Mary B.
Scout
ScoutFore Lake Campground
Roads are rough, Bathrooms are clean, host seemed like a good guy. Here during off season but the beach looked like fun
Tent Camping near Ormond Beach, FL
6 campgrounds with availability next weekend
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Tent campers near Ormond Beach, Florida have several options ranging from established campgrounds to primitive backcountry sites. Princess Place Preserve offers spacious tent sites with some waterfront locations, while Haw Creek Preserve State Park provides more remote, primitive tent camping opportunities accessible by boat. Both preserves showcase Florida's natural ecosystems, with Princess Place featuring expansive sites under shade trees and Haw Creek offering a more secluded experience.
Most tent campgrounds in this region provide basic amenities, though facilities vary considerably between locations. Princess Place Preserve's Moody Campground features elevated tent pads to help keep tents dry during Florida's frequent rains, plus fire rings and picnic tables at each site. Campers should note that many preserves have limited or non-potable water access. A recent review mentioned, "Keep in mind that there is no water available at the camping sites or the entire park for that matter, so you have to bring in all drinking water and water for washing dishes." Vault toilets or porta-potties are typically available, though sometimes at a distance from tent sites.
Tent camping in these natural areas offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities and access to hiking trails. The tent sites at Princess Place Preserve provide direct water access, making them ideal for campers bringing kayaks or canoes. Areas like Seminole State Forest offer primitive tent-only campsites that provide deeper seclusion, with some requiring a quarter-mile walk from parking areas. According to one visitor, "The camp sites are huge. The tent sites are elevated which should help keep the soil dryer in case of rain." Many campgrounds throughout the region feature Spanish moss-draped live oaks providing natural shade, which is particularly valuable during Florida's hot summer months. Wildlife sightings commonly include deer, various bird species, and occasionally alligators near waterfront tent sites.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Ormond Beach (48)
1. Youth Primitive Campground - Tomoka State Park
"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"
2. Princess Place Preserve
"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."
Check Availabilityfrom $20 / night
3. Haw Creek Preserve State Park Dispersed
"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?"
4. Moody Campground - Princess Place Preserve
"This is an excellent place to pitch a tent and spend time in nature without traveling far. Great hiking trails and the Pelicer Creek is available for fishing. Bring a kayak."
"just digging to try your kayak and canoe on, then welcome to what is, quite possibly, one of the best waterfront campground destinations in the whole of Florida (and given all of the access to both salt"
Check Availabilityfrom $20 - $25 / night
5. Hontoon Island State Park Campground
"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."
6. Cedar Creek Campground — Matanzas State Forest
"It’s more primitive than anything in my opinion. Star gazing out here is absolutely immaculate. The sites here are pretty large. You could fit several tents in these sites. Some limited service."
"Amazing stars -- great view of incredible moon.As one of the other commenters wrote --- its amazing you are 10 minutes from a major highway yet feel like you are 1000 miles from anywhere. "
Check Availabilityfrom $9 / night
7. Buddy Martin Road Campsite - Lake George Forest WMA
"Beautiful campsite right on Lake George. No bathrooms or electrical hookups. Gorgeous views and easy kayak access"
Check Availabilityfrom $15 / night
8. River Road Campground — Lake George State Forest
"Well kept primitive camping site. No road noise, and nice bear cabinets, picnic tables, grill and fire ring."
4 Sites AvailableAvailable next weekend
from $9 / night
9. Freak Creek Dispersed Camping
"Sites are primitive. I would not attempt bringing a camper unless it's really small. Great place to put a kayak in the water."
10. Turnbull Bay Canoe Campsite - Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve
Drive Time
- 33 min from Deltona, FL
- 57 min from Orlando, FL
- 1 hr 18 min from Ocala, FL
- 1 hr 30 min from Wildwood, FL
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Ormond Beach, FL
39 Photos of 48 Ormond Beach Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Youth Primitive Campground - Tomoka State Park
Moody Campground - Princess Place PreserveL
Princess Place Preserve
River Road Campground — Lake George State ForestM
Bluff LandingB
Cedar Creek Campground — Matanzas State Forest
Black Bear Wilderness Area
Geneva Wilderness Area
King's Landing
Lake Mills Park
Trout Lake Primitive SitesL
Tent Camping Reviews near Ormond Beach, FL
1007 Reviews of 48 Ormond Beach Campgrounds
Maria Mercedes M.
LegendCape Kennedy RV Resort
Old Florida RV Comfort Near I-95
Pulling 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.
Eric K.
GuideLake Dorr Dispersed
Lake Dorr Dispersed Camping
Spent two nights here again. Sept. 27th and 28th. During the day time there were a lot of Love Bugs. My camping kitty loved chasing them. At night or at sun down I was bombarded with bugs. Even if I tried to attract them to a higher light and I was in the dark, didn't help. So this time of the year, sunset = go inside.
Also, the description above is wrong.
This dispersed camping area within Ocala National Forest DOES NOT provide water hookups, restrooms, and picnic tables along with standard amenities like trash service and campfire permissions.
The campground DOES NOT maintain water availability throughout the site and DOES NOT HAVE ANY clean restroom facilities.
