Best Glamping near Holiday, FL

Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park houses glamping accommodations nestled within a protected wilderness area near Holiday, featuring fully-furnished canvas safari tents and private glamping cabins with premium amenities. The park's glamping sites provide comfortable beds with linens, climate control for year-round comfort, and private outdoor spaces for enjoying the natural setting. Trails and hiking paths surround the accommodations, allowing glampers to experience Florida's diverse ecosystem without sacrificing comfort. The park's premium glamping sites are situated for maximum privacy while remaining accessible to modern facilities including clean showers and restrooms. Hillsborough River State Park also offers luxury yurt accommodations with resort-style amenities a short drive away. One visitor noted, "The cabins have plenty of rooms and the sites are very spacious with close and clean facilities."

Starkey Wilderness Preserve glamping accommodations provide direct access to over 50 miles of biking, hiking, and equestrian trails through Florida pine forests and wetland ecosystems. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with deer and wild boar frequently spotted near the luxury tent sites. Primitive glamping locations offer stargazing opportunities with minimal light pollution, making them popular for astronomy enthusiasts seeking comfort in natural settings. The preserve requires reservations through the Southwest Florida Water Management website, with glamping sites available year-round at affordable rates compared to traditional resorts. A recent visitor mentioned, "I lucked out and stumbled upon this campground late in the afternoon on my way down the west coast. There were a healthy number of sites but all relatively spaced out for privacy." Glampers should book well in advance during peak winter seasons when the mild Florida climate makes safari tent camping particularly appealing.

Best Glamping Sites Near Holiday, Florida (23)

    1. Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park

    13 Reviews
    New Port Richey, FL
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (727) 834-3247

    "Part of the Starkey Wilderness Preservethis location is full of multi use trails, has primitive cabin rentals (no electric"

    "Large, beautiful campground with miles of trails, natural and paved for cycling. Nature education center for children. Playgrounds and pavilions for get togethers."

    2. Starkey Wilderness Preserve — Serenova Tract

    4 Reviews
    New Port Richey, FL
    7 miles
    Website

    "You must reserve a site with Southwest Florida Water Management by website. It is sometimes closed to hunting. There are lakes and multiple varieties of terrain."

    3. Fort De Soto Campground

    140 Reviews
    Tierra Verde, FL
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (727) 582-2100

    $38 - $48 / night

    "Some campsites on the water have a small water view and a way to walk a kayak to the water directly. Most water front campsites are blocked by mangroves so look at the photos online when booking."

    "This is our go to place for a close to home weekend when we are lucky enough to get a reservation. If you are a visiting from Miami or out of state you won’t be disappointed if you can get in. "

    4. Hillsborough River State Park Campground

    65 Reviews
    Thonotosassa, FL
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (813) 987-6771

    $24 / night

    "The park was so lush and green it felt like a jungle safari. There are so many alligators just hanging around near the water so watch out while hiking!"

    "During busy season you can really be packed in but the primitive camping site is another option - hike out and camp away from the crowds!"

    5. Pasco County - Crews Lake Wilderness Park

    3 Reviews
    Spring Hill, FL
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (727) 861-3038

    "Awesome park with well maintained trail. There are a lot of other small trails that lead off into the woods. If you wander, bring a compass and throw some az. Fun times"

    "Love this place so many trails"

    6. Cypress Creek Preserve

    4 Reviews
    Lutz, FL
    22 miles
    Website

    "There aren't many free spots in this area of Florida. Of course, they provide nothing other than a spot to camp with fire ring and old table, and an outhouse."

    7. Sherwood Forest RV Resort

    Be the first to review!
    Palm Harbor, FL
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (727) 784-4582

    8. Quail Run RV Park

    5 Reviews
    Land O' Lakes, FL
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (813) 973-0999

    "We stayed at Quail Run for a weekend in October as it was close to my son’s lacrosse practice location... we were pleasantly surprised with the very nice site with full hook ups and cable."

    "Only one pet per spot allowed and don’t allow over 35 pounds unless receive permission."

