Sam McDonald Park is located along Pescadero Creek Road about 11 miles east of the coastal town of Pescadero. The park is known for its magnificent groves of redwoods and its high, grassy ridges. Adjacent to the park spreads the Heritage Grove, a 37-acre preserve.
Jack Brook Horse Camp is divided into 3 areas designed for small to large groups with horses. Site 1 can accommodate up to 40 people and 40 horses. Sites 2 and 3 are for up to 10 people and 10 horses. The sites have shared features, including restrooms with showers (no showers during drought times), drinking water, a horse wash-rack, and outdoor kitchen with a refrigerator, freezer and microwave, BBQs and tables. There are 48 horse paddocks and 6 tie posts available to share among the 3 sites (first-come, first served). Portable corrals are permitted.
Three Youth Campgrounds are available for Sam McDonald Park camping, each with a capacity of 50 people. Restrooms with flush toilets are located near the parking lot, vault toilets are located closer to campsites. The campgrounds are hike-in sites, allowing only 1 car to be brought in for emergencies (others parked near park entrance). Hike-in distances range from ¼ mile to 1 mile.
| Sam McDonald Park Camping Basics | |
|---|---|
| Sam McDonald Park Camping Location: | 13435 Pescadero Creek Rd., Loma Mar |
| Elevation: | 750 feet |
| Camping season: | Horse camps May 1 to mid-November Youth Campgrounds mid-May to late October |
| Number of Sites: | 3 Horse Camps and 3 Youth Campgrounds |
| Max. People per Site: | Horse Camps 10, 10, and 40 Youth Campgrounds 50 each |
| Vehicles per Site: | Varies |
| Animals: | Equines allowed, other pets not permitted |
| Operated by | San Mateo County Parks |
| Park Headquarters: | (650) 879-0238 |
| Reservations for Sam McDonald Park Camping | |
|---|---|
| Reservations Required: | whenever campgrounds are open, up to 1 year in advance |
| Maximum Vehicle Length: | Varies |
| Accessible Sites: | None designated |
| Horse Camp Fees: | Group site - $150 per night
Small group (10) site - $75 |
| Horse Camp Online Reservations: | Jack Brook Horse Camp Reservations |
| Youth Campground Fees: | $3 per person, per night
$75 minimum |
| Youth Campground Reservations: | Call the reservations desk at (650) 363-4021 |
| Sam McDonald Park Camping Amenities | |
|---|---|
| Campsites: | Picnic tables, BBQs |
| Campground: | Restrooms with flush toilets, tap water |
| Showers: | No |
| Dump Station: | No |
| Campground Map: | Sam McDonald Park Map |
| Attractions near Sam McDonald Park Camping: | Heritage Grove, Big Tree Trail, Forest Loop Trail, Ridge Loop Trail |
Chinook Youth Camp at Sam McDonald Park
Not all campsites can accommodate trailers or RVs of all lengths. Check carefully on the reservation site when you make your reservation to be sure your vehicle will fit your campsite.
Designated Accessible sites are usually reserved for people with disabilities who have a vehicle displaying an accessible parking placard or license plate.
Jack Brook Horse Camp
San Mateo County's Sam McDonald Park spreads over 850 acres in the Santa Cruz Mountains, 3 miles west of La Honda. Sam McDonald Park camping provides a convenient location for youth groups and horse groups to enjoy the outdoors.
Check Sam McDonald Park for any park and campground updates.