Best Equestrian Camping near Ormond Beach, FL

Are you planning a trip to Ormond Beach with your horse? We've got you covered. Equestrian camping is the best way to experience nature. At The Dyrt, you can find top-rated spots for horse camping, as reviewed by campers.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Ormond Beach, FL (11)

    Camper-submitted photo from Encore Bulow RV
    Camper-submitted photo from Encore Bulow RV
    Camper-submitted photo from Encore Bulow RV
    Camper-submitted photo from Encore Bulow RV
    Camper-submitted photo from Encore Bulow RV
    Camper-submitted photo from Encore Bulow RV

    1. Encore Bulow RV

    12 Reviews
    65 Photos
    25 Saves
    Flagler Beach, Florida

    Bulow RV Resort is the perfect location for those who appreciate an unspoiled Florida environment. Nestled on the banks of Bulow Creek, many of our guests enjoy boating, fishing, hiking and cycling. With direct access to Bulow Creek or a short drive to the Intracoastal Waterway, Bulow RV Resort is a water lover's paradise. Staying at an Encore Flagler Beach-Palm Coast RV resort gives you incredible access to a number of outdoor recreational activities in Flagler Beach, Daytona Beach and St. Augustine - including six golf courses nearby. Closer to home, Bulow RV Resort guests enjoy a small-town feeling in our community, complete with an on-site shop, bar and activities center. You'll feel right at home among your friendly neighbors. A water lover's paradise at a Flagler Beach, Palm Coast RV resort Whether you're planning a retreat for the whole family, a group of friends or a getaway for two, there's no shortage of unique activities to explore at Bulow RV Resort. Plan activities upon arrival or visit this page before your departure to plan ahead. Looking for more? Our friendly staff can fill you in on all of the great ways to make your stay a memorable experience.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground

    2. Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground

    65 Reviews
    153 Photos
    517 Saves
    Apopka, Florida

    Wekiwa Springs Camping offers slopes of gently rolling hills supporting longleaf pine among other specialty plants is the Sandhill habitat where the 60 spacious campsites are located. Each wooded site has water and electrical hook-up, a fire ring with grill and a picnic table. Some sites also have sewer hook-ups and a dump station is located at the campground. Accessible camp sites can be requested at the time of reservation. Two accessible restrooms with showers are located in the camping area. Firewood is available at the ranger station. Well behaved pets are allowed in the campground in accordance with our Pet Policy.

    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $24 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Princess Place Preserve
    Camper-submitted photo from Princess Place Preserve
    Camper-submitted photo from Princess Place Preserve
    Camper-submitted photo from Princess Place Preserve
    Camper-submitted photo from Princess Place Preserve
    Camper-submitted photo from Princess Place Preserve

    3. Princess Place Preserve

    10 Reviews
    47 Photos
    224 Saves
    Palm Coast, Florida

    Tent Camping Only (No RV's). Tent Camping is allowed at designated campsites in the Princess Place Preserve.

    Princess Place Preserve, with its rich history and 1500 pristine acres, attracts nature enthusiasts from near and far. It provides a glimpse of old Florida. Visitors can take in its splendor while on one of the many hiking trails, fishing the salt marshes along the Matanzas River and Pellicer Creek, or camping out under the stars. The preserve is a popular spot for horse enthusiasts, with an equestrian campsite and plenty of trails that make it is easy to embrace nature while enjoying a ride.

    This beautiful 1,500-acre preserve is situated in the northern part of Flagler County. It was purchased by Henry Cutting in 1886 and passed on to his widow Angela Mills Cutting Worden, who eventually married Boris Scherbatoff, an exiled Russian prince. Angela assumed the title of princess and it was then that the once named "Cherokee Grove" came to be known as "Princess Place." The original lodge, built by Henry Cutting, stills stands as Flagler County's oldest intact structure. It is also home to Florida's very first in-ground swimming pool.

    Hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Sunday. There are Lodge tours Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. on a first come first serve basis. There is no reservations for the tours, simply meet the Rangers at the Lodge at 2pm. Camping check-in is from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Ranger Station. For more information about camping or pavilion rentals, call Parks and Recreation at 386-313-4020.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents

    $20 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Tram Road Equestrian Campground - Tiger Bay State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake George Conservation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake George Conservation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake George Conservation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake George Conservation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake George Conservation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake George Conservation Area

    5. Lake George Conservation Area

    2 Reviews
    20 Photos
    20 Saves
    Georgetown, Florida

    About this property

    The Lake George Conservation Area protects more than half of the eastern shore of Lake George and its associated watershed that flows into the lake. Adjacent to property purchased in partnership with Volusia County, the conservation area also protects a wildlife corridor of more than 20 miles along Lake George and the St. Johns River.

    The property is primarily composed of mixed hardwood swamp and pine flatwoods and is included in the wildlife management area managed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, enhancing wetlands and upland habitats.

    One of the special highlights of this property is its high concentration of eagles’ nests. When it was purchased, this area boasted the highest concentration of bald eagles outside of Alaska. Eagles made their nests primarily in large old pine trees that resided as single trees in the wetlands throughout the property. They are now nesting in trees that were planted outside the wetlands. Access

    From U.S. 17, turn west on Georgetown-Denver Road (west of Crescent City); from Seville, turn west on County Road 305 (Lake George Road); north of Pierson, turn west on Nine Mile Road. Wildlife viewing

    Please respect Florida’s wildlife and use caution while visiting district lands. These are wild animals. For your safety, do not approach or feed any wild animal. Species found here include Florida black bear, Sherman’s fox squirrel and southern bald eagle (one of the region’s largest concentrations). Other species include the American alligator, gopher tortoise, bobcat, hawk, heron, otter, owl, osprey and white-tailed deer. Recreational activities

    Seasonal hunting, fishing, hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, primitive camping at designated sites and wildlife viewing.
    Boating opportunities are available on Lake George.
    
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Equestrian
    Camper-submitted photo from Princess Place Preserve - Moody Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Princess Place Preserve - Moody Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Princess Place Preserve - Moody Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Princess Place Preserve - Moody Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Princess Place Preserve - Moody Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Princess Place Preserve - Moody Campground

    6. Princess Place Preserve - Moody Campground

    2 Reviews
    11 Photos
    26 Saves
    Palm Coast, Florida
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $20 - $25 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Welaka State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Welaka State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Welaka State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Welaka State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Welaka State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Welaka State Forest

    7. Welaka State Forest

    4 Reviews
    12 Photos
    41 Saves
    Welaka, Florida

    Special Notice Effective September 13, 2022, the following roads and recreational facilities are closed due to excessive rainfall and unsafe ground conditions:

    • Mud Spring • Mud Spring Trail • Fire Tower Recreation Area • Education Trail • Indian Pond Road • John’s Landing Campground • Orange Point Campground

    Forest staff will continue to monitor the situation regularly and reopen the roads and facilities once it is safe to do so. Please avoid these areas until the closure is lifted.

    Welaka State Forest is located along the east bank of the historic St. Johns River. The Florida Forest Service maintains the integrity of the forest's natural systems while allowing limited outdoor recreation use and environmental education. In 1935, under the Federal Resettlement Administration, the United States government started the Welaka Forestry and Wildlife Conservation Project on a state of Florida fish hatchery site. The Welaka property was later transferred to the University of Florida as the “University of Florida Conservation Reserve, Welaka” for the study of forestry and wildlife. In 1992 the lease was transferred from the University of Florida to the Florida Forest Service to manage as a state forest.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $10 - $15 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Doe Lake Group Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Doe Lake Group Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Doe Lake Group Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Doe Lake Group Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Doe Lake Group Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Doe Lake Group Site

    8. Doe Lake Group Site

    2 Reviews
    8 Photos
    23 Saves
    Ocklawaha, Florida

    Overview

    Doe Lake is a group campsite with a variety of activities. Centered around a historic lodge with a large group kitchen, it's an ideal place for major outdoor gatherings of up to 250 people. The site is a favorite among equestrian groups, but can also accommodate weddings and other social events. Please read before making reservations Doe Lake Rules and Regulations Agreement For reservations or refund request please call (877) 444-6777

    Recreation

    Equestrian camping, canoeing, boating and fishing are some of the popular activities around Doe Lake, and can be enjoyed exclusively by visitors with a group reservation. Campers can launch a canoe or low-powered boat and drop a line in the middle of Doe Lake for an afternoon of fishing.