    9. E.G. Simmons Regional Park

    21 Reviews
    Ruskin, FL
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (813) 671-7655

    $24 / night

    "Has shower houses and clean bathrooms Not full hookups but has a dumpstation in the west campground. Busy on holidays No alcohol allowed Firepits. Close to the boatramp. Raccoons can be annoying."

    "Nearly every campsite is right on the water - easy in and out for kayaks, large boat ramp and many picnic pavilions."

    10. Colt Creek State Park Campground

    33 Reviews
    Zephyrhills, FL
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (863) 815-6761

    $24 / night

    "Colt Creek State Park is one of the newer parks in the Florida State Park System. We had the opportunity to camp at one of the handicap accessible sites recently and found it to be very convenient."

    "We arrived to check in only to fine we were to get the last remaining campsite available. After checking in we drove to our campsite. The campsites are large and well spaced."

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Glamping Reviews near Holiday, FL

364 Reviews of 23 Holiday Campgrounds


  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 25, 2022

    Hillsborough River State Park Campground

    Great Hiking

    This was one of our favorite campgrounds. The park was so lush and green it felt like a jungle safari. There are so many alligators just hanging around near the water so watch out while hiking! There are so many great hiking trails and places to explore in this park.

    Laundry on site at the bath houses, as well as free hot showers. I didn't like the shower set up as much, because the area for your clothes and stuff and whatnot is in a communal space with other shower-ers.

    Campground hosts sell firewood and ice.

    We were here in January and the weather was perfect, not too humid, and it wasn't too buggy.

  • Meghan O.
    Jul. 4, 2018

    Fort De Soto Campground

    Busy Campground With Nice Ammenities

    close to the breweries in art district of St Pete Florida, Fort Desoto Campground has everything you could want for a long weekend or quick getaway. There's a general store if you want to stock up on snacks, fishing tackle, pool floats, or ice cream, or just catch a little air conditioning and Wi-Fi. The General Store also has a nice balcony overlooking the water and some oyster beds.

    The campsites are suitable for car camping, hammock camping, tent camping, or RVs. Be sure to bring your rain gear and rain flies, as Florida thunderstorms are brief but no joke. You can rent bicycles down closer to the actual Old Fort where there's also a huge fishing pier and plenty of old military installations to explore. However don't rely on using the bikes to get back to the campground as there's no drop-off on the other side.

    It can be a bit of a long walk from the campground itself to the Old Fort, which shouldn't be a problem unless you didn't pack the right clothes or shoes. If, like me, you find yourself a little under-prepared, there is Lyft and Uber in the area and in a pinch you can use that to get back and forth between the campground and the fort.

    Our neighbors at the next campsite over we're, unfortunately, a bit of a party crowd, which made for a loud night and very little sleep. That said the restrooms were nice and easy to reach and all of the amenities or what you would expect at a bigger busy or campground.

  • Chelsea C.
    Feb. 27, 2021

    Mutual Mine Campground — Withlacoochee State Forest

    Loud engine noises but otherwise secluded

    This is an excellent place to camp because it is secluded with large private campsites surrounding a clear swimming hole. It is a short drive from the Chaz, and affordable. The hosts were extra friendly. Downside is no pets or alcohol, and weird gloomy roar of airboats or some other loud engine after dark nearby. We also camped next to someone who was blasting country music and speaking loudly well past midnight, but that is a risk of campground camping, bring earplugs.

  • Ashleigh C.
    Jul. 4, 2017

    Fort De Soto Campground

    Most private campsites near the ocean

    Fort Desoto campsites are nice because there are trees or brush separating all the campsites creating privacy. Some campsites on the water have a small water view and a way to walk a kayak to the water directly. Most water front campsites are blocked by mangroves so look at the photos online when booking. In the fall or winter you must book at least 3 months in advance. There is a separate dog friendly campsite that allows 2 dogs per campsite. There are less raccoons in the dog site camping. Keep all food locked up or in your car. The raccoons are very smart and can undo many ties. The only thing I don't like about the campsite is that they close the bathrooms in the morning to clean them at 9am. Seems like they should until wait until check out time at 11am before closing them down.

