Best Equestrian Camping near Salton City, CA
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Best Equestrian Sites Near Salton City, CA (16)
1. Cottonwood Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
Mecca, California25 Reviews•93 Photos•148 SavesOverview
Download the NPS app prior to visiting the park trail maps and more! Cottonwood Group Campground is one of the best places in Joshua Tree National Park for stargazing and wildflower viewing. The group campground is part of the main Cottonwood Campground and has three sites that are by reservation only. It is one of three group campgrounds in the park and the only campground that lies in the southern section. To get the most out of your visit Plan Like a Park Ranger Travelers who enjoy warm, dry winters flock to Joshua Tree from October through May, when temperatures reach between 70 to 90-degrees during the day and drop to 40 to 60-degrees at night. Summer is the park's off-season due to the uncomfortably high desert heat. Cottonwood Group Campground is at an elevation of 3,000 ft. and has little shade from vegetation; however, there are picnic shelters that provide shade at each site.
Recreation
Stargazing and wildflower viewing are among the most popular activities at this facility. Several hiking trails leave from the campground and several more trailheads are within a 1-2 hour drive.
Natural Features
The landscape around Cottonwood is that of the Colorado Desert, which encompasses the southern edge of the park and a large portion of Southern California. Rather than being surrounded by large rock formations and uniquely-shaped Joshua trees, like campgrounds in the northern section, this facility overlooks flat, open-desert shrubland. It is also further from towns or cities that would contribute light pollution. As a result, it offers wide, dark and uninterrupted views of the night sky that draw astronomers and amateur sky watchers alike. Cottonwood is at a lower elevation than other campgrounds within the park, so desert wildflowers begin to bloom earlier in the spring than in other locations. Flowering occurs anytime between the beginning of February to the end of March; timing varies depending on the amount of winter precipitation and the arrival of warm temperatures.
Nearby Attractions
The General Patton Memorial Museum, a U.S. military history museum, is just over 12 miles away in the town of Chiriaco.
Charges & Cancellations
Reservation Cancellations & Changes Cancelling a Reservation: Customers may cancel their reservation prior to arrival both on-line and through the call center. A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refund for a cancellation. Depending on when you cancel in relation to your arrival day, it may be considered a late cancellation (see below). Changing an Existing Reservation: When changes are made prior to the cut-off window: If a customer wants to switch dates that are entirely outside of the original reservation dates, there is a $10 change fee. There is no change fee if a customer extends or shortens a reservation, as long as the change includes dates from the original reservation. If they choose to depart early, they may forfeit the recreation fee for the day of departure. There is no change fee if the customer wants to switch sites that are the same price with the same reservation dates in the same facility. If a reservation is made that includes dates beyond the maximum booking window, that reservation cannot be changed until 18 days have passed from the original booking date. Late Cancellations or Cancellations within the Cut-off Window Group Facility : Customers who cancel a group overnight facility reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee. No-Shows Overnight Facilities: A no-show customer is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out (noon) time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time (noon) on the day following the arrival date. No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first nights recreation fee for a campsite. *Note: the entire reservation will be cancelled for no-shows.
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
$25 - $50 / night
2. El Prado Campground
Mount Laguna, California22 Reviews•92 Photos•243 SavesOverview
Laguna Campground is a great mountain getaway just one hour east of San Diego, California in the Laguna Mountain Recreation Area. Campers can enjoy cooler temperatures, unique natural areas and an extensive trail system at this mountain facility from summer through early fall.
Recreation
The Laguna Mountain Recreation Area is known for great horseback riding, mountain biking and hiking trails. Visitors can get their boots dusty on the Laguna Meadow Trail system or access a segment of the 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail, which runs from California to the State of Washington. Wildflowers are usually abundant in April and May on the Big Laguna Trail, which takes visitors past Big Laguna Lake. In wet years there is water in Big Laguna Lake by December or January and ducks and other birds can be found. The trail presents a number of options to the user. A return to the trailhead parking can be made by cutting through the Laguna Campground or by taking the Pacific Crest Trail north. Families can learn about the area's flora and fauna by attending educational programs at the facility's amphitheater. Or for history buffs, the El Prado Cabin located at nearby El Prado Campground, is the first ranger cabin built in the Cleveland National Forest in 1911. The San Diego State University Observatory also sponsors "Star Parties" for campers most Saturday evenings during the summer (schedule can be obtained at the nearby visitor center or by calling 619-473-8547).
