Camping options near Mulberry, Florida range from established state parks to privately-owned RV resorts within a short drive of the city. Hillsborough River State Park Campground and Alafia River State Park, both approximately 15-20 miles from Mulberry, offer a mix of tent, RV, and cabin camping in natural Florida settings. Several waterfront camping areas can be found along the Alafia River and nearby reservoirs, with Edward Medard Park providing drive-in access for both tents and RVs. Camp Margaritaville RV Resort and Cabana Cabins in Auburndale offers more developed camping with full hookup options and resort amenities about 10 miles northwest of Mulberry.
Most campgrounds in the region remain open year-round, though Florida's hot, humid summers and potential for afternoon thunderstorms make fall through spring the most comfortable camping seasons. Reservations are typically required at state parks and private resorts, especially during winter months when seasonal visitors increase demand. One camper noted, "Midweek is best time to visit as weekends fill fast (usually by Thursday night)" at Edward Medard Park. Many campgrounds offer full hookups for RVs, while primitive camping options are limited to specific areas like Alderman's Ford Conservation Park, which features hike-in tent sites along the river. Raccoons are common throughout the region, and campers should secure food properly.
Waterfront campsites consistently receive positive reviews from visitors to the Mulberry area. The combination of water access, wildlife viewing, and shaded sites makes Edward Medard Park a popular destination. A recent review described it as "a beautiful well kept facility near suburbia" that offers "kayaking and fishing on the lake." At Wilderness Shores Ranch, campers appreciate the natural setting with water views from most sites. Several visitors mentioned the clean bathroom facilities at established campgrounds like Edward Medard Park. For tent campers seeking a more primitive experience, Alderman's Ford Conservation Park provides a more secluded option with hammock posts at several sites, though some reviewers mention road noise can occasionally detract from the nature experience.
$24 / night
"Then exit 7 to Highway 301 north about 10 miles to the campground. The way in which the state park and campground are set up is easy too."
"This was my first time at a campground in Florida! I was surrounded by beautiful wildlife (alligators, birds, and even a wild boar). The hiking trails were perfect for a beginner or a regular hiker."
$22 / night
"Widely known in Florida for the mountain bike trails. Not much else to do in the area, but very nice space to chill out. The night sky is far enough away that you can really take in the stars."
"For Florida this is a great campsite especially for me because it's so close overall a great place for any activity"
$24 / night
"Camping is first come first serve but gives you access to the park after hours. Camp sites are bit close to one another but overall amazing experience."
"Very pretty and wooded for Florida. Great to bike around and see everything. Neat to see gators. Will definitely go back."
$80 - $419 / night
"What it lacks in shade it makes up for with 2 nice pools, one geared toward kids with a fountain and very fun twisty slide, music, TV’s etc & the other is on the lake by a tow-ski place that’s fun"
"Very close to a long biking trail & there’s a gas station near the entrance. Beautifully landscaped & friendly staff."
$24 / night
"Stayed over mother's day weekend at Lithia Springs."
"Stayed over mother's day weekend at Lithia Springs."
"Located just south of Lakeland this park offers multiple amenities for group gatherings including a large firepit and stage area."
"Super clean campsites and great easy trail out to the site. Very safe area. The rangers made sure there was plenty of fire wood in the wooden hut."
"This location is utterly beautiful! So many different environments can be seen just walking the trials."
"Lithia Springs Conservation Park is a hidden gem for camping in Florida. The campground is clean, well-maintained, and tucked away in a peaceful natural setting."
"Canoe and Kyak launch is easily accessible to enjoy the calm waters of the Alafia River. Restrooms and showers were clean and plentiful around the grounds. We will definitely be back."
$40 - $75 / night
"Hike along the water on trails, off road biking, and up close viewing of the beautiful ranch animals ( steer and goats )."
"Great privately owned campsite for those wanting to get away from crowds and overly-popular sites."
$24 / night
"Okay, so I didn’t do a ton of research, but I have driven around here before so I decided to get one of the primitive sites and do a little gear testing. 5+ per person/night -Bundles of firewood available"
"Colt Creek State Park is one of the newer parks in the Florida State Park System. We had the opportunity to camp at one of the handicap accessible sites recently and found it to be very convenient."
TravelerThere appears to be new management in the campground. Procedures are completely different and much better than previous visits. It is cleaner and more organized. It is now possible to get a reservation for the full hookup section. The river and woods trails are in great shape. Hopefully they will get the mini golf course turf replaced, it is currently painted concrete and not much fun to play on.
ScoutRelaxing campsite, most sites have water access or view. The raccoons are a little too comfortable they will make their selves at home and borrow anything that you leave open.
ScoutNice old KOA but businesses built around it. If you like sirens and racing cars irs ok. It is a nice camp ground but don’t park in back near the fence. lots of street noice like garbage pickup.
TravelerWelcoming staff upon arrival. Park is very clean and well taken care of. Met some great neighbors and enjoyed the quietness. The park is constantly monitored by staff giving you a sense of comfort. Beautiful spring to enjoy a warm day as the water temp is a consistent 72°. Canoe and Kyak launch is easily accessible to enjoy the calm waters of the Alafia River. Restrooms and showers were clean and plentiful around the grounds. We will definitely be back.
ScoutLarge, level sites. Can accommodate any size RV. Very active community. 2 activity centers, pool, pickleball, horseshoes, billiards, bingo, entertainment and much more. Clean bathrooms and showers.
