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Anthony W.
Scout
ScoutPaynes Prairie Preserve State Park Campground
Campsites
I love this campground very clean and has nice big sites.
Equestrian Camping near Fort White, FL
3 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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Long Branch Rest & Ride RV & Horse Park offers direct access to equestrian trails through wooded terrain near Fort White, Florida. The facility accommodates both tent and RV campers with horse-friendly amenities, including electric hookups ranging from 30 to 50 amp service. Sites feature picnic tables and fire rings, with sanitary dump stations available on premises. Horse owners have access to trailer parking areas and designated spaces for their animals. The campground maintains a 5-star rating among visitors who appreciate the combination of basic camping amenities with horse-specific features. RV storage options provide flexibility for extended stays. Visitors use The Dyrt to find real feedback on camping near Fort White, Florida.
Located approximately 40 miles northwest of Fort White, Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park & Campground provides another option for equestrian travelers seeking trail riding opportunities. While not featuring dedicated horse corrals, the park offers multiple accommodation types including tent sites, RV spaces with full hookups, cabins, and even yurts. The campground connects to bridle trails that wind through the surrounding woodlands and along the Suwannee River. Access points for water crossings allow riders to cool their horses during summer months. The campground's layout accommodates horse trailers with pull-through sites and wide turning areas. Boat access, hiking trails, and walking paths provide additional recreation options when not riding. Reservation requirements include advance notice for bringing horses to ensure appropriate spacing between campsites.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Fort White (13)
1. Dogwood Campground — O'Leno State Park
"Older Florida park with roots in the CCC and Forestry Service. Large park with hiking, bike and equestrian trails."
"The campsites are spacious, well shaded, and with in easy walking distance to the Bathhouse/Restrooms. The facilities are kept clean and neat."
1 Site AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $18 / night
2. More Than Welcome
Check Availabilityfrom $5 - $20 / night
3. Manatee Springs State Park Campground
"Easy access to the park and quick and painless check-in process with reservations. The main road in the campground is fine but the roads to the sites are gravel with potholes."
"Step into a world of deer, manatee, and unknown river surprises at Manatee Springs State Park."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $20 / night
4. Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park & Campground
"Very large unique campground it offers tent camping, RV camping, camping with horses & cabins. Most famous for their events & concerts. Most campers bring their golf cart & ride the trials."
"Amidst Florida pines and oaks, you will find, the suwannee river. Follow a trail from your campground to the beautiful and dark waters of the Suwannee."
5. Ken's Kamps
from $25 - $50 / night
6. Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park Campground
"There is a picnic table & a fir pit the fire pit was a little to close to the camper to have a fire. It is a very quiet and woodsy campground."
"Stayed at site 31 which is probably the furthest walk from parking but the most private. We saw wild bison, wild turkeys, deer, snakes, and several different species of birds."
2 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $18 / night
7. Lafayette Blue Springs State Park Campground
"There are trails to explore around springs and sinks. You can learn a lot about Florida's Aquifer and more staying at this and other camps."
"The sites are under the most beautiful live oaks and swimming in crystal clear spring water just steps away. Super pet friendly and clean bathhouse."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $100 / night
8. Long Branch Rest & Ride RV & Horse Park
"We were heading westward down the very long straight eastward-westward line that is Highway 10, which connects the first coast of Florida in Jacksonville to the complete opposite side of the state in Pensacola"
9. Collins Farm
Check Availabilityfrom $45 / night
10. Connors Family Campsite
"You can do anything from buying an RV renting an RV a camper tent if you're not from around there bill will help you out overall great customer service"
Drive Time
- 37 min from Gainesville, FL
- 56 min from Ocala, FL
- 1 hr 10 min from Valdosta, GA
- 1 hr 16 min from Jacksonville, FL
Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Fort White, FL
14 Photos of 13 Fort White Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Equestrian Camping Reviews near Fort White, FL
192 Reviews of 13 Fort White Campgrounds
Erin L.
GuideManatee Springs State Park Campground
Spring is lovely
Going when it’s super hot turned out to be a great idea! It was lovely to get into the cool water every afternoon and cool right off. We enjoyed paddle boarding also and seeing the alligators, fish and turtles. Had a great time!
Kai Z.