Natural Features
The campground sits at an elevation of 6,000 ft. in the Laguna Mountains. It is forested with pines and oaks that provide plenty of shade, in addition to a meadow. The area is home to many species of birds, as well as the endangered Laguna Skipper butterfly. Little Laguna lake is located just a short distance from the campground and is an excellent hiking destination for photographers and visitors looking to explore the area.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- RVs
- Tents
$35 / night
3. Lake Cahuilla
La Quinta, California10 Reviews•26 Photos•103 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
4. Fountain of Youth Spa RV Resort
Niland, California4 Reviews•5 Photos•31 Saves- Pets
- Electric Hookups
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- RVs
- Group
$30 - $213 / night
5. Paso Picacho Campground — Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
Descanso, California23 Reviews•43 Photos•401 SavesThe beautiful park offers camping and hiking in an oak woodland forest, with a sprinkling of pines and lovely meadows with creeks. There are over 100 miles of trails which accommodate hikers, bikers, and equestrians. The two family camps, Paso Picacho and Green Valley, are open and on the reservation system spring through fall. Green Valley sits at an elevation of 4,000 feet and has a creek which runs through the middle of the campground. The day use area offers sets of cascades and shallow pools, great for water play on hot days. Green Valley has 81 campsites.
Paso Picacho, 5 miles north, sits at an elevation of 5,000 feet. The most popular hikes start from this camp, including the 2 mile hike up Stonewall Peak (elevation 5,700 feet), and the 3.5 mile hike up Cuyamaca Peak (elevation 6,512 feet), both which offer breathtaking views of the deserts to the east, the coast to the west, and Lake Cuyamaca at the bottom. Lake Cuyamaca, operated by the Helix Water District, is two miles north of Paso Picacho and offers boating and fishing. Paso Picacho campground has 85 campsites.
Each campsite has a picnic table and a fire ring. Restrooms with flush toilets and pay showers are in the campground. Water faucets a located every few campsites. There are no hookups. Each campground has a dump station. Firewood and ice may be purchased at the camps. Interpretive programs are offered during the summer season. Campsites are $30 per night. Reservations are necessary for weekends April through October. The camping fee includes one motorized vehicle. Extra vehicles are $10 per night. There is a limit of 8 persons per campsite. Dogs are allowed but are restricted to the campgrounds, picnic areas, and paved roads and Cuyamaca Peak Fire Road. They may not be left unattended.
Environmental backpack in or horseback ride in camps are also available. Granite Springs and Arroyo Seco Environmental camps are open on first come, first serve. Both have chemical toilets, non-potable water, corrals and tent sites.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- RVs
$40 - $250 / night
6. Ryan Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
Twentynine Palms, California30 Reviews•196 Photos•436 SavesOverview
Download the NPS app prior to visiting the park trail maps and more! Ryan Campground lies amid the huge, steep rock formations for which Joshua Tree National Park is known. In close proximity to many boulders and rock formations, it is a popular camping location for families with kids. Ryan Campground is one of four campgrounds in the park that requires reservations year-round. To get the most out of your visit Plan Like a Park Ranger Travelers who enjoy warm, dry winters flock to Joshua Tree from October through May, when temperatures hover between 70-90 degrees during the day and drop to a 40-60 degree range at night. Summer is the park's off-season due to the uncomfortably-high desert heat. Ryan is at an elevation around 4,400 feet.
Recreation
Several hiking trails also leave from the campground. There are plenty of rocks and Ryan Mountain to explore outside the facility. Clear desert skies are perfect for star-gazing.
Natural Features
Campsites are nestled on a flat, sandy surface between large boulders that tower in unique shapes over the campground and rise up from the otherwise uniform desert landscape. The rocks were formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago and have been exposed and shaped by wind and water over time. They brighten with soft pastel hues during the morning and evening sunlight and low with campfire light by night. Visitors may want to keep their eyes out for typical desert inhabitants such as lizards, rattlesnakes, scorpions, ravens, squirrels and desert tarantulas during the cooler months of the year. Bobcats and mountain lions do live in the park, however they are rarely seen near humans.
