Best Tent Camping near Haines City, FL

Tent campers exploring the Haines City area of central Florida have access to several primitive and established campgrounds within preserves and parks. Highlands Hammock State Park Campground offers walk-in tent sites set among hammock forests, while the Upper Hillsborough Preserve provides primitive tent camping areas at both the Alston Tract and Upper Hillsborough Tract. These locations offer tent campers proximity to the Hillsborough River and surrounding natural areas within an hour's drive of Haines City.

Most tent camping sites near Haines City require advance reservations, even for primitive areas. Campers should pack all necessary water or filtration systems, as many tent-only sites like those in Green Swamp East Tract lack potable water sources. The Upper Hillsborough Preserve tent sites feature basic amenities including picnic tables and fire rings, but limited sanitary facilities - typically just portable toilets. Several preserves provide free primitive tent camping, including the Alston Tract which features a covered pavilion and multiple fire rings under shade-producing oaks. Seasonal closures for hunting seasons affect access to many tent camping areas, particularly during fall and winter months.

Areas farther from developed campgrounds provide deeper wilderness experiences for tent campers. The primitive walk-in sites at Alderman's Ford Conservation Park Primitive Campground offer seclusion accessible only by trail. These hike-in tent areas include fire pits, picnic tables, and some feature hammock posts. The Green Swamp East Tract provides backcountry tent camping with access to multiple ecosystems and the Hillsborough River. A visitor mentioned that "there is no water pump on the Trail Ford site, but there is access to a river not far away." Another camper noted that "sites were equipped with hammock posts, picnic table, and a fire pit," making these walk-in tent locations ideal for backpackers seeking solitude near Haines City.

Best Tent Sites Near Haines City, Florida (31)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Haines City, FL

884 Reviews of 31 Haines City Campgrounds


  • Jeanene A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 9, 2017

    Alderman's Ford Conservation Park Primitive Campground

    A favorite for the locals

    This location is utterly beautiful! So many different environments can be seen just walking the trials. The 4 primitive campsites we found were along the river and we did not see bathrooms or picnic tables or fire rings. The trails are marked well but not often maintained - so you really get the feel that you are in the middle of nowhere. No traffic was heard at night and I would not camp out there alone on a weekend due to the "local party crowd". This is a hike in and hike out site. We only stayed 1 night. No amenities. Lots of birds and wildlife in the late day and early morning. Parking is a small fenced in area before turn in road - no security/lighting appx 1.5 miles from camping area that we found

    I would have given this location a 5 except for the large amount of trash we found on trails (that we carried out) and the obvious disregard for rules of no swimming and no alcohol.

  • J
    Jul. 18, 2021

    Alderman's Ford Conservation Park Primitive Campground

    Great Place!

    The camp sites are hike in only. I LOVE this. Bring a manageable pack with everything you need. There is no water, power, or restrooms at the sites. There is a restroom facility about a 1/2 mile down the trail. There was firewood for use when I went. Sites were equipped with hammock posts, picnic table, and a fire pit. There was also a trash can. I had a great time, the whole park to myself for the night. Strongly recommend if you enjoy primitive camping.

  • 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.

  • Jessica S.
    Jul. 10, 2018

    Lake Kissimmee State Park Campground

    Primitive Camping in Lake Kissimmee State Park!

    We decided to book a group primitive campsite in this state park. We were in the primitive group campsite on the Buster Island Loop. It was about 3 miles to hike in to the site. The path is very clear with markers and when you arrive at the site, there is a clear indicator to follow. The path to the site is right off the main trail.

    Since this is a primitive site, there are no facilities and keep in mind you need to bring your own water for drinking, cooking, cleaning etc. At the site there were two picnic tables and a fire ring which was enough for our group. The area was cleared with a lot of space to set up all of our tents. We were here in late April when the weather was getting warmer so remember to bring mosquito repellent and enough water for your whole group to stay hydrated!

    The hiking trails are loops about 6 miles long where you can experience different types of Florida environments and boating on the lake. And there are also history demonstrations showing the old Florida cowboys at the park.

    All in all, this park has many options and activities. Whether you are into water sports or biking and hiking, this park has it all.

  • Nick C.
    Sep. 22, 2020

    Highlands Hammock State Park Campground

    Limited Primitive Camping- Nice Trails

    The reservable campsites here are very close to each other and not shaded very well, no privacy. We changed to the primitive sites that are first come first served. The are a bit more private and have trees for hammocks etc. it’s nice out there. You can sometimes hear the nearest road and see a power line from camp so you don’t feel that far from the city unfortunately. Sites have a fire ring/grill and picnic table. There is an outhouse out there and on the road in a faucet to get some drinking water, they say it’s clean even though it may be discolored. There are a bunch of short trials to hike in the park. Through some woods, swamps etc. very pretty.

  • 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.

  • Monte W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 7, 2020

    Green Swamp — West Tract

    Peaceful and free!

    Stayed here for a night in November of 2020. We stayed at the Ashley campsite. It is free but had to register at watermatters.org - (Southwest Florida Water Management). They provide you with a code to unlock the gate once registered. At the campsite there were about 15 sites. Most had non-potable water. All had a picnic tables and fire ring. My site had a covered picnic table. A vault toilet was also provided and was pretty clean. The campsite was about half full when I was here and it was pretty quiet even though you can see your neighbors. You are permitted to collect fire wood as long as it has fallen from the tree. For a free campsite, I can’t complain. I would stay here again.

  • Jessica S.
    Jul. 29, 2018

    Highlands Hammock State Park Campground

    5 stars for the primitive sites

    We always camp in the primitive sites when we visit. The are large but have minimal shade. There is a picnic table and fire ring at each site and there is a toilet nearby. For showers you have to drive to the regular campground and use theirs. You can purchase firewood in the park as well. There are no hookups at the primitive sites. Behind the primitive sites is a road so you do hear cars and trucks driving by at night.

    We were interested in visiting this park because it is one of Florida's oldest state parks. There are many trails you can visit while you are here. These trails are pretty cool because they are all different so you will never get bored. You can either bike, drive or walk there yourself, but there is also a tram tour you can take. There is also a museum in the park as well if you want to learn more about the area.


Guide to Haines City

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."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Haines City, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Haines City, FL is Hillsborough River State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 65 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 31 tent camping locations near Haines City, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.