Best Equestrian Camping near Holiday, FL

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.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Holiday, Florida (17)

    1. Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park

    13 Reviews
    New Port Richey, FL
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (727) 834-3247

    "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."

    2. Starkey Wilderness Preserve — Serenova Tract

    4 Reviews
    New Port Richey, FL
    7 miles
    Website

    "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."

    3. Serenova Tract Campsites

    8 Reviews
    Hudson, FL
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 423-1476

    "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."

    4. Cypress Creek Preserve

    5 Reviews
    Lutz, FL
    22 miles
    Website

    "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."

    5. Colt Creek State Park Campground

    34 Reviews
    Zephyrhills, FL
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (863) 815-6761

    $24 / night

    "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."

    6. Little Manatee River State Park Campground

    26 Reviews
    Ruskin, FL
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (813) 671-5005

    $22 / 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."

    7. Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve

    3 Reviews
    Thonotosassa, FL
    28 miles
    Website

    "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"

    8. Oak Ridge Primitive Campground

    3 Reviews
    Thonotosassa, FL
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 796-7211

    "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 ."

    9. Alafia River State Park Campground

    20 Reviews
    Lithia, FL
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 433-0287

    $22 / 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."

    10. Holder Mine Campground

    20 Reviews
    Inverness, FL
    48 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 797-4140

    $23 / 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"

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Holiday, FL

160 Reviews of 17 Holiday Campgrounds


  • Jeanene A.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 9, 2018

    Colt Creek State Park Campground

    A Brand New Place For Adventure

    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. There is not a lot of privacy between spots but cover will grow in in time. Most sites are in full sun most of the day. Tent camping areas are on grass not gravel. very nice dump and wash area at gate to campground. They also offer equestrian, group, and primitive camping at this location. The equestrian camp is well used and quite large with standard amenities for horses and campers. There are 2 primitive sites along a 10 mile loop trail. Group site does not have a pavilion but does have port o lets ( no water or electric). There are 4 lakes ( no swimming) on the property kayak/canoe rentals, nice fishing ares and a dock. Lots of wildlife. Great for biking as well.

  • Elliott B.
    Jul. 16, 2017

    Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve

    One of the largest contiguous recreation areas in Hillsborough County

    The Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve is one of the largest contiguous recreation areas in Hillsborough County.

    There are lots of different parks and areas all contained within the Preserve with all park sites managed by the Hillsborough County Conservation and Environmental Lands Management Department.

    You can only camp within 2 of these areas, the Oak Ridge Equestrian Area and at Dead River Park.

    Other parks and trails are located at the Wilderness Park Off Road Loop Trail System, Flatwoods Park, and the Jefferson Equestrian Area. The Morris Bridge Park, Trout Creek Park, and John B. Sargeant Park, offer day use areas and boat/canoe launch ramps.

    The multiple purposes of the LHWP are easily overlooked while enjoying the natural beauty of this suburban woodland. Here one can paddle waters of the Hillsborough River amongst wading birds, turtles, alligators, lilies and cypress swamps; explore over 60 miles of forest trails; fish from riverside boardwalks; or enjoy a relaxing picnic or cookout.

    Adjoining the Wilderness Preserve is the 3,000-acre Hillsborough River State Park, which in itself is an area of beauty and tranquility known as the Seventeen Runs of the Hillsborough River. This park also has wonderful camping.

    Camping

    Dead River Park

    · Camping fee.

    · Campsite available to youth groups by reservation only. Minimum of 6 and maximum of 30 campers allowed. Groups must have their own insurance.

    · A 0.25-mile hiking trail for use by campers located adjacent to campground.

    · Bathhouse and picnic facilities provided.

    The Oak Ridge Equestrian Area has 2 different campgrounds.

    The Oak Ridge Primitive Campgrounds and the Washburn Primitive Campground

    · Camping free.

    · Campsite available by reservation only and is required and must be displayed or available at campground

    · Over 16-miles of equestrian/hiking trail for use by campers located throughout the campground.

    · Sites have picnic tables, fire rings and/or grills and there are ADA portapotty and non-potable water available.

    · The Oak Ridge Campground also has a pavilion

  • Elliott B.
    Jul. 11, 2017

    Oak Ridge Primitive Campground

    Nicely maintained and secluded

    This campground is an excellently maintained recreation area part of the [SouthWest Florida Water Management District](http://SouthWest Florida Water Management District). With the OakRidge campground being wonder part of the Lower Hillsborough Preserve just outside Tampa, FL.

    The campground here is huge as you can use it either as a primitive site or an equestrian site. Although it's nice and open you actually have a ton of tree coverage. You can get the combination for the lock when you make your reservation (required) or just hike yourself in from the large lot off Highway 568 "Morris Bridge road" which is only about 3/4 of a mile.

    While hiking in I came across several deer and some gopher tortoise.

    This campground has 3 "sites", with tables and fire rings, and one nice pavilion. There is a good water pump (non-potable) which you'll need to boil or treat and an actual clean ADA toilet on site.

    You then have access to miles and miles of trails and can really enjoy yourself out here.

