The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Equestrian Camping near Lee, FL

183 Reviews

Washburn Equestrian Area and Primitive Campground offers free primitive camping on the eastern side of the Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve near Thonotosassa, Florida. The campground features numerous picnic tables, fire rings, and a large open space that accommodates both tent campers and equestrians with ample room for horse trailers. A non-potable water pump and a clean ADA-compliant portable toilet serve as the only facilities. The campsite requires advance reservations through the Southwest Florida Water Management District, who provides campers with the combination to the entrance gate. Located approximately a quarter-mile from Morris Bridge Road, the campground provides good separation from traffic noise while offering easy trailer access. Tent and RV camping spaces are available alongside designated equestrian areas, though the unpaved access road can become challenging after heavy rain.

Over 18 miles of equestrian and hiking trails extend throughout the Oak Ridge Equestrian Area, giving riders extensive options for day trips from camp. The trail system includes varied terrain through oak and pine tree coverage, connecting to the broader Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve's 60+ miles of multiuse trails. Riders must bring their own portable water for horses as the well water is non-potable. Reservation requirements include displaying permits at the campsite, with camping areas designed to accommodate multiple horse trailers in a partially shaded environment. Oak Ridge Primitive Campground, located 2.5 miles north on Morris Bridge Road, offers a similar equestrian camping experience with greater distance from roads. The extensive trail network crosses through three different counties, allowing riders to explore diverse Florida landscapes while returning to a centralized camping area each evening.

Map showing campgrounds near Lee, FloridaExplore the Map

Best Equestrian Sites Near Lee, Florida (20)

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 20 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Lee Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Lee, FL

8 Photos of 20 Lee Campgrounds

Equestrian Camping Reviews near Lee, FL

183 Reviews of 20 Lee 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!

  • Kathie E.
    Apr. 3, 2022

    Lake Louisa State Park Campground

    Beautiful Lake Louisa

    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!

  • 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.

Guide to Lee

Horse camping in Florida offers a unique opportunity to explore the state's beautiful landscapes while enjoying the company of your equine friends. With a variety of campgrounds catering to horse enthusiasts, you can find the perfect spot to set up camp and ride the trails.

Campers appreciate these amenities for horses

Most campgrounds have horse-focused amenities like trails

Equestrian campgrounds include essential facilities

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Lee, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Lee, FL is Colt Creek State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 32 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Lee, FL?

TheDyrt.com has all 20 equestrian camping locations near Lee, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.

Keep Exploring