Searching for the best camping near Aripeka, FL? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Florida camping adventure.
Just minutes from downtown Tampa, this Hillsborough River State Park Camping offers a refuge from city life with its seven miles of nature trails and ample places to cool off in the water.
Except for occasional reenactments, the cannon and guns are now silent at Fort Foster. No longer do Seminole Indians have to fight to keep a foothold in Florida, and soldiers no longer guard a strategic river crossing. The reconstructed fort and its surroundings are now part of Hillsborough River State Park.
Besides a living history lesson, visitors can kayak or canoe class II river rapids, rare in Florida, hike seven miles of nature trails and swim in an ADA accessible swimming pool.
Tucked away, only a short distance from the bustling city of Tampa, camping is a popular activity at Hillsborough River State Park.
$24 / night
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.
Enjoy a beautiful RV resort on Florida's scenic West Coast. Indulge in the nearby Gulf beaches, shopping, restaurants, golf courses and fishing. Crystal Isles RV Resort lets you create the perfect blend of peace, pleasure and play for the Florida RV vacation you have been dreaming of. Hit a golf ball, stroll on the wide beaches, rent a boat, catch a fish in local streams and lakes, or visit nearby King's Bay to swim with a manatee - it's all waiting for you! We offer a wonderful experience for the whole family at Encore's Crystal Isles RV Resort in Florida. Perfect blend of peace and pleasure at a Nature Coast RV resort Whether you're planning a retreat for the whole family, a group of friends or a getaway for two, there's no shortage of unique activities to explore at Crystal Isles RV Resort. Plan activities upon arrival or visit this page before your departure to plan ahead. Looking for more? Our friendly staff can fill you in on all of the great ways to make your stay a memorable experience.
Mutual Mine Campground has campsites in a horseshoe formation next to a picturesque, rain-filled lake that was formerly a mine pit. This campground does not have showers.
Features
Hiking trails:
No alcohol allowed
Facilities
Restrooms (no showers)
This wilderness park consists of 113 acres and there is so much to enjoy at this beautiful park. There is an observation tower, bird houses, a paved bike path, you can hike through the nature trails, stroll through the botanical garden and watch the birds and butterflies surround you. There is an outdoor amphitheater and primitive camping for families or group events. Shelters can be reserved for birthday parties or picnics online or you can visit one of the following locations and pay on site.
Dogs are allowed at the park on a 6' leash in designated areas. Please obey signs posted throughout the park.
The Suncoast Trail is located near the park and can be accessed via public roads and sidewalks. View the Florida Greenways and Trails website for more information on maps and other trails to explore.
The Central Pasco and Gulf Railroad, Inc. offers free rides on their scaled down train on the 2nd Saturday of each month from 10 am to 3 pm. The train depot is located near Shelter Number 2 by the log cabin. The train can be reserved for birthday parties only by contacting Central Pasco and Gulf Railroad. View the Central Pasco and Gulf Railroad website.
We camped overnight on a Friday and were the only people in the area. Lovely space for dispersed camping with a picnic table, fire pit, an outhouse and hiking trails. We'll definitely visit again when we're in Florida.
If I could give neg I would! The place is nothing but a bunch of trees, red ants, chickens and roosters! It’s surrounded by slaughter houses and one they found human bones. The husband was outside at night shooting the rats!!!! The owner was nasty to other guests while I was there! She acted crazy chasing and screaming a guest who was driving in the grass because there was no lighting. It’s like a junk yard. If you wanted a nice peaceful place to stay, this is not it! The roosters at 3 am and the pigs getting slaughtered and squealing! The place felt demonic! Very dark place. I didn’t feel safe at all and couldn’t wait til daylight to get out of there! Didn’t even stay the next night! Much better camping places in the area!
You have to get called back, not working with international numbers. Form on website won’t solve the captcha.
Sometimes automating everything is stupid.
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.
