RIBBONWOOD EQUESTRIAN CG
San Bernardino National Forest, CARibbonwood caters specifically to horse campers, with corrals and hitching racks at every site. The chaparral setting at 4,000 feet offers sweeping views toward Palm Desert and the Salton Sea, plus direct trail access into hundreds of miles of riding terrain.
Campground Details
- 💵Fee per Night
- Free
- 📍GPS
- 33.57611, -116.45472
- 🐾Pets Allowed
- No
- 📞Phone
- (760) 862-9984
- 🗺️Address
- CA
The Camp
Fewer than a dozen large sites spread across gravel roads and spurs, each designed for the realities of horse camping. Every site comes with two corrals and hitching racks alongside the standard table and fire ring setup. The campground handles both tents and RVs, with flush toilets, showers, and drinking water — amenities that matter when you're dealing with the dust and sweat that come with a day in the saddle.
The high desert environment mixes chaparral brush with cactus, pinyon pine, and yucca. At 4,000 feet, you're high enough to escape the worst desert heat while staying low enough to ride year-round in shoulder seasons.
The Trails
The Sawmill Trail starts right from camp, climbing 2,220 feet over 5.3 miles along an old road grade. It intersects with the Cactus Spring Trail near the parking area, giving you options to loop or extend rides. The campground sits at the gateway to hundreds of miles of riding terrain, though you'll want to check current conditions and closures with the ranger district.
The botanical diversity along trails provides scenery beyond the typical scrub — a mix of desert and mountain plant communities that changes with elevation.
What to Know
This is horse camping, not car camping with horses as an afterthought. The setup assumes you're hauling a trailer and staying multiple nights to justify the drive. The location puts you 16 miles southeast of Palm Desert, far enough out to feel remote but close enough for supply runs if needed.