Coldwater Equestrian Campground in Blackwater River State Forest offers 60 horse stalls adjacent to 55 campsites with water and electrical hookups. The campground accommodates both RVs and tents, with all sites providing essential utilities for extended stays. Sites vary in size and shade coverage, with many positioned along Coldwater Creek for easy water access. The campground maintains clean restrooms, showers, and a reservable dining facility for group events. Sites from numbers 16 to 56 feature more shade, though spacing between neighboring campsites lacks privacy screening. Rangers maintain the grounds meticulously and often interact with visitors, creating a welcoming atmosphere for families and equestrians alike.
The extensive trail system throughout Blackwater River State Forest provides numerous riding opportunities directly accessible from the campground. Riders enjoy well-maintained paths through dense woods with limited cell service, creating a genuine wilderness experience. A private sandbar reserved exclusively for campers offers a place for horses to cool off after trail rides. The campground's location deep in the forest ensures peaceful surroundings, though the drive in requires navigating forest roads. Wilderness Landing, another horse-friendly option in the region, features horse corrals and accommodates both tent and RV camping without hookups. This free camping area includes bathroom facilities with hot and cold running water plus convenient access to the Blackwater River with pavilions and boat launch facilities.
"Located on a historic battle ground. 21 - 26 miles of trails to hike, bike or horse ride. Gorgeous surroundings."
"If you bring a horse, a bike, or good hiking shoes this is the perfect spot for you. If you bring a need for getting back to nature, a good book and a tent, this is the perfect spot for you."
"This beautiful equestrian campground offers 55 RV/tent campsites and one tent only site and 60 horse stalls. All campsites have water and electrical hookups."
"Lots of trails to ride your horses. A lot of the campsites are right on the water. You even have a private huge sandbar for campers only. The showers and bathrooms were always clean and nice."
from $9 - $22 / night
"Want to be away from it all - this is the place. Grass sites, some shade."
"It is located right on the Blackwater River and has a boat launch and two pavilions with tables and barbeque grills right on the beach. The river is sand bottom and fairly clear."
"Parked in a clearing with 2 5th wheel renters on it...walked back into the woods along a trail and chose one of several camp clearings. Level ground, dry, lots of deer. We will return!!"
from $15 - $24 / night
from $47 - $63 / night
TravelerThe lady on the gate was very helpful both on the phone and in person. Once I found the drive through site I found it very relaxing albeit with barely any cell signal (TMobile) Will definitely be back!
TravelerTook my teen with me to go test out the new can camping setup at Blakely State Park. We stayed in the primitive campground (unimproved) and it was absolutely beautiful. The sunset and sunrise were awe-striking. The spaces were disperse enough that our non-stop music didn’t disturb anyone camping nearby, nor were we disturbed by them. The hiking trails are immaculate and well marked. Can’t wait to stay again!
GuideWe stayed at spot RV Spot 2. It was a pull through spot and easy to get into. The spot was somewhat flat but we had to maneuver to get even and then still needed leveling blocks. It was very quiet at night with barely any lights. The cell service was pretty good since it close to town. We didn't stay for long, but the historic park was nice to check out and the sunset at the water was beautiful. Overall the campground was great, good amenities, very quiet, lots to see, and close to Mobile and Daphne.
ScoutSome of the sites are so unlevel. But the historical tour of the park is amazing. So much information about the civil war. Other than the rv sites being so unlevel the park is really nice.
ScoutIt's not on the big side of campgrounds but still has some of the amenities. No hookups at the campsites but there is running water (hot and cold) in the bath house with flushing toilets. Power outlets in the bath house as well. It is located right on the Blackwater River and has a boat launch and two pavilions with tables and barbeque grills right on the beach. The river is sand bottom and fairly clear. My big ol' malamute "Stealie" loves the river! The best part is it's FREE! For up to 14 days.
ScoutGood spot for free. Clean showers/ toilet building. Pavilions and grills by the river.
