Best Tent Camping near Gainesville, FL

State forests and conservation areas surrounding Gainesville, Florida provide numerous primitive tent camping options within a 1-2 hour drive. Jennings State Forest Hammock Campground, located in Middleburg, offers secluded tent campsites with basic amenities and well-marked trails. Watermelon Pond Primitive Campsites in Goethe State Forest provides tent-only camping about 30 miles southwest of Gainesville. Lake Delancy East NF Campground in Ocala National Forest features primitive tent camping with vault toilets and access to the Florida Trail. Etoniah Creek State Forest, located northwest of Palatka, has primitive tent sites accessible via bikeable roads with fire rings and picnic tables.

Most tent campgrounds in the region feature dirt or sand pads with minimal grading. Campers should prepare for primitive conditions, as many sites lack running water and electricity. Vault toilets or pit toilets are common, but shower facilities are rare outside established campgrounds. Fire rings with cooking grates are standard at most sites. Jennings State Forest sites include picnic tables and designated tent pads with vegetation providing privacy between campsites. During summer months, tent campers should bring extra water and insect protection. Walk-in tent sites at Bayard Conservation Area require hiking several miles from parking areas but reward with riverside locations.

In early fall and winter, tent camping becomes more comfortable as temperatures moderate and insects diminish. According to reviews, Jennings State Forest offers "plenty of brush between you and the next camper" with sites featuring "picnic tables, fire pit with grill, and designated tent spot." One camper at Bayard Conservation Area noted spotting "deer, otter, turkey, and wild pigs" while hiking to their riverside campsite. Visitors to Lake Delancy East mentioned "great shade trees and tent spots" with "vault bathrooms that are kept pretty clean." Backcountry tent camping at Black Creek Ravine provides complete solitude, with one family reporting "zero competition for the single campsite" after hiking 2.4 miles in. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound throughout these primitive tent camping areas.

Best Tent Sites Near Gainesville, Florida (27)

    1. Jennings State Forest Hammock Campground

    12 Reviews
    Middleburg, FL
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (904) 406-6390

    $9 / night

    "We hiked the beach pioneer trail and really enjoyed ourselves. The campsite is about a mile in and has a picnic table and fire ring. There is a stream nearby for water."

    "With 16 campsite each being semi private you will love the sounds of t h e wind in the trees and hawks flying over. Each has tent pad, In ground grill and picnic table."

    2. Bowman's Landing

    2 Reviews
    Fort White, FL
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (904) 241-0705

    $45 - $105 / night

    "My son‘s favorite part was riding around on the provided bicycles and playing darts & cornhole by the communal fire pit. I was thoroughly impressed and will definitely be back."

    4. Etoniah Creek State Forest Green Camp

    2 Reviews
    Florahome, FL
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (386) 329-2552

    $9 / night

    "Just off the Palatka-Lake Butler Bike trail. Campgrounds are About 4 miles in on bikeable hard roads. Six Sites have picnic tables, lots of room, fire ring with grate, bbq grills, a latrine nearby."

    "Located just about 20 minutes due northwest of Palatka – dubbed ‘Florida’s State Farmers Market’ where you will easily discover that this north central town is teeming with fresh agriculture every which"

    5. Camp Chowenwaw Park

    9 Reviews
    Fleming Island, FL
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (904) 529-8058

    "There are many different types of cabins available for rent, tent sites and 9 tree houses. Each area set up as a grouping with a bathhouse and kitchen pavilion. "

    "Definitely Different and Unique for Florida. And the perfect place to review my icemulecoolers.com 

    Campground Review:

    Camp Chowenwaw is located in Green Cove Springs, FL adjacent to the St."

    6. Lake Delancy East NF Campground

    3 Reviews
    Salt Springs, FL
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 669-3153

    "Very nice Primitive campground . Great shade trees and tent spots. Has vault bathrooms that are kept pretty clean. No running water but has a hand pump well."

    "The Florida trail is close by."

    7. Hideaway Oasis

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    Interlachen, FL
    24 miles
    +1 (386) 353-5025

    $10 - $60 / night

    8. Wildflower Ranch

    Be the first to review!
    Bronson, FL
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 226-2865

    $25 - $35 / night

    9. High Vibes PMA

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    Florahome, FL
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (386) 590-1885

    $20 - $25 / night

    10. Caravelle Ranch Wildlife Management Area

    1 Review
    Welaka, FL
    36 miles

    "This very unassuming county-run wildlife area sits on 13,000+ acres of thick wilderness and wetlands offering a number of different hiking trails, like Outhouse Hammock Loop, which is medium-grade level"

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Showing results 1-10 of 27 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Gainesville, FL

886 Reviews of 27 Gainesville Campgrounds



Guide to Gainesville

Tent camping near Gainesville, Florida offers a variety of scenic spots for outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in nature. With options ranging from private to public campgrounds, there's something for everyone.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • Wildflower Ranch provides essential amenities like drinking water, picnic tables, and firewood, making it a comfortable choice for tent campers.
  • At Bowman's Landing, guests can enjoy showers and toilets, along with the option to bring pets along for the adventure.
  • Lake Delancy East NF Campground features picnic tables and fire rings, perfect for a cozy evening under the stars.

Some prices for tent camping range from $10 to $20

  • Camping at Lake Delancy East NF Campground costs around $10 per night, offering a budget-friendly option for those looking to explore the Ocala National Forest.
  • Etoniah Creek State Forest provides a primitive camping experience, typically at no cost, making it ideal for those seeking a more rugged adventure.
  • For a unique experience, Black Creek Ravine offers a hike-in site that is free, allowing campers to enjoy the tranquility of nature without breaking the bank.

Local attractions to explore while camping

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Gainesville, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Gainesville, FL is Jennings State Forest Hammock Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 12 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Gainesville, FL?

TheDyrt.com has all 27 tent camping locations near Gainesville, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.