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Equestrian Camping near Santa Clara, CA

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    Joseph D Grant County Park - Horse Camp offers one of the few dedicated equestrian camping areas near Santa Clara, California. The horse camp provides basic amenities for riders and their mounts while maintaining proximity to extensive trail systems. Camping sites accommodate tents and RVs, with picnic tables, fire rings, and access to drinking water. The campground includes showers and flush toilets, with bathroom facilities described as clean and well-maintained. The camp host is reportedly friendly and helpful to equestrian campers. Sites can accommodate horse trailers with adequate parking space, though the campground lacks dedicated horse corrals or stalls.

    Trail access from Joseph D Grant County Park connects riders to over 51 miles of trails through oak woodlands and grassy hills. The extensive trail network accommodates various riding experiences from beginner-friendly paths to more challenging routes with elevation changes. Wildlife sightings are common along the trails, with riders reporting encounters with deer, turkeys, and occasionally bobcats. The park gates close at 8:15 pm, so riders should plan trail activities accordingly. Camping reservations are required, and the campground operates year-round, though summer months can become quite hot with limited shade. Water sources for horses are available but sparse throughout the trail system, so riders should carry sufficient water for longer excursions.

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    Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Santa Clara (17)

    Filters    Tent onlyRVCabinGlampingPetsEquestrian

      1. Del Valle Campground — East Bay Regional Park District

      4.1(23)21mi from Santa Clara157 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "This hidden gem hides behind the vineyard crested mountain range just due south of Livermore."

      "After time spent here at this oasis in the middle of Eastbay, California, you’ll very much feel like part of this place with its endless trails, fantastically well-kept camping grounds and the warm hospitality"

      from $15 - $200 / night

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      2. Anthony Chabot Regional Park

      4.6(29)26mi from Santa Clara76 sitesRVs, Tents

      "Anthony Chabot Campgrounds sits high up on the Castro Valley Hills overlooking Lake Chabot. There are several awesome hiking trails going down to the lake as well as some equestrian trails."

      "as usual some spots are better than others but most close to restrooms and/or water. lots of poison oak and star thistle right off trail. great deterrent for kids to stay out of tick areas but id worry"

      from $25 - $200 / night

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      3. Sunol

      5.0(3)12mi from Santa Clara19 sitesTents

      "I have never camped here but hiked many trails."

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      4. Joseph D Grant County Park - Horse Camp

      3.3(4)14mi from Santa ClaraTents

      "Hamilton and a lake up the road a way, there’s also a mansion & rose garden on the property, shower & bathroom are clean, there are nights to gather and stargaze.The tent spaces are sizable &amp"

      "Good trails."

      from $15 - $400 / night

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      5. Grant County Park

      4.5(2)14mi from Santa ClaraRVs, Tents

      "Clean, bathrooms near by. Very relaxing and away from San Jose."

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      6. Alameda County Fairgrounds RV Park

      3.3(7)21mi from Santa ClaraRVs, Tents

      "The Fairview RV Park is a great Bay Area location easy to find right off hwy 680, in the Alameda county fairgrounds. The staff are all pleasant to work with and the park and facilities are clean."

      "If the Alameda Fairgrounds are having an event, you can't beat this location, it's on the property."

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      7. Joseph D. Grant County Park

      4.5(2)17mi from Santa ClaraTents

      "The bathrooms were a short walk down hill. They were clean with flushing toilets. There camp ground was quiet and it was mostly couples or small family groups."

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      8. Coe Ranch Campground — Henry W. Coe State Park

      3.9(15)26mi from Santa Clara15 sitesRVs, Tents

      "This is a primitive campground, no showers only vault toilets and restroom near visitor center ( 2 min walk from campground) both decently clean. Water for washing dishes is available."

      "There is a small visitor center close to the entrance, with a few souvenirs and some snacks and drinks. Visitor Center only takes cash."

      from $20 / night

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      9. Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch County Park

      4.0(12)31mi from Santa ClaraRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "The lake is closed to any and all water-craft because the water level is too low. It is very clean and well maintained for the most part. Cell phone service for Xfinity/Verizon is spotty at best."

      "Campsites are along the beautiful Coyote lake. The lakeside sites are mostly shaded as are the sites along the road. Sites 43, 44 and 45 would be the most secluded."

      from $34 / night

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      10. Morgan Territory Regional Preserve

      5.0(1)32mi from Santa Clara1 siteTents

      from $15 / night

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    Equestrian Camping Reviews near Santa Clara, CA

    114 Reviews of 17 Santa Clara Campgrounds

    • Ed E.The Dyrt PRO User
      May. 21, 2018

      Anthony Chabot Regional Park

      Scenic Campsites with Great Hiking Trails

      Anthony Chabot Campgrounds sits high up on the Castro Valley Hills overlooking Lake Chabot. There are several awesome hiking trails going down to the lake as well as some equestrian trails. The hiking trails go around the lake. Dogs are allowed but they should be on a leash. Lake Chabot has a marina that rents boats for recreational use and fishing. It's a few miles driver to get there from the campgrounds. I only gave it 4 stars because of that. They have tent and RV campsites, but no RV hookups.