Nearby Attractions
Cape Rock, Ryan Mountain, and Hidden Valley
Charges & Cancellations
Reservation Cancellations & Changes Cancelling a Reservation: Customers may cancel their reservation prior to arrival both on-line and through the call center. A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refund for a cancellation. Depending on when you cancel in relation to your arrival day, it may be considered a late cancellation (see below). Changing an Existing Reservation: When changes are made prior to the cut-off window: If a customer wants to switch dates that are entirely outside of the original reservation dates, there is a $10 change fee. There is no change fee if a customer extends or shortens a reservation, as long as the change includes dates from the original reservation. If they choose to depart early, they may forfeit the recreation fee for the day of departure. There is no change fee if the customer wants to switch sites that are the same price with the same reservation dates in the same facility. If a reservation is made that includes dates beyond the maximum booking window, that reservation cannot be changed until 18 days have passed from the original booking date. Late Cancellations or Cancellations within the Cut-off Window Individual Campsites: A customer who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee (not to exceed the total paid for the original reservation). Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee. Changes or Cancellations within the Cut-off Window: Once a reservation date has begun, customers cannot change a reservation using the online system or through the Call Center (see below for early departures). If the location is staffed, on-site personnel may or may not be able to assist with changes or cancellations (check with local staff). No-Shows Overnight Facilities: A no-show customer is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out (noon) time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time (noon) on the day following the arrival date. No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first nights recreation fee for a campsite. *Note: the entire reservation will be cancelled for no-shows.
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
$20 / night
7. Green Valley Campground — Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
Descanso, California16 Reviews•35 Photos•415 SavesGreen Valley sits at an elevation of 4,000 feet and has a creek which runs through the middle of the campground. The day use area offers sets of cascades and shallow pools, great for water play on hot days. Cuyamaca camping has 81 campsites. Each campsite has a picnic table and a fire ring. Restrooms with flush toilets and pay showers are in the campground. Water faucets a located every few campsites. There are no hookups. Each campground has a dump station. Firewood and ice may be purchased at the camps. Interpretive programs are offered during the summer season.
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- RVs
- Tents
$40 / night
8. KQ Ranch Resort
Julian, California9 Reviews•17 Photos•25 Saves- Pets
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- RVs
9. Vallecito County Park
Mount Laguna, California3 Reviews•8 Photos•60 Savesreservations required
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
10. Stagecoach Trails Resort
Julian, California2 Reviews•27 Photos•78 SavesYou will love this serene campground only 25 minutes from the quaint mining town of Julian CA. Set in a high desert (2400 ft) valley surrounded by Mountains adjacent to Anza Borrego State park with its hundreds of miles of vehicle, mountain bike and foot trails. There is fishing 30 minutes away at Lake Cuyamaca, Golf in Borrego Springs and lots of nearby exploring and hiking.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$39 - $640 / night
Recent Equestrian Reviews in Salton City
160 Reviews of 16 Salton City Campgrounds
Karen D.
Traveler
Ryan Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
Beautiful and quiet
We stayed two nights here in a campervan. It's a really great location to explore the park. The rocks give some good shade. Space #9 was shady in the mornings. The toilets were fine. It was really quiet, they're were a few other campers mostly in tents. No sign of any rattlesnakes or other critters either. Except loads of cute squirrels, and some mice and lizards.
- Beth W.Traveler
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.
Scott K.
Guide
Cottonwood Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
Nice but could be better.
We got a bit unlucky with rain, but would stay on the north side of the park if we did it again. South side doesn’t have as much going for it comparatively. Neighbors were loud.
Robert G.GuideCottonwood Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
Mind bender
No internet or cellphone capability unless you drive back near I-10.
Jennifer H.
LegendRyan Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
Nicely spaced sites
Ryan campground was a little further out from the middle of everything. Rocks were still present but not as large as at jumbo or sheep’s pass. Great collection of sites. Any would be good - some really fun ones tucked in the rocks. Pit toilets clean and serviced regularly. Plenty of garbage and recycling containers. Fire pits, bbq and nice picnic tables at each site.
- Jennifer H.Legend
Belle Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
Nice location in the park
Love the rock formations within the campground and proximity to hiking from the campground. Pit toilets, garbage and recycling available. Fire pits, bbq’s and picnic tables at every site. Roads were passable - there’s a chunk of the road missing near the entrance but it gets a lot better back by the sites.
- Bryan S.Guide
Lake Cahuilla
Excellent
Might be my favorite campground ever. Very quiet, we were here midweek before Christmas. Very dark at night which was so great. Little lake for fishing, we didn’t catch anything. Very little traffic. Huge sites. Most sites are dry or water/ electric only no sewer but there is a dump station. Staff was very friendly and helpful. Camp is a good distance from any stores. Target was about 15 minutes.
