13 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Point Reyes National Seashore offers limited horse-friendly camping near Woodacre, California. Wildcat Campground in Point Reyes permits equestrian access with dedicated horse hitching posts located near campsite #2. Riders approaching on horseback travel along designated bridle paths through the coastal meadows. Most campsites lack privacy from passing horse traffic, as riders must pass directly by several sites to reach the hitching area. The terrain consists primarily of open meadow on a bluff overlooking the ocean with beach access nearby.
Trail access for equestrians extends throughout the Point Reyes peninsula with connections to Stewart Trail from the Five Brooks Trailhead, offering a strenuous 6.7-mile route suitable for experienced riders and horses. Horse camping requires advance planning as permits must be obtained from Bear Valley Visitor Center regardless of online reservation status. Overnight horse camping is permitted only at designated sites within the national seashore, with specific regulations governing waste management and trail use. The coastal climate can create challenging conditions for horses with frequently damp and windy weather, particularly during summer months when fog regularly blankets the campground. Regional regulations prohibit loose horses and require owners to bring appropriate containment equipment as no permanent corrals exist at the campsites.
"in an open meadow on a bluff overlooking the ocean with a short walk to the beach and a 3.2 kilometer (2.0 miles) round-trip walk to [Alamere Falls](https://www.nps.gov/pore/planyourvisit/alamere_falls.htm"
"Really great site right next to the water and beach. The hike in is pretty easy and beautiful. We had fun making a fire on the beach at night. It's pretty windy, so be prepared."
"West Marin offers an incredibly picturesque location to explore, and Coast Camp is about as good as it gets."
"The beach offers tidepools close by as well as a great place for beach fire (permit needed). There are two routes to hike in."
from $30 - $90 / night
Check Availability"This location is easily accessible for all. Biking, trails for hiking and the gardens are gorgeous. Rvs and horses welcome."
"We only stayed overnight the staff was very friendly,lots of stuff to do around the campsite from hiking,mtb,watch horses, frisbee golf and then you have napa where you can get wine,brewery,and restaurants"
"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!!"
from $45 / night
Check Availability"Anthony Chabot Campgrounds sits high up on the Castro Valley Hills overlooking Lake Chabot. There are several awesome hiking trails going down to the lake as well as some equestrian trails."
"as usual some spots are better than others but most close to restrooms and/or water. lots of poison oak and star thistle right off trail. great deterrent for kids to stay out of tick areas but id worry"
from $25 - $200 / night
Check Availability"We just stayed here for 2 nights, great location very close to Calistoga and not to far from Saint Helena! Next time i would love to try out a cabin or yurt."
"Good access to wineries close by. Only real downside was that because of the dry conditions we could not have a campfire."
from $43 / night
Check Availability"Tilden is great for anyone looking for a close park right outside of the Berkeley/San Fran area. It is a rather large park area that overlooks Berkeley."
"Tilden offers a lake in the middle to swim in and fish. The campsites have lots of fire pits. The weather is always great too!"
from $75 - $120 / night
Check Availability"It’s close to the entrance but the driveway only had a slight grade. Mostly folks with trailers. The sites are not too close together but it is easy to see into the surrounding neighbors."
"Spring Lake has been that for us. We have been here for 2 weekends in the last few months."
from $35 / night
Check Availability"The 31-mile East Bay Skyline National Recreation Trail, part of the Bay Area Ridge Trail system, traverses"
from $15 / night
Check Availability"The Fairview RV Park is a great Bay Area location easy to find right off hwy 680, in the Alameda county fairgrounds. The staff are all pleasant to work with and the park and facilities are clean."
"If the Alameda Fairgrounds are having an event, you can't beat this location, it's on the property."
RangerThis 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.
LegendAnthony Chabot Campgrounds sits high up on the Castro Valley Hills overlooking Lake Chabot. There are several awesome hiking trails going down to the lake as well as some equestrian trails. The hiking trails go around the lake. Dogs are allowed but they should be on a leash. Lake Chabot has a marina that rents boats for recreational use and fishing. It's a few miles driver to get there from the campgrounds. I only gave it 4 stars because of that. They have tent and RV campsites, but no RV hookups.
GuideIt 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!!
LegendSibley Regional Preserve
San Francisco East Bay residents actually have a volcano in their backyard at Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve. Originally called Round Top Park, Sibley shares with Temescal and Tilden Parks the distinction of being one of the East Bay Regional Park District's original parks.
The Sibley backpack camp is a small, primitive hike-in site for a maximum of 15 campers (although this would be super cramped in my opinion, unless it a bunch of small kids), a moderate 0.2 mile walk from the parking lot (NO VEHICLE ACCESS). The site has basically 360 degree views of Mount Diablo, Vollmer Peak and Tilden Park. There are only two tent pads - approximately 10'x25' and 10'x20'. Site has 2 picnic tables, 1 serving table, and a pit toilet close by which was very clean and well maintained.
