Best Equestrian Camping near Lake Wales, FL

This review relates to River Ranch RV Resort, which is next to the Westgate property. I would personally not stay at the Westgate RV since it is basically just an open field with RV spots. 

River Ranch RV next door is a beautiful place with fantastic spots. We stayed in spot 323 which had its own swing and fireplace. Our 37 ft rig fit perfectly and five year old loved riding bike around the park. Everyone was super friendly and I recommend renting a golf cart, though expensive at $60 a day, 

Be aware of telephone phone reception. At our spot we could not get any reception with ATT. After buying a Verizon hotspot down the road in Lake Wales, we were able to WFH.a

Would highly recommend this spot in Central Florida.

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.

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.

Ranked as an International Dark Sky campsite, this is one of the few in Florida that have this recognition. We came during a cloudy weekend but it broke one night for us to catch a glimpse of the Milky Way-beautiful. The campground itself is well maintained and peaceful. There are three sections for campers here: a family campground, an astronomy pad, and an equestrian site. We stayed in the equestrian area (you don’t need to have a horse to do so). Site 24 is right next to a new shower and bathroom house they added not too long ago. The facility is clean, and has four bathroom/hot shower combo stalls. There are more in the family campsite area. Hiking trails run through the area. The campground is far removed from civilization, so make sure you come prepared. The campground office sells ice, but that’s about it. Firewood is also available. Staff is very helpful and friendly, and they run tours on swamp buggy style OHVs out of the area as well.

The place is gorgeous and if you want shade or sun it offers both. Quiet, relaxing, good trails that lead over to Hickory Hammock campground. Audrey is a excellent camp host.

They keep it very clean and is very helpful in showing you the campsites. It is right off the main road so no dirt road to get there though you have some road noise but you can get back away from most of it.  Lots of wildlife in the woods, nothing bothered the campsite.

There are bathrooms but no showers. They are a ways away from the campground. Its still shocking you can camp in Florida like this for free. Hope we can keep it this way for a long time.

If you’ve got one of those incredibly large mobile homes on wheels, then this particular RV location just off of Highway 414 near Hiawassee may just be the perfect spot for you. OK, there were a few tents here, but you could tell this place was really built for the mobile campers in mind. With 28 ample slanted, elongated parking lanes for your parking pleasure, all of the sites come equipped with the typical 30 / 50 amp electrical hook-ups, waste disposal and water connections. The bathrooms and shower facilities are clean and fairly well-maintained.

There’s the standard picnic table, garbage receptacles and even a community BBQ. The hosts are incredibly nice and offer pricing by the night, week and month. Overall, the community is inviting and friendly and there’s at times some planned activities, with most of those featuring horse shows and competitions of some sort, throughout the week (check with the front desk). While there’s not a ton of amenities to pick and choose from, this location does come with grills, park and shelter as well as all the free glimpses of horses being trained. Of course, should you be here with your noble steed, there’s some 22 miles worth of paths to gallup. Near this RV parking lot, you do have access to Lake Apopka.

Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) The real draw to this particular campground is the massive equestrian infrastructure that exists as the fulcrum, so if you are camping, this can be a very nice distraction, in case you come here with the principle idea of racing / showing your horses, then this CG is ideal – and less so if you don’t have a horse and don’t want to camp alongside what could be considered a bit of a circus (especially on show days); (2) Should you grow tired of whipping up franks & beans again for supper and you wanna check out some local fare, you’re going to have to drive a bit north to South Apopka where there’s joints like The Nauti Lobstah, Verona Café, Lechonera Latina and Wings-N-Things; (3) In the event that you need to load up on supplies, there’s both a Sam’s Club and Walmart Supercenter due NE of here; and (4) For some really great hiking & biking, of course, there’s the West Orange Trail, but if you are looking for something a bit different and less trodden, then check out Oakland Nature Preserve, which sits south of Lake Apopka.

 Happy Camping!

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

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

We first stumbled upon Kissimmee Prairie because we wanted to camp someplace where we could see really stunning stars at night and boy were we surprised. Having been here multiple times since, we are never disappointed with the starry views. We stayed in the equestrian campgrounds twice. The equestrian sites have hook ups similar to the regular campground sites and there is also primitive camping as well as sites for astronomy. There are miles of trails going through the beautiful prairie landscapes and we saw a lot of wildlife as well. We've seen wild turkeys, deer, and even heard wild boars at night going through the campground. The equestrian sites are shaded by large lovely trees. There are no showers here but you can drive over to the regular campsites and use their shower. There is only a composting toilet. Each site has hookups and a fire ring and picnic table.

Please note that this campground is very far from the closest stores. You can buy firewood from the camp office but it is definitely worth the drive.

Lake Louisa is located on the edge of the Orlando metropolitan region. Close to Disney but accessible to other area attractions and communities, if that's what you are lookimg to do.

