 - $250 / night

    "The only downside to this site is that it was very close to the bathrooms. That actually bummed me out a bit when we first arrived, but it ended up not being much of an issue at all."

    "The trash cans were just a few feet from the site and the bathrooms were a short walk just a couple spots away."

    2. KQ Ranch Resort

    9 Reviews
    Julian, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 765-2771

    "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"

    "Great location and beautiful scenery in the mountains. The resort has lost of activities to participate in. Also, great hiking trails."

    3. El Prado Campground

    22 Reviews
    Mount Laguna, CA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (619) 473-2082

    $35 / night

    "This is the closest campground to the lakes. Just a couple steps away from the beautiful meadow it overlooks. Lots of trees for hammocking!!"

    "It is a big, big campground that is wooded and adjacent a large meadow, recreational area and lake (when not dried out, drought sucks)."

    4. Green Valley Campground — Cuyamaca Rancho State Park

    16 Reviews
    Descanso, CA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 465-3020

    $40 / night

    "Headed back to the ranger and they gave us an open disabled spot (we have a placard) in the horse camp. It was AMAZING. Large flat pad that had the sweet water river right behind."

    "While both have their positives, I personally love this one for its close proximity to the waterfalls that are a short trail from the campsites."

    5. Stagecoach Trails Resort

    2 Reviews
    Julian, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 765-3765

    $45 - $640 / night

    "Beautiful location, secluded, lots of space to get a big trailer in. It's off the beaten path, staying here for a few days, really like it!"

    "Had alot to offer at this location."

    6. Vallecito County Park

    3 Reviews
    Mount Laguna, CA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 765-1188

    "There are two halves, one for RV’s, horses, and a few tent sites and the other half is all tents. In the center are the restrooms/showers, a few parking spots, and camp host’s RV."

    "Around the Stagecoach building there is poster telling you of the history of the area. There's also a small cemetery. There's water but no power hookups. The bathrooms are clean."

    7. Thousand Trails Oakzanita Springs

    6 Reviews
    Guatay, CA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "The entrance is a hair-pin turn (from the south) and you'll need to go a little further north to turn around."

    "The drive getting here is wicked, if you’ve never been here before. In my scooter club, the San Diego Pharaohs, we’ve ridden up here in the mountains plenty, so I knew what I was in for."

    8. Dripping Springs Campground

    15 Reviews
    Aguanga, CA
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 788-0250

    $25 - $50 / night

    "well ran, all sites were marked open or reserved with the arrival and departure date on it, bathrooms are the cleanest vault toilets we have ever seen (and we camp all over), there is a fire station located"

    "Equestrian sites up the hill. Saw a few rabbits and lizards, not too loud, it’s peaceful and good distance between some sites."

    9. Lake Cahuilla

    12 Reviews
    La Quinta, CA
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 564-4712

    "Equestrian sites are partial hookup and are $35. There is a dump station on site for all campers to use."

    "Lake Cahuilla has a lot to offer, including a playground, lake for fishing only (no swimming), and a pool that was closed while we were there, and somewhat spacious sites."

    10. Lake Skinner Recreation Area

    25 Reviews
    Temecula, CA
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (951) 926-1541

    $25 - $45 / night

    "This is a great family campground right around the corner from Temecula, Murrietta, and Menifee."

    "The charge $10 per person per day to fish in their Lake. And you can’t swim or let the kids play in the lake because it’s a reservoir."

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Ranchita, CA

5 Photos of 23 Ranchita Campgrounds

Equestrian Camping Reviews near Ranchita, CA

216 Reviews of 23 Ranchita Campgrounds

  • K
    Sep. 27, 2022

    Dripping Springs Campground

    Very relaxing

    I was so excited to check this campground out. When my hubby and I arrived we automatically were happy. The campground was very clean, well ran, all sites were marked open or reserved with the arrival and departure date on it, bathrooms are the cleanest vault toilets we have ever seen (and we camp all over), there is a fire station located close to the campground which was good to know in case of fires. The host is very nice and helpful. If you have any questions or concerns he is happy to help! There is running water for dishes and campfires as well as horse corrals for your horse. Pull through sites for trailers. Everyone that was staying on the equestrian loop was amazing. Site 31 did have a problem with ants.

  • B
    Jul. 8, 2017

    Sweetwater Summit Regional Park

    Good urban Experience

    This is a San Diego County Park/Campground. It offers everything from tent/car camping to full hook-up for large RVs. The campground also has some nice amenities: good trail system, a splash pad (open in spring and summer months), a playground, some areas to have a group picnic, even a large event room. There are about 60 camping spaces, mostly partial hook-ups (electricity and water) and a few full hook-ups (electricity, water, and sewer) in the original campground. These sites, 1-60 offer a bit more shade than the newer campsites which are all full hook-up. The newer sites (61 and higher) are on a hill and offer some good views of Bonita Valley. 61 and higher all are all full hook-ups - but you can put a tent on 'em.

    The campground is freeway close and only a few miles away from grocery stores and restaurants.

    This campground has a nice feel. It is a good place to unwind and enjoy a campfire and the whole camping experience. Good place for kids. There are several campsites with horse stalls for the equestrian campers.

    Sweetwater is perched near a Freeway/Toll Road (not a terribly busy one) and it is under the San Diego Airport glide path for incoming flights. So yeah, a little more city than some other campgrounds.