Legend2000 acres Walking auto cell phone tours of civil war Boat tours Big pull through rv spots and a tent campground. Awesome
GuideSo well maintained, it is way back in the woods. Cell service was on the struggle bus the whole time, but overall this is a great little place.
GuideBeautiful views, clean restrooms, and free. Other campers were very friendly. The only reason for a 3 is the rough drive getting there.
Blackwater River State Forest offers extensive recreational opportunities across 211,000 acres of pine forests and waterways in Florida's western Panhandle. Equestrian camping facilities in this region range from primitive sites to developed campgrounds with stall rentals. The forest contains over 30 miles of designated horse trails that wind through longleaf pine stands and along creek bottoms.
Trail riding through diverse terrain: At Coldwater Equestrian Campground, the extensive trail system provides varied riding experiences. "Lots of trails to ride your horses," notes Jennifer P., with routes suitable for different experience levels.
Water recreation access: Cool off in Coldwater Creek after a day of riding or hiking. "Cold Water Creek runs along the north edge of the campgrounds with easy access from the camp sites," reports Dale W., making it convenient for swimming during warmer months.
Historical exploration: Blakeley State Park offers trails through Civil War battlefields and historic town sites. Nicole G. shares that they "woke up to explore the civil war battlefield again before we left," while another visitor notes there are "26 miles of trails which are easy to moderate with a flat surface."
Secluded forest settings: Many sites at Blackwater State Forest provide a genuine backcountry experience. "It is way back in the woods. Cell service was on the struggle bus the whole time, but overall this is a great little place," reports Terran B. about Coldwater Recreation Area.
Private water access: Wilderness Landing provides direct river access with dedicated facilities. "It is located right on the Blackwater River and has a boat launch and two pavilions with tables and barbeque grills right on the beach," explains Stealie F., adding that "the river is sand bottom and fairly clear."
Ranger interactions: Rangers at horse campgrounds near Gulf Breeze often provide excellent service. At Coldwater, Jennifer notes, "Very friendly staff especially the Rangers. Faye is great. We had our 3-year-old granddaughter with us and she came by at least twice a day to give her a ride on the golf cart."
Site variations: Campground layouts can vary significantly. At Coldwater, "Most of the sites from #16 to #56 are shaded, some more than others. All the sites are not the same size, some being larger than others," according to Jennifer P.
Access considerations: Some equestrian camping areas require traveling forest roads. At Peaceful Camping in the Woods, Christopher M. describes the experience: "Parked in a clearing with 2 5th wheel renters on it...walked back into the woods along a trail and chose one of several camp clearings."
Seasonal planning: Summer brings higher humidity and insects, while winter offers more comfortable riding conditions. Site conditions can also vary, as Jennifer notes about one Coldwater site: "The site was extra super sandy (beach sand) and would be a lot better if they removed some of it."
Junior ranger programs: Some parks offer educational activities for children. At Blakeley State Park, Nicole G. mentions they "woke up to begin the junior ranger packet for our kiddos (provided at checkout) and hiked and explored all day."
Child-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with specific family features. Nicole continues, "Loved seeing the horses on the trails and the easy bikes for our 5 and 7 year old," showing how Blakeley accommodates younger visitors.
Free camping options: Wilderness Landing offers no-cost camping with basic amenities. Salvador G. notes it's a "Good spot for free. Clean showers/toilet building," making it budget-friendly for families.
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have uneven sites. At Blakeley State Park, Michael warns, "Some of the sites are so unlevel. But the historical tour of the park is amazing."
Full hookup availability: When traveling with horses and RVs, check for complete utilities. Dale W. notes that at Coldwater, "All campsites have water and electrical hookups. There is a dump station, restrooms, showers, and a dining facility available by reservation."
Space considerations: Many horse campgrounds offer generous RV parking. Laurie A. exclaims about Blakeley State Park, "HUGE sites, very secluded. If I look really hard through the woods I can see a neighbor."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Gulf Breeze, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Gulf Breeze, FL is Blakeley State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 32 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Gulf Breeze, FL?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Gulf Breeze, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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