    Natural Features

    Located in north central Florida, the Ocala National Forest spans four counties and 383,000 acres. It is the southernmost and oldest national forest east of the Mississippi River and protects the world's largest contiguous sand pine scrub forest. The camping area sits beneath a shady grove of oaks and pines overlooking Doe Lake, and the dining hall sits atop a grassy hill with a view of the water.

    Nearby Attractions

    The Ocala National Forest is notable for its extensive off-road trail system catering to both ATV enthusiasts and Jeeps, as well as being a traditional destination for deer hunters. These opportunities are available in designated areas throughout the forest.

    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group

    $350 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Sawgrass Island Preserve
    Camper-submitted photo from Sawgrass Island Preserve
    Camper-submitted photo from Sawgrass Island Preserve
    Camper-submitted photo from Sawgrass Island Preserve
    Camper-submitted photo from Sawgrass Island Preserve
    Camper-submitted photo from Sawgrass Island Preserve

    9. Sawgrass Island Preserve

    1 Review
    9 Photos
    11 Saves
    Grand Island, Florida

    This 1,137-acre site is located at the north end of Lake Yale. The major feature is a 600-acre shallow marsh. Approximately 61% of the property is comprised of forested and herbaceous wetlands (692.2 acres) with the remaining 39% consisting of uplands (444.5 acres). The upland community types found on the Preserve include unimproved pasture, shrub/brushland, mesic hammocks, xeric hammocks and pine flatwoods. Wildlife include sandhill cranes, gopher tortoises, pocket gophers, ring-neck ducks, foxes and scrub jays.

    Hiking, biking or horseback riding on the Sawgrass Island Preserve allows the visitor an opportunity to experience a natural area far away from the urbanized environment. There are two primitive camping sites located on the Hammock Trial. They consist of a fire ring, picnic table and a post to hang your lantern. There is no water source, so water must be carried in. Camping is available by permit only.

    • Tents
    • Equestrian
    • Picnic Table
    Camper-submitted photo from Trails End Outdoors RV Park & Cabins
    Camper-submitted photo from Trails End Outdoors RV Park & Cabins
    Camper-submitted photo from Trails End Outdoors RV Park & Cabins
    Camper-submitted photo from Trails End Outdoors RV Park & Cabins
    Camper-submitted photo from Trails End Outdoors RV Park & Cabins
    Camper-submitted photo from Trails End Outdoors RV Park & Cabins
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Showing results 1-10 of 11 campgrounds

Recent Equestrian Reviews in Ormond Beach

103 Reviews of 11 Ormond Beach Campgrounds


  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from Encore Bulow RV
    Jun. 8, 2024

    Encore Bulow RV

    Pool was okay, but the staff wasn’t.

    I asked my parents to book this RV site because it has a pool and WiFi. First things first, you have to pay for WiFi. I spent $15 on WiFi for ONE DAY for 7 people because if you make only one account it allows only 3 devices to sign it with it. Doesn’t mention anything about that on their website or on here. The plants here and the views are really pretty. The pool was okay, and the one day and night we stayed there we met some friendly people who were staying there as well. The next morning, (40 minutes before checkout time) they were already calling my mom and asking us when we were leaving. Are you serious? Put an earlier check-out time on your business if you want people to leave earlier. It sucks because I recommended this site to my parents, and they treated my mom very crummy. We won’t be back here again.

