Equestrian Campground Welaka State Forest
00 reviewPO Box 174 , Welaka, Florida, 32193, United States
Equestrian Campground Welaka State Forest
$25.00 - $40.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$25.00
Hookup Site Fee$40.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fees depend on the type of site and facilities reserved. Pull-through RV sites with water and electric hookups range between $25 and $40.
About this campground
Nestled within the tranquil expanse of Welaka State Forest, this intimate equestrian haven offers a perfect blend of modern amenities and rustic charm. Whether you're arriving with your horse trailer or setting up a tent under the stars, you'll find everything needed for a memorable outdoor adventure. The campground welcomes riders and nature enthusiasts alike with spacious pull-through RV sites equipped with water and electric hookups, peaceful primitive tent camping areas, and thoughtfully maintained facilities including pristine restrooms and refreshing hot showers. Horse lovers will appreciate the well-designed stalls and practice arenas, while miles of scenic trails beckon both riders and hikers to explore the surrounding wilderness.
The campground supports equestrian, primitive, RV, and tent camping. It accommodates group activities and also offers clean and comfortable cabin lodging.
Historical SignificanceStep into history as you camp along the legendary Bartram Trail, where naturalist William Bartram once journeyed through these very forests in the 1770s. His pioneering explorations documented the remarkable flora and fauna of the Southeast, and today's visitors can still experience the same sense of wonder that inspired his famous writings about Florida's natural treasures.
Weather and SeasonsExperience year-round camping comfort with Florida's gentle climate, where temperatures dance between a pleasant 50°F and 80°F throughout the seasons. Summer brings warm days perfect for early morning rides, though afternoon thundershowers and humidity add a tropical touch to your adventure. For those seeking ideal riding conditions and crisp, clear days, autumn and winter emerge as the perfect seasons to visit, offering cooler temperatures and lower humidity that make exploring the trails an absolute joy.
ElevationThe campground rests at a gentle elevation characteristic of North Florida's rolling terrain, providing excellent drainage for camping areas and creating subtle vistas throughout the property.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape where ancient sandhills meet majestic longleaf pine forests, creating a tapestry of natural beauty that changes with every turn of the trail. This serene woodland sanctuary provides a peaceful backdrop for your camping experience, with towering pines filtering golden sunlight and creating dappled shadows across the forest floor. Wildlife enthusiasts will delight in frequent encounters with the forest's diverse inhabitants - from the prehistoric-looking gopher tortoises ambling across sandy paths to graceful deer browsing in the early morning mist. Keep your binoculars handy for spectacular bird watching, as wild turkeys strut through the underbrush while elegant egrets, colorful ducks, and stately Sandhill cranes add their voices to nature's symphony.
Geological RegionDiscover the ecological wonders of Welaka State Forest's 2,000-acre wilderness, where diverse ecosystems tell the story of Florida's natural heritage. The eastern reaches of the forest showcase spectacular sandhills and expansive pine savannas, where fire-adapted longleaf pines tower above seas of wiregrass - a rare and beautiful ecosystem that once covered millions of acres across the Southeast. This unique landscape, shaped by centuries of natural processes, transitions into mysterious river swamps and hardwood hammocks, creating a mosaic of habitats that support an incredible array of plant and animal life.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground offers pull-through sites suitable for large RVs and trailers, and the equestrian facilities are spacious and well-equipped, making it accessible for horse owners. Accessibility for individuals with disabilities is not explicitly detailed.
Sites SizeThe five pull-through RV sites feature cement pads and are described as spacious. Primitive sites are also available and well spaced out, offering privacy.
Sites PrivacyPrimitive sites are spacious and offer a significant degree of privacy, as noted by one reviewer: "Only a handful of spots but they are spaced out and you have a lot of privacy."
Total Campsites5 campsites
Recommended CampsitesReviews suggest choosing pull-through sites for larger rigs and RVs. Tent sites offer privacy and space.
Best CampsitesSpecific site numbers are not provided in the source materials.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
The source does not specify check-in times.
Check-out
The source does not specify check-out times.
Stay Limit
The source does not specify a maximum consecutive stay limit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Official sources and user reviews do not specify the exact number.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground contains five pull-through RV sites and multiple primitive tent sites, with facilities like horse stalls and riding arenas integrated into the layout.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are handled through Reserve America.
Walk-in AvailabilityThis campground appears to allow walk-up reservations, as one review mentions booking last-minute and finding a space.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be made through Reserve America. Specific cancellation guidelines are not outlined in the material.
