Camping near Bartow, Florida, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.
What to do
- Explore Nature: Many campgrounds are surrounded by stunning landscapes. For instance, Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground is known for its gorgeous trails and wildlife sightings. One camper mentioned, "The trails are absolutely gorgeous. Natural palms growing among tall pines."
- Water Activities: If you enjoy water sports, Fort De Soto Campground offers kayaking and fishing opportunities. A visitor shared, "I was able to do some fishing and got a few spotted sea trout."
- Wildlife Watching: Campers at Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park often spot deer and wild turkeys. One reviewer noted, "Saw a lot of Deer, boar and turkeys around the grounds."
What campers like
- Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Hillsborough River State Park Campground said, "Restrooms and showers across from site and very clean."
- Privacy: Many campgrounds offer a sense of seclusion. A camper at Blue Spring State Park Campground mentioned, "The individual campsites give off a vibe of privacy, intimacy and solitude."
- Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of park rangers. One reviewer at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground said, "The staff were all very helpful, and the premises were beautifully maintained."
What you should know
- Bugs: Some campgrounds can have a bug problem, especially in warmer months. A camper at Fort De Soto Campground warned, "The bugs were so bad... it was absolutely miserable."
- Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have extensive amenities. A visitor at Highlands Hammock State Park Campground noted, "The actual campground needs some love. It’s too packed together."
- Access to Springs: Some campgrounds are a drive away from main attractions. A camper at Rainbow Springs State Park Campground mentioned, "It is a solid hike from this campground to the spring itself."
Tips for camping with families
- Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground offers a variety of activities that keep kids entertained. One family shared, "There are so many sites and yes there are people around but there’s serious vegetation between all the sites that you have plenty of privacy."
- Plan for Nature: Bring outdoor games and activities. A camper at Lake Kissimmee State Park Campground suggested, "We enjoyed walking around the park and seeing some cool wildlife."
- Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for the kids. A visitor at Myakka River State Park noted, "The park even had smiling gators."
Tips from RVers
- Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Colt Creek State Park Campground mentioned, "Spacious and open sites that are very big rig friendly."
- Use Dump Stations: Familiarize yourself with dump station locations. A camper at Hillsborough River State Park Campground said, "Dump stations scattered throughout making disposal of trash and recyclables EZ."
- Bring Extra Supplies: Some campgrounds may not have stores nearby. A visitor at Lake Louisa State Park Campground advised, "If you forget something there is a Dollar General about 20 minutes away."
Camping around Bartow, Florida, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just be prepared for the unique quirks of each campground!
