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Equestrian Camping near Middleburg, FL

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    Trails End Outdoors RV Park & Cabins provides the only dedicated horse corrals in the Middleburg area, catering specifically to equestrians with full-service facilities. The spacious grounds include horse-friendly camping options across tent sites, RV spots with full hookups, and rustic cabins named after famous cowboys. The campground features clean showers, laundry facilities, and a community gathering area with outdoor furniture and grills. Horse owners appreciate the vast open pastures surrounding ancient oak trees draped with Spanish moss, offering shade for both riders and horses. Sites vary in privacy with some offering better shade than others, though all RV slots have freshly laid black stone gravel with standard 30 and 50 amp electric, water, and septic hookups.

    Located near several quality riding areas, Trails End connects riders to multiple trail systems including Oak Hammock Camp, Rice Creek Preservation Area, and Etoniah State Forest, all offering excellent paths for horseback riding. Trailer parking is available on-site, providing easy access for daily excursions. The property sits between several small lakes including Lake Ida, Mirror Lake, and Jewel Lake, giving riders options for scenic water views during rides. Equestrians can arrange turn-key campfire setups in two-hour increments after a day on the trails. Horses and cattle interact freely throughout the 20-acre property which includes a small pond with its own pontoon boat. Cary State Forest and Etoniah Creek State Forest offer additional equestrian trail opportunities, with spacious primitive camping options for those seeking a more natural horse camping experience.

    Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Middleburg (14)

    Filters    Tent onlyRVDispersedCabinGlampingPetsEquestrian

      1. Bootleggers Campground — Jennings State Forest

      5.0(1)7mi from Middleburg8 sitesTents

      "The proximity to Cecil Field meant planes flew overhead regularly, but it died down after sunset."

      from $9 / night

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      2. Bayard Conservation Area

      4.7(3)17mi from MiddleburgTents

      "**Campground Review: ** Bayard Conservation Area is located in Green Cove Springs Florida and is maintained by the St. Johns River Water Management District."

      "Hiked in about 3.3 miles, but OnX user beware, trust the trail’s red marks, not the trail marked on most maps! Part of the trail was reblazed to go around a washed out section."

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      3. Cary State Forest Campground

      3.9(9)24mi from Middleburg6 sitesRVs, Tents

      "A few people brought their horses out there which was nice to see. This park seems to still be in development which was perfect for me because we didn’t have a lot of movement."

      "This was a perfect stopping point on our way to the southwest coast of Florida as it was directly on our travel path and very reasonable in pricing."

      from $23 / night

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      4. Dogwood Campground — O'Leno State Park

      4.7(41)43mi from Middleburg27 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Older Florida park with roots in the CCC and Forestry Service. Large park with hiking, bike and equestrian trails."

      "The campsites are spacious, well shaded, and with in easy walking distance to the Bathhouse/Restrooms. The facilities are kept clean and neat."

      from $18 / night

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      5. Connors Family Campsite

      4.0(2)22mi from MiddleburgRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "You can do anything from buying an RV renting an RV a camper tent if you're not from around there bill will help you out overall great customer service"

      6. Etoniah Creek State Forest Green Camp

      4.5(2)23mi from Middleburg6 sitesTents

      "Located just about 20 minutes due northwest of Palatka – dubbed ‘Florida’s State Farmers Market’ where you will easily discover that this north central town is teeming with fresh agriculture every which"

      "Just off the Palatka-Lake Butler Bike trail. Campgrounds are About 4 miles in on bikeable hard roads. Six Sites have picnic tables, lots of room, fire ring with grate, bbq grills, a latrine nearby."

      from $9 / night

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      7. Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park Campground

      4.7(34)44mi from Middleburg45 sitesRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "There is a picnic table & a fir pit the fire pit was a little to close to the camper to have a fire. It is a very quiet and woodsy campground."

