Best Equestrian Camping near Melbourne, FL

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.

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.

Jake from the Dyrt here! Vero Beach Equestrian Club is new to the Dyrt and accepting reservations! Check them out and leave a review about your stay on the Dyrt!

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.

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.

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.

This campground is about 45 minutes from the main highway. When they say in the middle of no where, they aren’t kidding. There are no gas stations, restaurants or any kind of industrial feel around here. There is a market on the way in for snacks, beer, and ice but it’s still about 15 minutes from the campground so be prepared out there. Also I’d suggest bug spray to deter ticks, fleas and mosquitoes there are plenty depending on the time of year you go. There are walking trails located in the state park all over, even a couple that start at the back of the campground. Beware of wildlife in the area we saw an alligator on the way to the bathroom from the primitive site, also panthers are indigenous to this area;perfect hunting grounds for them in the tall grass and plenty of deer nearby. If you’re looking for a wilderness experience in the middle of no where, this is it. At night they have an area for you to star gaze you can camp there or walk/ drive over. You see every star due to the fact your so seculeded the only lights come from other campers nearby and the bathhouse. The bathhouses are some of the best I’ve seen very clean and regularly maintained. There is a camp host on the grounds, he was very helpful and even dropped ice off to our site. They also offer electric sites or rv sites. They also have an area to allow your horses to run, trails and stay at night if you bring them. Also if you’re looking for something adventurous there is Fort Drum Crystal Mine where you can dig for Calcite Clam shells that are over 400 million years ago.

This lovely state park in Central Florida gives campers the true feel of "old Florida!" Campsites are private, separated by lots of flora. Animals are abundant - wild turkeys, eagles, bobcats, AND the Florida Panther!

While sitting in our screen gazebo, I was awed by the passing of a male panther about 25 yards from our campsite. Wild turkeys visited us daily to hang out by a fallen tree near our site. Deer passed by every evening.

If you are seeking peace, quiet and beauty this is the place!

The Florida Trail is a foot trail that carries hikers and backpackers from Big Cypress to Gulf Shores near Pensacola Florida. It is built and maintained by volunteers in 19 chapters across the state and supported by public and private partners throughout the state. Kissimmee Prairie Preserve SP hosts the trail for over twenty miles in Okeechobee County, Fl. The Tropical Trekkers Chapter of the Florida Trail Association maintains close to 80 miles of the trail in Okeechobee County including the portion of the trail that transverses KPPSP. Once a year (usually in November) the park becomes our host as 50 or more FTA members gather for an annual work week to get our section of the trail in shape for the winter Florida hiking season. We reserve six to ten campsites for the week and the park provides additional overflow sites as needed. Not all our volunteers are there for the entire week nor do they all camp at the park but those that do are treated to great facilities (clean bath house and campsites), friendly park staff who share their knowledge of the park and the prairie and frequently provide tours of the park in their awesome swamp buggies, great views of Florida's darkest skies, prairie vistas and the wildlife (typically deer, racoons and wild turkeys) who frequent the campground. I hope the park staff knows how much the FTA and all our volunteers appreciate the work they do to preserve the prairie and promote the Florida Trail and the hiking public. Thank you!!!

I live within a hours drive from this park and have been camping here for 40 plus years. This State Park is Old Florida, sites are secluded from the other sites compared to many other parks. There is a abundance of wildlife and plenty of hiking trails. This park to me is one of the best you will experience in Florida.

So this park was interesting... The idea of cowboys in Florida was unexpected, but added a unique element to the park. Also, I saw people on seaways which was a first while we were camping. Very 'Florida' feeling with the trees and somewhat secluded sites. An interesting experience overall- not what a person expects while camping with all the attractions, but what a fun time!

Lake Kissimmee State Park Review This was our first visit to Lake Kissimmee State Park and it was a big surprise. Like all Florida State Parks, they are all a little different and have one attribute in particular that makes them special. For me this was the camp sites that were both spacious and private. 

We were on the inside of the loop on #4. Since the pandemic spots at most state park have been few and far between so we have become way less particular and simply take what we can get at most parks. 

Like all state parks the bathrooms were spotless and rivaled those of a Marriott. We enjoyed the common areas, the observation deck and the hiking. Staff and hosts were wonderful. Thanks again Florida State Parks for a great weekend! We will for sure return to Lake Kissimmee for sure.