Other than that, I will be back.
- Eric K.Guide
Lake Dorr Dispersed
Lake Dorr Dispersed camping
Spent two nights here again. September 27th and 28th. This is a great dispersed camping area. You only need to know your limits with soft sand. During the day there were a lot of love bugs and the water was great. As soon as the sun sets, at this time of the year the bugs were terrible. Even if you tried to attract them up in the air with a Devos light you will be bombarded. Sunset = go inside. Other than the night time bugs, it's a great place. I will be back.
- BBrian B.Guide
Faver-Dykes State Park Campground
Best state park I stayed in
This place is out nice roads getting in here as a brackish Creek great fishing boats very clean spots are spread out nicely, groomed, fire pits, and picnic tables easy access right off 95
- Stuart K.Legend
Matanzas State Forest Group Campground
Coastal Gem Hidden in the Thick Pines
Nestled within the longleaf pine flatwoods of Matanzas State Forest just south of St. Augustine, the group campground here feels like stepping into a slice of Old Florida: untamed, tranquil and blissfully simple. Managed by the Florida Forest Service, this rustic site lies within the Pellicer Creek Corridor, where the air is thick with pine and salt, and the forest floor hums with life. The drive-in sets the tone where a canopy of oaks shrouded with Spanish moss gives way to open meadows and whispering wetlands before revealing the group camping area, which I must admit, is NOT the easiest place to find, but once you do, you’ll discover a wide, sandy clearing ideal for tents, both large and small as well as, of course, hammocks, which are perfect to absorb the shade that this space offers.
So, insofar as getting to this location is concerned, basically, once you enter Matanzas SF on Double Gate Road from US1, you’ll essentially drive east until you have the opportunity to drive north before you wind up in the NE corner of the forest. There’s a lot of possible pathways you could take that will get you lost, but basically, you would have to be driving down non-cleared roads that have signs indicating you can’t drive on these pathways anyway. Your GPS will work out here and I would suggest you follow the roads on TheDyrt mobile app to guide you to this location as it is spot on. But when you do arrive, you’ll discover a simple parking lot with about 4 different pathways leading in opposing directions – so which one to take? That’s the greatest question you’ll find yourself asking. Here’s what you want to do – just stay in your car and keep driving north down the path that has tire marks on it and within 50 yards, it will drop you off at the Group Campground.
Facilities are modest but well-kept: there’s an oversized fire ring with foldable grill as well as single oversized, double-sided stand-up BBQ grill, about a half dozen picnic tables (with half being delapidated and the other half brand spanking new), a single port-a-potty and no potable water or source of electricity. What this spot lacks in amenities though makes up for in serenity. This is the kind of place where your morning alarm is a woodpecker’s knock and your evening entertainment is a campfire under a sky thick with stars. The surrounding trails and forest roads connect to the Pellicer Creek Aquatic Preserve and the Graham Swamp Trail System, offering plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, paddling and spotting wildlife like egrets, deer, and the occasional wild turkey.
Although secluded, the campground is only about 20 minutes from Ancient City and 10 minutes from Palm Coast, making supply runs and day trips easy. For essentials, stop by the Publix Super Market on Palm Coast Parkway, the Shell gas station at US-1 and Old Kings Road, or the nearby Tractor Supply for ice and camping odds and ends. There’s no REI or Bass Pro Shop within 10 miles, but Academy Sports+ Outdoors is the best bet for outdoor gear and fishing tackle, although that's going to be a hike (er, long drive) from here.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a handful: (1) The group site’s best tent placement is on the southern edge of the clearing where the pines provide late-day shade and natural wind protection; (2) Bring plenty of water as there’s no potable water here; (3) For kayaking or canoeing, head to the Pellicer Creek launch on nearby Old Kings Road for calm water and beautiful tidal scenery; (4) Trails in Matanzas can flood after heavy rain, so check conditions with the Forest Service before arriving; (5) Wildlife lovers should keep an eye out for gopher tortoises along the sandy roads and hawks circling above the pine canopy – on our visit, we were blessed to see an adolescent black panther; and (6) When it’s time to eat, reward yourself with a laid-back bite of a Surfin’ Cali burrito at nearby Jimmy Hula’s or an elegant dinner of steak pom frites at Le Bouchon Brasserie in the historic district of the country’s oldest city.
Happy Camping!
Thomas B.
RangerAnastasia State Park Campground
Great for Smaller Rigs
Had a short stay at Anastasia and it was a nice, shaded site that was pleasant for August. It is very busy and active and the beach is just a 5 minute walk away. I have a 50ft rig (30 ft trailer, 20 ft truck) and got caught in a really bad spot after going down the wrong road. Rig fits great it the site, just have to be very cautious. Some foliage blocked the sign I was looking for as I tried to accommodate the many cyclists. Also had the unfortunate experience of a neighbor with a highly aggressive dog. The place itself was very pleasant and much cooler than what we have been experiencing.
Jessica S.ScoutDaytona's Endless Summer Campground
Daytona
Beautiful. Friendly and fun
- Stuart K.Legend
Candace R. Strawn-Lake Dias Park
Quiet Lakeside Getaway Near De Leon Springs
Tucked 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!
