Wilderness Landing and Coldwater Equestrian Campground are two of the best horse campgrounds near Pensacola, Florida, offering dedicated facilities for riders and their horses. Wilderness Landing features horse corrals, primitive campsites, and access to the Blackwater River with clean shower facilities and restrooms. Coldwater Equestrian Campground offers 60 horse stalls alongside 55 RV/tent campsites with water and electrical hookups. The campground includes a dump station, restrooms, showers, and a dining facility available by reservation. Sites at Coldwater vary in size and shade coverage, with many located right on Coldwater Creek. Rangers maintain the facilities meticulously, keeping bathrooms and showers consistently clean.
The Blackwater River State Forest offers extensive trail networks for horseback riding from both campgrounds. Riders enjoy well-maintained trails through diverse forest terrain with riverside views. Wilderness Landing provides free camping for up to 14 days with beach access and boat launch facilities for those wanting to combine riding with water activities. Two pavilions with tables and barbecue grills are situated right on the sandy riverbank. Coldwater Equestrian Campground accommodates larger horse trailers and RVs, though some campers note that campsites are positioned close together with limited screening between sites. The campground's private sandbar offers an exclusive area for campers to relax after trail rides. Most campers report excellent cell service at Coldwater, while Wilderness Landing has more limited connectivity for those seeking a more disconnected experience.
"Located on a historic battle ground. 21 - 26 miles of trails to hike, bike or horse ride. Gorgeous surroundings."
"If you bring a horse, a bike, or good hiking shoes this is the perfect spot for you. If you bring a need for getting back to nature, a good book and a tent, this is the perfect spot for you."
"This beautiful equestrian campground offers 55 RV/tent campsites and one tent only site and 60 horse stalls. All campsites have water and electrical hookups."
"Lots of trails to ride your horses. A lot of the campsites are right on the water. You even have a private huge sandbar for campers only. The showers and bathrooms were always clean and nice."
from $9 - $22 / night
"Want to be away from it all - this is the place. Grass sites, some shade."
"It is located right on the Blackwater River and has a boat launch and two pavilions with tables and barbeque grills right on the beach. The river is sand bottom and fairly clear."
"Lakes and rivers everywhere and the views were incredible. Lots of waterfront sites available. We had our annual multi family meet up with a fifth wheel and our converted bus."
"The spots at A1-7 are very tight together but it is away from everything else making it quiet and somewhat secluded. It would be a great area for a group event."
"Parked in a clearing with 2 5th wheel renters on it...walked back into the woods along a trail and chose one of several camp clearings. Level ground, dry, lots of deer. We will return!!"
from $15 - $24 / night
"Kayaking trails all around in the park and local. Close by to big city life but camping in the wild yonder"
"It is very close to Mobile, but also very secluded. There is alot of space between sites and lots to see and do within the campground also."
from $47 - $63 / night
ScoutStayed in the back of the property being it was all that was left, but it worked out. The spots at A1-7 are very tight together but it is away from everything else making it quiet and somewhat secluded. It would be a great area for a group event. Would stay here again but in a different location in the campground.
TravelerThe lady on the gate was very helpful both on the phone and in person. Once I found the drive through site I found it very relaxing albeit with barely any cell signal (TMobile) Will definitely be back!
TravelerTook my teen with me to go test out the new can camping setup at Blakely State Park. We stayed in the primitive campground (unimproved) and it was absolutely beautiful. The sunset and sunrise were awe-striking. The spaces were disperse enough that our non-stop music didn’t disturb anyone camping nearby, nor were we disturbed by them. The hiking trails are immaculate and well marked. Can’t wait to stay again!
GuideWe stayed at spot RV Spot 2. It was a pull through spot and easy to get into. The spot was somewhat flat but we had to maneuver to get even and then still needed leveling blocks. It was very quiet at night with barely any lights. The cell service was pretty good since it close to town. We didn't stay for long, but the historic park was nice to check out and the sunset at the water was beautiful. Overall the campground was great, good amenities, very quiet, lots to see, and close to Mobile and Daphne.
ScoutSome of the sites are so unlevel. But the historical tour of the park is amazing. So much information about the civil war. Other than the rv sites being so unlevel the park is really nice.
