Best Tent Camping near Grand Island, FL

Tent camping near Grand Island, Florida provides access to several natural areas with primitive and established sites within the Ocala National Forest and surrounding state lands. Sawgrass Island Preserve offers walk-in tent sites with fire rings and picnic tables along the Hammock Trail, while Seminole State Forest Primitive Campsites provide secluded tent camping opportunities about 20 miles south of Grand Island. Trout Lake Primitive Sites and Freak Creek Dispersed Camping offer more rustic tent camping experiences for those seeking solitude in natural settings.

Most tent campgrounds in the area require advance reservations, with some sites accessible only by hiking trails. Sawgrass Island Preserve requires completing an application at lcwa.org with a small refundable fee. Seminole State Forest sites feature a quarter-mile walk from parking areas to campsites, which can become muddy during wet seasons. Basic amenities at most primitive tent sites include fire rings and picnic tables, though potable water is rarely available. Insect repellent is essential, particularly during warmer months when mosquitoes are abundant. Bear safety precautions are recommended, including proper food storage in bear-proof containers.

The backcountry tent camping experience in this region offers opportunities to observe diverse wildlife and access to hiking trails. According to reviews, Seminole State Forest Primitive Campsites provide excellent stargazing opportunities and quiet surroundings. One camper noted, "We packed light but not that light because we like to be comfortable; it took about 3 trips each to get everything we needed to the site." At Crooked River Campground in Withlacoochee State Forest, tent sites are nestled in dense undergrowth providing natural privacy between campsites. The Florida Trail passes through several of these areas, making them ideal for hikers wanting to explore sections of this long-distance trail. During summer months, early morning and evening hiking is recommended due to Florida's heat and humidity.

Best Tent Sites Near Grand Island, Florida (57)

    1. Lake Dorr Cabin

    3 Reviews
    Altoona, FL
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 669-3522

    $290 / night

    "Super cute secluded cabin directly on the lake. You have your own private boat slip, 100ft long dock for fishing & swimming, canoes/paddles/life jackets on site."

    "It worked out well as some family members like the cabin experience and others were able to stay in tents near the cabin. There are lots of places to sleep (bunk beds, queen, etc)."

    2. Sawgrass Island Preserve

    1 Review
    Grand Island, FL
    5 miles
    Website

    "I like to go across the causeway and down the Bog Button Trail and over to the Hammock Trail and along the Cactus Trail and down around the ponds and back out the Bent Pine Trail. "

    3. King's Landing

    5 Reviews
    Sorrento, FL
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (407) 886-0859

    $30 / night

    "The camp spaces are on a large field and each has its own fire ring.

    It has a very cozy communal vibe. Saturday nights they host a large fire down by the boat launch for everyone to join."

    "To begin with, there’s nearly 1,000 crystal clear springs throughout the state of Florida, so when you find one that’s pretty spectacular, it’s like finding a needle in a haystack."

    4. North Shore Relic Ranch

    2 Reviews
    Astatula, FL
    13 miles
    Website

    $20 - $35 / night

    "The hiking near by is great and plenty of trails near by. Also a spot to go paddling but we didn’t this trip. We will deff be back!"

    "It was great getting to learn about the north shore ranch and the abundance of trails in the area for exploring!  Stop by and leave a review with some pictures of your favorite views!"

    5. Trout Lake Primitive Sites

    2 Reviews
    Ocklawaha, FL
    13 miles

    "Set of primitive spots near lake. Main road entry is packed dirt; smaller access road to sites is two-track about 1/4 mile through woods — very narrow tree clearance. 4WD recommended."

    "Very narrow trails but really easy access, you will leave with some new pinstripes"

    6. Seminole State Forest Primitive Campsites

    6 Reviews
    DeBary, FL
    18 miles
    +1 (352) 360-6675

    $9 - $18 / night

    "Jumper camp is a primitive area with a picnic table and a fire ring."

    "We packed light but not that light because we like to be comfortable; it took my BF and me about 3 trips each to get everything we needed to the site, including firewood, our 4 person tent, air mattress"

    7. Freak Creek Dispersed Camping

    2 Reviews
    Paisley, FL
    18 miles

    "Sites are primitive. I would not attempt bringing a camper unless it's really small. Great place to put a kayak in the water."

