Best Glamping near Dover, FL

Hillsborough River State Park Campground houses safari tents and yurts within a mature forest setting, providing glamping accommodations just 25 minutes from Tampa. The park's glamping options feature electricity, comfortable beds with quality linens, and climate-controlled interiors that keep guests comfortable year-round. "We had a great time here. Private sites, great kayaking. Woods, water. Clean. Would return in a heartbeat," one visitor noted. Each glamping accommodation includes a private deck overlooking the natural surroundings, allowing guests to enjoy morning coffee while watching for wildlife. Lake Louisa State Park also offers eco-friendly glamping yurts with modern amenities, including electricity and water hookups, creating a perfect balance between wilderness immersion and comfort.

Trails along the Hillsborough River provide glamping guests with exceptional hiking opportunities and wildlife viewing experiences. The park features some of Florida's only class II rapids, offering a surprising adventure opportunity for kayakers staying in the safari tents. A recent visitor mentioned, "This park has everything you can imagine from a giant swimming pool, kayak/canoe rental, bike rentals, fishing, hiking, so much to do." Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground presents a more developed glamping experience within a 30-minute drive, combining rustic-luxury accommodations with proximity to theme parks. Seasonal considerations affect availability, with winter months offering the best glamping conditions due to fewer mosquitoes and moderate temperatures. Most glamping accommodations require reservations 3-4 months in advance, particularly for weekend stays when these unique overnight options fill quickly.

Best Glamping Sites Near Dover, Florida (26)

    1. Hillsborough River State Park Campground

    65 Reviews
    Thonotosassa, FL
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (813) 987-6771

    $24 / night

    "The park was so lush and green it felt like a jungle safari. There are so many alligators just hanging around near the water so watch out while hiking!"

    "During busy season you can really be packed in but the primitive camping site is another option - hike out and camp away from the crowds!"

    2. Fort De Soto Campground

    140 Reviews
    Tierra Verde, FL
    39 miles
    Website
    +1 (727) 582-2100

    $38 - $48 / night

    "Some campsites on the water have a small water view and a way to walk a kayak to the water directly. Most water front campsites are blocked by mangroves so look at the photos online when booking."

    "This is our go to place for a close to home weekend when we are lucky enough to get a reservation. If you are a visiting from Miami or out of state you won’t be disappointed if you can get in. "

    3. E.G. Simmons Regional Park

    20 Reviews
    Ruskin, FL
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (813) 671-7655

    $24 / night

    "Has shower houses and clean bathrooms Not full hookups but has a dumpstation in the west campground. Busy on holidays No alcohol allowed Firepits. Close to the boatramp. Raccoons can be annoying."

    "Nearly every campsite is right on the water - easy in and out for kayaks, large boat ramp and many picnic pavilions."

    4. Upper Hillsborough Preserve — Alston Tract

    5 Reviews
    Zephyrhills, FL
    14 miles
    Website

    "Lovely space for dispersed camping with a picnic table, fire pit, an outhouse and hiking trails. We'll definitely visit again when we're in Florida."

    "These (this) equestrian and primitive campsite(s) have several of your standard picnic tables under a nice large covered pavilion, fire rings and multiple grills."

    5. Cypress Creek Preserve

    4 Reviews
    Lutz, FL
    14 miles
    Website

    "There aren't many free spots in this area of Florida. Of course, they provide nothing other than a spot to camp with fire ring and old table, and an outhouse."

    6. Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground

    129 Reviews
    Windermere, FL
    50 miles
    Website
    +1 (407) 939-2267

    $56 - $201 / night

    "Big park so lots of walking if you don’t have the cart (or you can bring your own and/or bikes).  Our grandsons loved the golf cart!"

    "We stayed in a tent loop right across from the swimming pool, walking distance to the pool and Bike Barn (where you rent everything and play)."

    7. Quail Run RV Park

    5 Reviews
    Land O' Lakes, FL
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (813) 973-0999

    "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."

    "Only one pet per spot allowed and don’t allow over 35 pounds unless receive permission."

    8. Withlacoochee River Park

    12 Reviews
    Dade City, FL
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 567-0264

    "I would have rated a 5+ except that there is only 1 small bathhouse in campground. There are other bathrooms on property though."

    "I like the regular tent sites, not much of a walk in but secluded. The park includes restrooms and showers and seem to be taken care of."

    9. Lake Louisa State Park Campground

    39 Reviews
    Clermont, FL
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 394-3969

    $24 - $120 / night

    "Lake Louisa is located on the edge of the Orlando metropolitan region. Close to Disney but accessible to other area attractions and communities, if that's what you are lookimg to do."

