Tent camping near Belleview, Florida offers direct access to Central Florida's unique mix of wetland ecosystems and pine forests at elevations averaging 70-90 feet above sea level. The region experiences humid subtropical conditions with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F and winter lows rarely dropping below 40°F. Most primitive sites require reservations through the Southwest Florida Water Management District, with some locations requiring gate codes for access.
What to do
Paddle the Withlacoochee: Access the river directly from several campgrounds including Potts Preserve, where one camper noted, "The float into Gum Slough is right there at the edge of the campground, simply an awesome trip."
Explore hiking trails: Sawgrass Island Preserve offers multiple interconnected trails through classic Florida landscapes. A visitor shared, "I like to go across the causeway and down the Bog Button Trail and over to the Hammock Trail and along the Cactus Trail and down around the ponds and back out the Bent Pine Trail. This is around a five mile hike."
Wildlife viewing: The forests and waterways support diverse wildlife. At Sawgrass Island Preserve, campers report, "I have seen several whitetail deer, sandhill cranes, lots of other birds, quail, and some turkeys while hiking. I also saw a black bear up a tree in the marsh."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Crooked River Campground in Withlacoochee State Forest features well-separated sites. A camper observed, "The spacious, private campsites were a plus. It truly felt like we were camping alone in the forest and the kids loved getting to explore."
Riverside camping: Many tent campers appreciate direct water access. At Potts Preserve, a reviewer mentioned, "We really enjoyed our stay at this site. It was nice and quiet. You can't drive up to the river view campsites. So cart would be useful for that reason."
Vehicle-free campsites: Potts Preserve - River Primitive Campground offers a more immersive experience. As one camper explained, "The large open pasture/meadow is no longer a vehicle area, same with the 5 sites within that area. There is a designated area to leave vehicles, and the sites on the river are walk in only."
What you should know
Access challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult approach roads. At Trout Lake Primitive Sites, a camper warned, "Main road entry is packed dirt; smaller access road to sites is two-track about 1/4 mile through woods — very narrow tree clearance. 4WD recommended."
Navigation issues: GPS directions can be unreliable in this rural area. For Flying Eagle Preserve, a camper advised, "Waze, google, and Apple Maps are all wrong. To get to the camp site: go to the Circle K... use google maps walking directions to get to Flying Eagle Preserve. Essentially just head east down Eden Dr across the bike path and keep going straight."
Airboat noise: Several waterfront campgrounds experience noise from recreational boats. At Flying Eagle Preserve, reviewers note, "Each time not a single soul to be found with the exception of the passing airboats" and "the only noise pollution is from air boats on the nearby swamp river, but this dies down at maybe 10 or 11 pm ET and mostly only on weekend nights."
Tips for camping with families
Shallow water play: Crooked River Campground offers kid-friendly water access. A parent reported, "The walk to the river from our site was so worth it. We loved exploring the trail and then letting the kids play in the water while we tried to catch some bass... The kids really loved cooling off in the river and catching frogs."
Best sites for flooding prevention: During summer thunderstorms, site selection matters. One family at Crooked River cautioned, "We had site 74 and really enjoyed it. It was huge and secluded! My only 'complaints' are that it flooded very quickly during the few thunderstorms we experienced and there was some poison ivy in an easy to run into area."
Cabin option for mixed comfort levels: Lake Dorr Cabin accommodates both tent campers and those wanting shelter. A visitor explained, "It worked out well as some family members like the cabin experience and others were able to stay in tents near the cabin... The yard has a picnic table and fire pit."
Tips from RVers
Primitive site preparation: Flying Eagle Preserve requires complete self-sufficiency. A visitor noted, "Stayed here on 3 separate occasions. Each time not a single soul to be found with the exception of the passing airboats. Site was very spacious and private. Port a potty was kept extremely clean."
Supply planning: Campgrounds near Belleview lack on-site stores. One camper at Flying Eagle shared, "You make a free reservation and receive the gate code to get in. We had a wonderful time and ran into very few people. Pretty much the only thing we heard were airboats. Lots and lots of bugs though make sure you use protection."
Phone signal considerations: Cell service varies significantly across camping areas. At Trout Lake, a camper reported, "Poor cell service even with booster. Plan on returning after antenna upgrade."
