Tent camping near Homosassa, Florida concentrates in the Withlacoochee River system watershed, with sites positioned among oak hammocks and pine flatwoods typical of west-central Florida's natural landscape. Many primitive sites sit at elevations between 15-40 feet above sea level, providing natural drainage during summer thunderstorms. Water management district properties offer some of the most secluded options, with sites positioned strategically along hiking trails and waterways.
What to do
Paddling experiences: 7-mile trips down the Withlacoochee River offer tent campers one of the most authentic Florida wilderness experiences. Potts Preserve - River Primitive Campground provides access to the river system. As one camper notes, "We really enjoyed our stay at this site. It was nice and quiet. You can't drive up to the river view campsites. So cart would be useful for that reason."
Hiking trail loops: 7.39-24 miles of interconnected trails through the Croom Tract of Withlacoochee State Forest allow backpackers to access primitive sites. Tucker Hill Forestry Primitive Sites connects directly to extensive trail systems. According to a reviewer, "You can hike all day and walk the 1/2 mile to car to get camping gear so you don't have to carry a heavy pack all day."
Bird watching opportunities: Over 150 species have been documented throughout the preserves and state forest lands near Homosassa. Many tent sites provide excellent viewing locations for wading birds. A visitor to Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park mentioned, "Birders bring your binoculars! Over 150 species call Starkey home either full or part time."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many tent campers specifically appreciate the natural vegetation barriers at Crooked River Campground in Withlacoochee State Forest. A recent visitor noted, "Each campground has its primitive camp charm all come with a picnic table, parking spot, a wooden pole you can hang your garbage, and a water spout near by." Another camper observed, "It seemed like every site was surrounded by dense undergrowth which really added more privacy."
River access for cooling off: During hot Florida days, tent campers value sites with river access for swimming. One family reported about their Crooked River experience, "The walk to the river from our site was so worth it. We loved exploring the trail and then letting the kids play in the water while we tried to catch some bass."
Free camping options: Budget-conscious tent campers appreciate the water management district properties that offer no-cost camping. A visitor to Flying Eagle Preserve shared, "You make a free reservation and receive the gate code to get in. We had a wonderful time and ran into very few people."
What you should know
Insect protection essentials: Mosquitoes and ticks are prevalent throughout tent sites near Homosassa, particularly from April through October. A camper at Crooked River reported, "There's mosquitoes but that is Florida camping bring bug spray and keep the fire going helps." Similar advice came from a hiker at Tucker Hill: "Ticks can be bad - make sure you bring repellent."
Airboat noise concerns: Several riverfront tent sites experience periods of airboat traffic noise. A reviewer at Flying Eagle Preserve noted, "Pretty much the only thing we heard were airboats." This noise typically diminishes after sunset at most locations.
Reservation requirements vary: Tent sites in Withlacoochee State Forest require advance booking through ReserveAmerica, while water management district properties use a different system. Pasco County - Crews Lake Wilderness Park offers a third reservation option through county systems. Regular campers report the park is "awesome" with "well maintained trail."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water activities: Children particularly enjoy the shallow river access points for wading and exploring. One family reported about their Crooked River Campground experience: "My boyfriend, myself, and 3 kids (7-8y/o) spent 4th of July weekend here and LOVED it! The kids really loved cooling off in the river and catching frogs, they all agree that this was there favorite part."
Trail-accessible campsites: Families with older children can take advantage of sites requiring short walks from parking areas, providing a more adventurous experience without difficult hiking. According to a visitor at Croom B Loop Primitive Site, "We love backpacking and to get to this site you will hike some beautiful trails!"
Pack-in/pack-out requirements: Most primitive tent sites near Homosassa require campers to pack out all trash. Explaining this responsibility to children beforehand helps instill leave-no-trace principles. A camper noted about Croom Primitive Sites, "All litter must be packed out. Do not bury or burn it."
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility limitations: RV campers should note that many of the most scenic tent sites in the region have no vehicle access. At Potts Preserve, a camper observed the changing conditions: "Still a very nice primitive campground, the access and sites have changed, drastically. The large open pasture/meadow is no longer a vehicle area. There is a designated area to leave vehicles, and the sites on the river are walk in only."
Weather considerations: Flooding can affect tent sites during Florida's rainy season, particularly in lower elevation areas. A camper at Hillsborough River State Park noted, "Our site was spacious. It did not flood when we had torrential downpours for a few hours one night."
