9 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Myakka River State Park offers limited options for horse owners near Osprey, Florida. While the park has extensive trail systems and natural areas, none of the three campground areas (Palmetto Ridge, Old Prairie, and Big Flats) feature dedicated horse corrals or equestrian-specific facilities according to the available data. The campgrounds accommodate various camping styles including tent, RV, and cabin options with full hookups available at Palmetto Ridge. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound throughout the park with numerous riders reporting alligator sightings along the trails and waterways.
Horse enthusiasts planning to camp must arrange alternative horse housing as no specialized equestrian amenities exist within the standard campgrounds. The extensive trail network provides riding opportunities, though visitors need to trailer their horses in for day use rather than overnight accommodation. Primitive camping sites located along the hiking trails might offer more flexibility for resourceful riders willing to set up temporary highlines. The park's diverse terrain encompasses wetlands, prairies, and forests with trails that vary in difficulty and scenery. Campers regularly encounter wildlife including deer, wild hogs, and numerous bird species while exploring the park's 39 miles of hiking trails, many of which may be suitable for horseback riding with proper permissions.
"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
Check Availability"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
Check Availability"Parking is away from campsites."
"All sites have a fire ring and picnic table
There are vault toilets available in the loop and there is a potable water spigot at the nearby ranger station (firewood also available there)."
from $9 / night
Check Availability"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
Check Availability"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."
"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."
from $16 - $80 / night
Check Availability"Lively rivers and trails to explore for kids."
from $20 - $25 / night
Check Availability"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
Check Availability"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
Check Availability
ScoutQuiet. Definitely skewed toward equestrian. Sites are well spaced. Outer loop is best. Restroom/showers are very well kept. Not much for kids. Short trails are ok. Cayaking is best option if you're in to that. Relax here, enjoy the peace and have your favorite beverage
GuideTook the littles (ages 5 &4) for their first tent camping trip - had a blast once they learned what s’mores were all about! Decent space, warm days and unusually cool nights.
RangerMy friends and I stayed here on May 26th and 27th, and the campground was pretty empty, which is honestly a shame because it’s such a beautiful place. It feels like you’re right in the middle of an untouched natural oasis. The campsites are separated by large plants, which gives you a really private and cozy feeling. The bathrooms and showers were clean and well maintained. The host was also very kind and helpful. I’d definitely recommend staying here.
ScoutWe were looking forward to staying here, but when we arrived the gate was locked and we did not have the code. We called the phone number at the gate, but nobody answered so we were left scrambling for somewhere else to stay at 9pm.
I'm sure it is a lovely park, but I didn't see anything on their website or here about the gate being locked.
ScoutCheck in is at 2 PM onwards, check out by 2 pm Sunday. Lively rivers and trails to explore for kids.
GuideIf you are here, reading this review, you are one step ahead of me. I booked this campsite without doing a whole lot of research. I was driving, I passed through Arcadia, and the first two places I looked at had a three night minimum or were fully booked so I went with this one. Peace River. It sounds so peaceful. But this place is really just a playground for ATVs. I’m in a Ram Promaster and I booked a primitive site. Basically, I parked under some trees and spent two hours watching and listening to ATV riders circle me like bees around a flower. When I heard myself saying “I hate it here,” I knew it was time to drive two hours back home. Plus I was at risk of getting stuck in the sugar sand with my front wheel drive vehicle. I’ve never heard of sugar sand, and now it will fill my nightmares.
RangerGreat spot for a weekend of doing nothing. Park has 4 lakes with boat launches and floating docks for fishing. Lakes are loaded with gators and other wildlife. The campsites ashame plenty of trees for shad. They have power sites and primitive camping as well. Weather was great and as good as it gets for FL camping.
ScoutI’ve camp at this park on 3 occasions. Due to hurricanes and a prolonged drought the park is only partially functional. For over 2 years there has been no drinking water. Their osmosis processing isn’t working and hasn’t been repaired. There is free jug water at the entrance. Because of low water levels in the lake and river the boat tours have been discontinued, and kayaking is limited on the river. The bird walk is closed due to hurricane damage. I camped years ago and everything was open and working. It’s a great park but I can’t recommend it in its current condition.
TravelerThe camp grounds are great with very good privacy and lots of space between most sites. Bathrooms were a little far but not terrible. The rest of the park was mediocre, seemed catered to bike riders with everyone else disregarded.