  • Jeanene A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 12, 2017

    Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park

    Anything but stark...

    Part of the Starkey Wilderness Preservethis location is full of multi use trails, has primitive cabin rentals (no electric) and tent camping available. Front country (car camping) and back country camping (hike in only). There are specific equestrian camping sites as well.

    Cabins are pretty close to each other. All sites need to be reserved.Tent, cabin, shelter and pavilion reservations: Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park, (727) 834-3247. Picnic tables and fire pits are provided. Pavilions are also available to rent and they take reservations for large groups as well.

    We chose car camping for our visit to check the place out. A favorite for hiking and biking. This place has gotten busier as development has been growing steadily over the years. Many of the trails are without shade and the recent fire season hit the back part of the tract pretty hard (Spring 2017) but you would not see any signs of this unless you hiked out the furthest trails from entrance.

    Bring your bikes, hiking shoes, horses, or telescopes. Birders bring your binoculars! Over 150 species call Starkey home either full or part time. There is something here for everyone.

    As always in Florida bring bug spray, sunblock, hat, and please leave no trace!

  • Steve S.
    Jul. 6, 2016

    Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park

    Hidden gem in Florida

    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. The park has separate primitive tent, car-camping (tent) and cabin campgrounds near the entrance of the park along with over 50 miles of biking, hiking, nature as well as equestrian trails to enjoy. Not to mention several parking areas throughout with playgrounds and an educational center make this a favorite for families to just get away.

    Reservations can be made for camping up to 90 days in advance either online or at the park. We noticed several rangers and volunteers performing various tasks to improve the parks appearance. Will definitely be returning!

  • Abby M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 29, 2021

    Green Swamp — West Tract

    Nice free spot

    Stayed at Ashley campground, which is free with a reservation through Southwest Florida water management. They provide a Lock code for you to enter upon entering so there’s always a locked gate during your stay. The sites are very well-kept and I’ll have a firing and covered picnic table. The sites are a little close as there are not a lot of trees for privacy but overall a really nice camp spot. Has two vault toilets which were relatively clean. Mixture of equestrian campers and non-equestrian campers. Barely any cell service so wasn’t ideal for my work situation and had to go into town. 1-2 bars of 4G via AT&T.

  • A
    Jul. 9, 2021

    Colt Creek State Park Campground

    Colt Creek Lakeland Fl

    Well we didn't like the tent and RV sites. They're in an open area on gravel with no shade and hardly no divisions. There are other areas for special groups that are much nicer. But for individual campers. The equestrian area was the nicest to us. But you must have a horse to stay there.

  • Abby M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 4, 2021

    Serenova Tract Campsites

    Beautiful, free campground

    This campground is very peaceful and clean. It has 1 vault toilet that is decent but never had any TP for the 5 days I stayed so I assume it’s not checked regularly. 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. There’s A primitive side & an equestrian side but during my stay it was all regular campers and nobody with any horses. There’s non potable water and 2 really nice shelters for picnics or gatherings. There’s at least 15 spots here, all a mixture of sun and shade. Most sites feel pretty secluded and never got full during my visit. Watch out for wild hogs during any hikes or trail rides as they are very active in this area. There’s a Publix just across the street and a gas station not even half a mile down the road. Super easy to get to and short drive down a dirt road. I’d definitely stay here again! No trash services so pack it out! Had 2-3 bars of 5G through AT&T.

  • Elliott B.
    Jul. 16, 2017

    Washburn Equestrian Area and Primitive Campground

    Nice semi-primitive camping in the wilderness

    This campground is part of the Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve within the Oak Ridge Equestrian Area. You’re a little closer to the road (about ¼ to ½ miles away) than if you stay at the Oak Ridge Campgrounds about 2.5 miles north on SR 597 “Morris Bridge Road”. Although this isn’t a terribly busy road so you shouldn’t hear too much traffic sounds, especially at night. You do need to get a freepermit to camp from the South West Water Management District here. The campground here is also huge as you can use it either as a primitive site or an equestrian site. Although it's nice and open you have a ton of tree coverage. Within the campgrounds themselves you do get a nice mixture of oak and pine tree coverage, so if you want to hang anything from the trees you’ll have plenty of options.

    This campground is also a lot harder to find as there is no signage from the road and Google Maps is currently trying to take you to the main entrance which is where the sister Campground “Oak Ridge” and main entrance to the equestrian area is located. The GPS location for the entrance is: 28.1189, -82.2975 or the address is 14501 Morris Bridge Road Thonotosassa, FL 33592. I also have a photo of the street number sign you can see from the road. It’s basically right across the road from the Flatwoods Wilderness Park. I was all alone, and if you camp in the summer you probably will be to as it gets hot, really hot and humid. You need to make sure and bring lots of cold water to drink, because the pump isn’t portable and I doubt you’ll be feeling great after boiling it off. You can also filter it, which isn’t as bad as the water is relatively cool.

    Facilities include:

    Picnic tables, fire rings, a non-potable water well, and a clean (actually smelled clean) ADA portapot. No trash cans or drinking water.

    Over 18 miles of Equestrian/Hiking trails


Guide to Holiday

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.