Best Equestrian Camping near Vero Beach, FL

Vero Beach Equestrian Club offers nine reservable RV sites with equestrian accommodations in a private setting. The campground provides thirty-amp electric hookups and water connections for RVs while horses are accommodated in nearby facilities. Located in a rural area of Florida, the property maintains trails accessible directly from the camping area. The equestrian club facilities are well-maintained with clean grounds that attract both local riders and traveling equestrians. No alcohol is permitted on the grounds, and the club enforces strict guidelines to ensure a family-friendly atmosphere for all guests.

Kilpatrick Hammock Campground at Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park features horse-friendly camping options approximately 90 minutes from Vero Beach. Direct access to miles of prairie riding trails makes this location particularly appealing to equestrians seeking extended trail experiences. The preserve's equestrian sites include amenities such as water access for horses and ample space for trailer parking. Many riders report encountering abundant wildlife during trail rides, including deer, wild turkeys, and numerous bird species. The park's International Dark Sky designation ensures exceptional stargazing opportunities after evening trail rides. Reservations are essential, especially during peak winter months when the equestrian sites fill quickly with seasonal riders seeking Florida's warmer climate.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Vero Beach, Florida (6)

    1. Vero Beach Equestrian Club

    1 Review
    Sebastian, FL
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (772) 226-0376

    $40 - $80 / night

    "Vero Beach Equestrian Club is new to the Dyrt and accepting reservations! Check them out and leave a review about your stay on the Dyrt!"

    2. Pine Grove Campground — Jonathan Dickinson State Park

    59 Reviews
    Jupiter, FL
    48 miles
    Website
    +1 (772) 546-2771

    $26 / night

    "The cost of camping in Florida isn't cheap though this one actually had the value in it given that you could also rent boats and paddle up river alongside manatees to the wild man encampment."

    "Jonathon Dickinson SP, Jupiter Florida Dickinson SP Large park with miles of paved and off road trails for biking and hiking."

    3. Kilpatrick Hammock Campground — Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

    29 Reviews
    Kenansville, FL
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (863) 462-5360

    $16 / night

    "Ranked as an International Dark Sky campsite, this is one of the few in Florida that have this recognition."

    "Very remote with thousands of acres of nature surrounding you. The sky at night is spectacular. The astronomers love this park."

    4. Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo

    12 Reviews
    Kenansville, FL
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (863) 692-1321

    "This review relates to River Ranch RV Resort, which is next to the Westgate property. I would personally not stay at the Westgate RV since it is basically just an open field with RV spots. "

    "Good off-roading nearby ! All the amenities you want. Nice staff"

    5. Istokpoga Canal Boat Ramp And Campsite

    3 Reviews
    Lake Placid, FL
    50 miles
    Website
    +1 (863) 462-5260

    "Quiet, relaxing, good trails that lead over to Hickory Hammock campground. Audrey is a excellent camp host. They keep it very clean and is very helpful in showing you the campsites."

    "If you aren’t familiar with central Florida summers, which is about 11 1/2 months of the year it’s hot, humid, and loaded with bugs. We also have great wildlife."

    6. DuPuis Campground

    1 Review
    Indiantown, FL
    45 miles
    Website
    +1 (866) 433-6312

    "The sites surround a pond. I didn't use the compost toilet so I don't have an opinion. I couldn't locate the faucet, but supposedly there is one."

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Vero Beach, FL

105 Reviews of 6 Vero Beach Campgrounds


  • Jake C.The Dyrt ADMIN User
    Dec. 1, 2023

    Vero Beach Equestrian Club

    RV Getaway at an Equestrian Club

    Jake from the Dyrt here! Vero Beach Equestrian Club is new to the Dyrt and accepting reservations! Check them out and leave a review about your stay on the Dyrt!

  • Anjuli W.
    May. 1, 2017

    Pine Grove Campground — Jonathan Dickinson State Park

    Great for tents & RVs w fun surprises

    Really had a fantastic time at this campground, I'm typically a tent camper and had great facilities. The cost of camping in Florida isn't cheap though this one actually had the value in it given that you could also rent boats and paddle up river alongside manatees to the wild man encampment. Amazing hiking nearby, the tower to check out, even a little mini museum with reptiles. I enjoyed it so much I would go back.

  • JERRY C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 24, 2024

    Istokpoga Canal Boat Ramp And Campsite

    Very relaxing 5 star review

    The place is gorgeous and if you want shade or sun it offers both. Quiet, relaxing, good trails that lead over to Hickory Hammock campground. Audrey is a excellent camp host.

    They keep it very clean and is very helpful in showing you the campsites. It is right off the main road so no dirt road to get there though you have some road noise but you can get back away from most of it.  Lots of wildlife in the woods, nothing bothered the campsite.

    There are bathrooms but no showers. They are a ways away from the campground. Its still shocking you can camp in Florida like this for free. Hope we can keep it this way for a long time.

