Bonsall, CA, USA
Rawhide Ranch Summer Overnight Camp is a residential ranch camp for children ages 7–15. The program runs Sunday to Friday and combines horseback riding, animal learning, outdoor recreation, cabin life, and themed camp traditions. It is especially strong for children who enjoy animals, horses, hands-on learning, and a full camp schedule with lots of variety.
The riding program is geared toward beginning and intermediate riders. Campers take Western riding lessons and also try equestrian vaulting, which is gymnastics on horseback. The ranch side of the program goes beyond riding. Children take animal and horse science classes, spend time caring for animals, and learn what it feels like to be part of a working ranch community.
The camp day also includes electives. Options may include swimming, water-slide time, rock-climbing wall, archery, arts and crafts, outdoor cooking, sports and games, pony-cart harnessing, roping, drama, country dance, movie time, and more. Evening activities bring the whole camp together through campfires, Capture the Flag, skit night, cabin talent night, and other group events.
Rawhide Ranch is a good match for kids who are ready to unplug, sleep in cabins, make new friends, and spend a week in a highly active ranch setting.
| Ages: | 7–15 |
| Type: | Day, Overnight |
| Month: | Summer |
| Gender: | Co-Ed |
| Setting: | Ranch |
| Lodging: | Cabin |
| Sports: | Sports, Sports Training, Gymnastics, Shooting, Archery |
| Adventure: | Adventure, Challenge, Rock Climbing, Horse, Horseback Riding, Cowboy, Cowgirl, Rodeo |
You won’t be charged yet. The camp will contact you to confirm all terms first.
| Dates | Days | Price | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 12 - Jul 17, 2026 | 6 | $1,149 | |
| Jul 19 - Jul 24, 2026 | 6 | $1,149 | |
| Jul 26 - Jul 31, 2026 | 6 | $1,149 | |
| Aug 2 - Aug 7, 2026 | 6 | $1,149 | |
| Aug 9 - Aug 14, 2026 | 6 | $1,149 |
Rawhide Ranch is an overnight camp. Campers stay on the ranch from Sunday afternoon through Friday check-out. Cabins are assigned by age group, and campers are placed with children of a similar age. Cabin groups are also connected to program groups, so cabin placement shapes part of the camp experience.
Families may request up to two cabinmates during registration: a first choice and an alternate. Requests should be mutual, campers must be the same birth gender, and cabinmates must be within one year of age. Group requests are not accommodated.
Campers bring their own sleeping bag and pillow. Laundry facilities are not available, so families should pack for the full length of the stay. Campers do not have access to phones, and cell phones or electronic communication devices are prohibited. Communication happens through letters, with camper mail delivered by “Pony Express” after lunch Monday through Thursday.
Meals are included for overnight campers during the camp session. A typical day includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with “coffee breaks” built into the schedule. These breaks give campers time to relax and visit the Country Store or Sweet Shop for snacks, drinks, souvenirs, and other small purchases.
Lunch and dinner include a salad bar and fresh fruit. Breakfast options include cereal, milk, oatmeal packets, yogurt, bagels, fruit, and similar items. Vegetarian meals are available at no extra cost when selected during registration.
The kitchen can accommodate nut allergies and vegetarian diets. Main meals prepared by the kitchen are nut-free, though camp stores may sell packaged items that contain nuts. Other dietary needs, such as gluten-free, vegan, or dairy-free diets, are not accommodated by the kitchen. Families with these needs must provide supplemental food, which can be stored in the dining room using the available fridge, freezer, and microwave.
Rawhide Ranch uses structured supervision, age-based cabin placement, and clear camp rules. The camper-to-counselor ratio is no more than 8 campers per counselor for ages 7–8 and 10 campers per counselor for ages 9–15.
Counselor screening includes reference checks, Social Security number verification and address history, a national criminal database search, a national sex offender registry search, a state sex offender registry search, and Live Scan fingerprinting. During check-in, families and campers review and sign a Zero Tolerance Agreement.
Horse and activity safety are reinforced through required gear and controlled activity areas. Riding requires boots and an ASTM-certified equestrian riding helmet. Campers also need sneakers for vaulting and general activities. Personal sports equipment, electronics, flammable items, knives, weapons, drugs, alcohol, and other unsafe items are prohibited.
A health care staff member lives on site during camp and is available at check-in. All medications must be brought in their original containers and turned in to the health staff at the Health Lodge. This includes prescription medication, over-the-counter medicine, vitamins, and supplements.
Medication containers must include the child’s name, the medication name, dosage directions, and the name of the person ordering the medication. Medication should not be packed inside the camper luggage because it needs to be checked in separately. Families complete a medical form through the online account and list all medications and dosage instructions there.
Parents or guardians are notified about injuries or illnesses that require the attention of a licensed physician. In a medical emergency, families are contacted as part of the emergency plan. The ranch may send a child home if a health care staff member or a physician advises doing so.
Rawhide Ranch has a strong ranch-camp identity dating back to the 1960s. The camp culture blends horses, cabin life, themed weeks, camp-wide games, and values-based community life. Campers are called “Ranchhands,” and the ranch emphasizes caring community, hard work, integrity, respect for others, and personal growth.
Each summer session has a theme. The 2026 themes include Lost in Space, Disco, Color Craze, Neon 90’s, and Beach Bash. These themes shape cabin decorations, camp spirit, skits, costumes, and the general flavor of the week.
A typical day includes flagpole gatherings, animal care, core classes, electives, meals, rest time, mail call, evening activities, and cabin time. On Friday, families return for check-out and closing shows at the Rodeo Arena. First-time and unranked campers participate in the Ranch Hand Show, while ranked campers may take part in the Advanced Ranked Show.
Rawhide Ranch gives campers both required ranch-based activities and daily elective choices. The core program includes Western horseback riding, equestrian vaulting, animal science, horse science, and animal care. These activities give campers a steady connection to horses and ranch life throughout the week.
Electives add variety to the day. Campers may choose from activities such as swimming, water slide time, archery, riflery, climbing tower, laser tag, pony-cart harnessing, drama, roping, sports, country dance, crafts, movie time, and other camp options. Families can talk with their child in advance if there are any electives they prefer the camper not select.
Evenings are reserved for whole-camp activities. Campfires, Capture the Flag, skit night, cabin talent night, and other group events help the camp feel social after a full day of classes and electives. The week ends with Friday closing shows, where campers share their progress.
