Rancho Del Oso Horse Campground
01 reviewRancho Del Oso Horse Campground, Big Basin Redwoods State Park, Davenport, CA
Rancho Del Oso Horse Campground
$24.00 - $24.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$24.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Equestrian primitive campsites are $24 per night, accommodating up to 6 individuals and two horses. No additional fees are noted for amenities.
About this campground
Saddle up for an unforgettable camping experience at Rancho Del Oso Horse Campground, where the timeless bond between riders and their horses meets the raw beauty of California's coastal wilderness. This rustic equestrian haven offers everything the trail-riding adventurer needs: sturdy hitching posts for your four-legged companions, vault toilets, and traditional grills with fire rings for evening gatherings under the stars. Nestled within the coastal reaches of Big Basin Redwoods State Park, the campground sits in a forest landscape that's writing its own comeback story, with young trees reaching skyward in dappled shade. When you need to refill your water supplies, a natural spring awaits just 3 miles down the trail—a perfect excuse for a scenic ride through this recovering woodland paradise.
The campground is designed primarily for primitive equestrian camping, but it accommodates non-equestrian walk-in and bike-in camping.
Historical SignificanceWhen you camp at Rancho Del Oso, you're literally sleeping in the pages of California conservation history. This land is part of Big Basin Redwoods State Park, California's very first state park, born from the visionary efforts of preservationists in 1902 who recognized these ancient giants needed protection. The towering redwoods surrounding you have witnessed over a millennium of seasons, surviving everything from Spanish explorers to the devastating 2020 CZU Lightning Complex Fire. These resilient sentinels stand as living monuments to nature's ability to endure and regenerate, making every moment spent beneath their branches a connection to both California's natural heritage and its ongoing story of renewal.
Weather and SeasonsSpring arrives at Rancho Del Oso with a crisp, invigorating character that awakens both horse and rider. Picture yourself emerging from your tent to crystal-clear mornings where temperatures hover around a bracing 28°F, perfect for seeing your breath mingle with your horse's in the dawn light. As the sun climbs higher, the mercury rises to a comfortable 55°F—ideal weather for exploring trails without breaking a sweat. The lack of rain during this season means dependable riding conditions, while the predominantly clear skies create a stunning backdrop of azure blue that makes every photograph worthy of framing. It's the kind of weather that reminds you why California's outdoor lifestyle is legendary.
ElevationWhile specific elevation details for Rancho Del Oso remain part of the campground's understated charm, riders will discover the unique experience of camping where California's coastal mountains meet the sea, creating diverse microclimates and varied terrain that keeps every trail ride interesting.
Natural Features and SceneryPrepare to have your senses overwhelmed by the dramatic convergence of ecosystems at Rancho Del Oso. Ancient coast redwoods, some standing for over a thousand years, create cathedral-like groves where sunlight filters through in ethereal beams. Turn a corner on the trail and suddenly the forest opens to reveal sweeping vistas of the Pacific Ocean, its endless blue horizon reminding you of nature's infinite possibilities. The landscape transforms again as you encounter sun-baked chaparral slopes, their hardy shrubs perfuming the air with sage and wild herbs. Along creek beds, lush riparian corridors provide cool respites where your horse can drink while you listen to the music of flowing water. This remarkable diversity means every ride offers new discoveries.
Geological RegionRancho Del Oso occupies a fascinating geological crossroads within Big Basin Redwoods State Park's coastal unit, where tectonic forces have sculpted a landscape of extraordinary diversity. Here, the ancient redwood groves that define California's ecological identity share the stage with Mediterranean-climate chaparral communities adapted to fire and drought. Riparian corridors carved by centuries of flowing water create green ribbons through the terrain, supporting entirely different plant and animal communities. From certain vantage points, the mighty Pacific Ocean dominates the western horizon, its presence felt in the cool fog that nourishes the redwoods and the salt-tinged breezes that sweep across the chaparral. This unique position offers campers and their horses access to multiple ecosystems within a single ride, making Rancho Del Oso a geological classroom wrapped in natural beauty.
Campsite details
AccessibilityCampsites #2 and #4 are designated as accessible, offering flat ground and ample clear space. Accessible parking and vault restrooms are available near the campsites.
Sites SizeSites are primitive equestrian campsites with a partial shade environment and native soil driveway surfaces.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy is limited as campsites are described as primitive with proximity to one another.
