State parks and wilderness areas surrounding Daytona Beach, Florida offer diverse tent camping options within an hour's drive. Hontoon Island State Park Campground, accessible by ferry near DeLand, provides tent sites with picnic tables and fire rings in a secluded island setting. Princess Place Preserve in Palm Coast features spacious waterfront tent sites with elevated platforms to keep tents dry during rain. Seminole State Forest Primitive Campsites and Freak Creek Dispersed Camping provide more remote backcountry tent camping experiences for those seeking solitude.
Most tent campsites in the Daytona Beach region feature sandy or dirt surfaces with varying levels of shade. Walk-in tent sites at Gemini Springs Campground require campers to park and carry gear a short distance to their sites. At Princess Place Preserve, campers should bring all drinking water as only non-potable water is available. Fire rings and picnic tables are standard at established sites, while primitive areas may have minimal amenities. Summer brings frequent afternoon thunderstorms and high humidity, making spring and fall preferable for tent camping. Wildlife considerations include alligators near waterfront sites and occasional black bears in forest areas.
In early spring, tent campers at Little Big Econ State Forest enjoy wildflowers and fewer insects. According to one visitor at Seminole State Forest, "This is a good place to come to see the stars! Jumper camp is a primitive area with a picnic table and a fire ring." At Haw Creek Preserve, wooden plank pathways make accessing primitive tent sites easier than at many backcountry locations. A camper at Princess Place Preserve noted, "The tent sites are elevated which should help keep the soil dryer in case of rain." Tent-only sites at Hal Scott Preserve County Park require a two-mile hike but reward campers with mature oak hammocks providing ample shade. Most primitive tent campgrounds maintain adequate spacing between sites, offering privacy not always found at more developed campgrounds.
"There were scattered concrete slabs around various areas of the campground – some with picnic tables bolted into the ground, while others were bare – the latter of which we used to organize our tent kitchen"
"We did not stay over night but I did notice some nice looking cabins and primitive camping sites."
"This is really getting away from it all. The only way to reach the island is via the ferry (free, and runs all day) or bring your own boat. There are boat docking facilities."
"So here’s a strong call out to all of those primitive campers that want to rock it out in nature without a SINGLE soul within spitting (or hearing) distance. But you know what?"
$20 / night
"There are multiple hiking trails, and plenty of places to fish. Dock Site 2 had water on 2 side of the site, and had a steady breeze during our whole visit."
"You’ll see from the photos (all taken from my site) that the sites are expansive and beautifully shaded."
$9 - $18 / night
"Jumper camp is a primitive area with a picnic table and a fire ring."
"We packed light but not that light because we like to be comfortable; it took my BF and me about 3 trips each to get everything we needed to the site, including firewood, our 4 person tent, air mattress"
$9 / night
"Well kept primitive camping site. No road noise, and nice bear cabinets, picnic tables, grill and fire ring."
"Sites are primitive. I would not attempt bringing a camper unless it's really small. Great place to put a kayak in the water."
$20 / night
"There's no direct access to reach this primitive campground here in Bissette Bay. "
"Got a 6 man and a 2 man set up and could get a 4 man as well but who actually puts that many people in a tent, lol."
$25 / night
"However, I'm not sure if you can "drive" to the campsite. None of the other campers had their cars near, and with the set up of Campsites, it's unclear where you would resononably park."
GuideI needed a place for the night and found this site just 30 minutes from Daytona Beach. In just a few days, Daytona Bike Week will start and this area is setup to hold a lot of people. Exterior lighting, portable toilets, and showers are some of the amenities. With the trailers/RV’s that are already here, looks like some sites have hookups.
LegendTo get to this camp you will have to hike in along old levy's some just over a foot wide. Much of the trail is sloped to one side or the other. Along the way you will see some beautiful sites! Many hike the loop trail as a day hike. but it is better enjoyed at a slower pace as there is so much to see if you open your eyes. The just over 7 mile trail takes you by orange trees cover in butterflies in spring, also wildflower lines trails and along the beautiful St Johns River.
The camp site is used often by scouts and folks wanting to start training for longer hikes North of Florida. The campsite it self is very nice. there is a covered shelter, fire pit, benches and a picnic table. Many trees for hammock camping and lots of room for tents. Sadly with no toilet facilities back along the edges of the campsite you will find evidence of human use and abuse. PLEASE leave no trace. Also if you go take the time to pull a few of the invasive Caesar Weed plants that are trying to take over the camp (they are the ones with seeds that act like Velcro).