- sseth B.Guide
Ryan Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
PRETTY GOOD
Decent layouts on the ground Every spot is open to wind but none the less ! Very peaceful spot. Must reserve!!
- CChristy G.Guide
El Prado Campground
Peaceful and well maintained grounds
Me and my husband camped here for about five days we are in spot 42 lots of room back in plus pull in spots full hook ups has paddle boats fishing and spots to walk your dog
Raquel L.
Scout
Paso Picacho Campground — Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
Stolen Campsite
My family and I take a yearly camping trip and this is one of the sites that we regularly come to. We are a big group of 19 and find this place very comfortable and enjoy the trails. However, we will not be returning! A squatter had hijacked one of our reserved spots and the rangers have done nothing but give is the run around. They just allowed her to stay in our reserved spot the entire stay. The rangers just kept making excuses for the squatter. What was supposed to be a carefree week turned to a stressful and cramped week. They do not care about the campers and it clearly shows.
- PPeter K.Scout
Green Valley Campground — Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
Chill camping spot
G-29 was a nice spot, and there is a lot to do and see in the surrounding area. Restrooms and facilities are clean, but there is no soap.
We visited post July 4th, so it was pretty quiet for the most part. Largest downside is the campsite is already warm by 8:30am, and hot by about 10.
Firewood is $8 from the camp host but we had trouble finding them our first night and had to drive an hour back and forth to Julian for wood.
- SSusan Y.Guide
Ryan Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
Nice camground to explore Joshua Tree National Park
We stayed at campsite #9 for 1 night (5/18/23 - 5/19/23). We had a wonderful stay. The campsite is spacious. The vault toulet is clean. If you gonna stay in this campsite, be cautious of rattlesnakes! One showed up right next to our tent at 7:45am. Other nearby campers told us they saw it at this campsite the day before as well. Maybe this is its home. Scorpions are also spotted by other campers in this campground. See attached photos and videos. Stay safe during camping!
- CChristopher M.Scout
Boulder Oaks Eqst
Hiking and equestrian hub
Campsites are clean, and most that I see have shade. Fire rings and tables on each site, T-Mobile signal, and supplies are a 30 min round trip if you forgot something. The Ranger was extremely friendly, and I appreciated our chat.
Matt S.ScoutRyan Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
Small scale Joshua Tree experience
We really liked Ryan campground. The camp sites are private feeling, and spaced far enough apart. It's smaller than Jumbo Rocks; there aren't as many, um, rocks-- but there were enough to keep our 9 year old climbin' and happy. The camp host was really nice, and the campground was super clean. And of course Joshua Tree park is epic!
- NNameScout
Fountain of Youth Spa RV Resort
In the desert - a fountain
Nice people, mainly for during the winter here.
SPA and pool is nice - but no fire allowed. We took the cheapest side for 39. But they also have some with a table and more atmosphere.
dirt camp is 30.
- Shainna M.Guide
KQ Ranch Resort
Could use updates
Older park, sites gravel and not level. Bathrooms/laundry need updates/repair. Pool and hot tub. Accommodation based on sales pitch to join as a member.
Khadijah A.TravelerKQ Ranch Resort
Good camping, offers 3 days free
Nice campground great activities for kids laundry on site Jacuzzi pool fishing for RV hook Up. Over 40 cabins available. 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
- KKellieGuide
Lake Cahuilla
Enjoyable
We were in site #3. Sites are W/E only. Dump station on site. The park has a campground feel, with a bit more space between spots than mist rv parks. Sites are gravel and easy to get into. Bathrooms are decent. 3 stalks and two showers. Many people were fishing. Our site backed up the the road through the campground and cars traveled well above the 15 mph limit and starting going by before 6 am. The nights were dark and quiet, no street lights! Always a plus for us! The weekend was busy, but still quiet at night.
HandL C.
RangerCottonwood Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
Best spot for visiting Joshua Tree
Cottonwood Campground is an excellent home base for exploring Joshua Tree NP. There are hiking trails right out of the campground, and easy trails from trailheads within a short drive. You pass the visitor's center on the way in. Sites are narrow and short and unlevel, but you are surrounded by Sonoran desert. Great dark skies! Great scenic drives! Great sunsets!
Jonathan D.TravelerCottonwood Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
Beautiful landscape, so quiet.
Beautiful campsite. No Joshua Trees on this side of the park, but beautiful sunrise and sunset views. Sites are a bit narrow for big rigs with slides, but we made it happen with our class A super slide.
