Overview
The Wild Horse Equestrian Campground is one of a handful that is equipped for corralling horses in the beautiful pine-forested mountains of Southern California available by reservation and is for equestrian campers only . It is strategically located to provide campers with access to a variety of horseback riding trails, as well as the wide open meadows of the San Gorgonio Wilderness.
Recreation
A variety of backcountry hiking, biking and horseback riding trails can be found near the campground, including the famed Santa Ana River Trail, which provides miles of scenic mountain views and points of exploration.
It is typically a one-hour loop ride that meanders through the area, but another route off the same trail will lead to a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail, several miles away.
A variety of other trailheads begin near the campground, including Fish Creek Meadow, Mission Creek, Dry Lake and South Fork, among others. Fishing is also available in the numerous nearby mountain streams.
Facilities
The campground offers eight single-family campsites and three double campsites, available for tent and RV camping. Some sites are accessible and only campers with horses are allowed to use the campground.
Sites are equipped with tables and campfire rings with grills. Accessible flush toilets, showers and drinking water are provided.
More than two dozen single-horse corrals are provided, as well as a horse watering station, horse staging area and hitching racks. Parking space is limited at the campground.
Natural Features
The campground is situated high in the mountains, at an elevation of about 7,000 feet. Surrounding terrain is rocky and steep, but appropriate for both the beginner and intermediate rider. Tall pine trees cover the landscape, providing welcomed shade at the campground.
Nearby Attractions
The Big Bear Lake and its adjoining town are located approximately 20 miles from the campground, offering a variety of water-related recreation opportunities, as well as golf, shopping and restaurant options.
The description, directions and fees are the Forest Service’s own words, from its record on Recreation.gov.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
US Forest Service (USFS)
National Park Service (NPS)
US Fish and Wildlife (USFW)
Bureau of Reclamation (USBR)
Department Of Defense (DOD)
Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)
Other Federal
State
Local
Alaska Native Lands (Patented or Interim Conveyed)
Alaska Native Allotment
Road
Primitive Road
Road
Primitive Road
Trail
Roads open to all Vehicles, Yearlong
Roads open to all Vehicles, Seasonal
Roads open to highway legal vehicles only, Yearlong
Roads open to highway legal vehicles only, Seasonal
Special Designation, Yearlong
Special Designation, Seasonal
Trails open to all vehicles, Yearlong
Trails open to all vehicles, Seasonal
Trails open to vehicles 50" or less in width, Yearlong
Trails open to vehicles 50" or less in width, Seasonal
Trails open to motorcycles, Yearlong
Trails open to motorcycles, Seasonal
Special Designation, Seasonal
Trails Open to Wheeled Vehicles Only < 50" in Width, Yearlong
Trails Open to Wheeled Vehicles Only < 50" or Less in Width, Seasonal
Wilderness Area
Wilderness Study Area