Lorilee S.
Legend
LegendLake Louisa State Park Campground
Pretty campground
Very pretty and clean campground. Bathhouse was clean as well. Loved riding our bikes and walking the trails.
Camping near Dade City, FL
377 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Search destinations
Add dates
Several good camping spots surround Dade City, with Colt Creek State Park Campground being one of the main options for hikers and wildlife watchers. The park has multiple trails where you can walk through Florida's natural landscape. About an hour away, Lake Louisa State Park Campground sits beside the water and has good fishing. You'll need to book sites at both parks ahead of time. The local wildlife includes alligators and many bird types, so store your food properly to avoid unwanted visitors. During dry periods, fire rules might limit campfires, so check before you go. Most people camp here from October through March when it's not so hot and sticky. Summer camping can be tough with the heat. You can drive to these campgrounds on regular roads without problems, though some trail access points might need vehicles with more ground clearance. Both parks work well as starting points for hiking or fishing trips. Just follow the park rules and leave no trace to keep these natural areas in good shape for everyone.
Best Campgrounds near Dade City (377)
1. Hillsborough River State Park Campground
"Then exit 7 to Highway 301 north about 10 miles to the campground. The way in which the state park and campground are set up is easy too."
"This was my first time at a campground in Florida! I was surrounded by beautiful wildlife (alligators, birds, and even a wild boar). The hiking trails were perfect for a beginner or a regular hiker."
from $24 / night
Check Availability2. Colt Creek State Park Campground
"Okay, so I didn’t do a ton of research, but I have driven around here before so I decided to get one of the primitive sites and do a little gear testing. 5+ per person/night -Bundles of firewood available"
"Colt Creek State Park is one of the newer parks in the Florida State Park System. We had the opportunity to camp at one of the handicap accessible sites recently and found it to be very convenient."
from $24 / night
Check Availability3. Withlacoochee River Park
"Right near a ton of hiking trails and about 10-15 mins from Dade City."
"Hottest month in Florida but still we had a lovely time here at this park. It was our first time taking our 2016 class C out on the road as total newbies."
4. Green Swamp — West Tract
"Stayed at Ashley campground, which is free with a reservation through Southwest Florida water management."
"This section of the FT is quite a nice walk, and I assume that most individuals looking at a site on the trail, are looking at Gator Hole."
5. Cypress Glen Campground
"Perfectly located just off the exit for Brooksville off of I-75, and right off the Withlacoochee Rails to Trail bike/hiking path and near the [Croom Mountain Biking Trails](http"
"This is a RV-tent camping site with all sites being a reasonable walking distance from the facilities in the center."
from $22 / night
Check Availability6. Florida Sand Music Ranch
"Sertoma Youth ranch is located in Dade City, Forida off a dirt road. It has water and electric hookups and a dump station."
"Located in Brooksville Florida, you will find more of Florida's nature hidden here. There's a swamp like lake in the back with plenty of birds to see."
7. River Junction Campground — Withlacoochee State Forest
"The road in called SW 113 ST was hardcore off road muddy driving. We pay for the sites so the road in could have been a lot less treacherous. Potholes all the way to the site."
"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"
from $14 / night
Check Availability8. Crooked River Campground — Withlacoochee State Forest
"Crooked River Campground is located within the Croom Tract of Withlacoochee State Forest (Hernando County), and a short 5-mile drive from I-75."
"Each campground has its primitive camp charm all come with a picnic table, parking spot, a wooden pole you can hang your garbage, and a water spout near by."
from $13 / night
Check Availability9. Upper Hillsborough Water Management Area
10. Quail Run RV Park
"We stayed at Quail Run for a weekend in October as it was close to my son’s lacrosse practice location... we were pleasantly surprised with the very nice site with full hook ups and cable."
"Close to epperson lagoon which was nice."
Drive Time
- 29 min from Lakeland, FL
- 35 min from Tampa, FL
- 46 min from Wildwood, FL
Recent Camping Photos near Dade City, FL
295 Photos of 377 Dade City Campgrounds
Island C.
Dade City RV Resort
the R.
