Secluded Hickory Hammock Campground in Florida
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. This means I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. The reviews of the items in this article are based on my own opinions. Disclosure policy https://www.adoptinglifesjourney.com/blog/disclosure-policy
Hickory Hammock Campground
Hickory Hammock Campground is located in the Hickory Hammock Wildlife Management Area and consists of around 4,000 acres near the Kissimmee River in Lorida, Florida. With the Florida Scenic Trail running through portions of this area, you can enjoy a scenic walk where you might spot wildlife among the oak and hammock trees such as deer, hog, wild turkeys, tortoise, and birds. The campground caters to equestrian enthusiasts, but you are welcome to stay here even if you don’t have a horse which is what we did during our time at this campground.
2 camping options
There are two primitive camping options in this area. Primitive sites and equestrian sites. You must obtain a special use license to camp at either location. You can get this license from the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD). This license is easy to obtain and is FREE.
There is a limit of 8 days you can camp consecutively and a total of 30 days in a calendar year. The 30-day limit applies to all campsites within the SFWMD.
Picture of campground below.
Register for a campsite
Click on the register here link at the South Florida Water Management District website.
Click on the circle next to Hickory Hammock (there are multiple other campgrounds you can register for from this link)
Use the drop-down menu to click on a camping type as shown in below picture
For this purpose, I am choosing Equestrian Camping but either will take you to the same next page
Click continue
Click the “select” button for the date you want to camp which will then take you to the next page
Click the circle next to your departure date which will take you to the next page
Here you will log in with your account information or you can Add Account to create your new free account
At the next page, you will fill out your demographic information, make sure you camping dates are correct, and hit submit.
You will receive a couple emails with the needed information for your stay.
Pets: dogs are allowed on a leash in this wildlife management area.
Horseback riding
Horseback riding is permitted but requires a permit from the SFWMD and children under 16 must wear a helmet. This campground provides accommodations for your horse in their first come, first served equestrian campground with horse stalls, water troughs and hitching posts.
Equestrian Campground
There are 10 campsites at the Equestrian Campground. There are no electric or water hookups at the camp sites.
Address: McArthur 1 Road, Lorida, Florida
Check in/out times: 12 noon check in and 12 noon check out
Camp host is located at this campground seasonally.
You will turn onto McArthur Road from Highway 98. You will immediately find a locked gate. The Lock combination will be provided to access this area in an email provided to you by the SFWMD. Make sure you close and lock the gate when you enter and leave the campground. There will be a long road you will follow that will take you right to the campground.
Generators can be used except between 11pm and 7am.
Campground amenities
Amenities: 14-stall horse barn, picnic table, fire ring, trash, two composting toilets (bring your own toilet paper as supplies are limited), picnic shelter, non-potable water spigot located at the camp host site, and cold-water camp shower.
There are no reservations for the horse barn, it is on a first come, first served basis.
Campfires
Fires: are allowed in the provided fire ring only, but do not bring your own firewood into the campsites. You can collect wood from the area that is on the ground only.
Our favorite way to makes s’mores is to take a large marshmallow and cook it over the fire to your desired taste and then smash it between two Fudge Striped Cookies. YUM!! This way is much cheaper than the Hershey bar, graham crackers and marshmallow version. I buy the Fudge Striped cookies from Aldi’s or the Dollar Tree for cheap.
Camping essentials
Hiking or biking
Trails are available in the area for hiking or biking and the trailhead is located on Highway 98 at the Istokppoga Canal Boat Ramp Area.
iOverland app
This picture shows the iOverlander app that I use on my phone to find boondocking locations. I zoom to an area that I want to camp at and look for the tent picture to find locations. I click on the icon to read more about the location.
Icon Key:
Tent: campground
Moon with tiny tent: boondocking
water spigot: where to find water
building: businesses to camp at
Blue - plate with silverware: places to eat
Venomous snakes can be found around the Kissimmee River so be aware of your surroundings as you enjoy this wildlife area.
Like this post? Learn about other camping locations across the US
Hickory Hammock campground offers a rustic and natural camp setting which is the perfect place to stay for a night or two. It is secluded so very quiet. Our campsite was the perfect location within this campground. We went straight back and right before you turn to the left, we found the perfect spot on the right that was surrounded by trees and made it a nice, secluded spot.
This is not the perfectly manicured campground that you might find elsewhere but it provided a secluded location that allowed time to sit out in nature and enjoy a nice campfire at night while being surrounded by the people I love the most. I would stay here again if I was in the area. This campground is FREE to camp at once you register, making it a budget friendly option while visiting Florida.
Enjoy the Journey,
Meet the author: Jennifer
I am a girl who loves to travel and enjoys sharing expert family travel advice. I am a content creator and influencer on Instagram with years of travel experience and provide readers with advice, tips, and details on adventurous family travel and tips on saving money while boondocking or traveling across the US. Pic: taken on the long road to this campground.
Follow me on social media to discover more travel ideas
Instagram @adoptinglifesjourney
Pinterest /adoptinglifesjourney
If this post was helpful, follow me on Instagram @adoptinglifesjourney and
Hashtag your photos at #adoptinglifesjourney
Need help planning a vacation? I am also a travel agent. Follow me on social media and send me a DM @exploringsunsetstravel for more travel inspiration or for a FREE travel quote.
Like this post? Save it for later
Explore a collection of inspiring travel guides, designed to spark wanderlust and inspire a sense of adventure. These guides offer unique insights and personalized recommendations to help you discover new, exciting destinations.