If you're looking for a place to pitch your tent near Bushnell, look no further. You can find tent campsites by type, including drive-in, walk-in, and even hike-in for a backpacking adventure. Whether you're looking for a quiet, dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.
Just minutes from downtown Tampa, this Hillsborough River State Park Camping offers a refuge from city life with its seven miles of nature trails and ample places to cool off in the water.
Except for occasional reenactments, the cannon and guns are now silent at Fort Foster. No longer do Seminole Indians have to fight to keep a foothold in Florida, and soldiers no longer guard a strategic river crossing. The reconstructed fort and its surroundings are now part of Hillsborough River State Park.
Besides a living history lesson, visitors can kayak or canoe class II river rapids, rare in Florida, hike seven miles of nature trails and swim in an ADA accessible swimming pool.
Tucked away, only a short distance from the bustling city of Tampa, camping is a popular activity at Hillsborough River State Park.
$24 / night
Idlewild was founded in 1992 by William T Davis as a fish camp for those who knew how many bass are swimming and living in the spring-fed waters of Lake Panasoffkee. It’s built on 3 acres with 10 cabins, 10 RV pads. While small, it is not short on amenities. Positioned as a boutique lodge, large groups may find it ideal to host private events. Families will find the amenities to be entertaining while also serving as a unique, but truly “Floridian,” nature experience. Located on the western perimeter of Lake Panasoffkee, Idlewild sits across a 9,911 acre state park preserving Lake Panasoffkee's vast floodplain forest, natural springs, pine flat-woods, freshwater marshes and oak scrub forest.
Recognizing the beauty Lake Panasoffkee has to offer, the current owners revitalized Idlewild in 2022 welcoming residents and tourists alike to enjoy the natural beauty and fishing opportunities Lake Pan has to offer. In addition to cabin renovations and pavered RV sites, Idlewild now features additional premium amenities including pontoon boat rentals, kayaks, bait & tackle, a concrete boat launch, boat slips, vending, recreational area, laundry machines, an on-site café, pool-side cabanas, and the most spectacular views of Lake Pan while sitting around the gas-fired fire pit. For those seeking a bit more adventure, Idlewild is host to Swamp Fever Airboat Adventures. Swamp Fever guests can sign up for the interactive alligator experience and ride an airboat deep into the shallow waters of the Lake Panasoffkee enchanted forest where snakes, turtles, cranes, and alligators are aplenty.
$74 - $230 / night
$18 / night
Overnight primitive camping is permitted only within the Primitive Camp Zones (PCZ’s) designated by yellow-banded trees. PCZ West is located on the west end of the trails and 1/2 mile north of the Tucker Hill Trailhead. PCZ East is located north of Croom Road (Forest Road 6) between Forest Road 9 and Nobleton Croom Road approximately 6 miles east from Tucker Hill. Nearby campgrounds with bathhouses are located at Hog Island Recreation Area and Silver Lake Recreation Area
Here at North Shore Relic Ranch we are a pretty unique experience. we have 5 campsites on our 80 acre farm/Relic property. The sites are set in a shady canopy of tall trees. It is primitive camping. Each site has a fire ring, solar string lights, chairs, picnic table and water tote. bathrooms are porta potties. There is a 2.6 mile nature trail next to the camping area, McDonald canal boat ramp is just feet away as well. On another part of the property there is 9 goats, some of them are babys. there is also 11 cows that are super friendly, and about 50 crazy chickens. lol We are located in Mount Dora. Also some near by places worth checking out are Wekiva Springs (15 min), Rock Springs at Kelly Park (15 min), A free 15 mile Nature drive during weekends, that goes through a 30,000 acre nature preserve (12 min), and we are 35 minutes from the major theme parks such as Sea World, Aquatica, Volcano Bay, and Universal studios.
$20 - $35 / night
Separate primitive camping areas available for individual and equestrian camping. Backcountry camping available. Campsites for cars and primitive cabins available. Groups can reserve tent site or cabins up to 90 days in advance. Reservation and fee are required and can be made up to 30 days in advance.
Traveler
Overall it’s not a bad campground but I have no plans to ever return.
The good: clean bathrooms with running, hot water; wild Florida flora; starry night skies. The spring run is one of my favorites. It’s difficult and technical and challenging and I just love it.
The bad: the worst part of my experience was other campers being loud after quiet hours and the camp host doing nothing about it. While most people kept it down after 10 (as stated in the rules) one group of partiers was up til 3am, blasting music and hootin’ and hollerin’. I know the park can’t control individual’s behavior but, again, the camp host was on site and did nothing about it. I talked to other campers the next day who all lamented at their lack of sleep because of this one group. It was so bad we only stayed one night. We left the next day after kayaking the run because our home in the city is quieter.