  • Rich S.
    Oct. 19, 2019

    Kilpatrick Hammock Campground — Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

    Great place in the middle of nowhere

    Ranked as an International Dark Sky campsite, this is one of the few in Florida that have this recognition. We came during a cloudy weekend but it broke one night for us to catch a glimpse of the Milky Way-beautiful. The campground itself is well maintained and peaceful. There are three sections for campers here: a family campground, an astronomy pad, and an equestrian site. We stayed in the equestrian area (you don’t need to have a horse to do so). Site 24 is right next to a new shower and bathroom house they added not too long ago. The facility is clean, and has four bathroom/hot shower combo stalls. There are more in the family campsite area. Hiking trails run through the area. The campground is far removed from civilization, so make sure you come prepared. The campground office sells ice, but that’s about it. Firewood is also available. Staff is very helpful and friendly, and they run tours on swamp buggy style OHVs out of the area as well.

  • j
    Apr. 8, 2021

    Pine Grove Campground — Jonathan Dickinson State Park

    So much to do in beautiful state park with river near beach

    Jonathon Dickinson SP, Jupiter Florida Dickinson SP Large park with miles of paved and off road trails for biking and hiking. Lots to do, horse back riding, boat tours, discovery center, bird watching, off road bike challenge course. We've seen otter, tortoise, birds, eagles so far.Nice sites in two campgrounds. We're in River CG, more shade, a few paved sites but most are dirt/mud. The Pine Grove CG close to entrance, more spacious, not much shade, paved and nice gravel sites. If you get the chance take the river tour. We went on the one that goes to Trapper Nelson's place where you get a ranger guided walk. Totally worth the$25 fee.

  • Suzie F.
    May. 4, 2019

    Kilpatrick Hammock Campground — Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

    This is a very remote but beautiful park

    Very remote with thousands of acres of nature surrounding you. The sky at night is spectacular. The astronomers love this park. There are no stores close by so make sure that you have all of your supplies. They only sell ice & firewood at the ranger station. It’s also a bit hot in the summer. It is also an equestrian park.

  • j
    Jan. 18, 2022

    Pine Grove Campground — Jonathan Dickinson State Park

    Great to escape winter

    Hobe Sound FL Jonathan Dickinson SP This park has two campgrounds. Pine Grove Campground, has 90 sites, it is located near the ranger station. These large sites have more space between and foliage for privacy. Sites have clothes line, fire pit, picnic table and are all level gravel. Very nice clean bathouses with family room. None of the washers and dryers were working. There's a playground and picnic Pavilion. Some road and train noise. Had good downpour today and had a little lake at back of site but within an hour it disappeared! Great place to stargaze. Saw a  great full Wolf Moon.

    River Campground is more rustic, it has 52 sites, is about four miles from the park entrance, near the Loxahatchee River. Sites close together, no privacy. The River CG is great if you plan to fish or kayak. Close to boat ramp. Sites are dirt. Also more mosquitoes. There's major utility construction going on next to this camp right now. 

    Good things- Miles of paved and off road bike  and hike trails, great bird watching, star gazing, canoeing, kayaking, fishing. Seasonal horse back rides. Fun and informative boat tour to Trapper Nelson's. There's a great learning center. Amazon delivers to Ranger station. Stores and restaurants a couple miles away.

  • David G.
    Jun. 20, 2019

    Kilpatrick Hammock Campground — Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

    Long way from nowhere

    Expect a long travel to this remote site.   It’s a couple miles of reasonably decent dirt roads to get there, after several miles of remote highways. The only designated dark sky site in Florida.   It does not disappoint for night sky viewing.   If you’re camping here, please be courteous and keep your outdoor lights to a minimum.  The night sky’s are just breathtaking.   Check www.spotthestation.nasa.gov to see if you’ll get a glimpse of the space station while your there.   Hiking/biking trails are plentiful.   Be aware that there’s a LOT of loose sand.   So even on a mountain bike you’ll have to walk now and then.   Great birding.  Crested cara cara are frequent as are flocks of turkey strolling through the campsites.   Be sure to head out the road you came in back to the first turn and take the trail to the left (as you’re leaving).   There’s a gator hole just 1/4 mile down the trail.  Nature trail is a nice hammock view.  No pets on that particular trail.   

    There are 2 camp loops only the first camp loop has a bath house, which is very nice.   The equestrian camp has porta potties.  Many of those folks drive over to the bathhouse.  Even the bathhouse has outdoor red lights.

  • K
    Dec. 6, 2018

    Kilpatrick Hammock Campground — Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

    Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park, the Florida prairie at its best!

    KPPSP is a small park about 40 miles north of Okeechobee, FL. It is located along the Kissimmee River and is home to several endangered species including the Grasshopper Sparrow. The camp ground is small but includes areas dedicated to horses and astronomers as well as us regular folks. The astronomers enjoy some of the darkest skies on the east coast and the events surrounding a full moon (providing we have clear skies) are awesome. The park also hosts a long section of the Florida National Scenic Trail, a top notch backpacking venue. Check out www.floridatrail.org for more information. The park also offers swamp buggy rides with knowledgeable rangers accompanying to introduce campers to the prairie habitat and it's inhabitants. Spend a week or two here to enjoy a part of Florida you never knew existed!


