Tent camping near Casselberry, Florida offers access to diverse ecosystems from river wetlands to oak hammocks within a 30-minute drive radius. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity, while winter nights can drop to the 40s. Mosquito activity peaks during May through October when afternoon thunderstorms are common.
What to do
Paddling opportunities: Little Big Econ State Forest connects to multiple waterways for canoe and kayak adventures. "You could spend an entire day just getting lost around the trails. So much fun. Not a very difficult trial though. There are lots of little waterways so mosquitoes do get bad on extra humid days," notes Hannah S. The forest features interconnected trails alongside the Econlockhatchee River.
Wildlife viewing: The trails at Geneva Wilderness Area provide excellent opportunities for spotting native Florida species. The 180-acre property includes a nature center and wildlife viewing blind. According to Tracy H., "There is an Education Center: Ed Yarborough Center on the property near the group site that was open for our group and was amazing."
Fishing access: Multiple lakes and waterways offer fishing opportunities without requiring special permits. At King's Landing, campers have early-morning advantages. "The line to get in for non-campers gets really long fast so being able to be the 1st ones on the river is awesome," writes Chad N., noting how campers can enjoy the springs before day visitors arrive.
What campers like
Early morning springs access: King's Landing campers appreciate the priority access to crystal-clear water. "The springs are crystal clear, especially when you're the 1st one out there in the a.m. which is a huge perk of camping here," reports Chad N. The camping area consists of a large open field with designated fire rings.
Convenient facilities: Lake Mills Park offers practical amenities for tent campers. Jeff A. notes, "There is a centrally located bathroom and shower, with a convenient large exterior sink. The park provided plenty of daytime entertainment for our kids; awesome playground, fishing, volleyball, etc." The park maintains 14 tent-only sites with centralized facilities.
Community atmosphere: Several campgrounds foster social interaction among campers. At King's Landing, Rishi B. describes, "Saturday nights they host a large fire down by the boat launch for everyone to join." This community aspect makes solo camping or meeting fellow outdoor enthusiasts easier.
What you should know
Flooding concerns: Trail conditions change rapidly after rain. At Hal Scott Preserve County Park, Jamie C. warns, "Expect some areas of water covered trails, ankle deep, especially in the summer months." Free primitive sites require preparation for changing conditions.
Reservation requirements: Most campsites need advance booking, with varying systems. At Gemini Springs, one camper noted, "The rep did give me a gate code and bathroom code. However, I'm not sure if you can 'drive' to the campsite. None of the other campers had their cars near."
Wildlife concerns: Proper food storage is essential. At Little Big Econ, Brooklee E. cautions, "In summer at nights mosquitoes come out here and will eat you up no matter how much bug spray you put on!" Raccoons actively raid improperly stored food after dark at most area campgrounds.
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly locations: Lake Mills Park provides an ideal introduction to camping for children. "This is a nice place to introduce kids to camping. It's not very far removed and there is a nice bathroom and a playground. There is a walking path and nice views of lake mills," writes Billy A. The developed facilities reduce stress for first-time family campers.
Water activities: Bring water toys and fishing gear for kids. At Lake Mills Park, Jeff A. shares, "The park provided plenty of daytime entertainment for our kids; awesome playground, fishing, volleyball, etc." Most tent sites are within walking distance of lakes or swimming areas.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience external noise. At Lake Mills Park, Jeff A. notes, "Traffic can be clearly heard on the main streets that border the campground. Also, there is an adjacent country bar, or 'honky-tonk' if you will with the sound system that was set up we could clearly hear everything." Consider noise levels when selecting sites with children.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Most tent camping areas near Casselberry have limited or no RV accommodations. At Seminole State Forest Primitive Campsites, Billy A. notes, "You can drive to the site with a permit. There is good shade from some big oak trees." Site selection is crucial as most locations are tent-focused.
Alternative stay options: For those wanting more comfort, some areas offer cabin options. At Camp Wewa, Stuart K. describes, "There's a (nearly Olympic-size) swimming pool, vertical climbing walls, free-standing cabins and plenty of trails to keep you occupied as the surrounding nature invite you to partake in its green, verdant jungle-like area of north-central Florida."
Parking limitations: Several sites have restricted vehicle access. At Little Big Econ State Forest, Samantha J. advises, "I definitely wouldn't recommend getting there at night to set up, but otherwise it's fairly easy to get around." Plan to transport gear from parking areas to campsites.
