28 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Ribbonwood Equestrian Campground near Idyllwild provides spacious accommodations for horse owners about 45 miles southwest of Thousand Palms. This campground offers water hookups for RVs, drinking water access for horses, and toilets. Sites include picnic tables, and fires are permitted in designated rings. The campground maintains a reservation system for its sites, with most campers noting the clean facilities and well-maintained grounds. Large parking areas accommodate horse trailers, though the campground is not suitable for big rigs.
The campground connects directly to multiple trail systems in the San Bernardino National Forest, offering varied terrain for riders of different experience levels. McCall Equestrian Park, located approximately 7 miles from Ribbonwood, provides additional horse-friendly camping options with showers and toilet facilities not available at Ribbonwood. Both campgrounds remain accessible year-round, though winter conditions may affect trail access. Sites fill quickly during peak riding seasons, particularly weekends from spring through fall. Trash collection services operate at both locations, but riders should pack in feed and prepare for limited on-site services. Campgrounds enforce leash requirements for dogs accompanying horse owners, ensuring safety for all animals on the premises.
"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. "
from $35 / night
Check Availability"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.
"
from $30 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
"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."
from $30 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
from $35 / night
Check Availability"There are a lot of equestrian campgrounds in the area so be prepared to see horses on the near by trails."
"The first thing to mention is the location. The back of the campground faces west where the rolling mountains seem to part in a way that showcases the beautiful California sunset."
from $29 - $58 / night
Check Availability"Next to one of best small music venues. We stayed here for a concert and walked to and from the show avoiding the traffic in and out. Friendly host."
from $60 - $75 / night
Check Availability"Great view of the valley below and mountains around."
RangerWe normally camp in the other side of Big Bear, but decided to try a new campground this year. Overall we really liked this campground. Although some of the sites are close together most of them have good separation. There are a lot of equestrian campgrounds in the area so be prepared to see horses on the near by trails. It’s close enough for a quick trip to the lake yet you are far enough away that you still get the true camping experience.
ScoutI 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.
RangerThis 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.
ScoutI only saw the first 9 or so sites and stayed I think at site #9. For the most part, spacious spots, fire ring, picnic table, a lot of trees, and varied slopes. Road in is placed initially then dirt but is fine. There's other rough roads further in and access to hikes nearby. I loved how quiet it was, except for neighbors since sound carries so easily even though spots are quiet apart from each other. You'll pass an equestrian campground on the way in that you might be able to get water from.
GuideSweet Oaks winery campgrounds has 16 sites available for both tent camping and RV’s (no hook-ups). It’s pretty close to grocery stores and big box stores just in case you forgot some gear/supplies. They have a beautiful well-kept property with super-clean restrooms (no showers). They do have a water hose for you to fill up your tanks or Jerry cans. They didn’t allow campfires due to high fire danger though. You’ll have to bring your own fire pit setup if they ever allow them in the future. It was a beautiful walk around the vineyards but there are also hiking trails nearby. It’s off a road suitable for road bikes but there are also mountain bike trails nearby. They have equestrian activities also available for guests. We were able to get our tin top Eurovan to fit on one of their tent sites which offered a beautiful view of Temecula valley. The wine tasting room was closed due to the pandemic but you can order wine online and they will deliver to your site. One more thing, we counted about 8 hot air balloons as we had breakfast!
GuideStayed 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.
GuideWhile 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.
LegendThis 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.
ScoutHeart Bar Campground is one of my favorites. The first thing to mention is the location. The back of the campground faces west where the rolling mountains seem to part in a way that showcases the beautiful California sunset. The campground is away from the town enough to feel secluded and quiet. If you plan to camp in the Big Bear area, I strongly suggest giving Heart Bar a try. The beauty of the surrounding environment is worth it alone.
The San Bernardino National Forest offers several horse campgrounds near Thousand Palms, California, located within a 45-mile radius of the city. These equestrian-friendly sites sit at elevations ranging from 4,000 to 7,000 feet, providing cooler temperatures than the desert floor during summer months. Trail access varies seasonally with higher elevation routes often closed due to snow from December through March.
Trail riding access: McCall Equestrian Park connects to several hiking trails with moderate terrain suitable for novice riders. "This is listed as horse campsite, but there's few tent sites available. Not crowded and winds from mountains keep area cooled," notes Pete, who appreciated the natural air conditioning effect.
Wildlife viewing: Heart Bar Campground borders a meadow where deer frequently graze during evening hours. "This campground is excellent for wildlife viewing and entry to the wilderness for hiking and exploring," explains Nick L., adding that "deer graze in the evenings" in the meadow adjacent to the camping area.
Mountain biking: Trails near several equestrian campgrounds accommodate mountain bikes, with routes varying in difficulty. "Lots of hiking and mountain biking in area. Great views," reports Aaron S. about the trail system accessed directly from Heart Bar Campground.
Clean facilities: Black Rock Equestrian Campground receives positive reviews for its well-maintained grounds. "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," reports Judith W., noting the regular maintenance.
Private camping spots: South Ridge Yellow Post Sites offer secluded options for those seeking more isolation than established campgrounds. "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)," writes Tony B.
Spacious sites: Many equestrian campgrounds feature larger than average sites designed to accommodate trailers and multiple vehicles. "The double sites are a must when going with a group of 10 people. This specific site is very spacious with double of the parking spots (4 cars total), 2 fire pits, and 2 benches," reports Chrystal M. about Heart Bar Campground.
Weather considerations: Mountain sites experience significant temperature fluctuations between day and night, even in summer. "We didn't expect such a beautiful view!! We were there in August and the weather was perfect. Warm during the day and just chilly at night," notes Gina C. about her stay at Heart Bar.
Reservation requirements: Lake Cahuilla operates on a reservation system that fills quickly during peak seasons. "The nights were dark and quiet, which was so great. Very quiet, we were here midweek before Christmas," reports Bryan S., highlighting the advantage of off-peak visits.
Water availability: Horse campgrounds provide varying levels of water access, with some requiring hauling to individual sites. "Central water location so you do have to schlepp your water to the corrals," mentions Judith W. about Black Rock Equestrian Campground.
Bathroom facilities: Black Rock Campground offers more developed facilities than primitive horse camps. "Bathrooms are clean and well kept. Visitors center staff was friendly and helpful. Sites are decently spaced but there will be sharing with RV's and generators," explains Mark D.
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds offer nature centers and educational programs seasonally. "There is a cool museum were the amazing staff provided us with interesting history about the lake and Indian tribes," shares Lauren R. about Lake Perris State Recreational Area.
Activity options: Many equestrian campgrounds have adjacent hiking trails suitable for children. "Sites are good, bathrooms are always cleaned. Close to amenities if you need it (we travel with small children so that's a plus) compared to the more remote stays," points out Ashley W. regarding Black Rock Campground.
Site selection: When visiting equestrian campgrounds with an RV, research site dimensions carefully as many aren't designed for larger rigs. "Wide gravel sites, most with 50/30 amp service and water, many right on the small fishing lake. No trees or other screening between sites although not packed in like a standard RV park," explains Patrick M. about Lake Cahuilla's layout.
Leveling challenges: Many mountain campgrounds feature uneven terrain. "The sites were close together, narrow roads and the sites were not level. We found a rock to level our van which helped, but flat spots were expected," shares Julie K. about her experience at Black Rock Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Thousand Palms, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Thousand Palms, CA is Black Rock Campground — Joshua Tree National Park with a 4.2-star rating from 56 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Thousand Palms, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 28 equestrian camping locations near Thousand Palms, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