  • L
    Camper-submitted photo from Princess Place Preserve - Moody Campground
    Apr. 15, 2024

    Princess Place Preserve - Moody Campground

    Beautiful place

    This is an excellent place to pitch a tent and spend time in nature without traveling far. Great hiking trails and the Pelicer Creek is available for fishing. Bring a kayak.

    The camp sites are huge. The tent sites are elevated which should help keep the soil dryer in case of rain.

    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 and water for washing dishes if you plan on doing some cleanup. Also, there are bathrooms but they’re pretty far. The campsites do have nearby porta potties.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Trails End Outdoors RV Park & Cabins
    Jan. 1, 2024

    Trails End Outdoors RV Park & Cabins

    Hidden Equestrian Campground Gem

    Should you find yourself in north central Florida where the sun melts the unrelenting scorching hot humid days into a bright inferno dusk before sprinkling the night sky with shining bright holes to heaven in a moonlit nocturnal ceiling of utter darkness and are looking for the perfect spot to experience what the great Sunshine State has to offer, then I would recommend a nice little respite called Trails End Outdoors RV Park& 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. 

    To access Trails End Outdoors, you will head north on Willis Road and follow a series of quick turns and curves on this slow-moving jagged gravel road, but no worries, the good folks of this campground outpost have cunningly placed a sign to guide you along your way at any single point that you might drive in the wrong direction. After a few minutes of navigating what looks to be somewhat hidden residential areas with large country farm lawns and plenty of pasture for cattle and horses, you will eventually arrive at what looks like at first a country western ranch, where you’ll turn into the property. 

    Heading straight ahead, you’ll come across a massive open air hall-like structure that offers up an outdoor living room complete with chairs and lawn furniture, grills and BBQs as well as some rocking chairs. Just beyond this informal community gathering area to the left, you will see a raised pool that is quite inviting and has a nice wooden deck all the way around it- just the perfect escape from the blistering heat that this part of Florida is known for. The next two buildings will make you reminisce about the Wild West with its wooden facade country store-looking main office building, followed by a‘his and hers’ outhouse, the former of which is where you will check-in. And just beyond the main office to the north, you will glimpse vast open pastures full of farm animals hiding beneath the shade of ancient Oaks dripping with Spanish moss as though these trees had been growing long white beards for hundreds of years. 

    After checking in, depending upon what set-up you’ve signed up for, you’ll be directed back the way you came, where a small singular loop will take you around the property, first to the handful of scattered wooden cabins(cleverly named after famous cowboys like Wyatt Earp, John Wayne and Doc Holiday) that make up their own small cul-de-sac with each log cabin unit offering up a porch with rocking chairs and/ or patio chairs with nice tall lanterns in front of each cabin. If you continue down the lane, you’ll pass a number of conjoined trees that have fresh-cut wood, perfect for a roaring fire to be set later in the evening. Beyond the handful of cabins, you’ll arrive to the rest of the property that is reserved for RVs and 5th Wheelers. All of these spaces have a simple but effective layout with very long slots that have been freshly laid with larger black stone gravel, with the entire area very easy to navigate and pull into. Standard hook-ups are available with 30 and 50 amp electric along with septic and water. There’s no real privacy between all of the slots, so no matter where you go, while some slots have better shade than others, there will be unobstructed views between you and your neighbors. 

    Beyond the mobile camping parking area, there’s 20 or so open acres where you can pitch your tent. From an amenities standpoint, there’s a very good community bathhouse, just OK WiFi, as well as the communal areas that I described at the start of this review. Trails End Outdoors offers up a number of activities from fishing($35 per day), turn-key campfire set up(in 2 hour increments), ability to interact with horses and cattle as well as a(very) small pond with its own pontoon boat. 

