Equestrian camping opportunities exist along the Sonoma Coast near The Sea Ranch, California. The region's unique microclimate creates foggy, cooler conditions year-round, with average summer temperatures rarely exceeding 70°F. Several campgrounds in the area provide access to horse trails that wind through coastal prairies, redwood forests, and along beach bluffs.
What to do
Beach riding access points: Several beaches north of Bodega Dunes Campground offer horseback riding options. "Short drives to the beach and town for candy and ice cream. Will definitely be back," notes Dustin C., mentioning the proximity to coastal activities.
Explore historic sites: Visit Bodega Bay's filming locations from Alfred Hitchcock movies. "Go to the wharf near by to pick up some live crab to boil over the fire... see where they filmed Hitchcock's 'The Birds,'" suggests Justin B., who enjoyed combining outdoor activities with cultural experiences.
Waterfall trail riding: Russian Gulch State Park Campground offers trails leading to scenic waterfalls. "Great Fern Canyon trail and waterfall trail back in the gorge. You can explore all the Mendociono Coast from here," writes one camper who appreciated the varied terrain options.
Dunes exploration: The extensive dune system provides unique riding terrain. Michael I. warns, "I have to confess that I feel pretty silly for not being as prepared for the sand as I should have been from the name of the campground. Who would have thought!?"
What campers like
Private beach access: Smaller, less-crowded beaches appeal to equestrians seeking quieter riding experiences. A reviewer at Russian Gulch notes, "I like this a little better than Van Damm down the road because of the small private beach which never appears crowded."
Spacious sites for horse trailers: Bu-Shay Campground offers larger sites suitable for equestrian camping setups. "The sites are spacious and there are a mix of shady and sunny sites," mentions Joshua H., who appreciated the room to spread out.
Creek-side camping: Many sites feature water access for horses. At Middle Creek Campground, Donna M. shares, "You can hear the creek running along the camp, as well as the wild turkeys. There must be over 15 different species of birds as well."
Trail connectivity: The network of trails connecting campgrounds to riding areas receives positive reviews. As MarinMaverick notes about Russian Gulch, "Great Fern Canyon trail and waterfall trail back in the gorge. You can explore all the Mendociono Coast from here."
What you should know
Sand management challenges: The coastal dunes pose unique challenges for horse camping. "We walked around sites 22-55 and all seem to be entirely on the sand. Come prepared to deal with sand," advises Michael I. about Bodega Dunes.
Weather considerations: Coastal fog and wind affect riding conditions. "Given that the campground is on the water, it can get very chilly at night and the wind tends to pick up," warns Haley C.
Limited water access on trails: While campgrounds offer drinking water, trail access points may not. At Middle Creek Campground, Justin W. notes, "The spigots don't have any hose fittings, so you can't hook up, which I think is a good thing to keep people from taking over water for an extended period of time."
Seasonal closures: Check availability before planning your trip. Robert C. reports about Bu-Shay, "I arrived 9/10/25 but did not camp here because the camp is closed for some flood damage repair."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer play areas for children when not riding. Joshua H. shares about Bu-Shay Campground, "Our young kids had a great time playing on the playground which was an unexpected bonus."
Bike-friendly campgrounds: Jackson Demonstration Forest provides alternatives for family members who don't ride horses. "Beautiful, clean and peaceful. Plenty of trails to explore and Noyo River meanders through the center," notes Danielle F.
Group sites available: Larger family gatherings can be accommodated at certain campgrounds. Kelly M. attended a wedding at Liberty Glen's group site and shares, "There was a roofed area with picnic table seating for ~50- and another roofed area for the dance party. All infrastructure at that site looked fresh and new."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Kids enjoy spotting local animals. "We did see a few foxes, or the same fox a few times, so make sure to keep camp sites clean," cautions Michael I. at Bodega Dunes.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Most equestrian-friendly campgrounds near The Sea Ranch offer minimal RV amenities. Leonard H. notes about Bodega Dunes, "Selected non-reserved level paved site in 54-89 loop (close to bay)... Two clean restroom/shower buildings in this loop. Each had token machine ($1 for 5 minutes)."
Dump station locations: Plan for waste disposal. "Good Sites, No Hook-ups," states Leonard H., but mentions that "Wright's Beach State Park campground 5-miles north has Overflow camping next to entrance station."
Site selection strategies: Some campgrounds offer better RV parking than others. Emily W. advises, "If you want a sunny site, go for the center of the loop in the 60s/70s. We prefer shade and some space."
Bodega Dunes Campground near The Sea Ranch offers workable options for RVers with horse trailers, with Shari G. noting, "They are generally smaller pull-in sites geared more toward tents, vans, and small travel trailers. There are just a handful of sites that can accommodate bigger RVs."
