The best camping near Palmetto with horseback riding

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Camping around Palmetto places campers close to the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the mangrove forests that dip over lakes and estuaries on the Cocohatchee River. Many state parks dot the area, like Terra Ceia Preserve State Park, Lake Manatee State Park, and Delnor-Wiggins Pass, where campers can hike, fish, snorkel, paddle, and spot local wildlife. Hot and humid summers are perfect for swimming and boating, while cooler spring and winter seasons make a comfortable climate for hiking and mountain biking. No matter when you arrive, nearby campsites feature modern amenities like wifi and hot showers.

99% (617)

Top-rated campgrounds

Sandy Bottom River Retreat

3. Sandy Bottom River Retreat

92%
(93)
17mi from Palmetto · 5 sites · Tents, Lodging · Wimauma, FL
Welcome to Sandy Bottom River Retreat – Your Private Escape into Nature’s Serenity Discover the perfect blend of peace, adventure, and natural beauty at Sandy Bottom River Retreat. Tucked away in the heart of Wimauma’s untouched wilderness, this secluded hideaway offers private river access and a truly off-the-grid camping experience surrounded by towering pines, lush palmettos, and the soothing sounds of the great outdoors. Enjoy a refreshing dip, launch your kayak or tube, or simply unwind along the golden sandy riverbank where the water sparkles knee-deep and crystal clear. Wildlife enthusiasts will love spotting deer, rabbits, otters, and a colorful array of native birds that make this retreat their home. While you’ll feel miles away from everything, modern conveniences are just minutes away—restaurants, shops, and deliveries from Walmart, Instacart, or Amazon can reach you in no time. Two of our campsites sit directly on the river, while the others are a short, scenic walk away. Please note that this is a rustic, amenity-free experience designed for true nature lovers. The area is rural and neighbors may occasionally ride ATVs or enjoy target practice on their own land. For safety and peace of mind, outdoor cameras are placed around the property to help ensure the protection of our guests and the land. We maintain a zero-tolerance policy for hunting, shooting, or archery on site to preserve the peaceful environment for all. Looking for a private event booking or clothing-optional friendly stay? Contact us in advance to reserve one of our coveted riverfront sites or inquire about exclusive property rentals. Come reconnect with nature, recharge your spirit, and experience camping the way it was meant to be—wild, beautiful, and unforgettable.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$24
 / night
Blind Pass Beach at Sunset (20 min)

7. Serenity in the Tropics

100%
(28)
45mi from Palmetto · 2 sites · RVs · Englewood, FL
Sleep under the stars and the palm trees in a lovely and quiet neighborhood 15 min from the crystal clear water and white sand of world class Gulf Coast beaches. 25 minutes to Caspersen Beach- shark tooth capitol of the world! Myakka State Park with tropical forest hiking trails and biking, and river kayaking opportunities is only a 20 min drive. Local Thursday Farmers Market in Old Towne Englewood is a can't miss. Easy access in and out for most sizes of RV's. Hosts (avid RV'ers themselves) live on site on the main lot and can help with information on what's available in the local area- grocery stores, fuel, RV dump sites, restaurants, etc. RV parking is on the home's second lot- sites are on each side of a .25 acre lot. A 30 amp plug  and fresh water hookup is available for each site. Dump site is close by at a local RV resort. Pets allowed but must be on leash at ALL times and pet waste must be immediately picked up and thrown away. Trash disposal is available onsite. For the sake of the neighbors, quiet hours are from 9pm-6am. Need beach supplies? Ask about our beach umbrella, beach chairs, shark tooth sifters, and beach toys- all available for a low daily rental fee. Manasota Key- 15 min Boca Grande- 25 min Venice Beach- 35 min Sanibel Island- 1 hr, 45 minLearn more about this land:Sleep under the stars and the palm trees in a lovely and quiet neighborhood 15 min from the crystal clear water and white sand of world class Gulf Coast beaches. 25 minutes to Caspersen Beach- shark tooth capitol of the world! Myakka State Park with tropical forest hiking trails and biking, and river kayaking opportunities is only a 20 min drive. Local Thursday Farmers Market in Old Towne Englewood is a can't miss. Easy access in and out for most sizes of RV's. Hosts (avid RV'ers themselves) live on site on the main lot and can help with information on what's available in the local area- grocery stores, fuel, RV dump sites, restaurants, etc. RV parking is on the home's second lot- sites are on each side of a .25 acre lot. A 30 amp plug  and fresh water hookup is available for each site. Dump site is close by at a local RV resort. Pets allowed but must be on leash at ALL times and pet waste must be immediately picked up and thrown away. Trash disposal is available onsite. For the sake of the neighbors, quiet hours are from 9pm-6am. Need beach supplies? Ask about our beach umbrella, beach chairs, shark tooth sifters, and beach toys- all available for a low daily rental fee. Manasota Key- 15 min Boca Grande- 25 min Venice Beach- 35 min Sanibel Island- 1 hr, 45 min
Pets
Potable water
Trash
from 
$45
 / night
T.L.C.'S GYPSY HAVEN

