Top Horse Camping near Riverview, FL
Looking for the best horse camping near Riverview? Camping with your horse in Riverview just got easier. You're sure to find the perfect site for your Florida horse camping excursion.
Best Equestrian Sites Near Riverview, FL (18)
1.
Little Manatee River State Park Campground
Ruskin, Florida24 Reviews118 Photos266 SavesLMR1
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- RVs
$22 / night
2.
Alafia River State Park Campground
Lithia, Florida19 Reviews40 Photos194 SavesStanding out from the relatively flat topography of Central Florida is Alafia River State Park, a reclaimed phosphate mine with some of the most radical elevation changes in the state. This makes it a hot spot for mountain bikers, who traverse the scenic and challenging International Mountain Bike Association trails.
Equestrians and hikers can explore 20 miles of hilly trails through forests and flatwoods, stopping to relax and admire one of the park's pristine lakes.
Canoeing and fishing opportunities are available along the South Prong of the Alafia River with some lakes scattered throughout the park.
The park also offers picnic pavilions, a playground, a full-facility campground and a full-service bike shop.
Family campground is suitable for RVers and tent campers. Campers will find water and electrical hookups at each of the 30 campsites. Clean restrooms feature solar-heated showers. There are two large picnic pavilions in the campground.
Equestrian campers have access to 12 sites with equestrian designation and tie-outs for horses. Equestrian campers can access the barn, which is a short walk from the campground. There are 12 stables and 6 paddocks available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Extra parking for trailers can be accessed near the barn area. Equestrians and hikers can explore 20 miles of hilly trails through forests and flatwoods, stopping to relax and admire one of the park's pristine lakes.
For reservations, visit the Florida State Parks reservations website or call 800-326-3521 or TDD 888-433-0287.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$22 / night
3.
Colt Creek State Park Campground
Zephyrhills, Florida29 Reviews128 Photos187 SavesColt Creek State Park
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$24 / night
4.
Palmetto Ridge Campground — Myakka River State Park
Osprey, Florida35 Reviews134 Photos411 SavesThe park features three campgrounds with 90 campsites. Each site is equipped with 50-amp electrical service, water, a fire ring and picnic table. The sites in Palmetto Ridge also have sewer hook-ups. A dump station is located near Old Prairie Campground. Laundry facilities are available to all campers in Old Prairie and Palmetto Ridge campgrounds. All campsites are located within 40 yards of restroom facilities with hot showers.
NOTE: Non-Potable Water
Effective May 11, 2023: Drinking water is temporarily unavailable at Myakka River State Park. Please remember to bring your own water. Bottled water is also available at no cost at the ranger station from 8 a.m. to sunset.
Sites in Old Prairie and Big Flats are dirt-based. The sites in Palmetto Ridge are gravel-based, except for four ADA paved sites adjoining restrooms. Old Prairie and Big Flats do not have vegetation buffers.
The Big Flats Campground is located near the Upper Myakka Lake, Myakka Outpost, a fishing deck and Wi-Fi.
Old Prairie and Palmetto Ridge campgrounds are located near the State Road 72 park entrance, the Myakka River, the campfire circle, a small playground and Myakka Friends Gift Shop. Well-behaved pets are welcome in these three campgrounds, up to four per site.
There are six primitive campgrounds (Mossy Hammock, Bee Island, Honore, Panther Point, Oak Grove and Prairie) located along the hiking trails for backpackers. These rustic settings provide campers with a fire pit and post to hang items. Each campground has three campsites, and a maximum of four people may be on each site. Only Bee Island, Oak Grove and Prairie have water pumps. Water at these sites is not potable; it requires boiling/chemical treatment. Other sites do not have water; you must bring your own. The terrain is primarily prairie, and dehydration is possible even on the coolest days.
Myakka River State Park is one of Florida’s largest parks with 37,000 acres of its own. Home to the officially designated “Wild and Scenic” Myakka River, this state park is the perfect destination for outdoor adventurers who are looking to get closer to the natural, diverse Florida wildlife.
Choose from one of over 80 campsites while Myakka State Park camping and get ready to explore!
Bring your kayak and make your way through a variety of waterways where you can spot american alligators, snook, ospreys, and countless species of birds.
Embark on one of many hiking trails to explore more of the unique environments found within Myakka River State Park. Trek to the highlands to get a look at Florida’s traditional wetlands where marshes, cypress dome trees, and grazing birds will welcome you. Go even deeper to reach the diverse array of grasses, wildflowers, and vines that grow freely in the park’s protected dry prairies. Don’t forget to bring your camera with you! Short shrubs in the dry prairies allow visitors to see for miles in any direction.
You’ll also want to bring the camera atop the Canopy Walkway at Myakka River. Just a short walk from the main road, this suspension bridge provides a panoramic view of the entire park from a unique vantage point above the tree canopy. Every camper can find what they’re looking for at this Florida park.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$26 / night
5.