Guide to Ormond Beach
Tent camping around Ormond Beach, Florida ranges from creekside primitive sites to family-friendly locations with water access. Florida's natural landscape creates unique camping conditions with sandy soil and varied terrain. The region sees average summer temperatures of 90°F with frequent afternoon thunderstorms, while winter camping offers milder 70°F days and cooler 50°F nights.
What to do
Kayaking at multiple waterways: Princess Place Preserve offers direct water access from campsites. According to one visitor at Princess Place Preserve: "Princess Place Preserve is a beautiful campground for short overnight camping or even longer stays... PPP's camp sites have docks where you can pull a boat up if you are fishing. Some of the tent campsites are directly on one of the small rivers that empties into the Intercostal."
Wildlife observation: Campers at Seminole State Forest Primitive Campsites can spot native Florida species. The forest offers seclusion with a quarter-mile walk to certain sites. One camper notes, "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. Great for large groups or a backpacker."
Historical exploration: Several campgrounds feature historical structures and educational opportunities. A camper at Princess Place Preserve mentioned: "I stayed at Princess Place Preserve from 10/23-10/27 and cannot wait to return... The rangers were incredibly kind and I felt very safe. Surrounded by stunning, natural Florida habitat! We saw deer more frequently than we saw other humans."
What campers like
Private waterfront access: Many tent campers near Ormond Beach value the privacy of waterfront sites. At Hontoon Island State Park, one camper shared: "This park is accessible only by ferry, which makes for a unique and rustic camping experience that is totally worth the extra effort! All camping supplies must be brought over by boat in wheelbarrows provides by the parks services."
Spacious sites: Campgrounds in this area often feature generously sized tent sites. A visitor to Princess Place Preserve - Moody Campground commented: "Arrived in the afternoon just after check in. Self check in process at the Ranger station was a breeze. Found my site easily. Sites are well spaced with a lot of well cared for nature park areas between. Moody sites are all on the water."
Secluded camping experiences: For those seeking true isolation, certain areas provide complete seclusion. A camper at Freak Creek Dispersed Camping noted: "It's super secluded and quiet. Depending when you stay there's at times people who show up to party and then leave. Sites are primitive. I would not attempt bringing a camper unless it's really small. Great place to put a kayak in the water."
What you should know
Water management challenges: Many tent sites in the Ormond Beach area require water planning. A camper at Haw Creek Preserve State Park advised: "If you find this place, you're in luck. I mean, unless you actually the know the name of this unpublished place, you will NOT find it... Keep in mind that there is no water available at the camping sites or the entire park for that matter. Potable or non-potable so you have to bring in all drinking water and water for washing dishes."
Access limitations: Several tent camping areas have specific access challenges. A recent visitor to Freak Creek reported: "The main road in has huge deep ruts, the other road has a water crossing that was over my bumper on my lifted Mojave... The campground is overgrown, and not many people visit due to not being able to get back."
Seasonal considerations: Weather impacts tent camping significantly in this region. A camper at Moody Campground mentioned: "Lots of palm trees to provide shade. Each site has room to drive in as well as plenty of tent space. 2 tables, a grill, and fire ring." This shade is particularly valuable during hot summer months, while raised platforms help during rainy seasons.
Tips for camping with families
Playground availability: When tent camping with children near Ormond Beach, look for sites with recreational facilities. A visitor to Hontoon Island State Park noted: "There was a great playground for the kids and we enjoyed a nice long hike as well. We did not stay over night but I did notice some nice looking cabins and primitive camping sites."
Transportation assistance: Some preserves offer help with gear transportation. At Hontoon Island, "Once on the island there is a small store where you can buy firewood and any miscellaneous items you might have forgotten then catch one of the free shuttle vans that takes you out to the actual campsite (about a mile from the ferry dock. Would not recommend walking with all your camping stuff)."
Wildlife education opportunities: Turn camping into a learning experience with local wildlife. At Cedar Creek Campground — Matanzas State Forest, "The Matanzas Forest is home to turkeys, hogs, otters, tortoises, songbirds, egrets, bald eagles and of course, deer."
Tips from RVers
Road conditions: RVers planning tent trips should consider access roads. At Bluff Landing, a camper warned: "The roads are plenty wide enough. However, they are mostly sand and a lot of dips and mud holes from all the 4wheeling. 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."
Site selection for larger vehicles: Choose tent sites with adequate parking and turn-around space. Cedar Creek Campground campers note: "While the amenities here at Matanzas are sparse, if you are looking for more to explore and do, check out either nearby Princess Preserve or Faver-Dykes State Park."
Trash management: Pack-out policies vary across campgrounds. A visitor to Bluff Landing reported: "Camp sights had a lot of trash. I cleaned what I could till I ran out of space to bag any more." Always prepare to carry out all waste when tent camping near Ormond Beach, especially at more remote sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Ormond Beach, FL?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Ormond Beach, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Ormond Beach, FL is Youth Primitive Campground - Tomoka State Park with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find
tent camping near
Ormond Beach, FL?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Ormond Beach, FL?
TheDyrt.com has all 48 tent camping locations near Ormond Beach, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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