Accomodation available
Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Cell phone service
Lodging and accommodations
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Activities you can enjoy
A range of recreational activities is available including horseback riding, hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and photography. The campground is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail, making it appealing to birdwatchers.
Hiking
Hiking trails include a six-mile Sandhill Trail and other marked and unmarked trails. Trails are sandy and feature gentle hills with flora such as longleaf pines, palmettos, and oaks. Wildlife sightings include deer, turkeys, egrets, ducks, and Sandhill Cranes.Fishing
Fishing opportunities are available, with local water bodies supporting a variety of fish species. Details on specific fish types or fishing facilities are not provided.Boating
Boating activities such as kayaking and canoeing are explicitly mentioned in the amenities and recreational descriptions.Wildlife viewing
Users report sightings of deer, turkeys, egrets, ducks, and Sandhill Cranes. The campground is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail, enhancing its appeal for bird watchers.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- The source materials do not specify fire policies.
- Quiet hours are not mentioned in the authoritative or user sources.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential dangers include venomous snakes such as pygmy rattlesnakes and coral snakes, ants, gators near marsh ponds, and high humidity.
Active alertsPrescribed burns are conducted, but they are stated not to impact campground use.
Weather forecast
79
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 83%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 3.4 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
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Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
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Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Welaka State Forest Office, located near the campground entrance; additional emergency services likely available in nearby Palatka, approximately 25 minutes away.
Good to know
Peak season datesThe source materials do not specify peak season dates.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling details are not explicitly mentioned in the source materials.
Proximity to water featuresClose to Mud Springs trail and spring, which is described as beautiful. It also lies near St. Johns River.
Common complaintsSome reviews mention poorly maintained trail markers, an unwelcoming ranger, and overgrown areas.
HostSeveral reviews mention friendly camp hosts, but no specific contact details are provided.
Campground Map
PO Box 174 , Welaka, Florida, 32193, United States
Driving directionsFrom the Palatka - At the intersection of US 17 and CR 309 in Satsuma, FL turn south on CR 309. Continue south on CR 309 for 6.6 miles. You will see the Welaka State Forest Office on your left. Turn left at the forest office and follow the service road in front of the office for 0.6 miles to the equestrian area. From the south (Deland) - At the intersection of US 17 and CR 308 in Crescent City turn left (west) on CR 308. Continue on CR 308 for 8.4 miles to CR 309. Turn right (north) on CR 309 and travel for 3.2 miles. You will see the Welaka State Forest Office on your right. Turn right at the forest office and follow the service road in front of the office for 0.6 miles to the equestrian area.
Accessible year-round from paved roads. There are no seasonal closures mentioned. The final stretch involves a service road for 0.6 miles, which appears to be manageable for all vehicles, including RVs.Nearby places
Palatka, FL: Approximately 25-minute drive
Satsuma, FL: Approximately 6.6 miles
Crescent City, FL: Approximately 8.4 miles.
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are likely available in Palatka, FL, approximately 25 minutes away. Specific stores are not listed in the source materials.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Equestrian Campground Welaka State Forest has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, reviews highlight the campground's tranquility, well-maintained facilities, and suitability for equestrian activities. Guests praised the spacious campsites and clean amenities, though some noted issues with trail marking and service.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Spacious pull-through sites, clean showers and restrooms, well-maintained horse stalls, and serene surroundings were frequently praised. One reviewer noted, "Beautiful lots of well-marked nice...
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Common Concerns
Criticisms focused on poorly marked trails and isolated maintenance issues. One guest pointed out, "Blue trail markers just dead ended into fences." Another said, "The round pen is overgrown with...
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Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring a portable sewer tank for RVs as sewer hookups are unavailable. Consult park rangers about trail conditions, given reports of poor marking and potential hazards such as snakes.
Seasonal Insights
Fall and winter are recommended for cooler weather and reduced humidity, as noted by one guest: "Go in the fall or winter time; it will be much cooler." Summer can be humid and buggy, with one guest...
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Camper Quotes
"Showers and bathrooms were clean, but very strong bleach smelling." - Gypsy Traveler
"Great tenting pads and RV hookups. Inexpensive and close to hiking and fishing." - BOXCAR HIKES
"Beautiful...
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Site-Specific Reviews
The five pull-through sites with cement pads, water, and electric hookups are highly praised for their spaciousness and suitability for large RVs. Primitive sites are well spaced and provide...
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Pet-Friendly Features
The campground is pet-friendly, as noted by several guests. One mentioned, "Dog friendly," while another advised keeping pets on a leash due to potential snake hazards.
Last updated August 10, 2025