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Best Tent Camping near Bell, FL

703 Reviews

Several tent campgrounds dot the rural landscape near Bell, Florida, most notably along the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail. Adams Tract and Peacock Slough offer tent campsites that are primarily accessible by boat, while Lafayette Blue Springs State Park provides walk-in tent sites under live oak canopies. Bowman's Landing and Fine Life World offer additional options for tent campers seeking riverside experiences within a short drive of Bell.

Most tent sites in the region feature dirt or sandy surfaces with minimal site preparation. Walk-in tent sites at Lafayette Blue Springs State Park include water and electrical hookups, which is uncommon for primitive camping areas. Many of the riverside campsites require boat access, with some offering wheelbarrows to transport gear from landing areas to campsites. A camper wrote, "We did a 65 mile paddle on the Suwannee River and stayed at two river camps and a campsite! These river camps are a TREAT!" Bathroom facilities vary widely, with some locations offering hot showers while others provide only basic toilet facilities or none at all. Firewood availability is inconsistent, so campers should plan accordingly.

The Suwannee River camps create a unique tent camping network that allows paddlers to travel between sites spaced approximately a day's journey apart. Screened sleeping pavilions at these locations provide tent campers with protection from insects while maintaining an open-air experience. The sites generally include fire rings, picnic tables, and access to potable water. "Tent camping is available but each camp has 5 screen sleeping pavilions as well. All have electric, ceiling fans, corner tables and hooks for hammocks," noted one visitor to Adams Tract. During summer months, bug protection becomes essential, but these riverside tent campsites offer refreshing swimming opportunities in the 72-degree springs. Fall and winter visitors typically experience fewer crowds and more comfortable camping conditions.

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Best Tent Sites Near Bell, Florida (15)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Bell, FL

703 Reviews of 15 Bell Campgrounds

  • Jeanene A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 26, 2017

    Lafayette Blue Springs State Park Campground

    Another fun stop along the Suwannee River

    One of 5 river camps along the Suwanee River and one of the nicest. This system of river camps currently is first come first served with no fee - but that could change soon and screened sleeping platforms may require reservations. Reservations can be made for groups and are suggested. Suwannee River camps are spaced a days paddle apart and are wonderfully convenient (especially in summer when afternoon rains come daily and bugs are everywhere).

    Most of the time you will have a camp host on the property.

    River camp has bath house with water and electric, grills, fire pits, tent camping area and screened sleeping platforms with electric, lighting and ceiling fans. Many units also have hooks to hang you hammocks. There are 5 sleeping pavilions typically will hold 6-8 persons and have small corner tables with small bench. Each has picnic table and fire ring. You will find a broom in each shelter - please sweep out and leave clean for next group. Camp host oftentimes has firewood available for sale.

    There are trails to explore around springs and sinks. You can learn a lot about Florida's Aquifer and more staying at this and other camps. Spring fed pools around take out area are a refreshing 72 degrees year round!

    Tent camping area has fire pit and picnic table to share with others

    At high water access to stairs to take out and to camp can be difficult.

    Note: Always take paddles, PFD's, fishing equipment, food items and valuables to your camping area - do not leave in boats. There are raccoons and other nocturnal creatures and an occasional bear passing through.

  • Brenda S.
    Jun. 18, 2018

    Hart Springs Park

    Perfect "Spring" Weather

    Ranger Review: Wild Zora Bars and Paleo Meals to Go at Hart Springs, Fl

    Not far from the city of Gainesville sits the town of Bell, Fl home of many small springs. The spring we visited was Hart Springs. Hart Springs was just the right temperature on a hot summer day and a perfect location to enjoy Wild Zora Bars.

    Camp Ground Review:

    The Hart Spring has one of the largest swimming area with year-round 72-degree Fahrenheit water temperatures. The spring has an over bridge and concrete steps that lead down into the springs. Plenty of shade and Pavilions with grills close to the springs, playground, bathrooms and camp store. This park also has a splash pad, volleyball and basketball court. Beautiful ½ a mile-long boardwalk along the springs and the Suwannee River. Rentals of canoes and Kayaks available and cave diving is allowed for certified cave divers. The campground is located about 1 mile away from the spring accessible by a paved walking, bicycle or golf cart trail which is shaded by cypress, oak and pine trees. Campground has 71 sites (one loop), full hookups, and bathhouse with hot shower, washer and dryer. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring (no grill). Our site was #8 this site was deep, shaded and close to the bathrooms. Nice pool with bathrooms and a big pavilion with picnic tables and two grills for cooking at the pool. No alcohol. No pets (except at the RV campground) Reservations thru Reserve America website.

