4 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Tate's Hell State Forest offers primitive dispersed camping throughout the 202,000-acre forest, with several sites accommodating horses along the Carrabelle River. Camping areas feature fire rings, picnic tables, and cleared tent areas accessible via maintained dirt roads that can support horse trailers. While there are no dedicated horse corrals, the forest allows horses throughout the camping areas and extensive trail system. Most sites can accommodate popups or RVs, but lack electrical, water, or sewage hookups. The campground provides primitive bathroom facilities with newly renovated showers. Sites remain relatively private and inexpensive, with campers reporting clean grounds and attentive but non-intrusive caretakers. Many sites offer direct water access for horses with nearby boat launches.
The forest's extensive trail network connects riders to the Florida National Scenic Trail and multiple forest service roads suitable for horseback riding. Trails wind through diverse ecosystems including pine flatwoods, cypress swamps, and river corridors. Riders must bring all necessary feed and equipment as no horse-specific amenities or supply stores exist within the forest boundaries. Reservations can be made by calling 1-877-879-3859, with the regional ranger station located in Carrabelle providing information on current trail conditions and temporary closures. Sites remain relatively quiet with minimal visitor traffic, though several reviewers noted encountering only a handful of other people during multi-day stays. Nearby restaurants and grocery stores in Carrabelle provide convenient resupply options within a short driving distance from the camping areas.
"Tate's Hell State Forest is a primitive dispersed camping area slightly north the Gulf of Mexico in the Florida Panhandle region."
"We could drive right up to it, it was clean with no junk in the firepit & it was good, level ground, & very private & inexpensive."
from $8 - $10 / night
Check Availability"This is the area where Tarzan was filmed and located across the street from St Marks State Park and on the St Marks RV with boat ramp."
"Brian was very nice on the phone and didn't even come around to collect $! In fairness, I was there for a short time and dropped the appropriate fare by the door of their RV on my way out."
"Three wonderful loop trails 2 primitive camp sites and a great view through the trees."
"Fetch your own water from the lake. No modern amenities. Brilliant view of Lake Talquin, right on the water. Thickly treed so hanging hammocks and bear lines was no problem."
from $9 - $18 / night
Check Availability"At the time we were there (8/14/20) she had 21 horses, a Bantam rooster, two pot bellied pigs (one that looks pregnant), a pregnant goat, a bull and a dairy cow (also pregnant ) and three dogs; one if"
from $10 - $30 / night
Check Availability
GuideVery small county campground. Went selected for location to bike trails and beaches. Bathhouses were mostly clean but well worn. No personal on site most of the time. Handful of long term people who are friendly.
GuideWas actually at the spot geocaching, but really like the look of this little campground. And I mean little.
There’s a combination of electric hook ups and non-electric hook ups. It’s all very well kept and clean and organized.
Favoring this one for potential return to actually camp at. Gave this one 4 to 5 stars which is above average for me. But I’ve earned a fifth star if it wasn’t so close to the road with road noise and had been staffed full-time, and had a few more amenities.
TravelerInexpensive to stay at 17$ for a night for power . It’s all I needed . I stayed multiple times fishing , boat launch . Quint state part across the road
GuideI called a couple hours before getting to the place. The lady on the phone was very nice, and the place looks perfectly fine. Nice camp sites, bathroom in great conditions, and a small place that gives it a cozy vibe. I recommend it.
TravelerMe and my husband have been camping here for three days now the campsite is very clean. The lady is very very nice. Great showers great bathrooms great people great location.
ScoutBeautiful, clean, amazing state park! I would highly recommend spending time at this campground!
Possibly the best kept secret in the area.
GuideI’m a tent camper. The location is a good jumping off point for seeing nearby attractions. The host is very nice and the place has decent washroom/shower facilities. $15 nightly fee. I did not like the proximity to the busy highway (noisy) and the campground itself isn’t big (although it does seem to cram in these enormous rv’s and trailers). Lot of electric light at night. Ok for a short stay but not very conducive to being out in nature.
GuideCampground was nice and quiet. A little traffic noise but not too bad. It had a boat dock and pier to observe the St. Marks River. The St. Marks lighthouse is so close and a must see during all times of the day. We visited at least twice, once to walk along the beach and the second time to see the sunset. There are so many beautiful sights in the area. We visited Alligator Point and Bald Point State Park. We saw a bald eagle and so many other species of birds. I will return. The host was gracious and very informative. They did have some trouble with the restrooms, they were closed for a short time when we arrived and closed again before we left. However, we did use the showers and the bathhouse was clean when it was operational. I would recommend this camp if you are exploring the area and there is a lot to explore.
ScoutNothing fancy, but a nice spot to stay. They do have bathrooms and shower which are clean. They also have FHU, W/E and primitive. It is located on a busy HWY 98 so there is traffic noise during the day. St. Marks wildlife refuge is right across the street and Wakulla Springs is about 10 minutes down the road.
Tate's Hell State Forest offers primitive dispersed camping along the Carrabelle River with sites accessible for equestrians and their horses. Each primitive site includes a fire ring, picnic table, and cleared areas that can accommodate tent camping and horse trailers. The forest's well-maintained dirt roads provide access to individual campsites scattered throughout the 202,000-acre forest rather than concentrated in a single campground area. Most sites can accommodate popup campers or small RVs, though no electrical, water, or sewage hookups are available within the forest. The sites remain inexpensive and very private, with caretakers available but non-intrusive.
Connected to numerous forest roads and trails, Tate's Hell provides excellent opportunities for horseback riding through pine flatwoods and cypress swamps. Riders can explore miles of natural Florida Panhandle terrain while camping in the backcountry. The forest requires permits for camping, which can be reserved by calling 1-877-879-3859, with the regional ranger station located in Carrabelle. Nearby Crazy 8 Ranch offers an alternative with electric and water hookups for those seeking accommodations with direct access to guided trail rides in the adjacent state park. The ranch maintains 21 rescue horses and allows campers to feed carrots and apples to the animals. Fort Braden Tract in Lake Talquin State Forest also provides primitive camping options with three loop trails, though the steep shoreline requires caution when watering horses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Sumatra, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Sumatra, FL is Tate's Hell State Forest with a 5-star rating from 3 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Sumatra, FL?
TheDyrt.com has all 4 equestrian camping locations near Sumatra, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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