Joseph D Grant County Park - Horse Camp in San Jose provides equestrian camping facilities approximately 45 miles from Watsonville. The campground accommodates both tent and RV camping with horse-friendly amenities. Trails throughout the 10,882-acre park connect directly to campsites, allowing riders immediate access to extensive riding opportunities. The park maintains clean facilities with drinking water available for both campers and horses. Campsite reservations are required and include picnic tables and fire rings at each site. Wild pigs and deer frequently roam through the camping areas, particularly in early morning hours, so proper food storage is essential when camping with horses.
Located within the eastern foothills of the Diablo Range, the park offers miles of bridle trails with varying terrain suitable for different riding skill levels. Riders can access both shaded woodland paths and open grassland trails directly from the horse camp. Water troughs are positioned at strategic points along major trail intersections. The campground provides adequate space for horse trailers with designated parking areas. During summer months, temperatures can reach into the 90s, making early morning or evening rides preferable. Trail conditions remain accessible year-round with some seasonal closures after heavy rainfall to prevent erosion damage. The primitive nature of the equestrian camping area offers a genuine outdoor experience while still providing necessary amenities for horse care.
"Close to the highway with a fairly easy on and off the although it's a little confusing at first. All day/night highway noise but it starts to become white noise after a while."
"The location is very secluded as bd far from stores but fairly close to the sea. Have visited a few time and enjoy the stay. Not many issues. I’m looking forward to the Upgrades!"
$34 / night
"The lake is closed to any and all water-craft because the water level is too low. It is very clean and well maintained for the most part. Cell phone service for Xfinity/Verizon is spotty at best."
"Campsites are along the beautiful Coyote lake. The lakeside sites are mostly shaded as are the sites along the road. Sites 43, 44 and 45 would be the most secluded."
"Part of the KOA franchise, this is a very clean, well positioned RV and Cabin park for exploring the Monterey, Salinas, Watsonville, Santa Cruz area."
$20 / night
"This is a primitive campground, no showers only vault toilets and restroom near visitor center ( 2 min walk from campground) both decently clean. Water for washing dishes is available."
"There is a small visitor center close to the entrance, with a few souvenirs and some snacks and drinks. Visitor Center only takes cash."
"Typical TT resort park off the beaten path, far out but nice place, we enjoyed our stay. At the time we were there a lot of the riverfront sports were out of order."
"Right near Pinnacles National Park! We had Condors above our cabin, deer around us, wild pigs crossing the roads. Its amazing!!!! My favorite part of our California trip was staying here!"
$15 - $200 / night
"This hidden gem hides behind the vineyard crested mountain range just due south of Livermore."
"After time spent here at this oasis in the middle of Eastbay, California, you’ll very much feel like part of this place with its endless trails, fantastically well-kept camping grounds and the warm hospitality"
$15 - $400 / night
"Hamilton and a lake up the road a way, there’s also a mansion & rose garden on the property, shower & bathroom are clean, there are nights to gather and stargaze.The tent spaces are sizable &"
"Good trails."
"The bathrooms were a short walk down hill. They were clean with flushing toilets. There camp ground was quiet and it was mostly couples or small family groups."
"Clean, bathrooms near by. Very relaxing and away from San Jose."
"However, this gorgeous state park has dozens of beautiful trails winding through cattle country and down along streams and ponds in the Dinosaur Point area. NO WATER."
TravelerPart of the KOA franchise, this is a very clean, well positioned RV and Cabin park for exploring the Monterey, Salinas, Watsonville, Santa Cruz area. There are limited recreation facilities due to the terrain and size of property. As of this writing, it is under certain restrictions due to the pandemic. Good idea to check first before making any reservations.
GuideGood spot to explore Pinnicales National Park. Typical TT resort park off the beaten path, far out but nice place, we enjoyed our stay. At the time we were there a lot of the riverfront sports were out of order. Park does have a lot of those devil spikes in the grass so beware of those with the dogs or bare feet. I did see someone bare foot walking and I was confused as how he was not stepping on them little spiked mines/ thorns then it happened and he went down having to crawl back to the road and get shoes. Pinnacles NP has lots of great hikes, bird watching is a thing out here and home to the California Condors. Near the town of Gilroy home of the garlic festival. A little out of the way but a nice scenic backroad alternate from I5 or 99 if traveling north/south.
LegendWhat a find! This hidden gem hides behind the vineyard crested mountain range just due south of Livermore. Once you get off the 680/580 highways, you'll be immediately swept into a different wind-strewn, rocky landscape that you'll have to wind around several bends on some decent inclined well-paved roads before making your arrival to Del Valle regional park.
You'll have to pay the$10 to get through, but this is one of the few parks where that fee, if maximized, is a great investment. The campgrounds here are all incredibly well maintained, spacious (perhaps a bit too spacious and open in some places). With a great number of trails to take in any direction, the great find here is the well-appointed lake that rents kayaks, paddle boats and canoes. There's even horses you can rent nearby if you get tired of all the hiking.
