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Camping near Hudson, FL
280 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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Campgrounds near Hudson, Florida range from developed RV parks to primitive tent sites across a mix of state forests and private facilities. Encore Barrington Hills in Hudson provides RV and cabin accommodations with full hookups, while nearby Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park offers a more natural setting with tent, RV, cabin, and glamping options. The Serenova Tract Campsites in Land O' Lakes, approximately 10 miles southeast of Hudson, provides drive-in and hike-in access for tent and RV camping in a more secluded environment. Hudson campgrounds offer diverse camping experiences from waterfront sites at Mary's Fish Camp along the Weeki Wachee River to more rustic options throughout the surrounding area.
Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping experiences in this region, with summer months bringing high humidity and temperatures alongside frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Most campgrounds remain open year-round, though winter (November through April) offers more comfortable camping conditions with lower humidity and temperatures averaging 65-75°F. Reservations are recommended, particularly for developed sites with amenities, as many campgrounds fill quickly during weekends and holiday periods. Water levels in the Withlacoochee River and connected waterways fluctuate seasonally, affecting paddling and fishing opportunities. A camper noted, "Nice place to spend a couple days. Food shopping right across the street, Publix. Also a couple take out places. Campground itself was clean, quiet, a little road noise, oh well. Otherwise, peaceful."
Several visitors highlight the natural features of the area's campgrounds despite their proximity to urban development. The Withlacoochee State Forest campgrounds receive positive reviews for their access to hiking and biking trails, including the popular Withlacoochee State Trail. Wildlife viewing opportunities are abundant, with campers reporting sightings of manatees, dolphins, and various bird species. Proximity to water remains a key attraction, with many campgrounds offering fishing docks, boat ramps, or direct water access. Hudson camping options provide excellent access to Florida's Gulf Coast outdoor recreation, with many sites located within a short drive of beaches and coastal activities. One reviewer described Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park as "a great get away in west-central Florida as a day trip or long weekend stay" with "over 50 miles of biking, hiking, nature as well as equestrian trails to enjoy." Noise from nearby highways affects some campgrounds, particularly those closest to Interstate 75, which campers mention in reviews of sites in the Withlacoochee State Forest.
Best Campgrounds near Hudson (280)
1. Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park
"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.""3.2 mile hike through mostly open Florida pine forest with the occasional swamp. Perfect time of year to come. Site has great shade and opens up at the fire pit for great star gazing."
2. Serenova Tract Campsites
"I'd stay again. 15 minutes from Hudson Beach ⛱. I love the beach. Tarpon Springs, half hour away. Oh yeah, gas is right next door, Racetrack. Everything else 10 minutes away."
"Starkey wilderness park and can be accessed off of Route 52 in Land O' Lakes, Fl."
3. Mary’s Fish Camp
"Our site(cant remember which number) was right next to the hill which I defientally reccomend because the hill and field allow you to spread out more."
"Located on the Mud River but don't let the name fool you. This is a spring fed tidal tributary which means almost crystal clear, dolphins. manatees, aquatic birds and fish galore."
from $35 - $175 / night
Check Availability4. Starkey Wilderness Preserve — Serenova Tract
"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."
5. Encore Barrington Hills
"We visited local state parks (not many nearby) and enjoyed the area on the gulf side of 19. It felt relatively safe and there was no gate to contend with."
6. Caladesi RV Park
"Decent size spot with stone drive and cement patio. Bathrooms and showers are kept clean. Nice laundry facilities with area to play cards if you wanted. Pool area is nice with shade spots."
"I stayed two weeks here with my dog and loved the location— great bike access to nearby trails and easy drives to Honeymoon Island."
from $45 - $75 / night
Check Availability7. Anclote Key Preserve State Park Campground
"Short boat ride out to what felt like a secluded island, back when florida was all natural. We had the whole place to ourselves. Camping is definitely pack in pack out."
"Spend your day swimming and sunbathing at the beach or kayaking around the island."
8. Pasco County - Crews Lake Wilderness Park
"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"
9. Hillsborough River State Park Campground
"Then exit 7 to Highway 301 north about 10 miles to the campground. The way in which the state park and campground are set up is easy too."
"This was my first time at a campground in Florida! I was surrounded by beautiful wildlife (alligators, birds, and even a wild boar). The hiking trails were perfect for a beginner or a regular hiker."
from $24 / night
Check Availability10. Hickory Point RV Park
"It’s Florida so it’s a tight fit in every spot. The staff we’ve met so far have been very friendly and helpful. It’s close to a lot of fun places to go and great beaches to see."
"They have beach chairs near the water and a fire pit that they lit every evening near sunset. In addition to the Bark Park area, there is a nice wooded area where you can walk your dog as well. "
Drive Time
- 38 min from Homosassa Springs, FL
- 44 min from Tampa, FL
- 1 hr 9 min from Lakeland, FL
Recent Camping Photos near Hudson, FL
253 Photos of 280 Hudson Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Recent Reviews near Hudson, FL
1004 Reviews of 280 Hudson Campgrounds
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Corey S.
