Florida's Bartow region sits at an elevation of around 125 feet in Central Florida, positioning campers in an area marked by reclaimed phosphate mining lands, natural lakes, and oak hammocks. The region's sandy soil provides well-draining campsites in most established areas, with temperature averages ranging from 50-70°F in winter to 75-95°F in summer. Wildlife corridors connect many camping areas, making animal sightings common year-round regardless of which campground you choose.
What to do
Paddle the Hillsborough River: Hillsborough River State Park provides kayak and canoe opportunities on calm waters suitable for beginners and families. "We love visiting this park. Rapids to look at. Plenty of hiking and biking. Rental canoe staff were amazing. Tons of wildlife," notes one visitor at Hillsborough River State Park Campground.
Mountain bike on reclaimed mining lands: Alafia River State Park offers challenging trails built on former phosphate mining terrain with surprising elevation changes uncommon in Florida. A visitor noted, "The facilities are clean and the MTB trails are constantly changing so we are never bored here. Pup friendly at the campsites as well."
Tube natural springs: Located about an hour north of Bartow, Kelly Rock Springs provides refreshing 67-70°F water for tubing down a natural spring run. According to one camper at Kelly Rock Springs Campground, "Fun tubing and playing in the springs and picnicking. We did an 8 mile paddle down to Wekiva Island, which was really relaxing."
What campers like
Lakefront camping sites: Hardee Lakes Park offers primitive sites directly on the water's edge with good fishing access. One camper at Hardee Lakes Park shared, "Stayed at a non-electric site right on the lake. Fire pit is great and camp hosts even recommended a local small biz that will bring you firewood."
Off-season tranquility: Winter months bring comfortable temperatures but sites remain available outside holiday periods. A visitor to Hardee Lakes noted, "We stayed in April of 2023 during the week. I think there might be 10 sites full. Verizon 3 bars."
Trail systems on former mining lands: The reclaimed phosphate mining areas provide unique trail systems not found in other Florida regions. "This is reclaimed land from an old phosphate mine. The mine was closed 20 years ago and the land was reclaimed and turned into a beautified park and campground. Lots of very nice trails around the lakes and surrounding woods. The trails are wide and hard backed," observed a camper at Hardee Lakes Park.
What you should know
Insect preparation essential: Mosquitoes are particularly aggressive near water features during summer months. A visitor to Alafia River State Park Campground warned, "Sites and facilities are nice and clean. Sites were decent size. Good for RVs and tents. However, sites are not shaded at all and because of the quarry and stagnant water the mosquitoes were RIDICULOUS! Probably worst mosquitoes in 30 years of camping."
Fire restrictions vary by campground: Some parks prohibit ground fires while allowing raised fire pits. A camper at Cypress Campground noted, "Only disappointment was that I did not realize there were no fire rings/pits/grills, so we had a couple of 'interesting' meals in our camper that were intended for campfire cooking."
Diverse campground management policies: County, state, and private campgrounds each have different rule enforcement levels. A Saddle Creek visitor stated, "Friendly management and neighbors. Great views, bathrooms with showers available. Water and electric hookups. No ground fires allowed but portable grills, fire pits allowed."
Tips for camping with families
Seek out splash pads and pools: Camp Margaritaville offers extensive water features for children during hot months. A family at Camp Margaritaville RV Resort reported, "We love this Margaritaville location! The staff is always friendly, they've got a great splash pad and playground for the kids, a water slide, and two larger pools for kids and adults."
Bring entertainment for afternoon thunderstorms: Summer visitors should plan for daily indoor activities during predictable 2-4pm thunderstorms. "We had a great time. The camp sites and the whole resort area is very clean and safe. I felt comfortable with my kid running around on her scooter. They had a lot of activities for the kids during spring break," shared a Camp Margaritaville visitor.
Consider campgrounds near attractions: Several campgrounds position families within 15-30 minutes of theme parks and attractions. A family staying at Cypress Campground & RV Park shared, "We had a BLAST at this camping retreat 3 miles from Legoland! The owners/employees were very nice and accommodating. The pool was just what we needed, the put-put was a fun activity."
Tips from RVers
Site access challenges: Several campgrounds have tight turning radiuses that challenge longer rigs. At Disney's Fort Wilderness, an RVer observed, "Our only problem with wilderness camping. There is not a lot of room in the loops to pull your RV into the spot. There is plenty of room between your RV and your neighbor next to you but not a lot of room across from your spot."
Consider concrete pads in summer: The sandy soil can become challenging for leveling during rainy season (June-September). "The park was clean, convenient and the staff was super friendly. Great amenities and a beautiful pool! Our site was shady, mostly level, gravel with just enough space for our toad(F150)," noted a visitor at Cypress Campground.
Book equestrian sites even without horses: These sites typically offer more space and better positioning. "We stayed in an 'equestrian' site and most people didn't have horses (neither did we). While much of the park isn't shaded, most sites do seem to have at least some trees providing partial shade," reported a visitor to Hardee Lakes Park.
