Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park, near New Port Richey, Florida, is a fantastic spot for those looking to escape into nature without straying too far from urban conveniences. This campground offers a mix of tent sites, RV spots, and even cabins, making it suitable for various camping styles.

The park is known for its beautiful trails, perfect for hiking and biking, with some reviewers highlighting the scenic pine forests and the occasional swamp. Campers appreciate the spacious sites, with many mentioning the ample room for tents and the availability of picnic tables and fire pits for evening gatherings. One visitor noted, “Campsite #9 has so far been my most favorite spot here,” thanks to its size and proximity to trails.

Amenities include clean restrooms and showers, which are a big plus after a day of outdoor activities. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, adding to the natural experience. As one camper shared, “We had a small spike buck come into our camp at night,” showcasing the unique encounters you might have during your stay.

While the park is a great escape, it can get busy on weekends, so if you're after peace and quiet, consider visiting during the week. With its blend of nature, comfort, and accessibility, Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park is a solid choice for your next camping adventure.

Separate primitive camping areas available for individual and equestrian camping. Backcountry camping available. Campsites for cars and primitive cabins available. Groups can reserve tent site or cabins up to 90 days in advance. Reservation and fee are required and can be made up to 30 days in advance.

Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park

New Port Richey is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—New Port Richey is surrounded by family-friendly activities. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Florida camping adventure.

New Port Richey

The Best Camping Near New Port Richey, Florida

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!



Hidden gem in Florida

Part of the [**_Starkey Wilderness Preserve_**](https://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/recreation/areas/starkeywilderness.html)this location is full of multi use trails, has primitive cabin rentals (no electric) and tent camping available. Front country (car camping) and back country camping (hike in only). There are specific equestrian camping sites as well.

Cabins are pretty close to each other. All sites need to be reserved.Tent, cabin, shelter and pavilion reservations: Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park, (727) 834-3247\. Picnic tables and fire pits are provided. Pavilions are also available to rent and they take reservations for large groups as well.

We chose car camping for our visit to check the place out. A favorite for hiking and biking. This place has gotten busier as development has been growing steadily over the years. Many of the trails are without shade and the recent fire season hit the back part of the tract pretty hard (Spring 2017) but you would not see any signs of this unless you hiked out the furthest trails from entrance.

Bring your bikes, hiking shoes, horses, or telescopes. Birders bring your binoculars! Over 150 species call Starkey home either full or part time. There is something here for everyone.

As always in Florida bring bug spray, sunblock, hat, and please leave no trace!

Anything but stark...

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.

Large campground with cabins and tent sites.

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

good park.

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

Fun Time 

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!

Good primitive sites

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.

Love Starkey Park!

We come out to Starkey all the time, for the hiking and for the on and off road biking. We came out here with a group and did some backcountry camping (just one night) at Primitive 1. The reservations can be made online through the Pasco Parks website. There are 3 primitive campsites scattered throughout the park, one and 3 are within about 3.2 miles from the corral trailhead, and 2 is about 5 miles out. The trails are well marked until you get to the 4 mile mark, then the signage is poor and you need to use maps or a GPS route. They have some incorrectly marked trails out there, and it is easy to get lost finding the last primitive site. Primitive 1 is a heavily shaded and flat site with plenty of room and privacy. There is a picnic bench and a carved out tree for sitting, as well as a fire pit. You have to bring in your own water or a filter system, since thanks to COVID the park stopped putting water along the paved trail, which you could hike out to in a pinch and use. Now your only sources are stagnant ponds if you need some. This park has a lot to offer, and is a great little spot.

Nice little place to get away to close to home

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. 

Camp Site # 9

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. 

Campsite #14 - Not a Good Site on The Weekend 

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! 

Awesome first camping trip with my son! 

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 &amp; roots. A good night's sleep despite the racoon who pilfered my SunChips during the night.

Photos of Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park

Real photos from real campers