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Equestrian Camping near Ona, FL

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    Hardee Lakes Park offers equestrian campsites with ample parking for horse trailers in a rural setting. The campground features well-maintained trails around its four lakes that accommodate horseback riding, with wide, hard-packed surfaces suitable for horses. Sites are arranged with lake views, providing easy water access for horses. The park maintains clean facilities with working showers and toilets for riders returning from trail excursions. Despite being reclaimed from an old phosphate mine, the mature trees provide partial shade at most sites, enhancing comfort for both horses and campers.

    The trail system connects the four lakes with a mix of dirt paths, boardwalks, and woodland routes ideal for day rides. Located in a quiet area of central Florida, the equestrian camping experience remains peaceful even during busy periods. Horse owners appreciate the primitive sites with water access priced at $20 per night, offering good value for equestrian camping. While the equestrian sites are positioned somewhat close to each other, the overall atmosphere remains tranquil, particularly on weekdays when occupancy is lower. The campground serves as an excellent midpoint stop when traveling between Florida's coasts, with adequate space for horse trailers and equipment. Local vendors can deliver firewood directly to campsites, allowing riders to remain with their horses after returning from trail rides.

    Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Ona (15)

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      1. Hardee Lakes Park

      4.8(11)10mi from OnaRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "We stayed in an "equestrian" site and most people didn't have horses (neither did we).  "

      "There are four lakes, campsites are located on one of the bigger lakes. Like all parks some site are better than others, none are bad.  We had the end site on the lake that was very private."

      from $25 - $28 / night

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      2. Peace River Campground

      3.7(26)17mi from OnaRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "This campground was easy to get to and has lots to do near by. There is the town of Arcadia nearby with local history and restaurants if you feel like a hot meal on a rainy night."

      "ThisThis is a great Campground just outside of Arcadia Florida. It has ATV trails and fossilized shark tooth hunting. it has a Wilderness Area as well as developed the campground area."

      from $16 - $80 / night

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      3. Palmetto Ridge Campground — Myakka River State Park

      4.6(37)29mi from Ona38 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Hidden cabins, hiking, off-road biking, boating, wildlife...so much beauty and activities to enjoy in this park! The cabins are off the main path, tucked away and private."

      "One of the largest state parks in Florida. This great Park has full and partial hook ups for all styles of camping to include hammock camping."

      from $26 / night

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      4. Alafia River State Park Campground

      4.3(20)25mi from Ona29 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "Miles of horseback trails to ride. Very nice horse stalls to put horses in overnight. Perfect place for equine vacation!"

      "Widely known in Florida for the mountain bike trails. Not much else to do in the area, but very nice space to chill out. The night sky is far enough away that you can really take in the stars."

      from $22 / night

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      5. Little Manatee River State Park Campground

      4.4(26)32mi from Ona36 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "Equestrian, Car/RV camping and there is a back country site on a 7 mile loop trail that runs part of the way along the river."

      "A lot of walking trails for people and horses. A surprise was the amphitheater. Washers and dryers are located outside the bathrooms. Friendly hosts and other campers. Would came again."

      from $22 / night

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      6. Old Prairie Campground — Myakka River State Park

      4.3(8)29mi from Ona21 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "This is kind of our go to Florida State Park as we live very close and really enjoy the hiking, biking and paddling the river and lake."

      "Located just east of Sarasota you’ll find lots to do without having to leave the park."

      from $26 - $70 / night

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      7. Lake Kissimmee State Park Campground

      4.5(31)47mi from Ona54 sitesRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "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."

      "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."

      from $20 / night

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      8. Rye Wilderness Park Campground

      5.0(1)28mi from OnaTents

      "Lively rivers and trails to explore for kids."

      from $20 - $25 / night

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      9. Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo

      4.6(12)49mi from OnaRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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. "

      "We stayed on a waterfront site at River Ranch RV Resort and it was perfect!"

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      10. Walk In The Water Campground — Lake Wales Ridge State Forest

      4.0(2)35mi from Ona8 sitesRVs, Tents

      "It’s a very primitive location and I survived it with my son a daughter. It was nice and quiet, given how close it is to the main road."

      from $9 / night

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    Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Ona, FL

    17 Photos of 15 Ona Campgrounds

    Equestrian Camping Reviews near Ona, FL

    193 Reviews of 15 Ona Campgrounds

    • JERRY C.The Dyrt PRO User
      Jul. 24, 2024

      Istokpoga Canal Boat Ramp And Campsite

      Very relaxing 5 star review

      The place is gorgeous and if you want shade or sun it offers both. Quiet, relaxing, good trails that lead over to Hickory Hammock campground. Audrey is a excellent camp host.