RangerPaynes Prairie Preserve State Park Campground
Beautiful Nature Escape with cool Wildlife
This is a really nice campground surrounded by beautiful nature. The bathhouse is a little older, but still fine. The area itself is really impressive though, with lots of wildlife all around. If you take a short walk, you’ll find a spot with a water view and tons of seating areas — a really beautiful place to relax. For the price, you honestly can’t complain. There are quite a lot of insects at night, so bringing good bug spray is definitely a good idea. But for our one-night stay, it was absolutely worth it.
Sandra L.RangerDogwood Campground — O'Leno State Park
Beautiful historic park
After exploring the museum, enjoying the nature trails, enjoy some fishing, or bird watching along the river. See where the river sinks( ends) and look for the turtles in the water. The campsites are shaded, level and qell kept. Bathrooms are clean, handicapped accessable, and conviently located. Pets welcome, families welcome. Big rigs may find the campground roads tight, but there are multiple sites available for big rigs. Be aware there are trees along the roads, so be aware of any lower branches.
- MMason B.
TravelerBootleggers Campground — Jennings State Forest
Nice and Secluded
Went on a last minute trip out here and it was nice! Each site has a fire ring, picnic table, charcoal camp grill (probably wouldn’t use if you didn’t have to), and a sectioned off tent spot. The proximity to Cecil Field meant planes flew overhead regularly, but it died down after sunset.
Adam B.RangerDogwood Campground — O'Leno State Park
Peaceful and pretty
Nice quiet campsite with decent level spaces Ok cell service Verizon and att Lots of deer and armadillos
Stuart K.
LegendLong Branch Rest & Ride RV & Horse Park
Cul-de-Sac Equestrian Camping Hidden Gem
We were heading westward down the very long straight eastward-westward line that is Highway 10, which connects the first coast of Florida in Jacksonville to the complete opposite side of the state in Pensacola, and had no idea where we were going to ‘drop anchor’ as it was getting close to dusk. On our way to the Suwannee River to get some great kayaking in, we found ourselves looking for a spot to lay over for the night and while we were heading to this northern Florida natural treasure, we came across a small sign that was somewhat hidden from site, which lured us to Long Branch Rest & Ride RV & Horse Park. Following Highway (really, a country road) 129 towards Suwannee, we were running out of both time and options, so decided to follow the long winding country road known as 48th street until it dead-ended into a cul-de-sac.
What I loved most about this camping outpost was that it was completely surrounded by rich pastures with lots of livestock including cattle and horses, so immediately, we felt the Old Floridian country vibe out in these parts. Located just 3 miles or so north of Live Oak, we arrived to find a yellow farm house at the fork in the road where because the place operates on an honor system, you simply have to take out the waiver that’s under the white mailbox, sign it and place it back in the mailbox along with either cash or check. I mean, just how cool is the honor system?! Especially among campers like us? Fantastic- the rest of the world should follow suit. After we left our envelope with cash (and admittedly, some coins), we moseyed on to find a suitable place to ‘hole up for the night.’
After you complete the administrative task of checking in, then you are at liberty to basically park wherever you’d like, although drive thrus are encouraged to head to the left, along with anyone hauling their noble steeds (note: absolutely no stallions BTW) with them, as there are areas where you can let your horses out to graze while parked or leave them in the paddock for an extra$10 per night. If like us, you just have a standard RV that isn’t too large, you can head to the more scenic spots that are more heavily forested and encircle a small pond. All the RV hook-ups offer up 30 / 50 electric amp along with water and sewage.
Note that this place charges $50 per night for 50 amp or $40 per night for 30 amp, which I have to be honest I’ve never seen before. I mean, electricity is electricity right? Seems a little discriminatory IMHO - at least charge $30 for 30 amp if you’re going to charge $50 for 50 amp, right?! Oh, and if you want to tent camp primitive style here, good news is you can, for just $25/ night, which seemed like a great option to us.
