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Best Equestrian Camping near Thermal, CA

142 Reviews

Lake Cahuilla and Ribbonwood Equestrian Campground provide accessible horse camping options near Thermal, California. Ribbonwood Equestrian Campground, situated in Idyllwild, offers specialized facilities for riders and their horses with water hookups and picnic tables at each site. While no dedicated horse corrals are listed in the data, the campground is designed specifically for equestrian use with drive-in access for horse trailers. Sites remain remarkably quiet at night, offering peaceful conditions for both riders and horses. Lake Cahuilla in La Quinta provides water and electric hookups with spacious gravel sites that accommodate larger rigs and horse trailers, though it doesn't feature dedicated equestrian facilities.

The McCall Equestrian Park in Idyllwild operates year-round, giving horse enthusiasts consistent access to mountain riding trails regardless of season. The park features showers, toilets, and trash disposal, creating a comfortable base camp for trail riders. Black Rock Equestrian Campground in Joshua Tree National Park offers a more primitive camping experience with fire rings and picnic tables but no water hookups or dedicated horse corrals. Reservations are recommended for both McCall and Ribbonwood campgrounds, especially during peak riding seasons when sites fill quickly. The surrounding mountain terrain provides varied riding experiences from desert landscape at lower elevations to pine forest trails at higher elevations. Most equestrian sites remain functional during winter months when other campgrounds in the region close.

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Best Equestrian Sites Near Thermal, California (16)

    1. Lake Cahuilla

    12 Reviews
    La Quinta, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 564-4712

    "Equestrian sites are partial hookup and are $35. There is a dump station on site for all campers to use."

    "Lake Cahuilla has a lot to offer, including a playground, lake for fishing only (no swimming), and a pool that was closed while we were there, and somewhat spacious sites."

    2. Ryan Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

    30 Reviews
    Twentynine Palms, CA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 367-5554

    $30 / night

    "This camp site was tucked in the back, 12 miles from Joshua Tree park entrance. This site was on the side of the rocks that provided shade for more than 12 hours in the day."

    "Short drive to most of the popular sights / trails in Joshua Tree

    Cons: Some sites are pretty close to each other, can feel crowded.

            "

    3. Black Rock Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

    48 Reviews
    Yucca Valley, CA
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 367-5554

    $35 / night

    "Short drive to the park and easy to get to the main grocery stores. The sites are not very shady and there is not too much privacy but overall it's a nice place and the bathrooms are very clean."

    "This campground is a little outside the main Joshua Tree area.  It used to be the only campground you could reserve ahead. "

    4. Ribbonwood Equestrian Campground

    1 Review
    Indian Wells, CA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 862-9984

    $15 / night

    "Good campsite, has the coolest hike trails, and the nights are really beautiful. It was so much fun and I would definitely come back Id just need more blankets because the nights are beyond cold."

    5. Belle Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

    5 Reviews
    Twentynine Palms, CA
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 367-3001

    "Love the rock formations within the campground and proximity to hiking from the campground. Pit toilets, garbage and recycling available. Fire pits, bbq’s and picnic tables at every site."

    "Amazing rocks, night skies, and climbing to do all around."

    6. Fountain of Youth Spa RV Resort

    4 Reviews
    Niland, CA
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 354-1340

    $30 - $213 / night

    7. South Ridge Yellow Post Sites

    3 Reviews
    Idyllwild, CA
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 382-2921

    "Very nice to find a campsite this private on a weekend in southern California elevation is high enough that temperatures were very enjoyable (mid 80's)"

    "Yellow Post #2 – San Bernardino National Forest Secluded, free, first-come-first-served tent site tucked deep in the forest near Hemet, CA."

    8. Dripping Springs Campground

    15 Reviews
    Aguanga, CA
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 788-0250

    $25 - $50 / night

    "well ran, all sites were marked open or reserved with the arrival and departure date on it, bathrooms are the cleanest vault toilets we have ever seen (and we camp all over), there is a fire station located"

    "Equestrian sites up the hill. Saw a few rabbits and lizards, not too loud, it’s peaceful and good distance between some sites."

