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Best Equestrian Camping near Belleair Bluffs, FL

87 Reviews

Washburn Equestrian Area and Primitive Campground features tent and RV camping with direct access to horseback riding trails in the Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve. Located near Thonotosassa, Florida, this campground provides basic facilities for equestrians including picnic tables, toilets, and designated areas for horses. Trail riders find ample space for horse trailers with convenient proximity to multiple trail systems. The primitive campground maintains a natural setting with minimal development, allowing for an authentic outdoor experience away from urban conveniences while remaining accessible from Belleair Bluffs.

Reservation requirements include obtaining permits through Southwest Florida Water Management District's online system prior to arrival. The preserve contains over 50 miles of multi-use trails suitable for horseback riding through diverse Florida terrain including pine flatwoods and wetland areas. Fire rings are available at campsites for evening gatherings after trail rides. The natural environment attracts diverse wildlife that riders frequently encounter along the trails. Water access points throughout the preserve allow horses to drink, though visitors should bring adequate water supplies as facilities are limited. Most sites accommodate small groups of riders, making this location suitable for family equestrian camping experiences with proper planning and self-sufficiency.

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Best Equestrian Sites Near Belleair Bluffs, Florida (13)

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Belleair Bluffs, FL

87 Reviews of 13 Belleair Bluffs Campgrounds

  • Elliott B.
    Jul. 16, 2017

    Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve

    One of the largest contiguous recreation areas in Hillsborough County

    The Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve is one of the largest contiguous recreation areas in Hillsborough County.

    There are lots of different parks and areas all contained within the Preserve with all park sites managed by the Hillsborough County Conservation and Environmental Lands Management Department.

    You can only camp within 2 of these areas, the Oak Ridge Equestrian Area and at Dead River Park.

    Other parks and trails are located at the Wilderness Park Off Road Loop Trail System, Flatwoods Park, and the Jefferson Equestrian Area. The Morris Bridge Park, Trout Creek Park, and John B. Sargeant Park, offer day use areas and boat/canoe launch ramps.

    The multiple purposes of the LHWP are easily overlooked while enjoying the natural beauty of this suburban woodland. Here one can paddle waters of the Hillsborough River amongst wading birds, turtles, alligators, lilies and cypress swamps; explore over 60 miles of forest trails; fish from riverside boardwalks; or enjoy a relaxing picnic or cookout.

    Adjoining the Wilderness Preserve is the 3,000-acre Hillsborough River State Park, which in itself is an area of beauty and tranquility known as the Seventeen Runs of the Hillsborough River. This park also has wonderful camping.

    Camping

    Dead River Park

    · Camping fee.

    · Campsite available to youth groups by reservation only. Minimum of 6 and maximum of 30 campers allowed. Groups must have their own insurance.

    · A 0.25-mile hiking trail for use by campers located adjacent to campground.

    · Bathhouse and picnic facilities provided.

    The Oak Ridge Equestrian Area has 2 different campgrounds.

    The Oak Ridge Primitive Campgrounds and the Washburn Primitive Campground

    · Camping free.

    · Campsite available by reservation only and is required and must be displayed or available at campground

    · Over 16-miles of equestrian/hiking trail for use by campers located throughout the campground.

    · Sites have picnic tables, fire rings and/or grills and there are ADA portapotty and non-potable water available.

    · The Oak Ridge Campground also has a pavilion

  • Elliott B.
    Jul. 11, 2017

    Oak Ridge Primitive Campground

    Nicely maintained and secluded

    This campground is an excellently maintained recreation area part of the [SouthWest Florida Water Management District](http://SouthWest Florida Water Management District). With the OakRidge campground being wonder part of the Lower Hillsborough Preserve just outside Tampa, FL.

    The campground here is huge as you can use it either as a primitive site or an equestrian site. Although it's nice and open you actually have a ton of tree coverage. You can get the combination for the lock when you make your reservation (required) or just hike yourself in from the large lot off Highway 568 "Morris Bridge road" which is only about 3/4 of a mile.

    While hiking in I came across several deer and some gopher tortoise.

