Little Manatee River State Park Campground offers equestrian camping with dedicated horse stalls in a separate camping area designed specifically for riders. The park maintains 12 miles of horse trails through natural Florida landscape, providing riders with varied terrain for day rides directly from their campsites. The equestrian group camping area features four sites with stalls and additional amenities specifically designed for horse camping. Water access points for horses are available throughout the trails. Camping spots include fire rings and picnic tables, with clean facilities maintained by helpful staff. The park bathrooms are well maintained, though campers should be prepared for seasonal ants that can be problematic at some sites.
Located approximately 30 miles from Gulfport, the horse trails at Little Manatee River connect to a network of natural paths ideal for riders of various experience levels. The trail system follows portions of the river, offering scenic views and wildlife viewing opportunities including turtles and deer frequently spotted by riders. The equestrian camping area requires reservations, which fill quickly during peak seasons due to limited availability. Trailer parking is spacious with easy access to horse facilities. Horse owners need to bring their own feed and secure it properly as the resident wildlife can be problematic—the park has a notably large raccoon population that requires proper food storage techniques. Some equestrian trails connect to a nearby golf course and housing community, which can create occasional noise but provides a safety buffer for less experienced riders and horses.
"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 this 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 this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $26 / 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."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $22 / night
"Part of the Starkey Wilderness Preservethis location is full of multi use trails, has primitive cabin rentals (no electric"
"Great get away in west-central Florida as a day trip or long weekend stay.
We spent the day hiking the numerous off-road trails and enjoying some of the amenities the park has to offer."
"Lively rivers and trails to explore for kids."
from $20 - $25 / night
"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."
"There are pot holes as you drive in that are kinda steep however nothing too serious. The spots are spacious and all other campers were respectful of noise volume and kept spots clean."
"You must reserve a site with Southwest Florida Water Management by website. It is sometimes closed to hunting. There are lakes and multiple varieties of terrain."
"You do have to apply for a permit to camp here through the SW Florida water management site. The campground is gated so you need a code to get in, which is a nice safety feature."
"Starkey wilderness park and can be accessed off of Route 52 in Land O' Lakes, Fl."
"Other parks and trails are located at the Wilderness Park Off Road Loop Trail System, [Flatwoods Park](https://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us"
"Chevy Malibu isn't really known for off-roading lol"
"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
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.
ScoutGood clean site.
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.
Little Manatee River State Park Campground accommodates horses with equestrian-specific camping areas distinct from the main campground loop. The park maintains horse trails through natural Florida landscapes with separate facilities for equestrian campers. Tent, RV, and cabin accommodations are available with water and electric hookups at most sites. Horse owners have access to 12 miles of designated bridle paths throughout the park, with the equestrian camping area offering stalls and amenities specifically designed for horse camping. Sites include picnic tables, fire rings, and access to restroom facilities. The park's trails provide good footing for horses with minimal rocky terrain. Great place to take horses camping according to regular visitors who appreciate the well-maintained equestrian facilities.
The 6.2-mile trail loop connects to additional riding opportunities along the Little Manatee River with varied terrain suitable for horses of different experience levels. Riders can access trails directly from the equestrian camping area without trailering to different locations. Water access points along the river provide natural watering opportunities for horses during trail rides. The park requires proof of negative Coggins test for all horses, and reservations for equestrian sites should be made well in advance as they fill quickly, especially during cooler months from October through April. Some trails run close to golf courses and housing communities, providing a sense of security for less experienced riders while still offering natural surroundings. The trails feature good natural foliage and multiple river crossings that horses can easily navigate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Gulfport, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Gulfport, 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 Gulfport, FL?
TheDyrt.com has all 16 equestrian camping locations near Gulfport, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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