Do you enjoy the outdoors? Camping can be an extremely relaxing way to give yourself a well-deserved break from life. That is why we wanted you to kick off the new year by getting some outdoor fun into our schedules! What better way to do this than planning a camping trip? If you are like us, our horses are our best friends. If we can take them with us everywhere, we would! The good news is you can take them camping with you! We found some great campsites in Southern California that are horse friendly.
There are plenty of campsites all over California, but not all of them allow you to bring your horse. We made finding camping spots easy for you by doing some research! Below you find a list of camping sites that are horse friendly. So get out there and breathe in some well-deserved fresh air.
Horse Friendly in San Diego
We wanted to start with a few campgrounds that are relatively close to home! These sites are just a short drive away and, of course, horse-friendly. These campgrounds are close to our area, so there is no reason you couldn’t try out at least one! We hope you check out these fantastic sites in San Diego.
Vern Whitaker Horse Camp
Located in Anza-Borrego State Park
This location is for day use and horse camping only. There are ten sites available, and each site holds eight people, two horses, a vehicle, and a trailer. The sites all have four corrals, picnic tables, fire pits, and BBQs. There are restrooms on-site with flushable toilets and showers.
Dripping Springs Campground
Located off Highway 79, south of Vail Lake
This site has five equestrian campsites. There are beautiful trails connected to the camp, for you are your horse to go out and enjoy. There is a max of 8 people allowed at each site, and pets are welcome but must be leashed and attended.
Green Valley Campground
Located in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
This site has a large amount of tent-only spots, but there are very popular swimming holes nearby if you are looking to enjoy nature. There are spots for RVs and trailers, and you have to book your spots well in advance. There are also flushable toilets.
Vallecito County Park
Located in Carrizo Valley Region of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
This is a 71-acre park with plenty of room for camping and exploring with your horse. There is an equestrian area with eight sites. The state park is quite large, so you may want to spend a few days at this location to see as much as you can. The sites have flushable toilets and showers.
Take Your Horse to Orange County
If you are looking to try something new out of the San Diego area, Orange County is not too far away. There are two great campsites that you can easily go check out without having to drive far.
Casper Wilderness Park
Located northeast of San Juan Capistrano
Casper Wilderness Park has its own Starr Mesa Equestrian Campground within it. It has 21 campsites for those who bring their horses. Of the 21 sites, half are reservable, and the other half are first come first serve.
O’Neill Regional Park
Located northeast of Mission Viejo
Visitors like to go and enjoy horseback riding at this site, as well as hiking, picnicking, and bike riding. It has its very own equestrian campsite with plenty of space. It is a relatively dry area. Please be sure to bring lots of water for you and your horse.
Los Angeles Horse Campground
If you are feeling adventurous, you can take a drive to the Los Angeles area for some camping. It is a little far, but the camping experience can be great for both you and your horse.
Horse Flats Campground
Located in the Angeles National Forest
Not only is this campground for horses, but it also connects to three amazing trails! The trails are very popular, so make sure to check them out. There is no water on the campground to please make sure to pack accordingly. There are no reservations, and sites are on a first-come, first-serve basis only.
We hope you go and check out these horse-friendly campsites! It is never a bad idea to get out and enjoy nature, and your horse will also be extremely thankful! If you have any questions regarding horse care while camping or riding out on the trails, feel free to give us a call! If you are interested in horse riding, you can take equestrian lessons with us here in San Juan Capistrano. Call Reveal Equestrian for horseback riding in Orange County today! If you are looking for different training prices, feel free to visit our website.
