4 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Okaloacoochee Slough Hunt Camp offers the only dedicated horse corral in the Bonita Springs region, making it a primary destination for equestrians seeking horse camping with their animals. Located on County Road 832 in Felda, this campground provides amenities for horse owners including electric hookups with both fifty-amp and thirty-amp service, water connections, sewer hookups, and generator access. The hunt camp features primitive sites suitable for both tent and RV camping in an open setting with minimal privacy between sites. The campground maintains non-potable water at the adjacent horse corrals but lacks shower facilities. Very friendly camp hosts often greet arrivals and may offer additional assistance with ice or water.
The surrounding Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest provides access to multiple trails ideal for horseback riding, with Wildcow Road offering a particularly pleasant route with minimal vehicle traffic. Located approximately 35 miles inland from Bonita Springs, the area features prairie landscapes with fairly dense low-growing trees and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Horseshoe Primitive Campground in Picayune Strand State Forest presents another option for equestrians, though it lacks dedicated corrals. Both locations require reservations, with fees around $10-11 per night. During wetter months, some trails may become temporarily impassable, particularly in Picayune Strand which experiences seasonal flooding as part of the Everglades watershed. The hunt camp's location along backcountry roads creates a quiet atmosphere with only occasional traffic, making for peaceful nights under exceptionally clear skies for stargazing.
"Camping in Florida is not for the faint of heart, but for the adventurous...much like any state."
"Just hit this equestrian campground for a single night and I had the place to myself. There was a single cameraman from a local news affiliate shooting video of deer in the field at sunset."
from $9 / night
"The first time we stayed in Site 5, I believe, and something to note is that it is directly next to one of the ground volunteers’ RV site. It’s very close and does offer very limited privacy."
"You do have to carry all your gear to the campsites, but they have carts near the checkin office. Staff is always friendly and the restrooms are usually always clean."
from $15 - $40 / night
"Hunt Camp, Okaloacoochee SF: We stayed at the nearby Overflow CG. I expect this would have been the same quiet and peaceful experience, as noticed during our walks by Hunt Camp."
Available this weekend
from $9 / night
"To Do: Nearby trails here to talk of grass to comfortably walk in. Either not much recent horse traffic or they just have not been mowed. Either is probably due to this year’s wet winter ."
from $9 / night
"To Do: Nearby trails here to talk of grass to comfortably walk in. Either not much recent horse traffic or they just have not been mowed. Either is probably due to this year’s wet winter ."
from $9 / night
TravelerAwesome offloading in sugar sand. Camping spot was remote and did run into a few equestrian friends. Saw lots of deer and owls. Primitive camping.
TravelerNot for the average tent peaceful camper. Some of the RVrs blast their generators all night. Very load people last 2 times we have been.
TravelerWe’ve stayed here twice now and absolutely loved it. The first time we stayed in Site 5, I believe, and something to note is that it is directly next to one of the ground volunteers’ RV site. It’s very close and does offer very limited privacy. However, he was incredibly nice and offered us firewood and a few other things that we forgot. This site was also incredibly close to the bathroom, which is a must for me. It was an amazing experience! Our second visit, we stayed on site 24. This site backs up directly to 25 and is right behind the bathrooms/showers. This site was also perfect for us despite the limited privacy. However, inconsiderate campers would walk directly through the back of our site to get to the bathrooms. Either way, these things were not dealbreakers. The grounds have incredible trails, mile-long trails to walk along the Caloosahatchee River, with beautiful sight-seeing. This is now our go-to campground!!
GuideA perfect primitive spot with a great location. Kind campground host and spacious spots. It is very open and you will see a lot of your neighbors, but that isn’t too much of a worry as many folks are here for hunting. It’s quiet in the evenings and makes for a great sunset spot.
ScoutGreat paths to manicured campsites. All have fire ring, bbq, and picnic table. Primitive showers available; restrooms available. WiFi works good; but there’s miles of trails to walk. Caretakers are friendly.
LegendHunt Camp, Okaloacoochee SF: We stayed at the nearby Overflow CG. I expect this would have been the same quiet and peaceful experience, as noticed during our walks by Hunt Camp. (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good
(70 yr olds in 17’ trailer. Our rating of a campground is influenced by the following: The general ambiance- sort of wilderness feel the campground gives us. A selection of campsites which offer some visual privacy and/or view from sites. Cleanliness of whatever facilities are offered is important and usually noted in my review.
Overall Rating: 4.5 for large sites. No natural barrier in between.
Price 2023: $ 10
Security: None
Usage during visit: 1/2 to full.
Site Privacy: No
Site Spacing: Large sites.
Site surface: Gravel
Reservations: Required.
Campground Noise: Quiet.
