Camels, forest shade, and s’mores in one trip. This 3-hour private outing from Reptacular Ranch blends a gentle camel trek into the woods, a ready-to-eat forest picnic, and a hands-on animal tour with 200+ creatures. I like how the whole flow feels built for real moments: ride, eat, learn, meet animals, then end with a campfire.

The biggest catch is also the clearest one: you need to be comfortable around animals and hay. The tour requires closed-toed shoes, and you should not book if you have allergies to animals or hay.

Key highlights

• Forest picnic included: heart-shaped pizza, chocolate-covered strawberries, plus your choice of champagne or sparkling cider
• 30 minutes in the forest: time to slow down, take photos, and eat without rushing
• 200+ animals to meet: farm animals plus reptiles, birds, and bugs, and time to greet the camels
• Hands-on ranch time: about an hour on the ranch with direct interaction
• End at the campfire: private s’mores to finish the day the cozy way
• No hidden add-ons: photos and videos are welcome, and everything is included

Finding Reptacular Ranch in the LA Orbit

Reptacular Ranch is in Sylmar, a part of Los Angeles that feels worlds away from the city buzz once you’re on-site. That matters because this tour is not about driving around and “checking boxes.” It’s about one contained, half-day experience where you ride, eat, and meet animals without needing to plan extra stops.

The upside for your day: you can build this into an LA itinerary without constantly pivoting for logistics. You’ll meet at the ranch address (8828 Gold Creek Rd, Sylmar, CA 91342) and the activity ends back at the same spot.

What to Wear (And What Could Stop You)

This tour is straightforward, but it does have a few hard requirements. Wear closed-toed shoes since you’ll be around animals and doing ranch walking as part of the experience. If you’re prone to allergies, be careful: you cannot be allergic to animals or hay for this one.

Also keep expectations realistic. This is a private experience for your group only, and it’s only about three hours total. So if you’re hoping for a long, wandering day where you linger for hours in one place, you might feel a bit time-compressed.

The Camel Trek into the Forest: Ride First, Then Picnic

The adventure starts with the camel trek into the forest. This is the part most people imagine first, and it’s also the part that sets the tone: you’re moving slowly through a wooded setting, not bouncing around a busy trail.

A detail I’d pay attention to is how the tour frames safety and comfort. The camels used on this outing are described as gentle, and one review specifically called out camels Herbie and Sully as friendly. That reassurance matters if you’ve heard scary camel stories—this experience is built to make you feel secure during the ride.

A practical tip for your comfort

Cameras out, but don’t rush your grip. You’ll want stable handling for phones and cameras while you enjoy the scenery. Take a moment before you move to set your camera strap or case so you’re not fighting with your gear mid-ride.

Your Forest Picnic: Heart-Shaped Pizza and the Champagne Choice

Once you reach the forest area, a picnic is waiting for you. You’ll have about 30 minutes to relax in the woods before heading back to the ranch, which is long enough to eat, take photos, and soak in the calm without the whole thing feeling like a quick sandwich break.

The picnic is a real package, not just snacks:

• Heart-shaped pizza
• Chocolate-covered strawberries
• Your choice of champagne or sparkling cider

That drink choice sounds fancy, but it’s practical too: it gives you a celebratory moment without requiring you to bring anything. If champagne isn’t your thing, sparkling cider is included as an option, so you’re not stuck with only one adult drink style.

The Return Ride: Calm, Cozy, and Photo-Friendly

After the forest time, you trek back to the ranch on the camels. This portion often feels different from the outbound ride because you’ve already had your food and you’re not waiting in anticipation. You can treat it like a slow cooldown and focus more on photos and the animals you’ll meet next.

One of the quiet wins: the tour is designed so you can take plenty of pictures and videos. You’re not being constantly ushered away from animals or told to keep your distance as the “default rule.” The goal here is interaction.

The Ranch Tour: 200+ Animals and Hands-On Time

Back at the ranch, you get about an hour of hands-on animal interaction. This is the heart of Reptacular’s appeal: you’re not just watching animals from afar. You’ll be around a wide range of creatures, including farm animals, reptiles, birds, and bugs, plus greeting the three camels.

The number is big enough to feel like a small living world—200+ animals—and the variety is what makes it interesting even for people who think they’ve seen everything. You’re likely to encounter animals you don’t usually get to meet up close, especially with reptiles and bugs included in the mix.

What I’d focus on during the ranch hour

Go slow and watch what the staff recommends. Interaction with animals works best when you follow handlers’ cues, especially around enclosure boundaries and when animals are being moved or handled.

