Horse camping is the perfect way to enjoy Bay Pines. If you're an equestrian lover who prefers nature-based adventure, yet still wants comfort, this is the perfect opportunity for you. Camping with horses is a beautiful way to experience nature. Search nearby equestrian campsites or find top-rated spots from other campers.
Just minutes from downtown Tampa, this Hillsborough River State Park Camping offers a refuge from city life with its seven miles of nature trails and ample places to cool off in the water. Except for occasional reenactments, the cannon and guns are now silent at Fort Foster. No longer do Seminole Indians have to fight to keep a foothold in Florida, and soldiers no longer guard a strategic river crossing. The reconstructed fort and its surroundings are now part of Hillsborough River State Park. Besides a living history lesson, visitors can kayak or canoe class II river rapids, rare in Florida, hike seven miles of nature trails and swim in an ADA accessible swimming pool. Tucked away, only a short distance from the bustling city of Tampa, camping is a popular activity at Hillsborough River State Park.
$24 / night
LMR1
$22 / night
Separate primitive camping areas available for individual and equestrian camping. Backcountry camping available. Campsites for cars and primitive cabins available. Groups can reserve tent site or cabins up to 90 days in advance. Reservation and fee are required and can be made up to 30 days in advance.
The park features three campgrounds with 90 campsites. Each site is equipped with 50-amp electrical service, water, a fire ring and picnic table. The sites in Palmetto Ridge also have sewer hook-ups. A dump station is located near Old Prairie Campground. Laundry facilities are available to all campers in Old Prairie and Palmetto Ridge campgrounds. All campsites are located within 40 yards of restroom facilities with hot showers. Sites in Old Prairie and Big Flats are dirt-based. The sites in Palmetto Ridge are gravel-based, except for four ADA paved sites adjoining restrooms. Old Prairie and Big Flats do not have vegetation buffers. The Big Flats Campground is located near the Upper Myakka Lake, Myakka Outpost, a fishing deck and Wi-Fi. Old Prairie and Palmetto Ridge campgrounds are located near the State Road 72 park entrance, the Myakka River, the campfire circle, a small playground and Myakka Friends Gift Shop. Well-behaved pets are welcome in these three campgrounds, up to four per site. There are six primitive campgrounds (Mossy Hammock, Bee Island, Honore, Panther Point, Oak Grove and Prairie) located along the hiking trails for backpackers. These rustic settings provide campers with a fire pit and post to hang items. Each campground has three campsites, and a maximum of four people may be on each site. Only Bee Island, Oak Grove and Prairie have water pumps. Water at these sites is not potable; it requires boiling/chemical treatment. Other sites do not have water; you must bring your own. The terrain is primarily prairie, and dehydration is possible even on the coolest days. Myakka River State Park is one of Florida’s largest parks with 37,000 acres of its own. Home to the officially designated “Wild and Scenic” Myakka River, this state park is the perfect destination for outdoor adventurers who are looking to get closer to the natural, diverse Florida wildlife. Choose from one of over 80 campsites while Myakka State Park camping and get ready to explore! Bring your kayak and make your way through a variety of waterways where you can spot american alligators, snook, ospreys, and countless species of birds. Embark on one of many hiking trails to explore more of the unique environments found within Myakka River State Park. Trek to the highlands to get a look at Florida’s traditional wetlands where marshes, cypress dome trees, and grazing birds will welcome you. Go even deeper to reach the diverse array of grasses, wildflowers, and vines that grow freely in the park’s protected dry prairies. Don’t forget to bring your camera with you! Short shrubs in the dry prairies allow visitors to see for miles in any direction. You’ll also want to bring the camera atop the Canopy Walkway at Myakka River. Just a short walk from the main road, this suspension bridge provides a panoramic view of the entire park from a unique vantage point above the tree canopy. Every camper can find what they’re looking for at this Florida park.