    "Lake Louisa is located in Clermont Florida and is only 20 miles from Disney in Orlando. It is a newer park and the facilities were really nice."

    10. Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park

    13 Reviews
    New Port Richey, FL
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (727) 834-3247

    "Part of the Starkey Wilderness Preservethis location is full of multi use trails, has primitive cabin rentals (no electric"

    "Large, beautiful campground with miles of trails, natural and paved for cycling. Nature education center for children. Playgrounds and pavilions for get togethers."

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Glamping Reviews near Dover, FL

516 Reviews of 26 Dover Campgrounds


  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 25, 2022

    Hillsborough River State Park Campground

    Great Hiking

    This was one of our favorite campgrounds. The park was so lush and green it felt like a jungle safari. There are so many alligators just hanging around near the water so watch out while hiking! There are so many great hiking trails and places to explore in this park.

    Laundry on site at the bath houses, as well as free hot showers. I didn't like the shower set up as much, because the area for your clothes and stuff and whatnot is in a communal space with other shower-ers.

    Campground hosts sell firewood and ice.

    We were here in January and the weather was perfect, not too humid, and it wasn't too buggy.

  • Kathie E.
    Apr. 3, 2022

    Lake Louisa State Park Campground

    Beautiful Lake Louisa

    Lake Louisa is located on the edge of the Orlando metropolitan region. Close to Disney but accessible to other area attractions and communities, if that's what you are lookimg to do.

    We needed a break from life so we went to chill and hang out in the park. What a beautiful park it is. Miles of trails, a small beach, 3 lakes for fishing and kayaking, and 2 fishing piers. They also have equestrian facilities for horseback riding. Including a stable where you can sign up to join a ride.

    The park's campground is compact with 2 very clean bathhouse, a small camp store, and 60 sites. The sites are nicely setup with lots of privacy. There are a few sites with both 50 amp electric and sewer service. One issue, especially in the summer, is the lack of shade so make sure you bring your own shade structures and a fan. In addition to traditional sites, the park has glamping tents, eco tents, primitive tent sites, equestrian sites, cabins, and a youth group area.

    The park is really beautiful. The riolling hills, pine forests, and pretty lakes. The wild flowers are also very pretty.

    We've been to many of Florida's state parks and this is among our new favorites. Just love it! Enjoy!

  • Brenda M.
    Aug. 12, 2019

    Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground

    Great family campground!

    Rent the go cart! Only $60 a day but well worth it! Big park so lots of walking if you don’t have the cart (or you can bring your own and/or bikes).  Our grandsons loved the golf cart! They have two pools, one geared for kids (closed at 11pm) and another one more for adults (open 24 hours).  Bathrooms were extremely clean and air conditioned. Campfire show and movie at night and don’t forget to bring your s’mores to roast! Fireworks and light parade over the lake at night as well. Our space was 1109 and very nice...towards middle of park. They have about three or four places to eat if you don’t want to cook.  No mosquitos which is so rare for Florida but Disney goes to great lengths to rid the mosquitos.  Great time .... you will love it!

  • Meghan O.
    Jul. 4, 2018

    Fort De Soto Campground

    Busy Campground With Nice Ammenities

    close to the breweries in art district of St Pete Florida, Fort Desoto Campground has everything you could want for a long weekend or quick getaway. There's a general store if you want to stock up on snacks, fishing tackle, pool floats, or ice cream, or just catch a little air conditioning and Wi-Fi. The General Store also has a nice balcony overlooking the water and some oyster beds.

    The campsites are suitable for car camping, hammock camping, tent camping, or RVs. Be sure to bring your rain gear and rain flies, as Florida thunderstorms are brief but no joke. You can rent bicycles down closer to the actual Old Fort where there's also a huge fishing pier and plenty of old military installations to explore. However don't rely on using the bikes to get back to the campground as there's no drop-off on the other side.

    It can be a bit of a long walk from the campground itself to the Old Fort, which shouldn't be a problem unless you didn't pack the right clothes or shoes. If, like me, you find yourself a little under-prepared, there is Lyft and Uber in the area and in a pinch you can use that to get back and forth between the campground and the fort.

    Our neighbors at the next campsite over we're, unfortunately, a bit of a party crowd, which made for a loud night and very little sleep. That said the restrooms were nice and easy to reach and all of the amenities or what you would expect at a bigger busy or campground.

