Horseback riders seeking campgrounds near San Gabriel can access multiple options within the Angeles National Forest. Most equestrian campsites sit at elevations between 4,000-6,500 feet, providing cooler temperatures during summer months. Water availability varies seasonally throughout the forest, with many trails requiring riders to pack sufficient water for their horses.
What to do
Archery practice: Tapo Canyon Park offers a specialized archery range open to the public on Saturdays from 9am-1pm for a $5 fee. "There is archery with lessons for kids on the weekends. Very fun! If you are new to RV camping, it's a good place to practice," notes Sam & Amy.
Boulder climbing: Horse Flats Campground provides access to numerous bouldering routes. "Nice place to stay for climbing - there is mostly bouldering in the area, with some trad stuff. Plenty of sites!" reports Kathleen L. The campground sits at high elevation, providing cooler temperatures during summer months.
Creek exploration: Seasonal water features offer refreshing stops along hiking routes at Bear Canyon Campground. "Follow the creek (which is GORGEOUS with waterfalls and shade in the spring) and go all the way to the end. Trail tends to get iffy at points, but you kinda get to know the flow of it if it disappears into rocks or the creek," says Shannon E.
What campers like
Wildlife viewing: Coyotes frequently roam the hills around equestrian camping areas. "At night you can hear the coyotes calling as they roam the rugged hills, but don't worry it's a very safe park," notes a camper at Tapo Canyon Park. Mountain lions have also been spotted in the area.
Panoramic views: Mount Pacifico Campground offers exceptional visibility across the San Gabriel mountains. "Great views 360 degrees once you're on top. A 7 mile hike north on the Pacific Crest Trail from mill creek fire station," shares Anthony K. This campground serves as a connection point to the Pacific Crest Trail.
Seasonal water features: Streams and creeks flow seasonally through multiple horse camps. "Great campground with multiple sites. Fire pits & along Bear Creek (seasonal). Can be reached from Tom Sloan Saddle or Switzer Falls Trailhead," explains Anthony K. about Bear Canyon Campground.
What you should know
Fire restrictions: Open fires are prohibited in many horse camping areas depending on seasonal conditions. "Fire rings but use responsibly - have lots of water at the pit to put it out, and make sure you do do that completely before you go to sleep. That place would go up faster than you can run, so be mindful," advises Shannon E.
Trail accessibility: Musch Trail Camp requires a one-mile hike from Trippet Ranch Parking Lot. "Musch Camp is an easy one mile hike from from the Trippet Ranch Parking Lot in Topanga State Park. If you want a longer hike you can hike up the East Topanga Fire Road and then drop down into Musch Camp on the Backbone Trail from Eagle Junction," explains Erik M.
Seasonal closures: Many equestrian sites close during winter months. "Know before you go - it's closed from November-ish to April-ish - so check the forest website before you head out there," says Kate O. about Horse Flats Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Flush toilets available: Malibu Creek State Park Campground provides improved facilities for family comfort. "Campground is beautiful!! Spacious campsites with fire pits, and clean bathrooms (bring your own hand soap)," advises Lizzie C.
Water access points: Pack extra water for both horses and humans. "Three fire pits, dig your own commode, lots of water year round, but little wood. Expect to forage far if you want a fire," notes William K. about Bear Canyon Campground.
Temperature variations: Prepare for significant temperature changes between day and night. "The temperature was warm during the day, but we definitely brought layers and adequate sleeping gear for the night. Even though it was 79 degrees in the day, temperature got down to 54 at night," shares Les R.
Tips from RVers
Limited cell service: Many horse campgrounds near San Gabriel have minimal connectivity. "No cell service and no phone landlines there," notes a visitor to Tapo Canyon Park. Another adds, "DO NOT expect cell service. I could only work from this spot by placing my mobile HomeFi router on top of the camper."
Large RV accommodation: O'Neill Regional Park offers spacious sites for larger rigs. "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). Self pump out (free) and good rubbish collection points throughout," shares James.
Shade limitations: Many equestrian campgrounds have limited natural coverage. "It can be pretty hot in the summer. Not all sites are shady but many are," reports Joanne P. about camping options in the region.
