Why Support the Reagan Equestrian Campground

Group trail riding in Malibu Creek State Park

There are more than 10,000 horses residing in the Santa Monica Mountains, which offers unmatched horseback riding opportunities.  The American Horse Council refers to Southern California as the “Horse Capital of the Nation.”  There are more horses in Southern California than in Texas.  The California horse economy leads the nation at over $12 billion annually.

Horseback riding is an historic way of life in the Malibu Creek area. It is important to keep that historic tradition alive and expand the recreational opportunities.

By developing the Ronald Reagan Equestrian Campground (RREC), all Malibu Creek State Park visitors will have an opportunity to understand and appreciate the contribution that the horse has made to society.

The Ronald Reagan Equestrian Campground will attract visitors from all areas of California and from outside the state.  It can serve as a stopover site on a long trip, or as a destination camping site. The RREC will not disturb the historic landscape or buildings, or alter any natural features. 

It will be located adjacent to the main road through Malibu Creek State Park, which will provide easy access and increased safety for horse camping.  There are good ancillary services within 5 to 10 miles of the proposed equestrian campground: gas stations, restaurants, automotive repair shops, tire stores, hospitals, sheriff, feed and tack stores, farriers and veterinarians. Further, the campground will provide a fire safe zone for horses in the event of major wildfires in the community.

Presently, there is no equestrian campground within the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (SMMNRA) that is easily accessible to the public.  Other popular equestrian campgrounds in Southern California are close to major highways, have difficult access, or are heavily used.  For example:

• Danielson Ranch in Point Mugu State Park requires a $40 ranger escort fee for driving each time in and out of the campground, in addition to the campsite fee.  This imposes a hardship on equestrians, as it is difficult for everyone in a group to always arrive at one exact time.

• The Sycamore Group campground, also in Point Mugu State Park, has a $40 ranger escort fee in addition to the regular fee.

Malibu Creek State Park urgently needs additional facilities to meet the existing level of equestrian activity in the Park.  The Ronald Reagan Equestrian Campground will provide much needed facilities and service to the equestrian community.  Perhaps most importantly, it will promote and protect an historic way of life in Southern California. 

If you would like to make a donation to the RREC, please contact ETI National Foundation @ 818-698-6200, refer to:  Ronald Reagan Equestrian Campground.