2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Serenova Tract Campsites accommodates equestrian camping with separate areas for horse owners and standard campers. The tract provides 15 camping spots including dedicated space for horses with picnic tables, fire rings, and two shelters, though the facility lacks running water and horse corrals. Campers need to reserve through Southwest Florida Water Management District's website to receive the entrance gate code. The campground's proximity to a Publix supermarket across the street and a gas station within half a mile makes supply runs convenient. Trail riders can access approximately 20 miles of multi-use paths for horseback riding throughout this section of the Starkey Wilderness Preserve.
Located in Land O' Lakes, the equestrian-friendly areas connect to an extensive network of trails winding through Florida pine forest and occasional swampy terrain. Vault toilets are available but often lack supplies, so bringing personal toilet paper is recommended. The preserve features mixed terrain with shaded oak areas and open spaces suitable for various riding experiences. During wet seasons, riders should be cautious as some areas flood easily after heavy rains. Wild hogs are active throughout the preserve, requiring vigilance during trail rides. Camping is free but primitive, requiring visitors to pack in their own water and pack out all trash. The campground's gated entrance provides security while maintaining accessibility to the extensive trail system through this wildlife-rich area.
"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."
"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."
"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."
"Colt Creek State Park is one of the newest parks in the Florida State Park System. Their RV/Tent Campground just recently opened in early 2018. RV spots are spacious."
"The equestrian area was the nicest to us. But you must have a horse to stay there."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $24 / night
"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
"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"
"This campground is an excellently maintained recreation area part of the [SouthWest Florida Water Management District](http://SouthWest Florida Water Management District)."
"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 ."
"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
"I had site 1, which sites 1 and 2 are next to the entrance gate. It was fairly quiet at night. There was a few times I heard loud vehicles gojng down the road but not enough to complain about."
"Trails available for hikes, bikes, horses and even 4x4 vehicles. Bath house clean and very hot water"
Available this weekend
from $23 / night
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.
TravelerI was there in a 32 foot class A motorhome. The sites are paved and level. I had site 1, which sites 1 and 2 are next to the entrance gate. It was fairly quiet at night. There was a few times I heard loud vehicles gojng down the road but not enough to complain about. The bathhouse is tucked in the back, its a good walk from site 1 but manageable. I think my biggest complaint about this campground, is that all the site pads are boxed in now with wood fences. I dont think it was like that 3 years ago when I stayed last time. So regardless of your site, theres a wood fence between the concrete pad and the fire pit and picnic table areas. There are walking trails nearby but theres not alot to do with kids besides that. I let my kids ride their bikes. They have a dump station outside the campground headed out the main exit. Its on the north side of the road like the campground is but its not a busy road, so you're fine pointing that direction. I didnt use their dump station because I left out the opposite way through the forest for other reasons but I dont recommend that if you dont know people in the area as trail 13 has some sandy spots headed north out of the forest. If you have a vehicle and are into this sorta thing, there are some nearby caves and old cemeteries as this area is known for a couple ghost towns that no longer stand. Trail 9 looked like it may have been a railroad track at one point, either that or they wanted to raise a road pretty high. Ive stayed at this campground now twice, and id definitely go back for an inexpensive stay in the area. I do recommend this campground to anyone's. Pets are allowed, they have stations with bags and cans to put waste in. Water and 50/30/20 hookups at all sites, fire ring and picnic tables.
ScoutBeautiful park..stayed 2 nights. Great scenery, lakes and wildlife. We've seen Deer, Tuerkeys, rabbits and more. Campground is clean, neatly maintained and spacious private lots. The cell service here is non-existent!! And personal wifi struggles. Overall great stay.
TravelerThe camp grounds are great with very good privacy and lots of space between most sites. Bathrooms were a little far but not terrible. The rest of the park was mediocre, seemed catered to bike riders with everyone else disregarded.
TravelerThere 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.
Serenova Tract Campsites features equestrian camping with a designated horse camping area separate from the primitive camping section. The campground requires reservations through the Southwest Florida Water Management District and provides a locked gate access code for security. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring, with ample shade from oak trees that creates privacy between sites. Trails throughout the 6,500-acre preserve accommodate horseback riding with approximately 20 miles of marked paths. The spacious sites allow for horse trailer parking with room to set up portable corrals or highlines for securing horses overnight. Sites remain clean and well-maintained despite being primitive with no potable water available.
The extensive trail system at Starkey Wilderness Preserve connects riders to varied Florida landscapes including pine forests, wetlands, and a spring-fed lake. Riders frequently spot wildlife including deer and wild boar along the trails. Access to the equestrian areas requires an online reservation that provides the combination to the locked entrance gate. Directly across Highway 52 from the campground entrance, riders can find supplies at Publix supermarket for both human and equine needs. The park's trails are typically dry and accessible except after heavy rains when some low-lying areas may flood. Multiple trailheads allow for varied riding routes, though signage becomes sparse after the four-mile mark, making GPS navigation helpful for longer trail explorations. The private, peaceful setting makes this location particularly suitable for horses that need quiet surroundings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Holiday, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Holiday, FL is Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park with a 4.3-star rating from 13 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Holiday, FL?
TheDyrt.com has all 17 equestrian camping locations near Holiday, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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