1 campground with availability next weekend
Long Branch Rest & Ride RV & Horse Park accommodates campers with horses just 3 miles north of Live Oak in northern Florida. The park features individual horse stalls, paddocks in three different sizes, and a designated area where horses can graze while owners camp. Equestrian amenities include hay storage, wash racks, manure disposal wheelbarrows, and hitching posts. RV sites offer both 30-amp ($40/night) and 50-amp ($50/night) electric hookups with water and sewer connections. Primitive tent camping is available for $25 per night. Horse owners camp in the left section of the property when entering, while standard RVs can select more scenic spots around the small pond. The entire property operates on an honor system, with campers signing waivers and leaving payment in the mailbox upon arrival. The cul-de-sac camping area is surrounded by rich pastures with livestock including cattle and horses.
The extensive network of hiking, biking and riding trails connects directly to the campground, offering excellent options for daily rides. Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park & Campground provides another horse-friendly option in the region, covering over 800 acres for exploration on horseback. Trails lead to the Suwannee River where riders can access swimming areas and scenic views. Both properties accommodate various camping styles including tents, RVs, and cabins. Campers should note that Long Branch specifically prohibits stallions, an important consideration when planning an equestrian stay. The properties remain well-shaded by ancient live oaks draped with Spanish moss, creating comfortable conditions for both horses and riders. For riders seeking additional adventures, Suwannee Springs is accessible by heading north on Highway 129, offering additional trails and river access points for a complete horse camping experience.
"Very large unique campground it offers tent camping, RV camping, camping with horses & cabins. Most famous for their events & concerts. Most campers bring their golf cart & ride the trials."
"Amidst Florida pines and oaks, you will find, the suwannee river. Follow a trail from your campground to the beautiful and dark waters of the Suwannee."
"Older Florida park with roots in the CCC and Forestry Service. Large park with hiking, bike and equestrian trails."
"The campsites are spacious, well shaded, and with in easy walking distance to the Bathhouse/Restrooms. The facilities are kept clean and neat."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $18 / night
"We were heading westward down the very long straight eastward-westward line that is Highway 10, which connects the first coast of Florida in Jacksonville to the complete opposite side of the state in Pensacola"
from $5 - $20 / night
"There are trails to explore around springs and sinks. You can learn a lot about Florida's Aquifer and more staying at this and other camps."
"The sites are under the most beautiful live oaks and swimming in crystal clear spring water just steps away. Super pet friendly and clean bathhouse."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $100 / night
"A few people brought their horses out there which was nice to see. This park seems to still be in development which was perfect for me because we didn’t have a lot of movement."
"This was a perfect stopping point on our way to the southwest coast of Florida as it was directly on our travel path and very reasonable in pricing."
from $23 / night
from $25 - $50 / night
"Humble and super hospitable super friendly people they've got baby goats donkeys horses chicken that roam free during the day and at night the donkey keep predators away so it's super safe and quiet if"
GuideThe six sites available are spread out in the Cary State Forest. You can see the tops of some RV’s but they’re not close. The site has a very nice picnic table, fire pit,benches around the fire pit, a free standing grill, water, electric and a concrete pad to park on with a tent site behind the pad. Grass is freshly cut and the site is clean!
RangerAfter exploring the museum, enjoying the nature trails, enjoy some fishing, or bird watching along the river. See where the river sinks( ends) and look for the turtles in the water. The campsites are shaded, level and qell kept. Bathrooms are clean, handicapped accessable, and conviently located. Pets welcome, families welcome. Big rigs may find the campground roads tight, but there are multiple sites available for big rigs. Be aware there are trees along the roads, so be aware of any lower branches.
RangerNice quiet campsite with decent level spaces Ok cell service Verizon and att Lots of deer and armadillos
LegendWe were heading westward down the very long straight eastward-westward line that is Highway 10, which connects the first coast of Florida in Jacksonville to the complete opposite side of the state in Pensacola, and had no idea where we were going to ‘drop anchor’ as it was getting close to dusk. On our way to the Suwannee River to get some great kayaking in, we found ourselves looking for a spot to lay over for the night and while we were heading to this northern Florida natural treasure, we came across a small sign that was somewhat hidden from site, which lured us to Long Branch Rest & Ride RV & Horse Park. Following Highway (really, a country road) 129 towards Suwannee, we were running out of both time and options, so decided to follow the long winding country road known as 48th street until it dead-ended into a cul-de-sac.
