4 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Okaloacoochee Slough Hunt Camp features horse corrals for equestrians camping in the Felda area, making it one of the top horse camping options near Palmdale, FL. The campground provides electric hookups with both fifty-amp and thirty-amp service, water hookups, and allows generators. Sites include picnic tables and fire rings, with fires permitted throughout the camping area. The Hunt Camp accommodates both tent and RV camping with drive-in access. Campers report peaceful, quiet stays with minimal traffic noise despite proximity to County Road 832. The campground maintains chemical toilets but does not offer showers or sanitary dump stations. Sites are spacious with gravel surfaces, though they lack natural barriers between them for privacy.
Located approximately 30 minutes from the nearest services, Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest provides trail access for horseback riding through prairie landscapes and native Florida ecosystems. The nearby boardwalk on Sic Island Drive offers an outstanding way to experience the slough environment. Wildcow Road beginning at the campground serves as a pleasant walking route with minimal vehicle traffic. Reservations are required for all sites, which cost approximately $10-11 per night. Cell service is limited to 1-2 bars on some carriers. The campground remains peaceful even when half full, with sites 1 and 6 considered the most desirable locations. Site 1 offers the best position within the loop, while site 6 provides a good alternative despite being closer to the infrequently used road.
"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
"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
"Ranked as an International Dark Sky campsite, this is one of the few in Florida that have this recognition."
"Very remote with thousands of acres of nature surrounding you. The sky at night is spectacular. The astronomers love this park."
Available this weekend
from $16 / night
"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."
"If you aren’t familiar with central Florida summers, which is about 11 1/2 months of the year it’s hot, humid, and loaded with bugs. We also have great wildlife."
"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
"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
"The sites surround a pond. I didn't use the compost toilet so I don't have an opinion. I couldn't locate the faucet, but supposedly there is one."
"All the sites are wrapped around a pond. Palm trees and all kinds of other shrubbery are throughout the campground. There are a couple of small alligators 🐊 in the pond and some big ole turtles 🐢."
"Gravel road to get there Nice little place if you like hiking horse riding biking They offer a lot of trails They do have hike in camp and horse camp You’re gonna have to do your homework for the details"
RangerThis site is very neat. You'll have to drive about 5 miles on an unpaved road to get to the sites. 30A hookup and water. I visited during the week in August and it was pretty empty. Nice and quiet. Lots of trails and wildlife.
GuideCampground in & amongst trees & scrub brush. Easy RV back-in parking. Also, tent sites. Clean laundry & bathroom facilities, including hot showers. Dump station & potable water available. Ranger led walks & swamp buggy rides. Awesome isolation, so hit the grocery before you camp here. Dark zone is great for telescopes. The road in is a little bit washboard, so just slow down & allow extra time. 2 week maximum stay. Rangers helpful & friendly.
GuideGravel road to get there Nice little place if you like hiking horse riding biking They offer a lot of trails They do have hike in camp and horse camp You’re gonna have to do your homework for the details
ScoutWell, the camp host wants you to check in at exactly 12pm even though the website says nothing about this. He was a little irritated with our group not getting there till 8pm even though we had drove 9hrs and had issues. Spray your legs with bug spray, bad sand fleas or something. Train goes by constantly all hours. Still, for a free campsite, it's a decent stop over.
GuideThis place is so cool. All the sites are wrapped around a pond. Palm trees and all kinds of other shrubbery are throughout the campground. There are a couple of small alligators 🐊 in the pond and some big ole turtles 🐢. The campground host is very nice. They check out your reservation and leave you alone. I say, check it out. It's free. 👍
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.
GuideI only spent one night there, but it’s a small and peaceful campground with shaded spots. I lucked out with a good view of the nearby prairie, and woke up to a beautiful sunset with tall grasses and bird song. The listing says excellent coverage for T-Mobile but my phone alternated between one bar and no service at all.