    All campsites have a picnic table, charcoal grill, most sites have running water and electricity. Some have a lantern holder too. Fire pits are available for rent as you cannot dig a hole for a fire pit. You can also rent bikes or kayaks as well. There is an off lesh dog beach nearby that is great too. My dogs love to swim there and then the fenced in dog park has a wash station for dogs, you just aren't allowed to use soap.

  • Jeanene A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 4, 2016

    Hillsborough River State Park Campground

    Gold Medal Camping at it's finest

    One of the most awarded State Parks! This park has everything! 3 full service camping loops full of sites - lots of space for RV's and Tents - 2 designated hammock camping spots. During busy season you can really be packed in but the primitive camping site is another option - hike out and camp away from the crowds! Pools and Cantina are very popular in the summer with the locals so be prepared! Canoe rentals to tour the river, fishing spots along the shore. Canoes and bicycles are available for rent at the Pool Side Café. The café also provides food, beverages, picnic/camping supplies and souvenirs. Pool lounge chairs for rent. Park visitors can stay connected with FREE Wi-Fi service within an approximate 150 foot range of the pool area (weather and signal permitting). Golf carts are available daily.

    Hiking trails are wonderful but if rainy season some could be closed to flooding. Take bug protection during warm months! Spend some time enjoying the wildlife along the trails. There is also a 2 mile paved loop bicyclers enjoy shared with cars so drive carefully. You can hike to the neighboring Dead River Park for even more of an adventure! Picnic area is wonderful - nice large pavilions and grills. They do have a air conditioned building with kitchen great for weddings and special events.

  • Perry J.
    May. 30, 2020

    Fort De Soto Campground

    Best County Park in the USA

    Quite possible the best county park in the USA. This park is incredibly well run and has so much to do. This is our go to place for a close to home weekend when we are lucky enough to get a reservation. If you are a visiting from Miami or out of state you won’t be disappointed if you can get in. 

    What makes this park special for us is that many of the camping sites are coveted waterfront sites. The campground portion of the park is divided into three parts, one camping area that is pet friendly, one no pets and one predominantly for tents and pop ups with smaller sites. 

    Another bonus of Fort DeSoto in addition to the old fort is the fishing peer, great beach, cycling path and absolutely enormous parking lots so unlike many Florida locations, especially in season, parking is never really an issue. 

    Fort De Soto County Park is a very special place. We are lucky to have it so close to us.

  • Jeanene A.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 29, 2019

    Colt Creek State Park Campground

    Handi-capable Camping

    Colt Creek State Park is one of the newer parks in the Florida State Park System. We had the opportunity to camp at one of the handicap accessible sites recently and found it to be very convenient. Path and pad on site were roomy and fire pit was higher than usual for safety. These tent sites had water and electric as well. There are 2 of these sites available and both are easily accessed from handicap parking close by. Because this is a new er park the trees have not grown in well enough yet to provide adequate shade so be prepared for that. There is a lovely fishing doc with easy access and bathrooms are just wonderful. There is a paved trail as well as wide dirt trails to explore. This is a great place to visit. Camp hosts were wonderful as well.

  • Amber R.
    Jul. 6, 2018

    Nature's Resort

    Mostly long-term RV tenants

    Close to town, mostly long term RV tenants live here, very friendly staff, very clean restrooms/showers/campground, restaurant/tiki bar on site, fishing available, shared outdoor cooking area and fire pit, recreation room, pool, parrots, quiet and laid back, more for older folks (no offense)

  • Joe R.
    Oct. 15, 2019

    Fort De Soto Campground

    Tropical Oasis for the Family

    I find myself torn between four and five stars on this campground. It turned out being everything we expected and more. As an camper with northern roots, I have found it hard to camp in Florida. This campground helped me relieve those worries. 