My husband and I hiked eight days on the Florida trail halfway through we camped at this wonderful site. It was a sight for sore eyes and sore feet. The stars were so close at night I felt I could just reach out and touch them.

One of our favorite state parks in Florida. Quiet and remote. Be sure to fuel up and have plenty of groceries. Astronomers love this park. In fact, they have a designated campground just for them. Be sure to ONLY use flashlights with red lense so that you do not disrupt the star gazers.

Different from other areas of Florida the Prairie area is open and vast. I found it quiet, and enjoyable place to be alone with my thoughts and hiking. I was met with groups of wild turkeys and other animals and enjoyed peaceful wondering. Great set up for this tent camper and would love to go back again.

We decided to book a group primitive campsite in this state park. We were in the primitive group campsite on the Buster Island Loop. It was about 3 miles to hike in to the site. The path is very clear with markers and when you arrive at the site, there is a clear indicator to follow. The path to the site is right off the main trail.

Since this is a primitive site, there are no facilities and keep in mind you need to bring your own water for drinking, cooking, cleaning etc. At the site there were two picnic tables and a fire ring which was enough for our group. The area was cleared with a lot of space to set up all of our tents. We were here in late April when the weather was getting warmer so remember to bring mosquito repellent and enough water for your whole group to stay hydrated!

The hiking trails are loops about 6 miles long where you can experience different types of Florida environments and boating on the lake. And there are also history demonstrations showing the old Florida cowboys at the park.

All in all, this park has many options and activities. Whether you are into water sports or biking and hiking, this park has it all.

Hidden gem in Florida. Now one of our favorite campgrounds. Spacious sites with lovely trees and greenery. Good privacy between sites. Miles of beautiful and varied hiking trails right from the campground - some shady and forested, others through prairies or along lakes. Good kayaking on the canal and lake but my husband must have been wearing the wrong pants cause he didn’t catch any fish - lol. Wifi connection available at /around the concession stand. Another great aspect was that we met many wonderful people - fellow campers just enjoying the peace, nature and community that Lake Kissimmee has to offer. We will definitely return!

This park was clean, quiet and well kept. The bath house was tidy and the hot water was HOT. There are numerous trails, an observation tower, playground, boat ramp and fishing area. A replica 1870s Florida cow camp is also located on one of the trails. The sites are level and nearly all are shaded. The electric and water were good and the dump station had a hose to help with wash out. There is a small camp store with a few necessities but if you forget something there is a Dollar General about 20 minutes away.

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.

First time at Lake Kissimmee State Park! We loved it. We arrived just before sun down. First of all the drive into the park is beautiful. Classic Florida landscape and made us so excited to start camping. We were in loop 1 site 13. The sites are pretty private we couldn’t see the campers to the sides of us and they are very large. Bathrooms were very clean. Best part was all the wildlife we encountered. In the morning a family of deer walked right by our tent! There are three main hiking trails up to 6.7 miles. We did the 6 mile loop and it was beautiful and peaceful. Primitive hike in campsites available along the trails which we will be checking out for next time. Reservation was easily made through reservation America.

If you love camping, wildlife, and stargazing but still want the convenience of amenities (i.e electricity, running water, bathroom, shower) then this is the place for you.

Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park is part of IDA International Dark-Sky Places. The park has little light pollution and also a stargazing pad where you can also camp on.

The campgrounds aren't large but the campsites are good for tents and RVs. The one site we stayed at had water and electric hook-ups and a firepit. We were close to very clean restroom area that also had showers, washer and dryer. They do have primitive campsites for the more rustic individuals. The campgrounds are about 45 minutes from town, but the ranger station sells ice for $2.50 and firewood purchase is by honor system. We also saw other campers with their dogs so pet-friendly as well.

Lots of hiking trails and so much wildlife. We saw deer grazing near our campsite!

Make sure to bring lots of mosquito repellent, especially in the summer months. Otherwise you'll get bit...a lot! But it is Florida after all.

All the sites are beautiful! lots of entertainment for all ages. We went on an airboat ride. It was great. we really enjoyed the rodeo.

We actually got a spot at RRRVR (river ranch RV resort) which is on the backside by the smoke house restaurant. It was lot 196 and it was FANTASTIC! River ranch has so much to do. Rodeos, food, putt putt, petting zoo- and tons more. A great family venue. Will definitely be back.