Picayune Strand Horseshoe Primitive Campground

State forest in Collier County, Florida Also known as Horseshoe Primitive Campground

Aerial view of Picayune Strand Horseshoe Primitive Campground
Aerial view
USDA NAIP via USGS

State forest with 6 sites

Pets welcome

From the park's website, Oct 2026

Not yet confirmed by phone. Details can change, so check with the park before you go.

6 sites
Rigs up to 21 ft
Open year-round

Open year round (ReserveAmerica). Day use sunrise to sunset.

Pick your exact site online

Source: Official website

Book online

Through State reservations

Small primitive campground next to the Picayune Strand State Forest office east of Naples, with 6 tent-only sites (one vehicle up to 21 ft), portable toilets and non-potable water only. It is mainly an equestrian trailhead; RVs fit only at the separate equestrian group camp or the hunters-only hunt camp next door.

What stands out

  • Equestrian trailhead camp for the 22-mile Belle Meade horse trail, with 17 rentable stalls
  • 6 tent-only sites, one vehicle up to 21 ft
  • No potable water or electricity; portable toilets only
  • About $10 a night including tax
  • Separate hunters-only hunt camp next door with 3 RV-capable sites (Aug-Mar)
  • OHVs banned in the forest

Sites

Tent Only primitive site

Hookups
No hookups
Power
Not listed
Pull-through
Not listed
Max length
21 ft
Pad
Not listed
Number of sites
6
Nightly
$9.09

Horseshoe Equestrian Group Camp (separate reservable area next door)

Hookups
No hookups
Power
Not listed
Pull-through
Not listed
Max length
Not listed
Pad
Not listed
Number of sites
1
Nightly
$18.18

Horseshoe Primitive Hunt Camp (licensed hunters only)

Hookups
No hookups
Power
Not listed
Pull-through
Not listed
Max length
50 ft
Pad
Dirt
Number of sites
12
Nightly
$9.01

What this place offers

  • Hiking trails

What this place offers

  • Hiking trails
  • Portable toilets (2 porta-johns)
  • Non-potable water at the horse stalls
  • 17 uncovered horse stalls for rent
  • Pavilion for rent (day use only)
  • Fire rings and picnic tables
  • Eastern trailhead of the 22-mile Belle Meade equestrian trail
  • Next to the Picayune Strand State Forest office

Things to know

Rig rules

  • No RV age limit listed
  • Rigs up to 21 ft

Pets

  • Pets allowed
  • ReserveAmerica site details say pets allowed; hunt camp sites say pets must be leashed.

Arrival

  • Check-in: 3:00 PM
  • Check-out: 1:00 PM
  • Open year round (ReserveAmerica). Day use sunrise to sunset.

Cancellation: ReserveAmerica policy: cancel online or by phone; 1 or more days before arrival a $9 non-refundable cancellation fee; day of or after arrival cancel through the call center, $9 plus the first night's fee; after arrival, later nights refunded less $9, no same-night refunds. Reservations automatically refunded if the campground closes for a tropical storm or hurricane warning.

Included in the rate: Up to 8 people, 1 vehicle per tent site (ReserveAmerica). FFS fee schedule says primitive camping is per site for a maximum of 5 persons.

Other fees: ReserveAmerica reservation fee $5.79. Rates exclude tax (ReserveAmerica table shows $10.00 per night). Equestrian group camp $18.18 per night. Hunt camp $9.01 + tax ($10) for up to 5 people, $2 per extra person. FFS fee schedule: equestrian stalls $10 per stall per day; pavilion shelter $20 per day.

Good to know

From the park's own website and other official pages. Policies change, so confirm with the park.

Location and directions

  • From I-75 southbound take exit 111, east on Immokalee Road 8 miles, right on Randall Blvd 3.4 miles, right on Everglades Blvd 9.4 miles, right on 52nd Avenue; campground on the right in 1 mile.
  • From Miami on I-75 (Alligator Alley) take exit 80 to SR 29 north 10 miles, left on Oil Well Road 12.7 miles, left on Everglades Blvd 10.5 miles, right on 52nd Avenue 1 mile.
  • Since July 18, 2025 Miller Boulevard from former 64th Ave SE to former 80th Ave SE is permanently closed to vehicles for a restoration berm.
  • Most of the forest is under water during the wet season; trails may be wet in summer.

Rates and fees

  • Camping discounts for age 65+, active-duty military or honorably discharged veterans, and 100% disabled; call ReserveAmerica (877) 879-3859 to register documentation, then the discount applies at checkout.
  • FFS fee schedule (rev. 2016): primitive camping $10 per site (max 5 persons); group camping $20/day for up to 10 persons and 4 vehicles, $2 each extra person, $5 each extra vehicle; firewood $5 per bundle where available.
  • State Forest day pass $2 per person (children 0-6 free); annual pass $45 for up to 6 persons.
  • ReserveAmerica policy: cancel online or by phone; 1 or more days before arrival a $9 non-refundable cancellation fee; day of or after arrival cancel through the call center, $9 plus the first night's fee; after arrival, later nights refunded less $9, no same-night refunds. Reservations automatically refunded if the campground closes for a tropical storm or hurricane warning.

Rig rules

  • Tent sites take 1 vehicle (max 21 ft) and 1-2 tents.
  • Equestrian group camp can accommodate large horse trailers; its pavilion is day use only, no camping.

Rules

  • State Forest rules: drive on designated roads only, 30 mph limit unless posted, alcohol prohibited where posted, no glass containers on State Forest waterways, no rope swings or diving from banks or trees.
  • Leashed pets are welcome in designated areas in most State Forests; check with the forest before visiting.
  • Horses in State Forests need proof of a current negative Coggins test; equestrian riders under 16 must wear a certified helmet.
  • Off-highway vehicles (OHVs) are prohibited on Picayune Strand State Forest.
  • All horses must have a current negative Coggins test; each rider must carry proof.
  • Hunt camp next door is only for licensed hunters of the Picayune Strand WMA; hunting is coordinated by FWC.

Amenities and services

  • No potable water and no electricity; bring your own drinking water.

Activities and nearby

  • 22-mile Belle Meade horse trail (Trailtrotter Program) starts here; 12 miles of off-road biking; 3.2-mile Sabal Palm hiking trail elsewhere in the forest.
  • Florida panthers live in the forest; their tracks are often seen on sandy roads.
  • Freshwater fishing in the Faka-Union Canal at the Port of the Islands recreation area on the south end of the forest.

Weather and hurricane policy

  • The Florida Forest Service closes all State Forest campgrounds when the county is under a Tropical Storm or Hurricane Warning; reservations are refunded automatically.

Workamping

  • Volunteers needed for exotics treatment and facility, grounds and trail maintenance; contact Michael Weston, [email protected].

Ownership

  • Operated by the Florida Forest Service (Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services).

Also worth knowing

  • Forest is on land from the 1960s 'swampland in Florida' South Golden Gate Estates subdivision, now under the Picayune Strand Restoration Project.

On Google

Rating, reviews and photos from the park's Google listing.

Read reviews on Google

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FL

Directions

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