    I will start by saying that this campground is south of St. Pete and north of Ana Maria Island. We drove down from Orlando and it took us under two hours. We hit some traffic on 275 and the Parkway, but it is expected. There are two tolls (1.00 and .75) before you hit the park. One thing we learned and a good pointer is that if you intend on going into the park (which you probably will), you should go in and register BEFORE you go to the beach, even if before check in time. By paying for your site, they provide you a beach pass for two vehicles, which saves $5 each on parking. 

    The check in process was very simple. We arrived about an hour early and got everything set up. We were told to stop back between 12:30 and 1 (Advise that check in is at 1pm, so getting in early is not a guaranteed or expected result). The parking lot is a bit awkward, as the camper/trailer line blocks views and actual spots for cars..but it is trivial. 

    We had rented site 28 (mostly because it was one of the only ones available and best of the litter). There are three loops, and we were in the 1-86 loop. There are no pets and no RV's allowed, which was perfect for us. Most of the outer side of the loop has some sort of water. Water does not mean access. It seemed that the higher numbers (40+) had less access to water and more of a mangrove area. Depths of sites also varied widely. We must have done the camping gods some good, because we hit the site karma. Our site was nice and deep, with a weird little island (former tree/stump) in the middle. This actually made us divide the tent area up into two sides, which worked out well. The site has plenty of options for both clothes lines and hammocks. We opted to put the "kitchen" towards the back of the site with the water view, and fire bin (rented for $3 from the campground office). We had neighbors on both sides and across (this places always sells out) and it was still fairly secluded. They did a great job at keeping a lot of natural growth to maintain privacy and a true tropical feel. There was plenty of shade, but also plenty of sunshine when you wanted it. This site also gets direct sunlight after about 9am (based on mid october), so plan accordingly. It gets toasty :) We have an inflatable raft that we took out in the water. We were greeted by dolphins, sting rays and manatees. 

    The bath house is pretty central and literally across the road from our site. We had expected a much further walk based on the map, but it was just a 1 minute walk. They were ample, but nothing to write home about. They clean them daily, so they are not bad. The showers leave a lot to be desired with water pressure and privacy. They share a common area with stalls and cheap liners that offer little privacy. Again, it is camping so this isn't a complaint, but a warning. Also, bring your own toilet paper. 

    There is a playground with good swings and also a sturdy playground that offered plenty of opportunity for my four year old to blow off some steam. The ground is all recycled rubber, which I love as a parent. 

    The campground store is nice and good for essentials if you don't want to take the 15/20 minute drive to publix or 7 minute drive to 7-11. Firewood is a bit overpriced at $9 per bundle and the fire buckets are cheap at $3 per night. They also have basic food and camping supplies. Note that there is no alcohol allowed in the park, including the campground. All I can say is that you should use common sense. This is a family friendly place. They also rent bikes and kayaks. 

    The site was just a 10 minute drive to north beach, which is our favorite. There is plenty to do in the area. Overall, I love this place and look forward to coming back many times in the future. Note that they do start booking 6 months out and open up 10% of the sites for the weekend each friday at 7am if you want to try and get lucky.


Guide to Holiday

Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park features extensive trail systems across a protected wilderness area near Holiday, Florida. The park sits within a Florida pine forest and wetland ecosystem with over 50 miles of multi-use trails. Weather stays mild year-round, with winter highs in the 70s and summer temperatures reaching into the 90s with high humidity. The park's primitive camping areas offer accessible wilderness experiences within a short drive of urban amenities.

What to do

Explore hiking trails: The Starkey Wilderness Preserve trail system offers varied terrain for hikers of all abilities. "Great get away in west-central Florida as a day trip or long weekend stay. We spent the day hiking the numerous off-road trails and enjoying some of the amenities the park has to offer," notes Steve S. about Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park.

Paddle the waterways: Launch a kayak at E.G. Simmons Regional Park for mangrove exploration. "We were in site 55 of the East CG which was right on the water where we launched our kayaks to paddle the canals amongst the Mangroves," shares Bran P. about E.G. Simmons Regional Park.