    8. Ocala National Forest Farles Prairie Recreation Area

    1 Review
    Astor, FL
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 669-3153

    "If you’re hauling water gear or want to hike/backpack a section of the Florida Scenic Trail (FL Keys to GA state line), this is a lovely place to hang out on the small lake."

    9. Crooked River Campground — Withlacoochee State Forest

    38 Reviews
    Nobleton, FL
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 797-4140

    "Crooked River Campground is located within the Croom Tract of Withlacoochee State Forest (Hernando County), and a short 5-mile drive from I-75."

    "Tent camping only, with a picnic table, fire ring and water faucet. You have a bath house you can get to by walking and it has hot water in the fall and winter months."

    10. Bluff Landing

    2 Reviews
    Paisley, FL
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 625-2520

    "Places to tuck off and set up camp that are private. I would have said 5 stars but when choosing my options on what I was looking for I said rv accessible. Well it is for a half mile maybe."

    "This is a good spot just off the road/trail. Small and kind of tight in the official camping area with three spots kind of spread out. Tight in here, so would not recommend a trailer."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 57 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Tent Camping Reviews near Grand Island, FL

1328 Reviews of 57 Grand Island Campgrounds


  • Jeanene A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 1, 2018

    Black Bear Wilderness Area

    Be ready for a hike

    To get to this camp you will have to hike in along old levy's some just over a foot wide. Much of the trail is sloped to one side or the other. Along the way you will see some beautiful sites! Many hike the loop trail as a day hike. but it is better enjoyed at a slower pace as there is so much to see if you open your eyes. The just over 7 mile trail takes you by orange trees cover in butterflies in spring, also wildflower lines trails and along the beautiful St Johns River.

    The camp site is used often by scouts and folks wanting to start training for longer hikes North of Florida. The campsite it self is very nice. there is a covered shelter, fire pit, benches and a picnic table. Many trees for hammock camping and lots of room for tents. Sadly with no toilet facilities back along the edges of the campsite you will find evidence of human use and abuse. PLEASE leave no trace. Also if you go take the time to pull a few of the invasive Caesar Weed plants that are trying to take over the camp (they are the ones with seeds that act like Velcro).

    You MUST have a reservation to camp here. If you have a pet it MUST be kept on a lease at all times and picked up after. there are feral hogs and snakes on the property....and you must practice bear safety using a bear proof container for food and hanging from tree at night. We saw no bear sign when we hiked - but that is not saying they are not around.

  • L
    Feb. 28, 2020

    Salt Springs Recreation Area

    Great campground in Ocala National Forest

    Fantastic campground and recreation area. Over 150 campsites, one area full hookups with all amenities and other area for tent camping. Sites have lots of space and majority have shade trees with moss flowing in the breeze. All sites have picnic table, lantern pole, grill, and fire ring. We have 2 golden retrievers and had plenty of space to spare. Beautiful stars out at night. Bathhouses are large, clean, hot showers. Trailer sites were full and only a few tent campers this time of year. Tent sites are complete with Bear boxes at each site. Camp hosts and management were very friendly and helpful.
    Saw manatees kayaking in the spring and river on premises. Spring area has a boardwalk around it. People swam with them too. Saw bald eagle catching fish, lots of birds, some fish, etc. Has a small boat launch and marina. Can tent kayaks. Great place for bikes. A few hiking trails were well maintained.
    Convenient location to lots of springs to visit and things to do. Visited Silver Springs, Blue Springs, Juniper Spring to name a few. All within 1 hr drive.
    Not sure how summer time is, but this late February time was Awesome. 40-50 at night and 60s in the day! This is a must stay place.

  • Napunani
    Jun. 10, 2023

    Salt Springs Recreation Area

    Immaculate Wind Tunnel (see video)

    PROS

    A camp host came to our site immediately after we unhitched to advise that our one tow vehicle tire on the grass will get us a $250 fine from US Forest Service officer. Funny, we never ever saw a USFS officer patrolling the campground. 

    Entrance gates closed at 8pm requiring code to enter 

    Immaculately maintained park. A small army of maintenance staff always working. Even one night at 930pm in the bathroom. 