There's plenty of places to picnic if you get tired of eating at your campsite. Be wary of the weekends, especially long holiday weekends where this park gets completely overrun. Other than this, it's a fantastic camping site.
Happy Camping!
GuideYOU CANNOT CAMP HERE. However, this gorgeous state park has dozens of beautiful trails winding through cattle country and down along streams and ponds in the Dinosaur Point area.
NO WATER. Note that there is no safe potable water at the park, so if you're hiking, bring plenty to drink.
NOT DOG-FRIENDLY: Dogs are allowed on leash in the parking lot only. You cannot hike with your dog here.
VERY HORSE-FRIENDLY: The park is especially friendly to horses, because the lady that donated the land was an equestrienne. There is a corral at the main parking lot area and the park is fenced for livestock. They make a point of stating that although the water in the creeks and ponds is unsafe for humans, it is safe for livestock and horses. (The one exception to the no camping rule, actually, is when those on horseback are allowed to camp during special events.)
GuideThey have nice facilities and a heated pool although a hot tub would be nice also. The sites are a little small but very mature trees and they keep it clean. Some of the back in sites for tent trailer are a pain to get into but very nice setup with private dishwashing station and cook space. Bathroom is. Lean and nice club/game room and clean washing facility. Close to the highway with a fairly easy on and off the although it's a little confusing at first. All day/night highway noise but it starts to become white noise after a while. Staff are friendly and accommodating and quick to respond to any issues. Its got a grocery store nearby and the camp store is fairly complete as well. Not a lot of outdoor activities other than the pool and bags and the K9 trail, but pleasant to walk though. It is very hilly and steps are around to get between levels. After being here for 4 days, I would consider coming back again.
GuideThis is a primitive campground, no showers only vault toilets and restroom near visitor center ( 2 min walk from campground) both decently clean. Water for washing dishes is available. Spots are not close to each other so there is privacy. It is small, quiet, surrounded with beautiful views. Good hiking trails and good opportunity for bird watching, wild flowers viewing and plenty of deer around. From main road it takes about 35 min drive up the hill through narrow road which is paved but I don't think it is appropriate for RVs. It is a bit of hassle getting here but worth it! If you are car camping I advice NOT to choose drive in spots as it is not leveled but the parking where you have to walk to your camp spot is okay.
LegendAfter time spent here at this oasis in the middle of Eastbay, California, you’ll very much feel like part of this place with its endless trails, fantastically well-kept camping grounds and the warm hospitality given you both by the camp rangers and fellow campers you’ll come across.
From a range of activities including horseback riding, kayaking on the namesake lake as well as hiking the foothills, if you’ve come here for nature, you’ll strike gold! The amenities are basic and – key to all California Regional Parks – everything is very well maintained, easy to find and wonderful to make use of.
Happy Camping!
GuideWe stayed in Sites 78 & 80, which were enormous, and could’ve easily fit 20-30 people, not the 8 people the sites were limited too. Careful though, many sites, including these, were mostly exposed with very little shade. Camping Labor Day weekend, temps were in the low 90s, and there were LOTS of mosquitoes. Most people in our party came back with upwards of 20-30 bites, even with lots of bug spray, screened enclosures, and other precautions.
Campsite amenities were great, easy access to water and bathrooms. Bathrooms were spotless the whole weekend, even though it was a holiday weekend and every site was booked. Park staff came by each evening to invite us to programs at the amphitheater. A firewood truck drove by at least once a day. You can also make purchases at a little camp store (in a shipping container), plenty of ice and firewood, but we didn’t see any alcohol for sale.
Check the rules ahead of time, they are quite restrictive and very different from many other campgrounds. No hard alcohol? No hammocks? No entry after 10:00pm?
Also note, the lake isn’t really in walking distance. If you have a dog, you have to head to East Shore (~5 min drive) and the Dog Run trail to let them in the water. Be prepared for a steep scramble down to the lakeside, and very limited beach.
ScoutThis is nice little campground that is only about 15 minutes from downtown Livermore. It’s a great escape from the craziness of the Bay Area without having to drive too far. The lack of cell reception really helps the feeling of being away from the city life. There was quite a bit of wildlife roaming through the park mainly in the early morning. I saw deer and turkeys roaming the campground.
The restrooms and showers were clean and functional. Maybe a bit outdated, but I don’t see that as a negative considering everything works. It’s also nice that the showers are free, no need to bring your roll of quarters.
The close proximity to the lake and all the hiking trails is a huge plus.