Withlacoochee River Park
Monte W.
Green Swamp — West Tract
Christy C.
Florida Sand Music Ranch
Scott O.
Upper Hillsborough Water Management Area
Sandra R.
Riverside Retreat
Jeanene A.
Foster Bridge Primitive Site Green Swamp West
Jeanene A.
Colt Creek State Park Campground
Skooma M.
Green Swamp — East Tract
Jeanene A.
Upper Hillsborough Tract
Ric B.
Camper's Holiday
Jeanene A.
Florida / Groveland Richloam WMA - Bay Lake Camp
Recent Reviews near Dade City, FL
1416 Reviews of 377 Dade City Campgrounds
Dajah B.
TravelerFind Out Farms
Beautiful and peaceful
It's very peaceful. Chickens roam free and we were able to see cows and get farm fresh eggs. 50 AMP and water connections, I saw reviews about the road being bumpy but we didn't have that experience. Everything was smooth. 10/10.
- KKevin B.
ScoutNature Resort Campground
Expensive Old RV Resort.
Old RV park where most of the people seem to live there. They initially charged me $200 for 2 nights (a Thursday and Friday). They had me by the dumpsters so the smell was pretty strong depending on the breeze. Tried to get a different site but was denied on the options I chose but atleast it was only 2 nights.
- Dylan M.Scout
Camp Nebraska RV Park
Camp Nebraska Tampa FL 33612
The park itself is very nice not much amenities besides bathroom and shower building and the nearby area is not that good , its relatively safe but its just a lot of homeless nearby an its just not a nice area at all to walk around during the day or night its a shame. But the park itself keeps you very protected from that ive never had a issue for over 7 months being here
Dinah R.ScoutEncore Crystal Isles
Very Crowded
The facilities were very clean but no room in between campers and most look like seasonal. No trees or bushes for shade or privacy. Kids all over in golf carts and scooters. Would not come back again.
- Bill L.Traveler
MacDill AFB FamCamp
Reputation as the #1 FamCamp in the MWR system
Active duty, retirees, disabled vets and some others are eligible. PX and commissary near the security gate. Campground check-in quick and efficient. Pick your site from what's available. $26/night with full hook-ups. Right on the Gulf, beautiful beach. Beach bar cafe adjacent to campground.
Cory R.ScoutLakeside haven rv park
Garbage
WARNING: DO NOT STAY HERE. Absolute Slum Conditions & Toxic Management. If I could give Lakeside Haven RV Resort negative stars, I would. Do not be fooled by the beautiful pictures they post online—those are from years ago when the park first opened. Today, this place is a neglected, hazardous dump run by a toxic, completely unprofessional management team. We moved in on December 27th, renting a lot and an 18-foot camper for $750/month. We were assured it was "move-in ready." That was a blatant lie. On our first day, I opened the fridge/freezer combo, and hundreds of German cockroaches fell out of it like Niagara Falls. It required three separate bug bombs just to make the place semi-livable. On top of that, Mario, the manager, left a whole turkey in the freezer that thawed out and leaked putrid turkey juices all over the appliance. There was also absolutely no hot water because the water heater had a massive crack in it. It leaked so severely that it saturated the floor, causing the kitchen floor to visibly sag. When they finally came to "fix" the water heater, they smashed a massive hole in the side of the camper and just left it wide open. Because of their negligence, my cat escaped, and my girlfriend and I spent three agonizing days waiting for him to return. Thankfully, he did. The windows were also broken and just covered with cardboard and tape, and the sink was completely backed up because the previous tenant had dumped a hoard of pennies down the drain. When I confronted the manager, Mario, about these biohazards and structural failures, he didn't offer to fix them immediately. Instead, he coldly offered a refund. He knew exactly what he was doing—he put us in a position where we either had to live in a roach-infested, broken camper or be homeless. We had to stay and watch them take their sweet time doing bare-minimum repairs. When anyone has a legitimate issue with the park, Mario gets incredibly rude, nasty, and aggressive. If you express how unhappy you are with the conditions, management's official response is literally: "Don't like it? Move." Management is rarely even on-site—maybe once or twice a month—but they sure know how to cause drama. They constantly spread lies around the park claiming we weren't paying our bills, which is defamation. We have every single receipt proving we have paid on time, every single month. Furthermore, the utility situation is a massive rip-off. There is only one meter for the entire park. Management leaves the lights on and the AC blasting at 68 