Best Equestrian Camping in California

Yosemite. The redwoods. Big Sur. World-famous outdoor destinations abound in California. There are so many that you couldn’t possibly explore all the richness the state offers in one lifetime. The trick when camping in California is managing so many possibilities. Once you've visited the famous sites, try some creative approaches to camping in California.

When you think Napa Valley, you think of wine, not camping. But you can plan a wine vacation from behind the flap of your tent. Set up in one of the valley’s campgrounds then visit the many casual tasting rooms that won't mind dirt under your fingernails. When you tire of drinking wine, hike Mt. St Helena, a dormant volcano. Or walk through the Petrified Forest, a forest that was turned to stone by the last eruption of the volcano. Or visit California’s Old Faithful, a nearby geyser.

Once you have found camping in California’s Half Dome in Yosemite Valley, center yourself in Tuolumne Meadows, a more remote section of the park with its own collection of charming granite domes. Here's a secret: Instead of joining the crowds of day hikers on the meadow's most popular trails, follow the backpackers north on the famed John Muir Trail. The trail meanders through meadows, along a river below alpine peaks. And best of all, the first 8 miles of this trail out of Tuolumne are flat. Hike until you find a spot to watch the marmots, then return to your campsite. For more, backpack another 23 miles to Reds Meadow where you can catch a shuttle back up to Tuolumne.

With a little effort, you can spend the rest of your life camping in California and have a new adventure every time.

Best Equestrian Sites in California (271)

    1. Mackerricher State Park Campground

    1463 Reviews
    Fort Bragg, CA

    $45 - $260 / night

    "There are many sites next to the ocean."

    "PROS

    → Campground is adjacent to the beach. You can hear the ocean and sometimes catch peeks of the ocean from the campground.

    → Campsites have bear lockers."

    2. Cachuma Lake Recreation Area

    59 Reviews
    Santa Ynez, CA
    Website
    +1 (805) 686-5055

    "We stayed during the recent storm of the century in Central California so weren’t able to take advantage of what the park has to offer. The sites are very long and not too jammed together."

    "As with many southern California lakes, there is no human contact with the water due to it being a reclamation center. Unlike many other southern California lakes, this one has a pool!"

    3. Black Rock Campground — Joshua Tree National Park

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

    $35 / night

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

    "Originally booked this site because it is a good endpoint for the California Riding & Hiking trail though the national park, so if you’re looking to run or complete the traverse, it is a good spot"

    4. Tuttle Creek Campground — Alabama Hills

    42 Reviews
    Alabama Hills, CA
    Website

    $10 / night

    "Near Lone Pine, just off Whitney Portal Road, adjacent to Alabama Hills, so lots of exploring opportunities! Great dark skies for stargazing and photography."

    "The spaces are huge and a nice distance from your neighbor. Vault toilets were kept clean, full of toilet paper and hand sanitizer. We were there in mid-March and the water was not turned on yet."

    5. Goat Meadow - Dispersed Camp Site

    40 Reviews
    Fish Camp, CA
    Website

    "After accidentally driving to this location following the directions of another reviewer for the “Yosemite Boondocks” campground across 41 (which we never found) we were very happy with this location."

    "Great spot about 5 minutes away from Yosemite entrance. Only a few other campers nearby but plenty of space to where they were only seen from a distance."

    6. Malibu Creek State Park Campground

    38 Reviews
    El Nido, CA
    Website
    +1 (818) 880-0367

    $45 - $225 / night

    "It is prime location for some great hiking and at night it is super quiet. There are restrooms and showers as well."

    "The grounds were beautiful and well maintained, the camp host super friendly and helpful, the bathrooms well positioned and clean, and the sites had shade and everything we needed."

    7. Bodega Dunes Campground — Sonoma Coast State Park

    38 Reviews
    Bodega Bay, CA
    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!!"

    8. Lopez Lake Recreation Area

    35 Reviews
    Arroyo Grande, CA
    Website
    +1 (805) 788-2381

    $60 - $70 / night

    "It was located right next to the water park but they had already closed for the season."

