Horseshoe Equestrian Group Camp Picayune State Forest
00 review2121 52nd Avenue, Naples, Florida, 34117, United States
Horseshoe Equestrian Group Camp Picayune State Forest
$10.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$10.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
The campground charges $10 per night for primitive camping, as confirmed by multiple user reviews. Additional fees may apply for pavilion or horse stall rentals.
About this campground
Saddle up for an authentic wilderness adventure at Horseshoe Equestrian Group Camp, where the untamed beauty of Picayune Strand State Forest beckons riders and nature enthusiasts alike. This rustic retreat offers everything equestrian groups need for memorable trail experiences, from well-maintained horse stalls to gathering spots with fire rings and picnic tables. While the camp embraces a back-to-basics approach with portable restrooms and no running water, the reward is unfiltered access to miles of pristine trails and the raw beauty of Florida's backcountry.
This campground caters to group and primitive camping, with facilities tailored to equestrian activities. It accommodates both RV and tent campers but lacks modern hookups or amenities.
Historical SignificanceMore than just a forest, Picayune Strand serves as a vital guardian of the Big Cypress Basin's delicate water systems. This landscape tells the story of Florida's ongoing conservation efforts, where every trail you ride helps preserve the intricate dance between land and water that has sustained this ecosystem for millennia.
Weather and SeasonsExperience Florida's dual personality throughout the year at Horseshoe Camp. Summer brings sultry days with temperatures hovering around 85°F, cooling to a pleasant 70°F at night, though the muggy air and afternoon thunderstorms remind you this is subtropical territory. Winter transforms the landscape into an outdoor paradise, with dry, crystal-clear days perfect for long rides through the forest. Pack your rain gear for summer adventures and your favorite flannel for those crisp winter mornings around the campfire.
ElevationThe gentle, level terrain of this Florida flatland creates ideal conditions for riders of all experience levels, where the horizon stretches endlessly through pine and cypress.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a mosaic of Florida's most captivating ecosystems. Your trails wind through whispering pine flatwoods, across wet prairies that shimmer like mirrors after rain, and into mysterious cypress strands where ancient trees stand sentinel in dark water. Subtropical hardwood hammocks provide shady respites where butterflies dance in dappled sunlight. Keep your eyes peeled for graceful deer stepping through the understory and listen for the symphony of birds that call this 74,168-acre wilderness home.
Geological RegionHorseshoe Camp sits within the remarkable Big Cypress Basin, a 74,168-acre testament to Florida's wild heart. This geological wonderland encompasses a rich tapestry of hydric forests and wetlands, where water shapes every vista. From the iconic cypress strands that give the region its name to expansive wet prairies, towering pine flatwoods, and lush subtropical hardwood hammocks, each ecosystem tells part of the larger story of this ancient, water-carved landscape.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly detailed in the source materials.
Sites SizeThe campground accommodates both RVs and tents. Site sizes are not specifically described but are noted to be in a wide-open field with little privacy or shade.
Sites PrivacySites are located in an open field without much shade or privacy. One reviewer noted, 'The layout is a wide-open field with little or no shade.'
Total Campsites2 campsites
Recommended CampsitesUser reviews suggest camping far from roads to avoid dust and noise. Sites near the pavilion are less ideal due to traffic and dust.
Best CampsitesNo specific campsite numbers are identified as the best.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
No specific check-in time provided.
Check-out
No specific check-out time provided.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay not specified in authoritative sources.
Guests Allowed Per Site
- Group camp accommodates up to 10 people per site
- pavilion allows up to 48 guests.
Groups
The group campsite can accommodate large horse trailers. Specific capacity limits are noted: up to 10 people at the Group Camp site and up to 48 people at the Horseshoe Pavilion.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground layout is described as open with little shade or privacy.
Open and Closed SeasonSeasonal information was not provided; however, user reviews suggest year-round usability.
Reservation PlatformsReservations available online and on-location, per user reviews.
Walk-in AvailabilityUser reviews suggest walk-up availability is frequent, but online reservations may incur extra charges.
Cancellation PolicyCancellation policy details were not provided.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The Horseshoe Equestrian Group Camp offers a range of outdoor recreational activities such as horseback riding, hiking, biking, bird watching, and wildlife viewing. The location's open field layout contributes to excellent stargazing opportunities.