$26 / night
Standing out from the relatively flat topography of Central Florida is Alafia River State Park, a reclaimed phosphate mine with some of the most radical elevation changes in the state. This makes it a hot spot for mountain bikers, who traverse the scenic and challenging International Mountain Bike Association trails. Equestrians and hikers can explore 20 miles of hilly trails through forests and flatwoods, stopping to relax and admire one of the park's pristine lakes. Canoeing and fishing opportunities are available along the South Prong of the Alafia River with some lakes scattered throughout the park. The park also offers picnic pavilions, a playground, a full-facility campground and a full-service bike shop. Family campground is suitable for RVers and tent campers. Campers will find water and electrical hookups at each of the 30 campsites. Clean restrooms feature solar-heated showers. There are two large picnic pavilions in the campground. Equestrian campers have access to 12 sites with equestrian designation and tie-outs for horses. Equestrian campers can access the barn, which is a short walk from the campground. There are 12 stables and 6 paddocks available on a first-come, first-served basis. Extra parking for trailers can be accessed near the barn area. Equestrians and hikers can explore 20 miles of hilly trails through forests and flatwoods, stopping to relax and admire one of the park's pristine lakes. For reservations, visit the Florida State Parks reservations website or call 800-326-3521 or TDD 888-433-0287.
$22 / night
Equestrian, group and primitive campsites. Sites have picnic tables, fire rings and/or grills. A free reservation is required and must be displayed on dashboard at campground.
Equestrian and primitive camping available. Sites have picnic tables, fire rings and/or grills. A free reservation is required and must be displayed or available at campground.
Washburn Campground is an equestrian and primitive camping available. Sites have picnic tables, fire rings and/or grills. A free reservation is required and must be displayed or available at campground.
Scout
Stayed in spot #8, not as much shade as I had hoped for, would've been better in 10-14. Sites are plenty large and relatively well spaced out. There was a large anthill between the spot and where you park which made packing in and out an adventure (very active colony). Otherwise, the site was level and devoid of rocks & roots. A good night's sleep despite the racoon who pilfered my SunChips during the night.
Traveler
We were down for a funeral so we, unfortunately, didn’t spend any time in the park or campground. The park is absolutely gorgeous and we can’t wait to return in November for a week long stay. The roads in the campground are a little narrow so maneuvering a larger rig might take some time backing into sites but there were plenty of big rigs there so it is doable. The sites have picnic tables and a fire ring. As far as we could tell, all sites are sandy so I’m sure it would be a little messy after a rain with possible flooding. Our site was perfectly level with no side to side adjustments needed. Our loop was very shaded with gorgeous trees. The rangers were amazing and patrolled the campground on a regular basis. There is a huge pool but it was closed for renovations, opening sometime this summer. There is a small cafe with ice cream and you can rent kayaks or canoes to take a trip down a wonderfully, peaceful river. It was so clear that we could see fish swimming around. No swimming is allowed in the river because of gators but experienced paddle boarders would love the easy paddle. Lots of trails to hike as well.
Definitely a great place to stay right outside the Tampa area. Recommend highly.
RangerLove it! Great campground with good shade and privacy between sites. Peaceful. Cool weather in February meant little to no bugs (yay!). Clean facilities, level site. Really nice hikes - but unfortunately it’s a bit of a walk from the campground to the trailheads. Worth it though! We will return!
Scout
The campsites are well-shaded and have easy access to walking & biking trails. We've visited Myakka on day trips previously, and just recently camped there for the first time. It's quiet, and there's plenty of wildlife to be seen: Lots of birds, alligators, deer, wild turkeys. Bathrooms with laundry facilities were conveniently located, but we didn't use them. Campsite was clean, level, and easy to back into.
LegendSite 71 back in and HC and paved Very long 50 amp and water only Restrooms and showers across from site and very clean. 2washers $2.50 and 2 dryers $2.25 Lots of trails for walking, hiking, and biking Store and pool. Pool currently closed.
Legend
Site 2 HC restroom directly next store 50 amp water only Paved Spacious site Partial shade Clean restrooms and showers with HC ones 2 washers and 2 dryers brand new $2.50 EACH Plenty of walking, hiking, and biking Clean cg
TravelerWe were able to get a site that had electric and water. We plugged in a fan for our tent and kept pretty dry overnight. The site we booked is a little bit of a walk to the bathrooms but if you are bringing an RV or camper then it would make it a little easier. The sites next to the bathrooms are pretty much all permanent “glamming” that are rented out so it may be hard to get closer. The trails on the other side of the river have not been accessible since the last big hurricane so campers interested in hiking across the river may want to choose a different park.
