The Plant City area offers diverse camping options across wetland ecosystems at elevations rarely exceeding 150 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures frequently reach the 90s with high humidity, while winter nights can occasionally drop below 45°F. Equestrian campsites typically provide hitching posts and dedicated trail access separate from hiking paths.
What to do
Mountain biking at Alafia River State Park: The park features multiple difficulty levels of trails built on former phosphate mining land. "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," notes Jennifer T. from Alafia River State Park Campground.
Wildlife viewing at Colt Creek: The park's diverse habitats support abundant wildlife throughout the 5,000-acre property. "This park is beautiful, quiet, alive with wild life, we saw deers, owls, turtles, rabbits & a mama wild boar with her piglets," reports Barbara A. at Colt Creek State Park Campground.
Horseback riding on backcountry trails: Multiple preserves offer dedicated equestrian trails through natural Florida landscapes. "Very nice facilities. Miles of horseback trails to ride. Very nice horse stalls to put horses in overnight. Perfect place for equine vacation!" writes Donna H. about Alafia River State Park.
What campers like
Spacious sites with utilities: Many campgrounds provide generously sized sites with full hookups. "Camp spots are big, flat with gravel parking areas. Power and water an each site for RV camping. Nicer (newer) bathrooms than most FL state parks," says SanDal B. about Colt Creek State Park.
Natural separation between campsites: Many horse campgrounds near Plant City maintain privacy through vegetation. "The long and windy ride in gives you a trip back to some real Florida. The campground is well maintained and has large, level sites," explains Joe R. from Colt Creek State Park.
Free camping options: Several equestrian campgrounds offer no-cost stays with advance reservations. "We stayed in the Backcountry site only to find someone there. We made a reservation days in advance," reports Selena H. at Upper Hillsborough Preserve — Alston Tract, highlighting the importance of confirming reservations even at free sites.
What you should know
Gate access systems: Many horse-friendly campgrounds use locked gates requiring combinations obtained during reservation. "Stayed at Ashley campground, which is free with a reservation through Southwest Florida water management. They provide a Lock code for you to enter upon entering so there's always a locked gate during your stay," explains Abby M. from Green Swamp — West Tract.
Variable water quality: Non-potable water is common at primitive equestrian sites. "Has a good shaded area w/o buffers but not a lot of people due to it being primitive camping. again used generator and 50 gals of water," notes Nate D. about Green Swamp — West Tract.
Seasonal mosquito conditions: Insect activity varies significantly by location and season. "Sites and facilities are nice and clean. Sites were decent size. Good for RVs and tents. However, sites are not shaded at all and because of the quarry and stagnant water the mosquitoes were RIDICULOUS! Probably worst mosquitoes in 30 years of camping," warns AJ G. about Alafia River State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Accessible camping options: Several parks offer modified sites for visitors with mobility needs. "We had the opportunity to camp at one of the handicap accessible sites recently and found it to be very convenient. Path and pad on site were roomy and fire pit was higher than usual for safety," shares Jeanene A. from Colt Creek State Park about their handicap-accessible accommodations.
Entertainment beyond trails: Some campgrounds offer organized activities. "We really love camping here. The campground is well laid out and the campers really get into the Disney spirit with decorations. The bath houses are immaculate," comments Darcy S. about Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground.
Distance from services: Many equestrian campgrounds are remote with limited cell service. "Stayed at Green Swamp West for a night in November of 2020. It is free but had to register at watermatters.org - (Southwest Florida Water Management). They provide you with a code to unlock the gate once registered," reports Monte W. about the registration process.
Tips from RVers
Site access challenges: Some equestrian campgrounds have tight turning areas despite accommodating large rigs. "Our campsite was 1709. We were walking distance to the pool, arcade, trading post, and campfire/sing along. My only problem with wilderness camping. There is not a lot of room in the loops to pull your rv into the spot," explains Samantha O. about Disney's Fort Wilderness.
Level parking surfaces: Most developed horse campgrounds provide graded sites. "We love this place. The long and windy ride in gives you a trip back to some real Florida. The campground is well maintained and has large, level sites. We have stayed in site 1 and 11 and didn't need blocks for either," notes Joe R. about Little Manatee River State Park Campground.
Campground layout considerations: Site proximity varies significantly between horse-friendly campgrounds. "This has been our first park Campground and couldn't ask for a better one to start with. Very private and spacious spot for Big Rigs as well as the medium size. The equestrian rentals were very nice also," says Ronald H. about Little Manatee River State Park.