    This campground has 3 "sites", with tables and fire rings, and one nice pavilion. There is a good water pump (non-potable) which you'll need to boil or treat and an actual clean ADA toilet on site.

    You then have access to miles and miles of trails and can really enjoy yourself out here.

  • Jeanene A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 12, 2017

    Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park

    Anything but stark...

    Part of the Starkey Wilderness Preservethis location is full of multi use trails, has primitive cabin rentals (no electric) and tent camping available. Front country (car camping) and back country camping (hike in only). There are specific equestrian camping sites as well.

    Cabins are pretty close to each other. All sites need to be reserved.Tent, cabin, shelter and pavilion reservations: Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park, (727) 834-3247. Picnic tables and fire pits are provided. Pavilions are also available to rent and they take reservations for large groups as well.

    We chose car camping for our visit to check the place out. A favorite for hiking and biking. This place has gotten busier as development has been growing steadily over the years. Many of the trails are without shade and the recent fire season hit the back part of the tract pretty hard (Spring 2017) but you would not see any signs of this unless you hiked out the furthest trails from entrance.

    Bring your bikes, hiking shoes, horses, or telescopes. Birders bring your binoculars! Over 150 species call Starkey home either full or part time. There is something here for everyone.

    As always in Florida bring bug spray, sunblock, hat, and please leave no trace!

  • Steve S.
    Jul. 6, 2016

    Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park

    Hidden gem in Florida

    Great get away in west-central Florida as a day trip or long weekend stay.

    We spent the day hiking the numerous off-road trails and enjoying some of the amenities the park has to offer. The park has separate primitive tent, car-camping (tent) and cabin campgrounds near the entrance of the park along with over 50 miles of biking, hiking, nature as well as equestrian trails to enjoy. Not to mention several parking areas throughout with playgrounds and an educational center make this a favorite for families to just get away.

    Reservations can be made for camping up to 90 days in advance either online or at the park. We noticed several rangers and volunteers performing various tasks to improve the parks appearance. Will definitely be returning!

  • Abby M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 4, 2021

    Serenova Tract Campsites

    Beautiful, free campground

    This campground is very peaceful and clean. It has 1 vault toilet that is decent but never had any TP for the 5 days I stayed so I assume it’s not checked regularly. You do have to apply for a permit to camp here through the SW Florida water management site. The campground is gated so you need a code to get in, which is a nice safety feature. There’s A primitive side & an equestrian side but during my stay it was all regular campers and nobody with any horses. There’s non potable water and 2 really nice shelters for picnics or gatherings. There’s at least 15 spots here, all a mixture of sun and shade. Most sites feel pretty secluded and never got full during my visit. Watch out for wild hogs during any hikes or trail rides as they are very active in this area. There’s a Publix just across the street and a gas station not even half a mile down the road. Super easy to get to and short drive down a dirt road. I’d definitely stay here again! No trash services so pack it out! Had 2-3 bars of 5G through AT&T.

  • Elliott B.
    Jul. 16, 2017

    Washburn Equestrian Area and Primitive Campground

    Nice semi-primitive camping in the wilderness

    This campground is part of the Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve within the Oak Ridge Equestrian Area. You’re a little closer to the road (about ¼ to ½ miles away) than if you stay at the Oak Ridge Campgrounds about 2.5 miles north on SR 597 “Morris Bridge Road”. Although this isn’t a terribly busy road so you shouldn’t hear too much traffic sounds, especially at night. You do need to get a freepermit to camp from the South West Water Management District here. The campground here is also huge as you can use it either as a primitive site or an equestrian site. Although it's nice and open you have a ton of tree coverage. Within the campgrounds themselves you do get a nice mixture of oak and pine tree coverage, so if you want to hang anything from the trees you’ll have plenty of options.