  • Ashleigh C.
    Jul. 4, 2017

    Fort De Soto Campground

    Most private campsites near the ocean

    Fort Desoto campsites are nice because there are trees or brush separating all the campsites creating privacy. Some campsites on the water have a small water view and a way to walk a kayak to the water directly. Most water front campsites are blocked by mangroves so look at the photos online when booking. In the fall or winter you must book at least 3 months in advance. There is a separate dog friendly campsite that allows 2 dogs per campsite. There are less raccoons in the dog site camping. Keep all food locked up or in your car. The raccoons are very smart and can undo many ties. The only thing I don't like about the campsite is that they close the bathrooms in the morning to clean them at 9am. Seems like they should until wait until check out time at 11am before closing them down.

    All campsites have a picnic table, charcoal grill, most sites have running water and electricity. Some have a lantern holder too. Fire pits are available for rent as you cannot dig a hole for a fire pit. You can also rent bikes or kayaks as well. There is an off lesh dog beach nearby that is great too. My dogs love to swim there and then the fenced in dog park has a wash station for dogs, you just aren't allowed to use soap.

  • Jeanene A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 4, 2016

    Hillsborough River State Park Campground

    Gold Medal Camping at it's finest

    One of the most awarded State Parks! This park has everything! 3 full service camping loops full of sites - lots of space for RV's and Tents - 2 designated hammock camping spots. During busy season you can really be packed in but the primitive camping site is another option - hike out and camp away from the crowds! Pools and Cantina are very popular in the summer with the locals so be prepared! Canoe rentals to tour the river, fishing spots along the shore. Canoes and bicycles are available for rent at the Pool Side Café. The café also provides food, beverages, picnic/camping supplies and souvenirs. Pool lounge chairs for rent. Park visitors can stay connected with FREE Wi-Fi service within an approximate 150 foot range of the pool area (weather and signal permitting). Golf carts are available daily.

    Hiking trails are wonderful but if rainy season some could be closed to flooding. Take bug protection during warm months! Spend some time enjoying the wildlife along the trails. There is also a 2 mile paved loop bicyclers enjoy shared with cars so drive carefully. You can hike to the neighboring Dead River Park for even more of an adventure! Picnic area is wonderful - nice large pavilions and grills. They do have a air conditioned building with kitchen great for weddings and special events.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 31, 2023

    Sherwood Forest RV Resort

    Megalopolis RV Circus

    Allow me to begin by saying I have never been to a large RV campground… ever! This place is so huge that you won’t be surprised if you get lost in this place at least a couple of times before you find your slotted RV destination for the night. Also, I was amazed by how close to the concrete jungle you are at this place, but once you turn on the winding little lane that will bring you to this megalopolis RV circus – fitting given your proximity to all of themed amusement parks! – after crossing through the entry gates, you immediately lose sight of all the traffic, noise and business as you are swallowed up by the lush verdant trees of pines, palms and Ancient oaks. 

    As for the campground itself, you’ll enter off the very busy 192 and head south on Scott Boulevard, where you’ll pass 3 intersecting lanes before arriving to Sherwood Forest RV Resort. There will be plenty of signage, so you shouldn’t get lost arriving here – it's another story once inside this massive compound. To navigate yourself to the proper location you have been assigned of the 514 potential overnight possibilities that exist, you’ll first want to stop off at the administration building, where they should give you a map – and if they don’t, be sure to ask for you, because you’re going to need it! Basically, this entire place is back-to-back RV’s parked at a diagonal with very little to no privacy whatsoever and given that Sherwood Forest is so heavily populated, you are going to encounter both a decent amount of traffic (the golf cart kind) and noise. And while I would normally encourage folks to get as close to the pool area as possible, I found this main congregating place to be quite jam packed and noisy. 

    Amenities: Clubhouse / lounge, mini-golf, basketball, dog park, RV storage, restroom / shower facilities, horseshoe pit, WiFi (at a cost away from the main building), shuffleboard, darts, fitness center, in-ground heated swimming pool, nearby Tiki bar, LP gas refill station, laundr-O-mat, ballroom, mail room, library, banquet hall, catch-and-release lake fishing, marketplace store, playground, game room, billiards, whirlpool / spa / hot tub, picnic tables, pavilion areas, fire pits, BBQ grill, designated trash receptacles, trash compactor, cable TV / satellite and back-in / pull-through sites with full hook-ups (30/ 50 amp electric, water and sewage). In addition to all of the amenities, there’s also a ton of activities, including live music concerts, potluck dinners, BBQ cookouts, dance lessons, ice cream socials, craft-making classes, outdoor chess, mini-golf tournaments, church services, aerobic dancing, exercise classes, line dancing (yeehaw!), board game nights, Bingo, card playing as well as formal holiday dinners around Thanksgiving and Christmas. 

