Best Tent Camping near Crystal River, FL

Looking for the best options for tent camping near Crystal River? The Dyrt is an easy way to find tent camping spots near Crystal River. Each tent campsite offers quick access to one or more of Crystal River's most popular destinations.

Best Tent Sites Near Crystal River, FL (16)

    Camper-submitted photo from Potts Preserve - River Primitive Campground (North Hooty Point Road)
    Camper-submitted photo from Potts Preserve - River Primitive Campground (North Hooty Point Road)
    Camper-submitted photo from Potts Preserve - River Primitive Campground (North Hooty Point Road)
    Camper-submitted photo from Potts Preserve - River Primitive Campground (North Hooty Point Road)
    Camper-submitted photo from Potts Preserve - River Primitive Campground (North Hooty Point Road)
    Camper-submitted photo from Potts Preserve - River Primitive Campground (North Hooty Point Road)
    Camper-submitted photo from Withlacoochee SF/Croom Tract - Crooked River - Silver Lake Rec
    Camper-submitted photo from Withlacoochee SF/Croom Tract - Crooked River - Silver Lake Rec
    Camper-submitted photo from Withlacoochee SF/Croom Tract - Crooked River - Silver Lake Rec
    Camper-submitted photo from Withlacoochee SF/Croom Tract - Crooked River - Silver Lake Rec
    Camper-submitted photo from Withlacoochee SF/Croom Tract - Crooked River - Silver Lake Rec
    Camper-submitted photo from Withlacoochee SF/Croom Tract - Crooked River - Silver Lake Rec

    2. Withlacoochee SF/Croom Tract - Crooked River - Silver Lake Rec

    8 Reviews
    35 Photos
    67 Saves
    Nobleton, Florida
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Group
    Camper-submitted photo from Boondock Properties

    3. Boondock Properties

    1 Review
    1 Photo
    30 Saves
    Holder, Florida
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group

    $10 - $15 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park

    4. Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park

    12 Reviews
    57 Photos
    95 Saves
    New Port Richey, Florida

    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.

    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Equestrian
    Camper-submitted photo from Colonel Robins Group Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Colonel Robins Group Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Colonel Robins Group Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Colonel Robins Group Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Colonel Robins Group Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Colonel Robins Group Area

    5. Colonel Robins Group Area

    1 Review
    11 Photos
    47 Saves
    Brooksville, Florida
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Group

    $18 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Idlewild Lodge and RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Idlewild Lodge and RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Idlewild Lodge and RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Idlewild Lodge and RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Idlewild Lodge and RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Idlewild Lodge and RV Park

    6. Idlewild Lodge and RV Park

    1 Review
    24 Photos
    29 Saves
    Lake Panasoffkee, Florida

    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.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)

    $74 - $255 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Tucker Hill Forestry Primitive Sites
    Camper-submitted photo from Tucker Hill Forestry Primitive Sites
    Camper-submitted photo from Tucker Hill Forestry Primitive Sites
    Camper-submitted photo from Tucker Hill Forestry Primitive Sites
    Camper-submitted photo from Tucker Hill Forestry Primitive Sites
    Camper-submitted photo from Tucker Hill Forestry Primitive Sites

    7. Tucker Hill Forestry Primitive Sites

    1 Review
    12 Photos
    46 Saves
    Nobleton, Florida
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Croom B Loop Primitive Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Croom B Loop Primitive Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Croom B Loop Primitive Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Croom B Loop Primitive Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Croom B Loop Primitive Site
    Camper-submitted photo from Croom B Loop Primitive Site

    8. Croom B Loop Primitive Site

    1 Review
    9 Photos
    33 Saves
    Nobleton, Florida

    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

    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Equestrian
    Camper-submitted photo from Pasco County - Crews Lake Wilderness Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Pasco County - Crews Lake Wilderness Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Pasco County - Crews Lake Wilderness Park

    9. Pasco County - Crews Lake Wilderness Park

    2 Reviews
    3 Photos
    59 Saves
    Spring Hill, Florida

    This wilderness park consists of 113 acres and there is so much to enjoy at this beautiful park. There is an observation tower, bird houses, a paved bike path, you can hike through the nature trails, stroll through the botanical garden and watch the birds and butterflies surround you. There is an outdoor amphitheater and primitive camping for families or group events. Shelters can be reserved for birthday parties or picnics online or you can visit one of the following locations and pay on site.

