About RIBBONWOOD EQUESTRIAN CG
Overview Ribbonwood is an ideal mountain escape for equestrian campers. The campground overlooks Palm Desert and the Salton Sea in southern California and provides visitors with access to hundreds of miles of terrain for exploration and enjoyment. The San Bernardino National Forest is submitting a proposal to increase fees at various sites across the Forest and is seeking public input. Please visit the https://www.fs.usda.gov/sbnf for more information and to submit comments regarding this proposal. Recreation Horseback riding and mountain biking are popular activities. The 5.3-mile Sawmill Trail begins within the campground and traverses an old road with 2,220 feet of elevation gain. It also intersects with the Cactus Spring Trail near the campground's parking area. Bountiful botanical species exist along the trail, providing scenic views for travelers. Facilities The campground offers less than a dozen large, single-family campsites for both tent or RV camping. Each is equipped with tables and campfire rings with grills. Accessible flush toilets, showers and drinking water are provided, and campsites each have access to two horse corrals and hitching racks. Natural Features The campground is located approximately 16 miles southeast of Palm Desert, California, at an elevation of about 4,000 feet. It is nestled in a chaparral brush, high desert environment of cactus, pinyon pine and yucca plants. Roads and spurs are gravel.
How to Get There
From 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.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Moisture-wicking T-shirt
Light color, breathable.
- 🩳
Lightweight shorts or pants
Quick-dry preferred — sweat dries fast.
- 🧢
Brimmed sun hat
Better than a cap for back-of-neck protection.
- 🥾
Trail runners
Breathable mesh uppers.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to RIBBONWOOD EQUESTRIAN CG
Heading to RIBBONWOOD EQUESTRIAN CG? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for RIBBONWOOD EQUESTRIAN CG?
No central reservation system listed for RIBBONWOOD EQUESTRIAN CG. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234530) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to RIBBONWOOD EQUESTRIAN CG?
From 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.
How do I contact RIBBONWOOD EQUESTRIAN CG?
You can reach the park at phone: (760) 862-9984.
References & Official Resources
