Top Tent Camping near Cedar Key, FL
Looking for the best Cedar Key tent camping? The Dyrt is an easy way to find tent camping spots near Cedar Key. Search nearby tent campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other campers.
Best Tent Sites Near Cedar Key, FL (6)
1. Potts Preserve - River Primitive Campground (North Hooty Point Road)
6 Reviews•53 Photos•220 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
2. Boondock Properties
1 Review•1 Photo•30 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
$10 - $15 / night
3. Fanning & Manatee Springs Exclusive
Be the first to review!•4 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
$10 / night
4. Wildflower Ranch
Be the first to review!•6 Photos•4 SavesWildflower Ranch is situated on 20 acres and offers two private tent campsites and one private cabin. We are dog friendly, and have fencing around the entire property. Campers have a flushing toilet and potable water available.
Wildflower Ranch is close to dozens of crystal clear natural springs and rivers, bike trails, hiking trails, state parks, and more. We are ideally located in North Central Florida, so many of your Florida outdoor bucket list adventures are within reach.
Grab eggs from the coop and produce from the garden to enjoy in the morning with breakfast. Go for a nearby adventure on or in the water in the afternoon, and come back to enjoy the starry night sky. Thanks to our rural setting, we have some of the darkest skies in Florida.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Equestrian
$25 - $35 / night
5. Old Town Open Land
Be the first to review!•9 Photos•3 Saves2.5 acre quiet country parcel is a cleared and maintained corner lot with 2-wells and septic in place. There are several trees still in place on the property for nicely shaded areas. Location-wise, the property is highly convenient to HWY 349 and less than an hour away from the Gulf Coast. Several parks and campgrounds are nearby, as is the Suwannee River for additional fishing and boating options. This property is a great option for those looking to enjoy a quiet countryside location with plenty of outdoor space for FUN! Visit the beach one hour away!
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Trash
- Alcohol
$10 - $20 / night
6. Fine Life World
Be the first to review!•7 Photos•3 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Picnic Table
$15 - $30 / night
Recent Tent Reviews In Cedar Key
422 Reviews of 6 Cedar Key Campgrounds
- J
John P.
Scout
Chassahowitzka River Campground
Clean, easy access to water
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.
Timothy G.Scout
Ross Prairie Campground
Great place to camp or rv
Had no problems, calm and cool surroundings.
Erik L.Scout
Encore Crystal Isles
No booking possible
You have to get called back, not working with international numbers. Form on website won’t solve the captcha.
Sometimes automating everything is stupid.
Josh W.
Guide
Yellow Jacket RV Resort
Interesting place
The office staff is very helpful and nice.
The location itself is pretty remote and not close to many amenities. The sites are pretty difficult to get into based on the layout. I would not recommend this place to a newbie as it is nearly impossible to get into a lot of these sites without having nearby sites empty to use their space. I struggled even with the adjacent sites being empty. The sites are close together, but the staff does a good job spreading out their reservations. We booked a riverview site, but there is a good amount of marsh between our site and the river, so the view is not that impressive. The single digit sites have a better river view than double digits. The site is pretty level, and I do like that it is rock/gravel and not dirt. The hookups are at the front of the site, which requires you to have an additional 25 feet of hose and power. The staff does warn you prior to arrival of this, so we were well prepared. Wifi is good within the campground, but I couldn't get the cable to work. There is a boat slip and boat rentals available on-site. There is also a pool and hot tub ( the hot tub was not functional during our visit). Good amount of shade within the entire campground, which is nice in the summer months. Depending on what you are looking for, this campground may or may not be for you.
- JJulia H.
Ranger
Otter Springs Resort Park and Campground
Be prepared for cramped buddy sites
Site# 54 Check in: 1pm Check out: 11am Full hook- up Easy to level Gravel back-in (Most, if not all sites are Buddy sites - so be prepared to face a neighbor you do not know. -We were literally looking at each other for ten weeks - with us having two dogs and neighbors having three dogs-complete bark fest). We were so close our awnings would not go out all the way or we would touch.
