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

Equestrian Camping near Ocala, FL

31 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.

Search destinations
    Add dates

    Lake Panasoffkee provides the most complete horse camping experience near Ocala with dedicated horse corrals on site. This established campground offers free camping with tent and RV accommodation options accessible via drive-in or walk-in access. The facility includes toilets, trash collection, picnic tables, and allows fires. Generators are permitted for campers requiring power, though the campground lacks electric hookups. The campground maintains a strict pets-allowed policy while prohibiting alcohol. Sites are reservable but fill quickly during peak riding seasons. The numerous trails surrounding Lake Panasoffkee accommodate various riding styles and skill levels.

    The Cross Florida Greenway trail system connects directly to multiple equestrian campgrounds in the Ocala region. Santos Trailhead & Campground sits adjacent to extensive hiking, biking and horse trails with water and electric hookups available. Hot showers at Shangri-La Trailhead & Campground make it popular among riders after long days on trails. The sandy trails extending from the campgrounds require proper hoof protection, particularly on the sprawling trail network that crosses over Interstate 75. Campground hosts at these facilities maintain clean sites and are knowledgeable about local riding conditions. Most equestrian sites provide tie posts at each site with nearby parking for horse trailers. Seasonal variations affect trail conditions, with spring offering optimal riding weather and summer requiring early morning rides to avoid afternoon heat.

    Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Ocala (31)

    Filters    Tent onlyRVDispersedCabinGlampingPetsEquestrian

      1. Santos Trailhead & Campground

      4.5(17)6mi from Ocala24 sitesRVs, Tents

      "Although in a populated area of Ocala, this campground is positioned in the trees and makes you feel like you are miles from civilization. The sites are spacious and most are shaded."

      "This campground is located near Ocala, FL. on the cross florida greenway. It is a small loop of only 22 sites with water and electric. Has clean restrooms with showers."

      from $22 / night

      Check Availability

      2. Ross Prairie Campground

      4.2(12)13mi from Ocala14 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "Pluses are everything is super clean, the camp hosts are amazing, its easy to get to, great access to Ocala or Dunnellon, all sites are pullthrough, ground is small and quiet, 50 amp, and access to great"

      "The positive is that the sites, especially around the outside loop, are spaced nicely and private. It’s not a bad drive to Crystal River or Ocala."

      from $22 / night

      Check Availability

      3. Shangri-La Trailhead & Campground

      4.6(7)11mi from Ocala24 sitesRVs, Tents

      "Has equestrian area and post at each hotel site. Most sites are well shaded. A good number of sites looked hammock friendly, but be sure you have the 2 inch straps."

      "I came for a night since it was close to other parks I wanted to visit, but I do think I’ll come back and have my father in law bring his horse with next time."

      from $18 / night

      Check Availability

      4. Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park Campground

      4.7(33)26mi from Ocala45 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

      Check Availability

      5. Potts Preserve

      4.2(9)20mi from OcalaRVs, Tents

      "It’s primitive/equestrian camping and Hooty Point is far better in my opinion because it has water access for fishing."

      "You can park outside the gate off of North Hooty point. Oak hammock is on north Dee River Rd and has regular spot that is left at the outhouse a ways, and nearby for if you bring a horse."

      Check Availability

      6. World Equestrian RV Resort

      3.0(1)7mi from OcalaRVs

      from $85 / night

      Check Availability

      7. Potts Preserve - River Primitive Campground (North Hooty Point Road)

      4.3(6)20mi from OcalaRVs, Tents

      "There is a designated area to leave vehicles, and the sites on the river are walk in only. The area is open, but you can no longer pull your vehicle in next to your campsite. "

      "Hands-down my new favorite camping spot in Florida. Free, primitive, private, secluded. Pet-friendly, hammock friendly, boat friendly, fire friendly, & more."

      Check Availability

      8. Holder Mine Campground

      4.5(20)29mi from Ocala27 sitesRVs, Tents

      "I had site 1, which sites 1 and 2 are next to the entrance gate. It was fairly quiet at night. There was a few times I heard loud vehicles gojng down the road but not enough to complain about."