We were down for a funeral so we, unfortunately, didn’t spend any time in the park or campground. The park is absolutely gorgeous and we can’t wait to return in November for a week long stay. The roads in the campground are a little narrow so maneuvering a larger rig might take some time backing into sites but there were plenty of big rigs there so it is doable. The sites have picnic tables and a fire ring. As far as we could tell, all sites are sandy so I’m sure it would be a little messy after a rain with possible flooding. Our site was perfectly level with no side to side adjustments needed. Our loop was very shaded with gorgeous trees. The rangers were amazing and patrolled the campground on a regular basis. There is a huge pool but it was closed for renovations, opening sometime this summer. There is a small cafe with ice cream and you can rent kayaks or canoes to take a trip down a wonderfully, peaceful river. It was so clear that we could see fish swimming around. No swimming is allowed in the river because of gators but experienced paddle boarders would love the easy paddle. Lots of trails to hike as well.
Definitely a great place to stay right outside the Tampa area. Recommend highly.
FHU, gravel site. The sites Very close together and guests pull in all around your site and park their boats, cars, trucks, golf carts. Luckily, we only stayed a weekend. Lots of full time residents. The dog park is big, Pool house, jacuzzi and pool are large and clean. There were activities planned for the kids which was fun! There are tennis courts, which we didn’t use. The playground has many different play areas and was tidy. There are lots of area attractions and a beach with a designated swimming area at the end of the road. If we had come off season, it would have been great. The swing and pond, behind our RV, was a nice touch for our puppy and granddaughter.
Friendly people running the campground and it’s pretty spacious! It’s in an awesome location, too - we had other plans but made last-minute plans to stay here for a night and they were pretty empty on a Friday night. Nice facilities, but restrictive like another review says - we didn’t have our dog this time around but they don’t allow dogs so it may be hard for us to come back. We didn’t try the trails but everything else we saw was well-kept. We liked it!
Amazing water access and dog friendly! The staff and rangers are kind and helpful. During our stay, there was E. coli in water which means water activities and fishing were restricted. Lots of raccoons and no see-ums. Bring citronella candles. Overall, beautiful park and friendly people. Would definitely return.
Love it! Great campground with good shade and privacy between sites. Peaceful. Cool weather in February meant little to no bugs (yay!). Clean facilities, level site. Really nice hikes - but unfortunately it’s a bit of a walk from the campground to the trailheads. Worth it though! We will return!
I was in town for a clinic and didn't want to stay downtown in a hotel. I found this little gym. Traffic to the city was a pain, and parking was iffy at best. However the campsite was nice and quiet. There is a sushi place down the road I highly recommend. The reviews of the Raccoons are no joke and saw one the size of a bear cub but harmless for sure. The bathroom and shower were what you expected from a park. Everything was clean. I doubt I will ever be back that way. However, if I am, I won't hesitate to stay there again.
I stayed at Cristal camp with my family and it was amazing. It was not hot that entire weekend so we were able to have a fire pit going here. It’s just great I would highly recommend it.
Site 71 back in and HC and paved Very long 50 amp and water only Restrooms and showers across from site and very clean. 2washers $2.50 and 2 dryers $2.25 Lots of trails for walking, hiking, and biking Store and pool. Pool currently closed.
This place was amazing is exactly what everybody needs to get away from the hassle of the city. Please come enjoy a peaceful piece of land I recommend it.
Jake from the Dyrt here! Cristal Camping has great access to the river for enjoying the warm Florida coast water. Check it out and share a review on the Dyrt!
Very relaxing
We were able to get a site that had electric and water. We plugged in a fan for our tent and kept pretty dry overnight. The site we booked is a little bit of a walk to the bathrooms but if you are bringing an RV or camper then it would make it a little easier. The sites next to the bathrooms are pretty much all permanent “glamming” that are rented out so it may be hard to get closer. The trails on the other side of the river have not been accessible since the last big hurricane so campers interested in hiking across the river may want to choose a different park.
Allow me to begin by saying I have never been to a large RV campground… ever! This place is so huge that you won’t be surprised if you get lost in this place at least a couple of times before you find your slotted RV destination for the night. Also, I was amazed by how close to the concrete jungle you are at this place, but once you turn on the winding little lane that will bring you to this megalopolis RV circus – fitting given your proximity to all of themed amusement parks! – after crossing through the entry gates, you immediately lose sight of all the traffic, noise and business as you are swallowed up by the lush verdant trees of pines, palms and Ancient oaks.
