Best Tent Camping near Bushnell, FL
The Withlacoochee State Forest surrounding Bushnell, Florida offers several tent-only camping options within a 30-minute drive. Crooked River Campground, located in the Croom Tract of the forest, provides secluded tent campsites surrounded by dense undergrowth for privacy. This tent-only area sits near the Withlacoochee River with access via a staircase. About 15 miles northeast of Bushnell, Flying Eagle Preserve offers primitive tent camping with basic amenities and access to hiking trails. For backcountry tent camping experiences, Croom B Loop Primitive Site and Tucker Hill Forestry Primitive Sites provide walk-in tent sites accessible via hiking trails through pine flatwoods and river floodplains.
Most primitive tent campgrounds in the region feature sandy or dirt surfaces with minimal site preparation. Campers should bring insect repellent, as mosquitoes can be problematic, especially during summer months. Water availability varies significantly between locations, with Crooked River providing water spigots near sites while more remote areas require carrying in all water. Portable toilets or vault toilets are available at most locations, though maintenance schedules vary. Reservations are required for most sites, with some available through ReserveAmerica and others requiring direct contact with the Florida Forest Service. During hunting seasons, tent campers should check access restrictions and wear bright colors when hiking to campsites.
According to reviews, Crooked River Campground offers the most privacy for tent camping. One visitor noted, "Most of the sites are secluded with dense forest between each site. Tent camping only, with a picnic table, fire ring and water faucet." At Flying Eagle Preserve, campers report that "the only noise pollution is from air boats on the nearby swamp river, but this dies down around 10 or 11 pm." Fall through spring provides the most comfortable tent camping conditions, as summer brings intense heat, humidity, and increased flooding risk. Many sites feature fire rings with adjustable grill grates, making them suitable for cooking. The Florida Trail passes through several of these areas, providing excellent day hiking opportunities from established tent campsites.
