Best Equestrian Camping near Umatilla, FL

As you approach Welaka State Forest, it feels as though you’ve arrived ‘at the end of the line,’ and not in a bad sense either. Here, you’ll feel as though you’ve escaped the crowds, left the commercial world only to discover a truly pristine natural jewel. You’ll be overwhelmed by the incredibly loud silence and solitude of this far-reaching outpost and the moment that you’ve crossed the threshold (or the gravel road) entering Welaka State Forest, you’ll be incredibly grateful for the wide open expanse of the place and the communion with nature that it provides. 

Just due south of Welaka – where there’s a minute scattering of local eateries and distractions, this spot is fairly off the ‘beaten path,’ a good half hour south of Palatka in central Florida, along the banks of the historic St. Johns River. This federal turned state park was founded in 1935 (under the Federal Resettlement Administration) and today is both a major conservation area as well as fish hatchery for the State of Florida. In all, there’s 4 miles of river frontage area on the east bank of Little Lake George, making for some decent kayaking and canoeing, although most of this is fairly difficult to navigate as it’s swamp-like, where overgrown Cypress and Pine trees provide a very thick canopy of forested shade throughout. 

If you’ve got horses en towe, then you have hit the ‘lottery of equestrian campgrounds’ as Welaka State Forest is perhaps the most perfect place to camp if you’ve brought your four-legged steeds and looking for a place that offers up nearly 20 miles of equestrian trails for plenty of galloping, including the 6-mile Sandhill Horse Trail (part of the Florida Trailtrotter Program: www.fdacs.gov/Forest-Wildfire/Our-Forests/State-Forests/State-Forest-Recreation/Recreational-Activities/Horseback-Riding/Trailtrotter-Program)..) The campground here at Welaka State Park is made for you horse-loving outdoor enthusiasts and provides 2 – I repeat that 2 – 24 stall horse-ready stables, show horse stage, training area, along with 6 primitive campsites along with 5 full hook-up RV drive-through sites. 

Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) If you are looking to get some hiking in, there’s 2 decent trails (both integrated into the Florida forest Service’s ‘Trailwalker Hiking Program’ with the first, Spring Trail, offering a short 2-mile loop that ends in Mud Springs and the second, John’s Landing Trail, offering either a 3.5 or 4 mile loop; (2) Not interested in hiking? Not a problem, you can follow the scenic Indian Pond Road from the comfort of your own vehicle. Near here there are 2 primitive campsites that you can rent that places you right on the St. John’s River; and (3) While this SP doesn’t have much to offer apart from encounters with nature, if you find yourself missing civilization, in less than a 5 minute drive, you can join a sweltering crowd at either Shrimp R Us or, for amazing river-front gnashing, check out Welaka Lodge & Resort (for more details on this particular campground, check out my review on The Dyrt on this site). 

Happy Camping!

If you’ve got one of those incredibly large mobile homes on wheels, then this particular RV location just off of Highway 414 near Hiawassee may just be the perfect spot for you. OK, there were a few tents here, but you could tell this place was really built for the mobile campers in mind. With 28 ample slanted, elongated parking lanes for your parking pleasure, all of the sites come equipped with the typical 30 / 50 amp electrical hook-ups, waste disposal and water connections. The bathrooms and shower facilities are clean and fairly well-maintained.

There’s the standard picnic table, garbage receptacles and even a community BBQ. The hosts are incredibly nice and offer pricing by the night, week and month. Overall, the community is inviting and friendly and there’s at times some planned activities, with most of those featuring horse shows and competitions of some sort, throughout the week (check with the front desk). While there’s not a ton of amenities to pick and choose from, this location does come with grills, park and shelter as well as all the free glimpses of horses being trained. Of course, should you be here with your noble steed, there’s some 22 miles worth of paths to gallup. Near this RV parking lot, you do have access to Lake Apopka.

Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) The real draw to this particular campground is the massive equestrian infrastructure that exists as the fulcrum, so if you are camping, this can be a very nice distraction, in case you come here with the principle idea of racing / showing your horses, then this CG is ideal – and less so if you don’t have a horse and don’t want to camp alongside what could be considered a bit of a circus (especially on show days); (2) Should you grow tired of whipping up franks & beans again for supper and you wanna check out some local fare, you’re going to have to drive a bit north to South Apopka where there’s joints like The Nauti Lobstah, Verona Café, Lechonera Latina and Wings-N-Things; (3) In the event that you need to load up on supplies, there’s both a Sam’s Club and Walmart Supercenter due NE of here; and (4) For some really great hiking & biking, of course, there’s the West Orange Trail, but if you are looking for something a bit different and less trodden, then check out Oakland Nature Preserve, which sits south of Lake Apopka.

 Happy Camping!

Lake Louisa is located on the edge of the Orlando metropolitan region. Close to Disney but accessible to other area attractions and communities, if that's what you are lookimg to do.

