Are you looking for a place to stay in Monticello with your horse? Finding a place to camp in Florida with your horse is easier than ever. The Dyrt can help you find the perfect equestrian sites that are scenic and easy to access.
Explore a range of different ecosystems and enjoy the stunning views of Lake Talquin on the 1242-acre Fort Braden Tract. This recreation area features two designated Trailwalker trails and one Trailtrotter trail.
Three hiking trail loops range from 3 to 5 miles in length and are moderately strenuous, with steep inclines and narrow footing in some areas.
Two equestrian trail loops each extend 5 to 6 miles in length. Riders should expect an amazing trail that will include low-water crossings, inclines and winding trails. NOTE: All horses must have proof of current negative Coggins test results when on state lands. All children under the age of 16 are required to wear a protective helmet while riding on state lands.
Primitive campsites for both individual and group camping are available. Campers must obtain a State Forest Use Authorization for overnight camping from the Lake Talquin headquarters on Geddie Road.
Facilities include picnic pavilions and a trail head restroom.
$10 - $30 / night
CABIN LOOP
$100 / night
Scout
Nothing fancy, but a nice spot to stay. They do have bathrooms and shower which are clean. They also have FHU, W/E and primitive. It is located on a busy HWY 98 so there is traffic noise during the day. St. Marks wildlife refuge is right across the street and Wakulla Springs is about 10 minutes down the road.
Guide
A fantastic stay over all. About a mile hike in. Primitive, which is exactly what we wanted. Fetch your own water from the lake. No modern amenities. Brilliant view of Lake Talquin, right on the water. Thickly treed so hanging hammocks and bear lines was no problem. Brilliant quiet spot, mostly, I’ll get to that in a bit. Even got a visit from your friendly neighborhood alligator in the middle of the night, which when I realized after the fact what the sound was was terrifying. Lol. Steep bank on this sight though so fewer worries about him actually visiting camp. Fabulous spot for fishing and camping. But, and this is the one star off, the camp sites are about 30 feet off the trail. So there is virtually no privacy. Makes… let’s use the euphemism “#2”… a bit challenging. The trail wasn’t heavily trafficked but it was travelled so we had maybe 9 or 10 people pass the site over the course of the weekend. If you can tolerate that I’d say put it on your list.
Guide
Great little park with walk-in tent camping, all sites have power and water which is an awesome bonus! Beautiful spring for swimming featuring a limestone bridge way you can snorkel under. If you're into diving they also have an underwater cave, just make sure to check in with the ranger station 2 miles north before diving. 5 two bedroom cabins are also on site for rental. Super clean bathrooms and an outdoor rinsing station/ shower (no indoor hot showers available unless you book a cabin). Rangers & volunteer staff are awesome! If your main purpose for visiting is to swim in the spring make sure to call ahead or go online and check water conditions as this spring is attached to the Suwanee river and can sometimes be "browned out" due to river levels. (*handicap friendly)
TravelerLoved this primitive tent camping site. The sites are under the most beautiful live oaks and swimming in crystal clear spring water just steps away. Super pet friendly and clean bathhouse.
LegendCalled ahead and booked a tent site at this county campground.
Brian and Betty were the hosts (BnB!). Brian was very nice on the phone and didn't even come around to collect $!
In fairness, I was there for a short time and dropped the appropriate fare by the door of their RV on my way out.
Nice bathroom facilities gave me the chance to clean up.
There's a boat ramp within walking distance if you've got one!
Guide
Marcie is the owner of this rescue ranch. She’s just starting out having RV’s come in (we were her 4th). There’s power and water hookups, but no dumping stations yet. She runs a quaint rescue ranch for various animals. At the time we were there (8/14/20) she had 21 horses, a Bantam rooster, two pot bellied pigs (one that looks pregnant), a pregnant goat, a bull and a dairy cow (also pregnant ) and three dogs; one if which was an adorable Great Pyrenees puppy that she saved from deaths door). She also offers guided trail rides in the adjacent state park (we only spent the night, so we did not do that). You really can’t beat it fir $25.00 a night!Note: the road into her ranch is pretty rough and beat up, so use caution and go slowly. Make sure you bring plenty of carrots and apples for the animals! Feeding them was a big highlight of our stay!
TravelerThis is the area where Tarzan was filmed and located across the street from St Marks State Park and on the St Marks RV with boat ramp. Sites run around $17 and there is centrally located bathroom and shower facilities. Less than 100 sites and away from the rush of humanity.
LegendOne of 5 river camps along the Suwanee River and one of the nicest. This system of river camps currently is first come first served with no fee - but that could change soon and screened sleeping platforms may require reservations. Reservations can be made for groups and are suggested. Suwannee River camps are spaced a days paddle apart and are wonderfully convenient (especially in summer when afternoon rains come daily and bugs are everywhere).
Most of the time you will have a camp host on the property.
River camp has bath house with water and electric, grills, fire pits, tent camping area and screened sleeping platforms with electric, lighting and ceiling fans. Many units also have hooks to hang you hammocks. There are 5 sleeping pavilions typically will hold 6-8 persons and have small corner tables with small bench. Each has picnic table and fire ring. You will find a broom in each shelter - please sweep out and leave clean for next group. Camp host oftentimes has firewood available for sale.
There are trails to explore around springs and sinks. You can learn a lot about Florida's Aquifer and more staying at this and other camps. Spring fed pools around take out area are a refreshing 72 degrees year round!
Tent camping area has fire pit and picnic table to share with others
At high water access to stairs to take out and to camp can be difficult.
Note: Always take paddles, PFD's, fishing equipment, food items and valuables to your camping area - do not leave in boats. There are raccoons and other nocturnal creatures and an occasional bear passing through.
LegendThree wonderful loop trails 2 primitive camp sites and a great view through the trees. Camping was in the Center and West loops with 2 of the 3 sites being near the lake (the third site was in the center of hte Center Loop and for groups). Nice elevation changes (refreshing for Florida hiking)
It took us an extra try to find this location - first our directions lead us to the Lines Tract - great for biking and bike camping - but not so much for hiking and camping. Make sure you review your directions because there is not much of a signal out there. There are 5 separate tracts to this forest.
When we finally got to the correct location the hike was beautiful. We chose the 2 campsites that were near the water for our stay (but a bit of a steep drop off (you do not want to fall in - we were told lots of gators hand along the shore). The shore was fish-able though. Lots of frogs to sing us to sleep. There was some boat activity on the lake, but not as much as I expected. You do have to watch your step - this is prime copperhead territory.
Primitive campsites were small and cozy. There was a group site in between that was very nice and we were told was often used by youth groups. Was worth the hike in and we had a lot of down time to relax even hiking all 3 loops. Was nice to have sit down quiet time. only saw 3 other people in the 3 days we were there.
Call ahead for your camping permit!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Monticello, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Monticello, FL is Newport Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 3 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Monticello, FL?
TheDyrt.com has all 4 equestrian camping locations near Monticello, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