This is also where the human side comes through. In one set of feedback, Jen was singled out as friendly and accommodating, and the overall crew was praised for being courteous and attentive. I’d treat that as your cue to ask questions while you’re there. If you want the story behind what you’re seeing—what an animal eats, how it behaves, how they care for it—that’s the right moment to ask.

Camel encounters: more than a ride

You’re not just on camels during the trekking portion. The ranch time includes greeting the camels as part of the overall experience. That keeps the camel element from feeling one-note, since you meet them in a different context than just during the ride.

Campfire S’mores: The Ending You’ll Actually Remember

The tour closes with a private campfire and s’mores. This is where the experience turns from activity to memory. After the ride and the animal time, you’re finally in a seated moment, with a warm, cozy finish that feels more personal than a typical “meet-and-leave” attraction.

S’mores are included, so you don’t have to hunt for dessert nearby or debate where to go next. It’s one of those small choices that makes the whole day feel complete.

Price and Value: $875 for Up to Two (Is It Worth It?)

At $875 per group (up to 2), this tour is priced like a true private experience, not a budget attraction. You’re not paying per person for a big public show—you’re paying for your own set of camels, your own forest picnic setup, your own ranch time, and your own private campfire ending.

So how do you judge value? I look at three things:

1. You’re effectively buying time with care, not just a ride. The hands-on animal hour and the private campfire are the moments that cost money because they require staff attention.
2. Everything is included: pizza, strawberries, champagne or sparkling cider, and s’mores. The tour also notes no extras or hidden fees, which helps avoid the common “nice pitch, then add-ons” problem.
3. The experience is rare. Camel trekking into a forest combined with a big animal ranch isn’t something you can easily replicate on your own in LA.

For whom it makes sense:

• Couples who want something romantic but not cookie-cutter
• Families with kids who like animals and are comfortable following safety and handling rules
• People doing a special LA day who want a unique activity that doesn’t feel like another museum

It might not fit if you want a low-cost, high-volume outing or if you’re trying to squeeze in multiple separate attractions in one afternoon. This is a focused package, and it works best when you give it your full attention.

Logistics That Matter: Timing, Tickets, and Weather

This activity is about three hours long, and it’s listed as a private tour/activity. It also uses a mobile ticket, which is convenient because you’re not dealing with paper pickups.

Good weather is required. If conditions aren’t right, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund due to poor weather. In practice, that means you should plan for a day where you can be flexible if the forecast turns.

One more timing note from how people book: it’s often reserved about 8 days in advance on average. If you’re aiming for a specific day or weekend slot, I’d book ahead rather than assuming you can walk up.

Who Should Book This Camel Trek?

I think you’ll be happiest if you:

• Like animals and want hands-on time, not just viewing
• Want a private, paced experience with included food and a campfire ending
• Can follow simple safety rules like wearing closed-toed shoes
• Are not dealing with allergies to animals or hay

You might reconsider if you’re sensitive to the idea of being close to many animal types (including reptiles and bugs), or if you dislike structured activities that take a few hours as a complete package.

Should You Book This 3-Hour Camel Trek?

If you want a memorable LA-area experience that feels different from the usual city routine, I’d say yes—with conditions. This tour is strongest when you value a private flow (ride, picnic, animal interaction, campfire) and when you’re comfortable around animals.

Book it if you’re celebrating, traveling with kids who love animals, or you simply want a day that ends with s’mores and real animal encounters. Skip it if allergies or discomfort around hay and animals are an issue. Otherwise, this is the kind of experience that turns into a story you’ll still be telling long after the ride ends.

FAQ

How long is the camel trek and ranch experience?

It’s approximately 3 hours total, including the camel trek into the forest, the forest relaxation time, the ranch tour, and the campfire s’mores.

Where does the tour start and end?

You meet at Reptacular Ranch, 8828 Gold Creek Rd, Sylmar, CA 91342, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point.

What food and drinks are included?

The picnic includes heart-shaped pizza and chocolate-covered strawberries, plus your choice of champagne or sparkling cider. The experience also includes s’mores at a private campfire.

How much time do we spend in the forest?

After arriving for the picnic, you relax in the forest for about 30 minutes before heading back to the ranch.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s private, and only your group will participate.

Are there any requirements for shoes or allergies?

You must wear closed-toed shoes. You also can’t be allergic to animals or hay. Service animals are allowed.

You Might Also Enjoy

Stand up Paddle Board in MalibuLos Angeles Highlights Full-Day Guided Tour2 Hour Private Group Surf Lessons in Hermosa BeachDowntown LA: History and Architecture Guided Walking Tour