Just minutes from downtown Tampa, this Hillsborough River State Park Camping offers a refuge from city life with its seven miles of nature trails and ample places to cool off in the water.

 Except for occasional reenactments, the cannon and guns are now silent at Fort Foster. No longer do Seminole Indians have to fight to keep a foothold in Florida, and soldiers no longer guard a strategic river crossing. The reconstructed fort and its surroundings are now part of Hillsborough River State Park.

 Besides a living history lesson, visitors can kayak or canoe class II river rapids, rare in Florida, hike seven miles of nature trails and swim in an ADA accessible swimming pool.

 Tucked away, only a short distance from the bustling city of Tampa, camping is a popular activity at Hillsborough River State Park.



Hillsborough River State Park

Well-known for its natural spring which flows year-round, cool, clean water into the Alafia River, the Lithia Springs Park was originally purchased by Gardinier, Inc., a mining company that soon became Mosaic Phosphate, Inc. When the company leased the park to Hillsborough County as a recreational area in 1957, the 160-acre site slowly became a popular camping spot.

After setting up camp, hikers can explore the woodsy trails and its diverse plant communities, river cypress swamps, and hardwood hammocks. But it is the natural spring that serves as the park’s major attraction, which---courtesy of the water’s 72 degree temperature---provides an excellent swimming experience all year long. In addition to swimming, visitors can fish and play volleyball. There is also a bath house for the parents to rest and chat, while their kids can play at the park’s playground.

The park’s 44 camping sites---which is also suitable for RVs---include water/shower and electrical services. The campers also have access to picnic shelters and tables, restrooms, and barbecue grills. There are no reservations for these sites; everything is done on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Park rules to know:

-Picnic shelters are not rented for the months April - September.
-All shelters, tables and grills and parking spaces are first come first serve
-Due to the high demand of the swimming area and current conditions maximum capacity is 
-No rain checks / refunds



Lithia Springs Conservation Park

Colt Creek State Park

MBK's Landing

Sun Lake RV Resort is a 47 unit Lakeside RV & MH community located within a pristine and natural Florida environment. There is plenty to do while staying with us; hiking, biking, fishing, canoeing, horseback riding, motocross, and much more. It's less than 1 mile from I-75 so it's minutes away from the entertainment and activities of Downtown Tampa and popular cities such as Anna Maria Island, Sarasota, Bradenton, Tampa and Clearwater.  

  

Some of our amenities include a cozy clubhouse, climate controlled pool, like new laundry facility and bathhouse with hot showers, free Wi-Fi, horseshoes, shuffleboard, campfire area, RV/boat storage and more. Our 32 acre bass fishing lake is accessible by non motorized or electric watercraft. The bass on average are 3-5 pounds, however we've had up to 8 pounds on occasion.   

  

Our community is well maintained. The owners take great pride in providing a good place to visit each year and also live all year.

Sun Lake RV Resort

Southern Aire RV Resort

Edward Medard Park has 42 first-come, first-served campsites that accommodate both RV and tent camping. All campsites have a picnic table, electricity, a fire ring, and water. Public restrooms with showers and an RV dump station are also available.

Edward Medard Park

Rainbow Village RV Resort - Central Fl

This is the HEADLINE

Southern

$150 to REI, $100 to MiiR, and 1 year of The Dyrt PRO

**GRAND PRIZE**
$150 to REI, $100 to MiiR, and 1 year of The Dyrt PRO

**4 RUNNERS UP WIN**
[The Dyrt PRO](https://thedyrt.com/pro): 6-Month Membershp


nearby

Looking for the best options for tent and RV camping in Florida? The Dyrt can help you find the best tent and RV campsites for your next trip. Each standard campsite offers quick access to one or more of Florida's most popular destinations.

Florida

The Best Standard (Tent / RV) Camping in Florida

Are you in need of a campground near Helen Winter Gardens, FL? Helen Winter Gardens is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Helen Winter Gardens

The Best Camping Near Helen Winter Gardens, Florida

Happy Days RV Park

Sun n Fun Campground

Lazydays RV Resort

Equestrian and primitive camping available.
Sites have picnic tables, fire rings and/or grills.
A free reservation is required and must be displayed or available at campground.


Oak Ridge Primitive Campground

Are you in need of a campground near Jacksonville, FL? Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Jacksonville is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Find the best campgrounds near Jacksonville, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Jacksonville

The Best Camping Near Jacksonville, Florida

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Miami, FL is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Miami. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Miami. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Miami

The Best Camping Near Miami, Florida

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Tampa, FL has a lot to offer. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Tampa, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Find the best campgrounds near Tampa, FL. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Tampa

The Best Campgrounds in Tampa, FL | FL Camping

Join the fun near St. Petersburg. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Florida camping has to offer. Find the best campgrounds near St. Petersburg, FL. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

St. Petersburg

The Best Camping Near St. Petersburg, Florida

Searching for the best camping near Orlando, FL? Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Orlando. Find the best campgrounds near Orlando, FL. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Orlando