      They keep it very clean and is very helpful in showing you the campsites. It is right off the main road so no dirt road to get there though you have some road noise but you can get back away from most of it.  Lots of wildlife in the woods, nothing bothered the campsite.

      There are bathrooms but no showers. They are a ways away from the campground. Its still shocking you can camp in Florida like this for free. Hope we can keep it this way for a long time.

    • Elliott B.
      Jul. 16, 2017

      Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve

      One of the largest contiguous recreation areas in Hillsborough County

      The Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve is one of the largest contiguous recreation areas in Hillsborough County.

      There are lots of different parks and areas all contained within the Preserve with all park sites managed by the Hillsborough County Conservation and Environmental Lands Management Department.

      You can only camp within 2 of these areas, the Oak Ridge Equestrian Area and at Dead River Park.

      Other parks and trails are located at the Wilderness Park Off Road Loop Trail System, Flatwoods Park, and the Jefferson Equestrian Area. The Morris Bridge Park, Trout Creek Park, and John B. Sargeant Park, offer day use areas and boat/canoe launch ramps.

      The multiple purposes of the LHWP are easily overlooked while enjoying the natural beauty of this suburban woodland. Here one can paddle waters of the Hillsborough River amongst wading birds, turtles, alligators, lilies and cypress swamps; explore over 60 miles of forest trails; fish from riverside boardwalks; or enjoy a relaxing picnic or cookout.

      Adjoining the Wilderness Preserve is the 3,000-acre Hillsborough River State Park, which in itself is an area of beauty and tranquility known as the Seventeen Runs of the Hillsborough River. This park also has wonderful camping.

      Camping

      Dead River Park

      · Camping fee.

      · Campsite available to youth groups by reservation only. Minimum of 6 and maximum of 30 campers allowed. Groups must have their own insurance.

      · A 0.25-mile hiking trail for use by campers located adjacent to campground.

      · Bathhouse and picnic facilities provided.

      The Oak Ridge Equestrian Area has 2 different campgrounds.

      The Oak Ridge Primitive Campgrounds and the Washburn Primitive Campground

      · Camping free.

      · Campsite available by reservation only and is required and must be displayed or available at campground

      · Over 16-miles of equestrian/hiking trail for use by campers located throughout the campground.

      · Sites have picnic tables, fire rings and/or grills and there are ADA portapotty and non-potable water available.

      · The Oak Ridge Campground also has a pavilion

    • Jeanene A.The Dyrt PRO User
      May. 18, 2018

      Little Manatee River State Park Campground

      So much to offer!

      What an amazing State Park - they have multiple camping options. Equestrian, Car/RV camping and there is a back country site on a 7 mile loop trail that runs part of the way along the river.

      The Car/RV camping spots are roomy, somewhat private. bathrooms are clean, almost always have camp hosts available.

      Access to the back country loop trail and camping is just down the road. Reservations are required and you check in at main gate. camp is about 4 miles in on trail if hiking counter clockwise. There is a space for fire and picnic table at site. This is a nice place for beginner backpackers to try out. Sadly just through the tree line is a golf course and housing community. Note: resident raccoon is very large - you must hang your secure food and trash! You can see lights through the trees at night and hear the lawn equipment in the mornings. This can be comforting to first timers though. The hike along the river is just beautiful.

      Equestrian camping group camping area offers 4 sites has stalls and other amenities for horse camping. fire pits and picnic tables. There are 12 miles of trails in the state park

      There is also a primitive group camping site for scouts and other similar organizations.

      There are many ranger and local outfitter activities and seasonally there are offered full moon horseback and kayak trips that allow you to see the area in a "different light"

      Fishing is available also on the river, The "lake" is man made and has little to offer for those wanting a catch.

      Make sure you book your reservation early as this park fills up fast!

    • Kathy L.The Dyrt PRO User
      Mar. 9, 2025

      Hardee Lakes Park

      Nice park and campground

      We got lucky to get a site here last minute after our state park campground was closed for extended period due to hurricane repairs (without letting us know so it was a scramble to find alternatives).  The campground is nice.  We stayed in an "equestrian" site and most people didn't have horses (neither did we).  While much of the park isn't shaded (in fact there is waayyyyy too much lawn/grass in all the communal areas - would be much better if they planted trees and let forest grow back), most sites do seem to have at least some trees providing partial shade. Not much privacy between sites, but that didn't really bother us.  There are lots of walking "roads" (dirt roads) to the various lakes. All in all, we were glad to have a site and would return if needed again.

