Best Tent Camping near Inverness, FL
Several primitive tent camping areas dot the Withlacoochee State Forest region near Inverness, Florida, with Flying Eagle Preserve and Potts Preserve offering free tent camping with proper reservations. Crooked River Campground in the Croom Tract provides tent-only sites nestled along the Withlacoochee River system, while Tucker Hill Forestry offers walk-in primitive tent sites accessible via hiking trails that connect to the Florida Trail.
Most tent campgrounds in this region require advance reservations through the Southwest Florida Water Management District or Florida Forest Service, often providing a gate code for access. Tent sites typically include fire rings and picnic tables, though amenities vary significantly between locations. A camper noted that "directions can be wrong on GPS apps" when trying to locate Flying Eagle Preserve's tent camping area. Primitive sites at Potts Preserve have undergone changes, with one visitor explaining that "you can't drive up to the river view campsites" as vehicles must now be left in designated areas with walk-in access to tent sites.
Tent camping experiences in the Inverness area feature distinctive Florida wilderness with riverside locations dominating the landscape. Areas like Flying Eagle Preserve offer spacious, private tent sites where, according to one reviewer, "each time not a single soul to be found with the exception of the passing airboats." Campers should prepare for mosquitoes, particularly during summer months, and occasional noise from airboats on weekends. The tent sites at Crooked River Campground are described as "surrounded by dense undergrowth which really added more privacy," making them ideal for campers seeking a secluded tent experience. Many primitive tent camping areas connect to hiking trail networks, including the Florida Trail system that passes through portions of the Withlacoochee State Forest, providing extended backpacking opportunities beyond the established campgrounds.