Orestimba Horse Campout
Henry W. Coe State Park is offering a three-day, organized horse campout in the little-traveled east side of the 87,000-acre park. This event is sponsored by the Pine Ridge Association and the California department of Parks and Recreation.
Registration Opens: March 15, 2026
This is an exclusively equestrian event. Riders will have a unique opportunity to see and enjoy an area
isolated from the park's Morgan Hill entrance by long distances and rugged terrain. The east side of the park has beautiful spring wildflowers, great fishing, and scenic trails, some with breathtaking panoramic views of the Diablo Range. The ridges and valleys are broader and easier to travel than the steep terrain in the western part of the park, and you can plan trips to areas that normally require several days of strenuous backpacking, places like Mississippi Lake and the Orestimba Wilderness.
Camp for two nights or three nights
We will be offering two-night and three-night camping options (no day-use option). If staying three nights, you must enter the park on Thursday at 1:00 p.m. If staying two nights, entry will be on Friday, 10:00 a.m. Entry to the park will be through the Bell’s Station Gate entrance, and you must be escorted in at your designated entry time. Everyone will be escorted out on Sunday at 1:00 p.m. No early departures permitted. Water for horses and people will be available, and porta toilets will be on site. Sorry, no dogs or motorhomes. All state park rules apply.
Bell’s Station Entrance
Bell's Station is located 6.5 miles east of the Highway 152/Highway 156 junction. If you're driving east from this junction, look for the left turn lane and indicate your intention to turn left well in advance. As you approach Bell’s Station, move into the left turn lane and turn very carefully across oncoming westbound traffic. If you're traveling west from Interstate 5, the Bell's Station turnoff is approximately 22 miles from Interstate 5. Look for the old white Bell's Station building on the north side of Highway 152 and turn right at Bell's Station. If you miss the turn into Coe Park at Bell's Station traveling from either direction, proceed to the next safe place to turn around, which might be several miles.
Note that, it can take several hours to reach the Bell's Station gate from South San Jose. Allow ample time to arrive at least 15 minutes BEFORE your designated entry time. Your escort will not be able to wait for you if you arrive late.
The distance from Bell's Station to the Orestimba camp is about 12 miles. The road is unpaved, rough in some areas, and a somewhat steep climb in the lower reaches. 4-wheel drive is highly recommended for towing horse trailers. No low-clearance vehicles are permitted on this drive. The drive is about 45 minutes when pulling a trailer.
Space is limited, so apply early. Entries must be received by May 4 th . No refunds after May 5 th . All profits
benefit Coe Park.
Questions? Comments? Contact Chere Bargar at chere.b@att.net, 408-683-2247 or Sue at
sue.dekalb@verizon.net