degrees constantly in common areas, and because of the single meter, the tenants are forced to split the bill for their energy waste. You are also paying out of pocket for "amenities" like a laundry room that should be covered. The park looks like absolute shit. The boat dock is in such disrepair it will literally ruin your boat if you try to use it. Worse than the infrastructure is the total lack of safety. They will let anyone move in here, including active drug users and people with violent, dangerous criminal records. To give you an idea of how dangerous this place is, I accidentally butt-dialed the police once. When the cop arrived, he literally told me that they get so many emergency calls for this park—ranging from domestic abuse to drug issues—that they are forced to come out and physically verify everyone is okay, even for a confirmed accidental dial. The police are fully aware of how awful this place is. There is also zero confidentiality. Management acts friendly to get your money, but once you are locked in, they treat you like garbage and spread your personal business. They literally told brand-new tenants intimate, private medical details about a resident living here with cancer. It is deeply disrespectful, unethical, and disgusting behavior. They trap you, lie about you, neglect the property, and treat you like absolute shit. For the love of God, stay the hell away from Lakeside Haven RV Resort and Mario.
- ccraig D.Scout
Seven Sisters Campground
Stumpy
Nice campground but with only one bathroom and one shower for men. So you may have to wait in line
- RRhonda B.Traveler
Wilderness Shores Ranch & RV/Tent Campground
Old Florida meets Animal Safari
If you’re looking for an authentic “Old Florida” experience surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, this campground is truly something special. My husband and I brought our two grandchildren and daughter-in-law here for a family camping trip, and it exceeded every expectation we had.
The property is absolutely stunning — over 500 acres of peaceful scenery filled with lakes, wildlife, and beautiful open spaces. We spent time exploring on a four-wheeler and were amazed by everything we saw, from alligators and countless birds to longhorn steers, goats, and ducks roaming the grounds. It felt like stepping into a hidden slice of natural Florida paradise.
One of our favorite areas was the shaded grove of majestic oak trees with oversized swings where the children played and “hung out”. It created such a relaxing, family-friendly atmosphere that made the entire trip feel magical.
The campground itself was extremely well maintained. The restrooms and showers were plentiful, spotless, and clearly cared for with attention to detail. It’s also exciting to see how much love and vision is being poured into the property. During our stay, they appeared to be expanding with what looks like a beautiful waterfront wedding venue complete with a gazebo and bridge — absolutely picturesque.
This was one of the most memorable family trips we’ve had in a long time. The combination of natural beauty, peaceful surroundings, wildlife, and thoughtful amenities made for an unforgettable experience. We are already looking forward to returning.
Guide to Dade City
Dispersed camping near Dade City offers options beyond state parks, with several sites providing unique experiences in the natural Florida landscape. The area sits at approximately 100 feet above sea level and features a mix of wetland areas, pine forests, and oak hammocks. Most primitive camping sites in this region require advance planning for water needs, as summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity.
What to do
Paddling opportunities: Withlacoochee River Park provides access to kayak and canoe routes. "The river was an obstacle course but adventurous and challenging," notes Joanne W., who appreciates that "the Florida Trail starts there also."
Wildlife observation: River Junction Campground serves as a base for spotting native species. "The wildlife during the day is awesome to see on the water and then at night the animal life comes alive," explains Rusty R., adding that "the coyotes at night is one of the coolest things to listen to."
Stargazing sessions: Several campgrounds in the area offer dark sky viewing. The astronomy field at Withlacoochee River Park hosts local astronomy clubs during new moon nights, making it ideal for stargazers. One visitor noted, "This place is quiet and dark at night!"
Mountain biking trails: The Croom Mountain Biking Trails near Cypress Glen Campground provide technical rides through forest terrain. Located just off Interstate 75, these trails attract cycling enthusiasts who describe them as "a great spot to stop for the night" with "many like-minded cycling neighbors."