You MUST have a reservation to camp here. If you have a pet it MUST be kept on a lease at all times and picked up after. there are feral hogs and snakes on the property....and you must practice bear safety using a bear proof container for food and hanging from tree at night. We saw no bear sign when we hiked - but that is not saying they are not around.
RangerFantastic campground and recreation area. Over 150 campsites, one area full hookups with all amenities and other area for tent camping. Sites have lots of space and majority have shade trees with moss flowing in the breeze. All sites have picnic table, lantern pole, grill, and fire ring. We have 2 golden retrievers and had plenty of space to spare. Beautiful stars out at night. Bathhouses are large, clean, hot showers. Trailer sites were full and only a few tent campers this time of year. Tent sites are complete with Bear boxes at each site. Camp hosts and management were very friendly and helpful.
Saw manatees kayaking in the spring and river on premises. Spring area has a boardwalk around it. People swam with them too. Saw bald eagle catching fish, lots of birds, some fish, etc. Has a small boat launch and marina. Can tent kayaks. Great place for bikes. A few hiking trails were well maintained.
Convenient location to lots of springs to visit and things to do. Visited Silver Springs, Blue Springs, Juniper Spring to name a few. All within 1 hr drive.
Not sure how summer time is, but this late February time was Awesome. 40-50 at night and 60s in the day! This is a must stay place.
GuideEasy to get to and close to everything! If you’re a beach lover, this is a great campground. All of the sites are shaded with fire rings, water hookups, picnic tables, and lantern holders. Most sites offer a fair bit of privacy for you set up camp properly. Each loop has a clean restrooms, laundry facilities with a clothes line and Coquina (the loop we stayed on) had a playground.
Would recommend bicycles to get to the beach and either SUPs or kayaks to paddle the salt run at high tide. I’d you don’t have your own, they rent them there. There’s also a beach grill and convenience store by the beach.
If you’re an early bird, watching the sunrise from the beach is quite a nice way to start the day!
LegendPROS
A camp host came to our site immediately after we unhitched to advise that our one tow vehicle tire on the grass will get us a $250 fine from US Forest Service officer. Funny, we never ever saw a USFS officer patrolling the campground.
Entrance gates closed at 8pm requiring code to enter
Immaculately maintained park. A small army of maintenance staff always working. Even one night at 930pm in the bathroom.
Saved $156 with America the Beautiful pass
Site 32 shady
Asphalt parking pad surrounded with sandy gravel
Moveable metal picnic table
Pedestal BBQ grill
High sided metal fire ring with 2 unremovable cooking grates
One hook lantern pole
Campfire wood for sale at registration office
No street lights in campground so good dark sky viewing if neighbors have their rig lights off which most nights they were lit up which also lit up surrounding campsites
Able to get T-MOBILE signal on our T-MOBILE WIFI device
Many squirrels ate from our hand
CONS
In 8 days never saw a USFD vehicle drive thru the campground
$8 fee to make on-line reservations
Site 32 not level
Absolutely no privacy from any other site
In 20 degree exterior temperatures, both campground bathhouses had windows open, whole house fans operating in full capacity and ceiling fans operating on high. Obvious park maintenance does NOT want anyone taking a shower when interior bathhouse temperatures were in the 30s and the bathhouse was a freezing wind tunnel! It was even difficult using the toilet.
Loud and rowdy campers all weekend long—day and night. Quiet hours not enforced
Highway 19 traffic noise
USFD clearing project on east side of campground. Heavy equipment noise for 9 straight hours day after day!!!