Myakka River State Park spans over 37,000 acres of wetlands, prairies, and pinelands near Osprey, Florida. The park contains 39 miles of hiking trails with varying difficulty levels through diverse terrain. Average winter temperatures range from 50-72°F while summer temperatures typically reach 90°F with high humidity and frequent afternoon thunderstorms.
Primitive camping adventures: For more secluded experiences away from standard campgrounds, Myakka River State Park offers primitive backcountry sites. "They have great primative sites, with hikes that vary from 2 miles to 14 miles to camp sites. Beware of heat, bring plenty of water. Dont depend on water pumps," advises Michael K. who camped at Big Flats Campground.
Wildlife viewing excursions: The park's waterways and trails provide ample opportunities for wildlife spotting. "We arrived at the gate! After hearing of the wilderness preserve we decided to go ahead and get the permit... After driving back to the parking area, we realized we had the 600 acres to ourselves. We then hiked to the deep hole. There we saw tons of alligators birds and wildlife!" notes Christina L. about her experience at Big Flats.
Kayaking and canoeing: Water activities remain popular among park visitors. "This has been our first park Campground and couldn't ask for a better one to start with. The River is really nice for canoeing as well as for fishing and nature views," shares Ronald H. from Little Manatee River State Park.
Biking through varied terrain: The trail systems throughout these parks accommodate cyclists of different skill levels. "This park is close to home for me, I come here often for the Mountain Biking and the awesome humans. The facilities are clean and the MTB trails are constantly changing so we are never bored here," writes Jennifer T. about Alafia River State Park.
Diverse activities: Most parks offer multiple recreation options within close proximity. "This is one of our fave places in FL because there is hiking, biking, birding, kayaking, much more. Sarasota has a lot to see and do, also!" mentions Linda M. who visited Big Flats Campground.
Natural surroundings: Campers appreciate the natural features preserved in these parks. "Trail system is great from dirt paths to boardwalks to cut straight through the woods," Joshua W. notes about Hardee Lakes Park, which offers a different landscape compared to Myakka River.
Seasonal considerations: Water levels fluctuate throughout the year, affecting activities. "Checked in to site 36 and discovered some very comfortable folks letting their gear go over multiple spots... No wifi, no AT&T. Literally 3 yards away from their open fire, which also isn't legal in these dry conditions," reports K & G from their experience at Old Prairie Campground.
Wildlife safety: Alligators are common in Florida waterways and require proper precautions. "Went to drain the tanks yesterday morning and a large sounding gator started to growl territorially at me. So heads up with your pets please," warns Jenelle J., who stayed at Big Flats Campground.
Permit requirements: Some areas require special permits with limited daily access. "You have to get a permit from the ranger station at 8 am and they only give out enough for 30 people each day. Well worth it," advises Kathy L. regarding the wilderness preserve at Old Prairie Campground.
Choose appropriate campsites: Some campgrounds offer more family-friendly features than others. "I'm staying in the Palmetto Ridge loop which is the only paved loop & I think the only one w/sewer. The Big Flats & Old Prairie loops are gravel road, tight, no privacy & very small sites like for popups, vans or small campers," explains Amanda W. who visited Big Flats.
Plan for weather challenges: Florida heat requires preparation, especially with children. A reviewer at Flying A Campground notes, "Nice open area with some trees and lots of palm tree bushes. Well maintained white dirt road," but warns "Racoons stalk u at night lol."
Activity options for different ages: Consider varied activities based on children's abilities. "This park offers lots of beautiful nature trails, kayaking, biking & bird watching," Barbara A. mentions about Little Manatee River State Park, making it suitable for families seeking diverse experiences.
Campground amenities vary significantly: RV sites differ greatly between campgrounds. "We stayed at the Palmetto Ridge campground which were gravel and had the full hook ups. The old prairie and big flats were regular ground surface electric/water (no sewer). These also had a little less privacy," explains Travyl Couple at Big Flats Campground.
Site accessibility considerations: Not all campgrounds can accommodate larger rigs. "Great for RV/ATV/dirtbikes ... not so much if you prefer primitive tent," Dan X. points out about Peace River Campground, one of the few equestrian-friendly options in the greater Osprey area.
Campsite reservations: Popular horse campgrounds near Osprey, Florida fill quickly during peak seasons. "I may have reviewed this park before but always find different things to share... In-Season campsites are often difficult to find," Perry J. shares about Old Prairie Campground, noting that summer reservations are easier to secure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Osprey, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Osprey, FL is Palmetto Ridge Campground — Myakka River State Park with a 4.6-star rating from 37 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Osprey, FL?
TheDyrt.com has all 9 equestrian camping locations near Osprey, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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