There’s something timeless about spending time around horses, with the steady rhythm of hooves, the quiet connection with nature, and the sense of freedom that comes with being outdoors.
In the spirit of the Chinese lunar calendar’s Year of the Horse, it feels especially fitting to plan a camping trip that embraces these qualities and celebrates the vibrant, adventurous nature of the horse. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or looking to try something new, incorporating horseback riding into your camping getaway adds a memorable layer to the experience and a meaningful nod to the year’s symbolism.
No matter what area of the country you’re looking to explore, there’s a horseback riding adventure and a campsite nearby.
Desert Horse Adventures in Yuma, AZ
The leisure trail ride program with Desert Horse Adventures in Yuma, AZ is a great option for first-time riders to gain confidence within an hour of hopping on the horse. The program begins with meeting the horses, brushing them, and assisting the guides with putting saddles on the horses. The guides teach basic maneuvers before bringing the horses over to the trail. The one-hour trail ride runs through a few different types of terrain, including river water. It’s sure to be a day well spent!
Encore Capri is just a few miles from Desert Horse Adventures. Encore Capri offers full hookup sites that accommodate rigs up to 38’ long. For fun during your stay, consider a game (or two) of shuffleboard, take to the game room, or wander down one of the hiking trails through the desert landscape.
Thousand Trails Blue Mesa Recreational Ranch in Gunnison, CO
In Colorado, Thousand Trails Blue Mesa Recreational Ranch is a true hidden gem. Located in Gunnison, this RV campground is a serene escape amid Black Canyon National Park, the West Elk Mountains, and the San Juan Mountains. The campground offers RV sites, tent sites, and vacation rentals that sleep up to 8. You don’t even have to leave the campground for your horseback riding adventure as the park offers it right on-site! Additional amenities to enjoy during your trip include mini golf, fishing from the pond, and pickleball!
The surrounding area also has lots of fun in store for campers. Want to get a taste of life in the old west? Be sure to check out the Gunnison Pioneer Museum. The museum, open May 15th through September 30th, is home to a slew of buildings (with a beauty shop, dairy barn, schoolhouse, and chapel among them), car and railroad exhibits, and tons of artifacts and paraphernalia on display.
Pacific Dunes Ranch in Oceano, CA
Pacific Dunes Ranch in Oceano is another great location to embody the spirit of the horse. This campground offers onsite pony rides to delight the youngest campers in your group. If you want to hit the dunes at a higher speed, rent an ATV from one of the vendors and get ready to fly across the sand! If that’s not your thing, the Pacific dunes make a beautiful backdrop for a day of reflection and relaxation with your travel companions. Accommodations at Pacific Dunes Ranch Campground include RV sites and cottages that sleep 4. Looking for some friendly competition during the day? Fittingly, the campground has a horseshoe pit to keep you on theme your whole stay.
Hickory Hollow Farm in Gettysburg, PA
Hickory Hollow Farm, a family-run horseback trail riding company, offers horseback rides for groups of up to 10 along with private rides. What sets Hickory Hollow Farm apart is that they offer tours of Gettysburg Battlefield. With this being the country’s semiquincentennial, a trip to Gettysburg is all the more exciting.
For your stay in Gettysburg, consider Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm. Gettysburg Farm has lofted cabins that sleep up to 6, and full hookup RV sites available for booking. The campground has themed activities planned for each weekend of their season, so you know you’ll have a great time no matter when you visit. After your ride at Hickory Hollow Farm, consider taking a long walk through the campground at this historic location and stopping by the campground’s working farm to see the animals.
Bellaire Farms in Milton, WI
Having the same rotation of themed summer camps can lose their appeal to some kids after several years.Bellaire Farms is offering two horse camps this summer, the first running July 13th through the 17th, and the second from August 17th through the 21st. The farm also hosts riding lessons for all ages to gain confidence in their riding skills.
Just a few miles from Bellaire Farms are two RV campgrounds, Blackhawk Camping Resort and Lakeland Camping Resort. Guests at Blackhawk Camping Resort can enjoy a game of pickleball, volleyball, or disc golf, while guests at Lakeland Camping Resort may find themselves fishing, swimming, or hiking. Accommodations at the two parks include RV sites and pet-friendly vacation rentals.
Thousand Trails Medina Lake in Lakehills should also be added to your itinerary. Accommodations for your stay at Thousand Trails Medina Lake include RV sites, cabins, and tent sites. Hop in the pool, sit by the lake, or watch the deer sauntering through the property. The bike trails and basketball court are two other big draws here.
Not far from Thousand Trails Medina Lake is Westcreek Trail Rides in San Antonio. The friendly guides at Westcreek take riders of any age and experience level through 12 scenic trails. There’s also a petting zoo at the property where visitors can spend some time with even more animals!
We’re sure to get out to the stables this year for the year of the horse and pairing the trip with a camping stay is all the more exciting. Will you vote “yae” or “neigh” on a horseback riding adventure this season?
