4 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Horseshoe Primitive Campground in Picayune Strand State Forest provides multiple primitive campsites in a large open field with convenient access to horse trails. The campground features horse corrals, making it suitable for equestrians bringing their own horses. Located near Naples, Florida, this established campground accommodates tents, RVs, and offers equestrian-specific amenities. Riders often spot wildlife including deer that roam freely throughout the campground. The dirt and sandy trails surrounding the campground extend for miles, offering ample riding opportunities. At just $10 per night, the campground maintains basic amenities with porta-potties available but no potable water.
The trail system at Picayune Strand State Forest connects directly to the campground, allowing riders immediate access to explore the surrounding wilderness. Okaloacoochee Slough Hunt Camp, located in Felda, offers an alternative with dedicated horse corrals and more amenities including electric hookups, water hookups, and sewer connections. The dusty conditions can vary seasonally, with winter months generally providing better riding conditions and less insects. Dinner Island Ranch WMA offers free primitive camping with both open field sites and more wooded options at Hammock Camp, though sites at the latter are positioned closer together. Reservations are required at most locations, with booking windows typically extending two weeks in advance. The terrain throughout these areas consists primarily of prairie landscapes with low-growing trees, providing diverse riding environments through Florida's unique ecosystem.
"Camping in Florida is not for the faint of heart, but for the adventurous...much like any state."
"Just hit this equestrian campground for a single night and I had the place to myself. There was a single cameraman from a local news affiliate shooting video of deer in the field at sunset."
from $9 / night
"Hunt Camp, Okaloacoochee SF: We stayed at the nearby Overflow CG. I expect this would have been the same quiet and peaceful experience, as noticed during our walks by Hunt Camp."
Available this weekend
from $9 / night
"To Do: Nearby trails here to talk of grass to comfortably walk in. Either not much recent horse traffic or they just have not been mowed. Either is probably due to this year’s wet winter ."
from $9 / night
"To Do: Nearby trails here to talk of grass to comfortably walk in. Either not much recent horse traffic or they just have not been mowed. Either is probably due to this year’s wet winter ."
from $9 / night
TravelerAwesome offloading in sugar sand. Camping spot was remote and did run into a few equestrian friends. Saw lots of deer and owls. Primitive camping.
TravelerNot for the average tent peaceful camper. Some of the RVrs blast their generators all night. Very load people last 2 times we have been.
GuideA perfect primitive spot with a great location. Kind campground host and spacious spots. It is very open and you will see a lot of your neighbors, but that isn’t too much of a worry as many folks are here for hunting. It’s quiet in the evenings and makes for a great sunset spot.
LegendHunt Camp, Okaloacoochee SF: We stayed at the nearby Overflow CG. I expect this would have been the same quiet and peaceful experience, as noticed during our walks by Hunt Camp. (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good
(70 yr olds in 17’ trailer. Our rating of a campground is influenced by the following: The general ambiance- sort of wilderness feel the campground gives us. A selection of campsites which offer some visual privacy and/or view from sites. Cleanliness of whatever facilities are offered is important and usually noted in my review.
Overall Rating: 4.5 for large sites. No natural barrier in between.
Price 2023: $ 10
Security: None
Usage during visit: 1/2 to full.
Site Privacy: No
Site Spacing: Large sites.
Site surface: Gravel
Reservations: Required.
Campground Noise: Quiet.
Road Noise: Adjacent to the road, but there is not much traffic.
Through Traffic in campground: No
Electric Hookup: No
Sewer Hookup: No
Dump Station: No
Potable Water Available: Non-potable water is available at the adjacent horse corals.
Generators: Allowed
Bathroom: Chemical toilets
Showers: No
Pull Throughs: No
Cell Service (AT&T): 1 bar
Setting: Adjacent to prairie with fairly dense low growing trees which obstructs view.
Recent Weather: Sunny
Solar: Great
Host: No
Rig Size: Any
Sites: I like all of the sites. #3 is the best location in the loop.
LegendPanther Pond: We really liked this quiet campground with very secluded sites. More sunshine and solar at Okaloacoochee Overflow and Hunt Camp. To Do: Nearby trails here to talk of grass to comfortably walk in. Either not much recent horse traffic or they just have not been mowed. Either is probably due to this year’s wet winter .
