4 campgrounds with availability next weekend
Primitive tent camping opportunities near Mims, Florida include several state forest sites and county parks scattered along the St. Johns River watershed and surrounding conservation areas. Little Big Econ State Forest offers walk-in tent sites with riverside locations, while Hatbill Park provides more open field primitive camping with basic facilities. Charles H. Bronson State Forest also maintains primitive tent camping areas accessible via drive-in routes.
Most tent camping in the Mims area requires campers to bring their own water and supplies, as amenities are minimal. Sites at Little Big Econ State Forest feature fire rings but no drinking water or modern facilities, making it essential to pack accordingly. According to one visitor, "Little Big Econ is a very nice place to camp over the weekend. It has several primitive camping spots which are pretty private." Permits are required for many sites, particularly in state forests, and should be obtained in advance. Seasonal variations impact camping conditions, with summer bringing intense mosquito activity that can make tent camping challenging without proper preparation.
The natural setting provides excellent opportunities for wildlife observation and water activities. Tent campers at Bissette Bay in Canaveral National Seashore can only reach sites by boat, creating a truly remote experience with excellent fishing opportunities. Lake Mills Park offers a more developed tent camping experience with 14 designated sites, clean facilities, and access to a fishing dock. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, "Lake Mills has 14 sites to choose from, some being bigger than others. All sites were clean and very well cared for." The Geneva Wilderness Area provides secluded walk-in tent sites near lakes with fire rings and picnic tables. Many sites throughout the region connect to trail systems allowing extended hiking or backpacking opportunities, particularly in the state forest areas.
"This was a special use event so we used the big open field areas in the day use part of the park near the lake. This was a very, very good and well run event on everyone's part. "
"The good: This is a beautiful clean campground attached to a nice community park. 14 sites total some closer to each other than others, but we had no neighbors."
"Hike out to this beautiful sight under the stars and dream of bygone eras...We started at the Barr Street Trailhead and hiked in to LE 39 where we found 2 fire rings."
"I definitely wouldn't recommend recommend getting there at night to set up, but otherwise it's fairly easy to get around."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when available"All camping is primitive, only 3 out here this weekend. Permit but no charge, county Park."
"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."
from $20 / night
"There is one small hike in to primitive campsite on the far side of the lake from the nature center - on less than 2 mile loop trail. Site will hold approximately 5 guests comfortably."
"There were restrooms at the pavilion but no showers. The pavilion area had lights and a grill with a cooking area just off to the side. "
from $15 - $30 / night
from $9 / night
Available next weekend
from $9 - $18 / night
ScoutTim and Leisha were the best! Great campsite close to Disney is what we wanted.. clean and well organized. They make you feel at home and they even invited us to dinner at the pool and provided all the food. I will definitely be going back when I’m in town. They loved our kiddos too!
TravelerIts a great campground for longterm and short term alike, my wife and myself live out of pull behind full time and have been here since August. This campground is conviently located roughly 45 minutes from downtown Orlando and 30 minutes from Cocoa Beach. They have several buildings available for use to campers with kitchens inside some of the buildings, they have a beautiful pool open year round, a pool table nicely located right beside part of the Orlando wetland walking trails. Plus really who doesn't want to reconnect with their inner child and stay in a small little town like Christmas where the post office is decorated year round, there's a nativity scene up year round and parts of the park itself keeps some lights up year round.
LegendPulling into Cape Kennedy RV Resort just off I-95 in Mims felt like stepping into a haven of wide skies and gentle breezes, where the lush shade trees and relaxed layout of this RV park immediately invited us to exhale and settle into a slower pace after a long day on the road. The RV sites are roomy and shaded, giving you that sense of being tucked into nature even though you’re just minutes from the highway, and the clean, well-maintained facilities make set-up feel effortless. One of my favorite moments here was watching the boys gather sticks for a small, post-dinner campfire while fireflies blinked around the grassy edge of our site and the river reflected the last warm colors of sunset, laughter and simple chatter weaving into a perfect end-of-day memory. The best campsites are the ones located on the western side of the property where you can wake up to the chirping of birds, covered by solid shade while sipping your morning coffee, which makes lingering here feel like a little slice of calm amidst the journey. We’d recommend Cape Kennedy RV Resort for families who appreciate EZ interstate access, shady, beautifully spaced sites, and a blend of nature and convenience.