Also, there’s a general lack of information available for visitors. There are no maps available, for the campground or the run. I had to take a picture of an employee’s personal map of the grounds which ended up being inaccurate because it listed a shower facility that doesn’t actually exist. I asked the staff at the spring run for a map and they didn’t have one I could look at. I asked “how do I know I’m at the end of the run for pickup?” She said “it’s right after the bridge.” Which was true, but it’s not labeled in any kind of way so if I hadn’t asked, I would’ve just kept on paddling forever. Their website has limited information and the confirmation email I got after booking had incorrect information. It said to call if I’d arrive after hours starting in November, so I did, and was told that policy wasn’t in effect for a few weeks. None of these things are a big deal on their own but when they’re all together it becomes a pattern.
Scout
Campground sites are very close together. Staff is friendly and helpful. Bathrooms are clean and modern. Lots of road noise, trucks and sirens.
Traveler
Fantastic hosts, camp grounds are impeccable, bath houses cleaned and surrounded by nature, what a wonderful place to be.
Scout
Horrible for tent camping. Didn't own an RV. I'm just traveling through, and I went off of what information was listed. This place is pathetic. Not as advertised. Trash is not taken out regularly. One table on the ground, and it's not a picnic camping table. Tent campers have no showers or restroom. Freeway is very close and noisy. Campground is not really for campers. I'd stay away. This place is appearing fraudulent. Owner does not run this property accordingly. Seems like just a place to store RVs. Not for camping in tents or RVs. Stay away. There's much better camping across the state, regulated and maintained.
Scout
I called and was told they don’t allow any tent camping. Just an FYI. Was advised only the state parks in the area allow tent camping.
Guide
Very convenient campground to go for a hike along the florida trail and cool off in the gorgeous blue spring waters. It does get crowded so plan accordingly.
Traveler
Very small and quiet place , great for beginners.
Host was great, bathrooms cleaned and hot showers.
15/20 minutes away plenty of amenities and shopping if necessary.
Guide
We camped overnight on a Friday and were the only people in the area. Lovely space for dispersed camping with a picnic table, fire pit, an outhouse and hiking trails. We'll definitely visit again when we're in Florida.
Traveler
I just called them and none are walk-in. All has to be reserved.
And you are not allowed pets.
Scout
It’s a clean park with easy access to boat rentals (kayaks, canoes) and a boat launch if you have your own. Publix and Walmart are ~10 minutes away if you need anything. I came in September after a heavy rain and it was pretty buggy. Bring mosquito repellent. There are a number of long term campers with poorly kept RVs, but everyone is friendly.
Scout
Quiet and friendly place. Better for campers.
Legend
We stayed in site 26, which was tucked back and fairly private. We planned on trail riding, but rain changed the plans. We didn’t get to explore much, but will be back. Nice long drive down to the sites. Electric and water were both great, and dump stations easy. Staff was extra friendly.
Legend
Can’t beat the convenience & amenities of the Disney parks are on your itinerary. Super cost effective and direct access to magic kingdom and easy access to all the others. Sites were big, clear and clean. Amenities were wonderful. I’d stay here even if we didn’t do a Disney park. 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. Constant ground crews, sanitation work and transportation options. Pools, restaurants, shops and fun activities going on all the time. We loved it.
Traveler
clean, naturally and quiet
no wlan and good mobil connection
restrooms and laundry are o.k.
rangers are super and nice
playground and a small beach to put your feet into water.
ScoutMy wife and I decided last year to full time RV. We were already living in Ocala and we wanted to remain in the area. We discovered Silver Springs RV and are so glad we did. Everyone here, especially the staff, was so welcoming and friendly. SSRV is definitely going to be home for a long time.
Scout
Horrible management, the president is a joke I will never stay again. The majority of the people that live in the park are nice but there are also a lot of nasty people, just horribly mean and very nosy. Terrible place!! Wish I could put 0 stars
Legend
OK, let’s just cut to the chase here. You are likely considering Sun Outdoors Orlando Champions Gate due to its proximity to the ‘Most Magical Place on Earth’ or one of the other themed amusement parks here in the Orlando area. And maybe you’ve got an RV and shrugged your shoulders and said ‘why not?’ And to this I say, if proximity and accessibility are key criteria for you on this particular trip and locking down a spot to park your RV for a few days while you (and likely the kids) are wanting to enjoy all of the entertainment and endless lines of all-you-can-eat buffets, then Sun Outdoors will certainly be a very good option for you.
What I like most about Sun Outdoors Orlando is that this spot is recently completely refurbished, so everywhere you go, while the place itself looks like it has recently been cleared of all vegetation (definitely a negative in my mind - as it looks as though every single piece of nature, be it grass, bushes or trees, has been surgically removed leaving a very barren, sterile environ), all of the buildings, sites and amenities look fairly brand spanking new, especially the club house and adjoining in-ground heated pool, which is definitely the best aspect of this particular paved campground. Here they have plenty of level, asphalt-paved or grassy RV pads, spots for tent camping as well as even cottages and cabins that they’ll rent to you in case you’ve not come prepared with any overnight preparations of your own.