8. T.L.C.'S GYPSY HAVEN

98%
(127)
36mi from Palmetto · 8 sites · Tents, RVs · Lithia, FL
We are a working horse farm who hosts groups, summer camps, after school program, boarding, girl scouts, boy scouts, and birthday parties! We are very kid friendly and are perfect getaway for the family. Come and camp on our open, grassy field. We are offer horseback riding, boarding, and more with our beautiful horses. Lithia Springs is only 15 minutes away and the beaches are an hour from our property. You're also near tons of different parks with canoeing, playgrounds, pavilions, and activities only 15 minutes away, restaurants are only 10 minutes from our facility We are private property off of a private road and await your visit! Learn more about this land: We are a working horse farm who hosts groups, summer camps, after school program, boarding, girl scouts, boy scouts, and birthday parties! We are very kid friendly and are perfect getaway for the family.  Come and camp on our open, grassy field. We  offer horseback riding, boarding, and more with our beautiful horses. Lithia Springs is only 15 minutes away and the beaches are an hour from our property.  You're also near tons of different parks with canoeing, playgrounds, pavillions, and activities only 15 minutes away, restaurants are only 10 minutes from our facility We are private property off of a private road and await your visit! We can accommodate two, 30 amp & one, 50 amp site plus four, 20 amps or less at this time. We do not have a septic black tank hook up for RVs or campers. We do have a bathroom in the barn with a working toilet and sink but no shower.  We do have plenty of room for campers, tents, and RVs!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$35
 / night
Tiny Treasures Retreat