What campers like
Secluded tent sites: Crooked River Campground offers private camping spots. "My boyfriend, myself, and 3 kids spent 4th of July weekend here and LOVED it! The spacious, private campsites were a plus. It truly felt like we were camping alone in the forest," shares Danae N.
Waterfront access: Many campers appreciate riverside camping options. At River Junction Campground, John O. reports they "stayed at campsite 14 it has its own private pool right in front of it with cold spring water it was an awesome experience."
Trail connectivity: Green Swamp West Tract provides direct access to the Florida Trail system. Kelly S. describes a memorable experience: "We hiked out about a mile along the Florida Trail and stayed for a night at the Gator Hole campsite. It was so peaceful... the symphony of Sandhill Cranes and Coyotes as the sun set was a memory I'll never forget."
Clean facilities: Despite primitive settings, many campgrounds maintain good bathroom facilities. At Withlacoochee River Park, reviewers note "very clean bathrooms with showers" and at Green Swamp West Tract, a visitor mentioned that "a vault toilet was also provided and was pretty clean."
What you should know
Gate access procedures: Many campgrounds use combination locks or gate codes. At Green Swamp West Tract, "It is free but had to register at watermatters.org - (Southwest Florida Water Management). They provide you with a code to unlock the gate once registered," explains Monte W.
Limited cell service: Be prepared for connectivity challenges. At Withlacoochee River Park, campers report "perfect cell service with Verizon," while at River Junction "most cell phones have spotty reception here, but all the better for camping."
Seasonal flooding: Cypress Glen Campground and other riverside sites can experience water issues during rainy periods. "The sites are around a lake/river, so many of them are on a slope. I went when it was a rainier weekend and the water went through my site to the lake/river behind," reports Malaney H.
Reservation requirements: Policies vary significantly between campgrounds. At River Junction, "Sites 1 thru 3 are walk up only. These are also the only sites you can pay cash for. All the others are available on reserveamerica.com only."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water spots: Choose sites with safe water access for children. At Crooked River, Danae N. shares that "the kids really loved cooling off in the river and catching frogs, they all agree that this was their favorite part."
Playground access: Hillsborough River State Park offers family-friendly amenities. "You can rent Surrey's and golf carts to cruise the park which is a nice plus," mentions Jason D., though he cautions they are "overpriced."
Bug protection essentials: Florida's humidity attracts mosquitoes, especially near water. One camper at Hillsborough River State Park warns, "The mosquitoes were ridiculous in June. We practically had to anchor our toddler to the picnic table so he wasn't carried away by them."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Scheduled ranger programs help children identify local species. At River Junction, families report seeing numerous wildlife species, with one camper noting they "enjoyed the water and the trails in the area. The day time nature is great. Then at night we got to hear different creatures of the night."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds have uneven terrain requiring preparation. At Cypress Glen, Karen T. notes, "Some of the outer loop sites had steep drop offs," and advises selecting sites carefully based on rig size.
Road condition awareness: Florida Sand Music Ranch and other rural campgrounds may have rough access roads. One RVer mentions the "rolling hills as you come into the check in of the ranch/campground," recommending appropriate vehicles for the terrain.
Dump station locations: Not all campgrounds offer on-site dumping facilities. A camper at Cypress Glen notes, "For you folks in an RV, there is a dump station located in Silver Lake Campground," which requires planning for longer stays.
Power options: Available electric service varies between parks. Many campgrounds offer 30-amp service, while others like Quail Run RV Park provide 50-amp connections on "nice wide, level concrete pull-through sites," though one camper notes it's "not really child friendly."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Dade City, FL?
What camping is available near Dade City, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, Dade City, FL offers a wide range of camping options, with 377 campgrounds and RV parks near Dade City, FL and 2 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Dade City, FL?
Which is the most popular campground near Dade City, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Dade City, FL is Hillsborough River State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 64 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Dade City, FL?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Dade City, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Dade City, FL.
Keep Exploring