Lot is Shaded with lots of trees. Not a big lot since you have to share space with your neighbor
- No concrete patio - no picnic table but had a fire ring
Located in the middle of nowhere- Dollar General is four miles away and Walmart is 11 miles (doesn’t seem far but on all back roads, it takes a while) Closest highway (75) is 45 miles away & I-90 is an hour
Zero WiFi or Zero cell service (1 tiny bar but not enough to do a basic internet search) - once we purchased Starlink ($599), we were able to stream. No Cable TV- limited channels No Outdoor kitchen No Outdoor community sinks to clean big pots
They do not pickup garbage at site daily, Must walk to garbage dumpster - not too far
Allowed to ride personal golf carts Not Able to rent golf carts or pedal bikes from them Golf cart not really needed- smaller campground Indoor heated Swimming pool Natural Spring within park but due to rain & flooding of the Suwannee River over the ten weeks we were there, we were unable to access the spring or experience kayaking or the few amenities of the park. Very disappointing.
Had a Playground No Bocce ball, shuffleboard, There was basketball court and volleyball court.Good general store with basics No Activity Center for kids Unsure if there are activities for kids (there were not from January-March). There is not a snack bar/restaurant . Not a Game room, putt putt, or jumping pad for kids No Workout room
Streets are gravel/sand -not great for riding bikes in campground Great places to ride bikes outside of campground (not near this campground) though- look for Nature Coast State Trail
Lots of cabin and tent space Individual bathrooms with own sink, shower, toilet & clean
Laundry machines (one washer & one dryer) per bathhouse- only two bath houses
Dog area - not fenced in - they have a huge field behind the campground that they keep the outside mowed & is a great place to walk dogs
There were not bugs/flies initially but as it has started warming up, it has slowly gotten worse
There were trails to hike off of the campground.
The most disappointing aspect is that they were selling presidential hats in the general store. One - politics and recreation don’t go together and two- if you’re going to sell one candidate but not the other, you’re a biased business
L&A C.
LegendEncore Crystal Isles
Rv park in a Good location~great pool !
FHU, gravel site. The sites Very close together and guests pull in all around your site and park their boats, cars, trucks, golf carts. Luckily, we only stayed a weekend. Lots of full time residents. The dog park is big, Pool house, jacuzzi and pool are large and clean. There were activities planned for the kids which was fun! There are tennis courts, which we didn’t use. The playground has many different play areas and was tidy. There are lots of area attractions and a beach with a designated swimming area at the end of the road. If we had come off season, it would have been great. The swing and pond, behind our RV, was a nice touch for our puppy and granddaughter.
IGNACIO C.Scout
Angler's RV Campgrounds
Good
Spacious, sites with all services, hot showers, us$63/night not many other options in the area
- QQuinton C.
Traveler
Potts Preserve
Great Free Spot
This is a great spot! There’s two camping areas, one off of North Dee and one off of Hooty Point. It’s primitive/equestrian camping and Hooty Point is far better in my opinion because it has water access for fishing.
I stayed at the North Dee Road site and it was still great despite not having immediate access for fishing. First off, it’s free to reserve, and then the campgrounds comes with a firepit, bench, and non-potable water. This was my test run for starting to camp again and I don’t think I could’ve picked a better place.
- CCarlos O.Scout
Mary’s Fish Camp
Rv connection
Good place but only bad thing is power connection on boxes they have melted plugs I wouldn’t connect to it but other than that’s it’s a very good place I would of stood longer if that issue was fixed but never fixed it
- KarenGuide
Ross Prairie Campground
Great spot site 11.
Only here Two days. Nice little quick stop.
- WWendy T.Guide
Cedar Key RV Resort
Very professional
Super clean and quiet. This campground has it all except a childrens play area. Laundry, pool, clubhouse, Pickleball courts. Short drive to Cedar Key harbor. Great restaurants and art coop shopping.
Latika Y.Ranger
Rainbow Springs State Park
Good for paddling
If you’re tent camping in the tent-only walk-in sites, site 60 is definitely the most private (farthest from the lot but still a short walk in on a paved path). Bathrooms are two single stall/shower combos, but never too crowded. Campground is good for paddling, especially for renting from the concessions (they have single and tandem kayaks, SUP, and canoes). It’s a drive and a separate entrance to get to the head springs area of the park, though there is a small roped off swim area by the boat ramp. We went before tubing opens (April 1 each year), so the Rainbow was less crowded and stunningly clear and emerald.