14. Tiny Treasures Retreat

100%
(5)
5.8mi from Palmetto · 1 site · Lodging · Bradenton, FL
Welcome to the fun and exciting town of Bradenton, FL. Come stay in this cozy “Tiny Home” within an RV Park where you can enjoy many amenities offered by the park and close to beaches, restaurants, shopping and many attractions. This is a legitimate “Tiny Home” with 2 lofts, queen size beds in each loft, a full kitchen including microwave, coffee maker, full stove /oven, refrigerator/ freezer and in home washer and dryer. It comes with a full bath with walk in shower and a living room with a queen size sofa bed with a memory foam mattress. It has all the comforts of home only tinier. The home also offers a deck to relax on along with a charcoal grill where you can grill up some delicious meals and a fire pit (don’t forget your wood, charcoal and ingredients for s’mores). Pets are welcome at Tiny Treasures for $50 per booking. If you would like to bring your pet, please add the pet fee which is listed as an extra during the booking process. In this area there are some awesome things to see and do, from fun shopping to great outdoor activities. Dive into Southwest Florida history, arts, and nature in Bradenton on Florida’s Gulf Coast, about 30 minutes south of St. Petersburg. Bradenton’s close proximity to Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key make it the perfect place to base a vacation to the Gulf islands while enjoying all the city has to offer. Check out Village of the Arts, a working artist community, and explore Downtown Bradenton with a stroll on the 1.5-mile, taking in the views of the Manatee River. Go to Old Main Street and shop at the Bradenton Market, which offers fresh produce, lively music, and free family activities, and the Manatee Village Historical Park, where visitors can see historic buildings from Manatee County’s founding period of 1840 to 1918. Looking for outdoor adventures you can fish from the Riverwalk pier, get on the nature trails at Robinson Preserve, take a kayak tour at De Soto National Memorial Park, and visit the area’s beaches. Anna Maria Island, a seven-mile-long barrier island on Florida’s Gulf Coast west of Bradenton, is brimming with history, arts and culture, and its award-winning beaches draw visitors from near and far looking for a laid-back getaway. See postcard-perfect Gulf sunsets, swim, snorkel, and dive the turquoise waters, look for shells and fossilized shark teeth, take a boat tour to spot dolphins, and enjoy some of the best waterfront dining in Florida. The island is home to three cities: Anna Maria on the north, Holmes Beach toward the middle, and Bradenton Beach to the south, which all offer unique places to shop, eat, and stay. Shop the stores along Pine Avenue and Gulf Drive in Anna Maria and the colorful shops of Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach. Siesta Key is the place to go for a relaxing island getaway on Florida’s Southwest Coast. The 8-mile-long island, which is just a short bridge crossing west of Sarasota, boasts stunning quartz-sand beaches and an array of outdoor recreation opportunities, from fishing to parasailing. Siesta Beach took the No. 2 spot for beaches in the U.S. for TripAdvisor's 2023 Traveler’s Choice Awards, second only to Maui’s Ka'anapali Beach. Shop at Siesta Key Viilage, which offers plentiful dining options and live entertainment, and the South Viilage Shopping District. A quick trip to the mainland will bring you to some of the top attractions in Southwest Florida, including The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art. There is so much more to do, these are just a few of the most popular attractions. Come stay in Tiny Treasures to see and enjoy for yourselves!!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$135
 / night
Myakka River RV Resort

15. Myakka River RV Resort

37mi from Palmetto · 14 sites · North Port, FL
Welcome to Myakka River RV Resort, a unique destination nestled along the scenic Myakka River in Venice, Florida. Our RV park offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and modern amenities, making it an ideal spot for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. With riverfront and preserve-front sites that are big rig friendly, we provide full hookup and camper-style accommodations, complete with patio slabs, picnic tables, and cable TV for your comfort. Our prime location allows you to explore a variety of nearby attractions, including Cedar Point Park, Lemon Bay Park & Nature Center, the historic Henry Ford Home, and the expansive Myakka River State Park. These natural wonders offer opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and enjoying the great outdoors. At Myakka River RV Resort, you can partake in a range of fun activities such as horseshoes, swimming, tetherball, bingo, fishing, and bird watching. Whether you're planning a short getaway or an extended stay, we look forward to welcoming you to our beautiful resort soon!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets

Camping around Palmetto places campers close to the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the mangrove forests that dip over lakes and estuaries on the Cocohatchee River. Many state parks dot the area, like Terra Ceia Preserve State Park, Lake Manatee State Park, and Delnor-Wiggins Pass, where campers can hike, fish, snorkel, paddle, and spot local wildlife. Hot and humid summers are perfect for swimming and boating, while cooler spring and winter seasons make a comfortable climate for hiking and mountain biking. No matter when you arrive, nearby campsites feature modern amenities like wifi and hot showers.

