Ribbonwood Equestrian Cg
4.4611 reviews54270 PINECREST AVE PO BOX 518
Ribbonwood Equestrian Cg
$15.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$15.00
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
The nightly rate for the equestrian campsites is $15. This does not include discounts or additional fees such as reservation service fees.
About this campground
Perched high in the San Bernardino National Forest, Ribbonwood Equestrian Campground beckons horse lovers with a rare combination of mountain serenity and desert vistas. This specialized haven for equestrian adventurers features private corrals at every campsite, allowing you and your four-legged companions to rest comfortably after a day exploring Southern California's diverse terrain. Modern conveniences including flush toilets, hot showers, and fresh drinking water ensure comfort without sacrificing the authentic outdoor experience. From your campsite, watch the sun paint the distant Salton Sea in shades of gold while Palm Desert sparkles below.
Ribbonwood Equestrian Campground caters to equestrian campers but accommodates RV and tent camping as well.
Historical SignificanceWhile specific historical records remain undocumented, this high desert sanctuary continues to write its own story through the hoofprints and memories of countless equestrian adventurers.
Weather and SeasonsRibbonwood offers a refreshing climate that feels worlds away from the desert heat below. Recent conditions showcase the campground's comfortable mountain weather, with daytime temperatures reaching a pleasant 58°F while nights cool to a crisp 38°F. The area maintains remarkably dry conditions with less than 10% chance of rain and gentle breezes that whisper through the pines. This stable weather pattern creates ideal conditions for both riding and relaxing, with clear skies perfect for stargazing after sunset.
ElevationAt 4,000 feet above sea level, Ribbonwood offers a dramatic escape from the desert floor below. This elevated perch provides naturally cooler temperatures and a unique high desert ecosystem where hardy vegetation thrives. The altitude creates a perfect balance - high enough to escape the intense desert heat, yet accessible enough for comfortable camping with horses.
Natural Features and SceneryThe landscape at Ribbonwood tells a story of nature's resilience and beauty. Sturdy pinyon pines provide welcome shade while dramatic yucca plants stand sentinel across the terrain. Desert cacti dot the hillsides, creating a tapestry of textures against the chaparral brush. As one visitor beautifully noted, it's 'such a varied landscape with potentially snowy mountains above and dry desert below.' This unique positioning offers ever-changing vistas - from snow-dusted peaks to sun-baked valleys - all visible from your campsite.
Geological RegionRibbonwood sits within a fascinating geological transition zone where high desert chaparral meets mountain forest. This unique ecosystem supports a diverse array of desert-adapted flora including ancient pinyon pines, sculptural yucca plants, and various cacti species. The rugged terrain tells the story of millions of years of geological forces, creating the dramatic ridges and valleys that make this region a paradise for exploration on horseback.
Campsite details
AccessibilityFlush toilets and showers are accessible.
Sites SizeLarge single-family sites suitable for RVs or tents.
Sites PrivacyNo explicit details on privacy were provided. Reviews hint at seclusion with comments like "There was nobody else there".
Total Campsites12 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose Campsite 3 for mountain biking loops or Campsite 4 for equestrian activities. Larger rigs may struggle with maneuvering in Campsite 4.
Best CampsitesCampsite 3: Offers access to a 9-mile MTB loop connecting to trails. 'Such a varied landscape...ends up right back at campsite 3' (Jason P). Campsite 4: Offers great horseback riding options, though larger rigs might find it tight.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights. You may stay up to 14 nights total within a rolling 30-day period.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Not specified in the authoritative source.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutLess than a dozen single-family campsites. Each campsite includes horse corrals, hitching racks, picnic tables, and campfire rings with grills. Road spurs are gravel.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round: January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up/first-come-first-served availability. All sites must be reserved in advance.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations can be made any time prior to check-in, but late cancellations incur a $10 fee and forfeit the first night's recreation use fee. Changes to reservation dates carry a $10 change fee unless extending or shortening a reservation.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Flush toilets
Water hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Ribbonwood Equestrian Campground provides recreational opportunities primarily focused on equestrian activities, mountain biking, and hiking. The campground features direct access to the 5.3-mile Sawmill Trail, which includes an elevation gain of 2,220 feet and intersects with the Cactus Spring Trail. Botanical species along the trails offer scenic views, enhancing the experience for hikers and riders. User reviews often mention horseback riding as a highlight, with one user stating, "Great HORSE camp. It has nice corrals at every campsite."