Hardee Lakes Park
Bowling Green, Florida7 Reviews23 Photos73 SavesHardee Lakes Park is approximately 1200 acres, and has horse trails, hiking trails, handicap-accessible hiking trails, and bike trails. There are 3 restrooms located throughout the park. The restrooms in the camping areas also have showering facilities available. There are also picnic areas, a picnic pavilion, and a playground available. The park includes a boardwalk that winds around the lakes and through the woods, with an observation tower where people can watch wildlife.
The fisheries are controlled by the Florida Game and Fish commission, and fishing is allowed in all the lakes. Hardee Lakes Park contains 4 lakes in total; Lake Hardee is 120 acres, Deer Lake is 110 acres, Lake Firefly is 97 acres, and Gator Lake is 47 acres.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$25 - $28 / night
6.
Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park
New Port Richey, Florida12 Reviews57 Photos89 SavesSeparate primitive camping areas available for individual and equestrian camping. Backcountry camping available. Campsites for cars and primitive cabins available. Groups can reserve tent site or cabins up to 90 days in advance. Reservation and fee are required and can be made up to 30 days in advance.
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Equestrian
7.
Serenova Tract Campsites
Odessa, Florida7 Reviews28 Photos114 SavesEquestrian, group and primitive campsites. Sites have picnic tables, fire rings and/or grills. A free reservation is required and must be displayed on dashboard at campground.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- RVs
8.
Peace River Campground
Arcadia, Florida25 Reviews77 Photos176 SavesPeace River Campground offers over 100 acres of wilderness camping for your enjoyment. You can make camp anywhere you like, including many places right on the beautiful Peace River's edge. During less busy times you can spend days out of site of other campers. While there are no utilities, picnic tables, or other campground amenities, you are only a short walk to our hot showers, swimming pool, campground store and all the trappings of the "civilized" world.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$16 - $80 / night
9.
Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve
Thonotosassa, Florida2 Reviews5 Photos34 Saves- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Equestrian
- Picnic Table
10.
Oak Ridge Primitive Campground
Thonotosassa, Florida2 Reviews20 Photos39 SavesEquestrian and primitive camping available. Sites have picnic tables, fire rings and/or grills. A free reservation is required and must be displayed or available at campground.
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
Showing results 1-10 of 18 campgrounds
Recent Equestrian Reviews In Riverview
182 Reviews of 18 Riverview Campgrounds
Colt Creek State Park Campground
Natural gem
We stayed in site 26, which was tucked back and fairly private. We planned on trail riding, but rain changed the plans. We didn’t get to explore much, but will be back. Nice long drive down to the sites. Electric and water were both great, and dump stations easy. Staff was extra friendly.
Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park
One night stay
Stayed in spot #8, not as much shade as I had hoped for, would've been better in 10-14. Sites are plenty large and relatively well spaced out. There was a large anthill between the spot and where you park which made packing in and out an adventure (very active colony). Otherwise, the site was level and devoid of rocks & roots. A good night's sleep despite the racoon who pilfered my SunChips during the night.
Peace River Campground
Not a typical campground
If you are a traditional camper stay away. This place is mainly for trucks and ATV’s. There is sugar sand everywhere and my car got stuck. After they helped me get out I left.
Colt Creek State Park Campground
Peaceful
Small spacious park. Restroom clean and showers, laundry $1.50 each. Firewood available to purchase. Lots of walking, biking, and hiking. Beautpark. Great camp hosts and ranger.
Colt Creek State Park Campground
Beautiful
Very quiet and spacious. Wildlife in abundance. We were a 45’ motorcoach with a 20’ tow behind. Stayed in spot 3. Will return soon.
Colt Creek State Park Campground
Very Nice Campground
This campground is obviously quite new. Spacious and open sites that are very big rig friendly. Pads are L-shaped to accommodate the picnic table, yet because of the spacioiusness there's room to pitch a screen tent in the grass.
The demerits for us were (1) laundry is coin op only (no credit card), surprising for such a new park; and (2) no plastic bag dispenseries for dog clean up. Such amenities are nice for extended stays.
Palmetto Ridge Campground — Myakka River State Park
Beautiful "old Florida" park
The campsites are well-shaded and have easy access to walking & biking trails. We've visited Myakka on day trips previously, and just recently camped there for the first time. It's quiet, and there's plenty of wildlife to be seen: Lots of birds, alligators, deer, wild turkeys. Bathrooms with laundry facilities were conveniently located, but we didn't use them. Campsite was clean, level, and easy to back into.