Road Noise: Adjacent to the road, but there is not much traffic.
Through Traffic in campground: No
Electric Hookup: No
Sewer Hookup: No
Dump Station: No
Potable Water Available: Non-potable water is available at the adjacent horse corals.
Generators: Allowed
Bathroom: Chemical toilets
Showers: No
Pull Throughs: No
Cell Service (AT&T): 1 bar
Setting: Adjacent to prairie with fairly dense low growing trees which obstructs view.
Recent Weather: Sunny
Solar: Great
Host: No
Rig Size: Any
Sites: I like all of the sites. #3 is the best location in the loop.
LegendPanther Pond: We really liked this quiet campground with very secluded sites. More sunshine and solar at Okaloacoochee Overflow and Hunt Camp. To Do: Nearby trails here to talk of grass to comfortably walk in. Either not much recent horse traffic or they just have not been mowed. Either is probably due to this year’s wet winter .
Make sure to make the 30 minute drive to the board walk on Sic Island Dr. Short walk to the short boardwalk. Outstanding way to leave with a taste of the slough.
Bicycles on Wildcow Rd
(Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good
(70 yr olds in 17’ trailer.)
Overall Rating: 4.5 for Great privacy.
Price 2023: $ 10 for seniors
Security: None
Usage during visit: 1/4 full
Site Privacy: most all sites – excellent, with shrubbery in between sites.
Site Spacing: very nice
Site surface: dirt
Reservations: required
Campground Noise: Quiet
Road Noise: Maybe a little from Cow Path Rd. Very little travel.
Through Traffic in campground: No
Electric Hookup: no
Sewer Hookup: no
Dump Station: no none
Potable Water Available: a couple miles away at Hunt camp there is a hand pump at the horse corals. Rangers say it is not portable.
Generators: allowed
Bathroom: chemical toilets
Showers: no
Pull Throughs: None
Cell Service (AT&T): one bar
Setting: in a long pine forest, with lots of palm tree shrubbery
Recent Weather: clear with highs in the upper 60s
Solar: some sites. See below.
Host: no
Rig Size: 17 to 20 foot trailer will fit in some sites in my opinion. See below.
Sites: Will easily fit a 17 foot trailer: 1,2,3*,5*,7,6,9*,11,
*very nice solar at 2 PM, but not all day.
LegendOverflow CG, Okaloacoochee FLSF: We had a peaceful experience staying here for 5 days.
To Do: Nearby trails here to talk of grass to comfortably walk in. Either not much recent horse traffic or they just have not been mowed. Either is probably due to this year’s wet winter .
Make sure to make the 30 minute drive to the board walk on Sic Island Dr. Short walk to the short boardwalk. Outstanding way to leave with a taste of the slough.
(Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good.
Wildcow Rd beginning at the campground is a nice walk. Three walks with only 1 vehicle during our walk.
(70 yr olds in 17’ trailer. )
Overall Rating: 4.5 for mostly large sites, but no privacy in between.
Price 2023: $ 11 about w taxes
Security: None
Usage during visit: 1/2
Site Privacy: Open
Site Spacing: most of the 6 sites are large
Site surface: Gravel
Reservations: Required
Campground Noise: Very quiet.
Road Noise: Wildcow, a backcountry road, runs along campground. Not busy during our visit, but can be more busy I hear. Could be a dust problem when there is less rain.
Through Traffic in campground: Along Wildcow.
Electric Hookup: No
Sewer Hookup: No
Dump Station: No
Potable Water Available: Ram gets report as non-potable water at Hunt Camp, .25 miles.
Generators: Allowed
Bathroom: Chemical toilets.
Showers: No
Pull Throughs: No
Cell Service (AT&T): 1 to 2 bars.
Setting: 3’ tall native grass in between sites.
Recent Weather: Sunny, not too hot
Solar: The best
Host: No
Rig Size: Any size.
Sites: 1 is best. 6 is second, but closer to the road which was infrequently used during our stay. 3 and 4, unfortunately back up to each other.
GuideExactly as described. The host was great and helpful. Porta potties available, but no drinkable water. Dusty. Bugs weren’t terrible at all. Fishing in the canals is excellent.
Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest provides multiple primitive camping options approximately 35 miles inland from Bonita Springs. The area features classic Florida prairie landscapes with seasonal water levels that can vary significantly between dry winter months and the summer wet season. Water management in this region is part of ongoing Everglades restoration efforts, with pump-regulated canals being modified to restore natural water flow patterns.
Trail riding on horseback: For equestrians seeking horse campgrounds near Bonita Springs, Florida, Wildcow Road in Okaloacoochee Slough offers excellent trail riding opportunities with minimal traffic. One camper noted, "Wildcow Rd beginning at the campground is a nice walk. Three walks with only 1 vehicle during our walk."