GuideGreat place to stay bathrooms little dated but no big deal we have a 30ft rv and pulling a jeep plenty of room great outdoor activities
Guide
Very spacious camp sites with lots of room between sites. Very clean bath house.
GuideThis park was close to home and was good for a quick trip. The roads can be a bit narrow depending on the size of your rig and some back in spot may be a challenge. This would be a good park to visit in the cooler months. Make sure you have plenty of mosquito repellent options, they don’t normally bother me too much, but I had welts after the 15 mins it took me to unhitch and set up. Overall, the park has some nice trails, with good wildlife viewing.
RangerWe were fortunate enough to get here before the hurricanes destroyed parts of this campground. It is so peaceful and naturally beautiful. Plenty of places to walk and ride bikes to. Our site was shady and a really good size. Bathhouse was always clean. Cannot wait to go back.
GuideI was really excited to stay here. I heard so many great things about this park, but we were incredibly disappointed in our site. The site looks like a bulldozer drove thru here and knocked down all the trees and brush last month and left all the debris around the perimeter to rot. Most other sites do not look like this and I’m including photos of ours and another empty one for contrast. We are here for 4 days during spring break but the site is so ugly we won’t be hanging around camp much. Most of them are beautiful so it’s the luck of the draw, I guess. The check-in was easy and the staff at the gate was super sweet. Camp office has ice and firewood but they close at 5 so plan ahead. Bathhouse is new and really nice. Because I think the rest of the park is so nice I’m still giving 4 stars but make sure to look at site photos and avoid mine, which is 17. The other photos in my review are of site 22 and it’s beautiful.
Edit: I came back to remove a star because I went back in n the website to see if any other sites were available since a ton of spaces around us were empty. I could only see availability for “tomorrow” and I could see that a spot that is available tomorrow and the rest of our time here is also empty today. I called the front gate to ask if we could move because of the condition of our site. The lady was VERY offended and said the debris is from a hurricane 6 months ago. I get it. That’s not the issue. The issue is that had I known the site was this bad, I wouldn’t have booked. That shouldn’t have made her mad. But it sure did. She told me I’d have to go online to make a change to my reservation, which I had already tried to do. After talking it over we decided to leave early so I called back a few minutes before 5. She answered an told me she was helping someone in front of her and she’d come back. She came back after 5 and when I told her I wanted to leave early and the website wouldn’t let me cancel my reservation early she said was closing because it was now after 5 and I’d have to call her tomorrow or I could call the main reservation line. I did. They said only the local camp office can help. We will not be back to this park. We drove from out of state to camp 2 days in basically a trash pile and be told we should be happy about it.
ScoutSmall state park, with really large sites and great facilities. The only thing missing are sewer hookups. Widely known in Florida for the mountain bike trails. Not much else to do in the area, but very nice space to chill out. The night sky is far enough away that you can really take in the stars. We have stayed at most of the state parks in Florida. We liked this one a lot.
GuideWe stayed here to glamp in their new glamping yurts. First time glamping in FL and it was a great experience. The yurt was chic and smelt really good like essential oils. Everything was very clean and they put in a lot of effort to customize the stay for you. Best way to “camp” while staying clean and comfy. The bathrooms were nearby and immaculate at well.
TravelerWe spent two weeks here in December. The staff was friendly and helpful and it is a beautiful park. The site was very open and a bit narrow for our camper, but it was meant for tents as they fit us in on late notice. There are some secluded sites. Canoes/Kayaks can be rented and it is a beautiful river. We saw a few alligators sunning on the banks. Bath houses were clean and well maintained. Washers and dryers are available (currently $2.00/load) and there are vending machines for snacks or drinks. The pool and store are currently closed for renovation.
ScoutSays $25. Doesn't include required registration fee $7, or utility fee $7!! $39/night. BS indeed! Just include it in the price! Too high!