Little Manatee River State Park Campground
Peaceful
Site 2 HC restroom directly next store 50 amp water only Paved Spacious site Partial shade Clean restrooms and showers with HC ones 2 washers and 2 dryers brand new $2.50 EACH Plenty of walking, hiking, and biking Clean cg
Colt Creek State Park Campground
Mediocre at best
So I will say this site has super clean bathrooms, nice tent campsites and freshly paved roads. The tent sites have hookups and very close to the bathrooms. The only downfall is there isn't a ton to do here so don't expect anything spectacular.
Alafia River State Park Campground
Lots of space
Very spacious camp sites with lots of room between sites. Very clean bath house.
Green Swamp — West Tract
Primitive but worth it!
We stayed in Cumpressco Campground first, and then Ashley. This campground is free to stay in for 7 days, 6 nights. You can leave for a day and come back but you can only book 30 days per calendar year!
Not many campers on the Cumpressco side but tons on the Ashley. Beware however of mating season for the caterpillars! They were everywhere!! No potable water at either site. Bring your own! There is a Porto at the Cumpressco site and an outhouse on the Ashley campsite.
Other than that, it’s beautiful! lives on site if you ever need him! Super nice guy! See you next year!
Hardee Lakes Park
Peaceful and quiet
We stayed in April of 2023 during the week. I think there might be 10 sites full. Verizon 3 bars
Palmetto Ridge Campground — Myakka River State Park
The best campground
We were fortunate enough to get here before the hurricanes destroyed parts of this campground. It is so peaceful and naturally beautiful. Plenty of places to walk and ride bikes to. Our site was shady and a really good size. Bathhouse was always clean. Cannot wait to go back.
Colt Creek State Park Campground
Love this park!!!
I absolutely love this park! There are so many trails and places to ride our bikes. It was really nice just relaxing on the dock to watch the birds in the lake. Bathhouse was always clean. Our site was really nice. We had a really long driveway. Campers around us were very friendly. I would absolutely go back! We loved riding down to see the horses.
Colt Creek State Park Campground
Colt Creek
Quiet, clean,
Little Manatee River State Park Campground
I wanted to love it but I’m disappointed
I was really excited to stay here. I heard so many great things about this park, but we were incredibly disappointed in our site. The site looks like a bulldozer drove thru here and knocked down all the trees and brush last month and left all the debris around the perimeter to rot. Most other sites do not look like this and I’m including photos of ours and another empty one for contrast. We are here for 4 days during spring break but the site is so ugly we won’t be hanging around camp much. Most of them are beautiful so it’s the luck of the draw, I guess. The check-in was easy and the staff at the gate was super sweet. Camp office has ice and firewood but they close at 5 so plan ahead. Bathhouse is new and really nice. Because I think the rest of the park is so nice I’m still giving 4 stars but make sure to look at site photos and avoid mine, which is 17. The other photos in my review are of site 22 and it’s beautiful.
Edit: I came back to remove a star because I went back in n the website to see if any other sites were available since a ton of spaces around us were empty. I could only see availability for “tomorrow” and I could see that a spot that is available tomorrow and the rest of our time here is also empty today. I called the front gate to ask if we could move because of the condition of our site. The lady was VERY offended and said the debris is from a hurricane 6 months ago. I get it. That’s not the issue. The issue is that had I known the site was this bad, I wouldn’t have booked. That shouldn’t have made her mad. But it sure did. She told me I’d have to go online to make a change to my reservation, which I had already tried to do. After talking it over we decided to leave early so I called back a few minutes before 5. She answered an told me she was helping someone in front of her and she’d come back. She came back after 5 and when I told her I wanted to leave early and the website wouldn’t let me cancel my reservation early she said was closing because it was now after 5 and I’d have to call her tomorrow or I could call the main reservation line. I did. They said only the local camp office can help. We will not be back to this park. We drove from out of state to camp 2 days in basically a trash pile and be told we should be happy about it.
Alafia River State Park Campground
Great State Park for relaxing and mountain biking
Small state park, with really large sites and great facilities. The only thing missing are sewer hookups. 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. We have stayed at most of the state parks in Florida. We liked this one a lot.
Colt Creek State Park Campground
Spacious
Colt Creek is an awesome park! Huge sites, long driveways, clean and well maintained. Clean restrooms and washers/dryers at $1.50 each. Plenty of hiking, walking, and biking! Rangers are fantastic! 50 amp and water.
Colt Creek State Park Campground
Beautiful
Very pretty, very peaceful and very well kept. I just wish there were more activities..
Palmetto Ridge Campground — Myakka River State Park
Myakka Fun
This is our 2nd time at Myakka River State Park and it doesn't disappoint. We stayed at the PR section with full hookups. Site was spacious and the park even had smiling gators.
Hardee Lakes Park
Scouting our next stay
This was our first time in this park. Absolutely enjoyed it!
Serenova Tract Campsites
Great privacy, peaceful!