What I loved most about this camping outpost was that it was completely surrounded by rich pastures with lots of livestock including cattle and horses, so immediately, we felt the Old Floridian country vibe out in these parts. Located just 3 miles or so north of Live Oak, we arrived to find a yellow farm house at the fork in the road where because the place operates on an honor system, you simply have to take out the waiver that’s under the white mailbox, sign it and place it back in the mailbox along with either cash or check. I mean, just how cool is the honor system?! Especially among campers like us? Fantastic- the rest of the world should follow suit. After we left our envelope with cash (and admittedly, some coins), we moseyed on to find a suitable place to ‘hole up for the night.’
After you complete the administrative task of checking in, then you are at liberty to basically park wherever you’d like, although drive thrus are encouraged to head to the left, along with anyone hauling their noble steeds (note: absolutely no stallions BTW) with them, as there are areas where you can let your horses out to graze while parked or leave them in the paddock for an extra$10 per night. If like us, you just have a standard RV that isn’t too large, you can head to the more scenic spots that are more heavily forested and encircle a small pond. All the RV hook-ups offer up 30 / 50 electric amp along with water and sewage.
Note that this place charges $50 per night for 50 amp or $40 per night for 30 amp, which I have to be honest I’ve never seen before. I mean, electricity is electricity right? Seems a little discriminatory IMHO - at least charge $30 for 30 amp if you’re going to charge $50 for 50 amp, right?! Oh, and if you want to tent camp primitive style here, good news is you can, for just $25/ night, which seemed like a great option to us.
As far as amenities go, here’s what you’ll find in this incredibly spacious, beautiful farming landscape: super clean bathrooms and showers, fire rings, picnic tables, gazebos, hammock, silo bathroom, catch & release pond, stand-up grills, brand new horse paddocks with individual stalls, tons of hiking, biking and riding trails, free kennel accommodations for the K9s in your life, which also include a nice doggie park - but to be fair, the whole place is like one giant doggie park! One amenity that comes free of charge, apart from the simply amazing 360 degree landscape that you would be lucky to call home for the night is the magnificent shade that this place provides with its endless array of ancient and live Oaks dripping with Spanish moss so long that you’d think you were in a fairy tale where the trees have suddenly sprouted beards.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) Although the waiver and release form was quite cumbersome as well as all of the various surcharges for things that normally one would take for granted and / or simply think that they should be included in the price of what you are paying for each individual night, we got to a point where this place definitely feels like they are ‘nickel & diming’ you for every single little thing that you don- so using the honor system, we included extra for what we thought was fair and didn’t add extra for what we believed should have been included in the price (like the fire rings - c’mon!);(2) Don’t forget to add 10% to the cost of your overall stay, which covers both 7% state and 3% county tourism taxes; (3) If you come with horses, they offer 3 different paddock sizes here, so you’ll want to look at these closely to figure out what’s right for your steeds, but we were impressed by all of the amenities horses are afforded here, from hay, wash rack, wheel-barrows for manure disposal, hitching posts, etc. This place is definitely geared to the equestrian camper!; (4) If you are looking to grab a slice of nature beyond the amazing patch of countryside you find yourself camping at here at Long Branch Rest & Ride, then head north on 129 and make your way to Suwannee Springs where there is no shortage of great paths to hike and of course, the amazing Suwannee River to drop in a kayak or canoe; (5) If you would like to see what is reminiscent of the Lion King, then head south of Live Oak to Mystic Jungle where you can see all of their amazing wild cats that normally you would only be able to see on safari;(6) Should you need anything, again, the town of Live Oak is just a 10 minute drive south of here wherein you’ll find just about everything you are looking for, including a Busy Bee for excellent bathrooms, showers and laundry facilities, Walmart Supercenter and Publix for groceries as well as just OK restaurants like Beef ‘O’ Brady’s, Zaxby’s and a Waffle House, but for actual really good food, keep on heading south where you’ll find Big Wood BBQ & Grill, The 406 or Brown Lantern.
Happy Camping!
ScoutGreat quiet spot just outside the city. Good showers, water, and electricity. Has only 6 rv sites, miles of trails to explore. Mosquitos are not bad. Surprisingly, yellow flies are abundant, however.
GuideBeautiful stop. Rain forced a 3 day stay. Camp host beyond helpful and understanding as we’re on a Ural motorcycle. Walk-in with onsite large wheelbarrow no problem.
