Best Equestrian Camping near Bradenton, FL

Equestrian Camping Reviews near Bradenton, FL

138 Reviews of 13 Bradenton Campgrounds

• 

  Elliott B.

  Legend

  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

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• 

  Elliott B.

  Legend

  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.

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• 

  Jeanene A.

  Legend

  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!

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• 

  Kathy L.

  Ranger

  Mar. 9, 2025

  Hardee Lakes Park

  Nice park and campground

  We got lucky to get a site here last minute after our state park campground was closed for extended period due to hurricane repairs (without letting us know so it was a scramble to find alternatives).  The campground is nice.  We stayed in an "equestrian" site and most people didn't have horses (neither did we).  While much of the park isn't shaded (in fact there is waayyyyy too much lawn/grass in all the communal areas - would be much better if they planted trees and let forest grow back), most sites do seem to have at least some trees providing partial shade. Not much privacy between sites, but that didn't really bother us.  There are lots of walking "roads" (dirt roads) to the various lakes. All in all, we were glad to have a site and would return if needed again.

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• 

  Elliott B.

  Legend

  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

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• 

  Sue G.

  Guide

  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.

  Traveler

  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.

• 

  April L.

  Scout

  Jul. 25, 2025

  Oak Ridge Primitive Campground

  Nice

  It's nice quiet clean close to Publix and gas station, trails are not really maintained but great for horses. Camping is ok I guess .

• E

  Elizabeth H.

  Traveler

  May. 15, 2019

  Palmetto Ridge Campground — Myakka River State Park

  Not the Florida you imagine about when you think Florida...

  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. They are super roomy and comfortable with their own picnic tables and grills. You can launch canoes/kayaks or book a trip on the boats in the park. If you like off-road biking there are several nice trails. Really family-friendly!