    Product Review:

    As a ranger for The Dyrt, I get to test various products. At Hart Springs I tested two products from Wild Zora: Wild Zora Bars and Wild Zora Paleo Meals to Go.

    What I thought about Wild Zora Bars and Paleo Meals to Go:

    1. Convenience- when spending the day at the springs, pool or on a hike it is nice to have a healthy snack with balanced nutrition without having to compromise on flavor.
    2. Very tender and easy to eat- Having children it is often difficult to find jerky or nutrition bars that are soft enough to chew, these bars are tender and eaten without difficulty. This is also beneficial for my older father who finds it difficult to chew most Jerky.
    3. Good balance of nutrition- it is nice to have a snack for both myself and my children that contains some vegetables. Unfortunately, we do not always get enough.
    4. The Paleo meals are easy to transport, requiring no refrigeration and very simple preparation. When you are ready to eat you simply add water, stir and allow the food to cook. Prep for camping and hiking can be very time consuming. Having meals that are ready to go when you are is not only a time saver but, in some cases, can make the difference between a hot meal and a cold sandwich.
    5. The texture of the Paleo Meals to Go was a bit softer than I would have anticipated, possibly I let it sit to long when preparing, but the flavor was very good, and the meal was filling.

    I would recommend Wild Zora bars to anyone that is looking for a snack for camping, hiking, or just an all-around healthy snack. I would recommend to anyone who likes camping, especially where space is limited, to try the Paleo Meals to go.

  • Annie C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 1, 2020

    Shell Mound Campground

    Remote to everyone except the bugs

    In the Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge, this is a fairly remote campground away from everything. There are about 28 or so sites, with varying degrees of amenities (three sites are tent only with no hook ups, some sites have electric only, and some both electric and water). Cost depends on amenities: the tent only sites are going to be $10 a night in 2020 (it was only $5 a night for me this December), and sites with electric and water are $15. There was a dump station for RVer's as well. Bathhouse was clean if dated, with a fairly new shower stall. 

    The sites on the inside of the loop are all on a slope and have the playground, office, and bathhouse as the hub. The outside of the loop sites all back up to woods or marsh.  I was in tent site #9, which was right next to the marsh. It rained overnight and I noticed the site could flood if it had rained a lot. But my other option was next to some well established and loud RVer's next to the playground, and on a slope. I chose the flatter site next to the marsh, but I think that wasn't much better as it put me right in with the mosquitos and no see-ums. Bring your industrial strength bug spray!! 

    The campground is next to an arm of the Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge and so it's close to a few nice trails and a nice boardwalk and fishing pier. If you need ice or firewood or some basic groceries, head back out the way you came in and stop at tiny little Ms Dot's Grocery. She is super nice, has lots of knowledge of the area, and her ice (BIG cubes) is super cheap.

  • Jeanene A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 13, 2017

    Woods Ferry River Camp — Suwannee River Wilderness Trail

    Fantastic River Camp - River Access Only

    One of 5 river camps along the Suwanee River and one of the nicest. This system of river camps currently is first come first served with no fee - but that could change soon and screened sleeping platforms may require reservations. Reservations can be made for groups and are suggested. Our outfitter American Canoe Adventures makes our reservations for us. We stay here at least 2 times a year as the Suwannee River river camps are spaced a days paddle apart and are wonderfully convenient (especially in summer when afternoon rains come daily and bugs are everywhere).

    Outfitters have road access to help with deliveries of gear and supplies - Road access not open to the public. Most of the time you will have a camp host on the property.