99% (617)

Top-rated campgrounds

Sandy Bottom River Retreat

3. Sandy Bottom River Retreat

92%
(93)
17mi from Palmetto · 5 sites · Tents, Lodging · Wimauma, FL
Welcome to Sandy Bottom River Retreat – Your Private Escape into Nature’s Serenity Discover the perfect blend of peace, adventure, and natural beauty at Sandy Bottom River Retreat. Tucked away in the heart of Wimauma’s untouched wilderness, this secluded hideaway offers private river access and a truly off-the-grid camping experience surrounded by towering pines, lush palmettos, and the soothing sounds of the great outdoors. Enjoy a refreshing dip, launch your kayak or tube, or simply unwind along the golden sandy riverbank where the water sparkles knee-deep and crystal clear. Wildlife enthusiasts will love spotting deer, rabbits, otters, and a colorful array of native birds that make this retreat their home. While you’ll feel miles away from everything, modern conveniences are just minutes away—restaurants, shops, and deliveries from Walmart, Instacart, or Amazon can reach you in no time. Two of our campsites sit directly on the river, while the others are a short, scenic walk away. Please note that this is a rustic, amenity-free experience designed for true nature lovers. The area is rural and neighbors may occasionally ride ATVs or enjoy target practice on their own land. For safety and peace of mind, outdoor cameras are placed around the property to help ensure the protection of our guests and the land. We maintain a zero-tolerance policy for hunting, shooting, or archery on site to preserve the peaceful environment for all. Looking for a private event booking or clothing-optional friendly stay? Contact us in advance to reserve one of our coveted riverfront sites or inquire about exclusive property rentals. Come reconnect with nature, recharge your spirit, and experience camping the way it was meant to be—wild, beautiful, and unforgettable.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$24
 / night
Blind Pass Beach at Sunset (20 min)

7. Serenity in the Tropics

100%
(28)
45mi from Palmetto · 2 sites · RVs · Englewood, FL
Sleep under the stars and the palm trees in a lovely and quiet neighborhood 15 min from the crystal clear water and white sand of world class Gulf Coast beaches. 25 minutes to Caspersen Beach- shark tooth capitol of the world! Myakka State Park with tropical forest hiking trails and biking, and river kayaking opportunities is only a 20 min drive. Local Thursday Farmers Market in Old Towne Englewood is a can't miss. Easy access in and out for most sizes of RV's. Hosts (avid RV'ers themselves) live on site on the main lot and can help with information on what's available in the local area- grocery stores, fuel, RV dump sites, restaurants, etc. RV parking is on the home's second lot- sites are on each side of a .25 acre lot. A 30 amp plug  and fresh water hookup is available for each site. Dump site is close by at a local RV resort. Pets allowed but must be on leash at ALL times and pet waste must be immediately picked up and thrown away. Trash disposal is available onsite. For the sake of the neighbors, quiet hours are from 9pm-6am. Need beach supplies? Ask about our beach umbrella, beach chairs, shark tooth sifters, and beach toys- all available for a low daily rental fee. Manasota Key- 15 min Boca Grande- 25 min Venice Beach- 35 min Sanibel Island- 1 hr, 45 minLearn more about this land:Sleep under the stars and the palm trees in a lovely and quiet neighborhood 15 min from the crystal clear water and white sand of world class Gulf Coast beaches. 25 minutes to Caspersen Beach- shark tooth capitol of the world! Myakka State Park with tropical forest hiking trails and biking, and river kayaking opportunities is only a 20 min drive. Local Thursday Farmers Market in Old Towne Englewood is a can't miss. Easy access in and out for most sizes of RV's. Hosts (avid RV'ers themselves) live on site on the main lot and can help with information on what's available in the local area- grocery stores, fuel, RV dump sites, restaurants, etc. RV parking is on the home's second lot- sites are on each side of a .25 acre lot. A 30 amp plug  and fresh water hookup is available for each site. Dump site is close by at a local RV resort. Pets allowed but must be on leash at ALL times and pet waste must be immediately picked up and thrown away. Trash disposal is available onsite. For the sake of the neighbors, quiet hours are from 9pm-6am. Need beach supplies? Ask about our beach umbrella, beach chairs, shark tooth sifters, and beach toys- all available for a low daily rental fee. Manasota Key- 15 min Boca Grande- 25 min Venice Beach- 35 min Sanibel Island- 1 hr, 45 min
Pets
Potable water
Trash
from 
$45
 / night
T.L.C.'S GYPSY HAVEN