Make sure to make the 30 minute drive to the board walk on Sic Island Dr. Short walk to the short boardwalk. Outstanding way to leave with a taste of the slough.
Bicycles on Wildcow Rd
(Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good
(70 yr olds in 17’ trailer.)
Overall Rating: 4.5 for Great privacy.
Price 2023: $ 10 for seniors
Security: None
Usage during visit: 1/4 full
Site Privacy: most all sites – excellent, with shrubbery in between sites.
Site Spacing: very nice
Site surface: dirt
Reservations: required
Campground Noise: Quiet
Road Noise: Maybe a little from Cow Path Rd. Very little travel.
Through Traffic in campground: No
Electric Hookup: no
Sewer Hookup: no
Dump Station: no none
Potable Water Available: a couple miles away at Hunt camp there is a hand pump at the horse corals. Rangers say it is not portable.
Generators: allowed
Bathroom: chemical toilets
Showers: no
Pull Throughs: None
Cell Service (AT&T): one bar
Setting: in a long pine forest, with lots of palm tree shrubbery
Recent Weather: clear with highs in the upper 60s
Solar: some sites. See below.
Host: no
Rig Size: 17 to 20 foot trailer will fit in some sites in my opinion. See below.
Sites: Will easily fit a 17 foot trailer: 1,2,3*,5*,7,6,9*,11,
*very nice solar at 2 PM, but not all day.
LegendOverflow CG, Okaloacoochee FLSF: We had a peaceful experience staying here for 5 days.
To Do: Nearby trails here to talk of grass to comfortably walk in. Either not much recent horse traffic or they just have not been mowed. Either is probably due to this year’s wet winter .
Make sure to make the 30 minute drive to the board walk on Sic Island Dr. Short walk to the short boardwalk. Outstanding way to leave with a taste of the slough.
(Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good.
Wildcow Rd beginning at the campground is a nice walk. Three walks with only 1 vehicle during our walk.
(70 yr olds in 17’ trailer. )
Overall Rating: 4.5 for mostly large sites, but no privacy in between.
Price 2023: $ 11 about w taxes
Security: None
Usage during visit: 1/2
Site Privacy: Open
Site Spacing: most of the 6 sites are large
Site surface: Gravel
Reservations: Required
Campground Noise: Very quiet.
Road Noise: Wildcow, a backcountry road, runs along campground. Not busy during our visit, but can be more busy I hear. Could be a dust problem when there is less rain.
Through Traffic in campground: Along Wildcow.
Electric Hookup: No
Sewer Hookup: No
Dump Station: No
Potable Water Available: Ram gets report as non-potable water at Hunt Camp, .25 miles.
Generators: Allowed
Bathroom: Chemical toilets.
Showers: No
Pull Throughs: No
Cell Service (AT&T): 1 to 2 bars.
Setting: 3’ tall native grass in between sites.
Recent Weather: Sunny, not too hot
Solar: The best
Host: No
Rig Size: Any size.
Sites: 1 is best. 6 is second, but closer to the road which was infrequently used during our stay. 3 and 4, unfortunately back up to each other.
GuideExactly as described. The host was great and helpful. Porta potties available, but no drinkable water. Dusty. Bugs weren’t terrible at all. Fishing in the canals is excellent.
ScoutVery open quiet spot. Nice and helpful camp host. Beautiful scenery.
GuideThere are two units to camp in here. The first is Kowechobe Camp, which is basically a big field with spaced out sites. The second is Hammock Camp, which is the site I’m staying at.
Hammock Camp is in the trees, but spots are MUCH closer together. I mean the site I’m staying at, #10, is a nice clearing underneath some trees - and this clearing is shared between four sites. The flip side to this is that there are far fewer campers in Hammock Camp then Kowechobe.
Note: this place requires reservations up to two weeks in advance through their website. Reservations are free.
Horseshoe Primitive Campground offers essential equestrian facilities in a spacious open setting near Big Cypress National Preserve. The campground sits on elevated ground surrounded by typical Florida prairie landscapes and cypress stands. During winter months (November-April), temperatures range from 50-75°F with minimal rainfall, creating optimal conditions for trail riding and wildlife viewing compared to the wet summer season.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: At Horseshoe Primitive Campground, visitors can spot deer regularly roaming through the camping area. "A perfect primitive spot with a great location... It's quiet in the evenings and makes for a great sunset spot," notes Teala S. Birdwatchers should bring binoculars during winter months when migratory species arrive.