ScoutIt's not on the big side of campgrounds but still has some of the amenities. No hookups at the campsites but there is running water (hot and cold) in the bath house with flushing toilets. Power outlets in the bath house as well. It is located right on the Blackwater River and has a boat launch and two pavilions with tables and barbeque grills right on the beach. The river is sand bottom and fairly clear. My big ol' malamute "Stealie" loves the river! The best part is it's FREE! For up to 14 days.
ScoutGood spot for free. Clean showers/ toilet building. Pavilions and grills by the river.
Legend2000 acres Walking auto cell phone tours of civil war Boat tours Big pull through rv spots and a tent campground. Awesome
ScoutOur family drove over an hour to fish here. Upon arriving at the gate, we weren’t even greeted. A older lady stood up and just stared at us with a mean look. After about a 30 second stare, she finally said“hi”. I said“hi”. Another 15 second stare and she said”can I help you?” Very rudely. I said“yes we’re here to fish”. She said“we’re closed”. I asked what time they close daily and mentioned that google says open 24hrs and their website doesn’t list hours and she said“4”. I said we drove an hour here and you don’t close for another 45 min can we just drive through and look around, it’s our first time here. She said well I’m not charging you. I said this place was recommended to me on Facebook-can we at least look around? She said“no we’re closed”. I said ok what’s the price? She said we’re closed. I said I understand what you’re saying but what is the price? She sat down and refused to answer me. We left. We probably won’t be back. I decided to check around to see their reviews and it seems this lady is rude to everyone. Why has she not been replaced? I believe her name is Tracy. I tried to find out who her boss was by calling and emailing. However, no one answers the phone and she told me via email she’s the supervisor. SHE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED! So many people complain about her!!
Equestrian camping near Pensacola, Florida offers access to the Blackwater River State Forest's 213,000 acres containing sandy trails and diverse ecosystems. The region's mild climate allows for year-round camping, with winter temperatures averaging 50-65°F and summer temperatures reaching 85-95°F. Campgrounds situated along waterways provide opportunities for combining horseback riding with water recreation.
Trail riding adventures: Blakeley State Park provides 26 miles of trails through historical Civil War sites and along the Blakeley River. "You will walk through historic civil war sites, trails that were once the streets of the town of Blakeley. A beautiful hike on boardwalks along the Blakeley River then through a swamp on deep into woods amongst ancient oaks," notes Julie D. at Blakeley State Park Campground.
Tube the rivers: The sandy-bottomed rivers offer excellent tubing opportunities with crystal clear water. At Wilderness Landing, "It is located right on the Blackwater River and has a boat launch and two pavilions with tables and barbeque grills right on the beach. The river is sand bottom and fairly clear," reports Stealie F.
Historical exploration: Several campgrounds offer access to local history sites. Kevin L. describes Blakeley State Park as having "2000 acres, walking auto cell phone tours of civil war, boat tours" with "big pull through rv spots and a tent campground."
Private sandbars: Many campers appreciate the exclusive water access at equestrian campgrounds. Jennifer P. notes that at Coldwater Equestrian Campground, "You even have a private huge sandbar for campers only" and "a lot of the campsites are right on the water."
Clean facilities: Campground cleanliness ranks high in camper reviews. At Wilderness Landing, Salvador G. appreciates the "Clean showers/toilet building" and mentions "Pavilions and grills by the river" as notable amenities.
Wildlife viewing: The forests around Pensacola provide ample wildlife watching opportunities. Christopher M. at Peaceful Camping in the Woods reports a "Quiet and clean" experience with "level ground, dry, lots of deer."
Variable site sizes and layout: Site dimensions and privacy vary significantly between campgrounds. Dale W. notes about Coldwater Equestrian Campground: "The only complaint is the campsites are right next to each other with no screening between sites."
Connectivity challenges: Cell service varies widely across the region. Terran B. reports that Coldwater Recreation Area is "way back in the woods. Cell service was on the struggle bus the whole time, but overall this is a great little place."
Driving conditions: Some campgrounds require navigation on rough roads. Donna G. mentions that Wilderness Landing offers "Beautiful views, clean restrooms, and free. The only reason for a 3 is the rough drive getting there."
Kid-friendly ranger interactions: Rangers at some campgrounds go above and beyond for children. Jennifer P. shares that at Coldwater, "Faye (one of the rangers) is great. We had our 3 year old granddaughter with us and she came by at least twice a day to give her a ride on the golf cart and printed of pages she could color on rainy days."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Pensacola, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Pensacola, FL is Blakeley State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 32 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Pensacola, FL?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 equestrian camping locations near Pensacola, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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