    "Lopez Lake Recreation Area is 15 minutes behind the “Village” of Arroyo Grande, CA."

    9. Fallen Leaf Campground - South Lake Tahoe

    35 Reviews
    South Lake Tahoe, CA
    Website
    +1 (530) 544-0426

    $47 - $128 / night

    "The campground itself is beautiful, walking distance to Fallen Leaf Lake and short drive to South Lake Tahoe. My husband, my pup and I liked the campsite a lot."

    "From the East you’ll pass thru all of that, past the Camp Richardson and finally turn away from Lake Tahoe into Fallen Leaf Campground."

    10. Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground

    38 Reviews
    Moreno Valley, CA

    $25 - $300 / night

    "It is right next to the lake which has a swimming area, bike path, climbing area, Hiking trails, along with a camp store which has boat rentals and much more!  "

    "Paved full hookup sites right next to each other but quiet neighbors. Campground is just 5minutes from busy town."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 271 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Equestrian Camping Reviews in California

2005 Reviews of 271 California Campgrounds


  • Aaron S.
    Aug. 11, 2016

    Clark Fork Campground

    Clark's Fork: A modern campground away from civilization.

    Clark's Fork is a large campground with 88 sites – all of which are situated with lots of space so that you aren’t too close to your neighbors. The availability of adjacent “double sites” makes this campground a great place for larger groups of families and friends. The 25 sites on Loop A offer vault toilets and cost $19 an night. Loop B sites offer flush toilets and cost $20 a night. There are also 14 nice family-sized equestrian sites and one group equestrian site. Sites are within easy walking distance of the water. No matter what kind of camping you want to plan, Clark's Fork offers options. A RV dump station is located near the entrance to the campgrounds. The Clark's Fork Campground is on a first-come, first-served basis. This beautiful wooded campground is on the Stanislaus River, recommended for your fishing and scenic pleasure.

  • Jul. 26, 2018

    North Pines Campground — Yosemite National Park

    Equestrian campground in the Yosemite Valley

    Great location right in the middle of Yosemite Valley. Great access to beautiful hikes and scenery. The camp sites are spacious. Because it's an equestrian campground, you will smell the horses and stables....be prepared. The river is close to the campgrounds and are refreshing on a hot day.

  • FThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 23, 2022

    Ascension Ranch

    Heaven On Earth

     WELCOME TO ASCENSION RANCH Ascension Ranch is an off-grid paradise tucked away in an oak savanna along Folsom Lake with a unique and ever growing list of features and activities. Family owned, we're a small operation with big dreams. Offering a serene environment, an abundance of farm animals, and good old fashion ranch activities, we invite you to spend some time with us out on the ranch! Come play for the day or reserve a private campsite, and see what all the fuss is about. Some of things you'll come across at Ascension Ranch include baby farm animals, sheep, goats, cattle, horses, more horses, ranch dogs, puppies, chickens, equestrian activities, secluded campsites, amazing views, access to endless trails around and of course, good company.

  • j
    Apr. 6, 2021

    O'Neill Regional Park

    Great family friendly safe campground

    Giant oval loop with camp sites all along both sides. Rv sites, tent sites and equestrian (horse) sites. Paved road is good for bike riding. Behind my Camp site was a few different hiking paths. Restroom buildings have water, toilets, and showers. It says to bring quarters for the showers but they were free. Each site is typical... Picnic bench, fire pit, and metal grill. No gathering fire wood, gotta buy it at local grocery or gas station. $20 a night. Lots of families with kids. Feels really safe here. Saw the park rangers driving around and the front has a gate guard who checks you in. Also only 10 minutes away from city.

  • Samantha  T.
    Jun. 18, 2019

    Meadow View Equestrian Campground

    Great secluded campground

    This campground is labeled as equestrian however anyone can stay. Great place close to Frenchman lake. Has pasture area for horses. Spots are well spaced out and never filled up while we stayed for 4 days. Tons of horseflies late morning and early afternoon. Pit toilets, and drinking water available. Easy to stay with trailers and rvs. Road is dirt/gravel on way in but easy to navigate.

