Best Equestrian Camping near The Sea Ranch, CA

Bodega Dunes Campground in Sonoma Coast State Park offers equestrian trails with horseback riding opportunities near the coastline. The campground features access to several roadside dog-friendly beaches within minutes of the camping area. While the main campground accommodates tents and RVs with clean bathrooms and coin-operated showers, equestrian visitors should note that the campground data indicates no dedicated horse corrals are available on-site. Riders can book horseback experiences from local ranches that provide guided trail rides through the dunes and along the beach. The campground's location provides convenient access to both the bay and Pacific Ocean beaches, with sites that are flat and semi-private.

Trails near Bodega Dunes connect to scenic coastal riding routes with views of the Pacific Ocean. The equestrian trails wind through sand dunes and along the shoreline, offering varied terrain for riders of different experience levels. Horse owners should bring their own water buckets as drinking water is available at the campground but not specifically at trail access points. Middle Creek Campground, located inland near Upper Lake, provides an alternative option with more dirt bike and four-wheel trails. The campground environment can be windy and therefore cold on the beach due to the large sand dunes. Riders should prepare for potentially challenging weather conditions, especially during foggy coastal mornings and evenings when temperatures drop significantly.

Best Equestrian Sites Near The Sea Ranch, California (6)

    1. Bodega Dunes Campground — Sonoma Coast State Park

    38 Reviews
    Bodega Bay, CA
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 875-3483

    $45 / night

    "This campsite is centrally located on the peninsula. Access to several roadside dog friendly beaches within minutes. The bay and the beach are within walking distance to campground."

    "There are also equestrian trails, so you can book a horseback ride from a local ranch as well!!"

    2. Liberty Glen Campground - Temporarily Closed for Maintenance

    4 Reviews
    Cloverdale, CA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 431-4533

    $25 - $100 / night

    "If you talk to the the ranger at the gate, most of the time they will let you drive around the grounds and pick any open site."

    "The walk down to swim in the lake was a significant downhill but the dip was worth it! Funny dead trees sticking out of the lake were fun to climb on."

    3. Russian Gulch State Park Campground

    11 Reviews
    Mendocino, CA
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 937-5804

    $45 - $140 / night

    "Clean bathrooms, drinking water was right next to our site."

    "While this campground is set off from the highway it is very busy on weekends from tourists out for the day.  Lush setting with the hike and bike area located near showers and restrooms."

    4. COE Mendocino Lake Bu-Shay Campground

    3 Reviews
    Mendocino Lake, CA
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 467-4200

    5. Middle Creek Campground

    4 Reviews
    Upper Lake, CA
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 275-2361

    $8 / night

    "Beautiful location, campground was easily accessible going up Elk Mountain Road. Camped in Site 11, pull through, no hook ups, nice picnic table, grill and fire pit. Vault toilets, no showers."

    "If it's in a beautiful location and if you're into four-wheeling or dirt bikes, you're going to have a blast."

    6. Jackson Demonstration Forest

    3 Reviews
    Caspar, CA
    50 miles
    Website
    +1 (707) 964-5674

    "There was a small creek behind the campground which was nice. It was about a 30 minute drive to fort Bragg made for an easy day trip. The campground is maintained by cal fire $20 a night."

    "Jackson State Demonstration forest is about 6 miles from fort Bragg on hwy.20 Campground is about 3 miles down a dirt road down into the forest from the highway.

    Beautiful, clean and peaceful."

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near The Sea Ranch, CA

63 Reviews of 6 The Sea Ranch Campgrounds


  • j
    May. 8, 2022

    Bodega Dunes Campground — Sonoma Coast State Park

    Seashore

    This campsite is centrally located on the peninsula. Access to several roadside dog friendly beaches within minutes. The bay and the beach are within walking distance to campground. The bathrooms are clean and the showers are coin operated. Sites are flat and semi private. The staff is friendly and campground is large.

  • Jill F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2018

    Bodega Dunes Campground — Sonoma Coast State Park

    Windy!

    It is always windy and therefore cold on the beach. That is why there are such big sand dunes.

    Regardless, a beautiful place to visit and camp. There are also equestrian trails, so you can book a horseback ride from a local ranch as well!!

  • Carly E.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 23, 2018

    Russian Gulch State Park Campground

    Secluded Camping near Mendocino

    We stayed one night here in early October, after exploring the Mendocino area on a campervan road trip. Campsite was quiet and secluded, lots of trees so was pretty quiet and private. Clean bathrooms, drinking water was right next to our site. There were hiking trails right nearby, but sadly we arrived fairly late and were leaving the next morning so we didn't get to do much exploring. Area was pretty damp so a little chilly because of that. there were giant yellow banana slugs all over, which was pretty neat to see. Site had a picnic table and fire ring. Lots of open sites when we arrived (mid week in early Fall), no reservation needed. Convenient to explore Mendocino/Fort Bragg area, we took a walk around Mendocino and visited the glass beach. I would like to go back and explore the hiking there!

    http://adventuresneaker.com/2017/03/23/california-road-trip-days-7-8-9-bodie-historic-ghost-town-lake-tahoe-russian-gulch-state-park/

  • Tim J.
    Sep. 29, 2018

    Russian Gulch State Park Campground

    Great Coastal Location

    While this campground is set off from the highway it is very busy on weekends from tourists out for the day.  Lush setting with the hike and bike area located near showers and restrooms. Campsite includes a table and fire pit.  Within walking distance of the beach and a short drive to coastal towns.