GuideWe love it here. Great place to just get away from the everyday bs. Very peaceful and the trails are nice. The campsite is very clean and there are a lot sized for big rigs
GuideThis is our 2nd time at Myakka River State Park and it doesn't disappoint. We stayed at the PR section with full hookups. Site was spacious and the park even had smiling gators.
Traveler
Got out late at night on a Friday and pulled into a offshoot. The next day found a very nice campsite spot to set up at. Very private, great views and the neighboring campers were very respectful! Not much in terms of single track for mountain biking, however we had fun exploring the dirt roads in our Forester. Be mindful of going after/during a good rain, it floods pretty easily. Port-a-potty was alittle run down and needed refreshing. Overall, a great little spot to camp!
LegendThis was one of our favorite campgrounds. The park was so lush and green it felt like a jungle safari. There are so many alligators just hanging around near the water so watch out while hiking! There are so many great hiking trails and places to explore in this park.
Laundry on site at the bath houses, as well as free hot showers. I didn't like the shower set up as much, because the area for your clothes and stuff and whatnot is in a communal space with other shower-ers.
Campground hosts sell firewood and ice.
We were here in January and the weather was perfect, not too humid, and it wasn't too buggy.
ScoutSuper relaxing! Really easy to find your campsite and they are decent sized as well. Bathrooms are all relatively close but a little outdated. Great for nature walking and out dog had a great time!
GuideWe stayed at Hillsborough at site 031 which was right next to the kayak launch. There was not a lot of traffic which was a concern of mine. There’s plenty of short trails for easy hiking. The campground is wooded with spacious sites and privacy. Kayaking on the river was amazing. Lots of local wildlife and easy up in back river for beginners. Very peaceful campground. My one negative would be that it’s very dusty. Not a lot of rock or pavement anywhere on the roads or at the campsites themselves. It did not bother us however it may be troublesome for others. We will definitely be back. Also the entrance is locked at the evening which is a great safety however no where does it tell you that the code to get in is on the sticker that they put in your car. It gave us a little bit of panic before we realized where the code was on our first night coming back to our site.
GuideWe loved how close this was to Tampa yet it felt like you were miles away from it all . I can see how summer would be tough here as mentioned in other reviews.. wet would be my guess , so a winter visit is favorable. Tye hiking trails were amazing and we saw tons of wildlife. Gators on the trail next to the water. Night was filled with songs from the owls and calls from the coyote .. Make sure you cache all your food in bear proof containers because the raccoons are talented.. Bathroom is nice with great hot water .. good laundry machines too.. Only CON—- sites are too small and you’re right next to your neighborhoods.. very little privacy..
GuideBeautiful drive into the campground with all the tropical plants and trees. Spacious lots and quiet
TravelerAfter a simple on-line reservation and finding someone at the Publix, across the road, to show me where the entrance was, I couldn’t believe how nice it was for a free camp spot. I stayed in the primitive side, where there was only 3 sites and I had so much privacy. It was so quiet, I only heard an owl one night, during my 6 night stay. The sites have picnic tables and fire rings. It was perfect!
Traveler3.2 mile hike through mostly open Florida pine forest with the occasional swamp. Perfect time of year to come. Site has great shade and opens up at the fire pit for great star gazing. Only downside is that you are under the flight path for Tampa Intl. so you get the occasional jets above. We had a small spike buck come into our camp at night and he didn’t even flinch at us from 20 yards. Awesome experience for my son. Weather was absolutely perfect. For being generally surrounded by urban areas this place is a win for ease of access. Good cell service with T-Mobile as well. We will definitely be doing this again!
ScoutVery welcoming staff, clean peaceful campground. Great privacy between sites
Camping near Bay Pines, Florida, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.
Camping around Bay Pines, Florida, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just be prepared for the bugs and plan ahead for a great experience!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Bay Pines, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Bay Pines, FL is Hillsborough River State Park with a 4.3-star rating from 63 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Bay Pines, FL?
TheDyrt.com has all 14 equestrian camping locations near Bay Pines, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