    9. Black Rock Equestrian Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

    1 Review
    Yucca Valley, CA
    34 miles
    +1 (760) 367-5554

    $35 / night

    "Huge open horse camp with 10 corrals, picnic tables, bbqs and fire rings, pick your spot anywhere you like. Almost all sloped but not awful. Lot gets regularly graded."

    10. McCall Equestrian Park

    2 Reviews
    Mountain Center, CA
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (951) 659-2311

    $30 - $280 / night

    "This is listed as horse campsite, but there’s few tent sites available. Not crowded and winds from mountains keep area cooled."

    "Few trails for wandering around as well. Great Verizon service"

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Thermal, CA

5 Photos of 16 Thermal Campgrounds

Equestrian Camping Reviews near Thermal, CA

142 Reviews of 16 Thermal Campgrounds

  • K
    Sep. 27, 2022

    Dripping Springs Campground

    Very relaxing

    I was so excited to check this campground out. When my hubby and I arrived we automatically were happy. The campground was very clean, well ran, all sites were marked open or reserved with the arrival and departure date on it, bathrooms are the cleanest vault toilets we have ever seen (and we camp all over), there is a fire station located close to the campground which was good to know in case of fires. The host is very nice and helpful. If you have any questions or concerns he is happy to help! There is running water for dishes and campfires as well as horse corrals for your horse. Pull through sites for trailers. Everyone that was staying on the equestrian loop was amazing. Site 31 did have a problem with ants.

  • Andy H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 30, 2019

    Pioneertown Corrals

    Cool experience, sites not ideal for tent camping

    This is a really fun place to stay and has a bunch of awesome amenities. Right behind the campground is the Pioneertown Main Street, featuring replica buildings from the old west. They have stores, gun fights, and a restaurant nearby. The campground itself has a communal fire pit and bbq area that all campers can use. Each site has a table and fire pit. The layout of the sites is a little cramped and there is no privacy. It is designed mostly for equestrian camping and has horse stalls you can rent along with your site. The restaurant (Pappy and Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace) is somewhat of a local icon, and has amazing food and is known for their live music.

  • Elena S.
    Jul. 22, 2018

    Black Rock Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

    Close to Joshua Tree

    Stayed here one night when the park was full. Short drive to the park and easy to get to the main grocery stores. The sites are not very shady and there is not too much privacy but overall it's a nice place and the bathrooms are very clean. It also has an equestrian campground attached.

  • Jeremiah F.
    Nov. 30, 2020

    Black Rock Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

    Acceptable campground on the edge of Joshua Tree...

    While technically in Joshua Tree National Park, this campground sits on the Northwest edge of J.T., requires no park entrance fee, and does not connect with the main road through the park. It's a fine campground for those who can't get a site at one of the other campgrounds, or those who don't want to make the long, slow drive into the park. If you want to actually visit Joshua Tree, I'd find a different campground further into the park.

    PROS: Easy access, Lots of sites with nice views overlooking the town, Several hiking trails starting at the edge of campground, separate campground for people with horses.

    CONS: No shade, lot of the sites are uneven and hard-packed ground  (You can't get spikes in deep enough at some sites, I wouldn't trust my tent being secure in high winds), Not really "in" the park, long drive to park entrance, you don't get that isolated feeling, campsites feel a bit too close to each other.

    Each site has a fire pit and a concrete picnic table. Size of campsites seem to vary greatly. Facilities are clean, with flush toilets/urinals.

    After being unable to get a site at our preferred campground in Joshua Tree we grabbed two spots at Black Rock Campground. While not bad, it wasn't that normal Joshua Tree feel, the lights from the nearby town wash out some of the night sky, and the camp just felt packed, even when it was at ~60% capacity.