Hiking
The Sawmill Trail starts within the campground and traverses 5.3 miles with an elevation gain of 2,220 feet. The trail intersects with the Cactus Spring Trail, offering diverse botanical views. "Great riding! Take the trail to the left! Make a left when you get to the huge rock that will be difficult to go over on your horse and follow it up the hill," notes one user.Biking
The campground supports mountain biking as an activity. A user review describes biking trails as varied and mentions completing a 9-mile loop involving the Pinion Flat and Palm Canyon trails.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires and charcoal are prohibited, but propane/gas stoves with shutoff valves are allowed.
- Quiet hours are Not explicitly mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsTerrain hazards include potholes and rough roads. Wildlife hazards mentioned include cactus spurs affecting pets: 'TONS of cactus spurs and stickers near the sites—I had to pull 3 off my pup in the first 10 minutes' (Josh M).
Active alertsSan Bernardino National Forest is reviewing fee increases. Public input is encouraged.
Weather forecast
72
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 42%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 10.1 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
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
Idyllwild Ranger Station: Call 909-382-2922 for clarification or emergencies.
Good to know
Peak season datesJanuary 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025
Trash and recyclingTrash collection facilities are available on-site, although recycling facilities were not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresNo specific water features nearby.
Common complaintsRoad conditions are consistently poor: 'The road in is so poor that I got stuck' (Steve R). Limited trail maps and signage: 'Need to post trail maps' (Janelle G).
HostHosts are described as clean and great: 'Clean great host' (Michelle R).
Campground Map
54270 PINECREST AVE PO BOX 518
Driving directionsFrom Palm Desert, California, take the Palms to Pines Highway/Highway 74 south for approximately 16 miles to the community of Pinyon. Turn left onto South Pinyon Drive and the entrance to the campground is on the right.
Roads and spurs leading to the campground are gravel. Reviews highlight significant accessibility challenges: 'Road is pretty rough, lots of large potholes' (Cheryl M), and 'The road in is so poor that I got stuck and had to work my way out of a hole' (Steve R). Larger rigs may find it tight to navigate: 'With a 38’ RV plus a horse trailer it was real tight pulling in' (Vanessa D).Nearby places
Palm Desert - 16 miles, approximately 20-minute drive
Nearby supplies
Supplies can be found in Palm Desert, approximately 16 miles from the campground.
Camper Reviews
4.5
11 reviews
Ribbonwood Equestrian Cg is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Ribbonwood Equestrian Campground generally receives positive reviews, with an average sentiment rating of 4.18. Users highlight equestrian facilities, peacefulness, and scenic trails as key features. Some complaints focus on rough roads and a lack of maps.
Review Summaries
Based on 11 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include high-quality horse corrals at each campsite, scenic trails, and the peaceful atmosphere. "Love this campground! Stars are amazing at night," notes one user.
Based on 11 reviewsCommon Concerns
Users often mention poor road conditions and the lack of trail maps. "The road in is so poor that I got stuck," writes one reviewer. Another user recommends posting trail maps to improve navigation.
Based on 11 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring trail maps or consult locals for directions to features like waterfalls. If you have large rigs, exercise caution as entering the campground can be tight.
Based on 11 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is less crowded in winter, offering solitude and peacefulness. However, rough road conditions may persist year-round.
Based on 11 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Great HORSE camp. It has nice corrals at every campsite." "Love this campground! Stars are amazing at night." "The road in is so poor that I got stuck." "Need to post trail maps. Luckily we ran into...
Based on 11 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 003 received mixed reviews for proximity to trails and peace. Site 004 is recommended for RVs but noted as tight for larger rigs. Site 007 faced issues with road conditions.
Based on 11 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features include flush toilets and accessible showers. No specific reviews from users with disabilities were provided.
Based on 11 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Dogs are allowed at the campground, but users caution against bringing them due to cactus spurs and stickers. "I had to pull 3 off my pup in the first 10 minutes," writes one user.
Based on 11 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025