Lexi W.RangerChassahowitzka River Campground
Most Incredible Hidden Spot
This is one of my most favorite spots ever. You can camp right by your car and then it’s a short drive to the dock where you can put your kayak in or rent one. You will SEE MANATEES!!!! ITS SO MAGICAL!
- Lexi W.Ranger
Rainbow Springs State Park
Hidden Gem
This secret little spot is the perfect escape into the jungle of Florida. You will see wildlife and enjoy being in a remote spot in nature. Great hiking trail!
- bbretTraveler
Manatee Springs State Park
My review
Stayed on site 22, cell service was very bad, no laundry, only stayed two nights to check the park out, very small store, gravel bumpy road in campground, would stay here again if I was passing through area
- Calvin B.Scout
Higher Ground
Not a bad site.
Not bad for an inexpensive place to camp while visiting Crystal River. I loved the outdoor shower. I didn’t like the banging noises coming from the abandoned trailer onsite. Very spooky at night!
- Ed M.Scout
Happy Hannah’s Hound Haven
Friendly
Hannah reached out in advance by text to welcome me, check on my ETA, and offer table and chairs. I pulled in after dark and Hannah came out to guide me in. The camp site in her backyard was quiet. I was tired and just slept, leaving early the next morning to swim with the manatees. I enjoyed a quiet safe night.
Reese R.Traveler
Shell Mound Campground
Favorite local spot
Has always been our favorite local getaway being 30 minutes away! The only downfall is not allowing reservations but there are limited spaces so I feel it would be filled up quicker. Seems to always have at least one available spot which is great. We hope it stays that way 🙏🏻
Nick B.Traveler
Lucky Charm RV Park
Feeling Lucky!
We stopped at Lucky Charm for 2 nights! What an awesome spot. There are large beautiful trees with Spanish moss all over the property. Every site is a Pull-thru and very long. Can easily fit Class A's or Big 5th wheels. Full hook-ups. They have a pool, bathhouse, and laundry facilities. The owners were great. We arrived in the dark and they guided us by flashlight to our spot. We would stay there again and highly recommend Lucky Charm RV Park.
Paula L.ScoutSandy Oaks RV Resort
***BEWARE** FELT RIPPED OFF, NOT CUSTOMER ORIENTED
On Dec 16, 2023, my husband and I booked a 7-day RV stay at Sandy Oaks RV Park, Beverly Hills FL 34465. This was 9 weeks in advance of our Feb 18, 2024 arrival, planned so we could be close to a family member was scheduled to have surgery mid-Feb. Over Christmas we learned the date/location for surgery had changed. We immediately called to cancel and because we were at Day 55(5 days into their 30- 60 day window) for a full refund, they kept 50% of what we paid plus$40 admin fee. They charged us$279 out of the$355 we paid. They only had our reservation for 12 days!!!! We called and talked with Jodee, the manager, who was unwaivering and adamant those were the rules. We pointed out their website stated "50% of your security deposit plus $40 administrative fee" would be charged, not the entire amount of the 7-day stay. (Wow, we made a HUGE mistake paying 100% up front.) Our fellow RV-friends agreed that a refund of $279 for holding a reservation for 12 days was unreasonable and not consistent with their stated cancellation policy. They called and spoke with two different staff members who told them the 50% applied to 1st night's stay, not the entire 7 nights. e.g., cancellation charges would be $36 plus $40 admin totaling $76. Jodee charged us $279! Beware! this is not a nice"friendly and helpful" RV Park. Be sure to double check EVERYTHING before booking with them so you're not"ripped off" like we feel we were.
James P.Legend
Hart Springs Park
Nice
Roomy sites. Full hookup. Plenty of room for the kids to play.
CM M.TravelerManatee Springs State Park
Beautiful spring, tons of wildlife, clean facilities
The springs are amazing and full of wildlife. The manatees will only be in the springs early in the morning or later at night as they go out to the river to eat during the day. The campsite was made of small gravel so it took a little while to get the tent stakes in, but no other complaints. Facilities were clean and well stocked. Some of the wildlife seemed especially comfortable in the campsites. It rained while we were there and a few armadillos hung out under our tarp overhang and a large group of deer slept maybe 15 feet from our side. We didn’t have any issues with the animals, they were just a cute addition to the experience. The concessions and kayak rentals were open so the contract issue a few reviews mentioned must have been resolved.