Amenities: large heated in-ground swimming pool with patio and deck chairs, umbrellas and chaise loungers, pristine bathroom & showers, shuffleboard court, game room, horseshoe pit, WiFi, pet-friendly, coin-operated laundr-O-mat, dog park, bingo hall, basketball, volleyball, stand-up BBQ grills, religious services, Adirondack chair encircled fire pits, cornhole as well as back-in and pull-through RV slots with concrete patios, picnic table and all the traditional hook-ups (20 / 30 / 50 amp electric, water and sewage).
Insider’s tips: (1) When we visited, there was a solid amount of road construction going on right in front of Sun Outdoors Orlando, so unless that has changed (call ahead if this is of concern), then I would highly suggest booking a spot furthest away the front of the campground, which sits right in front of the roadway where the work is being done; (2) If you grow weary of opening up your on-board fridge or half-empty roto-molded Cordova cooler and want to check out a nearby restaurant, I recommend nearby Miller’s Ale House, Marco’s Pizza, Mondo di Gelato or Reunion Gyro; (3) While this campground will tell you on-line and on-site that you can tent camp here, even if you could, I don’t know that you would want to, unless your idea of a good tent camping experience is being sandwiched between 2 oversized RV’s and pitching your tent on asphalt; (4) Some of these sites for large RV’s and even 5th wheels appear to be a bit too small (several were either parked beyond the asphalt limits on the grass, or the width was too large and overhung the concrete pad itself, creating unstable situation for some RV’s) ;(5) If you actually care to grab a slice of nature while you are here at Sun Outdoors Orlando, then go for a day trip to Lake Tohopekaliga, which has some pretty amazing bass fishing as well as a few choice places to drop your boat into, like Twin Oaks or Cherokee Point Conservation Areas (and if you don’t have your own kayak, canoe or boat, contact Wild Willys Airboat Tours and they’ll show you around); and (6) There’s a Publix, CVS and Aldi so close to this campground that you can walk there, in case you run out of anything.
Happy Camping!
Legend
Why contemplate leaving the creature comforts of home when you can just haul everything that you love most to a place that provides all of the concrete paved, easy-to-access amenities that you likely have at home in the first place? If you find yourself in this dilemma, no worries, Orlando/ Kissimmee KOA has all of your manufactured outdoor camping needs covered … and what’s perhaps most interesting is that you won’t even have to drive out of the concrete jungle to encounter this experience, in fact, it’s right off a major 4-lane highway (HWY 192).
So, if you are dreaming of escaping your domesticated life for the thrills of an outdoor camping adventure that will have you appreciating the best of what nature has to offer, then just be forewarned, this is not that place. But if you are simply looking for a change of scenery and want to be near all of the action and attractions here in Central Florida’s ‘Magic City’ and want a different experience than paying overpriced rates at Tiki-hut themed entertainment hotels and relish the idea of dusting off your RV or unpacking your tent in a pseudo nature environment complete with all the astro turf your dog can poop on within a confined, fenced-in setting, then this KOA (and let’s be frank, ANY KOA) has you covered.
As far as amenities go, it’s a KOA, so there’s going to be more amenities here than you can shake a stick at. These include: heated in-ground medium-sized pool complete with tiled patio, lounge chaise chairs, tables with umbrellas and regular chairs, water-rinsing station, as well as a jacuzzi / spa, propane refilling station, bike rentals, 134’ max length slots, WiFi, pavilion, Kamp K9, firewood for sale, 24 hour laundr-O-mat, picnic tables, community fire pits, on-site market, recreation office, life-size Jenga, designated trash areas, fitness center, playground, dog wash, public bus service, basketball court, EV chargers, jump pad, taxi service back-in and pull-through perfectly paved, level concrete RV sites with full hook-ups (30 / 50 amp electric, water and sewage). There’s even RV sites that are dubbed ‘Deluxe,’ which are larger and come with a paved connected patio.