    • Elliott B.
      Jul. 19, 2018

      Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve

      Great location just outside the city on a Volcano!!!

      Sibley Regional Preserve

      San Francisco East Bay residents actually have a volcano in their backyard at Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve. Originally called Round Top Park, Sibley shares with Temescal and Tilden Parks the distinction of being one of the East Bay Regional Park District's original parks.

      The Sibley backpack camp is a small, primitive hike-in site for a maximum of 15 campers (although this would be super cramped in my opinion, unless it a bunch of small kids), a moderate 0.2 mile walk from the parking lot (NO VEHICLE ACCESS). The site has basically 360 degree views of Mount Diablo, Vollmer Peak and Tilden Park. There are only two tent pads - approximately 10'x25' and 10'x20'. Site has 2 picnic tables, 1 serving table, and a pit toilet close by which was very clean and well maintained.

      During the day you’ll have lots of people walk semi/sorta by the campground, but there is no reason that anyone would walk through your area as if they did they’d tumble off and down the side of a nice steep hill…

       No wood fires or BBQs are allowed; only camp stoves are allowed for cooking, your night time enjoyment.

       Drinking water is 0.2 miles from camp at the trail head so keep that in mind before it gets too dark to hike back and forth for a drink.

      There are several trails providing tons of access throughout the preserve. The 31-mile East Bay Skyline National Recreation Trail, part of the Bay Area Ridge Trail system, traverses the preserve along the ridgeline between Wildcat Canyon and Anthony Chabot Parks. Round Top Road goes from the Sibley visitor center to the top of Round Top. Round Top Loop Trail circles Round Top peak. Volcanic Trail, once a quarry haul road, contains most of the stops on the self-guided volcanic tour.

       Dogs are allowed throughout this section of the park and in camp on leash but are not allowed on the adjacent Huckleberry trails. Also, the EBRPD lists, dogs “must be under owner's control at all times” and must not disturb other animals or park visitors, but I definitely saw a lot of loose well behaved dogs running free.

      Bikes are allowed on the fire trail, but there are lots of hikers and dog walkers in this park so be mindful. Also, Horses are allowed but there is no hitching rail and no water troughs in the park (or at least that I saw anywhere).

      If you decide to try and bike be mindful that most trails are hiking and equestrian only. A few trails are multi-use. Bicycles are not allowed on narrow-gauge trails, except on the Skyline Trail between the Sibley visitor center and Old Tunnel Road. Bicycles are allowed on the wider-gauge fire trails and paved roads but are not allowed on Sibley Round Top from EBMUD water tank road junction to top of Round Top Peak.

      Vehicles must be parked in the staging area and display a valid overnight parking permit: 3 parking permits are included in the reservation and will be mailed 5 days in advance. No additional parking permits are available. Otherwise, you can actually get here via public transport by Taking the AC Transit CB bus to the Mountain Blvd stop, them walk about 3 miles to the park.

      While you can check if it’s already reserved online. Reservation must be completed at least 5 days in advance by calling 1-888-EBPARKS or 1-888-327-2757, press option 2.

    • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
      Oct. 28, 2021

      Del Valle Campground — East Bay Regional Park District

      Delectable Del Valle

      What a find! This hidden gem hides behind the vineyard crested mountain range just due south of Livermore. Once you get off the 680/580 highways, you'll be immediately swept into a different wind-strewn, rocky landscape that you'll have to wind around several bends on some decent inclined well-paved roads before making your arrival to Del Valle regional park. 

      You'll have to pay the$10 to get through, but this is one of the few parks where that fee, if maximized, is a great investment. The campgrounds here are all incredibly well maintained, spacious (perhaps a bit too spacious and open in some places). With a great number of trails to take in any direction, the great find here is the well-appointed lake that rents kayaks, paddle boats and canoes. There's even horses you can rent nearby if you get tired of all the hiking. 

      There's plenty of places to picnic if you get tired of eating at your campsite. Be wary of the weekends, especially long holiday weekends where this park gets completely overrun. Other than this, it's a fantastic camping site. 

      Happy Camping!

