O'Neill Regional Park provides equestrian camping 20-30 minutes from Irvine in Trabuco Canyon. The park's trail system connects with surrounding wilderness areas and accommodates both beginner and experienced riders. Located in the foothills of the Santa Ana Mountains, the park sits at approximately 600 feet elevation and consists of over 4,500 acres of oak woodland and chaparral-covered slopes. The campground remains accessible year-round with both equestrian and non-equestrian camping options available.
What to do
Explore local hiking trails: O'Neill Regional Park features multiple hiking options beyond horseback riding. One notable trail is the "Story Trail" which changes monthly. As Johnny G. notes, "The hike features a new book every month, each page is mounted to a placard along the trail," making it ideal for families with children.
Mountain biking on connecting trails: Caspers Wilderness Park offers excellent mountain biking opportunities with connections to O'Neill. "There are a number of hiking trails around that range from a 1 to 12 miles. On Saturdays there's a nature walk," explains Berton M., highlighting the variety of trail lengths available.
Visit nearby attractions: Dripping Springs Campground provides access to both natural areas and local establishments. One camper mentions, "The location is also excellent if you wanted to camp and also your the local wineries of the Temecula valley," making it a convenient base for exploring the region's offerings.
What campers like
Urban escape feeling: Despite being close to residential areas, campers appreciate O'Neill's secluded atmosphere. "ONeil is a great little park that's tucked away among the urban sprawl of Orange County. Once in the park you feel like you're far out in the wilderness," shares Berton M.
Clean, well-maintained facilities: Lake Skinner Recreation Area receives praise for its upkeep. "Park is beautifully landscaped with trees and lush grass. We had a great time exploring the lake and hiking, well worth visiting," notes one reviewer, reflecting the attention to grounds maintenance that campers value.
Accessibility from urban areas: The proximity to major cities while feeling remote appeals to many. "Weekends fill up fast since it's a small drive from the hustle and bustle of Orange county life. It's a fun place to escape and feel a little more 'wild...'," explains Brandice S., highlighting the convenience for local residents seeking quick getaways.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds near Rancho Santa Margarita require advance booking, especially on weekends. At Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park, "Part of OC Parks so getting a campsite is relatively easy compared to other online booking systems like ReserveAmerica. We're usually able to book a site 2 weeks before we decide to go."
Potential for road noise: Some campgrounds experience traffic sounds despite their natural settings. Janet S. notes about O'Neill: "The campground is beautiful, the drive can be a bit weird since it is all commercial and residential. there is literally a Starbucks 3 minutes from camp."
Variable weather conditions: The area experiences hot summers and mild winters. For horse campgrounds near Rancho Santa Margarita, Kelly E. advises about Dripping Springs: "It can be really hot in late summer early fall. It's not far from town, yet very isolated. They often have no burn times, these are dependent on the winds."
Tips for camping with families
Look for kid-friendly amenities: Family-oriented campgrounds offer specific features for children. Johnny G. rates O'Neill highly: "If you're camping with kids, it doesn't get much better than this! We stayed at campsite #58 which we felt was very large are private. Will definitely come back."
Consider sites with playgrounds: Rancho Jurupa RV Park offers recreational options for kids. "Great park. It may not seem nice when you are passing through town to get in, but once you enter the gates it's beautiful... great place to camp in groups," explains Paul C.
Plan for wildlife education: Equestrian camping facilities near Rancho Santa Margarita often provide wildlife viewing opportunities. At Lake Perris, one camper notes, "There is a cool museum were the amazing staff provided us with interesting history about the lake and Indian tribes. Such a fun and peaceful place to hangout at!"
Tips from RVers
Check hookup availability: Equestrian campgrounds vary in their RV accommodations. James shares about Caspers Wilderness Park: "Lovely campsite with all sites on 30a + water spigot. Rangers at entrance to check for pets (not allowed) and where you can buy bundles of wood for $5 if you want."
Site positioning matters: At O'Neill Regional Park, James advises: "Very well maintained campgrounds with quality facilities located throughout. $20 a night, they have water spigots shared between campsites (if you bring a 'y' you can stay connected, otherwise fill tanks and disconnect)."
Consider site privacy: Launch Pointe Recreation Destination and RV Park offers well-designed sites. Bryan H. notes, "The spots are relatively tight. We reserved a spot for a rig with slide outs on both sides to accommodate our 39'er but it took some creative parking to get the rig into the spot in a way that we could actually open both sides."