No RV? And REALLY don’t want to have an experience that is different than living at home? Even here at this KOA, that’s not a problem, where the proprietors will easily rent you a deluxe cabin, if there is one available. These 1BR or 2BR A/C cooled Deluxe Cabins sleep 4, 6 or 8 people and come with bunk bed set, futon / sofa sleeper and a queen-sized bed along with a private bath and shower, TV with cable offering over 20 channels, some with EV chargers, patio w/ charcoal or gas BBQ grill and fire pit, front porch with patio furniture and chairs, refrigerator, fresh linens, paw pen for the pups and a partial or full kitchen. They even have rustic cabins that are cheaper and don’t come with all the thrills for those that want some degree of ‘roughing’ it, so this means no kitchen and no bathroom or showers, although there is full bed, bunk bed, TV, mini-refrigerator, A/C patio furniture, brick fire pit with cooking grate.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) To continue with the simple, easy-to-access, manufactured experience theme here, for those that grow tired of trying to conjure up that next meal for the kiddos, who are grumbling about making every meal, head on over to any one of these nearby drive-thru windows or curb-side meal offerings: McDonald’s, Panda Express, Applebee’s, Steak ‘n Shake and Wendy’s; (2) If you want to heighten that suburban culinary experience you all have been craving though, I really do rate the silverware-free dining experience that is Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament, which is literally just down the road and is actually a lot of fun for the kiddos and adults alike; (3) Should you find yourself in need of anything that you either forgot or may have run out of, then fear not, there’s a Sam’s Club that is in walking distance from this KOA and further south that definitely requires a drive, there’s a Walmart Supercenter; (4) I’ve noticed that this place has SIGNIFICANT discounts if you simply plan in advance – so for example, during the months of March OR April (it’s January now), they’re offering a whopping 25% discount; and (5) If you are looking for a slice of nature’s paradise, then I highly recommend driving a bit north to Wekiwa Springs, where you’ll be able to enjoy one of the most amazing springs in all of Florida where the water is 72 degrees year round.
Happy Camping!
Scout
Had no problems, calm and cool surroundings.
Ranger
This campground is the perfect size. Our site had shade about 95% of the day! We had the perfect size of an area behind our RV. Loved hearing all of the birds chirping. You can hear traffic since it’s right off of the highway. There are plenty of trees around. The bathroom was very clean. It’s nice and dark at night!! We did the hike to see the historical part of the Island. That was neat to read about. We also took the biking trail to say we went above i75 on the bridge. That was a round trip of 15.5 miles, if anyone is interested. It’s a really nice campground, especially if like doing trails and biking.
Scout
You have to get called back, not working with international numbers. Form on website won’t solve the captcha.
Sometimes automating everything is stupid.
Scout
Stayed in spot #8, not as much shade as I had hoped for, would've been better in 10-14. Sites are plenty large and relatively well spaced out. There was a large anthill between the spot and where you park which made packing in and out an adventure (very active colony). Otherwise, the site was level and devoid of rocks & roots. A good night's sleep despite the racoon who pilfered my SunChips during the night.
Guide
Campground is basic, very few sewer spots but there is a dump station. Big rig friendly, several pull thru spots, easy paved entry, gravel sites, I think all are 50/30. Plenty of space between sites. Clean bathroom, washer/dryer, soda machine. Very dark at night which I love. No lights except the bath house. Dog poo bag stations. Very friendly staff (Melinda & John, camp hosts were amazing) 1 mile from amazing kayaking. Great, woodsy hiking trails. Maybe 3 miles to Publix/Wawa.
Guide
Nice spots for tent camping. Got surprisingly cold when I visited. Would’ve been 5 stars if it weren’t for obnoxiously loud and rude neighbors that were yelling/screaming until midnight. If you camp here, expect to hear lots of partying.
LegendLoved this campground. We had sites 22 & 24. Site 22 has lots of sun; site 24 was full shade all day. I thought site 20 was the best. All campsites are very roomy. Bring your paddleboard or kayak. We drove to Silver Springs park and put in. Lazy river ride for 2 miles where we got out at the River trail. If you do this, bring your kayak wheels as it is a 1 mile walk back to the campground (or 1/2 mile to the River Trail trailhead). Then went to pick up truck where we started. Highly recommend this campground. There are also lots of trails to hike, but it was so hot when we were there we did not do any but the river trail.
Scout
Easy to find, close to I-75 Freeway. Older RV park with many permanent sites. Pull through, full hook ups with cable TV. Not too quiet but building on East side blocks much of the Freewaynoise. Large shade trees. Intermixed temp and permanent sites. Didn't see a store nor sites showers and restrooms. Pool is closed. Looks permanent.
Scout
I love this site and have camped there twice (most recently Feb 2024). We packed light but not that light because we like to be comfortable; it took my BF and me about 3 trips each to get everything we needed to the site, including firewood, our 4 person tent, air mattress, camp stove, cooler, etc. The walk from where you can park to the actual site is also not that long (about a quarter mile away), but it can be prone to flooding, so I would wear waterproof hiking boots and have some gaters handy when you arrive in case you have to walk through some muddy spots or puddles as we did on this last trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Bushnell, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Bushnell, FL is Hillsborough River State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 63 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Bushnell, FL?
TheDyrt.com has all 40 tent camping locations near Bushnell, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