      "Trails available for hikes, bikes, horses and even 4x4 vehicles. Bath house clean and very hot water"

      from $23 / night

      Check Availability

      9. The Griffin Ranch

      4.0(1)18mi from OcalaRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "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"

      10. Blackwater Joe’s

      4.0(1)18mi from OcalaRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "Not too bad of a spot, somewhat close to home. For the times I don’t wanna go to far but still wanna go camping this was the perfect spot."

      from $15 - $40 / night

      Check Availability
    View all 31 campgrounds

    2026 Explorer Giveaway

    Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

    Enter to Win

    Ocala Contest

    Enter to Win

    Drive Time

    Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Ocala, FL

    17 Photos of 31 Ocala Campgrounds

    Equestrian Camping Reviews near Ocala, FL

    150 Reviews of 31 Ocala Campgrounds

    • Rich S.
      Sep. 25, 2018

      Santos Trailhead & Campground

      Perfect Little Spot for a Getaway

      Although in a populated area of Ocala, this campground is positioned in the trees and makes you feel like you are miles from civilization. The sites are spacious and most are shaded. We stayed in site #3, which was tucked into the wood line and somewhat private. Easy access to all the mountain bike trails, the paved Greenway trail, and the Florida Trail. All the trails and paths are located within the park. Restrooms were fairly clean, and the showers had hot water. We would come back here in a heartbeat.

    • AJ G.
      Apr. 4, 2017

      Shangri-La Trailhead & Campground

      Wonderful place

      Sites and facilities are nice and clean. The host were very nice and helpful. Has equestrian area and post at each hotel site. Most sites are well shaded. A good number of sites looked hammock friendly, but be sure you have the 2 inch straps. Easy access to hiking and riding trials. Short drive into both Belview and Ocala.

    • 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.

    • Kathie E.
      Feb. 9, 2022

      Ross Prairie Campground

      Clean little campground

      This little campground is a nice little campground. Pluses are everything is super clean, the camp hosts are amazing, its easy to get to, great access to Ocala or Dunnellon, all sites are pullthrough, ground is small and quiet, 50 amp, and access to great trails for hiking, biking, horse back riding, and walking. Down sides are noise from rt 200, some sites are compact, and it lacks shade. We would definitely consider staying here again if we were in the area.

    • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
      Dec. 1, 2021

      World Equestrian RV Resort

      First Class Horse Camping

      If you are watching, training or riding world-class horses and find yourself here at World Equestrian RV Resort, you'll experience brand-spanking-new facilities, complete with its very own petrol station. It’s a mall-like parking lane maze of slots designed exclusively for the RV camping lot– so sorry fellow tent campers, you’ll have to keep looking for higher ground. For the RV’ers out there, you’ll be pleased with the new sticker smell of this place, complete with all of the standard water, electric and sewar hook-ups. There’s decent space between you and your neighbors, although there is zero privacy in this greenery-free parking lot. If you’re hauling horses, then you’ll have plenty of space, but the place is incredibly high maintenance when it comes to cleaning up after yourself(or your mares!). That said, it’s a stone’s throw to the World Equestrian Center, so what this place lacks in ambiance and nature, its proximity, newness and ease of navigation make it an attractable location to stay in. 

      Happy Camping!

    • 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!

    • D
      Mar. 19, 2022

      Ross Prairie Campground

      Quirky but worked

      A quirky little place. The positive is that the sites, especially around the outside loop, are spaced nicely and private. It’s not a bad drive to Crystal River or Ocala. The bathroom, although not particularly convenient to the sites, is newly remodeled. And there are biking and hiking trails right at the campground. However the layout is somewhat funky and the road noise is bad. I suggest a site as far from the road as possible, 3 seemed like the best site to me. Also, this is now a Florida state park, but you wouldn’t know it. Seems a bit of an identity crisis between the state park, state forest and greenway that goes by here.

    • Christy C.
      Jul. 18, 2016

      Santos Trailhead & Campground

      Mountain biker paradise

      This campground is located near Ocala, FL. on the cross florida greenway. It is a small loop of only 22 sites with water and electric. Has clean restrooms with showers. The main reasons for going here is either hiking or mountain biking. The trails are close and have been recently updated to be even better since we last visited 5 years ago. Over 30 miles of trails to explore. Some sites are shaded but ours was full sun as well as those around us. Very peaceful surroundings.

