Central Florida offers several equestrian-friendly camping options within driving distance of Nalcrest. The area features a mix of state parks and private facilities where trail riders can enjoy Florida's diverse ecosystems. Located in the heart of Florida's lake country, Nalcrest sits at an elevation of just 102 feet above sea level, with warm winters and hot, humid summers typical of the region.
What to Do
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Lake Kissimmee State Park provides excellent wildlife spotting along its trails. "We saw deers, owls, turtles, rabbits & a mama wild boar with her piglets," notes Barbara A. about nearby Colt Creek State Park. The diverse ecosystems support abundant wildlife viewing year-round.
Horseback riding trails: Several parks maintain dedicated equestrian trails with varying difficulty levels. Alafia River State Park offers "miles of horseback trails to ride. Very nice horse stalls to put horses in overnight. Perfect place for equine vacation!" according to Donna H., making it one of the more accessible horse campgrounds near Nalcrest, Florida.
Fishing access: Multiple lakes provide fishing opportunities throughout the region. "We stayed in site 19 for one night in early February. This site was very large, mostly level, with beautiful trees surrounding the site and great privacy," says Denise about their stay at Lake Kissimmee State Park, which offers fishing access to one of Florida's premier bass fishing lakes.
What Campers Like
Dark sky viewing: For astronomy enthusiasts, certain parks offer designated areas for stargazing. "This is 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," explains David G. about Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park.
Clean facilities: Most campgrounds maintain well-kept bathhouses and facilities. "Bath house is very clean and at night the lights are on timers," notes Corey K. about Lake Kissimmee State Park, reflecting the standard found at most state parks in the area.
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the site separation at certain campgrounds. "This lovely state park in Central Florida gives campers the true feel of 'old Florida!' Campsites are private, separated by lots of flora," reports Barbara J. about her experience at Lake Kissimmee State Park.
What You Should Know
Limited cell service: Several campgrounds have poor connectivity. "Be aware that we had no cell service (this actually made us cancel another stay we had planned since we needed cell service for remote work)," cautions Denise about Lake Kissimmee State Park. Check with park offices before arrival if connectivity is essential.
Weather considerations: Summer brings challenging conditions. "If you aren't familiar with central Florida summers, which is about 11 1/2 months of the year it's hot, humid, and loaded with bugs," warns Joseph M. about Istokpoga Canal Boat Ramp And Campsite. Plan accordingly with proper gear.
Supply planning: Many parks are remote with limited access to stores. "Be sure to fuel up and have plenty of groceries. Astronomers love this park," advises Annell N. about Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park. Most equestrian campgrounds near Nalcrest require bringing all necessary supplies.
Tips for Camping with Families
Water activities: Several parks offer water recreation options. "Kayaked on Dixie Lake, hiked, swam, and biked while others were less than a ½ hour away hanging with Mickey Mouse," shares Sara S. about her experience at Lake Louisa State Park, which provides water access for family activities.
Educational experiences: Many parks offer ranger-led programs. "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," explains Kim H. about Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park's educational opportunities.
Family-friendly entertainment: Some campgrounds provide organized activities. "We went to the rodeo on Saturday night, did a swamp buggy ride, skeet shooting, petting zoo and rode a mechanical bull... and there was still more we could have done but ran out of time," shares Tina S. about Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo, a unique camping option within driving distance of Nalcrest.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose sites based on shade and access needs. "Holy moly did it take a lot to get this into our spot. Our neighbor across from us had to move his truck and several neighbors were helping direct us into our spot," warns Samantha O. about Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, emphasizing the importance of site selection for larger rigs.
Hookup options: Verify utility connections before booking. "Note that they are not full hookups as they don't have sewer systems. We had to use the bathrooms and they were very clean," explains Ilena R. about Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo, highlighting the importance of confirming hookup availability.
Road conditions: Check access roads, especially during rainy seasons. "Washboard road for miles to get to the hammock, and it was in bad shape," notes Lauren W. about Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park. Many horse campgrounds near Nalcrest require navigating unpaved roads.