As far as amenities go, here’s what you’ll find in this incredibly spacious, beautiful farming landscape: super clean bathrooms and showers, fire rings, picnic tables, gazebos, hammock, silo bathroom, catch & release pond, stand-up grills, brand new horse paddocks with individual stalls, tons of hiking, biking and riding trails, free kennel accommodations for the K9s in your life, which also include a nice doggie park - but to be fair, the whole place is like one giant doggie park! One amenity that comes free of charge, apart from the simply amazing 360 degree landscape that you would be lucky to call home for the night is the magnificent shade that this place provides with its endless array of ancient and live Oaks dripping with Spanish moss so long that you’d think you were in a fairy tale where the trees have suddenly sprouted beards.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) Although the waiver and release form was quite cumbersome as well as all of the various surcharges for things that normally one would take for granted and / or simply think that they should be included in the price of what you are paying for each individual night, we got to a point where this place definitely feels like they are ‘nickel & diming’ you for every single little thing that you don- so using the honor system, we included extra for what we thought was fair and didn’t add extra for what we believed should have been included in the price (like the fire rings - c’mon!);(2) Don’t forget to add 10% to the cost of your overall stay, which covers both 7% state and 3% county tourism taxes; (3) If you come with horses, they offer 3 different paddock sizes here, so you’ll want to look at these closely to figure out what’s right for your steeds, but we were impressed by all of the amenities horses are afforded here, from hay, wash rack, wheel-barrows for manure disposal, hitching posts, etc. This place is definitely geared to the equestrian camper!; (4) If you are looking to grab a slice of nature beyond the amazing patch of countryside you find yourself camping at here at Long Branch Rest & Ride, then head north on 129 and make your way to Suwannee Springs where there is no shortage of great paths to hike and of course, the amazing Suwannee River to drop in a kayak or canoe; (5) If you would like to see what is reminiscent of the Lion King, then head south of Live Oak to Mystic Jungle where you can see all of their amazing wild cats that normally you would only be able to see on safari;(6) Should you need anything, again, the town of Live Oak is just a 10 minute drive south of here wherein you’ll find just about everything you are looking for, including a Busy Bee for excellent bathrooms, showers and laundry facilities, Walmart Supercenter and Publix for groceries as well as just OK restaurants like Beef ‘O’ Brady’s, Zaxby’s and a Waffle House, but for actual really good food, keep on heading south where you’ll find Big Wood BBQ & Grill, The 406 or Brown Lantern.
Happy Camping!
Earl B.GuideLafayette Blue Springs State Park Campground
Gunn and Earl’s Big Adventure
Beautiful stop. Rain forced a 3 day stay. Camp host beyond helpful and understanding as we’re on a Ural motorcycle. Walk-in with onsite large wheelbarrow no problem.
Joe R.LegendPaynes Prairie Preserve State Park Campground
Dark skies!
Great location with plenty of dark skies. The spots are well spaced in the woods, with plenty of room. The location is great for visiting the prairie and easy access to Gainesville.
Guide to Fort White
Fort White sits at the heart of Florida's natural spring country where the aquifer surfaces through limestone karst formations. Equestrian campers in this region enjoy access to over 35 miles of bridle paths through diverse ecosystems ranging from pine flatwoods to cypress wetlands. Winter temperatures typically range from 45-70°F, creating ideal conditions for trail riding from November through April.
What to Do
Spring swimming: O'Leno State Park offers a refreshing natural swimming area along the Santa Fe River. "Love this park mostly for the trail around the river. Very peaceful," notes Annell N., who gave the park a 5-star rating. The swimming section is sometimes closed due to high water levels, so check conditions before planning your visit.
Kayaking wildlife spotting: Launch from Lafayette Blue Springs State Park for access to the Suwannee River. "Beautiful spring for swimming featuring a limestone bridge way you can snorkel under. If you're into diving they also have an underwater cave, just make sure to check in with the ranger station 2 miles north before diving," advises Aubrey O.
Overnight river camping: The Suwannee River corridor offers paddlers multiple stopping points. "One of 5 river camps along the Suwanee River and one of the nicest. This system of river camps currently is first come first served with no fee - but that could change soon and screened sleeping platforms may require reservations," explains Jeanene A. about Lafayette Blue Springs.
Wildlife viewing: Paynes Prairie Preserve has observation platforms for spotting wild horses and bison. "Many opportunities to spot wildlife close by. Buffalo, deer, eagles, alligators, owls....Visit Sweetwater," shares Jenn B., who rated her experience 5 stars.