      "Stayed at site 31 which is probably the furthest walk from parking but the most private. We saw wild bison, wild turkeys, deer, snakes, and several different species of birds."

      from $18 / night

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      8. Trails End Outdoors RV Park & Cabins

      4.0(1)29mi from MiddleburgRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "But be forewarned, if you are driving just a bit faster than one ought to on Highway 20 just west of Palatka between the drive-by towns of Hollister and Interlachen, you might just miss this hidden gem"

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      9. Princess Place Preserve

      4.9(10)48mi from MiddleburgTents, Cabins

      "Equestrian campsites are nice and spacious, most sites are fairly big-rig friendly."

      "But I learned on the way out that it takes about six and a half hours to drive from Miami to the state border on the most direct route, I-95, which is also the dullest route, so I wanted to break up that"

      from $20 / night

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      10. Welaka State Forest

      4.3(4)44mi from MiddleburgRVs, Tents

      "The location itself was very quiet and peaceful with good trails. There were a several other campers at the hookup sights."

      "Please note there isn’t much close by, so stop at the grocery and get fuel before you turn off 17."

      from $10 - $15 / night

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    Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Middleburg, FL

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    Equestrian Camping Reviews near Middleburg, FL

    113 Reviews of 14 Middleburg Campgrounds

    • B H.
      Jan. 17, 2021

      Princess Place Preserve

      Beautiful and Mosly Well-Maintained

      Equestrian campsites are nice and spacious, most sites are fairly big-rig friendly. The equestrian campsites have a garbage or two, fire ring, picnick table, 14 x 14 horse pens (uncovered but must are shaded), and some have a high-line (though ill strung). Most of the pens are kept in good repair, unfortunately my gate was off its hinges and had rusted sharp edges. I ended up wrapping it so my horse didn’t lacerate himself; this was a bit disappointing to see such disrepair in an otherwise pristine campground. Another pen had a dead and potentially dangerous limb hanging right over the area which was also unsafe. The bathrooms at the equestwian site were recently repainted and looked acceptably clean. Not the best I’ve seen but the update now makes them much more user friendly and less grimy. The grounds and trails are always very well kept. Would like to see the wild hog population controlled a bit more as we ran into a large group and saw the extensive damage the pigs left behind.

    • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jan. 1, 2023

      Welaka State Forest

      Solemn Equestrian Campground Experience

      As you approach Welaka State Forest, it feels as though you’ve arrived ‘at the end of the line,’ and not in a bad sense either. Here, you’ll feel as though you’ve escaped the crowds, left the commercial world only to discover a truly pristine natural jewel. You’ll be overwhelmed by the incredibly loud silence and solitude of this far-reaching outpost and the moment that you’ve crossed the threshold (or the gravel road) entering Welaka State Forest, you’ll be incredibly grateful for the wide open expanse of the place and the communion with nature that it provides. 

      Just due south of Welaka – where there’s a minute scattering of local eateries and distractions, this spot is fairly off the ‘beaten path,’ a good half hour south of Palatka in central Florida, along the banks of the historic St. Johns River. This federal turned state park was founded in 1935 (under the Federal Resettlement Administration) and today is both a major conservation area as well as fish hatchery for the State of Florida. In all, there’s 4 miles of river frontage area on the east bank of Little Lake George, making for some decent kayaking and canoeing, although most of this is fairly difficult to navigate as it’s swamp-like, where overgrown Cypress and Pine trees provide a very thick canopy of forested shade throughout. 

      If you’ve got horses en towe, then you have hit the ‘lottery of equestrian campgrounds’ as Welaka State Forest is perhaps the most perfect place to camp if you’ve brought your four-legged steeds and looking for a place that offers up nearly 20 miles of equestrian trails for plenty of galloping, including the 6-mile Sandhill Horse Trail (part of the Florida Trailtrotter Program: www.fdacs.gov/Forest-Wildfire/Our-Forests/State-Forests/State-Forest-Recreation/Recreational-Activities/Horseback-Riding/Trailtrotter-Program)..) The campground here at Welaka State Park is made for you horse-loving outdoor enthusiasts and provides 2 – I repeat that 2 – 24 stall horse-ready stables, show horse stage, training area, along with 6 primitive campsites along with 5 full hook-up RV drive-through sites. 

      Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) If you are looking to get some hiking in, there’s 2 decent trails (both integrated into the Florida forest Service’s ‘Trailwalker Hiking Program’ with the first, Spring Trail, offering a short 2-mile loop that ends in Mud Springs and the second, John’s Landing Trail, offering either a 3.5 or 4 mile loop; (2) Not interested in hiking? Not a problem, you can follow the scenic Indian Pond Road from the comfort of your own vehicle. Near here there are 2 primitive campsites that you can rent that places you right on the St. John’s River; and (3) While this SP doesn’t have much to offer apart from encounters with nature, if you find yourself missing civilization, in less than a 5 minute drive, you can join a sweltering crowd at either Shrimp R Us or, for amazing river-front gnashing, check out Welaka Lodge & Resort (for more details on this particular campground, check out my review on The Dyrt on this site). 

      Happy Camping!

    • Maria Mercedes M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jan. 7, 2026

      The Griffin Ranch

      Old-Florida Charm Meets Ranch-Life Calm

      Arriving to Griffin Ranch just outside Fort McCoy feels like stepping into a page of classic Florida history, where 30+ acres of shaded woods, ponds, pastures and trails invite you to slow down long before you ever unpack your bags. The ranch’s cabins, Airstream camper and cottage rentals, each with antique-inspired interiors, set the tone for a timeless, unhurried stay. The accommodations are rustic in the very best way: solidly built, thoughtfully equipped spaces that feel cozy rather than pretentious, and the hosts are genuinely welcoming, making you feel like part of the ranch family rather than just a guest. During our visit, we watched the kids wander out toward the pasture at sunset, chasing fireflies and laughing at the horses’ gentle nickers, while the sun dipped behind the trees in that golden light only old pastures seem to have. While this isn’t a ‘back-to-barebones’ campground in the primitive sense, it is more of a cabin-centric ranch stay than a full-service campground, so if you’re coming with a big RV or tent setup in mind, you’ll want to book one of the on-site cabins instead of relying on typical campsites. The best lodging options are the cabins tucked deeper into the woods or near the ponds, which offer the most serenity and EZ access to the ranch trails and wildlife watching. Nearby you can easily stock up on supplies in Fort McCoy or make short drives to local eats like Rocco’s Italian or a long list of options in nearby Gainesville.  Also, the closeness to Ocala National Forest and Silver Springs makes this a great base for exploration. We’d recommend Griffin Ranch for families who appreciate quiet evenings under ancient oaks, authentic old-Florida ranch character, space for kids and pets to run wild and host hospitality that turns a simple stay into lasting memories. This place is one part history, one part nature retreat and entirely welcoming.

    • Katie M.
      Aug. 4, 2021

      Princess Place Preserve

      Enchanting Summertime Solitude

      When I planned my trip to the Smokies, I left the last few days open, so I could decide at a later time what kinda ✨vibe✨ I was feeling.

      Would I want to travel through more of Tennessee and down through central Georgia, skipping North and South Carolinas entirely? Maybe spend some time in Asheville? Backtrack the same way I came? Wholly free spirited and wondrously stupid, given the holiday weekend.

      But I learned on the way out that it takes about six and a half hours to drive from Miami to the state border on the most direct route, I-95, which is also the dullest route, so I wanted to break up that stretch on my way home. By the time I began planning my return leg of the trip, every campground within an hour of 95 was booked.

      Then I can across Princess Place Preserve and it appeared to mainly be an equestrian campground from what I read, but I called them anyway. I don’t know any horse people, but they can’t be that bad, right? And luckily there were several sites still available, so I snagged one.

      Well, this is not all what I expected and I haven’t seen a single horse or horse person since I’ve been here, but this place might be my ✨favorite campground of all time.✨ There are only 13 camp sites in the entire park and they are all spread out. The park doesn’t seem like it gets busy in general, but it closes to the public at 6 pm, so that means you basically have the next three hours of daylight to roam the entire place by yourself! And there’s ✨so much to roam!!✨There are so many trails and winding, sandy roadways to bike or hike that I squeezed every last ounce of sunlight out of the day. The peace and serenity that Princess Place provided was the perfect ending to this road trip.