  • MarinMaverick
    Sep. 29, 2020

    Black Rock Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

    Black Rock Campground - Joshua Tree - Place to Start Your Trek

    This campground is a little outside the main Joshua Tree area.  It used to be the only campground you could reserve ahead.  So we usually spend the first night here and then head into the main park in the morning.  It has full facilites and water on sight. It has a small visitor center/ranger station as well.

    You drive through a residential area and then you are at the campground.  You are on a knoll or incline so you are looking down over the valley.  There is horse site as well but I do not know the details of that.

    We are tent campers. There are  good tent sites as well RV sites.  A great place to watch the star, the sunset and the sunrise.  Trail right fromt= the campground up to a hill/mountain behind the campground.

    Be prepared.  We have been snowed on here and wind whipped. Always go in February.

    Sites have tables, fire rings and water. Modern bathrooms.

    You are surrounded by Joshua Trees and if you catch them in the right time they are blooming.

  • Dad & B R.
    Jun. 23, 2019

    Dripping Springs Campground

    Great hiking

    Make sure to reserve, spots fill up in the summer. Awesome hike and great campfire, camp host was nice and helpful. Site number 8 is great, also 7 (double site) and 29. Equestrian sites up the hill. Saw a few rabbits and lizards, not too loud, it’s peaceful and good distance between some sites. Heads up, site 3 is so small that I genuinely don’t know how anyone ever uses it. Even a one man tent would have to squeeze in. Most other sites have plenty of room though. Had a good time here. FYI: You can get firewood at Vail Lake RV Resort, right at the gate. $8 a bundle. Camp host let us know when we got in to Dripping Springs that some people had problems finding firewood. Another tip is to gather some kindling from the trails.

  • Roger W.
    Oct. 10, 2018

    Dripping Springs Campground

    Quick Get Away

    Good location to get out of Temecula for a quiet night. There is hiking and horse trails, but no other draw. The downside is the standard Forest Service pit toilets.

  • Jonathan G.
    Oct. 25, 2020

    Black Rock Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

    Great option for J Tree

    Although it's technically in the park, you'll need to drive over to one of the main entrances for park access. Still, this is a great option. The horse stalls are on the north end of the camp, and there are a few loops. It's desert camping so bring your own shade and lots of water. The weather was great in October, and there is a short trail on the west end of camp (plus lots of other in the area to explore).

    We had an RV so I can't speak to the bathrooms.

  • Jessica M.
    Sep. 27, 2019

    Dripping Springs Campground

    Great

    First time tent campers. We reserved spot #8. This site was large, flat, had nice shade from large trees, but also offered lots of sunshine. It really was one if the biggest and, to me, best sites, compared to others there. One of the water faucets with potable water was on the outskirts of our space, not at all bothersome. The toilets and dumpster were conveniently close, but not too close to be noticed. The campground was easy to find, and kept very clean. The camp host came by on his cart with his dog to make sure we had everything we needed. We brought our own wood in for the fire. The location here is great, because it is located away from the hustle and bustle of the city, but easy and close to get back in. We arrived on a Friday, enjoyed some wineries on Saturday, and went home Sunday. There is a popular trailhead inside the campground. I will definitely come back.

Guide to Thermal

Horse camping in California offers a unique way to explore the great outdoors while enjoying the company of your equine friends. With a variety of campgrounds catering to horse enthusiasts, you can find the perfect spot to set up camp and ride through stunning landscapes.

Campers appreciate these amenities for horses

Equestrian campgrounds include scenic trails

Most campgrounds have horse-focused amenities like spacious sites

  • The Ryan Campground — Joshua Tree National Park features spacious sites that allow for comfortable camping with horses, along with essential amenities like toilets and trash disposal.
  • Lake Cahuilla offers a variety of site options, including those suitable for equestrian camping, with ample space and facilities for a relaxing stay.
  • The Fountain of Youth Spa RV Resort provides a welcoming environment for horse campers, featuring spacious sites and a range of amenities to enhance your camping experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Thermal, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Thermal, CA is Lake Cahuilla with a 4.7-star rating from 12 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 16 equestrian camping locations near Thermal, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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