Best Equestrian Camping near San Clemente, CA
Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park features excellent equestrian camping with private corrals positioned adjacent to each campsite in the dedicated Star Mesa Equestrian Campground. The park spans 8,000 acres in the Orange County foothills with extensive horse trails throughout the property. Equestrian campsites accommodate large rigs with ample space for horse trailers and offer electrical hookups. The campground maintains clean, flat camping pads suitable for both tent camping and RVs. Equestrian campers report excellent trail access directly from the campground, eliminating the need to trailer horses to trailheads. The sites are well-maintained and regularly patrolled by rangers who enforce the park's no-pet policy, which exempts horses but prohibits dogs and other pets.
Multiple riding trails traverse the wilderness park, connecting equestrians to various scenic routes suitable for riders of all experience levels. The nature center provides maps of the extensive trail system that winds through the park's diverse terrain. Water sources for horses are limited during drought conditions, so riders should verify current water availability before arrival. Trail riding opportunities include wildlife viewing, with campers reporting sightings of deer, coyotes, and various bird species along the trails. Horse owners should note that outside firewood is restricted due to invasive pest concerns, though bundles are available for purchase at the entrance gate for $5 each. Reservations for equestrian sites can be made through the OC Parks reservation system, which many users find more accessible than other online booking platforms.
