Searching for the perfect place to pitch your tent near Christmas? The Dyrt helps you find campsites with tent camping near Christmas. You're sure to find the perfect tent campsite for your Florida camping adventure.
The East Camp Zone is located within Little Big Econ State Forest (Seminole County), about 40 miles east of Orlando, FL. The East Camp Zone is only accessible by boat and consists of six suggested camp zones. There is no water, electric or amenities... Recreational activities featured here are: boating, fishing, bird watching, wildlife viewing, wildflower viewing and nature study. The Little Big Econ State Forest offers two camp areas for primitive camping. The West Camp Area is located near the Barr Street hiking trailhead and can be accessed only from the hiking trail and by canoe or kayak from the Econlockhatchee River Paddling Trail. The East Camp Area can be accessed only by canoe and kayak at this time. Overnight camping is allowed by obtaining a State Forest Use Permit available at the Little Big Econ State Forest office. For more information and to get a State Forest Use Permit, please contact the forest at (407) 971-3500 or email the Little Big Econ State Forest.
Hatbill County Park allows primitive camping by permit on weekends. Please call (321) 264-5037 for camping permit. Boat ramp open 24 hours a day.
This vast property straddling portions of four counties was the first acquisition in Florida funded by the Save Our Rivers program. It includes 12 miles of the St. Johns River and is part of a large group of publicly owned conservation lands in the area that includes the Little-Big Econ State Forest, the Tosohatchee State Reserve and the St. Johns National Wildlife Refuge. Within the property are more than 4 miles of the Florida National Scenic Trail.
The property helps to filter nutrients during seasonal flooding; 96 percent of the area is part of the St. Johns River floodplain.
One of the special highlights of this property is that its unique plant community that is supported by naturally salty water, which flows from small springs near Harney and Puzzle lakes. The salinity of small lakes in the area approaches one-third that of seawater. Many salt-tolerant and marine-dwelling organisms present here are not found anywhere else in the St. Johns River.
Visitors often say they enjoy this property because of the sheer size of it and how open and vast much of the landscape is. There are huge marshes, miles of open water, shady hammocks, piney woods, and much more. They’ll also tell you it’s a big enough place to easily feel like you are lost – a treasure of remoteness in the busy central Florida area. Wildlife viewing
Please respect Florida’s wildlife and use caution while visiting district lands. These are wild animals. For your safety, do not approach or feed any wild animal. A diversity of migratory and resident wading birds and waterfowl is frequently found at the conservation area. Occasional sightings include white ibis, roseate spoonbills, white pelicans, southern bald eagles and sandhill cranes. Recreational activities
The southwestern 6,000 acres of this conservation area comprise the Seminole Ranch Wildlife Management Area, which is seasonally hunted.
Year-round activities include fishing, horseback riding, primitive camping east of the river, hiking (4.3 miles of Florida National Scenic Trail — hikers, please check hunt dates), canoeing, boating, bicycling, wildlife viewing, picnicking and nature study.
The trails are seasonally flooded.
Mullet Lake Park is a 55-acre park located in Geneva. It offers a pavilion, camping, and boat launching in a rustic setting. There are 8 individuals campsites and one group campsite available for rent. All campsites have a fire ring, a picnic table and appropriate parking spot.
$15 - $30 / night
King's Landing is located directly on the pristine waters of Rocks Springs Run, one of three main tributaries that feeds the Wekiva River Basin, a designated National Wild and Scenic River. Offering a variety of activities for everyone to enjoy, from self-guided rentals, adventure tours and even nightly escapes that will have you gazing under the stars. There's no better way to immerse yourself in true Florida nature, wildlife around every paddle and emerald waters below.
The Eagle Boy Scout Retreat Campground is just steps away from King's Landing and has provided a quality camping experience for members of the Boy Scouts of America and campers across the country. We believe that scouting is adventure, family and leadership, helping one grow to their very best future self.
CAMPSITE DETAILS
DYRT PRO MEMBERS 10% DISCOUNT
$30 / night
Scout
We stayed here a lot when we first moved to Florida and loved it. We stayed in the tent ⛺️ area because it was the most cost effective. What you should know about the tent area is that it is not drive up, you have to walk a short distance to your site.
One thing that we loved about the location is that it is close to all of the attractions. We actually walked home from Universal Studios to our campsite one night.
Some other things to know you can only stay for 14 days at a time and only 14 days in a month. This was an issue for us as we were working in the area and camping full time. This seemed to be the case with all of the county parks in the area, so we had to move every two weeks.
Apparently you can stay longer in the RV Park, but they wouldn’t let us with our roof top tent. They went as far as to say that it is illegal. We looked into it latter and found that not to be true. Apparently it is illegal in Orlando to camp in a tent within city limits. This does not apply to roof top tents though as they are not on the ground. They were a bit rude about the whole thing and after being lied to, it left a bad taste in our mouths.