Joseph P.Scout
Cristal Camping 🏕️ Fl
The most amazing primitive campsite I’ve been to with my family I loved it
I stayed at Cristal camp with my family and it was amazing. It was not hot that entire weekend so we were able to have a fire pit going here. It’s just great I would highly recommend it.
Ashley F.Legend
Woodland Nesters
Woodland Nesters
Ashley here with The Dyrt. We're so happy to have this property on our platform. Check them out and come back here to leave them some love.
- BBarry T.Scout
Shired Island Campground
Closed due to storm damage from hurricane unknown when it will reopen
Closed due to hurricane damage
- Joseph P.Scout
Cristal Camping 🏕️ Fl
The Most Amazing Place to be in the mornings when the sun comes up.
This place was amazing is exactly what everybody needs to get away from the hassle of the city. Please come enjoy a peaceful piece of land I recommend it.
Jake C.LegendCristal Camping 🏕️ Fl
Quick trips to the river from your site
Jake from the Dyrt here! Cristal Camping has great access to the river for enjoying the warm Florida coast water. Check it out and share a review on the Dyrt!
Guide to Cedar Key
Camping near Cedar Key, Florida, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are several campgrounds that cater to different needs.
What to do
- Explore the Springs: Check out the stunning springs in the area. At Ginnie Springs Outdoors, one camper said, "This is clearly one of the best natural springs in all of Florida complete with 250 wooded acres of pure Florida wilderness."
- Kayaking and Canoeing: Many campgrounds, like Rainbow Springs State Park Campground, offer kayak rentals. A visitor noted, "Campground is good for paddling, especially for renting from the concessions."
- Wildlife Watching: Campers at Manatee Springs State Park Campground enjoyed the wildlife. One reviewer mentioned, "The springs are amazing and full of wildlife."
What campers like
- Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Silver Springs State Park Campground stated, "The bathhouses are very clean and if cold out nice hot heaters."
- Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A visitor at O'Leno State Park said, "The sites are very large, though open."
- Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of the staff. One camper at Hart Springs Park noted, "Staff is EXTREMELY friendly! You can text anytime to purchase firewood or ice."
What you should know
- Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have poor cell reception. A camper at Devil's Den Spring mentioned, "Bathrooms were not the best BUT if you go to the Springs it definitely makes it worth the trip."
- Crowded on Weekends: Popular spots can get busy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park advised, "Get here early – but note: if you are a registered camper already, then you will be admitted entrance no matter how busy it gets."
- No Alcohol at Some Parks: Certain campgrounds, like Hart Springs Park, do not allow alcohol. A reviewer pointed out, "This campground is very clean and for the decent pricing you get full hookup."
Tips for camping with families
- Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. At Ginnie Springs Outdoors, one camper said, "This spot isn’t far from St. Pete and is great for group camping!"
- Pack Bug Spray: Bugs can be a problem, especially in warmer months. A camper at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park Campground warned, "BRING BUG SPRAY. I wish I had time to stay longer to see everything the park had to offer."
- Plan for Water Activities: Many campgrounds are near springs or rivers, perfect for swimming and kayaking. A visitor at Manatee Springs State Park Campground noted, "Beautiful swimming and kayaking."
Tips from RVers
- Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Silver Springs State Park Campground mentioned, "Big rig friendly, several pull-thru spots, easy paved entry."
- Look for Full Hookups: Many RVers prefer campgrounds with full hookups. A review for Crystal Isles RV Resort stated, "FHU, gravel site. The sites are very close together."
- Be Prepared for Crowds: Popular RV parks can fill up quickly. A visitor at Ginnie Springs Outdoors said, "This state park is booked out almost every weekend for months in advance."
Camping near Cedar Key, Florida, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just be prepared for the unique quirks of each campground!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Cedar Key, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Cedar Key, FL is Potts Preserve - River Primitive Campground (North Hooty Point Road) with a 4.3-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Cedar Key, FL?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 tent camping locations near Cedar Key, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.