No notice water outage for 2 hours
No park WiFi
No T-MOBILE cell service
No public phone for emergency calls
LegendSawgrass Island Preserve is a unique piece of property. I love hiking on the north side of the property it looks so much like Old Florida. I like to go across the causeway and down the Bog Button Trail and over to the Hammock Trail and along the Cactus Trail and down around the ponds and back out the Bent Pine Trail. This is around a five mile hike and can be stretched out by doing the North Loop Trail also . I have seen several whitetail deer, sandhill cranes, lots of other birds, quail, and some turkeys while hiking. I also saw a black bear up a tree in the marsh. It is a hidden gem for sure. The south side is nice but gets super sandy in places due to horseback riders. And if you have horses the preserve allows riders and even has a spot or two with water for the horses and some picnic areas with hitching post to tie off horse and have some time to eat. Some trails are narrow and give the feel of actually walking in, in the woods! I haven't camped there but they have two primitive campsites on the Hammock Trail near the marsh with a fire ring, picnic table, and lantern post. There is also a horse campsite along the Cactus Trail down near the ponds and there is an open pole barn with two roomy stalls for horses and picnic tables and a fire ring with benches. Also room to pitch tent under barn too. There is no water available at any of the campsites. Could be a fun adventure waiting in Old Florida. There is a camping application to fill out on line at www.lcwa.org and a small fee, but if everything checks out ok at the end of the stay after a Ranger has had a chance to check out the site your fee is refunded.
GuideThis was a very nice campground. No WiFi but the restrooms were clean, they have a bar if needed. Nice flat spots for my pop up. Bathrooms very clean. Will definitely return.
LegendIf you’re enroute to one of the most iconic beach destinations in all of Florida and are hauling your mobile living room behind you, then South Daytona RV Park & Tropical Gardens might be a good option for you to check it. This lush spot is flat, completely shaped like a football field (and about the size of one too) with a simple loop going around the circumference of the field with RV slots both inward and outward facing. Surrounding the RV Park is a decent smattering of Florida wild forest (although I don’t know that I would go as far as to say these are ‘Tropical Gardens’). If you’re looking for a whole lot of simplicity and not much on the amenity front, then you’re in luck, because this is about as simple as it gets.
As for the amenities, this pet-friendly place offers decent size sites (30’ x 70’), on-site laundr-O-mat, complimentary WiFi for all your social media and web-based browsing pleasure, small pond in front and a nice access point to another lake in the back of the campground, basic hook-ups are here (electric, sewage and water), decent restrooms and shower facilities as well as a few vending machines and a small community room. Again, this place is a bit ‘intimate’ with only about 10-12 acres or with a little over 100 slots to choose from. My personal recommendation would be to book those sites (14– 25) that are furthest away from the main road to not only reduce roadside noise, but to be closer to the lake access point that’s in the back.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) As you’re a stone’s throw away (just a 10 minute drive) from Daytona Beach, arguably, one of the best beaches in the state, if not the country, you’ll want to hit one of these ‘drive-on’ white sand beach destinations – but get there early!; (2) If you find yourself getting tired of franks & beans on the grill and want someone else to do the cooking for you, check out Giuseppe’s Steel City Pizza, family-owned since 1982 and located just down the road from Endless Summer; and (3) If you come bringing a kayak or canoe, head on over to the causeway and cross A1A where you can drop your watercraft just about anywhere to explore Halifax River or Wilbur Bay (which has some amazing local wildlife, so bring a camera!).
Happy Camping!
LegendTucked just east of Orlando, Hal Scott Preserve County Park feels like stepping into an older, quieter version of Florida, where primitive camping still means earning your spot by foot and being rewarded with real peace once you arrive. This is a small, hike-in, first-come / first-served primitive campground set beneath mature oak trees that create a beautiful natural canopy, with clearly marked trails that make the walk manageable but still adventurous, especially if you are hauling gear. Amenities are intentionally minimal with cleared campsites, picnic tables, fire rings and a non-potable well pump for water, so planning ahead is essential and a folding wagon or cart is a very smart move to haul things from the very large parking lot. Our boys treated the hike-in like a mini expedition, counting steps, spotting birds along the trail and proudly helping to carry gear, which made the payoff of settling into camp under the oaks feel even sweeter. The best campsite is one slightly set back from the main trail under the thickest oak cover, as it offers the most amount of shade and a stronger sense of seclusion. We would recommend Hal Scott Preserve for families who enjoy primitive camping, hiking and wildlife watching, but it is best suited for those comfortable with basic facilities and a little extra effort in exchange for quiet and connection to nature.
Tent camping sites near Daytona Beach range from moderately accessible to extremely primitive within the surrounding forests and preserves. Sandy soil conditions throughout the region affect tent stability, with sites at Hontoon Island State Park requiring special consideration for stake placement. The region's subtropical climate means summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity levels from June through September.