    Saved $156 with America the Beautiful pass 

    Site 32 shady 

    Asphalt parking pad surrounded with sandy gravel 

    Moveable metal picnic table 

    Pedestal BBQ grill 

    High sided metal fire ring with 2 unremovable cooking grates 

    One hook lantern pole 

    Campfire wood for sale at registration office 

    No street lights in campground so good dark sky viewing if neighbors have their rig lights off which most nights they were lit up which also lit up surrounding campsites 

    Able to get T-MOBILE signal on our T-MOBILE WIFI device 

    Many squirrels ate from our hand 

    CONS 

    In 8 days never saw a USFD vehicle drive thru the campground

    $8 fee to make on-line reservations 

    Site 32 not level 

    Absolutely no privacy from any other site 

    In 20 degree exterior temperatures, both campground bathhouses had windows open, whole house fans operating in full capacity and ceiling fans operating on high. Obvious park maintenance does NOT want anyone taking a shower when interior bathhouse temperatures were in the 30s and the bathhouse was a freezing wind tunnel! It was even difficult using the toilet. 

    Loud and rowdy campers all weekend long—day and night. Quiet hours not enforced

    Highway 19 traffic noise 

    USFD clearing project on east side of campground. Heavy equipment noise for 9 straight hours day after day!!! 

    No notice water outage for 2 hours 

    No park WiFi 

    No T-MOBILE cell service 

    No public phone for emergency calls

  • Tracy L H.
    Dec. 31, 2019

    Sawgrass Island Preserve

    Old Florida!

    Sawgrass Island Preserve is a unique piece of property.  I love hiking on the north side of the property it looks so much like Old Florida.  I like to go across the causeway and down the Bog Button Trail and over to the Hammock Trail and along the Cactus Trail and down around the ponds and back out the Bent Pine Trail.  This is around a five mile hike and can be stretched out by doing the North Loop Trail also .  I have seen several whitetail deer, sandhill cranes, lots of other birds, quail, and some turkeys while hiking.  I also saw a black bear up a tree in the marsh.  It is a hidden gem for sure.  The south side is nice but gets super sandy in places due to horseback riders.  And if you have horses the preserve allows riders and even has a spot or two with water for the horses and some picnic areas with hitching post to tie off horse and have some time to eat.  Some trails are narrow and give the feel of actually walking in, in the woods!  I haven't camped there but they have two primitive campsites on the Hammock Trail near the marsh with a fire ring, picnic table, and lantern post.  There is also a horse campsite along the Cactus Trail down near the ponds and there is an open pole barn with two roomy stalls for horses and picnic tables and a fire ring with benches.  Also room to pitch tent under barn too.  There is no water available at any of the campsites.  Could be a fun adventure waiting in Old Florida.  There is a camping application to fill out on line at www.lcwa.org and a  small fee, but if everything checks out ok at the end of the stay after a Ranger has had a chance to check out the site your fee is refunded.

  • James A.
    Sep. 9, 2020

    Colt Creek State Park Campground

    Tired Tree Primative Site

    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 for purchase (located at the site) -$5 arm loads -Fire ring, Picnic Table, Bench, and Garbage pail at the site

    Walked the long way in (3.25miles), instead of the 1 mile route. The entire hike is through typical open grass “roads” cut and maintained in the Florida brush. The site itself had a nice vibe and is far away from any other sites at the park. A large open clearing could easily allow for a dozen tents, unfortunately, I brought my hammock,.. and this site is not set up for hammock camping.

    With a little rigging and placement over a dried up gator hole, I found a spot that I could hang my hammock and shelter for the night.

    I thoroughly enjoyed the spot, other than the lack of clearing for a hammock, and the mosquitos were absolutely unbearable... I am aware that it was rainy season in Florida, near a WMA named Green Swamp, but I went home with hundreds and hundreds of bites, despite my preparedness.

    I would camp here again, maybe when it’s a little cooler and more dry, and also would hike in with a tent, or potentially take the shorter route and pull a wagon full of gear, to enjoy a bit more “glamped” feel.

  • A
    Aug. 31, 2021

    Hog Island Campground — Withlacoochee State Forest

    Spacious camp sites!

