Tent camping options within a 45-minute drive of Haines City, Florida span from riverside sites to pine-shaded hammock forests. The region features year-round camping with average winter lows around 50°F and summer highs in the mid-90s. The area sits at elevations between 100-150 feet above sea level with a subtropical climate that creates distinct wet and dry seasons.
What to do
Kayak the Hillsborough River rapids: Hillsborough River State Park offers kayak rentals for exploring Florida's only class II rapids. "Nice trails, great river canoeing. Close to Tampa and Busch Gardens," notes one camper at Hillsborough River State Park Campground.
Observe wildlife on nature trails: The Upper Hillsborough Preserve encompasses multiple ecosystems where hikers can spot native Florida wildlife. A camper at Foster Bridge Primitive Site mentioned, "The insects and frogs put on an amazing chorus after a rain. You will need to hang food and trash at night to keep critters away."
Enjoy seasonal firefly displays: Certain camping areas feature spectacular natural light shows during spring. "At night the green fireflies put on an amazing light show in the canopy," reports a visitor to Hillsborough River State Park.
Take a refreshing spring swim: Natural springs in the region provide cool, clear swimming opportunities. "The spring area so nice the sound of the breeze through the trees, just wow!" shares a camper from Lithia Springs Conservation Park.
What campers like
Secluded hammock spots: Many sites feature established hammock hanging posts for off-ground sleeping. At Alderman's Ford Conservation Park Primitive Campground, "Sites were equipped with hammock posts, picnic table, and a fire pit," according to a recent visitor.
Quick access to urban amenities: Despite the wilderness experience, many campsites remain close to necessities. "We love State and County parks. This is our favorite county park it is very clean and close to restaurants grocery stores," explains a Lithia Springs camper.
Riverside camping: The Hillsborough River provides a scenic backdrop for many tent sites. A camper at Crooked River Campground noted, "We shuttled some cars down that way so we could paddle far down and ride back. And have a lunch at the campsite afterwards. Perfect area for this."
Diverse ecosystems in close proximity: The region features multiple habitats within short hiking distances. As one Crooked River Campground visitor described, "This site is in the Croom Tract of the Withlacoochee State Forest. Lots of wildlife abounds and it's right along the river with a launch area."
What you should know
Train noise impacts some sites: Not all primitive sites deliver complete quiet. At the Upper Hillsborough Tract, a camper warned, "Site is literally 50 feet from an active train track with trains sounding the horn all night long."
Limited potable water: Most primitive sites lack drinking water sources. For Green Swamp East Tract, a camper noted, "There is no water pump on the trial ford site, but there is access to a river not far away from Trial Ford."
Mosquito protection essential: Insects can be intense, especially after rainfall. "Bring plenty of bugspray, the mosquitoes here are big enough to carry away a small dog," warns a visitor to Highlands Hammock State Park Campground.
Road conditions vary: Access roads to some primitive sites can be challenging. A camper at Upper Hillsborough Preserve Alston Tract mentioned, "The drive is very rough due to teenagers mudding out there."
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with nearby bathrooms: Some primitive areas offer better facilities than others. At Alderman's Ford, "The bathroom is a short hike with a water spout," making it more suitable for younger campers.
Select flood-resistant sites: During heavy rain, some areas drain better than others. "It did not flood when we had torrential downpours for a few hours one night," reported a camper about their Hillsborough River State Park site.
Consider noise levels with children: Road noise can disturb sleep at certain locations. A recent visitor to Alderman's Ford noted, "Only downfall is that there is a lot of road noise throughout the entire night. Definitely took away from the 'nature' experience."
Watch for hiking distance to campsites: Some tent-only areas require substantial walks. A Green Swamp East camper shared, "We had a very difficult time getting here from the main road... From there it was a little under 2 miles but took almost an hour."
Tips from RVers
Site spacing affects privacy: Many established campgrounds place RVs close together. "Small tight spaces in the campground. Most with no coverage between sites," reports a Hillsborough River State Park visitor.
After-hours access considerations: Some parks provide flexibility for late arrivals. At Lithia Springs, a camper mentioned, "24hr access. This camp does not allow reservations but had quite a few empty lots."
Technical considerations: Phone service varies throughout the region. One RVer at Hillsborough River State Park reported, "Good Verizon signal to allow for plenty of streaming."
