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Best Equestrian Camping near Coolidge Springs, CA

138 Reviews

Ribbonwood Equestrian Campground provides specialized camping facilities for horse owners near Coolidge Springs. Located in Idyllwild, California, this campground features drinking water, picnic tables, and toilet facilities in a setting designed specifically for equestrian use. The campground maintains access to multiple riding trails in the San Bernardino National Forest, allowing riders to explore the surrounding mountain terrain. Sites accommodate RVs with water hookups available, though the campground is not suitable for big rigs. Equestrians appreciate the well-maintained grounds and access to wilderness trails right from their campsites. The drive-in and walk-in access options provide flexibility for different transportation needs. The campground earns consistently high ratings from visitors who value its quiet atmosphere and trail connectivity.

The surrounding trail system connects riders to several notable destinations within the San Jacinto Mountains. Horse owners find accessible water sources along most trails, with natural streams available seasonally. The campground requires reservations for equestrian sites, with alcohol permitted but fires restricted to designated rings. Clean bathroom facilities and trash removal services enhance the camping experience. Trail riders frequently encounter wildlife along the paths, adding to the natural experience. Located approximately 30 miles from Coolidge Springs, the campground provides a cooler mountain retreat from the desert heat. The proximity to other recreational areas makes it possible to plan multi-day riding excursions, with prepared riders bringing appropriate feed storage containers as no on-site feed supplies are available.

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Best Equestrian Sites Near Coolidge Springs, California (15)

    1. Lake Cahuilla

    12 Reviews
    La Quinta, CA
    21 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."

    2. Fountain of Youth Spa RV Resort

    4 Reviews
    Niland, CA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 354-1340

    $30 - $213 / night

    3. Ryan Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

    30 Reviews
    Twentynine Palms, CA
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 367-5554

    $30 / night

    "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."

    "Short drive to most of the popular sights / trails in Joshua Tree

    Cons: Some sites are pretty close to each other, can feel crowded.

            "

    4. El Prado Campground

    22 Reviews
    Mount Laguna, CA
    42 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)."

    5. Paso Picacho Campground — Cuyamaca Rancho State Park

    23 Reviews
    Descanso, CA
    43 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."

    6. Ribbonwood Equestrian Campground

    1 Review
    Indian Wells, CA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 862-9984

    $15 / night

    "Good campsite, has the coolest hike trails, and the nights are really beautiful. It was so much fun and I would definitely come back Id just need more blankets because the nights are beyond cold."

    7. Green Valley Campground — Cuyamaca Rancho State Park

    16 Reviews
    Descanso, CA
    46 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."

    8. KQ Ranch Resort

    9 Reviews
    Julian, CA
    38 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."

    9. Stagecoach Trails Resort

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

    $45 - $9999 / 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."

    10. Vallecito County Park

    3 Reviews
    Mount Laguna, CA
    34 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."

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Coolidge Springs, CA

1 Photos of 15 Coolidge Springs Campgrounds

Equestrian Camping Reviews near Coolidge Springs, CA

138 Reviews of 15 Coolidge Springs Campgrounds

  • 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)

  • 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!

  • Eric D.
    Nov. 13, 2019

    Vallecito County Park

    Small family oriented campground

    My wife and our two dogs (small chi mixes) stayed at this campground over Veterans Day weekend. 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. The sites are pretty small and very close together but even on a busy holiday weekend where nearby Agua Caliente was full, here were plenty of sites available. Camp host was very active driving around welcoming everybody and was helpful with any questions you might have. Tons of coyotes! They’re tricky and smart, so stay sharp at night on walks with furry ones.

    There are fire rings and tables at every site with water sources every few sites. The stage coach station is a historical landmark and sits in the center near the facilities. Pretty cool small cemetery and children’s playground available as well. It was definitely a safe, accessible, and incredibly clean campground. Lots of flies between late morning/afternoon but I’m sure citronella and a cooler period would have solved that problem. We would stay again!

  • P
    Sep. 29, 2020

    McCall Equestrian Park

    Wonderful view, horse campsite

    This is listed as horse campsite, but there’s few tent sites available. Not crowded and winds from mountains keep area cooled.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 22, 2022

    Lake 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.

  • Luis N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 19, 2020

    El Prado Campground

    My favorite campground!!

    This campground provides everything a happy camper needs. Fire wood is available for purchase. Sites will have a picnic table, potable water, toilets( vault and flushing). There are also showers. This is the closest campground to the lakes. Just a couple steps away from the beautiful meadow it overlooks. Lots of trees for hammocking!! A LOT of trails to hike or bike for people of all skill levels!

  • Ryan W.
    Jul. 14, 2016

    El Prado Campground

    Mount Laguna Campground is the Bee's Knees.

    Mount Laguna Campground is 60 minutes east of San Diego and 5500+ feet of elevation. It is a big, big campground that is wooded and adjacent a large meadow, recreational area and lake (when not dried out, drought sucks). Despite it's size, the campground is split up into several loops that make it feel much more intimate in size.

