Best Tent Camping near Lake Placid, FL
Tent campers near Lake Placid, Florida have several established options within an hour's drive, including Highlands Hammock State Park Campground, which offers both standard and primitive tent sites. The standard campground area features sites with water and electric hookups, while the separate primitive tent camping area provides a more secluded experience with portapotties nearby rather than full facilities.
Tent sites at Highlands Hammock are primarily set on natural dirt and grass surfaces with varying amounts of shade and vegetation between sites. The primitive tent area offers more separation between campsites and better tree cover for hammocks compared to the main campground area. Most sites include fire rings and picnic tables, though fire bans may be in effect during dry periods. Portable water is available in the main campground area but primitive campers should plan to fill containers before heading to their sites. A visitor noted that "the primitive campsites do not have many trees and are close together," though they do provide basic amenities including picnic tables and fire pits.
The tent camping experience varies significantly between the main campground and primitive areas. Standard sites place tent campers alongside RVs, which several reviewers mentioned limits privacy. One camper warned, "The sites are very close and not much to talk about. I was eaten alive by red ants in our site." For those seeking more seclusion, the primitive area provides better separation and natural settings. Highlands Hammock State Park offers numerous hiking trails through diverse Florida ecosystems, including boardwalks through wetlands and paths through hammock forests. Many tent campers use the park as a base for exploring these trails and viewing wildlife like alligators, deer, and various bird species. The park also maintains a camp store with basic supplies and features ranger-led activities.
