Equestrian camping sites near Grant, Florida cater to travelers with horses seeking trail riding opportunities. Sites at Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park include primitive camping and hookup options within a certified International Dark Sky area. The campgrounds in this central Florida region provide varying levels of amenities and trail access, with several facilities offering dedicated equestrian sites equipped for both riders and their horses.
What to do
Prairie trail riding: At Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park, equestrians can explore miles of trails through Florida's largest remaining dry prairie. "There are miles of trails going through the beautiful prairie landscapes and we saw a lot of wildlife as well," notes Jessica S., who observed deer and wild turkeys during her rides.
Rodeo entertainment: The Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo hosts weekly rodeo events popular with campers. "The boys loved the rodeo that was held on the weekend. They even got to participate in chasing the calf to win a prize," shares Christy C., highlighting the interactive nature of these events.
Stargazing: The dark skies at Kissimmee Prairie Preserve provide exceptional stargazing opportunities. "The night sky was pretty dark but I couldn't see the Milky Way (there was a half moon during my stay). I must be spoiled by the night sky out west," reports Monte W., noting the preserve's designation as Florida's only Dark Sky site.
Wildlife observation: Horse trails often lead to wildlife viewing opportunities. "I was met with groups of wild turkeys and other animals and enjoyed peaceful wondering," writes Anjuli W. about her hiking experiences at Kissimmee Prairie.
What campers like
Remote atmosphere: The isolation at equestrian campgrounds provides a sense of solitude rarely found in Florida. "Quiet and remote. Be sure to fuel up and have plenty of groceries," advises Annell N. about Kissimmee Prairie, emphasizing the park's distance from conveniences.
Clean facilities: Despite the rustic setting, campers appreciate well-maintained amenities. "Clean bathrooms. Hot showers," notes Richard P. about Kissimmee Prairie, while Monte W. adds, "Bathrooms were very nice and cleaned daily."
Wildlife encounters: The proximity to native wildlife enhances the camping experience. "We've seen wild turkeys, deer, and even heard wild boars at night going through the campground," shares Jessica S. about the equestrian sites at Kissimmee Prairie.
Family-friendly activities: At Westgate River Ranch Resort, campers enjoy diverse recreation beyond horseback riding. "River ranch has so much to do. Rodeos, food, putt putt, petting zoo- and tons more. A great family venue," explains Eric, highlighting the ranch's appeal to visitors of all ages.
What you should know
Prepare for remoteness: Stock up on supplies before arriving at horse-friendly campgrounds. "Definitely bring everything that you need because there is nothing around for many miles," advises Monte W. about visiting Kissimmee Prairie Preserve.
Road conditions: Access roads to prairie campgrounds may be challenging. "Washboard road for miles to get to the hammock, and it was in bad shape," warns Lauren W. about the approach to Kissimmee Prairie, noting they still enjoyed their stay despite difficult access.
Dark sky etiquette: When camping at designated astronomy sites like Kissimmee Prairie, special lighting rules apply. "If you're camping here, please be courteous and keep your outdoor lights to a minimum. The night sky's are just breathtaking," requests David G., adding that even the bathhouse features outdoor red lights to preserve night vision.
Site selection: At River Ranch RV Resort near Westgate, waterfront sites offer additional amenities. "We stayed on a waterfront site at River Ranch RV Resort and it was perfect! We were able to fish right off the dock at our site, there was a fit pit and grill, as well as seating outside," shares Tina S.
Tips for camping with families
Plan for transportation: At larger equestrian facilities, internal distances can be considerable. "Bring your bikes as everything is a bit of a walk from the campground," suggests Ilena R. regarding Westgate River Ranch, while Vikki L. adds, "You need a golf cart or bikes to get around."
Budget for activities: While campsite fees are straightforward, additional activities at resort-style ranches carry extra costs. "The only down fall is the prices are a little expensive, other than that lots of fun," notes Jennifer K. about Westgate River Ranch's amenities.
Consider connectivity needs: Cell service can be spotty in rural equestrian areas. "Be aware of telephone phone reception. At our spot we could not get any reception with ATT," warns Andoni G. about staying at River Ranch RV Resort, suggesting backup communication plans.
Scout for shade: Florida's sun can be intense, especially when camping with horses. "The equestrian sites are shaded by large trees and include fire rings and picnic tables," notes Jessica S. about Kissimmee Prairie, highlighting the importance of shaded sites.
Tips from RVers
Hookup considerations: Not all equestrian campgrounds offer full RV services. "Note that they are not full hookups as they don't have sewer systems. We had to use the bathrooms," explains Ilena R. about Westgate's camping options.
Site selection strategy: At Westgate area campgrounds, RVers recommend specific locations. "River Ranch RV next door is a beautiful place with fantastic spots. We stayed in spot 323 which had its own swing and fireplace. Our 37 ft rig fit perfectly," shares Andoni G., contrasting this with Westgate's open field setup.
Seasonal planning: Florida horse campgrounds experience significant seasonal variations in occupancy. "All the sites were full during the first night and a little over half were full on the second night," reports Monte W. about a November visit to Kissimmee Prairie, indicating potential reservation challenges during peak periods.
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