Kayaking at Hontoon Island: Access the island via the ferry and explore its waterways. One visitor at Hontoon Island State Park Campground shared, "It's a terrific day half day paddle around the island via kayak too. Mosquitos are thick, bring bug spray! Watch for snakes."
Fishing opportunities: Fish directly from your campsite at some locations. At Princess Place Preserve, a camper noted, "Launch your boat from your site, fish and enjoy. There are creeks meandering all through the preserve for paddleboard and or kayaking."
Stargazing in remote areas: The lack of light pollution makes for excellent night sky viewing. According to a visitor at Seminole State Forest, "This is a good place to come to see the stars! Jumper camp is a primitive area with a picnic table and a fire ring."
Wildlife observation: The area hosts diverse native species. At Little Big Econ State Forest, "The trails are beautiful and well marked. Spend a night or 3 - you will be glad you did! Summer rains make the trail quite slick and the river rise."
Privacy and seclusion: Sites are typically well-spaced from neighbors. A camper at Princess Place Preserve reported, "The sites are expansive and beautifully shaded. I stayed in equestrian site 1 (EQ1) and was amazed by how much space there was and how far we were from others."
Water access: Many sites offer direct water access. At Freak Creek Dispersed Camping, "There is a nice creek area where you can swim and or fish if you have the right equipment to get back there it can be fun."
Natural immersion: The surrounding forests provide true wilderness experiences. A visitor to Princess Place Preserve stated, "Surrounded by stunning, natural Florida habitat! We saw deer more frequently than we saw other humans."
Island camping experiences: Several sites offer unique island settings. At Bissette Bay, "Launch at river breeze park, book through Canavaral National Seashore. 20 bucks a night your own island."
Access challenges: Many of the best tent camping near Daytona Beach requires special transportation. At Hontoon Island State Park, "All camping supplies must be brought over by boat in wheelbarrows provides by the parks services. Once on the island there is a small store where you can buy firewood."
Varying amenities: Facilities range from basic to extremely primitive. A camper at Haw Creek Preserve State Park Dispersed noted, "Unlike many other primitive campground sites, this particular spot is somewhat easy to access – in that there's a perfectly fabricated wooden plank pathway to follow, albeit for at least a ¼ mile."
Water requirements: Many sites lack potable water. At Princess Place Preserve, "You'll see from the photos that the sites are expansive and beautifully shaded. I stayed in equestrian site 1 (EQ1)... be sure to bring your own water - the water provided is non-potable."
High clearance vehicles needed: Some dispersed camping areas require appropriate vehicles. A visitor to Freak Creek Dispersed Camping warned, "The main road in has huge deep ruts, the other road has a water crossing that was over my bumper on my lifted Mojave. If you don't have 4wd and recovery gear I wouldn't risk it."
Playgrounds and activities: Some campgrounds offer family-friendly amenities. A visitor to Hontoon Island State Park mentioned, "There is a nice playground for the kids and a great pavilion for picnicking. You can fish too. No admission charge to come over to the island to just explore for the day if you aren't camping."
Site selection considerations: Some sites work better for families than others. At Little Big Econ State Forest, "Beautiful campsite right on the river made for a wonderful experience for a first-time camper, primitive or otherwise."
Trail difficulty levels: Most areas have moderate difficulty trails suitable for families. A camper at Little Big Econ noted, "You could spend an entire day just getting lost around the trails. So much fun. Not a very difficult trial though."
Weather preparation: Summer thunderstorms can impact family camping plans. According to a visitor at Little Big Econ, "In summer at nights mosquitos come out here and will eat you up no matter how much bug spray you put on!"
Access limitations: Most primitive tent camping areas near Daytona Beach are unsuitable for RVs. At Bluff Landing, one RVer cautioned, "I have a 36ft 5th wheel and it sounded like I'd have the ability to get it there. Well, I did, with a few broken dishes and messing up the camper a bit. Plus my truck broke down trying to get through the roads."
Alternative parking options: Some areas offer parking adjacent to primitive sites. A visitor to Bluff Landing noted, "This is a good spot just off the road/trail. Small and kind of tight in the official camping area with three spots kind of spread out. Tight in here, so would not recommend a trailer. There is a parking area just past the camping turn off though with room for a trailer."
Frequently Asked Questions
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