How much does camping cost at Rancho Del Oso Horse Campground?

Camping fees at Rancho Del Oso Horse Campground range from $24/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Rancho Del Oso Horse Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Rancho Del Oso Horse Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

What is the best time to visit Rancho Del Oso Horse Campground?

Rancho Del Oso Horse Campground is open No specific peak season dates stated.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Rancho Del Oso Horse Campground?

Rancho Del Oso Horse Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Rancho Del Oso Horse Campground?

Fire policies at Rancho Del Oso Horse Campground: Campfires are allowed; grills/fire rings are provided at each site.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Rancho Del Oso Horse Campground have?

Rancho Del Oso Horse Campground has 5 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Rancho Del Oso Horse Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Rancho Del Oso Horse Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Rancho Del Oso Horse Campground?

Rancho Del Oso Horse Campground offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Rancho Del Oso Horse Campground?

Popular activities at Rancho Del Oso Horse Campground include Hiking, Biking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Rancho Del Oso Horse Campground

3.93

14 reviews

Rancho Del Oso Horse Campground, Big Basin Redwoods State Park, Davenport, CA

Featured in:Camping Near Redwood National Park

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

43 ft

Price

$24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

43 ft

Price

$24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Rancho Del Oso Horse Campground

$24.00 - $24.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Equestrian primitive campsites are $24 per night, accommodating up to 6 individuals and two horses. No additional fees are noted for amenities.

Standard Site Fee$24.00

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Provider

(831) 338-8867trailcamps@thatsmypark.org

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Rancho Del Oso Horse Campground, Big Basin Redwoods State Park, Davenport, CA

Rancho Del Oso Horse Campground

Rancho Del Oso Horse Campground, Big Basin Redwoods State Park, Davenport, CA

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.

Weather at Rancho Del Oso Horse Campground

Current alert: Big Basin Redwoods State Park is currently operating under restricted services and facilities due to recovery efforts from the 2020 CZU Lightning Complex Fire.

Best Time to Camp at Rancho Del Oso Horse Campground

Spring brings the best combination of mild weather and lush scenery. Daytime highs run 55–70°F, mornings settle into the 45–55°F range with frequent fog. Trails stay in good condition for long rides, creeks flow higher through the riparian zones, and redwood groves look especially green after winter rains. Wildflowers appear across the chaparral slopes. Weekdays and early-season weekends are quieter than summer months, which means more solitude on multi-ecosystem rides.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Described as 'best' season: mild weather, lush scenery and good trail conditions for rides.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: No specific peak season dates stated.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Rancho Del Oso Horse Campground is open year-round for walk-in and bike-in camping.

About Rancho Del Oso Horse Campground

Rancho Del Oso Horse Campground sits in the coastal unit of Big Basin Redwoods State Park, offering five primitive equestrian sites where coast redwoods meet chaparral and ocean views. The campground has hitching posts, vault toilets, picnic tables, and grills. Sites run $24 per night. There's no cell service.

The campground is designed primarily for primitive equestrian camping, but it accommodates non-equestrian walk-in and bike-in camping.

Historical Significance

Big Basin Redwoods became California's first state park in 1902 when preservationists moved to protect the ancient redwoods. The 2020 CZU Lightning Complex Fire burned through portions of the park, and the landscape is now recovering with young trees growing in dappled shade beneath older survivors.

Weather and SeasonsSpring brings the best combination of mild weather and lush scenery. Daytime highs run 55–70°F, mornings settle into the 45–55°F range with frequent fog. Trails stay in good condition for long rides, creeks flow higher through the riparian zones, and redwood groves look especially green after winter rains. Wildflowers appear across the chaparral slopes. Weekdays and early-season weekends are quieter than summer months, which means more solitude on multi-ecosystem rides.