    Dogs are allowed at the park on a 6' leash in designated areas. Please obey signs posted throughout the park.

    The Suncoast Trail is located near the park and can be accessed via public roads and sidewalks. View the Florida Greenways and Trails website for more information on maps and other trails to explore.

    The Central Pasco and Gulf Railroad, Inc. offers free rides on their scaled down train on the 2nd Saturday of each month from 10 am to 3 pm. The train depot is located near Shelter Number 2 by the log cabin. The train can be reserved for birthday parties only by contacting Central Pasco and Gulf Railroad. View the Central Pasco and Gulf Railroad website.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • No image available
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    Showing results 1-10 of 16 campgrounds

    Recent Tent Reviews in Crystal River

    740 Reviews of 16 Crystal River Campgrounds


    • CThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Hog Island Recreation Area
      Jan. 21, 2025

      Hog Island Recreation Area

      Great State Forest Campground

      Older Florida park on the Withlacoochee State Forest. The campground had 20 very large sand and grass sites in tall pines. Each site has water only. The campground is very quiet and offered both T-Mobile and Verizon cell service. Facilities are clean, albeit old. The campground is convenient to fishing, hiking, and bike and equestrian trails.

    • AThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Robins Nest RV Park
      Jan. 18, 2025

      Robins Nest RV Park

      Very welcoming camping, RV and cabin site

      We were looking for a place to overnight during the wknd. Office was closed but several residents came to our rescue. They made us feel so welcome. We parked on the overflow (water/30amp hook-up) with views over the lake. Rate was 45$ plus tax at time of our stay (2025)

    • Jayson S.
      Camper-submitted photo from Dade City RV Resort
      Jan. 10, 2025

      Dade City RV Resort

      Great place to stay!!

      Heated pool, firepit, cornhole, bocci ball on site. Pickleball courts, golf tee off and bark park being installed. Newly updated clubhouse and rates are better than any others I have seen. Hoping I can score an annual site!!

    • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from River Junction Campground - Withlacoochee State Forest
      Jan. 9, 2025

      River Junction Campground - Withlacoochee State Forest

      Private Sites But Not Pristine

      River Junction, Withlacoochee SF, Webster, FL. 1/2025:

      (72 yr olds in 27’ trailer.) NO PETS. Overall Rating: 4 for site privacy and river access. Bathrooms are not clean during our stay which is following a full weekend. Price 2024: $10 for seniors Security: Gate w code Usage during visit: Light during the week. Full over the weekend Visual Privacy Between Adjacent Sites: thick shrubs Site Spacing: Good Pad surface: Sand Reservations: Yes Campground Noise: Quiet Outside Road Noise: none Through Traffic in campground: None Electric Hookup: no Sewer Hookup: no Dump Station: yes Potable Water Available: At site Generators: I did not see any restrictions posted.
      Bathroom: Flush toilets. Not very clean upon arriving just following a full weekend. . Showers: yes. Not very clean. Pull Throughs: I didn’t notice any restrictions posted Cell Service (Verizon): Setting: Oak Forest with low growing shrubbery Recent Weather: Polar vortex is bringing the temps down to highs in the 50s and lows in the 30s. Solar: Some sites better than others. Insects: None. Host: Yes Rig Size: Backing can be tight Sites: Some sites back up to river with view and access from picnic area .

    • DThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Shell Mound Campground
      Dec. 31, 2024

      Shell Mound Campground

      Quiet but buggy

      We stopped at this campground to spend New Year’s Eve. Unfortunately, the power was out due to the most recent storm. We decided to go ahead and stay since my husband was able to pull the little bit of power that we wanted from the battery. We visited the town of Cedar Key and had supper which was really nice. We ate at steamers. It was crowded, but we got in quickly and the service was wonderful. When we got back, the bugs weren’t as bad as they were at dusk, but we had not had a shower and we were sticky. The next morning the bugs came back out and it was just miserable. We had a big rain come through so my opinion is this is a great camp for fisherman. The boat dock for air boats is right here And they have a really nice bathroom facility that’s kept clean. This one just wasn’t for me at this time. They also had a table to clean fish.

    • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Old Florida RV Resort
      Dec. 24, 2024

      Old Florida RV Resort

      Refurbished Lakefront RV Resort Complete w/ Tiki Huts

      Formerly known as Water’s Edge Oak RV Park, this lakeside RV retreat has been completely refurbished under new ownership who have renamed this outdoor camping respite Old Florida RV Park, so do take note of these changes as of October, 2024. This RV resort, complete with just 34 FHU (30 / 50 amp electric, water and sewage) slots that dot a small, simple single loop, sits right on Orange Lake. One of its great assets is the quick and EZ access you’ll have to this formidable fresh water lake that is very decent in size and is perfect for kayaking, canoeing and boating along with fishing where you’ll have no problem reeling in redear sunfish, large- and smallmouth bass, black crappie and bluegill. When we rocked up, all we needed to do was scan the QR code to book a slot for the night – while somewhat impersonal, it was incredibly convenient and EZ enough to find our slot and apart from meeting all of our neighbors, we never actually got to meet the owners as it seems as though they run this RV park on remote control.

      This RV resort lives partially up to the name of ‘resort’ as there’s freshly minted Tiki huts throughout the property that look to be like they are in partial construction-mode, although when finished, these freestanding structures will definitely be a draw for those wanting to sip their Mai Tais under a straw-covered canopy. The road that leads you into this CG is perfectly smooth but wide enough only for a single vehicle moving in a one-way direction around the loop, where you’ll easily find diagonally-slotted pull-through (in the center) or back-in (on the exterior) RV sites complete with a perfectly paved adjoining patio decked out with brand new picnic tables. And while the interior of the RV resort is barren, exposing you to all of your soon-to-be-neighbors, the exterior perimeter is surrounded by a decent thick tree line along with brush and a new fence that encircles the property adding to the sense of safety and security here.

      From an amenity’s standpoint, what exists now is very good, but apparently there are plans to develop a lot more, like an in-ground pool, pickleball courts, horse shoe rings, game room as well as kayak and canoe rentals along with offers of wildlife and fishing tours. There’s also the promise of a general store, full Tiki bar (open to the whole community), weekend food trucks and a community grilling area. There’s a lot of ‘Coming Soon’ amenities, so hopefully the good folks here at Old Florida RV Park make good on their plans, but those newly built Tiki Huts, which apparently will be offered only with the more premium sites (read: upcharge), are a good indication that all of these other amenities will be offered shortly. What is currently on-site is in either fairly excellent condition and / or brand-spanking new, like a facility that has an 8-seat movie theater, showers and restrooms, excellent boat ramp launch as well as a community fire pit.

      Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) Unfortunately, for mi tent-pitchin’ bredren, there are not sites that allow for you to set up for the night, so you’ll have to keep looking for higher ground; (2) Should you be in the mood to check out some local fare, there’s just a small smattering of offerings in the nearby hamlet of Citra with options like Phil’s Grille and Sweet Baby Cheese’s or you’ll have to head a bit further west to the tiny town of Orange Lake to feast on Eagles Nest Bar & Grill, Lupita’s Taqueria, Southern Cooking and Georgie’s Lakeside Restaurant; (3) If you haven’t tried your go at a spring here in Florida, you need to add this to your bucket list – and fortunate enough for you, Salt Springs, which is one of the best springs in all of Florida, is located just about 20 minutes away from Old Florida RV Resort, so bring your goggles and fins and head on over to Salt Springs where if you are lucky, you’ll find some friendly manatees to swim alongside.

      Happy Camping!

    • mThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Shired Island Campground
      Dec. 22, 2024

      Shired Island Campground

      Camping area is blocked off

      I love this place its one of my favorite places to camp on a beach. I guess they have closed it cause there are big rocks blocking the access to the beach

    • K
      Camper-submitted photo from Manatee Springs State Park Campground
      Dec. 20, 2024

      Manatee Springs State Park Campground

      Slow in the Winter months…

      Park staff as always super friendly and happy to great campers. Stayed in Hickory Loop which was quiet. Bathrooms ample and clean. Walk to the springs was a short one from our site 74. You will definitely see some manatee but swimming up close is a no no. The springs themselves are cold and dark and look better in pictures(at least this time of year) on a hot summer day could be refreshing. Having bikes or kayaks would have added to the fun. They do rent a tandem kayak around $50 for 2 hours. Brings cash to the concession to avoid paying card fee of a few dollars per transaction. Night walks down to the pier are a must.