  • Troy L.
    Jul. 23, 2020

    Heart Bar Campground

    Great spot

    We 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.

  • 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.

  • C
    Jun. 19, 2023

    Dru Barner Campground — Eldorado National Forest

    Beautiful quiet place

    The good part is this is a beautiful place in the trees to camp with nearby hiking,. And it's equestrian friendly if you want to bring your horse. The Verizon connection was strong. Even when the campgrounds full on weekend. It's very quiet, more soldier in the week. Bring water as there is none available due to poor quality.

  • Kristian W.
    May. 19, 2022

    Horseshoe Meadow Campground

    Good for tents, not for campers

    Great for tent camping, but no pull-in or flat spots if you're sleeping in your vehicle. I slept in the equestrian campground since those were back-in sites, but if there are horses you're not allowed to do that. The hike to the base of Langley was great though!


Guide to California

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 set up camp and ride the trails.

Equestrian campgrounds include essential amenities for horses

Campers appreciate these amenities for horses

Most campgrounds have horse-focused activities and features

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities should I expect at California equestrian campgrounds?

California equestrian campgrounds typically offer specialized facilities for horses and riders. Heart Bar Campground and similar sites provide adequate separation between campsites and dedicated equestrian areas. Dripping Springs Campground features clean facilities with clearly marked reservation systems. Most equestrian campgrounds include corrals or paddocks, hitching posts, and water troughs for horses. For humans, expect vault toilets or restroom buildings (sometimes with showers), drinking water, and spacious camping areas that accommodate trailers and gear. Many sites have fire rings, picnic tables, and flat tent pads. Some parks offer separate equestrian loops to minimize interaction between horse campers and regular campers. While amenities vary by location, most provide access to trail systems suitable for riding.

Where are the best horse camping locations in California?

California offers excellent horse camping destinations across diverse landscapes. Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park in Orange County provides exceptional equestrian camping with private corrals adjacent to each site and extensive trail systems. In the Sierra Nevada, Meadow View Equestrian Campground near Frenchman Lake offers well-spaced sites with dedicated pasture areas for horses. Other top options include Dru Barner Campground in Eldorado National Forest, Heart Bar Campground near Big Bear, Horseshoe Meadow in the Eastern Sierra, and North Pines in Yosemite Valley. Most equestrian campgrounds feature hitching posts, corrals, and access to riding trails. For a unique experience, some private ranches like Ascension Ranch along Folsom Lake provide horse-friendly accommodations in scenic settings.

What should I bring for horse camping in California?

When horse camping in California, pack essentials for both you and your horse. For your equine companion, bring portable corrals if the campground doesn't provide them (as seen at Dru Barner Campground), lead ropes, halters, hay nets, feed buckets, and sufficient feed and water. Consider fly masks and repellent, especially at places like Meadow View Equestrian Campground where horseflies can be problematic. Pack horse first-aid supplies, grooming tools, and waste management equipment. For yourself, bring standard camping gear plus high-visibility clothing for trail riding, appropriate footwear, helmets, saddle bags, trail maps, and extra water. Weather-appropriate gear is essential as conditions vary dramatically across California's diverse regions. Check campground regulations before arrival as requirements for Coggins tests and weed-free hay may apply.

Are there any notable horse camps at California state parks?

California state parks offer several outstanding equestrian camping options. Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground provides dedicated equestrian facilities with access to riding trails around the scenic lake. North Pines Campground in Yosemite National Park allows horse camping with proximity to stables and valley riding opportunities, though campers should note the distinct stable aromas. Other notable state park options include Malibu Creek State Park with equestrian-friendly sites and trail access, and O'Neill Regional Park which features a dedicated equestrian camping section with convenient trail connections. Most state park horse camps require reservations, particularly during peak seasons, and have specific rules regarding horse containment, waste management, and trail use to preserve natural resources.