8. T.L.C.'S GYPSY HAVEN

98%
(127)
36mi from Palmetto · 8 sites · Tents, RVs · Lithia, FL
We are a working horse farm who hosts groups, summer camps, after school program, boarding, girl scouts, boy scouts, and birthday parties! We are very kid friendly and are perfect getaway for the family. Come and camp on our open, grassy field. We are offer horseback riding, boarding, and more with our beautiful horses. Lithia Springs is only 15 minutes away and the beaches are an hour from our property. You're also near tons of different parks with canoeing, playgrounds, pavilions, and activities only 15 minutes away, restaurants are only 10 minutes from our facility We are private property off of a private road and await your visit! Learn more about this land: We are a working horse farm who hosts groups, summer camps, after school program, boarding, girl scouts, boy scouts, and birthday parties! We are very kid friendly and are perfect getaway for the family.  Come and camp on our open, grassy field. We  offer horseback riding, boarding, and more with our beautiful horses. Lithia Springs is only 15 minutes away and the beaches are an hour from our property.  You're also near tons of different parks with canoeing, playgrounds, pavillions, and activities only 15 minutes away, restaurants are only 10 minutes from our facility We are private property off of a private road and await your visit! We can accommodate two, 30 amp & one, 50 amp site plus four, 20 amps or less at this time. We do not have a septic black tank hook up for RVs or campers. We do have a bathroom in the barn with a working toilet and sink but no shower.  We do have plenty of room for campers, tents, and RVs!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$35
 / night
Tiny Treasures Retreat

14. Tiny Treasures Retreat

100%
(5)
5.8mi from Palmetto · 1 site · Lodging · Bradenton, FL
Welcome to the fun and exciting town of Bradenton, FL. Come stay in this cozy “Tiny Home” within an RV Park where you can enjoy many amenities offered by the park and close to beaches, restaurants, shopping and many attractions. This is a legitimate “Tiny Home” with 2 lofts, queen size beds in each loft, a full kitchen including microwave, coffee maker, full stove /oven, refrigerator/ freezer and in home washer and dryer. It comes with a full bath with walk in shower and a living room with a queen size sofa bed with a memory foam mattress. It has all the comforts of home only tinier. The home also offers a deck to relax on along with a charcoal grill where you can grill up some delicious meals and a fire pit (don’t forget your wood, charcoal and ingredients for s’mores). Pets are welcome at Tiny Treasures for $50 per booking. If you would like to bring your pet, please add the pet fee which is listed as an extra during the booking process. In this area there are some awesome things to see and do, from fun shopping to great outdoor activities. Dive into Southwest Florida history, arts, and nature in Bradenton on Florida’s Gulf Coast, about 30 minutes south of St. Petersburg. Bradenton’s close proximity to Anna Maria Island and Longboat Key make it the perfect place to base a vacation to the Gulf islands while enjoying all the city has to offer. Check out Village of the Arts, a working artist community, and explore Downtown Bradenton with a stroll on the 1.5-mile, taking in the views of the Manatee River. Go to Old Main Street and shop at the Bradenton Market, which offers fresh produce, lively music, and free family activities, and the Manatee Village Historical Park, where visitors can see historic buildings from Manatee County’s founding period of 1840 to 1918. Looking for outdoor adventures you can fish from the Riverwalk pier, get on the nature trails at Robinson Preserve, take a kayak tour at De Soto National Memorial Park, and visit the area’s beaches. Anna Maria Island, a seven-mile-long barrier island on Florida’s Gulf Coast west of Bradenton, is brimming with history, arts and culture, and its award-winning beaches draw visitors from near and far looking for a laid-back getaway. See postcard-perfect Gulf sunsets, swim, snorkel, and dive the turquoise waters, look for shells and fossilized shark teeth, take a boat tour to spot dolphins, and enjoy some of the best waterfront dining in Florida. The island is home to three cities: Anna Maria on the north, Holmes Beach toward the middle, and Bradenton Beach to the south, which all offer unique places to shop, eat, and stay. Shop the stores along Pine Avenue and Gulf Drive in Anna Maria and the colorful shops of Bridge Street in Bradenton Beach. Siesta Key is the place to go for a relaxing island getaway on Florida’s Southwest Coast. The 8-mile-long island, which is just a short bridge crossing west of Sarasota, boasts stunning quartz-sand beaches and an array of outdoor recreation opportunities, from fishing to parasailing. Siesta Beach took the No. 2 spot for beaches in the U.S. for TripAdvisor's 2023 Traveler’s Choice Awards, second only to Maui’s Ka'anapali Beach. Shop at Siesta Key Viilage, which offers plentiful dining options and live entertainment, and the South Viilage Shopping District. A quick trip to the mainland will bring you to some of the top attractions in Southwest Florida, including The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art. There is so much more to do, these are just a few of the most popular attractions. Come stay in Tiny Treasures to see and enjoy for yourselves!!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$135
 / night
Myakka River RV Resort