The Best Camping in Orlando | Florida Campgrounds

Are you in need of a campground near Hialeah, FL? There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Hialeah, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Hialeah

The Best Camping Near Hialeah, Florida

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Tallahassee. Tallahassee is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Tallahassee. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Tallahassee

The Best Tallahassee Campgrounds | FL Camping

Fort Lauderdale, FL is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Fort Lauderdale. Find the best campgrounds near Fort Lauderdale, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Fort Lauderdale

The Best Camping Near Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Searching for the best camping near Pembroke Pines, FL? Pembroke Pines is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Pembroke Pines. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Pembroke Pines

The Best Camping Near Pembroke Pines, Florida

Join the fun near Port St. Lucie. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Port St. Lucie, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Port St. Lucie

The Best Camping Near Port St. Lucie, Florida

Big Cypress National Preserve is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Big Cypress National Preserve campgrounds just for you. Discover great camping spots near Big Cypress National Preserve, reviewed by campers like you.

Big Cypress National Preserve

The Best Camping Near Big Cypress National Preserve, Florida

Osceola National Forest is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Osceola National Forest campgrounds just for you. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Osceola National Forest

The Best Camping Near Osceola National Forest, Florida

Near Homestead, FL, lies Biscayne National Park and some of the best camping opportunities for nature lovers in the northern Florida Keys. Camping by the Biscayne Bay Lagoon almost ensures campers will see dolphins, pelicans, and turtles. Campsites allow for boats, hikers, and RV drivers. Pitch a tent on one of the islands and spend the day boating and swimming. Divers will want to camp close to the Maritime Heritage Trail. The underwater trail is a link to all of the area’s dive sites. Campgrounds come with the amenities campers need, including group sites for family gatherings. Cabins and yurts are also available for those preferring not to sleep in a tent.

Biscayne National Park

The Best Camping Near Biscayne National Park, Florida

Are you in need of a campground near Ocala National Forest, FL? Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Ocala National Forest, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Florida camping adventure.

Ocala National Forest

The Best Camping Near Ocala National Forest, Florida

Camping in Everglades National Park is an awe-inspiring and exciting adventure where manatees and alligators are common sightings. The 1.5-million-acre wetland is a unique habitat in Florida. Campgrounds in and near Everglades National Park offer accommodations to fit everyone. Pitch a tent or stay in a comfortable cabin with spectacular views of the wetlands, mangroves, and pine flatwoods. RV owners will also find plenty of campgrounds with all of the necessary hook-ups. Near Everglades City, FL, on the park’s western border, campers can hike the trails and explore the area by boat. From beach campsites where you can watch the sharks feeding in the morning and evening, to boating adventures, the Everglades offer some of the best camping in the state.

Everglades National Park

The Best Camping Near Everglades National Park, Florida

Apalachicola National Forest is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Florida camping has to offer. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Apalachicola National Forest. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Apalachicola National Forest

The Best Camping Near Apalachicola National Forest, Florida

National Forests in Florida is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of National Forests in Florida. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

National Forests in Florida

The Best Camping Near National Forests in Florida, Florida

Join the fun near Pomme De Terre Lake. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Pomme De Terre Lake. Find the best campgrounds near Pomme De Terre Lake, FL. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Pomme De Terre Lake

The Best Camping Near Pomme De Terre Lake, Florida

Searching for the best camping near Black Butte Lake, FL? Black Butte Lake is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Black Butte Lake and user-submitted reviews.

Black Butte Lake

The Best Camping Near Black Butte Lake, Florida

Dry Tortugas National Park has some of the best camping sites for water lovers in Florida. Near Key West, FL, campers can participate in a variety of water activities that include everything from snorkeling and fishing to diving in the Gulf of Mexico. RV drivers will need to leave their vehicles behind. Access to the park is only by seaplane or boat. Campsites by Fort Jefferson give campers the opportunity to explore the fort, and don’t forget to take one of the ranger-guided tours through the park. Campgrounds near Dry Tortugas National Park come with small and large group cabins. Campers can also choose to spend the night in a yurt, enjoying the area’s stunning views.

The Best Camping in Helen Winter Gardens, Florida

Top Helen Winter Gardens Campgrounds

MBK's Landing

Sun Lake RV Resort

Southern Aire RV Resort

Rainbow Village RV Resort - Central Fl

Happy Days RV Park

Hillsborough River State Park

Edward Medard Park

Sun n Fun Campground

Lazydays RV Resort

Oak Ridge Primitive Campground

Browse By Type

Browse Helen Winter Gardens Hike-In

Hillsborough River State Park

Edward Medard Park

Lithia Springs Conservation Park

Browse Helen Winter Gardens Boat-In

Hillsborough River State Park

Lithia Springs Conservation Park

Colt Creek State Park

Browse Helen Winter Gardens Drive-In

MBK's Landing

Sun Lake RV Resort

Southern Aire RV Resort

Browse Helen Winter Gardens Walk-In

MBK's Landing

Rainbow Village RV Resort - Central Fl

Hillsborough River State Park

Get the App

See What We’re Up To