Remember that the tent sites are not drive up? Yea, we couldn’t use our roof top tent there either, fortunately we carried a ground tent too.
Some other things to know, the tent sites are close to the highway/ turnpike so there is always traffic noise. Some weekends and during breaks it is a training ground for high school rowing teams (you are not allowed to use a canoe in the lake either, but somehow rowing is ok) and there are competitions. So it can be busy then and noisy in the morning when they are training and competing.
Don’t look too closely at the girls in their tight athletic outfits either. Our neighbor got tossed out for that and complaining about their littering (which was a legitimate complaint there were water bottles littered everywhere when they were there).
So those are the pros and cons. In spite of the negative stuff we would and have gone there again as it is a nice spot.
Scout
We tent camped a RV spot I really liked it
Scout
We go a couple of times a year and it is the best. We have tent camp, used a pop and driven an RV. They also have cabins for those that do not want to “rough” it. It is a great place to start the camping lifestyle. My kids love it. Best time to go is Halloween and Christmas. Visitors will decorate their sites and it’s a lot of fun to visit. Every night there is a campfire and movie. There is a complete calendar of events that are free and some that require an extra cost.
GuideHow could being at Disney be a bad thing? Even when tent camping it was amazing. Never a mosquito in sight. Geckos all around. GREAT for bike riding around the campsite.
Scout
Our first camping trip we stayed in Koa for the Cotopaxi Questival. The tent site was well laid out. I was very pleased.
Traveler
Blike trails, from rv. to tent camping, year round enjoyment. Was there with 4 children 2 adults during a freezing cold snap. Didn't lower our enjoyment, the challenging cold 20°F, made it all the more fun!
Ranger
One of our favorite places to visit. The springs are amazing. Camping facilities are nice. Would be 5 stars if they had some sites with electric hookups. Outside of that a great place for tent camping.
Guide
We tent camped for 1 night on our East Coast bike tour. There was an open field w a fun artisric tree stump, fire pit, picnic tables, and water. We charged phones in the bathroom. Nice warm showers. Would stay again!
Ranger
I enjoy going to Blue Springs. Many activities for the family. Biking, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, boating, and watching nature. There is cabins or areas that allow RV or tent camping. There is even areas that you can go fishing.
Scout
Old fishing camp being cleaned up by new management. Pontoon boats for rent, bait, tackle, and snacks in the office/store. Rv sites, permanent mobile home sites and I think tent camping. General manager Doc is so friendly. He love ensuring people are enjoying themselves.
Traveler
Stayed 1 night in a tent site, car camping. Arrived a bit late and had to set up in the dark. Efficient lighting and close to washrooms. A cold front came in and thankfully I was prepared and was toasty warm.
RangerAt the tent sites you are not allowed to have campfires which is kind of a bummer. The sites are on a slight slope that goes down to the lake. The sites are nice with a good view of the lake
GuideLovely place to camp, bike, and swim! Easy access from tent sites down to the springs. Many manatees can be seen while exploring the springs. Check out the Head spring and cave entrance at the northern end of the swimming area—nothing short of magical.
Scout
Really something for everyone. Tent sites are lakefront underneath cypress trees with hanging Spanish Moss. Lots of RV sites with clean bathrooms. 2 pools, 2 hot tubs, on site restaurants, a lakefront beach with free SUP’s. Very family-friendly atmosphere, but not a ton of kids.
Scout
Very friendly staff. Nicely laid out with space for everyone. Walk to the beach! Clean with shade. WiFi, water, electric and sewer hookup as well as tent sites and cabins. Cute! Concrete slabs to park your unit on. The sites 100-144 aren’t as shady. The red knot circle is the most shady.
GuideSO where to start.. This camp ground is very expensive to stay. For a pop up tent campsite it's going to put you back about $200.. That does NOT include passes to Disney. You DO however have access to the other resorts. The campground itself is very nice.
TravelerFirst timer car/tent camping and our stay was perfect. Deer roam happily around and your wake up call in the morning is courtesy of feisty Sandhill Cranes calling back and forth. Park and facilities were super clean. Nearby trash facilities checked and cleaned multiple times a day during our stay. I can't say how crazy it is during the summer time, but in the early fall it's a beautiful campsite to just hang out in and chill.
TravelerHad a 2 night tent camp stay here during January. Great option for family reunions, we had my girlfriend’s 30th here, and with our rented golf cart, had no problems escorting our guests to our campsite to enjoy a camp cookout with us at our campsite. Was definitely an authentic Disney experience, with a never ending list of activities with plenty to keep kids and kids at heart busy, which we didn’t partake in since we were enjoying our campsite.
Traveler
We loved our tent camping experience at Lake Kissimmee. Our site was 22 in Loop 1 and we were pleasantly surprised to discover that we had our own direct path to the bathroom, which wasn’t something featured on the FL State Park booking site. On-site store was only open on specific days of the week and did not carry ice, but they did have small bundles of firewood. We look forward to booking the same spot when we come back to visit during the colder months.