GuideOlder Florida park with roots in the CCC and Forestry Service. Large park with hiking, bike and equestrian trails. Along the Santa Fe River there is a swimming hole, suspension bridge, old buildings and a small museum. Magnolia loop would be the best loop for RVs, but spots can be had. Facilities are clean, albeit old. Camping loops and pads are hard sand. Sites vary in size and level. Separation between sits is not bad but suffered in hurricane damage. Some sites appear a bit tight with overhanging trees.
LegendI imagine that Suwannee Music Park Campground was borne out of the wonderful brainchild idea of someone who was fortunate enough to attend the original Woodstock back in ’69 and after leaving the upstate NY experience, woke up 3,000 miles away here on the shores of the Suwannee and said to themselves,“hey, why not try to create that experience here in NW Florida?!” And thus, this nature-embracing outdoor musical playground was given birth.
Let’s begin with the sheer size of this place: with 800+ acres and over 600 campsites to choose from, this thickly wooded sprawling campground expanse is massive. And when it comes to the camping itself, no matter what type you might be thinking of - from RV and 5th Wheelers to those towing Horse Trailers and, Primitive Camping and Treehouses as well as Cabins for lease, every type of outdoor camping is offered here.
The major attraction here, apart from the live music performances that get booked very frequently in this camping outpost, is the direct access you’ll have to the historic Cypress tree-lined Suwannee River, which is nothing short of fantastic if you enjoy paddling a kayak or canoe. If you are looking for something just as active but different, there’s a dedicated disc golf course as well as endless miles of trails, perfect for hiking and biking.
Other amenities include: horse stables, children’s playground, covered pavilions, a bird sanctuary, chapel, small lake with fishing dock (catch & release only), bat house (apparently the largest in the US), tree house, craft village, boat launch, barn museum, drum circle, horse wash / manure disposal, arcade game room with pinball machine, live music pavilions, shelters, potable water stations, karaoke, riverside beach, viewable bee hives, golf cart rental, designated dump stations, WiFi, on-site cafe and general store (firewood, ice, beer, T-shirts, hats and caps), bar and music hall, pickin’ shed, geocaching, rock waterfall, first aid stations, swimming pool (that also serves up ice cream and pizza poolside), multiple music stages, restrooms and shower facilities and Suwannee River dock. For the RV crowd, Suwanee Music Park offers 20 / 30 / 50 amp electric, water and sewage hook-ups.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a handful: (1) Despite being pretty far removed from civilization for those really wanting to embrace a nice chunk of untouched nature, I have to admit this place was overwhelmed with golf carts when we visited, which really takes away from the ambiance of being out in nature in the first place IMHO. Many times this place felt more like the Villages (the world's largest and most well-heeled retirement community located south of here in central Florida) than a remote camping outpost; (2) Should you need anything, the town of Live Oak is just a 20 minute drive south of here wherein you’ll find just about everything you are looking for, including a Busy Bee for excellent bathrooms, showers and laundry facilities, Walmart Supercenter and Publix for groceries as well as just OK restaurants like Beef ‘O’ Brady’s, Zaxby’s and a Waffle House, but for actual really good food, keep on heading south to the center of town where you’ll find Big Wood BBQ & Grill, The 406 or Brown Lantern; (3) If you were fascinated by the drama, murder and mayhem on the Netflix series Tiger King, then head south of Live Oak to Mystic Jungle where you can see all of their amazing wild cats that normally you would only be able to see while on safari; (4) For my primitive tent pitching bredren, of all the amazing places to consider here, I would strongly recommend those primitive camping spots that are either located near the Bat House over just north and west of Farm Field or the primitive camping sites just east of Spirit Lake; (5) Only downsides include: very overcrowded in some places, lots of bugs (so be sure to bring the Citronella!), uneven land to pitch a tent in the primitive camping area, RV sites are pretty close to one another, WiFi is intermittent and weak in many places, ‘golf carts gone wild’ scenarios, lots of restrictions and rules (destroys that Woodstock vibe I thought we would find here), dated bathrooms will take you back to the 1970s; (6) Upsides include: incredibly friendly staff, very close to Highway 10 making this spot very easy and quick to access, incredibly well-stocked general store; and (7) For best bat viewing, come at dusk to watch them leave by the tens of thousands turning the sky dark, and then come before dawn to watch them all return while sipping your Americano in a lawn chair.
Happy Camping!