15. Myakka River RV Resort

37mi from Palmetto · 14 sites · North Port, FL
Welcome to Myakka River RV Resort, a unique destination nestled along the scenic Myakka River in Venice, Florida. Our RV park offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and modern amenities, making it an ideal spot for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike. With riverfront and preserve-front sites that are big rig friendly, we provide full hookup and camper-style accommodations, complete with patio slabs, picnic tables, and cable TV for your comfort. Our prime location allows you to explore a variety of nearby attractions, including Cedar Point Park, Lemon Bay Park & Nature Center, the historic Henry Ford Home, and the expansive Myakka River State Park. These natural wonders offer opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and enjoying the great outdoors. At Myakka River RV Resort, you can partake in a range of fun activities such as horseshoes, swimming, tetherball, bingo, fishing, and bird watching. Whether you're planning a short getaway or an extended stay, we look forward to welcoming you to our beautiful resort soon!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best camping near Palmetto with horseback riding guide

Where to go

Terra Ceia Preserve State Park

Just 12 minutes north of Palmetto, sandwiched between Terra Ceia Bay and Tampa Bay, Terra Ceia Preserve State Park is a sanctuary for wildlife. Campers who love to birdwatch wil find blue herons, white ibis, bald eagles, and spoonbills. The park offers nine miles of hiking trails and year-round fishing (with a license) in Terra Ceia Bay. Magical and mysterious mangrove forests hang over creeks and streams, perfect for paddling through natural tunnels created by their drooping branches and rising roots. Bishop Harbor Road and Stotz Road feature boat, canoe, and kayak launches. There’s no camping within the park, but private campsites nearby have tent and RV campsites with hookups and potable water.

Lake Manatee State Park

Though there are no manatees in Lake Manatee, there’s still plenty of camping fun to be had at Lake Manatee State Park. Stay at tent and RV (up to 65 feet) campsites right in the park within walking distance to the beach where pets are welcome to join for sunbathing, swimming, and fishing from land. Campsites with water and electric hookups, a dump station, firepits, and picnic tables can be reserved online up to 11 months in advance. Bike along 2.5 miles of paved biking road, or take it off-road for a mountain biking challenge with bikes available to rent in the park. (Cyclists under 16 need to wear helmets.)

Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park

Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park’s claim to fame is a wealth of boating opportunities through Cocohatchee River estuaries leading directly to the Gulf. Explore Turkey Bay by kayak, canoe, or paddleboard, or search for shells on the ADA-accessible beaches with reservable wheelchairs. Or scuba dive and snorkel along Delnor-Wiggins Pass’ hard-bottom reef. Nearby campsites range from RV campsites with 50-amp hookups and wifi to primitive campsites.

When to go

October to March is generally considered camping season in Florida, when dense, muggy air cools in the evening for a more comfortable climate. Summers in Palmetto have an average daily temp above 86°F with hot and mostly cloudy skies. Short winters (from December to February) are cool and windy, rarely rising above 74°F. Florida camping is available year-round, and the ideal time depends on your preferences.