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) The best sites, in general, are all of the ones that are completely on the perimeter of Sherwood Forest RV Resort, specifically sites #1– 137 (you will note that there are a handful of cottages and cabins for rent in these slots as well); (2) When you get done staring down the inside of your cooler or mini-fridge and are looking for a place to sit down and eat for a change, then there are no shortage of food joints to have a look at, including: Krispy Kreme (my personal favorite), Cracker Barrel (my personal least favorite restaurant in the universe), Longhorn Steakhouse, Ichiban Buffet, Martin’s BBQ, Olive Garden and 192 Crab & Lobster Juicy Seafood & Bar;(3) If by chance you have forgotten anything, avoid paying double or triple the price at the on-site market by going to either Walmart or Publix, which are both about a mile and half away; and (4) If you would actually like to enjoy a bit of the outdoors while staying at this RV amusement park, go for a day trip to Lake Tohopekaliga, which has some pretty amazing bass fishing as well as a few choice places to drop your boat into, like Twin Oaks or Cherokee Point Conservation Areas (and if you don’t have your own kayak, canoe or boat, contact Wild Willys Airboat Tours and they’ll show you around). 

    Happy Camping!

  • Shannon S.
    Nov. 2, 2022

    Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground

    We love our beloved Fort Wilderness!

    As an Orlando native, I’m sad to say I never spent time hear growing up. Oh how I missed out!

    The best advice I can give is to SKIP THE PARKS when staying here. There’s so much fun to be had, outside of your normal camping experience. Rent a canoe or a bike, go on a fishing excursion with a guide, make tie dye shirts, watch movies by the campfire, or just rent a golf cart ($$) and go looping for hidden treasure!

    We stayed in a tent loop right across from the swimming pool, walking distance to the pool and Bike Barn (where you rent everything and play). It wouldn’t be necessary to have a cart if that’s all you were after but the internal bus system is a bit miserable IMO and looping is part of the fun here.

    Our stay was early August and it was about $50 a night with AP discount. Or golf cart each night was around $62, yikes. They find a way to getcha.

    For meals, they have one takeout place (P&J’s) an expensive dining show (Hoop De Doo), and Trail’s End which is only open for breakfast and dinner. They do have a food truck round up most nights and they have a walk up bar open all day.

    The site itself was great, electric and water right there. No fire pit as Disney is strict on the type you can have, but if you are lucky you can find one on the “Wandering Fire Pit” group.

    Haven’t stayed in an RV on site but they seem level but some are easier to back in than others. No pull through. If you get there you can ask for something different than what you are assigned or even ask the folks up front for details on your sites width.

    We enjoyed and will be back to stay as soon as we can. In the interim, we visit often to enjoy a meal and fun!

  • John G.
    Jul. 13, 2021

    Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground

    Awesome Premium Site

    We have stayed at WDW Fort Wilderness many times, but never in a premium spot. We were pleasantly surprised with the difference in size in the Premium site over a Preferred site. The spot has everything you can imagine with the exception of a fire 🔥 ring. The comfort stations are near by and are modern and air conditioned. Everything is accessible by bus, walking or golf carts.


Guide to Dover

Glamping near Dover, Florida offers diverse camping experiences across multiple state and county parks. Located in central Florida's subtropical climate zone, this area maintains average temperatures ranging from 60°F in winter to 90°F in summer, with increased humidity levels from June through September. Campgrounds in this region typically feature a mix of oak hammocks and pine flatwoods ecosystems with varying levels of privacy between sites.

What to do

Kayaking class II rapids: At Hillsborough River State Park Campground, visitors can experience Florida's only class II rapids. "This park has rapids to look at. Plenty of hiking and biking. Rental canoe staff were amazing. Tons of wildlife," notes Bryan after his visit.

Astronomical viewing: Upper Hillsborough Preserve offers unique stargazing opportunities for campers. "On new moon nights the local astronomy club uses neighboring field to gaze at the stars. This place is quiet and dark at night!" explains a camper who appreciates the preserve's minimal light pollution.

Wildlife observation: E.G. Simmons Regional Park provides excellent wildlife viewing opportunities on the water. "We always see Manatees there and lots of great areas to Kayak or paddle board. When you kayak down the channel into Tampa Bay what a great view of Tampa, St. Petersburg and the Skyway bridge," shares one visitor.

Hiking diverse terrain: Withlacoochee River Park offers multiple hiking experiences within a compact area. "There are multiple tent camping sites dispersed on property and 1 primitive site that you have to hike into. Next to campground you will find a historic church, a large and small cabin available for rent, 2 playgrounds, shelters, large pavilion with grill/fire pit, fishing dock, canoe launch, paved bike trail hiking trails and an observation tower," explains Jeanene A.

