Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park

Solo outing to clear my mind. Just me and the pup. Cabins were at 50% occupancy as it was mid-week. Quiet neighbors except the group behind me who was gone by 9pm. Many trails. Only one outlet, bring a powerstrip.

Stayed in spot #8, not as much shade as I had hoped for, would've been better in 10-14. Sites are plenty large and relatively well spaced out. There was a large anthill between the spot and where you park which made packing in and out an adventure (very active colony). Otherwise, the site was level and devoid of rocks & roots. A good night's sleep despite the racoon who pilfered my SunChips during the night.

3.2 mile hike through mostly open Florida pine forest with the occasional swamp. Perfect time of year to come. Site has great shade and opens up at the fire pit for great star gazing. Only downside is that you are under the flight path for Tampa Intl. so you get the occasional jets above. We had a small spike buck come into our camp at night and he didn’t even flinch at us from 20 yards. Awesome experience for my son. Weather was absolutely perfect. For being generally surrounded by urban areas this place is a win for ease of access. Good cell service with T-Mobile as well. We will definitely be doing this again!

Starkey is an amazing spot. After having such a good time recently at campsite #9, I decided to venture back.

The site was spacious and many trees to hammock from, but the best part was the field directly in back of the site that is easily accessible. Bathroom was also directly across from site. Unfortunately, these were really the only good things about site #14.

Site #14 is practically on top of 13 and 15 giving very little privacy.

IF YOU ARE HOPING FOR PEACE AND QUIET, DO NOT GO ON A WEEKEND

I went on a Friday night, and the entire campground was PACKED. Very loud, too many tents packed into each site (2 maximum per site, saw almost 8 tents at campsite 12). Though the field behind 14 is super nice, on a Friday night, all I could hear were screaming cars blazing on Starkey blvd.

Over all, this would have been a great site to stay at had it been during the week.

Starkey’s Campground has everything you could want or need. Friendly staff, plenty of critters, and beautiful trails to walk.

Campsite #9 has so far been my most favorite spot here. It’s VERY spacious (could easily fit 5 large tents here) and the back of the site has a trail that leads directly to The McNeil Homestead. If you’re looking for a bit of a spook, I highly suggest walking this at night time.

This campsite is the only one that has a turning grill on the fire pit, so you won’t have to bring any cooking gear.

Great place to camp, especially site # 9.

Starkey Park campground is clean, rustic, and has lots of firewood for campers. There are many hiking, bike trails, and 2 playgrounds within mere steps of your tent or cabin. 

I’ve camped here with my 4/5 year old boys and our Cub Scout pack. 

The bathrooms are clean and easily accessible. There are also 3 primitive campsites available out on the trails.

We stayed at one of the hike-in sites and had a good time. Be prepared for a trek, as the site was a couple miles in. The trail was nice and paved though, suitable for bicycling in. Be prepared for sun exposure, with sunblock and lots of water recommended as you will be hiking under open sky in the Florida heat. You will also need to bring firewood in with you. No bathrooms where we were, so have some camping toilet paper and a shovel for human waste disposal. They have water stations, but do not count on these being full at all times. Bring water with you. Don’t risk it! Have fun!

Nice clean camping spot. Quiet and semi primitive camping. Clean restrooms and helpful staff

stayed for a weekend, all in all was a good park. bathrooms were good.

Large, beautiful campground with miles of trails, natural and paved for cycling. Nature education center for children. Playgrounds and pavilions for get togethers. Large group bon fire pits and cabins for rent.

Great get away in west-central Florida as a day trip or long weekend stay.

We spent the day hiking the numerous off-road trails and enjoying some of the amenities the park has to offer. The park has separate primitive tent, car-camping (tent) and cabin campgrounds near the entrance of the park along with over 50 miles of biking, hiking, nature as well as equestrian trails to enjoy. Not to mention several parking areas throughout with playgrounds and an educational center make this a favorite for families to just get away.

Reservations can be made for camping up to 90 days in advance either online or at the park. We noticed several rangers and volunteers performing various tasks to improve the parks appearance. Will definitely be returning!