Best Equestrian Camping near Winter Haven, FL

Lake Kissimmee State Park Campground accommodates horses with equestrian camping areas approximately 27 miles southeast of Winter Haven, Florida. The park features water and electric hookups, spacious sites with good privacy between camping areas, and fire rings at each location. Campers traveling with horses find several miles of trails suitable for riding, with many sites large enough for both camping equipment and horse trailers. The park maintains multiple hiking and equestrian paths through varied Florida landscapes including prairie, forest, and lakefront areas. Sites are shaded with plenty of trees, providing natural cooling for horses and riders during warmer months. The campground's spacious layout prevents overcrowding, with many campers noting wildlife regularly passing through the camping areas, including deer that often approach the sites in early morning.

Equestrians access multiple trail systems directly from the campground, with both forested paths and open prairie rides available. The Buster Island Loop extends approximately 6 miles and offers varied terrain for riders of different experience levels. Trail riders should bring sufficient water for horses as drinking sources along trails may be limited seasonally. The camping area sits approximately 3 miles from primitive sites that can be accessed on horseback for day trips. During summer months, early morning rides are recommended to avoid heat and insects. The park store operates limited hours (primarily weekends), so riders should bring necessary supplies. Cell service throughout the park is minimal to non-existent, creating an authentic natural experience but requiring advance planning for emergencies or communication needs. The combination of wildlife viewing opportunities and varied riding terrain makes this location particularly valuable for equestrians seeking natural Florida landscapes.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Winter Haven, Florida (20)

    1. Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground

    129 Reviews
    Windermere, FL
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (407) 939-2267

    $56 - $201 / night

    "Lake is great to sit by or take a boat. Have to rent it from them, unable you take your own. They have nightly campfires that are Disney themed, Chipmunks."

    "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!!!"

    2. Lake Kissimmee State Park Campground

    30 Reviews
    Lakeshore, FL
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (863) 696-1112

    $20 / night

    "I live within a hours drive from this park and have been camping here for 40 plus years. This State Park is Old Florida, sites are secluded from the other sites compared to many other parks."

    "The path is very clear with markers and when you arrive at the site, there is a clear indicator to follow. The path to the site is right off the main trail."

    3. Lake Louisa State Park Campground

    39 Reviews
    Clermont, FL
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 394-3969

    $24 - $120 / night

    "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."

    "Lake Louisa is located in Clermont Florida and is only 20 miles from Disney in Orlando. It is a newer park and the facilities were really nice."

    4. Colt Creek State Park Campground

    32 Reviews
    Zephyrhills, FL
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (863) 815-6761

    $24 / night

    "Colt Creek State Park is one of the newest parks in the Florida State Park System. Their RV/Tent Campground just recently opened in early 2018. RV spots are spacious."

    "The equestrian area was the nicest to us. But you must have a horse to stay there."

    5. Alafia River State Park Campground

    19 Reviews
    Lithia, FL
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 433-0287

    $22 / night

    "Miles of horseback trails to ride. Very nice horse stalls to put horses in overnight. Perfect place for equine vacation!"

    "Widely known in Florida for the mountain bike trails. Not much else to do in the area, but very nice space to chill out. The night sky is far enough away that you can really take in the stars."

    6. Hardee Lakes Park

    10 Reviews
    Bowling Green, FL
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (863) 767-1100

    $25 - $28 / night

    "We stayed in an "equestrian" site and most people didn't have horses (neither did we).  "

    "There are four lakes, campsites are located on one of the bigger lakes. Like all parks some site are better than others, none are bad.  We had the end site on the lake that was very private."

    7. Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo

    12 Reviews
    Kenansville, FL
    35 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"

    8. Upper Hillsborough Preserve — Alston Tract

    5 Reviews
    Zephyrhills, FL
    28 miles
    Website

    "So, campers will need to bring their own water or filtration system…

    You’re situated right off to the side of some immediate access to 16 miles of partially wooded roads (“trails”) marked for multiuse"

    "Lovely space for dispersed camping with a picnic table, fire pit, an outhouse and hiking trails. We'll definitely visit again when we're in Florida."