The only negatives I can mention are the camp store and the lack of privacy at each site. It seems like the camp store is only open on Saturdays which means if you need anything, it’s close to an hour long commitment to drive into Livermore, buy what you need, and drive back. I’m not sure if that’s always the case but when I visited in April that was what the sign had posted. As far as the lack of privacy, I don’t think it’s a deal breaker since there is a good amount of space between sites but they are all fully exposed. I can see these being a bit of a problem especially on a crowded weekend.
Overall a nice campground in a good location with plenty to do in the area.
Joseph D Grant County Park is located in the eastern foothills of the Diablo Range approximately 45 miles from Watsonville. The park spans 10,882 acres with elevations ranging from 1,500 to 2,990 feet. Winter temperatures can drop to the 30s while summer months often see daytime highs in the 90s, making seasonal considerations important for visitors planning equestrian camping trips.
Stargazing at night: Grant County Park offers excellent dark sky conditions away from San Jose's light pollution. Visitors can experience clear views of constellations and occasional astronomy events. "Great place to stargaze, hike, & camp. Has showers & bathroom & don't forget to check out the mansion!!" notes Lisa D. about Grant County Park.
Visit nearby Pinnacles National Park: The San Benito area serves as a base camp for exploring Pinnacles National Park, home to California Condors and distinctive rock formations. "Pinnacles NP has lots of great hikes, bird watching is a thing out here and home to the California Condors," reports Tyler V. from San Benito RV and Camping Resort.
Wildlife observation: Early mornings provide prime opportunities for spotting local fauna beyond the deer and pigs mentioned in the existing description. "I had a big spot and no neighbors my entire half of the campground on a Monday night in June. I was under 2 big oaks that were buzzing with bird activity," writes Michelle W. about Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch County Park.
Peace and quiet: Horse campgrounds near Watsonville offer a chance to disconnect from urban environments. "Clean, quiet and quick escape in Bay Area... The camp ground was quiet and it was mostly couples or small family groups," reports Sophie S. about Joseph D. Grant County Park.
Accessibility to trails: The extensive network of trails provides direct access from campsites to various terrain types suitable for different skill levels. "Del Valle is one of the most beautiful lakes in the east bay. The water is perfect temperature. Great hikes, paddle boarding, kayaking, swimming and beginner windsurfing," shares Rosina A. about Del Valle Campground.
Clean facilities: Many equestrian campers appreciate the well-maintained amenities. "The bathrooms were a short walk down hill. They were clean with flushing toilets," notes Sophie S. about Joseph D. Grant County Park, while another visitor mentions, "The facilities were clean and well maintained."
Limited cell service: Most equestrian camping areas have poor or no cellular coverage. "This is nice little campground that is only about 15 minutes from downtown Livermore. It's a great escape from the craziness of the Bay Area without having to drive too far. The lack of cell reception really helps the feeling of being away from the city life," advises Uriel S. about Del Valle Campground.
Wildlife encounters: Beyond the wild pigs mentioned in the existing description, campers should prepare for additional wildlife. "We saw lots of wildlife - deer, wild pigs, turkeys, frogs just to name a few," writes Kate L. about Coyote Lake Harvey Bear Ranch County Park.
Elevation and temperature fluctuations: The mountainous terrain can lead to significant temperature drops at night, even in summer months. "We came in November, just in time for a temperature drop and some nice gusts. I'm not going to hold the chill against this area because I didn't dress accordingly," reports Sophie S.
Visit the historic structures: Some equestrian camping areas near Watsonville feature educational opportunities. "There is an interesting Ranch House and Museum that showcases the life of Joseph Grant and his offspring, with many eccentric and macabre details of their history in the area," recommends Renee W. about Joseph D Grant County Park - Horse Camp.
Pack for variable weather: The elevation at horse camps can mean unexpected temperature changes. "It can get hot during summer but close to the lake to swim and paddle board," advises Erica K. about Del Valle Campground.
Allow extra driving time: Access roads to equestrian campgrounds can be challenging. "Ride up the mountain is nauseating," warns Ashley E. about Joseph D Grant County Park, suggesting families should plan accordingly when traveling with children prone to motion sickness.
Check site leveling before setup: Many horse campgrounds have uneven terrain. "We were surprised when we made it to this campground- that it was built on the side of a hill. The walk-in sites may be different, but all of the pull in sites were extremely off-level (even with all our blocks we couldn't get close)," cautions Karen about Henry W. Coe State Park.
Arrive before gate closure: Some equestrian campgrounds have strict entrance hours. "Gate closes 8:15pm," notes Jason R. about Joseph D Grant County Park, emphasizing the importance of timing arrival properly with horse trailers.
Research water availability: While most horse camps provide water for equines, supply can be seasonal. "NO WATER. Note that there is no safe potable water at the park, so if you're hiking, bring plenty to drink," warns Winnie K. about Pacheco State Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Watsonville, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Watsonville, CA is Salinas-Monterey KOA with a 4.4-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Watsonville, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 11 equestrian camping locations near Watsonville, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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