Equestrian camping opportunities exist throughout Los Padres National Forest near Santa Paula, California. The area features chaparral-covered hillsides and steep mountain terrain reaching elevations of 4,000-8,000 feet. Summer temperatures often exceed 90°F while winters bring cooler conditions with occasional road closures at higher elevations due to snow.
What to Do
Trail riding access points: Musch Trail Camp in Topanga State Park connects directly to the Backbone Trail system. "Did not expect the bathrooms to be very clean. They have running water to flush the toilets, and to wash your hands," notes camper Marcos P. at Musch Trail Camp.
Explore abandoned settlements: Reyes Creek Campground sits near a small ghost town. "The abandoned town is a 3 minute walk from camp and really interesting. Some camp spots are right on the creek and the running water is a peaceful background noise for your trip," states Chelsea B. from Reyes Creek Campground.
Visit Santa Barbara trails: The mountains north of Santa Barbara offer additional riding trails. "The campground is nice. There are wild turkeys that wander thru the campground and you will see an occasional deer or 2," according to Butch C., who regularly camps at Thousand Trails Rancho Oso.
What Campers Like
Clean facilities despite remote locations: Upper Oso Campground maintains excellent standards. "Campground host was super nice and friendly. Bathrooms were clean and flushable. Creek was flowing and had an abundance of toads. Water was available from the many spigots around the campground," reports Antonio C. from Upper Oso Campground.
Quiet camping environments: Halfmoon Campground offers solitude for riders. "We were looking for a more remote place to camp and this site satisfied all our needs. We were the only ones there and the scenery was pleasing. There is access to some nice hiking trails of Los Padres National Forest," describes Antonio C. at Halfmoon Campground.
Year-round accessibility: Most horse campgrounds near Santa Paula remain open throughout the year. "I love that it is local to me," states Chanel C. about Malibu Creek State Park, adding that spring and fall offer better conditions as "during the summer season, I like to find campgrounds that have a lot of lush trees so we can be under the canopies and stay cool."
What You Should Know
Limited cell service: Most equestrian camps have minimal connectivity. "No cell service, but I had one bar, if you're lucky, but most days it's none, even with my WeBoost," shares Tom W. about Thousand Trails Rancho Oso.
Water availability varies: Not all sites provide reliable water sources. Jerome A. notes at Halfmoon Campground, "There was some water still available in the nearby creek." Check with rangers before arrival as seasonal changes affect water levels.
Fire restrictions: Fire regulations change frequently in this fire-prone region. At Rancho Oso, "No fires, but charcoal grilling is okay, and probably a portable propane fire pit would be okay, too," explains Tom W.
Tips for Camping with Families
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with play areas. "The campground is beautiful!! Spacious campsites with fire pits, and clean bathrooms (bring your own hand soap)," advises Lizzie C. from Malibu Creek State Park.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children enjoy seeing local animals. "There is plenty of birdwatching, and coyotes were wandering through the park and campground without fear," writes Ryan W. about Malibu Creek State Park Campground.
Educational experiences: Several parks offer nature programs. "Between hiking and biking, we were busy for the time we were there. As a bonus, there is a Ralph's just up the street, so you'll never be far from anything you'd need," shares Jean about Malibu Creek State Park.
Tips from RVers
Access challenges: Some equestrian sites have difficult approaches. "All levels are full hookups, and some in another area were just E/W. Pretty much full sun all day, except for a couple of shady spaces," explains Tom W. about Rancho Oso's tiered camping areas.
Hookup availability: RVers should confirm services before booking. "We stayed in site 59 which had a really nice shade tree and great views of a meadow and the cliffs out the back of the site. The sites are fairly open and close to each other, so be prepared to hear everything," notes Ryan W. at Malibu Creek.
Road conditions: Mountain roads can challenge larger rigs. "The drive down into the little valley is spectacular. There are few cool rock faces on the drive into camp," reports Jerome A., who accessed Halfmoon Campground with a standard SUV.
