2 campgrounds with availability next weekend
Little Manatee River State Park Campground accommodates horses on multi-use trails, offering equestrian camping facilities in a natural Florida setting. The park maintains separate equestrian camping areas with stalls and amenities specifically designed for overnight horse camping. Campsites include fire pits and picnic tables, providing convenience for riders after a day on the trails. Horse owners have access to 12 miles of designated riding trails throughout the park. The trails are clearly marked and well-maintained, making navigation straightforward for riders unfamiliar with the area. Great place to take horses camping according to frequent visitors, with the spacious layout providing ample room for horse trailers and equipment. Water hookups are available at the campground, though specific horse washing stations are limited.
Trail access directly from the equestrian camping area allows riders to begin their journey without trailering to a separate location. The park's trail system offers varied terrain through Florida pine flatwoods and along portions of the Little Manatee River, providing diverse riding experiences. Riders frequently observe wildlife including turtles, rabbits, and deer while on horseback. Equestrian campers should make reservations well in advance as the limited number of horse-friendly sites fill quickly, especially during cooler months. The campground serves as an excellent starting point for both experienced and novice riders, with mostly easy to moderate trails that accommodate various skill levels. Full moon horseback rides are occasionally offered through ranger programs or local outfitters, providing unique nighttime riding experiences.
"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."
"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."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $22 / night
"Hidden cabins, hiking, off-road biking, boating, wildlife...so much beauty and activities to enjoy in this park! The cabins are off the main path, tucked away and private."
"One of the largest state parks in Florida. This great Park has full and partial hook ups for all styles of camping to include hammock camping."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $26 / night
"Lively rivers and trails to explore for kids."
from $20 - $25 / night
"This is kind of our go to Florida State Park as we live very close and really enjoy the hiking, biking and paddling the river and lake."
"Located just east of Sarasota you’ll find lots to do without having to leave the park."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $26 - $70 / night
"Miles of horseback trails to ride. Very nice horse stalls to put horses in overnight. Perfect place for equine vacation!"
"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."
Available next weekend
from $22 / night
"We stayed in an "equestrian" site and most people didn't have horses (neither did we). "
"There are four lakes, campsites are located on one of the bigger lakes. Like all parks some site are better than others, none are bad. We had the end site on the lake that was very private."
from $25 - $28 / night
"Parking is away from campsites."
"All sites have a fire ring and picnic table
There are vault toilets available in the loop and there is a potable water spigot at the nearby ranger station (firewood also available there)."
from $9 / night
ScoutHaven't been camping here. Based on the photos, it looks like it is a beautiful place. Looks like somewhere to have a fun, crazy, spontaneous camp experience. I prefer natural nature. Cutting the trails, fire wood, catching dinner, fighting mosquitoes without harsh chemicals. Preserving the world. Maybe make a reservation. Leave the dogs with a sitter and not have a care in the world.
ScoutQuiet. Definitely skewed toward equestrian. Sites are well spaced. Outer loop is best. Restroom/showers are very well kept. Not much for kids. Short trails are ok. Cayaking is best option if you're in to that. Relax here, enjoy the peace and have your favorite beverage
GuideTook the littles (ages 5 &4) for their first tent camping trip - had a blast once they learned what s’mores were all about! Decent space, warm days and unusually cool nights.
RangerMy friends and I stayed here on May 26th and 27th, and the campground was pretty empty, which is honestly a shame because it’s such a beautiful place. It feels like you’re right in the middle of an untouched natural oasis. The campsites are separated by large plants, which gives you a really private and cozy feeling. The bathrooms and showers were clean and well maintained. The host was also very kind and helpful. I’d definitely recommend staying here.
ScoutWe were looking forward to staying here, but when we arrived the gate was locked and we did not have the code. We called the phone number at the gate, but nobody answered so we were left scrambling for somewhere else to stay at 9pm.
I'm sure it is a lovely park, but I didn't see anything on their website or here about the gate being locked.
ScoutCheck in is at 2 PM onwards, check out by 2 pm Sunday. Lively rivers and trails to explore for kids.
RangerGreat spot for a weekend of doing nothing. Park has 4 lakes with boat launches and floating docks for fishing. Lakes are loaded with gators and other wildlife. The campsites ashame plenty of trees for shad. They have power sites and primitive camping as well. Weather was great and as good as it gets for FL camping.