During the day you’ll have lots of people walk semi/sorta by the campground, but there is no reason that anyone would walk through your area as if they did they’d tumble off and down the side of a nice steep hill…
No wood fires or BBQs are allowed; only camp stoves are allowed for cooking, your night time enjoyment.
Drinking water is 0.2 miles from camp at the trail head so keep that in mind before it gets too dark to hike back and forth for a drink.
There are several trails providing tons of access throughout the preserve. The 31-mile East Bay Skyline National Recreation Trail, part of the Bay Area Ridge Trail system, traverses the preserve along the ridgeline between Wildcat Canyon and Anthony Chabot Parks. Round Top Road goes from the Sibley visitor center to the top of Round Top. Round Top Loop Trail circles Round Top peak. Volcanic Trail, once a quarry haul road, contains most of the stops on the self-guided volcanic tour.
Dogs are allowed throughout this section of the park and in camp on leash but are not allowed on the adjacent Huckleberry trails. Also, the EBRPD lists, dogs “must be under owner's control at all times” and must not disturb other animals or park visitors, but I definitely saw a lot of loose well behaved dogs running free.
Bikes are allowed on the fire trail, but there are lots of hikers and dog walkers in this park so be mindful. Also, Horses are allowed but there is no hitching rail and no water troughs in the park (or at least that I saw anywhere).
If you decide to try and bike be mindful that most trails are hiking and equestrian only. A few trails are multi-use. Bicycles are not allowed on narrow-gauge trails, except on the Skyline Trail between the Sibley visitor center and Old Tunnel Road. Bicycles are allowed on the wider-gauge fire trails and paved roads but are not allowed on Sibley Round Top from EBMUD water tank road junction to top of Round Top Peak.
Vehicles must be parked in the staging area and display a valid overnight parking permit: 3 parking permits are included in the reservation and will be mailed 5 days in advance. No additional parking permits are available. Otherwise, you can actually get here via public transport by Taking the AC Transit CB bus to the Mountain Blvd stop, them walk about 3 miles to the park.
While you can check if it’s already reserved online. Reservation must be completed at least 5 days in advance by calling 1-888-EBPARKS or 1-888-327-2757, press option 2.
RangerThis campground is nice with newer bathrooms and shower facilities, but it's also very open and exposed. Great access to Spring Lake's water-based activities and hiking trails, plus easy access to Trione-Annadel State Park for hiking and mountain biking. Howarth Park, a city park, also borders Spring Lake Regional Park and provides access to boating and fishing on Lake Ralphine, plus they have a small train, carousel, tennis courts, and a softball field. Overall a good campsite for families in need of lots of recreation options, but not the best for those wishing to "get away from it all."
ScoutThis location is easily accessible for all. Biking, trails for hiking and the gardens are gorgeous. Rvs and horses welcome.
RangerSkyline Wilderness County Park is a great little campground just outside of downtown Napa. There are always a lot of RVs there, but thankfully the tent section is separate from most of the RVs. The tent area leaves a little to be desired and is basically just a stretch of grass with picnic tables, BBQs and very little separation or cover from trees. Of course you don’t really think wilderness camping when you think of Napa Valley.
Despite being close to town there is actually quite a bit to do in the park and once you get back from the campground a bit you can really feel kind of far away from the congested Napa Valley. There are quite a few hiking trails and some offer beautiful views of the valley. By far the most popular is the Lake Marie Trail and Fire Road and Manzanita is popular with mountain bikers.
The River to Ridge Trail is nice and provides access to the Kennedy Park, the Napa River, and miles of bike paths, but check at the kiosk if the gate next to highway 221 (Soscol Ferry Road) is open and I have found it to not have a very consistent schedule.
According to a couple of friends that are pretty die-hard disk golfers, the course at Skyline is one of the best and most challenging in the area. I found it to be pretty fun, especially is your expectations are extremely low.
Being Napa Valley there is of course wine tasting and having a parking spot at the campground you have the perfect opportunity to take an Uber or car service to ensure your safety while enjoying Napa’s most famous export.
This is not a park that will provide you with memorable hikes or photos for your Instagram, but it is a decent place to stay in Napa if you’re the type that prefers to sleep in a tent or RV over a very pricey hotel.
Scoutas usual some spots are better than others but most close to restrooms and/or water. lots of poison oak and star thistle right off trail. great deterrent for kids to stay out of tick areas but id worry if we brought dogs! we were at #45, family sites and there were families with kids all over. there even was a patch of grass for kids to play on. trails nearby good for easy mountain biking and hiking
GuideWe only stayed overnight the staff was very friendly,lots of stuff to do around the campsite from hiking,mtb,watch horses, frisbee golf and then you have napa where you can get wine,brewery,and restaurants that's only 5 minutes away....would definetly be back here again
Horse camping locations near Woodacre, California offer varied terrain options beyond Point Reyes National Seashore. The region sits at the edge of the coastal mountains where average elevations range between 800-1500 feet with summer temperatures typically reaching 75-85°F during daytime hours. Fall typically provides the most consistent weather conditions for equestrian camping in this area, with September and October offering drier trails and cooler temperatures.