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 SceneryThe campground occupies a geological crossroads at 43 feet elevation where ancient coast redwoods grow alongside Mediterranean chaparral communities. Riparian corridors cut through the terrain, supporting different plant and animal communities than the surrounding forest and scrubland. From certain spots, the Pacific Ocean fills the western horizon. Cool fog nourishes the redwoods while salt-tinged breezes sweep the chaparral. You can access multiple ecosystems within a single ride. The partial shade environment reflects this mix. Trees provide cover in some areas, open chaparral in others. Creek beds offer cooler pockets where water flows through green corridors.

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.

Scenic ViewsPacific Ocean vistas and recovering forest landscapes dominate the surroundings.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo lodging accommodations are available aside from the campsites provided.

Programs & ActivitiesRancho Del Oso Welcome Center offers cultural and educational programs via interactive exhibits, murals, and audio descriptions focusing on the local ecosystem.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

02:00 PM

Check-out

12:00 PM

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 15 consecutive nights.

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 camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutFive primitive sites spread across terrain with partial shade. Native soil driveways. Sites sit close enough together that privacy is limited.

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.

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.

Site SizeSites are primitive equestrian campsites with a partial shade environment and native soil driveway surfaces.

PrivacyPrivacy is limited as campsites are described as primitive with proximity to one another.

Total Campsites5 campsites

Recommended SitesCampsites #2 and #4 are recommended for accessibility needs, with proximity to parking and vault toilets.

Best CampsitesSites #2 and #4 offer flat ground and clear space, making them the most accessible options. All five sites are primitive with native soil driveways.

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Amenities available

Rancho Del Oso Horse Campground offers fundamental amenities suitable for primitive camping and equestrian use. The campground is walk-in and bike-in, non-equestrian camping but provides facilities tailored for horseback riders, including horse hitching posts and stalls. Accessible parking and vault restrooms are available approximately 200 feet from campsites, featuring a route of asphalt and compacted soil. An accessible picnic area with tables is located adjacent to the roadway between the Rancho Del Oso Welcome Center and Horse Camp. The Rancho Del Oso Welcome Center includes interactive educational exhibits and ocean views.

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

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

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include rattlesnakes, ticks, and poison oak. Visitors should also be cautious of blocked trails due to fallen trees.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed; grills/fire rings are provided at each site.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are No details provided about quiet hours.

Emergency ServicesSanta Cruz County Hospital is the nearest major emergency service, located in Santa Cruz, 20 miles away.

Trash & 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.

Water FeaturesThe nearest water source is a spring located approximately 3 miles away from the campground.

Camp HostNo campground host details are provided.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.9

14 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Rancho Del Oso Horse Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews mention favorable experiences for walk-in camping and biking. Limited feedback is available.

Review Summaries

Based on 14 reviews

What Campers Love

"Great place for walk-in camping and good biking trails!" (Connor Alexander)

Based on 14 reviews

Common Concerns

No complaints are mentioned in the user reviews.

Based on 14 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Campsites #2 and #4 are noted for accessibility features.

Based on 14 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Using bikes for exploration and preparing for primitive camping conditions is recommended based on available amenities.

Based on 14 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Weather patterns include dry conditions and very cold temperatures with moderate wind speeds during week 17 of 2024.

Based on 14 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Great place for walk-in camping and good biking trails!"

Based on 14 reviews

Accessibility Features

Campsites #2 and #4 are described as generally accessible due to flat ground and clear space between amenities.

Based on 14 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets, specifically horses, are permitted with restrictions. "Pets Allowed: 2 Horses" is stated in site descriptions.

Based on 14 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

Horse campers wanting a rare coastal redwood overnight for two horses at $24 a night, with spring the clear sweet spot for mild temps, wildflower chaparral, and high creek crossings on multi-ecosystem rides.

Skip if

No potable water, no cell service, no fire rings, and no camp host means this is genuinely primitive. If your horse setup or your own comfort requires hookups, reliable water on-site, or emergency-ready connectivity, this won't work.

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