ScoutI’ve camp at this park on 3 occasions. Due to hurricanes and a prolonged drought the park is only partially functional. For over 2 years there has been no drinking water. Their osmosis processing isn’t working and hasn’t been repaired. There is free jug water at the entrance. Because of low water levels in the lake and river the boat tours have been discontinued, and kayaking is limited on the river. The bird walk is closed due to hurricane damage. I camped years ago and everything was open and working. It’s a great park but I can’t recommend it in its current condition.
TravelerThe camp grounds are great with very good privacy and lots of space between most sites. Bathrooms were a little far but not terrible. The rest of the park was mediocre, seemed catered to bike riders with everyone else disregarded.
Little Manatee River State Park offers equestrian camping near Bradenton Beach, Florida, with 12 miles of riding trails across varied terrain. The park's equestrian sites include stalls, fire pits, and water hookups. Trail access directly from the camping area allows riders to begin exploring without having to trailer to separate locations. The spacious layout accommodates horse trailers and provides amenities specifically designed for overnight horse camping.
Canoe or kayak: Rent a canoe at Myakka River State Park to explore waterways filled with wildlife. "We rented a canoe for the day (reasonably priced at $20 for the first hour and $5/hr after that) and saw many alligators, turtles, wild pigs, and so many birds," explains Laura M.
Trail riding: Bring your horses to Alafia River State Park Campground for miles of horseback trails. "Very nice facilities. Miles of horseback trails to ride. Very nice horse stalls to put horses in overnight. Perfect place for equine vacation!" shares Donna H. The park maintains dedicated equestrian facilities including stalls for overnight stays.
Hiking: Walk the nature trails at Little Manatee River State Park. "Extremely helpful rangers who warned that some of the trails were still not cleared from Hurricane Irma. Even with the down trees, it was a wonderful hike filled with Black Swallowtail butterflies," reports Elizabeth G.
Wildlife viewing: Old Prairie Campground offers exceptional opportunities to observe Florida wildlife. "While riding our bikes along Park and North Drive, and taking a drive early one morning to the Outpost to get some cell service, it was a Florida safari! I've never seen so many alligators in the wild," notes Dale G.
Quiet atmosphere: Escape crowds at Hardee Lakes Park. "This is a quiet campground that has 4 lakes with trails for hiking, 4 wheelers, boaters, & fishing. Beautiful!!" says Wayne S. The park's reclaimed land provides a peaceful setting for camping near Bradenton Beach.
Natural campsites: Enjoy spacious sites with natural barriers. "Nice sites and facilities are nice and clean. Sites were decent size. Good for RVs and tents," reports AJ G. about Alafia River State Park Campground.
Seasonal considerations: Campgrounds fill quickly during winter months. "We typically book last minute as 'In-Season' campsites are often difficult to find," explains Perry J. about Myakka River State Park.
Insects: Be prepared for mosquitoes in some locations. "Sites and facilities are nice and clean. Sites were decent size. Good for RVs and tents. However, sites are not shaded at all and because of the quarry and stagnant water the mosquitoes were RIDICULOUS! Probably worst mosquitoes in 30 years of camping," warns AJ G.
Water restrictions: Check for current water availability. "NO WATER since Spring 2024. No boat tours as the river is low. No Bird walkway or Canopy walk," notes a recent review from K & G at Myakka River State Park.
Pack for varied activities: Bring bikes, fishing gear, and hiking shoes. "We love it here because we can hike, bike or just relax," says Linda M. about Little Manatee River State Park.
Plan for wildlife education: Use wildlife sightings as learning opportunities. "This park is great because there are so many things to do here. You can rent a canoe or a kayak, there are hiking trails throughout, you can bike through the park," suggests Laura M.
Choose sites strategically: Request sites away from busy areas for family camping near Bradenton Beach. "Out of all the sites, 3 had the most privacy and had great views of the forest. If we decide to go again, we will definitely stay at this site. The other sites seemed a little bare and less private," advises Josh M. about Flying A Campground.
Site selection critical: Research specific sites before booking. "We stayed at Old Prairie Campground site 38 and it was a lovely spot at back of the loop. The OP campground is a bit tighter than the Palmetto campground in terms of space," advises Kathy L.
Expect limited hookups: Most equestrian campgrounds near Bradenton Beach offer only partial hookups. "Camp sites have everything you need, including power, washer/dryer/, running water, and a centrally located bathroom," notes Shaun C.
Arrive early: Check-in times are flexible at some parks. "We arrived an hour sooner then the check in time and it was already available so no need to wait. The fire ring was clean as well as the RV spot," shares Ronald H. about Little Manatee River State Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Bradenton Beach, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Bradenton Beach, FL is Little Manatee River State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 29 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Bradenton Beach, FL?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 equestrian camping locations near Bradenton Beach, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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