We needed a break from life so we went to chill and hang out in the park. What a beautiful park it is. Miles of trails, a small beach, 3 lakes for fishing and kayaking, and 2 fishing piers. They also have equestrian facilities for horseback riding. Including a stable where you can sign up to join a ride.

The park's campground is compact with 2 very clean bathhouse, a small camp store, and 60 sites. The sites are nicely setup with lots of privacy. There are a few sites with both 50 amp electric and sewer service. One issue, especially in the summer, is the lack of shade so make sure you bring your own shade structures and a fan. In addition to traditional sites, the park has glamping tents, eco tents, primitive tent sites, equestrian sites, cabins, and a youth group area.

The park is really beautiful. The riolling hills, pine forests, and pretty lakes. The wild flowers are also very pretty.

We've been to many of Florida's state parks and this is among our new favorites. Just love it! Enjoy!

Very nice facilities. Miles of horseback trails to ride. Very nice horse stalls to put horses in overnight. Perfect place for equine vacation!

Very remote with thousands of acres of nature surrounding you. The sky at night is spectacular. The astronomers love this park. There are no stores close by so make sure that you have all of your supplies. They only sell ice & firewood at the ranger station. It’s also a bit hot in the summer. It is also an equestrian park.

I've been there several times with my friend bringing our horses along as well. Camp hosts were very nice and helpful, the paddocks for the horses were well laid out and spacious. Full hookups were available as well. The trails were well marked, and very easy to ride. At night, the entire sky was visible and a retired astronomer was there with his telescope and gave everyone a look while explaining what planets and constellations we were looking at. The restrooms and public facilities were well maintained and the park was quiet in the evening. I have enjoyed it each time we have gone and plan on returning soon.

KPPSP is a small park about 40 miles north of Okeechobee, FL. It is located along the Kissimmee River and is home to several endangered species including the Grasshopper Sparrow. The camp ground is small but includes areas dedicated to horses and astronomers as well as us regular folks. The astronomers enjoy some of the darkest skies on the east coast and the events surrounding a full moon (providing we have clear skies) are awesome. The park also hosts a long section of the Florida National Scenic Trail, a top notch backpacking venue. Check out www.floridatrail.org for more information. The park also offers swamp buggy rides with knowledgeable rangers accompanying to introduce campers to the prairie habitat and it's inhabitants. Spend a week or two here to enjoy a part of Florida you never knew existed!

Came back a second time with a new moon. No buggy rides because of Covid. Stayed in horse camo loop. Bathrooms clean. Lots of wildlife. Huge storm blew in and had to leave early.

This is a nice pleasant location with nothing around but nature. This totally primitive site can be found 12 miles out from the McNeil Trailhead near Colt Creek State Park on Hwy 471. Choose your hiking dates well, the warmer and more humid the more difficult the hike. Trails can get pretty wet in the rainy season also.

Site was clear and open, which was good because there is an abundance of ticks to be found in the brush. There are places for tents and hammocks using tree safe straps. benches, fire ring and even a picnic table. Insect repellent is a must have!

The insects and frogs put on an amazing chorus after a rain. You will need to hang food and trash at night to keep critters away. 

There are 65 miles of trails here, 37350 acres, and you really need to pay attention to the trail signs. there are separate equestrian sites in the area and separate trails as well.

A free reservation is required and must be displayed or available at campground.

Trails can also be access from 13347 Ranch Road in Dade City, Florida

Sites are spacious with concrete pads. Loops make sure you are never far from a "comfort station" or bathhouse. From water park to horse rides to lots of evening activities, plenty to do here without going to any theme parks. Skip the Bingo and enjoy everything else!!!

Expect a long travel to this remote site.   It’s a couple miles of reasonably decent dirt roads to get there, after several miles of remote highways. The only designated dark sky site in Florida.   It does not disappoint for night sky viewing.   If you’re camping here, please be courteous and keep your outdoor lights to a minimum.  The night sky’s are just breathtaking.   Check www.spotthestation.nasa.gov to see if you’ll get a glimpse of the space station while your there.   Hiking/biking trails are plentiful.   Be aware that there’s a LOT of loose sand.   So even on a mountain bike you’ll have to walk now and then.   Great birding.  Crested cara cara are frequent as are flocks of turkey strolling through the campsites.   Be sure to head out the road you came in back to the first turn and take the trail to the left (as you’re leaving).   There’s a gator hole just 1/4 mile down the trail.  Nature trail is a nice hammock view.  No pets on that particular trail.   

There are 2 camp loops only the first camp loop has a bath house, which is very nice.   The equestrian camp has porta potties.  Many of those folks drive over to the bathhouse.  Even the bathhouse has outdoor red lights.

I absolutely love this park! There are so many trails and places to ride our bikes. It was really nice just relaxing on the dock to watch the birds in the lake. Bathhouse was always clean. Our site was really nice. We had a really long driveway. Campers around us were very friendly. I would absolutely go back! We loved riding down to see the horses.

