Best Dispersed Camping near Bartow, FL

Dispersed camping options near Bartow, Florida include two notable primitive areas. Upper Hillsborough Water Management Area offers free camping with drive-in and walk-in access. The area features large, open sites with shade trees and fire rings suitable for both RVs and tents. Several campers report easy pull-through sites for recreational vehicles. Peace River Banks Backcountry provides boat-in wilderness camping along the west bank of the Peace River, accessible primarily by canoe or kayak.

Visitors to Upper Hillsborough should note that no drinking water is available on site. Campers must pack in all necessary water supplies and pack out all trash as no disposal facilities exist. Fires are permitted in established fire rings only. Alcohol is prohibited in the Upper Hillsborough area. Pets are allowed at both locations, but must be leashed and under control at all times. According to reviews, the main camping area can sometimes be difficult to locate, with some visitors utilizing side roads for camping.

The Peace River camping experience runs from Zolpho Springs to Gardner and continues south to Arcadia. This represents authentic Old Florida wilderness camping with no designated sites or facilities. Canoeing and kayaking are the preferred transportation methods, though jon boats and airboats are occasionally used by visitors. The river flows north to south, with camping permitted on the west bank only. Both camping areas require proper preparation for primitive conditions. No toilets or showers are available at either location, requiring strict adherence to Leave No Trace principles.