What Campers Like
Natural springs access: Manatee Springs State Park provides direct access to crystal-clear spring water. "Boardwalk and swimming in the springs was open... Boardwalk was really cool and long and we saw a couple of manatees," reports Laura M., who found the amenities well worth the $30/night cost for full hookups.
Dark sky stargazing: Some campgrounds offer minimal light pollution for astronomy. "Great location with plenty of dark skies. The spots are well spaced in the woods, with plenty of room," explains Joe R. about Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park Campground.
Equestrian-friendly accommodations: Horse owners appreciate designated facilities. "Awesome park with 800 acres to hike, horseback, or take a golf cart thru the trails," writes Greg D. about Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park, one of the premier horse campgrounds near Fort White, Florida.
River access: Many sites offer direct water access. "The campsite was nice and private. The bathrooms were clean. The park had nice hiking trails, but I enjoyed the kayaking most of all," shares Sean B. about O'Leno State Park.
What You Should Know
Seasonal water conditions: Spring water clarity varies with rainfall. "If your main purpose for visiting is to swim in the spring make sure to call ahead or go online and check water conditions as this spring is attached to the Suwanee river and can sometimes be 'browned out' due to river levels," cautions Aubrey O. about Lafayette Blue Springs.
Wildlife precautions: Many campgrounds have active wildlife. "Note: Always take paddles, PFD's, fishing equipment, food items and valuables to your camping area - do not leave in boats. There are raccoons and other nocturnal creatures and an occasional bear passing through," warns Jeanene A.
Pet restrictions: Not all trails allow dogs. "The biggest disappointment for this state park is that all of the things they advertise (and I was looking forward to) - bison, horses, wildlife - are all on trails where pets are not allowed," reports Denise about her stay at Paynes Prairie.
Honor system camping: Some smaller horse campgrounds near Fort White operate on trust. Ken's Kamps offers "great all natural camp site with a toilet and shower tent. Also fire rings and a screened gazebo with a picnic table," according to Ken C.
Tips for Camping with Families
Water activities: Swimming holes provide natural entertainment. "There is a swimming section. The river goes underground in this area and you can check it out along the trails, going in and coming out again," shares Shelly S. about O'Leno State Park's unique underwater river feature.
Educational opportunities: O'Leno State Park offers historical exhibits. "The bridges were pretty cool and the original recreated settlement is pretty awesome. All CCC construction. There is a picnic area, a pavilion, a lodge, a museum, several other structures," reports Shelly S., highlighting the educational value for children.
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated play areas. "Super pet friendly and clean bathhouse. The sites are under the most beautiful live oaks and swimming in crystal clear spring water just steps away," notes Shea A. about Lafayette Blue Springs State Park.
Wildlife viewing with children: Some parks offer ranger-led programs. "Lovely Park with lots of wildlife!! La Chua trail was beautiful and we saw lots of gators. We did the Ranger led hike which was really nice, my 5 year old struggled to keep up with the Ranger and there are decent elevation changes," explains Lindsey H. about her family's experience at Paynes Prairie.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: Consider terrain when choosing your spot. "Magnolia loop 1 was the best. Good bathhouse in this loop. The other two loops have narrow, bumpy dirt roads and sites not as nice. Most sites hard packed sand," advises janet H. about Manatee Springs State Park.
Connectivity solutions: Cell service can be limited. "Poor / spotty cell service in park, but there's free wifi at the concession stand. Concession stand was closed when we were there but there was still ok wifi that reached outside," notes Laura M. about Manatee Springs.
Space considerations: Some equestrian campgrounds can accommodate large rigs. Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park & Campground offers "backcountry tent sites to full hookups; or if you prefer you can rent a cabin or tree house. There's a pool and game room if you like, or if you want to rent a canoe and float the beautiful Suwannee River, that's available at the canoe outpost," according to Bryan R.
Access challenges: Be prepared for tight turns in some areas. "Super tight if you got a big rig, lots of sand but was very happy with the stay overall. Not far from downtown high springs and tubing," cautions SouthernGinger about Paynes Prairie State Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian
campsite near Fort White, FL?
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Fort White, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Fort White, FL is Dogwood Campground — O'Leno State Park with a 4.7-star rating from 42 reviews.
What is the best site to find
equestrian camping near
Fort White, FL?
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Fort White, FL?
TheDyrt.com has all 13 equestrian camping locations near Fort White, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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