    • N/A
      Camper-submitted photo from Shired Island Campground
      Dec. 9, 2024

      Shired Island Campground

      Airboat Apocalypse

      It is too bad that they allow people to bring their airboats. Airboats have zero utility out here unless you want to run on land and water like a swamp. Shired Island is not a swamp, it's a wildlife refuge. Since they have no rules against airboats, the loudness of the machines gives visitors noise pollution where they might otherwise enjoy the sounds of the sea and the waves hitting the shore. If the airboats are there, everything natural is drowned out and, meanwhile, they feel as though they can run up on the land and ruin the habitat on the wildlife refuge. Airboats should definitely be made illegal at this location. Terrible.

    • Sara R.
      Camper-submitted photo from Manatee Springs State Park Campground
      Dec. 6, 2024

      Manatee Springs State Park Campground

      Disappointed for being Handicap

      I have trouble walking. I'm at site 38 and no handicap parking for showers. The shower doors and walls are nasty. Also, where I parked with 2 dogs. Was nothing more than a pile of dirt. Both are filthy after 5 days. I was also told that the station had no handicap parking for showers?

    • J
      Camper-submitted photo from Ocala RV Camp Resort
      Oct. 22, 2024

      Ocala RV Camp Resort

      No tent camping allowed

      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.

    • JThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Chassahowitzka River Campground
      Sep. 16, 2024

      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.

    • Danton T.
      Camper-submitted photo from Silver Springs RV Park
      Jul. 22, 2024

      Silver Springs RV Park

      A great place to stay

      My 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.

    • T
      Camper-submitted photo from Camper's Holiday
      Jul. 19, 2024

      Camper's Holiday

      Do not stay!!!!

      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

    • Lorilee S.
      Camper-submitted photo from Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park Campground
      Jul. 6, 2024

      Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park Campground

      Pretty and quiet

      This campground is really dark, quiet and pretty. The bathhouse was always clean. You can smell the well water in the bathhouse. Brings me back to my childhood memories. We rode our bikes to the observation tower, but we were not lucky enough to see any bison or wild horses. Still nice to see the open prairie. We had a big rainstorm and the back of our site did become a lake, but it was gone overnight. The bugs lit us up all hours, so make sure you different bug sprays.

    • Jeff E.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park Campground
      Jun. 26, 2024

      Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park Campground

      Immersed in Nature.

      Quiet, lots of wildlife (wild horses, bison, alligators, deer, birds, turtles); plenty of hiking and biking trails with beautiful sunsets on the lake. Restroom facilities are showing some age but clean.  Walk-in tent sites are pretty close to the Restrooms.

    • Lorilee S.
      Camper-submitted photo from Santos Trailhead & Campground
      Jun. 24, 2024

      Santos Trailhead & Campground

      Very nice

      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.

    • Erik L.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Encore Crystal Isles
      Jun. 23, 2024

      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.
      Camper-submitted photo from Yellow Jacket RV Resort
      Jun. 22, 2024

      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.

    • Rodd S.
      Camper-submitted photo from Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park
      Jun. 22, 2024

      Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park

      One night stay

      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.

    • A
      Camper-submitted photo from Silver Springs State Park Campground
      Jun. 21, 2024

      Silver Springs State Park Campground

      Amazing kayaking & trails

      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 to Crystal River

    Tent camping near Crystal River, Florida, offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying a variety of amenities and activities. With several well-reviewed campgrounds in the area, you can find the perfect spot to pitch your tent and unwind.

    Local Activities for Tent Campers

    Tent Camping Prices

    Tent Camper Amenities

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Crystal River, FL?

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Crystal River, 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 Crystal River, FL?

      TheDyrt.com has all 16 tent camping locations near Crystal River, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.