    This campground is also a lot harder to find as there is no signage from the road and Google Maps is currently trying to take you to the main entrance which is where the sister Campground “Oak Ridge” and main entrance to the equestrian area is located. The GPS location for the entrance is: 28.1189, -82.2975 or the address is 14501 Morris Bridge Road Thonotosassa, FL 33592. I also have a photo of the street number sign you can see from the road. It’s basically right across the road from the Flatwoods Wilderness Park. I was all alone, and if you camp in the summer you probably will be to as it gets hot, really hot and humid. You need to make sure and bring lots of cold water to drink, because the pump isn’t portable and I doubt you’ll be feeling great after boiling it off. You can also filter it, which isn’t as bad as the water is relatively cool.

    Facilities include:

    Picnic tables, fire rings, a non-potable water well, and a clean (actually smelled clean) ADA portapot. No trash cans or drinking water.

    Over 18 miles of Equestrian/Hiking trails

  • Jeanene A.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 18, 2018

    Little Manatee River State Park Campground

    So much to offer!

    What an amazing State Park - they have multiple camping options. Equestrian, Car/RV camping and there is a back country site on a 7 mile loop trail that runs part of the way along the river.

    The Car/RV camping spots are roomy, somewhat private. bathrooms are clean, almost always have camp hosts available.

    Access to the back country loop trail and camping is just down the road. Reservations are required and you check in at main gate. camp is about 4 miles in on trail if hiking counter clockwise. There is a space for fire and picnic table at site. This is a nice place for beginner backpackers to try out. Sadly just through the tree line is a golf course and housing community. Note: resident raccoon is very large - you must hang your secure food and trash! You can see lights through the trees at night and hear the lawn equipment in the mornings. This can be comforting to first timers though. The hike along the river is just beautiful.

    Equestrian camping group camping area offers 4 sites has stalls and other amenities for horse camping. fire pits and picnic tables. There are 12 miles of trails in the state park

    There is also a primitive group camping site for scouts and other similar organizations.

    There are many ranger and local outfitter activities and seasonally there are offered full moon horseback and kayak trips that allow you to see the area in a "different light"

    Fishing is available also on the river, The "lake" is man made and has little to offer for those wanting a catch.

    Make sure you book your reservation early as this park fills up fast!

  • Sue G.
    Dec. 30, 2024

    Cypress Creek Preserve

    Free camping

    There aren't many free spots in this area of Florida. Of course, they provide nothing other than a spot to camp with fire ring and old table, and an outhouse. We are in a 24' class C and found a nice private area that was surprisingly level. Trailers are accommodated at the equestrian campground. I suggest you arrive before dark as the road is a bit rough and narrow, with no light.

  • Patti D.
    Feb. 12, 2021

    Little Manatee River State Park Campground

    A lovely state park

    Really enjoyed our stay here, good size lot, #10, with electric, water, picnic table and fire ring. Clean dump station. Natural trees providing privacy between lots. A lot of walking trails for people and horses. A surprise was the amphitheater. Washers and dryers are located outside the bathrooms. Friendly hosts and other campers. Would came again.

Guide to Belleair Bluffs

Washburn Equestrian Area and Primitive Campground provides essential facilities for riders seeking overnight stays with their horses near Belleair Bluffs. The campground features primitive tent and RV sites with picnic tables and fire rings surrounded by natural Florida landscape. Restroom facilities are available on-site, though the campground lacks water hookups and shower facilities. The sites remain spacious enough to accommodate horse trailers, and pets are permitted throughout the camping area. Trails connect directly to the campground, allowing riders convenient access for daily excursions. Reservations are required for all equestrian campsites.

The surrounding Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve offers extensive bridle trails through Florida pine forests and occasional swamps. Trail systems provide varied terrain suitable for riders of all experience levels, with multiple loops connecting back to the camping areas. Water access points for horses appear at designated locations along the trails, though campers should bring adequate water supplies for overnight stays. Sites have a natural setting with partial shade, making early morning or late afternoon rides most comfortable during summer months. The primitive nature of the facilities attracts riders seeking an authentic Florida horse camping experience away from more developed areas, while still maintaining good accessibility for horse trailers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Belleair Bluffs, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Belleair Bluffs, FL is Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park with a 4.3-star rating from 13 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Belleair Bluffs, FL?

TheDyrt.com has all 13 equestrian camping locations near Belleair Bluffs, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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