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McCall Memorial Equestrian Park (Riverside County Park)
Overview
Overview
McCall Memorial Equestrian Park, situated in the high-country landscape of Mountain Center, California, serves as a distinct destination for travelers seeking an authentic outdoor experience. While primarily focused on equestrian activities, the park provides a rugged, scenic setting that captures the natural beauty of the San Jacinto Mountains. It is a quiet, non-commercial environment that emphasizes nature-focused camping and serves as a functional basecamp for those who prioritize wilderness access over luxury resort amenities.
Location & Surroundings
Located in the heart of Riverside County, this park sits at a higher elevation than the nearby desert floors, offering a refreshing climate throughout the year. The terrain is characterized by native vegetation, towering trees, and expansive mountain vistas. Travelers will appreciate the secluded mountain atmosphere that feels worlds away from the busy traffic of Southern California coastal cities, making it an ideal spot for those looking to enjoy a peaceful retreat within a natural woodland setting.
Amenities & Park Features
The facility is designed with horse enthusiasts in mind, featuring specialized infrastructure that supports equestrians on the move. Visitors will find well-maintained horse corrals and expansive staging areas that accommodate trailers of various sizes. While traditional RV park luxuries are minimal, the layout provides plenty of space for maneuverability. The park serves as a gateway to extensive trail systems, offering a rustic, functional experience for visitors who prefer primitive-style camping and direct access to mountain wilderness.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The surrounding region of Mountain Center and the nearby San Jacinto Mountains provide endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. Guests often spend their days exploring miles of scenic equestrian trails that wind through the forest and offer panoramic views of the rugged landscape. Those interested in local charm can take a short drive to the mountain community of Idyllwild, which is known for its artistic culture, hiking trailheads, and local cafes that complement the quiet nature of the park.
Who This Park Is Best For
McCall Memorial Equestrian Park is best suited for independent travelers and equestrian enthusiasts who prioritize a wilderness-oriented travel style. It is not designed for those seeking high-end RV resort amenities like full hookups or swimming pools. Instead, this park appeals to self-contained RVers who want a quiet, mountain-adjacent location to serve as a home base for hiking, trail riding, and enjoying the solitude of the forest away from crowded tourist hubs.
Features & Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
Reviews
Albert S.
Had the opportunity to camp here over a weekend in May. The site was clean, restrooms clean and stocked, and the park seemed to be well maintained. There were also 2 shade structures with picnic tables. I would return and camp again if in the area.
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.