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.
TravelerThis campground is right on the river, and has both RV and tent camping sites. The lanes are rather narrow, and it’s all one way, so depending where you’re at, you may end up circling the whole campground just to take your trash out.
We were there in late spring/early summer for a month, and it was okay. They do allow long term tent campers, so you’ll see lots of tents with huge tarps over them.
This campground fills up on the weekends, so it’s busier, more crowded, and a little loud.
I would probably not recommend this for long term, but it is one of the most reasonably priced campgrounds (that aren’t 55+) in the area.
Guide
Super cute secluded cabin directly on the lake. You have your own private boat slip, 100ft long dock for fishing & swimming, canoes/paddles/life jackets on site. You'll need to bring your own towels and linens but all Cook wear, dishes, etc are supplied. Cabin sleeps 6/8 comfortably and has 2 tent sites as well. 2 bundles of firewood are included at time of check in......Peaceful doesn't even being to describe it! Totally wort the nightly rate!
Traveler
This KOA is definitely one of the nicer KOA sites I’ve visited. It’s a bit cramped, but has all the amenities you need. Bathrooms are super clean! Not many tent sites, but they’re located right next to the bathrooms and the pool. This location is very convenient if you’re planning to go to Disney but don’t want to spend a lot on a campsite. They also have cabins to rent (I didn’t rent one on this visit but would like to check them out).
Legend
Who doesn’t love spending time on an island! I came here with a group who had reserved the picnic pavilion for a birthday party. The trip to the island on the ferry was quick and easy. There was a great playground for the kids and we enjoyed a nice long hike as well. We did not stay over night but I did notice some nice looking cabins and primitive camping sites. The cabins and tent camping sites are all nestled together so it’s not very secluded except the few trees between sites. There are nice tent pads though and the cabins look like a great option with nice screened porches as well as a fire pit and picnic table. A place to go back someday :)
Scout
We had a tent site near the bathhouse. The bath house is very nice and clean. The sites are all pretty much shaded. There are some swings and a cleared area the kids ran around/played chase right in front of the bath house. A short walk leads to a very nice playground with typical park equipment. My kiddos loved that playground. My favorite part was the springs that also had a little "beach"where my youngest played in the sand after tubing. To reserve it you will need to go to the Orange County Park and Recreation website.
Guide
Cabin "camped" at Lake Louisa for a long weekend. The cabin was absolutely amazing, clean, spacious, and stocked with everyone we needed. Just had to bring food. Sitting on the porch at night in the glider rocker was so relaxing, there was hardly anyone at the park and it was very quiet. Paddled one of the lakes and did some productive bass fishing. There are kayaks to rent, or you can bring your own. BBQ'd in a pavilion one eve and it was super clean too. Biked the paved roads and hiked miles and miles of wooded trails. The public bathrooms were immaculate and the rangers we ran into were so very kind and helpful. Just bring plenty of bug spray! We can't wait to go back to tent camp next time!
Legend
I have been visiting Highland Park Fish Camp for over 8 years. I was sold the first time I went. This family run location has bee in operation for over 50 years and is working on their 4th generation! They offer 50 sites with full hookups (some 50 amp), tent sites and hot showers. They also just added to the number of cabins they have. There are fire pits and picnic tables at tent site and outside of cabin area there is a nice community fire pit area. Bathrooms are kept clean.
There is a free catch and release pond that is kept well stocked and a great place for the kids or beginners to learn how to fish. You will often see yellow labs strolling or lounging by the office Ruger and Copper - they are super mellow and love getting a scratch or pet.
You can rent a pontoon boat, bass boat for a half or full day and explore the rivers and lakes connected to the camp. Freshwater fishing anywhere along here is just amazing! Lots of wildlife including manatee, shorebirds, bears and more can be seen. You can hire a guide to take your out or you can go on your own. It is only $5 to launch your kayak or canoe here.
Camp store has nearly all the equipment you would need for a fishing trip including live bait (crickets, shiners, worms, etc) There is a huge, covered cleaning station for preparing your catch of the day. You will also find frozen treats, soda, water and other snacks. Ice can also be purchased.
recently they have expanded their "Hammock" special event area. There is a stage, lots of seating, tables, & outdoor lighting making this a great place for group or special events. There is an outdoor wedding chapel area and many folks from all over the state come here for a rustic wedding.
They really make you feel welcome here and right at home. I hope you get a chance to check out this wonderful location!
Tent camping near Christmas, Florida offers a blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure, perfect for those looking to escape into the wilderness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Christmas, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Christmas, FL is Little Big Econ State Forest Primitive Camping - East Camp Zone with a 4.8-star rating from 8 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Christmas, FL?
TheDyrt.com has all 30 tent camping locations near Christmas, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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