    We loved the large sites. And pretty private. Wooded areas between sites. Nice clean restrooms and showers. Only 2 showers in the ladies bath house. It's old but clean. But it's sapose to be no pets. And a camper near us had a very large dog in a cage that barked all day. Very annoying. Bad area for ticks. Rangers check sites several times a day and are very nice. Also there is water but no electricity. We will go back. No generator after 10pm.

  • Alex M.
    Jul. 1, 2019

    Mutual Mine Campground — Withlacoochee State Forest

    Wide open spaces, very quiet!

    We hiked extensively in this tract and used Mutual Mine campground as one of our stop-overs. Very nice, open, flat areas to pitch tents and close to hiking trails. Fire ring at each site, options to hang your hammock. Bathrooms but no showers. Free potable water. You can also pull in a trailer but this is not a full-commercial type campground. More a cross between that and primitive camping…….perfect for backpackers!!

  • Shannon S.
    May. 28, 2023

    Moss Park Campground

    Finally, a quiet campground!

    Maybe it’s the no pets rule, but this campground was the quietest we’ve been to and we camp nearly every weekend.

    The sites are spacious with the fire rings being in the way back. This is a no alcohol park. They didn’t have any fire or ice, which is a negative. We love camping at spots that have that for purchase. The nearest Publix is about 5 minutes or so away and does have both.

    They don’t allow you to have anything on the trees, which I found a little off putting. We had solar lights hung from them, just wrapped around, not attached, and were told by the camp host (? Didn’t introduce himself) they needed to come down. Staff rode around a few times and said nothing but, okay.

    The bathrooms were clean and well maintained. Lots of open space to run around, kick a ball, two playground sets, and a beautiful walk to Lake Mary Jane.

    Quiet hours were observed, which was so nice.

    I brought my T-Mobile home router and had plenty of signal to work, stream, etc.

    We will be back!

  • Carol B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 19, 2024

    Moss Park Campground

    Quiet, lots of trees, away from the hustle and bustle of Orlando

    This is a 54 site campground with hook ups at each site, fire ring, and picnic table. The trees provide a good amount of privacy from adjacent campers. Clean bathrooms with hot showers. This is about 15 min from the airport yet very removed from Orlando. Water on three sides, gates that close and lock from 6pm to 8 am (Nov-March) but an easy access code is given at check in to be able to come and go after hours. No pets, no alcohol, and quiet after 10. I will stay again! It was a mix of RVs, trailers, camper vans, car camping, and tents when I stayed. The personnel were very nice and helpful at check in.


Guide to Grand Island

Tent camping near Grand Island, Florida offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying various outdoor activities. With several campgrounds in the area, you can find the perfect spot to set up your tent and explore the beautiful surroundings.

Tips for tent camping near Grand Island

  • Hontoon Island State Park Campground provides a rustic experience accessible only by ferry, making it a memorable getaway for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.
  • King's Landing offers primitive campsites with reserved parking, ensuring a hassle-free arrival and easy access to the stunning Rock Springs.
  • Seminole State Forest - Moccasin Camp features a secluded site along Blackwater Creek, perfect for those who enjoy a peaceful environment away from crowds.

Some prices for tent camping range from $18 to $30

  • At Hontoon Island State Park Campground, tent camping is available for $18 per night, providing a budget-friendly option for nature lovers.
  • King's Landing charges around $30 for a night of camping, which includes access to beautiful springs and nearby hiking trails.
  • Jumper Camp offers primitive sites that are great for large groups, with prices typically around $20, making it an affordable choice for campers.

Local attractions and activities

  • Hontoon Island State Park Campground is surrounded by over 1,600 acres of trails, perfect for hiking and wildlife watching, including opportunities to see manatees and alligators.
  • King's Landing is a fantastic spot for kayaking and canoeing, with easy access to the scenic Rock Springs and the Emerald Cut, ideal for a day on the water.
  • Lake Dorr Cabin provides a unique cabin experience with a private boat slip, allowing for fishing and swimming right from your doorstep, making it a great base for exploring the area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Grand Island, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Grand Island, FL is Lake Dorr Cabin with a 4.7-star rating from 3 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 57 tent camping locations near Grand Island, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.