    9. Kilpatrick Hammock Campground — Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

    29 Reviews
    Kenansville, FL
    49 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."

    10. Little Manatee River State Park Campground

    25 Reviews
    Ruskin, FL
    48 miles
    Website
    +1 (813) 671-5005

    $22 / night

    "Equestrian, Car/RV camping and there is a back country site on a 7 mile loop trail that runs part of the way along the river."

    "A lot of walking trails for people and horses. A surprise was the amphitheater. Washers and dryers are located outside the bathrooms. Friendly hosts and other campers. Would came again."

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Winter Haven, FL

370 Reviews of 20 Winter Haven Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • Jeanene A.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 9, 2018

    Colt Creek State Park Campground

    A Brand New Place For Adventure

    Colt Creek State Park is one of the newest parks in the Florida State Park System. Their RV/Tent Campground just recently opened in early 2018. RV spots are spacious. There is not a lot of privacy between spots but cover will grow in in time. Most sites are in full sun most of the day. Tent camping areas are on grass not gravel. very nice dump and wash area at gate to campground. They also offer equestrian, group, and primitive camping at this location. The equestrian camp is well used and quite large with standard amenities for horses and campers. There are 2 primitive sites along a 10 mile loop trail. Group site does not have a pavilion but does have port o lets ( no water or electric). There are 4 lakes ( no swimming) on the property kayak/canoe rentals, nice fishing ares and a dock. Lots of wildlife. Great for biking as well.

  • Elliott B.
    Jul. 16, 2017

    Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve

    One of the largest contiguous recreation areas in Hillsborough County

    The Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve is one of the largest contiguous recreation areas in Hillsborough County.

    There are lots of different parks and areas all contained within the Preserve with all park sites managed by the Hillsborough County Conservation and Environmental Lands Management Department.

    You can only camp within 2 of these areas, the Oak Ridge Equestrian Area and at Dead River Park.

    Other parks and trails are located at the Wilderness Park Off Road Loop Trail System, Flatwoods Park, and the Jefferson Equestrian Area. The Morris Bridge Park, Trout Creek Park, and John B. Sargeant Park, offer day use areas and boat/canoe launch ramps.

    The multiple purposes of the LHWP are easily overlooked while enjoying the natural beauty of this suburban woodland. Here one can paddle waters of the Hillsborough River amongst wading birds, turtles, alligators, lilies and cypress swamps; explore over 60 miles of forest trails; fish from riverside boardwalks; or enjoy a relaxing picnic or cookout.

    Adjoining the Wilderness Preserve is the 3,000-acre Hillsborough River State Park, which in itself is an area of beauty and tranquility known as the Seventeen Runs of the Hillsborough River. This park also has wonderful camping.

    Camping

    Dead River Park

    · Camping fee.

    · Campsite available to youth groups by reservation only. Minimum of 6 and maximum of 30 campers allowed. Groups must have their own insurance.

    · A 0.25-mile hiking trail for use by campers located adjacent to campground.

    · Bathhouse and picnic facilities provided.

    The Oak Ridge Equestrian Area has 2 different campgrounds.

    The Oak Ridge Primitive Campgrounds and the Washburn Primitive Campground

    · Camping free.

    · Campsite available by reservation only and is required and must be displayed or available at campground

    · Over 16-miles of equestrian/hiking trail for use by campers located throughout the campground.

    · Sites have picnic tables, fire rings and/or grills and there are ADA portapotty and non-potable water available.

    · The Oak Ridge Campground also has a pavilion

  • Elliott B.
    Jul. 11, 2017

    Oak Ridge Primitive Campground

    Nicely maintained and secluded

    This campground is an excellently maintained recreation area part of the [SouthWest Florida Water Management District](http://SouthWest Florida Water Management District). With the OakRidge campground being wonder part of the Lower Hillsborough Preserve just outside Tampa, FL.

    The campground here is huge as you can use it either as a primitive site or an equestrian site. Although it's nice and open you actually have a ton of tree coverage. You can get the combination for the lock when you make your reservation (required) or just hike yourself in from the large lot off Highway 568 "Morris Bridge road" which is only about 3/4 of a mile.