As for the campground itself, you’ll enter off the very busy 192 and head south on Scott Boulevard, where you’ll pass 3 intersecting lanes before arriving to Sherwood Forest RV Resort. There will be plenty of signage, so you shouldn’t get lost arriving here – it's another story once inside this massive compound. To navigate yourself to the proper location you have been assigned of the 514 potential overnight possibilities that exist, you’ll first want to stop off at the administration building, where they should give you a map – and if they don’t, be sure to ask for you, because you’re going to need it! Basically, this entire place is back-to-back RV’s parked at a diagonal with very little to no privacy whatsoever and given that Sherwood Forest is so heavily populated, you are going to encounter both a decent amount of traffic (the golf cart kind) and noise. And while I would normally encourage folks to get as close to the pool area as possible, I found this main congregating place to be quite jam packed and noisy.
Amenities: Clubhouse / lounge, mini-golf, basketball, dog park, RV storage, restroom / shower facilities, horseshoe pit, WiFi (at a cost away from the main building), shuffleboard, darts, fitness center, in-ground heated swimming pool, nearby Tiki bar, LP gas refill station, laundr-O-mat, ballroom, mail room, library, banquet hall, catch-and-release lake fishing, marketplace store, playground, game room, billiards, whirlpool / spa / hot tub, picnic tables, pavilion areas, fire pits, BBQ grill, designated trash receptacles, trash compactor, cable TV / satellite and back-in / pull-through sites with full hook-ups (30/ 50 amp electric, water and sewage). In addition to all of the amenities, there’s also a ton of activities, including live music concerts, potluck dinners, BBQ cookouts, dance lessons, ice cream socials, craft-making classes, outdoor chess, mini-golf tournaments, church services, aerobic dancing, exercise classes, line dancing (yeehaw!), board game nights, Bingo, card playing as well as formal holiday dinners around Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) The best sites, in general, are all of the ones that are completely on the perimeter of Sherwood Forest RV Resort, specifically sites #1– 137 (you will note that there are a handful of cottages and cabins for rent in these slots as well); (2) When you get done staring down the inside of your cooler or mini-fridge and are looking for a place to sit down and eat for a change, then there are no shortage of food joints to have a look at, including: Krispy Kreme (my personal favorite), Cracker Barrel (my personal least favorite restaurant in the universe), Longhorn Steakhouse, Ichiban Buffet, Martin’s BBQ, Olive Garden and 192 Crab & Lobster Juicy Seafood & Bar;(3) If by chance you have forgotten anything, avoid paying double or triple the price at the on-site market by going to either Walmart or Publix, which are both about a mile and half away; and (4) If you would actually like to enjoy a bit of the outdoors while staying at this RV amusement park, go for a day trip to Lake Tohopekaliga, which has some pretty amazing bass fishing as well as a few choice places to drop your boat into, like Twin Oaks or Cherokee Point Conservation Areas (and if you don’t have your own kayak, canoe or boat, contact Wild Willys Airboat Tours and they’ll show you around).
Happy Camping!
Should be zero stars! I totally agree with Mr. Acquavella's negative review. This is our honest review of what we experienced; we would not waste our time if it were not so.
The review is for informational purposes only and not to try to ruin anything, purely your decision. You have been warned.
We totally agree with another reviews that warns of being nickel and dimmed to death. What appeared at first to be a competitive price turned pricey. I repeat competitive not a bargain.
The key to the restroom/showers was an extra $100.00. We were told that it costs $100.00 PER MONTH' to have the restroom/showers cleaned. Wait, what? Ok, so every camper pays $100.00 when it only costs $100.00 PER MONTH to have it cleaned.
Brochure lies Wi-Fi is NOT FREE. Our hookup wasn’t working; found out it costs $50.00 to turn it on at our RV site.
As an electrical concern we told them about the light fixture on top of the marker post was lying on the ground, they put it back on top but didn't reattach it to any wiring, later it fell off.
We were charged $60.00 for four hours to rent a boat& trolling motor; ok that seemed competitive. Then the motor broke a few hours into our trip; the owner had to come and tow us home. We were told the motors were old and were shown the new ones that just arrived, then we had to fight to get a refund for not being able to use the boat & motor.
While cutting the grass they ran over, cut and broke our black water drainpipe. They DENIED doing it but, HELLO I showed them the grass cutter tire mark and cut across the pipe. Yet another fight, finally; they offered a dollar store replacement hose they use when they do damage a pipe. Wait, what? They deny damaging pipes but have replacement pipes for when you do. I said I was going to a RV store and buy the proper one. They would not pay for it.