Guidethis place has great potential, however, they are in a remodeling phase at the moment location, location, location is its best feature, very kind owner who tried his best to post our state last January
GuideI think the best thing is the size of this place, there usually is always a spot to get in on. There is a nice Little River running through the very edge of the park, but it's difficult to get a spot there. Also, the laundry facility is top notch and the pool is very pleasant, they also have racquetball and some nice short trails to walk on.
GuideI was staying across the Street at 1000 trails, and I thought I would come over here and look at the old locomotive and the log cabin, etc. But as I walked through the park towards the Peace River, I saw hundreds of buzzards, which made this amazing place to visit. I also noticed that there is a sanctuary for animals here as well, and for only 5 bucks you can go and see a nice variety of birds and mammals. Overall, this is definitely a great place to go it's very, very large and it also hosts tent camping as well.
GuideLindsay in the office is great. She will go out of her way to help with anything she can. Sites are hit or miss. Some are spacious; some are cramped. It's in the city if that's your thing.
Mulberry, Florida offers camping options within a modest elevation range of 100-130 feet above sea level. The area features a subtropical climate with marked wet and dry seasons that influence camping conditions. Sites near Mulberry typically remain cool from November through April with temperatures in the 60-70°F range, making winter and spring the most comfortable camping seasons.
Explore class II rapids: The rapids at Hillsborough River State Park Campground are the only class II rapids in Florida. "Pretty wild," notes one camper, while another mentions the "great river canoeing." Hiking trails through preserved Florida ecosystems offer additional exploration options.
Mountain biking opportunities: Alafia River State Park Campground provides extensive mountain biking trails with varying difficulty levels. One visitor explains, "I loved that they had a ton of different trails to choose from, some just hiking or biking, and some mixed ones. Really well kept." The park maintains trails specifically designed for technical mountain biking.
Observe wildlife: Wildlife viewing is excellent at several campgrounds near Mulberry. One camper at Alafia River State Park noted "Saw a few deer," while another visitor to Hillsborough River mentioned, "At night the green fireflies put on an amazing light show in the canopy." Early morning and evening offer prime wildlife viewing opportunities.
Natural swimming areas: Lithia Springs Conservation Park features spring-fed swimming areas that maintain a consistent 72°F year-round. One visitor observed, "Nice spring to swim in for 2.00 a person. Most campsites are very shaded." Another notes the "spring area so nice the sound of the breeze through the trees, just wow!"
Hammock camping: For those who prefer sleeping suspended, Alderman's Ford Conservation Park Primitive Campground provides dedicated hammock accommodations. One camper reports, "Sites were equipped with hammock posts, picnic table, and a fire pit," while another noted, "campsite 1, 3 and 4 have hammock poles able to fit 3 hammocks at a time."
Clean bathroom facilities: Most campgrounds near Mulberry maintain good bathroom facilities. At Hillsborough River State Park, a camper noted, "Bathhouse was clean. They offer recycling, which is a great plus!" Similarly, at Lithia Springs Conservation Park, a visitor mentioned, "The restrooms back here were way nicer and cleaner than the main park bathhouse."
First-come, first-served availability: Several campgrounds near Mulberry operate on a first-come basis rather than reservation systems. At Edward Medard Park, one camper explains, "Check in is a breeze. Make sure to have your registration." Another notes that while the park can get busy, it's "a beautiful well kept facility" once you secure a site.
Insect considerations: Mosquitoes can be significant during certain seasons. At Hillsborough River State Park, a visitor warned, "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." Another camper noted, "Bring plenty of bugspray, the mosquitoes here are big enough to carry away a small dog."
Wildlife management: Secure food storage is essential at many campgrounds. At Edward Medard Park, one camper advised, "I wouldn't recommend leaving food out because they'll take everything," referring to the raccoon population. Other parks have similar wildlife concerns, particularly during warmer months.
Beginner-friendly primitive camping: Wilderness Shores Ranch & RV/Tent Campground offers opportunities for families new to camping. One visitor described it as "Great privately owned campsite for those wanting to get away from crowds and overly-popular sites. This campsite also has cattle and goats and the owner allows you to pet the goats (great for little kids)."
Family-oriented water features: Camp Margaritaville RV Resort provides water features specifically designed for children. A camper described it as having "a great splash pad and playground for the kids, a water slide, and two larger pools for kids and adults." Another noted, "Kids played for four hours straight and went back for more after dinner!"
Ranger-led activities: Several parks offer educational programming. A visitor to Edward Medard Park mentioned the "plenty of wild life" and opportunities for children to learn about Florida ecosystems, while Hillsborough River State Park offers nature programs during peak season.
Cell signal considerations: For those needing to stay connected, some campgrounds offer better service than others. At Hillsborough River State Park, one RVer noted, "Good Verizon signal to allow for plenty of streaming," which is important for those working remotely or needing connectivity.
Boondocking preferences: For RVers who prefer more natural settings, several options exist. One camper at Hillsborough River State Park shared, "We are boondockers so we tend to stay away from very peoplely places... That said it was very comfortable everything was clean and super convenient. There was 30 amp as well as 50 amp water."
Site size variations: Many campgrounds have a mix of site sizes. At Hillsborough River, a camper observed, "Small tight spaces in the campground. Most with no coverage between sites," while others noted some loops have more spacious sites. Researching specific site dimensions before arrival is recommended for larger rigs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Mulberry, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, Mulberry, FL offers a wide range of camping options, with 319 campgrounds and RV parks near Mulberry, FL and 4 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Mulberry, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Mulberry, FL is Hillsborough River State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 65 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Mulberry, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Mulberry, FL.
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