Little Manatee River State Park offers diverse camping options for horse enthusiasts beyond its dedicated equestrian camping area. The park's trails accommodate riders of various skill levels with multiple terrain types, from oak hammocks to pine flatwoods. Additional recreation options include hiking, biking, and river activities that complement the equestrian facilities.
What to do
Fossil hunting along riverbanks: Peace River Campground provides exceptional fossil hunting opportunities where visitors search for shark teeth and prehistoric remains. "This campground was easy to get to and has lots to do near by... You can spend the day paddeling down the river, fishing or sifting through the sediment looking for fossils from all different time periods," notes Kasey K.
Wildlife observation and photography: At Myakka River State Park, visitors encounter abundant wildlife in natural settings. "We saw many alligators, turtles, wild pigs, and so many birds," shares Laura M. The park's diverse ecosystems attract wildlife watchers year-round.
Mountain biking on varied terrain: Alafia River State Park Campground features extensive mountain biking trails ranging from beginner to advanced difficulty levels. "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," states Jennifer T.
What campers like
Natural privacy between sites: Most campers appreciate the vegetation barriers that create separation between camping areas. "Sites and facilities are nice and clean. Sites were decent size. Good for RVs and tents. However, sites are not shaded at all," reports AJ G. about Alafia River State Park.
Well-maintained trail systems: Hardee Lakes Park offers extensive trail networks for various recreational activities. "Lots of very nice trails around the lakes and surrounding woods. The trial's are wide and hard backed. We were able to ride our electric scoters on them easily," explains Jim W.
Access to multiple water bodies: Several horse campgrounds near Ruskin feature lakes or rivers for fishing and boating. "This is a reclaimed land from an old phosphate mine. The mine was closed 20 years ago and the land was reclaimed and turned into a beautified park and campground. There are four lakes, campsites are located on one of the bigger lakes," reports Jim W. about Hardee Lakes Park.
What you should know
Weather and seasonal considerations: Summer camping means preparing for heat and insects. "We were here in July. Fortunately, there is lots of shade even while hiking due to the canopy trees and this kept things cooler during in the summer. We did not have a problem with biting bugs until nightfall," reports Travyl Couple about Palmetto Ridge Campground.
Reservation requirements: Most equestrian campgrounds require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. "In-Season campsites are often difficult to find. In addition, the lower campground is sometimes flooded out or closed for repairs putting even more pressure on the two campgrounds closer to the main park entrance," advises Perry J. about Myakka River State Park.
Campground noise levels: Some campgrounds experience higher noise levels from recreational vehicles. "Peace River is the place to go in SWFL if you have toys! Trails, mud holes, beaches... In all this campground is fun but it's not what you want if your looking for the calm, beautiful nature camping vibe," notes Leslie M.