    River camp has bath house with water and electric, grills, fire pits, tent camping area and screened sleeping platforms with electric, lighting and ceiling fans. Many units also have hooks to hang you hammocks. Sleeping pavilions typically will hold 6-8 persons and have small corner tables with small bench. Each has picnic table and fire ring. You will find a broom in each shelter - please sweep out and leave clean for next group. Camp host oftentimes has firewood available for sale. There are trails to explore and if you look closely you will find remains and signs of old turpentine harvesting in the area close to the camp in the forest. Chuck-will's-widow, owls and frogs will serenade you at night.

    Tent camping area has fire pit and picnic table to share with others

    There are canoe racks off platform visible at lower water levels or you can tie boat up under ramp. At high water you will be able to paddle up walkway to get out. - please turn boat to side of railing and secure as far up ramp as possible to leave room for others coming in to get their vessels up. There are also canoe racks at top of walkway. Always take paddles, PFD's, fishing equipment, food items and valuables to your camping area - do not leave in boats. There are raccoons and other nocturnal creatures and an occasional bear passing through.

  • Mayra R.
    Aug. 23, 2021

    Shell Mound Campground

    Nice place, but a lot of bugs!

    I will try to make a general review much details is possible . Small campground, around 26 spaces.

    1- You can arrive at any time, having a vacant spot, you can set up your campsite and pay when the office opens in the morning around 7:30, no reservations, first come first serve, there it stays open 24hrs without a gate. Check-out at 12:00.

    2- There are three primitive spaces, which daily costs $10 per 2 people (9,19,22) 3- There are options with only electricity $20 (spaces 3-18) or with water and electricity $25 daily, all the other spots I haven't mentioned. 4- No card are accepted there. Cash only. (military's 50% off) 5- Spot 9 (primitive) has sun all day, grass with holes, no trees to provide shade, we stayed in it, very hot and uneven! 6- Pet-friendly Camp 7- Bathrooms with shower, clean. Safe place, "neighbors" were super friendly. 8- If you like fishing, you will find a lot of catfish's there. It has a ramp for the boats (lots of noise throughout the day and night, so bring earplugs to sleep). 9- BUGS! The place is full of bugs and mosquitoes especially in the afternoon, night and dawn, so don't forget to bring your repellent, make a fire to scare away insects, bring firewood, citronella candles or mosquitos coil, fan etc ... 10- Next to the boat ramp, there is a sink with fresh water that everyone can use. And on the left side of the sink, there is a small path that leads to a good fishing spot. (2 minutes walk) 11- The receptionist Gale is very nice!!! 12- No Wi-Fi. T-mobile's network worked well throughout Cedar Key. 13- Nearest gas station and market store is on Cedar Key downtown, 14 minutes by car. (Ice, firewood, drinks, bait) 14- In downtown Cedar Key parking is difficult to get, get there early. Golf cart for rent for $100. It has Kayak for rent and boat charter as well. 15- The small beach of Cedar Key, is extremely nice, has a park in front of it with restrooms, shower, drinking fountain, picnic tables and toys for children's everything public. 16- In the center of Cedar Key there is a great fishing pier that is really cool, many people fish there, in this pier also has public restrooms that stay open until 11pm. 17- Just in case, that there is an Auto Parts store next to the small Market in Cedar Key.

    I hope I helped you all. :)

  • Jeanene A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 26, 2017

    Peacock Slough River Camp — Suwannee River Wilderness Trail

    Loved by cave divers and river travelers

    One of 5 river camps along the Suwanee River and one of the nicest. This system of river camps currently is first come first served with no fee - but that could change soon and screened sleeping platforms may require reservations. Reservations can be made for groups and are highly suggested.

    Wintertime is fantastic here as the bugs are at bay. Springs are 72 degrees year round and are not open to swimming and you will often find large groups of divers at the various holes. The extensive submerged cave system is on eof the most beautiful attracting divers from around the world.

    River camp has bath house with water and electric, grills, fire pits, tent camping area and screened sleeping platforms with electric, lighting and ceiling fans. Many units also have hooks to hang you hammocks. Sleeping pavilions typically will hold 6-8 persons and have small corner tables with small bench. Each has picnic table and fire ring. You will find a broom in each shelter - please sweep out and leave clean for next group. Tent camping area has fire pit and picnic table to share with others. As with all river camps there are stairs up to the camps and trees and racks to tie up your vessels. Nice large picnic pavilion with grills.