    • B M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jun. 4, 2020

      Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park Campground

      Relaxing campground

      We stayed in site #38 it's a shaded site with water & electric. There is a picnic table & a fir pit the fire pit was a little to close to the camper to have a fire. It is a very quiet and woodsy campground. There isn't much real close by so grocery before you get there.  There are some hikes in the park that are good you can see wild horses near the lookout tower sometimes and along the paths.  There is a dump station onsite.

      There are several places to go observe the wetlands, shorebirds and gators can be seen. If you drive to North Paynes Prairie you will see lots of Gators, Bison and wild horses and certain times of the year White Pelicans. The trail along the lake & creeks are loaded with gator once you head to the back lookout tower you will see Bison & Wild Horses. We counted 150 gators in a mile & a half. If you google horse stomping gator in Paynes Prairie you will see a great video. 

      On the way to the North Prairie you pass Sweetwater preserve it's loaded with all kinds of birds from Woodstorks, Herons, Egrets, Hawks, Ibis and Sora's. You can spend hours there watching the birds. There are some gators but nothing like North Prairie.

      Watched the sunset for the picnic area on the lake.

    • B H.
      Aug. 5, 2021

      Welaka State Forest

      Overall Satisfying Stay

      Very nice new concrete RV/Trailer pads with electric and water hookup. The trailer in and out was easy even with a good sized rig (~30feet). Each spot had a picnic table and grill. I was a little disappointed that the hookup sights did not also have fire rings but the primitive tent sights do have fire rings. There is a dump station at this sight but it was not clear to me if the station was ready for use at the tone of my stay. The bathrooms and the shower rooms were very clean and well kept, it looks like they recently redid much of it. The location itself was very quiet and peaceful with good trails. There were a several other campers at the hookup sights. I did find it a little unsettling that at least two of the other campers at the hookup sight looked like they were a permanent/semipermanent resident and they were not using the space for equestrian activities as the sight intends. It’s a little disappointing because ethos who do want to camp with horses have limited sights so to see two of these taken by non equestrians in was seems to be a longer term stay was somewhat disappointing.

    • C
      Jan. 12, 2025

      Dogwood Campground — O'Leno State Park

      Quiet Old Florida Park

      Older Florida park with roots in the CCC and Forestry Service. Large park with hiking, bike and equestrian trails. Along the Santa Fe River there is a swimming hole, suspension bridge, old buildings and a small museum. Magnolia loop would be the best loop for RVs, but spots can be had. Facilities are clean, albeit old. Camping loops and pads are hard sand. Sites vary in size and level. Separation between sits is not bad but suffered in hurricane damage. Some sites appear a bit tight with overhanging trees.

    • Taylor
      Oct. 27, 2020

      Princess Place Preserve

      Beautiful Preserve

      I stayed at Princess Place Preserve from 10/23-10/27 and cannot wait to return. You’ll see from the photos (all taken from my site) that the sites are expansive and beautifully shaded. I stayed in equestrian site 1 (EQ1) and was amazed by how much space there was and how far we were from others. This site was across from bathroom/shower (convenient & clean) but be sure to bring your own water - the water provided is non-potable. You can collect firewood as well but plan on bringing some of your own. The rangers were incredibly kind and I felt very safe. Surrounded by stunning, natural Florida habitat! We saw deer more frequently than we saw other humans lol. My dog & I were truly at peace here!

    • Angela M.
      Feb. 15, 2020

      Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park Campground

      Nice camping and great park with lots of wildlife!

      We really enjoyed this park. We camped at a tent only site which was private as there weren’t many tent campers while we were there during the week. Stayed at site 31 which is probably the furthest walk from parking but the most private. We saw wild bison, wild turkeys, deer, snakes, and several different species of birds. Disappointed we didn’t see any wild horses but will most definitely be back. Beautiful part of Florida.

    Guide to Middleburg

    Equestrian camping near Middleburg provides access to over 25 miles of trails through north-central Florida's pine forests and wetlands. The area sits at approximately 70 feet above sea level with sandy soil that drains quickly after rainfall. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity, making spring and fall the preferred seasons for outdoor activities.