TravelerBay Bayou RV Resort
Great time @ a great campground.
Great fishing docks, with lighting for nighttime fishing. Clean & great environment, kids had a blast. Will stay here again
Gail S.ScoutZephyr Colony RV Park
Present it will be a great place to live.
Zephyrhills colony has new Management. It's like a breath of fresh air.A weight is lifted from our shoulders of constant harassment and being hawked at on a daily basis. The parking pads are beautiful.The construction crew did an excellent job and the yellow stripes on the roads are amazing.We are so thankful for this improvement in our park that we can be proud and happy at once and for all. I thank God for answered prayer personally.Now I can breathe now.I can live amen
Lourie H.ScoutLithia Springs
Beautiful, Peaceful Campground, but the Hospitality Could Use Some Work
The campsites are nice! They’re close together, but there are plenty of trees providing shade and privacy. The grounds are well maintained, probably thanks in part to the very strict rules (nothing tied to trees, no disturbing or touching nature, etc.).
Unfortunately, the spring was closed due to flooding during our visit, but the kids enjoyed the swings at the playground (the slides were too hot!). We rode our bikes, relaxed, and enjoyed the peace and quiet.
My only real complaint was the staff and their approach to enforcing the rules. From the moment we checked in, the emphasis seemed to be more on what we couldn’t do than on welcoming us. We completely understand the importance of protecting the natural environment, but the delivery came across as unnecessarily harsh, almost rude.
To top it off, we received a written warning for checking out 45 minutes late, despite having already vacated our campsite. We were simply waiting to use the dump station. It seemed a bit excessive considering we weren’t occupying our site or holding up the next campers.
Overall, it’s a beautiful, peaceful campground with plenty of shade, and we really enjoyed our stay. A little more hospitality and flexibility from the staff would have made the experience even better.
- JJeffrey L.Scout
Fort De Soto Campground
Fort Desoto Campground
Close to beaches, beach parking is paid via campground fees. Quiet this time of year, fairly good size sites.
- LLibby H.Scout
Chassahowitzka River Campground
Great location, professionally managed, shady Old Florida
This is an excellent, quiet campground conveniently near the Chassahowitzka River Boat Ramp. It's incredibly cool and shady, so valuable in Florida. Sites are level and trees well trimmed. As newer RVers, I'd point to spots 13, 14, 15, 18, 19, and 20 as among the easiest back-in spots, as you can utilize the turn of the driveway to get straightened up better. All of these spots also are shady and private. The campground was quiet on the weekend we visited, but during high season, sites 19, 20 and 48 (pull through) are among those offering the most privacy from neighbors.
Regarding the boat ramp access: take note, the ramp is easily accessible from the campground but not "walking distance" if you are carrying a kayak. You will either need to drive your boat(s) down or rent. Parking fee is $5 vehicle only/$7 vehicle plus boat trailer, and you can access the spot before business hours and pay the fee in cash in the Honor System box on the side of the boat house. The Chassahowitzka is a gorgeous, spring-fed, clear-water river, a true gem in Florida, and just gorgeous for observing fish and birds. The place gets busy on weekends, so arrive early.
We loved our stay and this camp is on our "must return" list!
- TTommy W.Scout
McCormick Lakes RV Park
Amazing stay
Great place just know this campground has no shower house etc it’s just a nice quiet place with a beautiful sunset! Starlink works great
- dd I.
GuideFort De Soto Campground
A local favorite
Great views! Most sites have water-access backyards. Gravel pads are long enough and grassy area behind them goes to waters edge. Room for kiddos to play and adults to wade fish for seatrout on the flats
Joe F.ScoutTropical Acres RV Park & Storage
Nor the host was extremely unprofessional and disrespectful
The host Nor treated me like trash. He mandates you leave a lock off of your hitch so he can move your Rv around as needed. Mind you I was going to be paying for a reserved spot on the property paying a monthly rate. When I inquired more about their policy to see if they damaged my Rv while moving it would it be covered by them for the repairs of damages. My reservation was then automatically canceled for no reason and Nor only gave me a partial refund for my booking. He is very rude and unprofessional. There are also other reviews in the neighbor app stating damages happened while moving someone's rv and he refused to take accountability or finance the repairs for that customer. Hints the reason I was wanting clarification on the matter. Instead of providing it he decided to cancel my reservation and tried to beat me out of my deposit. Dont bring your RV here for storage it is a huge risk!
Guide to Hudson
Camping opportunities near Hudson, Florida encompass various options from primitive to fully developed sites, with most locations offering year-round availability. The region sits in the Gulf Coastal Lowlands with elevations typically below 30 feet, featuring a subtropical climate that affects camping conditions throughout the seasons. Water resources heavily influence campsite selection, with several locations offering access to springs, rivers, and coastal areas.
What to do
Paddle the waterways: Access the Mud River from Mary's Fish Camp for kayaking adventures. "Kayak the river and find a few hidden spring runs. Creek connects to Weeki Wachee river," notes reviewer Ron K. The camp provides kayak rentals and direct water access.