Guide to Vero Beach

Equestrian campgrounds near Vero Beach, Florida offer direct access to 30+ miles of riding trails through diverse terrain including marshlands and pine flatwoods. The region's subtropical climate maintains warm temperatures year-round, with winter months (November-April) providing the most comfortable riding conditions at 70-80°F daytime temperatures. During summer rainy season (June-September), riders should plan morning outings and prepare for afternoon thunderstorms that can temporarily flood trails.

What to do

Trail riding with wildlife viewing: At Kilpatrick Hammock Campground, riders access extensive prairie trails where deer, wild turkeys and abundant bird species are commonly spotted. The preserve's open landscape allows for unobstructed wildlife viewing. "Different from other areas of Florida the Prairie area is open and vast. I found it quiet, and enjoyable place to be alone with my thoughts and hiking. I was met with groups of wild turkeys and other animals and enjoyed peaceful wondering," reports camper Anjuli W.

Stargazing after rides: The International Dark Sky designation at Kissimmee Prairie Preserve creates exceptional post-ride evening activities. "Expect a long travel to this remote site. It's a couple miles of reasonably decent dirt roads to get there, after several miles of remote highways. The only designated dark sky site in Florida. It does not disappoint for night sky viewing," notes David G.

Western-style entertainment: Beyond typical trail riding, Westgate River Ranch Resort offers Saturday night rodeos, mechanical bull riding and additional cowboy-themed activities. "We were there several years ago and had a blast. The boys loved the rodeo that was held on the weekend. They even got to participate in chasing the calf to win a prize," shares Christy C.

What campers like

Clean facilities: Jonathan Dickinson State Park earns consistent praise for well-maintained camping areas and bathrooms. "Clean shower and toilet areas," reports Karen, while another camper notes "Bathrooms super clean, campsites in perfect conditions and so on."

Proximity to riding trails: Equestrian campers appreciate direct access to trail systems from their sites. "We stayed in the equestrian campgrounds twice. The equestrian sites have hook ups similar to the regular campground sites and there is also primitive camping as well as sites for astronomy. There are miles of trails going through the beautiful prairie landscapes," explains Jessica S.

Wildlife encounters: DuPuis Campground and surrounding equestrian areas provide abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. "Various trees at the camp sites provide shade. The sites surround a pond," notes camper J R., who adds that the Florida Trail connection allows for extended riding or hiking options.

What you should know

Remote locations require preparation: Horse campgrounds near Vero Beach tend to be situated in rural areas requiring advance planning. "Be sure to fuel up and have plenty of groceries," advises camper Annell N. about Kissimmee Prairie Preserve, while Monte W. emphasizes, "Definitely bring everything that you need because there is nothing around for many miles."

Seasonal considerations: Florida's rainy season affects trail conditions. "Parts of the hiking trails were flooded and muddy," reports Monte W. from a November visit. Summer months bring challenging heat and humidity, as Joseph M. warns: "If you aren't familiar with central Florida summers, which is about 11 1/2 months of the year it's hot, humid, and loaded with bugs."

Reservation requirements: Popular equestrian sites fill quickly, especially during winter months. "FREE stay, register at the SFWMD site and request a permit. Each site has a fire pit and picnic table. First come first serve. Two cars, two tents, 6 people max per camp site," explains J R. about DuPuis Campground's reservation system.

Tips for camping with families

Multi-activity options: Istokpoga Canal Boat Ramp And Campsite provides diverse recreation beyond horseback riding. "The place is gorgeous and if you want shade or sun it offers both. Quiet, relaxing, good trails that lead over to Hickory Hammock campground," shares JERRY C., noting its proximity to the main road means "no dirt road to get there."

Age-appropriate trails: Jonathan Dickinson State Park offers trails suitable for riders of all experience levels. "Perfect for all levels and ages," according to Edward R., who specifically recommends the mountain biking trails that could also accommodate beginner riders.

Educational opportunities: Westgate River Ranch Resort combines riding with educational experiences. "We went to the rodeo on Saturday night, did a swamp buggy ride, skeet shooting, petting zoo and rode a mechanical bull," shares Tina S., highlighting the variety of western-themed learning activities available.

Tips from RVers

Hookup availability: Horse-friendly RV sites vary widely in amenities. "You can get a RV site through Westgate which is more of a field or through River Ranch RV Resort which has full hook-ups," advises Tina S., who stayed at a waterfront site that allowed fishing directly from their campsite.

Site selection for horse trailers: When booking equestrian sites, confirm adequate space for both RV and horse trailer. Roxxy G. shares about Kissimmee Prairie: "We tent camped in the Equestrian loop, and the sites were decently spaced with plenty of room for our two tents, two cars, and 8 campers to spread out without bothering the neighbors."

Utilities and amenities: Jonathan Dickinson State Park provides full-service RV sites convenient to riding trails. "This park has paved loops with gravel pads, fire pits, BBQ, tables, playground and much to offer in terms of hiking, biking and boating/kayaking. Good cell reception with AT&T and Verizon," reports Laura M.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Vero Beach, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Vero Beach, FL is Vero Beach Equestrian Club with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Vero Beach, FL?

TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Vero Beach, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.