The best camping near Sarasota with horseback riding

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Sarasota is a year-round destination for beaches, warm Gulf of Mexico waters, and all manners of boating, birding, and fishing. Its easily accessible sands offer swimming, snorkeling, and unforgettable sunsets, making it a great choice for anyone needing some serious R&R, whether you’re tent camping or heading to an RV park. But there’s more to Sarasota than its coastline—the inland parks and preserves also reward adventurers with hikes through pine forests and kayak routes through waterways shared with alligators and the Florida panther, not to mention all the mountain biking and horseback riding options, too. And it’s close to Bradenton and Tampa if you wish to extend your adventures further north.

98% (595)

Top-rated campgrounds near Sarasota

3. Sandy Bottom River Retreat

93%
(96)
25mi from Sarasota · 5 sites · Tents, Lodging
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
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$24
 / night

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

98%
(128)
44mi from Sarasota · 8 sites · Tents, RVs
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
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$35
 / night

9. Tiny Treasures Retreat

100%
(5)
7.3mi from Sarasota · 1 site · Lodging
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
Toilets
Showers
from 
$135
 / night

Sarasota is a year-round destination for beaches, warm Gulf of Mexico waters, and all manners of boating, birding, and fishing. Its easily accessible sands offer swimming, snorkeling, and unforgettable sunsets, making it a great choice for anyone needing some serious R&R, whether you’re tent camping or heading to an RV park. But there’s more to Sarasota than its coastline—the inland parks and preserves also reward adventurers with hikes through pine forests and kayak routes through waterways shared with alligators and the Florida panther, not to mention all the mountain biking and horseback riding options, too. And it’s close to Bradenton and Tampa if you wish to extend your adventures further north.

98% (595)

Top-rated campgrounds near Sarasota

3. Sandy Bottom River Retreat

93%
(96)
25mi from Sarasota · 5 sites · Tents, Lodging
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
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$24
 / night

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

98%
(128)
44mi from Sarasota · 8 sites · Tents, RVs
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
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$35
 / night

9. Tiny Treasures Retreat

100%
(5)
7.3mi from Sarasota · 1 site · Lodging
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
Toilets
Showers
from 
$135
 / night

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best camping near Sarasota with horseback riding guide

Where to go

Sarasota Area

Lido Key is one of Sarasota’s best beach areas, with a sprawling public stretch of sand and the South Lido Key Beach Park, where campers can go kayaking or paddleboarding through mangrove tunnels to spot manatee. Boat rentals and fishing charters are available throughout the area for anglers looking to land snook, snapper, grouper, and sea trout.

Siesta Key

To the south, Siesta Key has eight miles of sandy beaches to explore, plus Sarasota County’s public Turtle Beach Campground on Siesta Key, home to a number of tent sites with picnic tables beneath the palms. RV sites also come with full hookups, 50-amp power, and free wifi for RVers with big rigs. Between May and October, loggerhead and green sea turtles come to this beach to nest.

Oscar Scherer State Park

Just 20 minutes from downtown toward VeniceOscar Scherer State Park is a critical wildlife preserve for species like scrub jay, bald eagles, and osprey. The park features an extensive trail system, a freshwater lake with boat launch, and a campground for both tent campsites and RV camping.

Myakka River State Park

Myakka River State Park is 37,000 acres of wild Florida pine forests, cypress domes, marshes, and prairie. Hit the hiking and mountain biking trails, or look out for the park’s biggest draw: its large population of American alligators. Get up close with a kayak rental or guided boat tour.

When to go

Sarasota’s winters are typically warm and mild, while summers are hot, humid, and rainy. Happy camping trips take place year-round, but summer visitors may want to opt for a pet-friendly cabin, an RV resort, or a campground with an air-conditioned clubhouse and good rain shelter. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June through November, so campers planning trips along the Gulf Coast during this time should keep an eye on forecasts.