LegendArriving at Indian River RV Park just off US-1 in Titusville feels calm and unhurried, with a palm-lined setting near the Indian River that offers an EZ pull-in and a welcome sense of space after a day on the road. The park leans into a relaxed, old-school Florida vibe with grassy sites, mature trees offering tons of shade, clean restrooms and showers and a layout that feels friendly and low-key rather than overly polished. One of our favorite family moments here was loading the boys into the car after dinner and heading out to watch a satellite launch from Cape Canaveral, their chatter slowly turning into wide-eyed silence as the rocket lit up the sky and left a glowing trail we’ll never forget. Earlier that evening, we enjoyed a classic Space Coast dinner at Dixie Crossroads, where the family shared baskets of rock shrimp, hushpuppies and sweet tea, making it feel like a true Florida rite of passage. From what we saw, the best sites are those closer to the river side of the park, where gentle breezes and morning bird calls make early coffee feel especially peaceful. We’d recommend Indian River RV Park for families who value EZ access, a quiet and shaded campground atmosphere, and close proximity to unforgettable local experiences like waterfront dining, Cuban cafes (just out the back corner) and watching rockets soar into space.
ScoutThis campground is close to Kenedy Space Center and Merritt Island. It has full hookups and plenty of amenities. Restrooms are clean. Some of the sites are quite small, but there are plenty of large sites for big rigs.
TravelerGrass is beyond high. Little dogs can get lost in the grass. Some of the pavers near the pool stairs are lifting to where you need to watch your step or it pinches your foot.
The pros- centrally located. Clean pool. Not too busy of a campground. Large places.
ScoutBeautiful. Friendly and fun
LegendTucked away at 5320 State Road 11 in De Leon Springs, Candace R. Strawn on Lake Dias Park is a modest (read: not a whole lot here), but charming lakeside retreat for tent campers and minimalist RVers who crave calm over crowds. Twenty to thirty wooded acres cradle flat, shaded ground just steps from the peaceful waters of Lake Dias. With fewer neighbors, the sound of wind effortlessly blowing through the encircling pines, an incessant chorus of crickets and the gentle ripples emanating from Lake Dias are your evening soundtrack. My favorite part about the layout here is that there's an interior road that you'll need to access off State Road 11 that creates a sound buffer between you and the traffic swishing by.
The campground is quite basic with just a community boat launch, recently upgraded playground, a few picnic pavilions equipped with standard-issued picnic tables, stand-up adjustable grills, dated, but fairly clean restrooms and RV-friendly parking. No frills, no resorts. It’s not packed with amenities like pools or clubhouses, but instead offers level ground, easy lake access - so if you have fishing on your mind, this place is AMAZING - and a sense of being tucked into nature without all the big crowds. Fishing, kayaking or launching small boats from the ramp are top draws here.
Supplies and dining options are just a short drive away. The nearby town of De Leon Springs offers local grocery markets like Winn-Dixie in De Leon Springs or Walmart Supercenter in Deland and convenience stores on the long winding roads in between the thickly forested wooded wonderland you find yourself surrounded by and civilization. If you’re looking for a bit to eat, cupcakes and brunch await at the nearby Sugar Mill Restaurant located inside of De Leon Springs SP, which if you haven't been to an actual spring before, is DEFINITELY worth checking out. For outdoor gear or camping extras, the closest full-service hardware or sporting shop is in DeLand. And when it’s time for a meal after the campfire, you’ll find good fare at Lillian’s Dutch Bakery & Restaurant in De Leon Springs or Solid Ground Coffee Bar in DeLand for a latte and pastries.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a handful: (1) Choose one of the lake-side sites near the boat ramp for the best morning light and serenity; (2) Launch a kayak or canoe early from the free ramp to enjoy glassy water and quiet wildlife when morning is the most ideal; (3) Bring extra insect repellent as mosquitoes and no-see-ums can be active near the water at dusk and especially during the summer and shoulder seasons; (4) Shade is generous, but if you’re arriving mid-summer, consider pitching closer to the tree line for optimal breeze and cooler temps; (5) The park is pet-friendly, so your dog can enjoy walks along the rack of pines and lakeshore - but do be sure not to tie Fido to a tree or leave him alone for any length of time otherwise he'll make an appetizing snack for the gators; and (6) Weekends may get a little busier from local boaters, so consider arriving mid-week for maximum quietude.
Happy Camping!
