Glamping cabins and yurt accommodations close to Hudson, Florida provide a comfortable outdoor experience with basic conveniences. These facilities typically remain open year-round, with summer temperatures reaching the 90s and winter lows averaging in the 50s. Most visitors find spring and fall offer the most comfortable weather conditions for outdoor activities at these destinations.
What to do
Manatee viewing experiences: At Nature's Resort in Homosassa, visitors can arrange wildlife tours directly from the marina. "A local tour guide picked us up right at the marina to go swim with the manatees (Manatee Tours and More with Captain Anna... excellent)," notes camper Jess S.
Trail hiking: The Mutual Mine Campground in Withlacoochee State Forest offers access to extensive trail systems. A camper mentions, "We hiked extensively in this tract and used Mutual Mine campground as one of our stop-overs. Very nice, open, flat areas to pitch tents and close to hiking trails."
Swimming opportunities: Cool off in the clear waters at Mutual Mine Recreation Area. According to a reviewer, "Campsite 12 was our favorite. It was a Family weekend for the books! The watering hole helped us stay cool and the camp host was very informative and friendly."
Kayaking and canoeing: Hillsborough River State Park offers river access for paddlers approximately 45 minutes from Hudson. "Nice trails, great river canoeing. Close to Tampa and Busch Gardens," states a visitor to the park.
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park features generously sized sites. One camper noted, "Campsite #9 has so far been my most favorite spot here. It's VERY spacious (could easily fit 5 large tents here) and the back of the site has a trail that leads directly to The McNeil Homestead."
Wildlife viewing: Many campers appreciate the abundant wildlife in the preserves. At Starkey Wilderness Preserve — Serenova Tract, one visitor mentioned, "Saw a good bit of wildlife: deer and wild boar. Hiking and biking trials."
Water recreation: The clear water features are popular among visitors. At Mutual Mine Recreation Area, a visitor shared, "It has a beautiful couple of lakes, crystal clear water. I regretted not bring a pole to fish! I definitely need to get back over there for another night or two."
Clean facilities: Campers frequently mention the maintenance of amenities. At Pasco County - Crews Lake Wilderness Park, a visitor simply stated, "Awesome park with well maintained trail. There are a lot of other small trails that lead off into the woods."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most parks require advance booking. For Mutual Mine Campground, "The reservations can be made online through the Pasco Parks website. There are 3 primitive campsites scattered throughout the park."
Seasonal considerations: Summer camping requires preparation for heat and insects. A camper at Hillsborough River State Park warned, "The mosquitoes were ridiculous in June. We practically had to anchor our toddler to the picnic table so he wasn't carried away by them."
Water availability: Bring sufficient water when visiting more remote sites. A Mutual Mine visitor advised, "They have water stations, but do not count on these being full at all times. Bring water with you. Don't risk it!"
Noise levels: Some campgrounds can get busy, particularly on weekends. A Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park camper cautioned, "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. Very loud, too many tents packed into each site."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Fort De Soto Campground offers child-friendly recreation areas. "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."
Educational opportunities: Many parks provide nature education. One visitor to Jay B. Starkey noted, "Nature education center for children. Playgrounds and pavilions for get togethers."
Swimming safety: When using natural water features, monitor conditions. At Mutual Mine, a camper shared, "The pond seems clean enough for a swim."
Restroom accessibility: Plan for bathroom access with children. A camper at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park mentioned, "The bathrooms are clean and easily accessible. There are also 3 primitive campsites available out on the trails."
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Many RV sites in the area are compact. At Quail Run RV Park, a visitor noted, "Very good service. Nice park. Level concrete pads. Ours was pull through."
Power availability: Electric hookups vary between parks. For cabin glamping near Hudson, one visitor to Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park observed, "Only one outlet, bring a powerstrip."
Reservation timing: Peak season requires advance planning. At Fort De Soto, "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."
Space considerations: RVers should research site dimensions before booking. At Sherwood Forest RV Resort, "The sites are VERY close to one another, the slabs have a crazy arc to them, and the water hook ups are smack in the middle between yourself and the other sites."