What campers like

Private waterfront sites: Fort De Soto Campground offers waterfront sites with exceptional privacy. "Our site was nice and deep, with a weird little island in the middle. This actually made us divide the tent area up into two sides, which worked out well. The site has plenty of options for both clothes lines and hammocks," reports Joe R.

Diverse glamping options: Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park provides primitive cabin rentals and multiple camping styles. "Large, beautiful campground with miles of trails, natural and paved for cycling. Nature education center for children. Playgrounds and pavilions for get togethers. Large group bon fire pits and cabins for rent," Tim L. explains.

Clean facilities: Despite being a more rustic experience, campers appreciate the maintenance at smaller parks. "The bath house is pretty central and literally across the road from our site. We had expected a much further walk based on the map, but it was just a 1 minute walk. They clean them daily, so they are not bad," notes a camper at Fort De Soto.

Observation tower views: "Definitely climb the tower for a great view," advises Jennifer L. about Withlacoochee River Park. "Close to great kayaking on the Withlacoochee River. Restrooms could use updating if you're not self-contained."

What you should know

Seasonal insects: Bug presence varies dramatically by season across parks near Dover. "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," reports Jason D. about his Hillsborough River stay. Another camper notes, "Bring plenty of bugspray, the mosquitoes here are big enough to carry away a small dog."

Reservation planning: Quail Run RV Park has specific pet policies to consider. "Only one pet per spot allowed and don't allow over 35 pounds unless receive permission," notes Lucile F. For other parks, reservations should be made months in advance during peak season.

Entrance gate codes: For some smaller parks, specific access arrangements are required. "First of all, locked gate. You have to make a free reservation to get the combination," advises Curtis D. about Cypress Creek Preserve, a less developed glamping option near Dover.

Water quality considerations: "There is a dump station and some of the sites have full hookup with sewer. Reserve America does not note which ones have sewer too but when I did some more research I found one review that mentioned that site #'s 16,18,20, 30, 32,33, 34 (ADA), 35,36 (ADA), 37,38,39, & 40 are the sites that have sewer too," shares a Lake Louisa visitor.

Tips for camping with families

Playground proximity: Select sites near recreational areas for convenience with children. "The campground has a playground with good swings and also a sturdy playground that offered plenty of opportunity for my four year old to blow off some steam. The ground is all recycled rubber, which I love as a parent," recommends Joe R. from Fort De Soto.

Educational opportunities: Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground offers structured activities for kids beyond typical campground experiences. "The sing along was fun. Chip and dale walk around to everyone. they ask that you don't leave your spot and they will come to you and really they do. They stopped at every spot to take pictures," reports Samantha O.

Swimming options: Families appreciate water recreation variety at parks near Dover. "There is a nice size pool with a small water slide. There is a splash area in the back for small kids," describes a Fort Wilderness visitor. However, pool availability can be inconsistent at some parks, as one camper notes, "don't come expecting the pool to be open, just consider it a lucky bonus if it happens to be."

Site selection for privacy: For family camping, site selection matters significantly for noise control. "Most of the outer side of the loop has some sort of water. Water does not mean access. It seemed that the higher numbers (40+) had less access to water and more of a mangrove area. Depths of sites also varied widely," advises a Fort De Soto camper.

Tips from RVers

Concrete pad availability: RVers note significant variations in pad quality between parks. "Very good service. Nice park. Level concrete pads. Ours was pull through. Gated. Mix of permanent residents and rentals," shares Lucile F. about Quail Run RV Park.

Navigation challenges: Some parks have entrance areas that are difficult for larger rigs. "The parking lot is a bit awkward, as the camper/trailer line blocks views and actual spots for cars. Be aware that the check in office area can be challenging to navigate for RVs and trailers, it's better to go to your site first and then walk there," advises a Fort De Soto visitor.

Site maneuvering space: Loop design affects RV parking difficulty at certain campgrounds. "There is not a lot of room in the loops to pull your rv into the spot. There is plenty of room between your rv and your neighbor next to you but not a lot of room across from your spot," reports Samantha O. about her Fort Wilderness experience.

Boondocking options: Free or low-cost options exist for self-contained RVers. "I use a quiet run generator and bring in 50 gallons of fresh water for weekend stays. The drive is very rough due to teenagers mudding out there," advises Nate D. about Upper Hillsborough Preserve's Alston Tract.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Dover, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Dover, FL is Hillsborough River State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 65 reviews.

What is the best site to find glamping camping near Dover, FL?

TheDyrt.com has all 26 glamping camping locations near Dover, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.