About Us

 Camp Lockett Event and Equestrian Facility  (CLEEF) is located on 167 acres of property in the mountainous area of  southeast San Diego County. Camp Lockett was designated a California  Historic Site in 2009 and was the home of the 10th, 11th and 28th  Cavalry during World War II. These Cavalry Units included the famous  “Buffalo Soldiers” and the 10th & 28th Cavalry were comprised  entirely of African American soldiers. The Buffalo Soldiers were charged  with protecting and defending the southern border of the United States.

Establishing an Equestrian Facility on the  Camp Lockett grounds was long envisioned by the County of San Diego, but  funding constraints overcame that ambition. CLEEF, a 501 (c) 3  corporation was formed by local citizens specifically to accomplish the  goal of establishing and operating a unique Equestrian Facility on this  historically significant and beautiful site.

CLEEF now owns 167 acres; our original  lease of 83 acres plus an additional 84 acres having been transferred,  through escrow, to CLEEF in 2016. Our property is owned and managed by  CLEEF as a community asset and non-profit. With no paid Board Members or  staff, we rely totally on volunteers for property maintenance, and  donors for improvements.

The impact of this facility provides a  quality destination for equestrian enthusiasts from throughout the  southwest region of San Diego County. Our plans include a re-creation of  the Buffalo Soldier equestrian obstacle course, a “mini-museum” and  artifacts dedicated to the Buffalo Soldiers, and various arenas for  equestrian events, some of which have been completed. Additionally, we  now offer limited horse camping availability.

The Camp Lockett property is located  approximately 1/4 mile from the trailhead for the Pacific Crest Trail  and would serve as an ideal location for travelers embarking on the  famous 2200 mile trek. The Pacific Crest Trail is reserved for hikers  and mounted riders and stretches from the U.S. Mexico border to the U.S.  Canada border.

Our future plans also include equestrian  educational programs for disadvantaged children from throughout the  southwest region. Our intent is to schedule events and activities that  provide recreational opportunities for our local residents, and draw  visitors to our area to support our local historic sites and businesses.

This project fills a significant void  within the County of San Diego for a quality equestrian destination. It  will preserve the history of the Buffalo Soldiers, and provide a  wonderful equestrian experience for riders of all ages. CLEEF will  provide a “look back” at the rich history of the area, and bring  awareness of the contribution that Camp Lockett and the Buffalo Soldiers  provided during their tenure at this site. Additionally, all revenue  generated above operating expenses will be returned to the community  through High School Scholarships, financial support to local  non-profits, and similar activities.