We needed a break from life so we went to chill and hang out in the park. What a beautiful park it is. Miles of trails, a small beach, 3 lakes for fishing and kayaking, and 2 fishing piers. They also have equestrian facilities for horseback riding. Including a stable where you can sign up to join a ride.

The park's campground is compact with 2 very clean bathhouse, a small camp store, and 60 sites. The sites are nicely setup with lots of privacy. There are a few sites with both 50 amp electric and sewer service. One issue, especially in the summer, is the lack of shade so make sure you bring your own shade structures and a fan. In addition to traditional sites, the park has glamping tents, eco tents, primitive tent sites, equestrian sites, cabins, and a youth group area.

The park is really beautiful. The riolling hills, pine forests, and pretty lakes. The wild flowers are also very pretty.

We've been to many of Florida's state parks and this is among our new favorites. Just love it! Enjoy!

Sandy trails for horses, watch out for rattle snakes. Trail go on for miles and has a huge sand hill near by to ride horses on and cross over i75.

I went for my birthday and we had an amazing time, clean bathroom and shower facilities and plenty of space between campsites. If you are not a fan of horses, I don’t recommend this location, but if you do this is a wonderful spot (despite some of the smells, it wasn’t terrible though). The sounds of horse ringing in the morning was hilarious and fun. The sounds of coyotes at night spooked our dog, but we got through the night with some comforting and cuddles. I highly recommend this site for anyone who wants an adventure with some dogs and horses as well as bike and hiking trails.

Sites and facilities are nice and clean. The host were very nice and helpful. Has equestrian area and post at each hotel site. Most sites are well shaded. A good number of sites looked hammock friendly, but be sure you have the 2 inch straps. Easy access to hiking and riding trials. Short drive into both Belview and Ocala.

Small near horse and bike trails, strict rules.

I came for a night since it was close to other parks I wanted to visit, but I do think I’ll come back and have my father in law bring his horse with next time. Campsites are close together and it is a little open, but the trails are decent and it’s clean. There were more lightning bugs than mosquitos!! Bathrooms weren’t the best, the hosts are very polite, and the other campers were also respectful. Don’t pass it up if you have a horse who is itching to get out!

Awesome campground to stay at! Gate access during closed hours for the public. Campground visitors get access code upon check in. Owners show you your site. All sites are close to bathroom with showers. Quiet campground. Walking trails within campground and horse back trails!

Sites are spacious with concrete pads. Loops make sure you are never far from a "comfort station" or bathhouse. From water park to horse rides to lots of evening activities, plenty to do here without going to any theme parks. Skip the Bingo and enjoy everything else!!!

This is a nice pleasant location with nothing around but nature. This totally primitive site can be found 12 miles out from the McNeil Trailhead near Colt Creek State Park on Hwy 471. Choose your hiking dates well, the warmer and more humid the more difficult the hike. Trails can get pretty wet in the rainy season also.

Site was clear and open, which was good because there is an abundance of ticks to be found in the brush. There are places for tents and hammocks using tree safe straps. benches, fire ring and even a picnic table. Insect repellent is a must have!

The insects and frogs put on an amazing chorus after a rain. You will need to hang food and trash at night to keep critters away. 

There are 65 miles of trails here, 37350 acres, and you really need to pay attention to the trail signs. there are separate equestrian sites in the area and separate trails as well.

A free reservation is required and must be displayed or available at campground.

Trails can also be access from 13347 Ranch Road in Dade City, Florida

Only 14 spaces, so very small, but nice. Lots of space between sites. Lots of Hike, bike horse trails are very nice and easy to navigate. Very clean bathroom/showers. The only negative is that it's not far from the raid, you can hear the traffic and it's somewhat busy.

Agree with pretty much everything described in the previous review.

Sites are about $9 or 11/night (don't remember), but with taxes and fees came to a little over $13. There are 3 sites here, all a nice distance away from each other. Has a park like feel, lots of grass and trees.

Each site has a horse corral, garbage bin, picnic table, and a lump on the ground for a fire. You don't need to have a horse to camp here. We put our lab in the corral.

Lots of ticks here, beware!

Some unsavory daytime activity here, but they kept to themselves in the day use are and overall there was nothing that made us feel we needed to leave. A sheriff drove through one of the days we were there.

Some hiking in the area but everything was so overgrown and ticky we just stuck to the roads to walk the dogs.

There was a toilet some distance away from the sites.

Good cell reception.

Agree with previous review to take the right side at the y when entering.

The springs itself are beautiful. Blue waters everywhere, constantly 72 degrees. Has bathrooms. Caverns are beautiful under the water but it is constantly crowded around. Pets need to be put on a leash. Horses are permitted. Many opportunities for hiking, biking, swimming, and kayaking. I recently did a kayaking trip roughly 25 miles from wekiwa Springs to Lake Monroe. Dropping kayaks only costs 2 dollars and made it cheap to enjoy a wonderful trip.