  • Rebecca A.
    Sep. 20, 2019

    Bodega Dunes Campground — Sonoma Coast State Park

    Beautiful sunset!!

    This is such an incredible area to camp! The California coast is hard to beat. This campground is in the sand dunes, with a short walk to the beach. This is absolutely one of the best places to see the sunset. The campground had showers and full bathrooms! 10/10 would recommend.

  • Justin B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 18, 2019

    Bodega Dunes Campground — Sonoma Coast State Park

    Cool Hikes and Crab over the fire

    I like this campground. There are some cool hikes to the dunes and to the beach. Go to the wharf near by to pick up some live crab to boil over the fire. Overall a great campground for adults and kids. Go with a group or a romantic getaway. Experience northern California Coast and see where they filmed Hitchcock's "The Birds."

  • D
    Aug. 30, 2021

    Bodega Dunes Campground — Sonoma Coast State Park

    Camping in the sand

    Nice campground at a state park in Northern California. Nice large sites but some have views of nearby housing. Some also have a LOT of sand. Clean bathrooms and showers.

  • T
    Aug. 19, 2021

    Middle Creek Campground

    Hope someone sees this

    I’ve been camping cross country for the last month with my husband. We’re from New York, and like to think we’re not easily rattled or intimidated. This was the first time on our trip that we were both scared.

    The forest service website says this campground is not open for camping, just dirt bike and horse riding, so I had found a campground further into the National Forest to camp at. When we drove by Middle Creek, we could see the sites from the road and a few of them had tents and we could see some folks, the campground was pretty clearly operating to some extent. We just wanted somewhere to stay overnight on our way into SF so we doubled back and found a site, paid the $8 and had a snack. We explored our corner of the campground a little- pretty clean, a fine campground. No visible host.

    Lots of wasps and flies, like standing right next to a dumpster. There was a woman who seemed to be experiencing homelessness and/or mental illness occupying multiple sites. She pretty clearly was stealing from sites people weren’t present at, right in front of us. She also had a dog that didn’t seem to be hers.

    The man at the campsite next to us didn’t have a tent or anything, just paid then sat in his truck screaming and cackling and breaking stuff loudly and pounding beers.

    We left without spending the night. The police need to go take a look out there.

  • John G.
    Jul. 11, 2019

    Bodega Dunes Campground — Sonoma Coast State Park

    Great Sand Dunes and Beach

    Stayed hear in June. Weather was beautiful. Campground is in the trees and a short drive to the beach. Use the beach access in the campground.... too crowded if you try to get to the beach on the main highway. Bathrooms are maintained with pay showers($1 for 3 mins), limited groceries close by. Very crowded on the week ends. Campground is spaced out. No hookups, just basic camping for both RVs and tents.


Guide to The Sea Ranch

Horse camping in California offers a unique way to explore the state's stunning landscapes while enjoying the companionship of your equine friends. With a variety of campgrounds catering to horse enthusiasts, you can find the perfect spot to saddle up and hit the trails.

Tips for equestrian camping near The Sea Ranch, California

  • Jackson Demonstration Forest provides a peaceful setting with plenty of trails for horseback riding, making it a great choice for equestrian campers.
  • Liberty Glen Campground allows pets, including horses, and features a variety of sites that offer access to scenic trails.
  • Middle Creek Campground is known for its tranquil environment, perfect for those looking to ride in a serene setting surrounded by nature.

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

  • At Russian Gulch State Park Campground, you can enjoy hiking trails that are suitable for horseback riding, providing breathtaking views of the coastline.
  • Bu-Shay Campground offers access to nearby trails that are perfect for equestrian adventures, along with spacious sites for your camping needs.
  • Doran Regional Park features a variety of outdoor activities, including horseback riding along the beach, making it a fun destination for horse lovers.

Equestrian campgrounds include amenities for your horse

  • Bodega Dunes Campground has facilities that accommodate horses, ensuring a comfortable stay for both you and your equine companion.
  • Liberty Glen Campground features reservable sites and access to sanitary dumps, making it convenient for horse campers.
  • Middle Creek Campground provides essential amenities like picnic tables and fire pits, along with access to trails suitable for horseback riding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near The Sea Ranch, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near The Sea Ranch, CA is Bodega Dunes Campground — Sonoma Coast State Park with a 4.2-star rating from 38 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near The Sea Ranch, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near The Sea Ranch, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.