    Insider’s Tips? Here’s a few: (1) If you are looking for a nice slice of nature while at Trails End Outdoors, recommend heading north to Oak Hammock Camp / Rice Creek Preservation Area or Etoniah State Forest Campground, where you’ll find some pretty amazing paths to hike or some decent horseback riding trails to gallop on; (2) Should you be towing watercraft and are looking for some decent places to dip your canoe or kayak into, you’ll be delighted to know that you are surrounded by a number of small finer lakes, of which I highly recommend Lake Ida or Mirror Lake, both just due west on Highway 20 or Jewel Lake, just NW, which has a very good boat launch; (3) Should you be looking for some restaurants in the area, I suggest you try out Hog Wild Burgers& Shakes for a couple of scoops of great ice cream, Nanna’s Country Cafe for biscuits& gravy or True Grits, well, for grits, what else?!; and (4) Should you need just about anything while out this way camping, the small town of Interlachen should have you covered with a pharmacy, Ace Hardware, post office, Circle K gas station, CVS, Family Dollar store or groceries at Hitchcock’s Market. 

    Happy Camping!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Princess Place Preserve - Moody Campground
    Aug. 17, 2023

    Princess Place Preserve - Moody Campground

    A Waterfront Camping Diamond in the Rough

    If you're like me and think that the most perfect campsite is the one that sits on the water's edge that provides both a simply amazing waterfront view as well as EZ access into the waters that you are just digging to try your kayak and canoe on, then welcome to what is, quite possibly, one of the best waterfront campground destinations in the whole of Florida (and given all of the access to both salt and fresh water access here in the Sunshine State, that's saying something!).  Trust me, every once in a while, along comes a very special campground that upon reflection, one thinks that maybe they should just keep this little secret for myself. But then what good are secrets if they aren’t (eventually) shared, me thinks? 

    Well, here’s one helluva campground find that comes with pristine natural surroundings and, depending upon what type of camping you are looking for, Princess Preserve offers up just about every outdoor possibility that one could conjure up and wish for. As far as Princess Preserve itself is concerned, there are more than 1,500 square acres to explore that will offer the best of sea and land. When it comes to frackish (combo of salt and fresh H20) water, you’ll have the trifecta of salt marshes from the Matanzas River, slow-moving currents of the Moody Creek and abundant fishing of the Pellicer Creek to contend with – all three of which make for perfect kayak, canoe and paddle board exploration (just be on the watch for gators!). Back on land, there’s plenty of hiking trails that provide a bevy of well-cleared fully-functioning foot paths, while on the other hand, you will discover trails that are in dire need of some decent pruning.  And if you come with your noble steeds, you'll find simply sublime trails to 'giddy up' on.

    The name Princess Preserve comes from the widow Angela Cutting who remarried a Russian prince and assumed the title of princess (although there was no coronation). The entire park is managed by the very good folks from Flagler County Parks & Recreation, who enlist some great support from locals in the community who work together in passionate way to keep this beautiful natural gem in pristine condition. To begin with, Princess Preserve, complete with an endless array of live, ancient Oaks dripping with Spanish Moss every which way you look, features not just 1 single campground to choose from, but rather 5 individual, completely differentiated campgrounds– one just as unique and different from the other as the next. For this particular review, I will be focused on the Moody Campground. 

    If you, like me, believe that the very best campsites are those that are located waterfront and/ or at least have some view of the water, be it a silent stream, roaring river or the lapping waves of an ocean, then here at Moody Campground, you have hit the outdoor camping lottery jackpot! In addition to being very flat and well-shaded, PPP offers up spacious campsites, which I'm sure you’ll also absolutely fall in love with this very particular campground that places you so incredibly close to waterfront camping bliss that you will be able to open your tent flap door, take 10 paces and launch your kayak or canoe. Seriously, it does not get any better than this! And the view here is simply outstanding. There’s only a small handful of campsites to reserve (5 in total) and most of those sit right in front of the river, so book early and pointedly. 

    Camping here is fairly basic and primitive with just water spigots, fire ring and designated trash receptacles as well as a port-O-potty, but each campsite has a wooden frame (14 x 14) sandy perimeter to pitch your tent on for the night. Please note that here at Moody Campground you are located in the easternmost in all of Princess Place Preserve and the Equestrian Campground is just a very short distance from where you are (so perhaps you can convince someone over there to let you tie up your horse). Amenities include: no shortage of hiking, biking & riding trails, campfire rings, BBQ grills, canoe / kayak launch, historic sites, interpretive exhibits, picnic tables, pavilions (available for rent), restroom facilities and natural preserves. For those not coming with their own tents or trailers, there are 3 cottages (1 ADA) that are available for rent. 