Lake Louisa is located in Clermont Florida and is only 20 miles from Disney in Orlando. It is a newer park and the facilities were really nice. We stayed here in June and bugs were only bad at nightfall. We got good reception with our verizon and only ok with our sprint.

This park is one of our many Trifecta parks, meaning we can hike, bike and kayak. We were easily able to roll our Kayaks to Dixie lake from our campsite. We stayed at a site in Dixie loop sites sites 1-30. Hammond lake was across the road from our campground. The other campground (Sandhill) is equally nice with the same gravel sites, 30/50 amp electricity and water but not quite as close to the lake. There is a dump station and some of the sites have full hookup with sewer. Reserve America does not note which ones have sewer too but when I did some more research I found one review that mentioned that site #’s 16,18,20, 30, 32,33, 34 (ADA), 35,36 (ADA), 37,38,39, &40 are the sites that have sewer too. Note: Only a couple of sites offer a water view due to the foliage and the trees.

In addition to the campground for Rv,tents and trailers....this park has cute little teepees for rent, tent sites, primitive sites,group sites, 20 cabins (no pets allowed) and even an equestrian campground with stalls and a corral. There are kayak,bike and canoe rentals at the Dixie Lake area camp store which is located next to the campgrounds. When you rent a kayak - you will only be able to kayak on Hammond Lake (unless you hand carry it across the street yourself to Dixie lake if the rules allow that) There are also fishing piers at both Dixie and Hammond Lake. You can also fish and boat on Lake Louisa too. There is also a cute hidden lake called Bear Lake that you can bike or drive to and even put in your kayak or electric boat on this more remote lake. However, since there is no public boat ramp access to Lake Louisa -unless you can hand carry or roll your boat to water....you will need to go to the Palatlakaha River Park and Boat Ramp to put your larger boat into the lake (there are no docks at the park for tying up your boat)

This park has totally awesome park roads for biking, trails for mountain biking and hiking, and equestrian trails. Be sure to carry a map, I got a little lost hiking because not all the trails were well marked. We also enjoyed riding our bikes into Clermont.

There is a longer review with links at our website www.travylcouple.com if you want more info than this review and video offers you.

It’s so much fun! If you bring kids make sure you bring bikes and scooters! The Chip and Dale thing they have is great! Roast marshmallows and dance with Chip and Dale. You can bring your golf cart or rent one. There are horses and pony rides. We love the Mickey backyard BBQ if we can afford it. Little kids love dancing with the characters. And all you can eat and drink plus wine and beer. The kids would rather camp there than go to the crowded park.

This is a really neat and unexpected gem. This park and the nearby Lake Kissimmee State Park are worthy of a full few days to explore, but it is also a good stopover on the way south to avoid the tourist traps and theme parks. There are three options for staying here: basic RV-friendly camping, a horse camp, and a few backcountry backpacking sites. We just did the standard camping, which was very clean with large sites, though open without much privacy. Enjoy boardwalk trails or hire a swamp boat tour within the park, and surprisingly good stargazing (the local astronomy club has events periodically). Great natural beauty.

All around a great location to get away and explore. This is one of the most comfortable and well-kept campgrounds I've found in FL. The staff and volunteers were very attentive and accommodating. The other campers were friendly and enthusiastic. We tent camped in the Equestrian loop, and the sites were decently spaced with plenty of room for our two tents, two cars, and 8 campers to spread out without bothering the neighbors. There are no stores or restaurants nearby, so pack well. These sites have water, electric, grill, and a table. Firewood is available for $7 cash per bundle (honor system). The dumpster is by the firewood. You can buy ice from the rangers for $2.50 during business hours. Showers are hot. Bathrooms are spacious.

I should probably mention that I'm camping spoiled. I traveled for a year or so around the country tent camping, and lived in Colorado for 10 years camping at least once a month out west. I'm from Florida, and I really didn't think there was much worth seeing here, so I stopped looking. It turns out I was wrong.

The air was so clean that we felt like we were on oxygen! The night sky was absolutely breathtaking, but catching dawn and dusk over the landscape is really nice too. The trails were well maintained and clearly planned to create a unique experience, while being just challenging enough to feel like a real adventure.

The animals just weren't afraid of humans. Our 6 teenagers were so excited to stand face-to-face, only a few feet from gentle deer, bunnies, and turkeys. We even saw some lazy baby alligators sunning on the Military Trail.

The Prairie Loop Trail took much longer than we anticipated, and the wind pushing us back was insane, but it was gorgeous and we had a lot of fun. I'll just plan better for that next time. And, the whole family agrees there will be a next time, soon!

If you are looking for a place in FL where you really feel "out in it", away from absolutely everything, while still having what you need to be comfortable, this is it.