    While hiking in I came across several deer and some gopher tortoise.

    This campground has 3 "sites", with tables and fire rings, and one nice pavilion. There is a good water pump (non-potable) which you'll need to boil or treat and an actual clean ADA toilet on site.

    You then have access to miles and miles of trails and can really enjoy yourself out here.

  • Kathie E.
    Apr. 3, 2022

    Lake Louisa State Park Campground

    Beautiful Lake Louisa

    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!

  • Abby M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 29, 2021

    Green Swamp — West Tract

    Nice free spot

    Stayed at Ashley campground, which is free with a reservation through Southwest Florida water management. They provide a Lock code for you to enter upon entering so there’s always a locked gate during your stay. The sites are very well-kept and I’ll have a firing and covered picnic table. The sites are a little close as there are not a lot of trees for privacy but overall a really nice camp spot. Has two vault toilets which were relatively clean. Mixture of equestrian campers and non-equestrian campers. Barely any cell service so wasn’t ideal for my work situation and had to go into town. 1-2 bars of 4G via AT&T.

  • A
    Jul. 9, 2021

    Colt Creek State Park Campground

    Colt Creek Lakeland Fl

    Well we didn't like the tent and RV sites. They're in an open area on gravel with no shade and hardly no divisions. There are other areas for special groups that are much nicer. But for individual campers. The equestrian area was the nicest to us. But you must have a horse to stay there.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 8, 2025

    Clarcona Horse Park

    Getty Up! @ This Not-So-Standard RV Parking Lot

    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!

  • Kathy L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 9, 2025

    Hardee Lakes Park

    Nice park and campground

    We got lucky to get a site here last minute after our state park campground was closed for extended period due to hurricane repairs (without letting us know so it was a scramble to find alternatives).  The campground is nice.  We stayed in an "equestrian" site and most people didn't have horses (neither did we).  While much of the park isn't shaded (in fact there is waayyyyy too much lawn/grass in all the communal areas - would be much better if they planted trees and let forest grow back), most sites do seem to have at least some trees providing partial shade. Not much privacy between sites, but that didn't really bother us.  There are lots of walking "roads" (dirt roads) to the various lakes. All in all, we were glad to have a site and would return if needed again.


Guide to Winter Haven

Horse camping in Florida offers a unique way to explore the state's beautiful landscapes while enjoying the company of your equine friends. With a variety of campgrounds equipped with horse-friendly amenities, riders can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with nature.

Campers appreciate these amenities for horses

  • Lake Kissimmee State Park Campground provides spacious sites and easy access to trails, making it a favorite among equestrians looking for a peaceful retreat.
  • Colt Creek State Park Campground features well-maintained sites that are big rig friendly, along with friendly staff who are eager to assist horse campers.
  • Alafia River State Park Campground is known for its large sites and excellent facilities, perfect for those who want to enjoy mountain biking and horseback riding.

Most campgrounds have horse-focused amenities like trails

  • Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground offers direct access to numerous trails, allowing riders to explore the magical surroundings without venturing far from their campsite.
  • Green Swamp — West Tract features miles of trails suitable for horseback riding, providing a scenic backdrop for outdoor adventures.
  • Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve has extensive equestrian trails, making it an ideal location for those looking to ride through diverse landscapes.

Equestrian campgrounds include unique features

  • Hardee Lakes Park is well-reviewed for its tranquil environment and well-maintained trails, perfect for a relaxing horse camping experience.
  • Rainbow Village RV Resort - Central Fl offers a welcoming atmosphere with amenities that cater to both horses and their owners, ensuring a comfortable stay.
  • Foster Bridge Primitive Site Green Swamp West provides a rustic experience with access to nature trails, ideal for those who enjoy a more back-to-basics approach to camping with horses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Winter Haven, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Winter Haven, FL is Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 129 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Winter Haven, FL?

TheDyrt.com has all 20 equestrian camping locations near Winter Haven, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.