    Insider’s tips? Sure, here’s a few: (1) Over at Moody Campground, where most of the campsites sit alongside the river, you’ll want to be aware of alligators and snakes – and one big tip I have for keeping these reptiles at bay is keeping a fire going throughout the night, or if not, when the coal and embers of the fire burn down, use your shovel or trowel to place the still warm coals in a perimeter around your tent – this small amount of warmth will keep reptiles at bay; (2) Everywhere you go the water is non-potable, so be sure to bring your own fresh water to drink; (3) If you are interested in taking advantage of the historic tours that are offered here, please note that they are offered up on a first-come, first-served, so upon arriving here, be sure to check in with a Park Ranger for availability; (4) While the kayaking here at Princess Preserve was nothing short of awesome, after a few days of paddling down the same rivers, we were given well-heeded advice to drop on over to Faver-Dykes State Park, located just due north of Princess Preserve (you can actually paddle over there from PPP, or better, drive over and launch from there); and (5) When you get tired of firing up frank & beans for dinner and don’t mind throwing on a polo shirt, head on over to 386 (only a 20 minute drive from Princess Place Preserve), where they’ll delight you with the best of surf (1 lb rock lobster, Mexican triggerfish and blue crab flounder) & turf (prime filet, pork chop with peach chutney). 

    Happy Camping!

  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground
    May. 21, 2023

    Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground

    Beautiful and peaceful place to get away

    Stayed at site 019 for 5 nights at the end of April in a 30’ travel trailer. The site backs up to an area of low grasses, bushes and palms with tall pines nearby. There is a ranger trail the runs behind the site as well but we never saw any riding past. There is a road not far away but it’s in a suburban area and I didn’t find it to be a problem. We were usually out hiking and swimming during the day and the nights just had a low hum of far off traffic. You could still hear nature all around. The trails are absolutely gorgeous. Natural palms growing among tall pines. We saw so many deer I lost count and we could hear the males in the distance. Also spotted a young alligator walking on a trail near the spring. The gopher tortoises are out in full force in the mid afternoon. Didn’t spot a bear though. We didn’t want to leave at the end of our trip. And would’ve stayed longer if our schedules allowed. Would highly recommend.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Welaka State Forest
    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!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Encore Bulow RV
    Nov. 13, 2022

    Encore Bulow RV

    RV Compound Lives Up To Extensive Resort Offerings

    While just a short jaunt from I95, in under 7 minutes from 3-lane express highway traffic, you’ll find yourself sauntering south on a meandering paved entranceway with white picket fences and swear that you were driving onto the set of Dallas (for those of us that remember that Texan drama series!). Once you swing around the bend, a blockade of Ancient Oaks and Magnolias draped in an excessive amount of Spanish Moss are there to greet you to Bulow RV Resort (which is run by Encore RV Resorts). And WOW! does this place pack a lot in! 

    For starters, this RV campground is MASSIVE with nearly 400 back-in and pull-through slots to choose from. Nestled on the banks of the Bulow Creek and nearby to the Intracoastal, with the famed Flagler Beach just beyond, this campground is perfect for those seeking water (of any kind). And for those that prefer land, no worries, out here, you are completely surrounded by 6+ golf courses and a ton of great hiking trails. Don’t have an RV? Cringe at the thought of setting up a tent? Absolutely not a problem here at Bulow RV Resort, where they’ll rent you 1 of 5 types of cabins / cottages (note: no pets allowed on these premises though). 

    Really, the only downside to this entire place is the lack of privacy that you’ll encounter here – apart from being surrounded by Florida’s most amazing natural wilderness.  Once inside this RV compound, it is quite barren and therefore doesn’t offer much in the way of privacy or a sense of seclusion. So if living in an RV city, complete with road signs and attractions is your idea of paradise, then Bulow RV Resort could be ideal for you. 

