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Little Manatee River State Park Campground offers equestrian camping with dedicated horse stalls and 12 miles of trails for horseback riding. Located in Wimauma, Florida, the park's equestrian area features four campsites with stalls and other amenities for horse camping. Each site includes fire pits and picnic tables, making it suitable for overnight stays with horses. The campground accommodates tent camping, RVs, and cabins, with water and electric hookups available. Equestrian campers must make reservations in advance as the park fills up quickly, especially during peak seasons. The equestrian sites remain separate from the main camping areas, providing a quieter experience for horse owners.
The trail system at Little Manatee River State Park connects riders to scenic routes along the river and through diverse Florida landscapes. Hardee Lakes Park, another horse-friendly option near Palmetto, provides equestrian facilities with access to multiple lakes and well-maintained trails. The trails at Hardee Lakes feature wide, hard-packed surfaces ideal for horseback riding throughout the year. Both parks require permits for overnight camping, and equestrian sites typically include amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and access to water for horses. The Oak Ridge Equestrian Area in the Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve offers free primitive camping with over 16 miles of equestrian/hiking trails, making it one of the most extensive horse camping options in the region. Reservations are required and must be displayed at the campground. Sites include picnic tables, fire rings, and non-potable water is available.
"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"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."
"I’m staying in the Palmetto Ridge loop which is the only paved loop & I think the only one w/sewer."
from $26 / 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"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"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"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"There aren't many free spots in this area of Florida. Of course, they provide nothing other than a spot to camp with fire ring and old table, and an outhouse."
"There are pot holes as you drive in that are kinda steep however nothing too serious. The spots are spacious and all other campers were respectful of noise volume and kept spots clean."
"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
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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.
ScoutGood clean site.
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.
Equestrian camping options near Palmetto, Florida feature diverse terrain across multiple parks within a 30-mile radius. The region's subtropical climate supports year-round camping with summer temperatures often exceeding 90°F and winter lows rarely dropping below 50°F. Horse-friendly campsites typically require advance booking due to limited availability, especially during the winter months when snowbirds increase demand for all camping accommodations.
Trail riding along river systems: Alafia River State Park offers mountain biking trails that equestrians can also enjoy. "This is such an awesome place! I go here every year to see all of the various birds that migrate here, as well as to enjoy a little bit of mountain biking," notes Jill R. about Alafia River State Park Campground.
Wildlife viewing from horseback: The natural wetlands provide excellent wildlife spotting opportunities. "We saw a few deer. The rangers were super nice so that's always a bonus!" shares Elizabeth G. about her experience at Alafia River State Park.
Fossil hunting excursions: Peace River area offers unique fossil hunting opportunities. "This park seems to flood and have limited sewer sites but 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!" explains Paula C. at Peace River Campground.
Natural privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the natural vegetation that creates separation between campsites. "Clean with good natural foliage dividers between campsites. Nice walking trails, & a gentle river for an easy paddle," writes Nicole D. about Little Manatee River State Park Campground.
Multi-use trail systems: The extensive trail networks accommodate various users. "We love it here because we can hike, bike or just relax," says Linda M. about Little Manatee River State Park Campground.
Serene waterfront views: Lakeside campsites offer peaceful water views. "Hardee Lakes Park is a nice quiet park. Camp sites are nice and clean, with beautiful lake views. Stayed at a non-electric site right on the lake," reports Joshua W. about Hardee Lakes Park.
Variable site spacing: Some campgrounds have tightly packed sites while others offer more space. "The Palmetto Ridge pull thrus are gigantic. I would say the vegetation gives semi privacy but they aren't on top of each other so it's not like you're looking right at your neighbor," explains Amanda W. about Palmetto Ridge Campground.
Water level fluctuations: Seasonal changes affect water activities. "The river was low so the kayak rental & boat tours were shut down," notes Amanda W. about Myakka River State Park.
Wildlife precautions: Alligators are common in the area. "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. about Palmetto Ridge Campground.
Primitive facilities in some areas: Basic campgrounds have minimal amenities. "There are vault toilets available in the loop and there is a potable water spigot at the nearby ranger station (firewood also available there)," explains Ari A. about Flying A Campground.
Multiple recreation options: Look for campgrounds with diverse activities. "This has been our first park Campground and couldn't ask for a better one to start with. Rangers were very helpful getting us around and renting the canoes," shares Ronald H. about Little Manatee River State Park.
Check shower facilities: Bathroom quality varies between parks. "Clean bath house and laundry facilities (bring quarters)," advises Kathy L. about Myakka River State Park.
Wildlife education opportunities: The abundant wildlife provides learning experiences. "Extremely helpful rangers who warned that some of the trails were still not cleared from Hurricane Irma. Even with the down trees, it was a wonderful hike filled with Black Swallowtail butterflies," shares Elizabeth G.
Consider noise levels: Some campgrounds are quieter than others. "If you're looking for a family get away with easy access to those sort of things, or just looking to party with friends, then I highly recommend. If you're looking for some peace and quiet out in nature - as I was - this may not be your jam," cautions Shaun C. about Little Manatee River State Park.
Site selection considerations: Choose sites based on your specific needs. "The Old Prairie and Big Flats loops are gravel road, tight, no privacy & very small sites like for popups, vans or small campers," notes Amanda W. about Myakka River State Park.
Hookup availability: Full-service sites are limited in some parks. "Our spot was 10 and we loved the privacy of the nature between every campsite along those areas for bigger rigs," shares Ronald H. about Little Manatee River State Park.
Access road conditions: Some parks have challenging access roads. "I suggest you arrive before dark as the road is a bit rough and narrow, with no light," advises Sue G. about Cypress Creek Preserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Palmetto, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Palmetto, FL is Little Manatee River State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 29 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Palmetto, FL?
TheDyrt.com has all 13 equestrian camping locations near Palmetto, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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