Stephanie M.GuideEl Prado Campground
San Diego Hidden Gem
We absolutely loved staying at this campsite that was tucked away in the San Diego mountains. There is so many trials to hike. A little local downtown that had a great BBQ spot! Our site was shaded which was great while staying over the summer. The lake isnt really a lake given the high temps was more of a pond. But it was nice to walk out across the meadow.
Randall G.GuideRyan Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
Great campground but be ready to hear neighbors
This place is perfect for Families because it’s likely neighbors will have kids as it’s a popular spot to rock scramble. Noise Carrie’s across the campground off the rocks and that’s just a fact. One thing is to get there as early as you can for checking in as the place is known to have squatters try and poach sites. Not fun to get there at night and have someone in your reserved spot. NPS needs to police this way better. Be prepared for cold nights, no cell service and it’s a great experience.
Laura M.LegendLake Cahuilla
Bare bones
Nice campground with a variety of sites to choose from. Primitive sites are $25 and are first come first serve only. Partial hookups were $30 I think, and FHU were $40 if I remember right. Equestrian sites are partial hookup and are $35. There is a dump station on site for all campers to use. I forgot to ask if you could also fill your tanks with water if you're staying in a primitive site.
Online reservation fee is $8 but you don't have to pay that if you show up and pay on site.
They do take Passport America but only Monday, Tues, Wednesday.
There was cell service at this campground. There is no greenery here and no division between sites.
An Iron Man takes place here which would be neat to see if you're able to get a spot when it's taking place.
- Grace M.Guide
Green Valley Campground — Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
Great family campground
Close to Julian, CA about 10-15 minutes. We camped during Veteran’s day weekend. The terrain of the campground is ideal for kids. Trees, hills, and large rocks for the kids to climb on. The sites we had #59 and #61 were located on a slight hill. The tent pad sites were slightly slanted. The bathrooms were super clean especially during a holiday weekend. The Green Valley falls trail is located in the campground and it’s super kid friendly.
- VVanessa P.Traveler
KQ Ranch Resort
Ehhh
Made us pack up and leave after one day because our member was offsite for a doctors appointment
Ricky S.GuideLake Cahuilla
Great when the weather is
Nice resource to have a lake and campground in the Coachella Valley. Overall a nice stay when not too hot. Historically no one in my family has been able to catch a fish there but fun to do at night if camping there
- Stephanie M.Guide
Ryan Campground — Joshua Tree National Park
Desert oasis
This camp site was tucked in the back, 12 miles from Joshua Tree park entrance. This site was on the side of the rocks that provided shade for more than 12 hours in the day. There were fit pits, charcoal bbq, and picnic table. Hiking trails in all directions with directional signs and mileage. We went in July so it was really hot but we brought an easy up, ice chest with ice and a water jug. There were restrooms but no running water. There are a ton of animals; we saw coyote, squirrels, crows, and buuugs so bring bug spray and keep your food locked up!
Guide to Salton City
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 set up camp and ride the scenic trails.
Campers appreciate these amenities for horses
- The Ribbonwood Equestrian Campground provides a welcoming environment with drinking water and picnic tables, making it a great choice for horse camping.
- At Cottonwood Campground — Joshua Tree National Park, visitors can enjoy the beauty of the Sonoran desert while having access to horse-friendly trails right from the campground.
- Vallecito County Park features spacious sites and is known for its historical significance, making it a unique spot for equestrian camping.
Tips for equestrian camping near Salton City, California
- When visiting Stagecoach Trails Resort, take advantage of the spacious sites that accommodate larger trailers and horses, ensuring a comfortable stay.
- The Fountain of Youth Spa RV Resort allows pets and offers amenities like electric hookups, making it a convenient option for horse campers.
- For those looking for a quieter experience, Lake Cahuilla provides a serene environment with ample space for horses and nearby fishing opportunities.
Most campgrounds have horse-focused amenities like trails and water access
- Paso Picacho Campground — Cuyamaca Rancho State Park is well-reviewed for its proximity to hiking trails and natural beauty, perfect for equestrian adventures.
- The KQ Ranch Resort offers a variety of activities for families and horses, making it a fun destination for all.
- Horse Heaven Group Campground is designed specifically for horse camping, providing essential amenities and access to trails for a memorable experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Salton City, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Salton City, CA is Cottonwood Campground — Joshua Tree National Park with a 4.5-star rating from 25 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Salton City, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 16 equestrian camping locations near Salton City, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.