    As for amenities here, you won’t be disappointed – although you may be overwhelmed by the sheer amount of things to do! Starting with the basics, there are scattered picnic tables and BBQ grills and very well maintained restrooms and clean shower facilities. For RVers, all of the basic water, sewage and electric (30 / 50 amp) hook-ups are available and most of the spaces are fairly wide-open and barren, so you won’t have much privacy anywhere in this campground. In addition, there’s RV storage, ballroom/ banquet hall (because you never know when you might need to throw a big party, right?!), horseshoes, mini-golf, sand volleyball court, designated picnic / bbq areas, clubhouse / lounge, dog park and all the WiFi for your social media surfing pleasure. There’s also a fairly well-stocked market on-site, propane refill station, plenty of designated dump stations, shuffleboard, full service bar (yes, I couldn’t believe it either!) and an activities center that has a full lineup of daily events. And if that wasn’t enough, there’s also a fairly decent sized pool that has an absolutely pristine laundr-O-mat located right next to it. I know! Mai Tais, floaties and running a load of whites all-in-one! 

    Insider’s Tips? Here’s a few: (1) For those that are spending just a few nights (or even a week), you’ll want to find a spot much closer to the front of the property – as the back of the property is organized more for longer-term monthly ‘residents’; (2) For those that enjoy hiking, I strongly recommend heading just due south of this RV resort to Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic Park, where you can hike Bulow Creek Canoe Trail, which is quite short and basic, or head further south to Boardman Pond where there’s a pretty cool observation platform for bird-watching; (3) For tent campers, you’ll discover that this resort has isolated a place directly in front (near those white picket fences), where you will be separated from the RV community.  Again, because there is ZERO ground coverage, you will feel a little like a ‘spider in a bathtub,’ so I would recommend if you are going to camp here, to opt for a site as far west as you can (towards those Ancient Oaks and Magnolias I first mentioned – in fact, I would just go primitive and head in that direction anyway); (4) If you’re looking to drop a kayak or canoe in the water, you can either do that directly on-site where the Bulow Creek merges with the Halifax River (nearby the swimming pool) or further afield and southernly, you can drop your watercraft in Tomoka Marsh Aquatic Preserve where you’ll enjoy much wider expanses; and (5) When you get tired of firing up the grill for each meal and want to venture out into the local area, go try out Flagler Fish Company which has been a local (funky) favorite for years or The Anchor, both of which serve up just amazing seafood done up any which way you can imagine. 

    Happy Camping!

  • Richard B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground
    Aug. 7, 2022

    Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground

    Quiet Camp/Busy Spring

    Quiet woodsy spread out CG small loops so always close to the bathhouse. Dirt sites ours was level. Cell service was good. CG about a mile from the Springs and playground. Springs and Playground are very nice but very busy on the weekends. Publix is less than 5 minutes of you forget something.

  • M
    Camper-submitted photo from Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground
    Jun. 30, 2022

    Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground

    Great Stay

    We arrived on a Thursday. The campground was about half full. Went the springs on Friday. Not very crowded at all. The staff that in interacted with were all friendly. Facilities were all clean and well maintained.

  • Erica S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Encore Bulow RV
    Apr. 1, 2022

    Encore Bulow RV

    Pretty and spacious if you can handle road noise

    Another nice stop on our East Coast bike tour! Spacious sites with picnic tables and water. Charge phone in the bathroom. No hot water for shower the night we were there though, and the tent camping area backs up to the main road into the neighborhood, so we heard car noise throughout the night.

  • C
    Camper-submitted photo from Encore Bulow RV
    Dec. 26, 2021

    Encore Bulow RV

    Not a value

    Sites were sand/grass. Gravel is badly needed. Overnight rain left sites in standing water. Pool was lovely. Restrooms and laundry were clean.

  • Rishi  B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground
    Nov. 7, 2021

    Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground

    Springs Camping

    We had a great time camping here. You do have to drive to the springs from your campsite but it’s not a huge deal.