    • Marc B.
      May. 16, 2018

      Anthony Chabot Regional Park

      perfect car camping spot 30 min from city

      as usual some spots are better than others but most close to restrooms and/or water. lots of poison oak and star thistle right off trail. great deterrent for kids to stay out of tick areas but id worry if we brought dogs! we were at #45, family sites and there were families with kids all over. there even was a patch of grass for kids to play on. trails nearby good for easy mountain biking and hiking

    • WThe Dyrt PRO User
      Mar. 22, 2021

      Pacheco State Park Campground

      Beautiful, Magnificent ... But No Camping

      YOU CANNOT CAMP HERE. However, this gorgeous state park has dozens of beautiful trails winding through cattle country and down along streams and ponds in the Dinosaur Point area.

      NO WATER. Note that there is no safe potable water at the park, so if you're hiking, bring plenty to drink.

      NOT DOG-FRIENDLY: Dogs are allowed on leash in the parking lot only. You cannot hike with your dog here.

      VERY HORSE-FRIENDLY: The park is especially friendly to horses, because the lady that donated the land was an equestrienne. There is a corral at the main parking lot area and the park is fenced for livestock. They make a point of stating that although the water in the creeks and ponds is unsafe for humans, it is safe for livestock and horses. (The one exception to the no camping rule, actually, is when those on horseback are allowed to camp during special events.)

    • Ryan W.
      Jul. 8, 2025

      Anthony Chabot Regional Park

      A few weird vibes don't steal the magic of a hot shower near big trees.

      Midweek in June the park, which is fairly large, is still nearly empty. The sites are fairly close to each other, which matters because one of the other campers is right next to mine (46) and doesn't understand basic camp etiquettes like not using generators all night or letting their dog wonder through other sites and the bathroom areas off-leash. Still the campsites all have decent views–though best ones abut the lake on the map. They look close to the lake on the map but they are actually way up high above it. There are trails running throughout the park and around the lake that are a mix of wider open trails and narrower, through the woods, but groomed trails with plenty of up and down to make for a good hike.

      Lots of birds and wildlife–beware says the sign...all the signs, but I mostly only saw turkeys and a few water birds. Because the camp was empty, I moved over to site 56 when it was clear my neighbor was a camp d-bag. It was a pull through with a downhill slope in the site but not in the drive. The views and solitude over here were great with the setting sun through the trees, and the knowledge that the Bay in the distance.

      There were a few other weird vibes in the park, namely some e-bikers charging up phones at the bathroom drinking 40s and smoking joints, while watching very loud sitcoms on the charging phones. They seemed mostly harmless, and were gone well before dark.

      The warm waters* of Lake Chabot was beautiful and tempting as a siren, but don't touch it, or let your dog touch it, unless you want to get mutated like the Ninja Turtles...

      Actually, that is a bad example. That would be awesome. The water will make you sick or your (or your pets) skin break out in a real not fun way. It is toxic. It will not make you a Ninja Turtle.

      The showers were great. Hot and FREE!

      Finally, this is a well-kept park with proactive rangers only limited by their working hours, and despite it being quite accessible to Oakland, the park felt like camping in the wilderness, even though I could hear cheers echoing through the canyon from a graduation somewhere below.

      The road in is fairly winding with a bit of a drop down the cliff. If you're heading in at dusk or dawn, go slow. You will see deer stepping through the road.

      *I don't know if it was warm. I didn't touch it.

    • Ben V.
      Oct. 10, 2021

      Salinas-Monterey KOA

      Great campground for a few days

      They have nice facilities and a heated pool although a hot tub would be nice also. The sites are a little small but very mature trees and they keep it clean. Some of the back in sites for tent trailer are a pain to get into but very nice setup with private dishwashing station and cook space. Bathroom is. Lean and nice club/game room and clean washing facility. Close to the highway with a fairly easy on and off the although it's a little confusing at first. All day/night highway noise but it starts to become white noise after a while. Staff are friendly and accommodating and quick to respond to any issues. Its got a grocery store nearby and the camp store is fairly complete as well. Not a lot of outdoor activities other than the pool and bags and the K9 trail, but pleasant to walk though. It is very hilly and steps are around to get between levels. After being here for 4 days, I would consider coming back again.

    • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
      Nov. 1, 2021

      Del Valle Campground — East Bay Regional Park District

      Del Valle: Of The Valley

      After time spent here at this oasis in the middle of Eastbay, California, you’ll very much feel like part of this place with its endless trails, fantastically well-kept camping grounds and the warm hospitality given you both by the camp rangers and fellow campers you’ll come across. 

      From a range of activities including horseback riding, kayaking on the namesake lake as well as hiking the foothills, if you’ve come here for nature, you’ll strike gold! The amenities are basic and – key to all California Regional Parks – everything is very well maintained, easy to find and wonderful to make use of. 

      Happy Camping!