Visit the education center: Families can learn about local ecosystems at the nature center. "Nature education center for children. Playgrounds and pavilions for get togethers," mentions Tim L. about Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park.

Experience backcountry camping: Hike to remote sites for more solitude. "We stayed at one of the hike-in sites and had a good time. Be prepared for a trek, as the site was a couple miles in. The trail was nice and paved though, suitable for bicycling in," advises Jeremiah F. about Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park.

What campers like

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Watch for native Florida species throughout the year. "We saw a good bit of wildlife: deer and wild boar," reports AJ G. about Starkey Wilderness Preserve — Serenova Tract.

Well-maintained bathrooms: Clean facilities make primitive camping more comfortable. "The cabins have nice big concrete lots. The bathrooms are clean and easily accessible," explains Melanie B. about Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park.

Spacious campsites: Sites offer good separation for privacy. "I lucked out and stumbled upon this campground late in the afternoon on my way down the west coast. There were a healthy number of sites but all relatively spaced out for privacy," shares Tucker B. about Starkey Wilderness Preserve.

Family-friendly amenities: Playgrounds and recreational areas keep kids entertained. "Starkey Park campground is clean, rustic, and has lots of firewood for campers. There are many hiking, bike trails, and 2 playgrounds within mere steps of your tent or cabin," notes Melanie B.

What you should know

Reserve early for winter camping: The mild Florida climate makes glamping close to Holiday, Florida especially popular from November through March. Book sites well in advance.

Be prepared for insects: No-see-ums and mosquitoes can be abundant, especially at dusk. "The bugs can be bad this time they were bad last year no problem. We had a screened room that has a no see um mesh on it and we blast a big fan in there so we do stay semi bug free," advises B M. about E.G. Simmons Regional Park.

Water availability varies: Some primitive sites have limited access to water. "They have water stations, but do not count on these being full at all times. Bring water with you. Don't risk it!" warns Jeremiah F.

Know gate closure times: Some parks have strict entry and exit schedules. "I did not have an awful time (because I could fish) but the gates to the area did close a little earlier than I would like," mentions Nick P.

Tips for camping with families

Book cabin accommodations: For luxury glamping near Holiday with children, consider the cabin options. "Starkey's Campground has everything you could want or need. Friendly staff, plenty of critters, and beautiful trails to walk," explains Shaun C. about Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park.

Visit during weekdays: For a quieter experience with kids, avoid weekend crowds. "If you are hoping for peace and quiet, do not go on a weekend. I went on a Friday night, and the entire campground was PACKED," cautions Shaun C.

Bring sun protection: Many trails have limited shade coverage. "Be prepared for sun exposure, with sunblock and lots of water recommended as you will be hiking under open sky in the Florida heat," advises Jeremiah F.

Check out Hillsborough River State Park: This nearby option offers additional family-friendly camping. "We needed a campsite near Tampa FL for a few days to meet friends visiting the area from up north. Being a Floridian, we've experienced FL's state parks and found them to offer privacy between sites," says Rick G. about Hillsborough River State Park.

Tips from RVers

Concrete pads available: Some RV sites offer level, solid surfaces. "Very good service. Nice park. Level concrete pads. Ours was pull through. Gated," reports Lucile F. about Quail Run RV Park.

Consider site location carefully: Position in the campground affects noise levels. "We stayed at Quail Run for a weekend in October as it was close to my son's lacrosse practice location... we were pleasantly surprised with the very nice site with full hook ups and cable. The park is secluded and away from highway noise," shares John G.

Check pet restrictions: Some parks limit the number and size of pets. "Only one pet per spot allowed and don't allow over 35 pounds unless receive permission," notes Lucile F.

Dump stations limited: Plan accordingly for waste disposal. "30A and water at each site, two separate campgrounds each with a dump station and bath house," mentions Bran P. about E.G. Simmons Regional Park.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Holiday, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Holiday, FL is Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park with a 4.3-star rating from 13 reviews.

What is the best site to find glamping camping near Holiday, FL?

TheDyrt.com has all 23 glamping camping locations near Holiday, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.