    Bathrooms were nice and clean and got good cell service.

    The tall pines were beautiful and you had decent amount of space from other campers.

  • D
    Camper-submitted photo from Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground
    Nov. 6, 2021

    Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground

    Wonderful experience

    2nd time going camping and it was amazing! The springs were great after a 2 hours hiking. Lot of places to explore. We saw deers, turkeys, owls, birds. We definitely are going back!

  • Kimberly R.
    Camper-submitted photo from Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground
    Oct. 31, 2021

    Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground

    Great park!

    Loud campers here! It’s a very busy state park. The bathrooms were some of the worst we’ve ever seen. However, our site was great. We hiked, went fishing, and kayaked. Great park for the amenities!

  • A Guy from Earth
    Camper-submitted photo from Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground
    Oct. 5, 2021

    Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground

    Very Good, Not Great

    On our visit in January of 2019 we found the campsites and the bathrooms to be okay but not great. The sites weren't very spaced out and there wasn't a lot of trees or brush between them so privacy wasn't great, but I've seen worse and it wasn't too much of an issue.

    The main attraction to this campground (and State Park) are the springs and the waterway that leads to Wekiva Island. It is great for kayaking or swimming.

    The trails also seemed very fun from where I can see from the road and campground, but unfortunately I didn't get to go explore them.

  • Amanda L.
    Camper-submitted photo from Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground
    Oct. 5, 2021

    Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground

    Wekiwa Springs State Park Camping

    This state park has good camp sites with fine hard packed sand. All sites have picnic tables and fire rings. Two circles make up the camp sites. The circle with the higher numbers are more suited to tent campers. We stayed in site 54 and 36 which were great. Bathrooms are clean. There a plenty of trails to hike and kayak trails to paddle. The swimming is okay, but the area gets busy. Wekiva Island is close by, you can paddle there for a snack and a beer. Lively crowd hanging out by the water.

  • Nelson G.
    Camper-submitted photo from Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground
    Oct. 4, 2021

    Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground

    Pretty nice

    Stayed for a weekend. Thought it was a nice park, clean and spacious campsite. Had good water, electric and sewage connections. My main complaint is we could definitely hear and see vehicle traffic coming from a nearby roadway, but once you get passed that, it’s a nice place. Staff was friendly.

  • Toniko W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground
    Aug. 16, 2021

    Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground

    One of the beat parks in Florida

    If you can get a spot in this park…. It’s one not be missed. Close to Orlando and all the amenities it has to offer… but when you are in the park you feel miles away from anywhere. Great spring for swimming and a river for canoeing. Biggest problem is finding availability.

  • T
    Camper-submitted photo from Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground
    Aug. 6, 2021

    Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground

    Canoeing the springs

    Lovely customer service and the most beautiful river to paddle down. Saw so many fish and turtles. Even a few otters. There’s a stand for food and drinks and if you want to get out there there are plenty of hiking and primitive camp sights.

  • T
    Camper-submitted photo from Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground
    Aug. 6, 2021

    Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground

    A very lovely park

    Just finished my first two nights in wekiwa. Saw an abundance of animals including deer, a bear, and alligators. Plants and mushrooms were amazing , and caught tons of fish from the bank. Big buck has water which is nice. Plenty of space, fire pit, pack hooks, and even an old pipe to lock your bike on if that’s your fancy. Will definitely be back.

  • B H.
    Camper-submitted photo from Welaka State Forest
    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.


Drive Time


Guide to Ormond Beach

Horse camping in Florida offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and equestrian enjoyment, with numerous sites catering specifically to horse enthusiasts.

Equestrian campgrounds include ample amenities

Tips for equestrian camping near Ormond Beach, Florida

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Ormond Beach, FL?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Ormond Beach, FL is Encore Bulow RV with a 3.1-star rating from 12 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Ormond Beach, FL?

    TheDyrt.com has all 11 equestrian camping locations near Ormond Beach, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.