Explore hiking trails: The trail system at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park offers extensive options for day hikes. "The park has separate primitive tent, car-camping (tent) and cabin campgrounds near the entrance of the park along with over 50 miles of biking, hiking, nature as well as equestrian trails to enjoy," explains Steve S.
Primitive island camping: For more adventurous campers, Anclote Key Preserve State Park offers a unique boat-in camping experience. "We kayaked out from Anclote river park and stayed two nights on the island. There are no amenities so we packed everything we would need in the kayak. During the day there were quite a few boats on the island but by about 4pm we basically had the island to ourselves," shares Kaitlin B.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Campers at Serenova Tract Campsites appreciate the secluded nature of the camping areas. "Got out late at night on a Friday and pulled into a offshoot. The next day found a very nice campsite spot to set up at. Very private, great views and the neighboring campers were very respectful," reports Brett D.
Clean facilities: Many reviewers highlight the maintenance of bathrooms and common areas as a positive feature. At Hillsborough River State Park, one camper noted, "The bathrooms are well kept and clean. The park itself is very nice, with some hikes and kayak rentals."
Wildlife viewing: The natural setting provides opportunities to observe local species. "We noticed several rangers and volunteers performing various tasks to improve the parks appearance. Saw a good bit of wildlife: deer and wild boar," mentions AJ G. about Starkey Wilderness Preserve.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking. For Pasco County - Crews Lake Wilderness Park, reservations can be made through the county system, while Serenova Tract requires permits through Southwest Florida Water Management District.
Limited facilities at primitive sites: Be prepared for minimal amenities at some locations. "Need a reservation, there are just a handful of sites. Each has a fire ring and a table. There is a bathroom, but we never went in... 4 instead of 5 only because there is no potable water," writes Hootmon H. about Serenova Tract.
Seasonal insect conditions: Bug protection is essential, particularly during warmer months. At Hillsborough River State Park, Jake H. warns, "Bring plenty of bugspray, the mosquitoes here are big enough to carry away a small dog."
Tips for camping with families
Educational opportunities: Several parks offer nature programs for children. At Hillsborough River State Park Campground, facilities include an educational center. "Nature education center for children. Playgrounds and pavilions for get togethers. Large group bon fire pits and cabins for rent," describes Tim L.
Beginner-friendly sites: For families new to camping, Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park offers accessible options. "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. I've camped here with my 4/5 year old boys and our Cub Scout pack," shares Melanie B.
Swimming areas: Several parks feature swimming options for cooling off during hot days. "The pool is clean and clear and that works for me. Also, the manager is always around greeting people and doing things around the park so the grounds are nice and tidy," notes Ron D. about Caladesi RV Park.
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: RV sites offer different levels of services across campgrounds. At Caladesi RV Park, "It's a tiny rv park, with small sites, right off a busy road. BUT the bathrooms and laundry are clean, the staff is nice... and location. Location. Location... the location is awesome, Clearwater right down the road, best pizza ever nearby."
Proximity to supplies: Many camping sites near Hudson provide convenient access to necessities. At Serenova Tract, Curtis D. points out, "Food shopping right across the street, Publix. Also a couple take out places... gas is right next door, Racetrack. Everything else 10 minutes away."
Site spacing considerations: Some RV parks offer more room between sites than others. Regarding Encore Barrington Hills, one reviewer noted, "The lots have space. They are not on top of each other. The lots, bathrooms and laundry room are all kept clean and well stocked."
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any waterfront campgrounds near Hudson, Florida?
Are there any waterfront campgrounds near Hudson, Florida?
Shell Key Preserve offers exceptional waterfront camping accessible only by boat. This pristine preserve features amazing views and abundant wildlife including stingrays and various bird species. Reservations are required, and note that pets and alcohol are not permitted. Another excellent waterfront option is Hog Island Campground — Withlacoochee State Forest, located on the eastern bank of the Withlacoochee River. This campground provides a peaceful riverside setting near the town of Nobleton, making it perfect for those seeking a water-adjacent camping experience not far from Hudson.
What are the best campgrounds in Hudson, WI for tent camping?
What are the best campgrounds in Hudson, WI for tent camping?
While the reviews focus on Florida locations, it appears there may be confusion between Hudson, WI and Hudson, FL. For tent camping in Hudson, Wisconsin, you'll want to look at nearby options like Willow River State Park or William O'Brien State Park. These parks offer scenic camping along the St. Croix River with well-maintained tent sites, fire rings, and access to hiking trails. Local Wisconsin state parks typically provide potable water, vault or flush toilets, and shower facilities. For the most accurate information about tent camping options near Hudson, WI, check with the Wisconsin DNR or local county parks departments.
What camping is available near Hudson, FL?
What camping is available near Hudson, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, Hudson, FL offers a wide range of camping options, with 280 campgrounds and RV parks near Hudson, FL and 4 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Hudson, FL?
Which is the most popular campground near Hudson, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Hudson, FL is Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park with a 4.3-star rating from 13 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Hudson, FL?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Hudson, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Hudson, FL.
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