Total Campsites5 campsites
Recommended CampsitesCampsites #2 and #4 are recommended for accessibility needs, with proximity to parking and vault toilets.
Best CampsitesCampsites #2 and #4 are identified as generally accessible due to flat ground and clear ground space.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
02:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay periods are not explicitly stated.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Each campsite accommodates up to 6 individuals and two horses.
Groups
Designated group camping sites are not provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of five primitive equestrian sites with partial shade, native soil driveways, and pit toilets.
Open and Closed SeasonRancho Del Oso Horse Campground is open year-round for walk-in and bike-in camping.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks (trailcamps@thatsmypark.org or (831) 338-8867).
Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up availability mentioned explicitly, prioritized through reservations.
Cancellation PolicyCancellation policies are managed by Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks. Contact trailcamps@thatsmypark.org for details.
Amenities available
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Rancho Del Oso Horse Campground supports horseback riding with equestrian-specific amenities. Additional activities include hiking on nearby trails and visiting the Rancho Del Oso Welcome Center for interactive exhibits.
Hiking
"Rancho Del Oso coastal unit offers access to hiking trails within Big Basin Redwoods State Park." Nearby trails may include the Skyline to the Sea Trail and other fire roads, though details specific to the campground are limited.Biking
"Great place for biking trails," according to user Connor Alexander. Bicycles are permitted on fire roads.Wildlife viewing
Big Basin, including Rancho Del Oso, supports wildlife viewing. Common animals include deer, raccoons, bobcats, and birds such as Steller's jays and acorn woodpeckers.Cultural and Educational Programs
Rancho Del Oso Welcome Center offers cultural and educational programs via interactive exhibits, murals, and audio descriptions focusing on the local ecosystem.Winter Activities
No winter recreation options are explicitly mentioned.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding are not mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed; grills/fire rings are provided at each site.
- Quiet hours are No details provided about quiet hours.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include rattlesnakes, ticks, and poison oak. Visitors should also be cautious of blocked trails due to fallen trees.
Active alertsBig Basin Redwoods State Park is currently operating under restricted services and facilities due to recovery efforts from the 2020 CZU Lightning Complex Fire.
Weather forecast
63
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 94%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 10.4 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Mainly clear
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Santa Cruz County Hospital is the nearest major emergency service, located in Santa Cruz, 20 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesNo specific peak season dates stated.
Trash and recyclingTrash disposal instructions emphasize packing out all trash and avoiding wildlife feeding. Recycling facilities for glass, plastic, and aluminum are encouraged in accordance with the park’s Crumb Clean initiative.
Proximity to water featuresThe nearest water source is a spring located approximately 3 miles away from the campground.
Common complaintsNo specific complaints noted in user reviews or authoritative sources.
HostNo campground host details are provided.
Campground Map
Rancho Del Oso Horse Campground, Big Basin Redwoods State Park, Davenport, CA
Driving directionsFrom Santa Cruz, take Highway 1 north for approximately 20 miles until reaching Davenport. Rancho Del Oso Horse Campground is accessible off Highway 1.
The campground is accessible via Highway 1 and includes curvy roads. Ride-sharing apps may not function due to limited cell service.Nearby places
Santa Cruz - 20 miles (approximately 25 minutes), San Francisco - 65 miles (approximately 1.5 hours)
Nearby supplies
Supplies can be found in Davenport or Santa Cruz, 20 miles from the campground.
Camper Reviews
0.0
1 reviews
Rancho Del Oso Horse Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews mention favorable experiences for walk-in camping and biking. Limited feedback is available.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews
What Campers Love
"Great place for walk-in camping and good biking trails!" (Connor Alexander)
Based on 1 reviewsCommon Concerns
No complaints are mentioned in the user reviews.
Based on 1 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Using bikes for exploration and preparing for primitive camping conditions is recommended based on available amenities.
Based on 1 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Weather patterns include dry conditions and very cold temperatures with moderate wind speeds during week 17 of 2024.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Great place for walk-in camping and good biking trails!"
Based on 1 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Campsites #2 and #4 are noted for accessibility features.
Based on 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
Campsites #2 and #4 are described as generally accessible due to flat ground and clear space between amenities.
Based on 1 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets, specifically horses, are permitted with restrictions. "Pets Allowed: 2 Horses" is stated in site descriptions.
Based on 1 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025