GuideI love this place. It has water. 1 water spigot. They have nice level sites. Both shady and open sites. Take your pick. Today, some other people and I did see a diamond back rattle snack. It was a good 5 feet. Keep an eye out. The host, Steve, is a very nice guy. Check it out. Ya'all might like it.👋
TravelerGood campground, has shaded sites and open sites. Bring mosquito spray they are abundant. Must register on website for camp, they can fill up fast. Some hwy noise at night, train few times a night, not too bad. Town not too far away. Must try Gator Shack on 98, good food.
The camping landscape near Palmdale, Florida features diverse ecosystems including wetlands, prairies, and hammocks. The region sits at a low elevation with an average of 15-25 feet above sea level, creating unique hydrological conditions that affect camping throughout the year. During summer months, temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity, while winter nights can occasionally dip into the 40s.
Wildlife viewing in native ecosystems: At Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park, visitors can observe Florida's natural wildlife up close. "We saw wild turkeys, deer, and even heard wild boars at night going through the campground. The equestrian sites are shaded by large lovely trees," reports Jessica S.
Paddling opportunities: The waterways near Palmdale provide excellent paddling options. At Peace River Campground, campers can "spend the day paddeling down the river, fishing or sifting through the sediment looking for fossils from all different time periods," according to Kasey K.
Fossil hunting excursions: Several locations offer the chance to discover prehistoric treasures. Paula C. notes that Peace River "is a great place to find Shark teeth and other fossils. I once had to abandon my Tilapia as the alligator appeared to want it more than me!"
Dark sky stargazing: The limited light pollution makes for exceptional astronomical viewing. "This is one of the most certified dark sky sites in Florida," says Annell N. about Kilpatrick Hammock Campground, adding "Astronomers love this park. In fact, they have a designated campground just for them."
Equestrian facilities: Horse owners appreciate the dedicated amenities for their animals. Okaloacoochee Slough Hunt Camp offers horse corrals specifically for equestrian camping near Palmdale. Roger W. observed that "Non-potable water is available at the adjacent horse corals."
Primitive camping options: For those seeking less developed sites, several areas provide a more rustic experience. At Dinner Island Ranch WMA, Sam S. explains, "There are two units to camp in here. The first is Kowechobe Camp, which is basically a big field with spaced out sites. The second is Hammock Camp, which is the site I'm staying at."
Distance from services: Most camping areas around Palmdale are remote. "Make sure to fuel up and have plenty of groceries," advises Annell N., while Robert P. cautions about Caloosahatchee Regional Park, "No, you can't drive to your site, but really good carts are available to help you with the load, so no RVs at the campground."
Water access considerations: Water levels fluctuate seasonally. Roger W. noted at Okaloacoochee Slough SF, "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."
Reservation requirements: Most sites require advance booking. Sam S. points out that Dinner Island Ranch "requires reservations up to two weeks in advance through their website. Reservations are free."
Accessible trails for kids: Several parks offer family-friendly paths. At DuPuis Campground, J R. mentions, "There is a short trail spur maintained by the FTA that connects the family campground to loop 1."
Educational wildlife opportunities: Children enjoy the animal encounters. Roxxy G. describes Kissimmee Prairie: "The animals just weren't afraid of humans. Our 6 teenagers were so excited to stand face-to-face, only a few feet from gentle deer, bunnies, and turkeys."
Playground facilities: Some campgrounds offer play areas. Geoff notes about Caloosahatchee Regional Park, "Usually there are kids playing in the playground area, so very family friendly."
Site selection for large rigs: Consider site dimensions when booking. At Istokpoga Canal Boat Ramp And Campsite, JERRY C. explains, "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."
Hookup availability: Electric and water options vary widely. Roger W. reports on Okaloacoochee Slough SF Overflow Campground, "Overall Rating: 4.5 for mostly large sites, but no privacy in between. Price 2023: $11 about w taxes."
Road conditions: Access routes can be challenging. Lauren W. comments about Kissimmee Prairie, "very nice, small campground. one handicap site, but too small for an rv. washboard road for miles to get to the hammock, and it was in bad shape."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Palmdale, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Palmdale, FL is Caloosahatchee Regional Park with a 4.5-star rating from 8 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Palmdale, FL?
TheDyrt.com has all 12 equestrian camping locations near Palmdale, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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