Closed

Closed indefinitely due to staffing and budget constraints. The campground was closed in 2025 as part of San Jacinto District closures affecting low-use facilities, and remains closed.

From Recreation.gov

A bear or multiple bears have been spotted in the area. Please be aware at all times, and visit our agency website for bear safety tips and more information.

About

Located approximately 16 miles southeast of Palm Desert in the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument, Ribbonwood Equestrian Campground is a dedicated horse camp at roughly 4,000 feet elevation. The campground sits in a high desert landscape characterized by chaparral brush, cactus, pinyon pine, and yucca, with views overlooking Palm Desert and the Salton Sea. The facility features 8 pull-through campsites built for equestrian use, each equipped with two 10x10 horse corrals, a hitching rack, picnic table, fire ring, and potable water hookup. Campground amenities include accessible flush toilets and hot showers. Roads and spurs are gravel and may not be level. Recreation opportunities include the 5.3-mile Sawmill Trail, which begins within the campground and gains 2,220 feet of elevation along an old road, and the Cactus Spring Trail near the parking area. Both trails offer scenic views and diverse botanical species. When operational, reservations are required through Recreation.gov with no first-come, first-served availability.

Directions

From Palm Desert, take Palms to Pines Highway (Highway 74) south for approximately 16 miles to the community of Pinyon. Turn left onto Transfer Station Road (watch for signs). The entrance is on the right.

Amenities

Water Yes
Fires Allowed No
Toilets Yes
Dump Station
Wifi
Pets Allowed Yes
Showers Yes
Electric Hookups
Water Hookups
Sewer Hookups
Camp Store
Price $30

Vehicle

Max RV Length
Max Trailer Length
Big Rig Friendly Yes
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Phone +1 (760) 862-9984

Cell Service

AT&T Yes
Verizon Yes
T-Mobile None

Availability

Photos

Ribbonwood Equestrian Campground Horse Trail
Ribbonwood Equestrian Campground Scenic Background
Ribbonwood Equestrian Campground Horse Stalls
Ribbonwood Equestrian Campground Picnic Tables
Ribbonwood Equestrian Campground Entrance
Ribbonwood Equestrian Campground Entrance

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