Trail connections to beaches: Wildcat Campground offers unparalleled beach access for riders. "The hike in was pretty easy and beautiful. We had fun making a fire on the beach at night. It's pretty windy, so be prepared. Enough room for a big group of us and the remote location was perfect," notes Madelyn G. The site allows beach campfires with proper permits obtained at Bear Valley Visitor Center.
Explore volcanic landscapes: Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve provides unique geology just 45 minutes from Woodacre. "San Francisco East Bay residents actually have a volcano in their backyard at Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve... The site has basically 360 degree views of Mount Diablo, Vollmer Peak and Tilden Park," explains Elliott B. The preserve allows horses on designated fire trails but lacks hitching posts or water troughs.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Skyline Wilderness Park offers frequent wildlife encounters. "Wild turkey, deer, wood peckers regularly seen!" reports Adam B. The park provides designated equestrian trails with less congestion than coastal routes, making it suitable for less experienced horses.
Privacy between sites: Coast Campground offers better site separation than other options. "The campsites go from surrounded by coyote brush to out in the open to secluded. I like the sites back in the valley as there is less wind or fog. That would be 13 and 14," explains MarinMaverick. This provides better options for horses that need visual separation from other camping groups.
Shorter access routes: Coast Campground provides easier approaches than other horse-friendly sites. "The hike to the campsite went by fast. Only 1.8 miles, not too bad on the elevation gain either," shares Char A. This makes it practical for horses carrying heavier loads or riders preferring shorter trips.
Year-round availability: Tilden Regional Park offers consistent access regardless of season. "Tilden Park is perfect for anyone whose interested in wildlife and hiking in perfect climates. Tilden offers a lake in the middle to swim in and fish," notes Nicholas M. The year-round availability creates flexibility for riders facing seasonal trail closures elsewhere.
Limited equestrian amenities: Beyond designated hitching posts, most campgrounds require bringing your own containment equipment. "No wood fires or BBQs are allowed; only camp stoves are allowed for cooking," reports Elliott B. about Sibley Preserve, which applies to most regional equestrian sites requiring preparation for cooking without open flames.
Tick prevalence: Anthony Chabot Regional Park and similar wooded areas present tick challenges. "Keep in mind that if you walk the single track trails with your dogs, you'll be spending some quality time with them later picking off ticks. Be aware of the poison oak as well," warns Lori T. Horses require thorough tick checks after camping in these areas.
Reservation timing: Sites fill quickly during peak seasons. "These are sites are in high demand, but totally worth the wait to experience," notes Sara S. about Wildcat Camp. Most equestrian-friendly sites require reservations 3-6 months in advance, particularly during summer months.
Protected site selection: Choosing wind-protected sites improves the experience with children. "During the day it actually got pretty hot at our campsite (#1), lots of exposure probably around low 70s. At night it did get chilly, 38-39 degrees F, nothing a good sleeping bag couldn't fix," shares Char A. about Coast Camp, highlighting the temperature fluctuations requiring proper preparation.
Educational opportunities: Bothe-Napa Valley State Park offers historical sites accessible on horseback. "Take a walk to check out the Pioneer Cemetery and nearby mill. St. Clement Vineyards is a fun stop on the way out of town and is kid-friendly," suggests Kate L. These sites connect trail riding with educational opportunities.
Wildlife cautions: Explain wildlife protocols before arrival. "I was awoken (as is the norm in NorCal) to gobbling turkeys at dawn," shares Jeanna J. about Bothe-Napa Valley State Park. Wild turkeys can startle horses unfamiliar with their sudden movements and sounds, requiring preparation for children handling horses.
Separate arrival logistics: Some equestrian campgrounds have complex check-in procedures. "Address takes you to main entrance to fairgrounds where a person manning a booth directed us to drive around the fairgrounds to Gate 12 which is entrance to the RV park," explains Nancy L. about Alameda County Fairgrounds, underscoring the importance of confirming exact entry points when hauling horses.
Access limitations: Large rigs face challenges at several sites. "RV campsites are close together and semi-level. Bathrooms could use some TLC," notes Rich J. about Skyline Wilderness Park, indicating the need to consider maneuverability when transporting horses to campgrounds designed for smaller vehicles.
Hookup considerations: When available, full hookups provide added convenience. "Clean showers and bathrooms, some trees, close to Raley's Grocery store... some full hook-ups and some partial, we will ask for full hook ups next time just for ease of getting out when your ready to go," advises Lori H. about Skyline Wilderness Park, highlighting the benefit of full hookups for longer equestrian camping stays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Woodacre, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Woodacre, CA is Wildcat Campground — Point Reyes National Seashore with a 4.8-star rating from 15 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Woodacre, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 13 equestrian camping locations near Woodacre, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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