Trail exploration: The extensive trail network provides opportunities for hiking, biking and horseback riding with varying difficulty levels. "We biked (very sandy) and hiked," shares Penny M. The sandy trails require fat tires for bicyclists, and foot travel can be strenuous in some sections during dry periods.
Fishing access: Canal fishing near Okaloacoochee Slough Hunt Camp provides a productive activity option. "Fishing in the canals is excellent," confirms camper Paul W. Anglers should bring their own equipment as there are no rental options nearby.
Spacious campsites: The open field layout at Horseshoe Primitive Campground provides ample space between most sites. "Just hit this equestrian campground for a single night and I had the place to myself," writes Tucker B., adding that it's "super affordable, but it does require a little extra time to get there as there isn't a quick exit off the main highway."
Helpful camp hosts: Multiple reviewers mention positive interactions with camp staff. "Very friendly camp host, he was eager to greet me and my crew of moto riders and offer us a cooler with ice and a dozen bottles of water," reports Joe D. This personalized service enhances the camping experience, especially for first-time visitors unfamiliar with the area.
Star gazing conditions: The remote location creates excellent night sky viewing opportunities. Joe D. notes that they received "a site away from the main area for some peace and quiet and a great view of the sky's above. Definitely a nice place to search out for a nice nite star gazing."
Limited amenities: Most horse campgrounds near Big Cypress National Preserve provide only basic facilities. At Dinner Island Ranch WMA, Sam S. explains, "There are two units to camp in here. The first is Kowechobe Camp, which is basically a big field with spaced out sites. The second is Hammock Camp... in the trees, but spots are MUCH closer together."
Water considerations: Potable water is not available at most sites. "There is a water spigot here, but water is not potable, so bring your own," advises Tucker B. about Horseshoe Primitive Campground. Plan to carry in all drinking and cooking water needs.
Reservation requirements: Most equestrian campgrounds require advance booking. For Dinner Island Ranch, "this place requires reservations up to two weeks in advance through their website. Reservations are free," notes Sam S. Booking policies vary by location, with some sites accepting walk-ins if available.
Seasonal conditions: Weather impacts the camping experience significantly. Paul W. states, "Bugs weren't terrible at all. Dusty," regarding his spring visit to Horseshoe Primitive Campground. Winter months (November-March) typically offer more comfortable temperatures and fewer insects.
Site selection strategy: Choose locations based on specific needs when camping with children. At Okaloacoochee Slough SF Overflow Campground, Roger W. advises, "Site 1 is best. 6 is second, but closer to the road which was infrequently used during our stay. 3 and 4, unfortunately back up to each other."
Wildlife viewing preparation: Bring binoculars and wildlife identification guides for educational opportunities. "Keep your eyes peeled for a panther sighting!" suggests Tucker B. regarding Horseshoe Primitive Campground. Dawn and dusk provide optimal wildlife viewing times.
Generator considerations: Some campers use generators, which can impact the peaceful experience. Penny M. observed at Horseshoe Primitive Campground: "The generator of one of the campers was annoying because we were in the wilderness. I guess they needed their heat, as it did get down to 30 degrees in Feb."
Site access awareness: Large rigs can access most equestrian campgrounds, but preparation is essential. At Bonita Lake RV Resort, visitors appreciate that the sites accommodate various vehicle sizes. Liv T. notes they offer "laundry, showers, grills, a pool" for those seeking more amenities than primitive horse campgrounds provide.
Surface conditions: RV campers should consider ground firmness, especially after rain. At Horseshoe Primitive Campground, one reviewer noted: "I saw one pop-up camper during my stay. I imagine you could back in a larger RV, but there is no gravel or concrete pad... and the grass is on a sugar sand base."
Alternative hookup options: For equestrians requiring electric and water connections, Roger W. reports that Okaloacoochee Hunt Camp provides "large sites. No natural barrier in between" at a reasonable "$10" nightly rate, making it suitable for extended stays with horses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Big Cypress National Preserve?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Big Cypress National Preserve is Horseshoe Primitive Campground in Picayune Strand State Forest with a 4.3-star rating from 9 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Big Cypress National Preserve?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Big Cypress National Preserve, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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