Hiking
Hiking is available within Picayune Strand State Forest, which features diverse landscapes, including cypress strands, wet prairies, and pine flatwoods. Specific hiking trail details are not provided in the source materials.Fishing
Fishing is mentioned as one of the activities enjoyed by campers. A reviewer highlighted that the site is 'great to camp, hunt, and fish,' without providing further details on fishing facilities or fish species.Biking
Off-road biking is listed as one of the activities available at the campground, although specific trails and terrain details are not provided.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is a popular activity at this campground. One reviewer noted the presence of deer and a variety of birds. Another mentioned butterflies and honeybees attracted to wildflowers carpeting the grass.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not mentioned in the available materials.Water Sports
Water sports such as kayaking or paddleboarding are not mentioned in any source materials.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fire rings are available, but detailed fire policies are not specified.
- Quiet hours are reportedly ineffective according to user reviews.
Hazards
General hazardsUser reviews cite mosquitoes, light pollution, lack of shade, and dusty conditions due to speeding vehicles. No potable water is available.
Active alertsNo official alerts were provided, but user reviews mention flooding and ecosystem disruption.
Weather forecast
83
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 75%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 3.2 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
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
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Nearest emergency services include hospitals and police stations in Naples (approximately 30 minutes away).
Good to know
Peak season datesNo specific dates provided for peak season.
Trash and recyclingThere is a dumpster available for waste disposal. Recycling facilities are not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresNo notable water features nearby other than seasonal flooding.
Common complaintsRecurring issues include noise from generators during quiet hours, lack of ranger enforcement, dusty conditions, and poor road access.
HostWinter hosts are described as friendly and informative, but no contact details are provided in user reviews.
Campground Map
2121 52nd Avenue, Naples, Florida, 34117, United States
Driving directionsSouthbound on I-75, take exit 111 (Naples Park) and use left two lanes to turn left onto Immokalee Road. Continue on Immokalee for 8 miles, then turn right onto Randall Boulevard. Continue on Randall Boulevard for 3.4 miles, then turn right on Everglades Boulevard. Continue on Everglades Boulevard for 9.4 miles, then turn right onto 52nd Avenue. In 1 mile, the campground will be on your right. Westbound on I-75 (Alligator Alley) from Miami, take exit 80 to merge onto FL-29 North (Everglades City/Immokalee). Continue on FL-29 for 10 miles, then left onto Oil Well Road. Continue on Oil Well Road for 12.7 miles, then left onto Everglades Boulevard. Continue on Everglades Boulevard for 10.5 miles, then turn right onto 52nd Avenue. In 1 mile, the campground will be on your right.
The campground is accessible via paved roads including Everglades Boulevard and 52nd Avenue. However, some user reviews mention rough road conditions leading to the site, particularly near Naples.Nearby places
Naples (~30 minutes east), Immokalee (~20 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available in Naples, roughly 30 minutes from the campground.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Horseshoe Equestrian Group Camp Picayune State Forest has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews paint a mixed picture of the campground. Positive highlights include its tranquility, natural beauty, and equestrian-friendly facilities. Negative feedback centers on the lack of modern amenities, open and unshaded layout, and maintenance issues with restrooms.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
- 'Camping primitive is peaceful and a perfect break from city life.' - 'The forest was a great experience.' - 'Clean and quiet' - 'Stargazing is incredible.' - 'Butterflies and honeybees carpet the...
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Common Concerns
- 'No potable water on the campsite, provide your reserved water.' - 'Porta-potty hasn’t been cleaned in months.' - 'Wide open field, little or no shade.' - 'No ranger presence to enforce noise...
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Pro Tips & Recommendations
- 'Bring a lot of cooking and drinking water.' - 'Camp as far from the road as possible to avoid dust.' - 'Bring mosquito repellent as bugs can be bad.' - 'Showing up in the dark may leave you...
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Seasonal Insights
During winter: Campers enjoy the quiet and the presence of a helpful campground host. During summer: Increased mosquito activity, and the lack of shade becomes more problematic.
Camper Quotes
- 'Bring a camper or a tent, but there is a per-night fee, so bring your checkbook.' - 'The campground host that is here in the winter is good at getting people in and set up.' - 'Love the place,...
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Site-Specific Reviews
The Group Camp site accommodates up to 10 people, while the Horseshoe Pavilion is a day-use-only area with a capacity of up to 48 people.
Accessibility Features
No reviews specifically address accessibility features or experiences for users with disabilities.
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed at the campground. One reviewer noted, 'We brought both of our small dogs. No problems.'
Last updated August 10, 2025