    • Abby M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jan. 29, 2021

      Lake Panasoffkee

      Love love love

      This place was PERFECT. There was a big open field where basically all equestrian campers parked at since it was near the horse stalls. There’s also more shaded camp spots towards the back which is where I ended up. Beautiful trees for shade but room to get some solar too. All areas have a super nice fire pit and picnic table. The bathrooms have flush toilets and running water. There is non-potable water spigots throughout the campground and there are miles and miles worth of trails for biking, hiking, or horseback riding. There is a host on site who was extremely kind. dumpster up at the entrance to toss any trash you may have. 2-3 bars of 5G AT&T. Felt super safe all times of the day. Right in between two towns so can easily get groceries or gas with a 15 minute drive.

    Guide to Ocala

    Lake Panasoffkee Recreation Area sits at 75 feet above sea level in central Florida's subtropical climate. The surrounding terrain features sandy soil with pine and hardwood forests. Winter temperatures typically range from 50-70°F, making it peak season for equestrian camping near Ocala, Florida.

    What to do

    Trail riding on various terrains: The Withlacoochee State Forest offers varied riding experiences with sandy trails requiring proper hoof care. "Very nice small campground. Best asset is the access to hiking and biking. Miles of trails," notes Esther M. at Santos Trailhead & Campground.

    Wildlife viewing opportunities: The preserves around Ocala provide habitat for diverse wildlife. "This park has 8 trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding. We were able to see wild horses, bisons, snakes and gators. Great for fishing and kayaking," reports Brenda S. at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park Campground.

    Water recreation: Many equestrian campgrounds provide access to water features. At Potts Preserve, one camper shared, "You can boat right into these spots! However the downside is they are flooded some of the year."

    What campers like

    Private campsites: Many equestrian camping areas offer spacious sites. "Sites and facilities are nice and clean. The host were very nice and helpful. Has equestrian area and post at each hotel site. Most sites are well shaded," notes AJ G. about Shangri-La Trailhead & Campground.

    Clean facilities: Bathroom amenities vary across horse campgrounds near Ocala. "Great place to stay with nice hot showers!" Kimberly S. mentions about Shangri-La Trailhead.

    Convenient layouts: Campground organization enhances the experience. "All sites are pull thru for you rvers out there!" notes Bran P. about Ross Prairie Campground, adding "Definitely quieter here."

    What you should know

    Reservation requirements: Most equestrian campgrounds require advance booking. One camper at Lake Panasoffkee explained, "Just pick a place you want to set up, drive in and park. Nice trails to hike. Clean bathrooms."

    Seasonal considerations: Weather impacts trail conditions throughout the year. "Spots have fire rings and a couple have picnic tables. Porta potty is clean," notes Todd M. about Potts Preserve.

    Noise factors: Some campgrounds experience noise disruption. "Extremely noisy with trains running through all night, of course, blowing their whistles!" warns Lauren W. about Santos Trailhead.

    Tips for camping with families

    Beginner-friendly trails: Look for campgrounds with accessible riding paths. "I went for my birthday and we had an amazing time, clean bathroom and shower facilities and plenty of space between campsites," shares Shayna B. about Shangri-La Trailhead.

    Educational opportunities: Children can learn about local ecology. "Visitor's Center very helpful with information. Saw wild horses in the prairie," notes Lauren W. about Paynes Prairie.

    Safety considerations: "The sounds of coyotes at night spooked our dog, but we got through the night with some comforting and cuddles," advises Shayna B. about camping at Shangri-La Trailhead.

    Tips from RVers

    Hookup availability: Electric and water access varies at equestrian campgrounds. "This campground is one loop in a field. With camping along the edge in the woods and also in the field with some trees. The bathrooms are huge and modern and super nice," reports David G. at Santos Trailhead.

    Solar options: Some primitive sites work well for solar setups. At Lake Panasoffkee, Tom K. mentions, "Lot's of places to park with full-sun for solar. They do have non-potable water. Can't keep hose hooked up to RV but you are allowed to run hose to your fresh water tank and fill if you desire."

    Parking logistics: Trailer parking requires planning. "All sites are close to bathroom with showers. Quiet campground. Walking trails within campground and horse back trails!" notes Amanda A. about Ross Prairie.

    Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Ocala, FL is Santos Trailhead & Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 17 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 31 equestrian camping locations near Ocala, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.

    Keep Exploring