    I strongly recommend the sites inside the campground to the East (#005, 006, 008, 010, 012). This loop is a little smaller and quieter than the other loops and the campsites face back to the corner of the meadow where endangered butterflies sometimes float around and the sites are huge. These sites have more tree covering than the ones immediately next to them, are close to the bathroom (but not too close) and you can easily access the meadow trailhead.

    There are vault toilets that can be hit or miss depending on heat. We bring wet wipes and antibacterial soap. There is a ton of hiking, mountain bike and even horseback riding in the recreational area. The size of the lake is somewhat dependent on rain and drought. We've seen it full and completely dry.

    At the local rec store you can buy a hiking trail map for about $2. You can download it for free from the internet too, but theirs is printed on a waterproof paper and really nice quality print.

    Tips:

    1. There is often downed wood piled up in the meadow loop near the bathroom for use in campfires. It's first come first serve, and bringing a hatchet or handsaw makes a world of difference on your pocket book.

    2. Whatever the temperature is listed at on the weather sites subtract 10-15 degrees at night. The temperatures are based on the minor town at a lower elevation.

    3. In the morning if you walk out of camp to Sunrise HWY, turn left a 1/4 mile you find an overlook with a great view of the sunset and views out to the Salton Sea.

    4. Walk 1/2 mile and get on the trail to Garnett Peak.

    5. In the town of Mount Laguna is one convenience store with just about everything you'll need last minute, but expect to pay a convenience surcharge.

    6. There is a gear & rec store in town too that is a must visit. Fair prices and just an overwhelming experience. They are very hiker friendly if passing through on the nearby PCT.

    7. There are a lot of nearby peaks and day hikes.

    8. Julian has great pie.

    9. The fire pits are brand new in 2016. Jury is still out. Kind of liked the old ones.

  • Mandy The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 17, 2021

    El Prado Campground

    Great Dispersed Spot!!!

    This place is tucked away on Kitchen Creek Rd and is the perfect spot to get away from all the noise and people. Plenty of trees for shady areas during the day, no bugs, and very quiet. I wish there was a body of water around. That would make it perfect!

Guide to Coolidge Springs

Ribbonwood Equestrian Campground is one of several specialized horse campgrounds near Coolidge Springs, California, situated in the San Bernardino National Forest at 5,500 feet elevation. The campground offers equestrian-specific facilities that accommodate riders wanting to explore mountain terrain in the Idyllwild area. Located approximately 30 miles from Coolidge Springs, this destination provides cooler temperatures than the desert floor, with typical summer highs reaching 85°F and winter temperatures dropping below freezing.

What to do

Trail riding from camp: Access multiple wilderness trails directly from Ribbonwood Equestrian Campground, where Diana F. notes, "Good campsite, has the coolest hike trails, and the nights are really beautiful. It was so much fun and I would definitely come back."

Fishing at nearby lakes: Lake Cahuilla County Park offers stocked fishing opportunities about 35 minutes from Coolidge Springs. Berton M. mentions that at nearby parks, "wildlife is everywhere; bees, coyotes, hawks, rabbits," making the surrounding areas ideal for wildlife observation while fishing.

Mountain biking on dedicated trails: The mountain terrain around Paso Picacho Campground provides extensive biking networks with varied difficulty levels. According to Joseph W., there are "Lots of sounds and sites to explore!! The spaces all had water and fire rings with tables."

What campers like

Dark skies for stargazing: Several equestrian campgrounds in the mountains offer minimal light pollution. Patrick M. describes Lake Cahuilla as having "Dark, beautiful skies at night. Good hiking trail into the mountains, with the trailhead near the entrance to the campground."

Seasonal temperatures: The mountain elevation provides relief from desert heat. According to Beverley G., "Stayed at the start of May as I had appointments in Indio. Wonderfully quiet, hardly anyone else here. Trees provided some shade and the surrounding mountains are beautiful plus there's mountain hiking trails nearby."

Privacy between sites: Unlike many crowded campgrounds, equestrian sites typically offer more space. At Stagecoach Trails Resort, Dustin A. notes, "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!"

What you should know

Winter conditions require preparation: Mountain horse campgrounds near Coolidge Springs experience significant temperature drops at night. Diana F. warns about Ribbonwood: "The nights are beyond cold. I would definitely come back, I'd just need more blankets."

Water availability varies by season: Natural water sources along trails fluctuate with rainfall. At Vallecito County Park, Eric D. notes, "There are fire rings and tables at every site with water sources every few sites."

Reservation requirements: During peak seasons (spring and fall), advance bookings are essential. According to Laura M., "Online reservation fee is $8 but you don't have to pay that if you show up and pay on site."

Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for wildlife interaction near equestrian camps. Eric D. observes, "Tons of coyotes! They're tricky and smart, so stay sharp at night on walks with furry ones."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Coolidge Springs, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Coolidge Springs, CA is Lake Cahuilla with a 4.7-star rating from 12 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 15 equestrian camping locations near Coolidge Springs, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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