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.