We had heavy rains, the water from the catch basin behind our RV starting to overflow, coming out of the lid. We didn't say anything for fear of being charged to have the basin cleaned.
No fire ring at the site, there is only a community fire pit.
Roads are full of potholes; some are fairly deep.
Turning and backing in is super tight, sites are on top of and right behind each other.
The owner had the nerve to respond with a candy-coated' BS reply. Instead of fixing their problems they tried to spin the comment saying I was lying. LYING? Ten problems I lied about; you can’t make these things up. Just ignore the reply, it is, pure gibberish and save your money and stay away. God bless everyone and please be safe.
We camped in the wooded RV area Saturday - Monday late May and we had the place nearly to ourselves! Loved our site (10) it was big and wooded/shaded. Bathrooms were nice. Liked that you can get to all of the trails right from the campground. Employees were nice and helpful. Great quiet stay!
Great place to stay bathrooms little dated but no big deal we have a 30ft rv and pulling a jeep plenty of room great outdoor activities
This park was close to home and was good for a quick trip. The roads can be a bit narrow depending on the size of your rig and some back in spot may be a challenge. This would be a good park to visit in the cooler months. Make sure you have plenty of mosquito repellent options, they don’t normally bother me too much, but I had welts after the 15 mins it took me to unhitch and set up. Overall, the park has some nice trails, with good wildlife viewing.
This park has a lot of great amenities. The kayaking is amazing in this park, you will see a lot of wild life like manatees and dolphins. The bad and ugly is that the noseeums will drive you crazy and you literally need to bade in repellent. The other problem are the raccoons, the will get everything and everywhere, they are not afraid of people. Please do not feed them because it will make the problem worse. The weather here was great the five nights we camped.
Kirk was awesome. Thanks for everything and I hope you are enjoying the cast iron pan! The Bigfoot People
Took a Class C to this riverside resort and met friends Van camping. We ended up with a spot on the water where we fished, barbequed, and otherwise hung out. When the weather turned ugly we headed over to the Tiki bar and had wings and beer while we listened to live music. If your looking for an RV spot, check this one out!
VERY easy to book and the host is very nice and keeps things clean. We didn’t really have to check in, they email you a gate code. Bathrooms are clean and close to sites 4-6 . My wife and I camped at site 5 and it had close access to the stairs to get down to the water. They collect donations for firewood, they even have a tarp over the wood to keep it dry. We did check out the rest of the campground and if you like more secluded sites 13 and 1 are great but far from the restrooms. To sum it all up, my wife and I have camped before at festivals and in the mountains just a few times awhile ago, this is the perfect site for people who are getting into a camping lifestyle or just passing through because of how easy the process was and the amenities. We did see a lot of solo campers just passing through also and everyone was very respectful. Im the middle of the night you do hear coyote howls and there is a lot of motor noise from the road but for a drive up campsite, you can’t really expect it to be 100% quiet.
For the hikers: my wife and I have recently gotten into hiking and the citrus trail is AMAZING. We hiked up part of a loop and ended up finding a cave. In total we hiked 16 miles. The entire trail is over 40 miles long so the day after the big hike, we drove to the other side of the yellow trail (about 9 minutes away) and found Dames Cave and Peace cave and it was AWESOME.
Thank you to the host for keeping the campground safe and clean!! We will be back :)
Stayed on a canal site. Enjoyed view with boat docks . Very nice staff. Nice pool area. Wish they had tennis along with pickle ball. Several nice parks within 10 miles from resort . Would return for another stay.
We stayed here to glamp in their new glamping yurts. First time glamping in FL and it was a great experience. The yurt was chic and smelt really good like essential oils. Everything was very clean and they put in a lot of effort to customize the stay for you. Best way to “camp” while staying clean and comfy. The bathrooms were nearby and immaculate at well.
Camping near Aripeka, Florida, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to explore.
Camping near Aripeka, Florida, has something for everyone, from families to seasoned RVers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Aripeka, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Aripeka, FL is Hillsborough River State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 63 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Aripeka, FL?
TheDyrt.com has all 28 glamping camping locations near Aripeka, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