ScoutA very nice campground northwest of Orlando in Apopka. It's near a small airport that only has small planes flying in and out. It's relatively quiet here with access to the major theme parks from the nearby expressway. The staff here are very nice and friendly. I've stayed here on and off for approximately 1 month this summer and plan on coming back here again for the winter.
Primitive camping near Mims, Florida provides access to central Florida's unique ecosystems where pine flatwoods meet river systems. The region sits at low elevations, typically less than 50 feet above sea level, creating natural watersheds that feed into the St. Johns River basin. Winter temperatures from November through March offer the most comfortable tent camping conditions with daytime highs averaging 70-75°F and significantly reduced insect activity.
Hiking trail exploration: East Camp at Little Big Econ State Forest offers multiple trail networks connecting primitive campsites. One camper noted, "You could spend an entire day just getting lost around the trails. So much fun. Not a very difficult trial though. There are lots of little waterways so mosquitoes do get bad on extra humid days."
Wildlife viewing: The Geneva Wilderness Area includes a wildlife viewing blind constructed by an Eagle Scout near the primitive camping area. A visitor shared, "The trails are filled with wildlife! Gopher tortoise, raccoon, shore birds, deer and so much more. The wildflowers in the spring and fall are eye catching."
Fishing opportunities: Multiple water access points provide chances to catch various freshwater species. At Lake Mills Park, "The fishing pier was nice and in a cove like area. Several in our group caught some small fish and some turtles too."
Primitive riverside sites: Tent campers appreciate the natural waterfront locations. One camper at Little Big Econ State Forest shared, "Beautiful campsite right on the river made for a wonderful experience for a first-time camper, primitive or otherwise. Lovely evening had by all, site was clean and kept."
Clean facilities: Where available, maintained bathrooms enhance the camping experience. A Geneva Wilderness Area camper mentioned, "There were restrooms at the pavilion but no showers. The pavilion area had lights and a grill with a cooking area just off to the side."
Remote island camping: For truly secluded tent camping, Bissette Bay in Canaveral National Seashore offers boat-in only access. As one camper explained, "Launch at river breeze park, book through Canavaral National Seashore. 20 bucks a night your own island. Can book for up to 15 people."
Seasonal considerations: Summer brings challenging conditions for tent campers. One visitor to Little Big Econ State Forest warned, "In summer at nights mosquitos come out here and will eat you up no matter how much bug spray you put on!"
Varied site privacy: Campsite seclusion differs significantly between locations. At Hatbill Park, "There is not any shade at Hatbill, it's just a wide open field next to the St. Johns. The locals come here for bonfires and to run airboats all night."
Water access logistics: Many sites require specific transportation. For Bissette Bay, a visitor explained their approach: "I struck camp here late afternoon, having brokered a deal with a boat chocked full of gents from South Carolina who had come down for the long weekend. They dropped me off around 4pm."
Permit requirements: Most sites require advance registration. At Hal Scott Preserve, "Two of the sites require a hike in and are first come first serve. One is about two miles from the parking lot and the other is about 1/2 mile further. The third is a group campsite that must be reserved in advance."
Beginner-friendly locations: Some sites specifically suit new campers. Lake Mills Park offers "a nice place to introduce kids to camping. It's not very far removed and there is a nice bathroom and a playground. There is a walking path and nice views of lake mills."
Playground access: Multiple sites feature recreational facilities. Lake Mills has "a huge park with a great playground, which the kids love, and also a big lake. The pavilions can be used by anyone for the day and they range from small to large."
Educational opportunities: The Ed Yarborough Nature Center at Geneva Wilderness Area provides learning activities. "There is an Education Center on the property near the group site that was open for our group and was amazing."
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience unexpected sounds. At Lake Mills, "There is an adjacent country bar, or 'honky-tonk' if you will, with the sound system that was set up we could clearly hear everything that was going on there."
Limited hookup options: Most primitive camping near Mims offers few RV amenities. At Lake Mills Park, "Campsites themselves don't accommodate RVs and don't have any hookups. They do have a grill and a place to hang up food, and a single small parking space."
Group camping alternatives: Some locations accommodate larger gatherings with vehicles. At Hal Scott Preserve County Park, "The third is a group campsite that must be reserved in advance, and you can drive to the site."
Access challenges: Road conditions vary seasonally. One camper at Hal Scott noted, "Expect some areas of water covered trails, ankle deep, especially in the summer months."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Mims, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Mims, FL is Lake Mills Park with a 4.4-star rating from 10 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 30 tent camping locations near Mims, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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