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McCall Memorial Equestrian Park (Riverside County Park)
Overview
McCall Memorial Equestrian Park is a serene, 88-acre destination nestled in the San Jacinto Mountains near Mountain Center, California. Situated at an elevation of 4,400 feet, this Riverside County Regional Park offers a cool, forested retreat from the desert heat below. While primarily designed with horse enthusiasts in mind, the park provides a tranquil environment for any RVer looking for a primitive camping experience amidst towering pines and California oaks.
Location & Surroundings
Located just a short drive from the charming mountain village of Idyllwild, the park is surrounded by the San Bernardino National Forest. The landscape is defined by rugged terrain, meadows, and dense woodlands that change beautifully with the seasons. Travelers arriving here will find themselves immersed in a high-altitude wilderness where the air is crisp and the scenic mountain vistas provide a dramatic backdrop for a quiet getaway.
Amenities & Park Features
As a specialized equestrian facility, the park features individual corrals at many of its 16 campsites. RVers should note that this is a dry-camping location. Key features include:
- Seventeen pipe corrals for guest horses
- Access to non-potable water for livestock
- Primitive campsites with fire rings and tables
There are no hookups or dump stations on-site, making it a true off-grid experience for self-contained rigs. Facilities are rounded out by vault toilets and access to extensive multi-use trails.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Beyond the park boundaries, visitors can explore the artistic community of Idyllwild, famous for its local boutiques and eateries. Nature lovers are perfectly positioned to access the Pacific Crest Trail for world-class hiking. For those who enjoy water activities, Lake Hemet is located just a few miles away, offering fishing and boating opportunities. The area is also a gateway to numerous mountain biking paths and technical rock climbing spots.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is ideal for equestrian travelers who need secure facilities for their horses while enjoying a robust trail system. It also appeals to boondockers and rustic RVers who prefer solitude over resort-style amenities. If you value a quiet, off-grid experience and want to escape the crowds of more developed campgrounds, this mountain sanctuary offers the perfect blend of natural beauty and peaceful seclusion.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
GaiasGuide
The park itself isn’t bad. Definitely not worth the price for dry camping and no fun things to do other than a trail. Definitely wouldn’t pay it. The some workers are rude. Specifically Richie and Vicky. If you are a CAMP HOST, LOOK SOMEWHERE ELSE! Do not host here. they have old crappy equipment, and do not care for their host at all. Water system was super old and would go weeks without water, and some days even electricity. They are constantly losing camp host because of how they are treated. I fell while pregnant and they didn’t care or ask how I was or to take sometime off just made me sign a form for liability. I still had to work. Made me lift heavy equipment my whole pregnancy which caused strain as well as harsh cleaning chemicals. One time there was a creepy man at the park I was alone and he wouldn’t leave even after being asked, I called a ranger to come out and help and she refused because she had to work front desk for another park. I understand being short staffing but the safety of another seems more important to me than ticket sales but I guess not to McCall and Riverside county parks. And a couple weeks before we were going to leave while I was 34 weeks pregnant they asked me to leave because “I wasn’t finishing tasks fast enough” we duh I’m 34 weeks!!! We have camp hosted for a different parks and have never been treated like this before. I talked to others in the community and they agree our treatment was insane and that riverside county parks have a reputation of not being safe or friendly to workers but mostly camphost. So camp host beware. I would not risk hosting for any of the regional parks. But definitely not McCall, idyllwild and hurkey park. We are now at a new park with our son and everything is going a lot better, grateful for our time at McCall because it showed us our worth and taught us a lesson on how to not treat others and how we want to be treated.
Malavika Deodhar
Loved the loop trail. It is not stroller friendly at all, not sure why one of the attendants there told us it was, but a great trail if you have a carrier for babies!
Cameron Momtaz
Wonderful stop on our drive from Northern California to Arizona. My horse loves it here. And showers! 😍Josh the park ranger was very helpful and friendly. Can't recommend more highly.
Jim Turner
Camp host has done a great job getting the park open.Trails need work , so their is more riding. That will take the country and cal-fire.
Bacilio Bacilio
Wonderful place to enjoy a picnic and watch the sunset.