    What to Do

    Hiking through pine forests: At Cary State Forest, trails wind through Florida pine forests with diverse wildlife. "This park seems to still be in development which was perfect for me because we didn't have a lot of movement. A few people brought their horses out there which was nice to see," notes Sualen L., who appreciated the natural setting.

    Kayaking on creek systems: Welaka State Forest offers 4 miles of river frontage on the east bank of Little Lake George. "This is a beautiful, quiet and secluded equine campground. It's the perfect spot for those who love the outdoors," writes AnnMarie E., who recommends stopping for supplies before arriving since there "isn't much close by."

    Wildlife viewing: The diverse ecosystems support various animal species. At Bayard Conservation Area, campers regularly spot wildlife on trails. "On our way to our campsite we were able to spot many animals including: deer, otter, turkey, and wild pigs," reports Jenn B., who hiked to a riverside campsite.

    What Campers Like

    Waterfront camping spots: Princess Place Preserve - Moody Campground offers premium riverside sites. "Moody sites are all on the water. Beautiful! Lots of palm trees to provide shade. Each site has room to drive in as well as plenty of tent space. 2 tables, a grill, and fire ring," reports Angie A., who appreciated the well-maintained grounds.

    Spacious campsites: Equestrian campgrounds typically feature larger sites. "Sites are spread out and HUGE!! Several trails and plenty of room for kids to play on site!!!" writes David S. about Cary State Forest, noting that "sites are super convenient" with trash cans provided at each site.

    Clean facilities: Despite their rustic settings, many campgrounds maintain good standards. "The bathrooms at the equestrian site were recently repainted and looked acceptably clean. Not the best I've seen but the update now makes them much more user friendly," notes B H. about Princess Place Preserve.

    What You Should Know

    Primitive camping preparation: Many equestrian sites have limited facilities. "Keep in mind that there is no water available at the camping sites or the entire park for that matter. Potable or non potable so you have to bring in all drinking water," warns Louis B. about camping at Princess Place Preserve.

    Pest protection: Biting insects can be problematic during warmer months. "TAKE BUG REPELLENT... MOSQUITOES ARE BAD," cautions Robert L. about Cary State Forest, despite enjoying the "nice concrete pad that was very level" and "roomy sites."

    Trail conditions: Trail quality varies seasonally. At Etoniah Creek State Forest, Brian K. found "campgrounds are About 4 miles in on bikeable hard roads. Six Sites have picnic tables, lots of room, fire ring with grate, bbq grills, a latrine nearby."

    Tips for Camping with Families

    Secure kid-friendly campsites: Look for spaces away from water hazards. "The campgrounds are a few miles from the parking area. They include a fire ring and a picnic table. The campsites have several different settings, but we chose the river view," reports Jenn B., who successfully camped with family at Bayard Conservation Area.

    Plan hiking distances carefully: Choose trails appropriate for younger hikers. "Hiked in about 3.3 miles, but OnX user beware, trust the trail's red marks, not the trail marked on most maps!" advises Nate D., who brought his "7 and 9 year old boys" to Bayard Conservation Area.

    Check for educational opportunities: Some parks offer ranger programs. At O'Leno State Park, events like "baby alligator educational sessions are above-par," according to Kristin T., who found the "facilities are very clean and staff are courteous."

    Tips from RVers

    Site selection for larger rigs: Not all equestrian campgrounds accommodate big RVs. "This campground was an absolute gem. Sites are spread out and HUGE!! The only thing preventing me from giving five stars is we got the only site that had electric and water on passenger side so we had to run electric under our rig," notes David S. about Cary State Forest.

    Utility considerations: Electrical issues can affect your stay. At Welaka State Forest, B H. found "very nice new concrete RV/Trailer pads with electric and water hookup. The trailer in and out was easy even with a good sized rig (~30feet)," but noted the dump station may not always be operational.

    Weather preparation: High temperatures require planning. "It's over 100 degrees and we aren't willing to camp without ac," shared Hayley S. about electrical challenges at Cary State Forest, highlighting the importance of reliable utilities during summer months.

    Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Middleburg, FL is Bootleggers Campground — Jennings State Forest with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 14 equestrian camping locations near Middleburg, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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