    • Lady L.
      May. 18, 2021

      Coe Ranch Campground — Henry W. Coe State Park

      Awesome primitive camping

      This is a primitive campground, no showers only vault toilets and restroom near visitor center ( 2 min walk from campground) both decently clean. Water for washing dishes is available. Spots are not close to each other so there is privacy. It is small, quiet, surrounded with beautiful views. Good hiking trails and good opportunity for bird watching, wild flowers viewing and plenty of deer around. From main road it takes about 35 min drive up the hill through narrow road which is paved but I don't think it is appropriate for RVs. It is a bit of hassle getting here but worth it! If you are car camping I advice NOT to choose drive in spots as it is not leveled but the parking where you have to walk to your camp spot is okay.

    Guide to Santa Clara

    Joseph D. Grant County Park Horse Camp provides equestrian camping options about 15 miles east of Santa Clara, California, in the foothills of the Diablo Range. The campground sits at approximately 1,800 feet elevation with open grasslands and scattered oak woodlands. Summer temperatures regularly reach 90°F with limited shade at most campsites, while spring brings wildflowers and milder conditions.

    What to do

    Bird watching opportunities: While exploring the oak woodlands at Anthony Chabot Regional Park, campers can spot various bird species. "We love Anthony Chabot! The eucalyptus groves make the air smell wonderful, and there is so much wildlife to see (deer, turkeys, owls, etc.)," notes Amanda P.

    Mountain biking trails: The extensive network of fire roads and single-track trails provides options for riders of all skill levels. "Wonderful place to go hiking & trail running. The hills are pretty intense, but they're beautiful!" shares Emmy about Del Valle Campground.

    Fishing access: Coyote Lake offers fishing opportunities within a 30-minute drive south of San Jose. "Good bass fishing," notes Josh M. about Coyote Lake, while Tom G. adds, "Great lake for paddling as the speed limit for boats is low. Good fishing too."

    What campers like

    Wildlife encounters: Many campers appreciate seeing animals in their natural habitat. At Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch County Park, one camper noted, "I had a big spot and no neighbors my entire half of the campground on a Monday night in June. I was under 2 big oaks that were buzzing with bird activity."

    Accessible location: Proximity to urban areas makes these parks convenient for quick escapes. "This is a primitive campground, no showers only vault toilets and restroom near visitor center (2 min walk from campground) both decently clean. Water for washing dishes is available," shares Lady L. about Henry W. Coe State Park.

    Clean facilities: Most parks maintain well-kept restrooms and showers. At Joseph D. Grant County Park, Melissa S. reported, "Bathrooms and showers were available. Camp host was friendly. They also sell ice which was nice to grab for the cooler."

    What you should know

    Gate closure times: Plan your activities around park operating hours. As Jason R. notes about Joseph D. Grant County Park, "Gate closes 8:15pm."

    Weekend crowds: Expect more people during weekends and holidays. "It can get crowded over the weekends," Gustav H. mentions about Del Valle Campground.

    Wildlife safety precautions: Store food securely to prevent unwanted visitors. "There are food lockers since wild pigs come out at night. Be sure to lock all food up! They will roam through the camp ground all through the night if anyone has left any food out," warns Quyen W. about Coyote Lake.

    Tips for camping with families

    Beginner-friendly options: Look for parks with gentle terrain and basic amenities for first-time campers. "We camped here for one night to test our pandemic project...a van conversion. We had never been here before but will definitely come back," shares Sophie S. about Joseph D. Grant Park Campground.

    Educational opportunities: Take advantage of visitor centers and ranger programs. "Near the Coe Ranch campground there is a camp book store, which has some items for sale, including many field guides to wildlife and plants in the park," notes Sara W.

    Water activities: Several parks offer swimming areas or boating options. "Del Valle is one of the most beautiful lakes in the east bay. The water is perfect temperature. Great hikes, paddle boarding, kayaking, swimming and beginner windsurfing," explains Rosina A. about Del Valle Campground.

    Tips from RVers

    Limited hookup options: Most equestrian camping areas near Santa Clara have minimal RV facilities. "We camp here with our travel trailer at the start of each season, to check out all our systems. If you are visiting and want to go to San Francisco, I think this is one of the closest RV parks to the city," notes N V. about Alameda County Fairgrounds RV Park.

    Site selection considerations: Choose your spot carefully based on your rig size and preferences. "Very happy with our first camping experience at Del Valle. Our campsite (#139) could have used some shade, but we had plenty of space and the views were awesome," shares Colleen S.

    Leveling challenges: Some campgrounds feature uneven terrain. "We were surprised when we made it to this campground- that it was built on the side of a hill. The walk-in sites may be different, but all of the pull in sites were extremely off-level," warns Karen about Henry W. Coe State Park.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Santa Clara, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Santa Clara, CA is Del Valle Campground — East Bay Regional Park District with a 4.1-star rating from 23 reviews.

    What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Santa Clara, CA?

    TheDyrt.com has all 17 equestrian camping locations near Santa Clara, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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