    • Patti D.
      Feb. 12, 2021

      Little Manatee River State Park Campground

      A lovely state park

      Really enjoyed our stay here, good size lot, #10, with electric, water, picnic table and fire ring. Clean dump station. Natural trees providing privacy between lots. A lot of walking trails for people and horses. A surprise was the amphitheater. Washers and dryers are located outside the bathrooms. Friendly hosts and other campers. Would came again.

    • Donna H.
      Aug. 28, 2018

      Alafia River State Park Campground

      Perfect place to camp and take your horses with you

      Very nice facilities. Miles of horseback trails to ride. Very nice horse stalls to put horses in overnight. Perfect place for equine vacation!

    • E
      May. 15, 2019

      Palmetto Ridge Campground — Myakka River State Park

      Not the Florida you imagine about when you think Florida...

      Hidden cabins, hiking, off-road biking, boating, wildlife...so much beauty and activities to enjoy in this park! The cabins are off the main path, tucked away and private. They are super roomy and comfortable with their own picnic tables and grills. You can launch canoes/kayaks or book a trip on the boats in the park. If you like off-road biking there are several nice trails. Really family-friendly!

    • Perry J.
      Feb. 14, 2021

      Old Prairie Campground — Myakka River State Park

      Quintessential Florida

      This is kind of our go to Florida State Park as we live very close and really enjoy the hiking, biking and paddling the river and lake. We typically book last minute as“In-Season” campsites are often difficult to find. In addition, the lower campground is sometimes flooded out or closed for repairs putting even more pressure on the two campgrounds closer to the main park entrance which is further from the lake and general store. 

      I may have reviewed this park before but always find different things to share. Their are three main campgrounds:

      (1) Old Prairie where we usually stay. This is an older campground with a more rustic, state park vibe. Maybe 20 sites typically hosting smaller trailers, vans and tents etc.

      (2) Palmetto Ridge is more more or less across from Old Prairie with a more open and modern looking vibe and where you will see more of your typical RV crowd of Big Rigs and larger trailers

      (3) Big Flats is about 3 miles down the road from the entrance close to Lake Myakka where the tour boat, boat ramp, general store etc is found. We have never stayed here as it has been closed for repairs, maintenance and flooding on numerous occasions. Perhaps something to consider if you are booking way in advance. 

      The reason Myakka is so popular to Florida visitors is it has outstanding beauty, a real Jurassic Park feel but is very near Sarasota with all the beaches, museums, restaurants and activities literally less than 1/2 hour away. Lots of people vacationing Florida on the cheap like to set up home here“in-season” and jump from site to site and stay as long as they can. Summers are much easier to find a site. 

      We are lucky to live so close. We are here more in the summer and swing seasons. This park makes an excellent 2 or 3 day adventure or a great Basecamp for your Florida vacation. You won’t be disappointed. 

      NOTE: Some of the public facilities have been closed due to COVID including the “Canopy Walk” which is very cool so you may want to check if that sort of thing interests you.

      It is always interesting to me how all the Florida State Parks are a little different as the park manager seems to have some autonomy. Certain parks have public facilities closed like the Canopy Walk here at Myakka but another Florida State Park might have their observation tower open even though the structures are similar. Go figure.

    • The Longs ..The Dyrt PRO User
      Sep. 23, 2024

      Upper Hillsborough Preserve — Alston Tract

      Beautiful, Clean, Quiet

      We camped overnight on a Friday and were the only people in the area. Lovely space for dispersed camping with a picnic table, fire pit, an outhouse and hiking trails. We'll definitely visit again when we're in Florida.

    Guide to Ona

    Hardee Lakes Park accommodates equestrians with several campground options including designated horse campsites situated near multiple lakes. The park features multi-use trails that circle four lakes and wind through wooded areas, making it suitable for trail riding. Primitive campsites on the lake cost $20 per night at time of writing, with water access available. The campground maintains clean bathroom facilities with shower access for campers after riding. Horse owners appreciate the well-maintained, hard-packed trails that can accommodate various activities including horseback riding. Sites offer sufficient space for horse trailer parking and basic amenities including fire pits and picnic tables.

    Peace River Campground offers another horse-friendly camping option in the Ona area, though it primarily caters to ATV enthusiasts rather than equestrian activities. The campground provides river access and connects to several riding trails throughout its expansive property. Trailer parking is available at most campsites with varying degrees of privacy. Sites located directly on the riverbank provide water access for horses, though noise from ATVs may be a consideration until 10 pm. Horse campers should be prepared for sugar sand trails throughout the property that may present challenges for vehicles without four-wheel drive. The primitive camping areas are somewhat separated from the main campground, offering more seclusion for those camping with horses.

    Frequently Asked Questions

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Ona, FL is Hardee Lakes Park with a 4.8-star rating from 11 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 15 equestrian camping locations near Ona, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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