Best Campgrounds near Odessa, FL

Camping near Odessa, Florida, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds nearby that cater to different needs.

What to do

• Kayaking and Canoeing: At Hillsborough River State Park Campground, you can rent kayaks or canoes to explore the peaceful river. One camper mentioned, "The staff was amazing, and we enjoyed paddling down the clear waters, spotting fish along the way."

• Fishing: Many campgrounds, like Lake Louisa State Park Campground, are great for fishing. A visitor shared, "The lake was beautiful, and I caught some nice fish while enjoying the scenery."

• Hiking: Trails are abundant in parks like Fort De Soto Campground. One reviewer noted, "The hiking trails were well-maintained, and we loved the wildlife we encountered."

What campers like

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of restrooms and showers. A visitor at Hillsborough River State Park Campground said, "The restrooms were always clean, and the hot showers were a nice touch."
• Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. One camper at Colt Creek State Park Campground mentioned, "Our site was spacious and private, perfect for our family."
• Friendly Staff: Campers often rave about the helpful staff. A visitor at Lake Louisa State Park Campground said, "The rangers were super friendly and made our stay enjoyable."

What you should know

• Bugs: Be prepared for bugs, especially in warmer months. One camper at Fort De Soto Campground warned, "The bugs were unbearable during our visit, so bring plenty of repellent."
• Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Lake Manatee State Park Campground, have fewer amenities. A visitor noted, "It’s a small park, but it’s peaceful and clean."
• Noise Levels: Campgrounds near roads may have noise from traffic. A camper at Lake Griffin State Park Campground mentioned, "The highway noise was noticeable, especially at night."

Tips for camping with families

• Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids, like St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA. One parent said, "The kids loved the pool and playground, and we felt safe letting them explore."
• Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or check if the campground has a store. A camper at Lake Louisa State Park Campground shared, "The camp store had everything we needed for our meals."
• Pack Outdoor Games: Bring games for family fun. A visitor at Hillsborough River State Park Campground suggested, "We brought frisbees and enjoyed playing outside together."

Tips from RVers

• Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Thousand Trails Orlando advised, "Get there early to pick a good spot; some sites are tight for big rigs."
• Use Dump Stations: Familiarize yourself with dump station locations. A visitor at Lake Manatee State Park Campground noted, "The dump station was easy to access, which made our stay smoother."
• Stay Connected: Check for Wi-Fi availability. One RVer at Encore Crystal Isles mentioned, "The Wi-Fi was spotty, so I had to rely on my mobile data for work."

Camping in Odessa, FL, has something for everyone, whether you're in a tent or an RV. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!