Wildlife viewing: Picayune Strand State Forest offers exceptional wildlife observation opportunities. "Keep your eyes peeled for a panther sighting!" reports one visitor. Another camper mentioned seeing "deer roaming the campground" during their stay. The nearby boardwalk on Six Island Drive provides an "outstanding way to leave with a taste of the slough."
Mountain biking: Caloosahatchee Regional Park features some of the region's better mountain biking trails. A reviewer shared, "Lots of hiking trails down by the river. Also some really good mtb biking trails (as far as mtb biking is in S. Florida)." The park's trail system offers options for both beginner and intermediate riders.
Fishing: The canals and waterways throughout the Bonita Springs region provide fishing opportunities. A camper at Horseshoe Primitive Campground stated, "Fishing in the canals is excellent." Caloosahatchee Regional Park offers river access, with one visitor suggesting: "If you're looking for fish and have a kayak, Telegraph creek is 3 miles away and full of fish and Alligators."
Stargazing: The dark skies at equestrian campgrounds near Bonita Springs make for exceptional stargazing. One camper at Horseshoe Primitive Campground described it as "a great view of the sky's above. Definitely a nice place to search out for a nice nite star gazing."
Helpful camp hosts: Many campers appreciate the welcoming atmosphere at these rustic sites. "Very friendly camp host, he was eager to greet me n my crew of moto riders and offer us a cooler with ice and a dozen bottles of water," reported one visitor. Another mentioned, "The host was helpful and informative."
Spacious camping areas: Dinner Island Ranch WMA offers generous camping spaces. A camper described Kowechobe Camp as "basically a big field with spaced out sites." Similarly, at Okaloacoochee Slough Overflow Campground, a reviewer appreciated the "mostly large sites" despite the lack of privacy between them.
Quiet atmosphere: The remote nature of these horse-friendly campgrounds ensures peaceful stays. One camper at Okaloacoochee Slough Overflow Campground described their experience as "peaceful" with a "very quiet" campground during their 5-day stay.
Water availability: Non-potable water is available at some locations, but potable water is limited. A camper at Okaloacoochee Hunt Camp noted, "Non-potable water is available at the adjacent horse corrals." Always bring your drinking water when camping in this region.
Seasonal conditions: Summer months bring higher water levels, mosquitoes, and humidity. Winter offers more comfortable camping conditions but requires reservations further in advance. The Picayune Strand area particularly experiences seasonal flooding as part of the Everglades watershed system.
Limited facilities: Most equestrian campgrounds near Bonita Springs offer primitive amenities. A reviewer at Bonita Lake RV Resort mentioned more developed amenities like "Laundry, showers, grills, a pool" which contrasts with the more basic facilities at state forest campgrounds.
Cell service: Connectivity varies by location. One camper reported "1 bar" of AT&T service at Okaloacoochee Hunt Camp, while others reported "1 to 2 bars" at the Overflow Campground. Plan accordingly if you need reliable communication.
Cart-accessible sites: At Caloosahatchee Regional Park, vehicles cannot reach the campsites, but equipment transport is manageable. A camper observed, "You do have to carry all your gear to the campsites, but they have carts near the checkin office." Another noted it's "Great for kids and new campers!"
Playgrounds and activities: Family-friendly amenities exist at some parks. One visitor to Caloosahatchee Regional Park mentioned, "Usually there are kids playing in the playground area, so very family friendly." The park's mix of trails, river access, and recreational facilities makes it suitable for children of various ages.
Site selection: Choose campsites based on proximity to facilities when camping with children. A reviewer at Caloosahatchee Regional Park explained their site choice: "This site was also incredibly close to the bathroom, which is a must for me."
Generator policies: Okaloacoochee Hunt Camp allows generators, which is important for RVers without hookups. However, some campers find generator noise disruptive: "The generator of one of the campers was annoying because we were in the wilderness. I guess they needed their heat, as it did get down to 30 degrees in Feb."
Site surfaces: Ground conditions can affect RV leveling and stability. A reviewer noted Okaloacoochee Slough Overflow Campground has "gravel" site surfaces, which is helpful information for RV setup. At other locations, sugar sand base can create challenges for heavier vehicles.
Site spacing: RVers should consider proximity to neighboring campers. One visitor to Horseshoe Primitive Campground observed, "The campground is very open and the sites don't really have much privacy." Another noted, "It is very open and you will see a lot of your neighbors."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Bonita Springs, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Bonita Springs, FL is Bonita Lake RV Resort with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Bonita Springs, FL?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 equestrian camping locations near Bonita Springs, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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