    At this time sites cost between $26 and $36 (?) per night. That gets yo one motor vehicle. Additional vehicles are $4 per night. There is a $1 pet fee, per pet.

    http://www.sdparks.org/content/sdparks/en/park-pages/SweetwaterSummit.html

  • MomentoMori C.
    Nov. 30, 2020

    Sweet Oaks Winery - Temporarily Closed

    Great camping for newbies

    Sweet Oaks winery campgrounds has 16 sites available for both tent camping and RV’s (no hook-ups). It’s pretty close to grocery stores and big box stores just in case you forgot some gear/supplies. They have a beautiful well-kept property with super-clean restrooms (no showers). They do have a water hose for you to fill up your tanks or Jerry cans. They didn’t allow campfires due to high fire danger though. You’ll have to bring your own fire pit setup if they ever allow them in the future. It was a beautiful walk around the vineyards but there are also hiking trails nearby. It’s off a road suitable for road bikes but there are also mountain bike trails nearby. They have equestrian activities also available for guests. We were able to get our tin top Eurovan to fit on one of their tent sites which offered a beautiful view of Temecula valley. The wine tasting room was closed due to the pandemic but you can order wine online and they will deliver to your site. One more thing, we counted about 8 hot air balloons as we had breakfast!

  • Beth W.
    May. 7, 2024

    Boulder Oaks Eqst

    Beautiful and quiet

    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.

  • n
    Jun. 4, 2021

    Green Valley Campground — Cuyamaca Rancho State Park

    Horse camp blessing

    Was able to score a site that fit our 28’ trailer- joke was on us... there was NO way it could’ve worked, not to mention there was not a single other trailer, only tents. Headed back to the ranger and they gave us an open disabled spot (we have a placard) in the horse camp. It was AMAZING. Large flat pad that had the sweet water river right behind. Lots of area for the kids to play and ride bikes on the paved loop around the sites. The walk to the waterfall “hike” was manageable and another day we hiked to the airplane monument (don’t get your hopes up lol) and that was a solid moderate hike. Also drove out to hike to stonewall mine Beautiful weather and the falls were super fun to see, and splash in the top most parts (take a left at the split in the trail just at the bottom of the dirt little hill from the entrance)

  • Dad & B R.
    Jun. 23, 2019

    Dripping Springs Campground

    Great hiking

    Make sure to reserve, spots fill up in the summer. Awesome hike and great campfire, camp host was nice and helpful. Site number 8 is great, also 7 (double site) and 29. Equestrian sites up the hill. Saw a few rabbits and lizards, not too loud, it’s peaceful and good distance between some sites. Heads up, site 3 is so small that I genuinely don’t know how anyone ever uses it. Even a one man tent would have to squeeze in. Most other sites have plenty of room though. Had a good time here. FYI: You can get firewood at Vail Lake RV Resort, right at the gate. $8 a bundle. Camp host let us know when we got in to Dripping Springs that some people had problems finding firewood. Another tip is to gather some kindling from the trails.

  • K
    May. 21, 2018

    Green Valley Campground — Cuyamaca Rancho State Park

    Close and Perfect for Weekends

    This is my favorite out of the two campgrounds in the Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. While both have their positives, I personally love this one for its close proximity to the waterfalls that are a short trail from the campsites. Depending on what campsite you are in, you can walk to the trail and down to the falls which are perfect for swimming around when it is hot outside. I love this campground for a quick weekend getaway from San Diego that has minimal preparation. Every site is a drive up site, most have shade and there are plenty of bathrooms. Most sites also have a fire ring and picnic table to use as well. A perfect, lower cost campsite that is great for families and people who want an easy camping experience with some water involved!

  • Roger W.
    Oct. 10, 2018

    Dripping Springs Campground

    Quick Get Away

    Good location to get out of Temecula for a quiet night. There is hiking and horse trails, but no other draw. The downside is the standard Forest Service pit toilets.

  • Jessica M.
    Sep. 27, 2019

    Dripping Springs Campground

    Great

    First time tent campers. We reserved spot #8. This site was large, flat, had nice shade from large trees, but also offered lots of sunshine. It really was one if the biggest and, to me, best sites, compared to others there. One of the water faucets with potable water was on the outskirts of our space, not at all bothersome. The toilets and dumpster were conveniently close, but not too close to be noticed. The campground was easy to find, and kept very clean. The camp host came by on his cart with his dog to make sure we had everything we needed. We brought our own wood in for the fire. The location here is great, because it is located away from the hustle and bustle of the city, but easy and close to get back in. We arrived on a Friday, enjoyed some wineries on Saturday, and went home Sunday. There is a popular trailhead inside the campground. I will definitely come back.

Guide to Ranchita

Horse camping in California offers a unique opportunity to explore the great outdoors while enjoying the company of your equine friends. With a variety of campgrounds catering to horse enthusiasts, you can find the perfect spot to saddle up and hit the trails.

Equestrian campgrounds include essential amenities for horse owners

Campers appreciate these amenities for horses

  • El Prado Campground is located in Cleveland National Forest and welcomes horses, providing a peaceful setting for riders and their mounts.
  • Thousand Trails Oakzanita Springs features horse-friendly accommodations and access to beautiful trails in the San Diego Mountains.
  • Vallecito County Park is a well-reviewed spot that allows horses and offers a historical backdrop for your camping adventure.

Most campgrounds have horse-friendly activities and trails

  • KQ Ranch Resort provides a variety of activities for families, including horseback riding opportunities in a family-friendly environment.
  • Stagecoach Trails Resort offers spacious sites and access to trails, making it an ideal location for horse camping enthusiasts.
  • Hideout Mountain Campground features trails that are perfect for horseback riding, allowing you to explore the stunning landscapes of California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Ranchita, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Ranchita, CA is Paso Picacho Campground — Cuyamaca Rancho State Park with a 4.3-star rating from 23 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Ranchita, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 23 equestrian camping locations near Ranchita, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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