Got out late at night on a Friday and pulled into a offshoot. The next day found a very nice campsite spot to set up at. Very private, great views and the neighboring campers were very respectful! Not much in terms of single track for mountain biking, however we had fun exploring the dirt roads in our Forester. Be mindful of going after/during a good rain, it floods pretty easily. Port-a-potty was alittle run down and needed refreshing. Overall, a great little spot to camp!
Green Swamp — West Tract
Great scenery
Stayed in the McNeil primitive camping area. Only downside was our neighbors ran a generator all night long disturbing the peace. Other than that, a great spot for a little getaway. Nice trails for biking.
Hardee Lakes Park
Great campground for relaxing and to rest.
This is a great park. Best campground I have stayed in so far. Very quite and relaxing. Trails around lakes that can be driven to view nature and wildlife.
Peace River Campground
Bring Earplugs
I camped in the wilderness area which is somewhat disconnected from the main RV site. There are trails which are used by ATV's and up until 10pm its noisy. You also get quite a lot of noise from the divided highway which runs adjacent to the site. Getting to the wilderness area can be a bit challenging if you don’t have 4 wheel drive as the trails that lead you there are comprised of Sugar Sand. If you are a party until the wee small hours kind of camper or RV’r then you might enjoy this site and there are lots of activities to keep kids and adults occupied, however if you are more interested in a laid back quieter time then this probably won’t fit the bill.
Colt Creek State Park Campground
Serene Ease
What a lovely campground!
Everything is quiet and even though the sites are close to each other, there's lots of privacy (at least among the tent sites).
There appears to be a lot of people actives on water and on foot.
Staff has been very friendly.
Peace River Campground
Amazing Camping Experience
We heard so many great things from friends and boy did this place live them up! This was our first trip here even though we live only 1 hour away. Great primitive camping sites. Amazing trails for ATV use and mudding. Will definitely be back! Staff was friendly and helpful. A must visit!
Guide to Riverview
Camping near Riverview, FL, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there are several campgrounds to choose from.
What to do
- Explore nature trails: Many campgrounds, like Hillsborough River State Park Campground, have trails for hiking and biking. One visitor mentioned, "There are lots of trails for walking, hiking, and biking."
- Wildlife watching: At Myakka River State Park, you can see alligators, deer, and various birds. A camper shared, "It's quiet, and there's plenty of wildlife to be seen: Lots of birds, alligators, deer, wild turkeys."
- Fishing and kayaking: Lake Kissimmee State Park Campground offers fishing areas and a boat ramp. One reviewer noted, "The sites are level and nearly all are shaded. The electric and water were good."
What campers like
- Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Oscar Scherer State Park Campground said, "The bathrooms were clean and plenty of them throughout the campground."
- Spacious sites: Many campgrounds provide roomy spots for tents and RVs. A reviewer at Colt Creek State Park Campground mentioned, "Very quiet and spacious. Wildlife in abundance."
- Friendly staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of the staff. One camper at Fort De Soto Campground said, "The staff at the front desk, store and grounds were friendly and attentive."
What you should know
- Bugs can be a problem: Some campers have reported issues with insects, especially during warmer months. A visitor at Fort De Soto Campground noted, "The bugs were so bad... it was absolutely miserable."
- Limited amenities at some sites: Not all campgrounds have extensive facilities. A camper at Highlands Hammock State Park Campground mentioned, "The actual campground needs some love. It’s too packed together."
- Reservations are recommended: Popular spots can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. A camper at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground advised, "I’d stay here even if we didn’t do a Disney park."
Tips for camping with families
- Look for kid-friendly activities: Many campgrounds offer playgrounds and organized activities. A family at Orlando/Kissimmee KOA enjoyed, "Lots for the kids to do!"
- Pack for the weather: Florida can be hot and humid, so bring plenty of water and sunscreen. A camper at Lake Louisa State Park Campground mentioned, "Clean, naturally and quiet."
- Choose a site with amenities: Look for campgrounds with restrooms and showers nearby. A visitor at Hillsborough River State Park Campground said, "Restrooms and showers across from site and very clean."
Tips from RVers
- Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the campground's site dimensions. A reviewer at Colt Creek State Park Campground noted, "Spacious and open sites that are very big rig friendly."
- Look for full hookups: Many RVers prefer sites with electric and water hookups. A camper at Lake Kissimmee State Park Campground appreciated, "The electric and water were good."
- Plan for dump stations: Ensure the campground has easy access to dump stations. A visitor at Myakka River State Park mentioned, "Bathrooms with laundry facilities were conveniently located."
Camping around Riverview, FL, has something for everyone, from nature lovers to families looking for fun.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Riverview, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Riverview, FL is Little Manatee River State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 24 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Riverview, FL?
TheDyrt.com has all 18 equestrian camping locations near Riverview, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.