    There is a lot of space to explore here and at the adjoining Peacock Springs State Park.There are foot and equestrian trails to explore and lots of activities for EXPERIENCED cave divers.

    NOTE: Always take paddles, PFD's, fishing equipment, food items and valuables to your camping area - do not leave in boats. There are raccoons and other nocturnal creatures and an occasional bear passing through.

  • Napunani
    Jun. 25, 2023

    Suwannee River State Park Campground

    Nice Small Campground

    PROS 

    Site 14- shady; 100% sand; moveable small wooden picnic table and metal fire ring with cooking grate; small clothes line permanently erected 

    Fairly new bathhouse which was very clean 

    Quiet except for Interstate 10, US90 and occasional train 

    Park security gate closes at sunset and requires code to enter 

    Campground Drive thrus by sheriff and park personnel 

    Very friendly and helpful volunteers 

    Lots and lots of squirrels. 

    Didn’t see any other wild life. 

    CONS 

    Paid transaction fee for making my own online reservation 

    Camping in cars permitted in FHU campsites 

    No privacy from other sites or campground roadway 

    No Park WIFI 

    1 bar TMOBILE

    Don’t Miss 

    Live Oak is the next eastbound Interstate 10 exit, so 7 miles, which has Walmart with Murphy fuel, Lowe’s, Winn-Dixie and Publix 

    Watch local law enforcement speed surveillance on US90. Goes from 60 mph to 45 mph at the Interstate junction! 

    Robbie’s Cafe for some reasonably priced home cooking 

    O’Neal County Buffet in Madison for bodacious fried chicken

  • Jeff E.
    Jun. 26, 2024

    Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park Campground

    Immersed in Nature.

    Quiet, lots of wildlife (wild horses, bison, alligators, deer, birds, turtles); plenty of hiking and biking trails with beautiful sunsets on the lake. Restroom facilities are showing some age but clean.  Walk-in tent sites are pretty close to the Restrooms.

  • Jeanene A.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 23, 2020

    Otter Springs Park & Campground

    Nice family Friendly Park

    Located in the town of Trenton, Florida is this gem of a spot loved by the locals and tourists alike. They offer Lodge Rentals, RV Sites, Tent Camping & Cabins, Heated Pool & Great access to Otter Springs and the Suwannee River. There is a day use area, canoe & kayak rentals, basketball and volleyball court, and canoe rentals available. You can fish in the spring run or on the Suwannee River. We chose to camp in site with water and electric so we were in an RV spot but they have a designated tent camping area with water access and no electric.

    We enjoyed exploring the over 600 acres, river, springs, nature trails and loved getting ice cream in the store after! The camp store has just about all you might run out of. Be prepared with insect repellent at dawn and dusk. Sites are spacious enough - not too close together but not much privacy either. If you do not like noise choose a sight away from the pool! RV sites have Full hookup: Electric (30& 50 amp.), water, and sewer. Good Sams memberships are accepted.

    This is a great place to host a local event and they are VERY Veteran Friendly offering 15% off on daily and weekly camping. There is Wifi is available in the Pool Pavilion. 

    Though this place is not brand new and shows some age, it has a wonderful, welcoming feeling. We really enjoyed our stay!

Guide to Bell

Tent camping near Bell, Florida offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the beautiful surroundings of the Suwannee River area. With a variety of campgrounds featuring essential amenities, you'll find the perfect spot for your outdoor adventure.

Local Activities for Tent Campers

Tent Camping Prices

Tips for Tent Camping Near Bell

  • Make sure to bring your own drinking water when camping at Fine Life World, as it does not provide this essential amenity.
  • If you're camping at Old Town Open Land, be prepared for a more primitive experience, as there are no showers or restrooms available.
  • Always check the weather conditions before heading to Lafayette Blue Springs State Park Campground to ensure a safe and enjoyable camping experience, especially during the rainy season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Bell, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Bell, FL is Bowman's Landing with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Bell, FL?

TheDyrt.com has all 15 tent camping locations near Bell, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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