TravelerHumble and super hospitable super friendly people they've got baby goats donkeys horses chicken that roam free during the day and at night the donkey keep predators away so it's super safe and quiet if you don't mind the roosters😆
It's 2 nights free $10 after with no electric or stay primitive for however long and 15 a night electric I believe we stayed in primitive but my brother helped do some construction for them helped finalize a house they started working on too long ago so they could sell and make a profit
Northern Florida offers diverse equestrian camping opportunities near White Springs, located along the historic Suwannee River. The area's sandy soils and flat terrain make for easy trail riding, with elevations rarely exceeding 150 feet above sea level. Summers bring humidity and temperatures in the 90s, while winter nights can drop into the 40s with pleasant daytime temperatures.
Trail riding opportunities: At Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park & Campground, equestrians can explore extensive trails. "Awesome park with 800 acres to hike, horseback, or take a golf cart thru the trails," notes Greg D. The property connects to networks leading to the Suwannee River.
Swimming in springs: Cool off in the 72-degree waters at Lafayette Blue Springs State Park Campground. "Beautiful spring for swimming featuring a limestone bridge way you can snorkel under. If you're into diving they also have an underwater cave, just make sure to check in with the ranger station 2 miles north before diving," suggests Aubrey O.
Wildlife observation: Forested areas provide habitat for diverse species. At Cary State Forest Campground, you might spot native wildlife, though some visitors note limitations: "In our week there we only saw a handful of birds and a squashed dead pygmy rattlesnake. There was something just a bit sad about it."
Honor system convenience: Many appreciate the straightforward check-in process at equestrian facilities. At Long Branch Rest & Ride RV & Horse Park, "you simply have to take out the waiver that's under the white mailbox, sign it and place it back in the mailbox along with either cash or check. I mean, just how cool is the honor system?!"
River access: The Suwannee River provides recreation opportunities throughout the region. One camper at Ken's Kamps describes it as an "awesome camp on the river next to Gornto springs park" with "great all natural camp site with a toilet and shower tent."
Space and privacy: Campsites tend to offer good separation. At Cary State Forest Campground, "Sites are spread out and HUGE!! Several trails and plenty of room for kids to play on site!!!" according to David S., while another notes they are "huge and private."
Paddock restrictions: Some equestrian campgrounds have specific rules. Long Branch Rest & Ride prohibits stallions, while offering various paddock options. "If you come with horses, they offer 3 different paddock sizes here, so you'll want to look at these closely to figure out what's right for your steeds."
Water level variability: Spring conditions fluctuate with rainfall. At Lafayette Blue Springs, "If your main purpose for visiting is to swim in the spring make sure to call ahead or go online and check water conditions as this spring is attached to the Suwanee river and can sometimes be 'browned out' due to river levels."
Bug preparation: Insect protection is essential, especially in warmer months. At O'Leno State Park, campers advise: "TAKE BUG REPELLENT... MOSQUITOES ARE BAD," while another mentions "Note the roads are hard-pack and it is a Florida pine forest so it gets a bit muddy (and mosquito-y) on rainy days."
Recreational variety: The Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park offers activities beyond horse camping. Nancy G. reports, "This is a great family park. Swimming pool, outdoor park n play yard. Lots of sites, gets a bit crowded when there is a festival."
Educational opportunities: Historical features provide learning experiences. O'Leno State Park includes "a suspension bridge, old buildings and a small museum" with "roots in the CCC and Forestry Service," notes Chris A.
Animal encounters: Farm stays add entertainment for children. Big Mike's Ranch and RV Camp offers a unique experience where "they've got baby goats donkeys horses chicken that roam free during the day and at night the donkey keep predators away so it's super safe and quiet if you don't mind the roosters."
Site selection considerations: Choose campsites based on your equipment and needs. At Long Branch Rest & Ride, "drive thrus are encouraged to head to the left, along with anyone hauling their noble steeds with them" while "if you just have a standard RV that isn't too large, you can head to the more scenic spots that are more heavily forested and encircle a small pond."
Electrical reliability: Check power availability before booking. One camper at Cary State Forest had issues: "When we arrived and hooked up the 30amp breaker kept flipping. We had just left crooked river and hadn't had any issues."
Dump station access: Consider waste disposal options. The Cary State Forest dump station "is not fully paved so it too, gets muddy" during rainy periods, which requires planning for RVers needing this service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near White Springs, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near White Springs, FL is Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park & Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 35 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near White Springs, FL?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 equestrian camping locations near White Springs, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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