Campgrounds near Lakeland, Florida range from full-service RV resorts to more rustic state park facilities, with several offering cabin options for those seeking amenities beyond traditional camping. Wilderness Shores Ranch & RV/Tent Campground and Hillsborough River State Park provide contrasting experiences, with the former offering waterfront sites on a working ranch and the latter providing a more traditional state park camping environment. Several campgrounds in the area feature both tent and RV accommodations, though cabin options are increasingly common, particularly at privately-operated resorts like Camp Margaritaville RV Resort and Cabana Cabins, Lakeland RV Resort, and Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground located within driving distance.
Seasonal conditions remain relatively consistent year-round, with most campgrounds operating throughout all seasons. Summer heat and humidity can be intense, with afternoon thunderstorms common from June through September. "This is a small county campground in the middle of a wildlife preserve. The manager is a little strange but for the most part the people are quiet," noted one camper about Saddle Creek Park. Water and electric hookups are standard at most established campgrounds, though amenities vary significantly between budget-oriented county parks and higher-end resort facilities. Advance reservations are recommended for weekend stays, particularly during winter months when the region experiences an influx of seasonal visitors seeking warmer weather.
Waterfront camping locations receive consistently positive reviews, with several campgrounds situated near lakes or creeks. Many visitors highlight clean facilities and friendly staff as key factors in their experience. According to one visitor at Wilderness Shores: "Quiet and gorgeous; as every site has a view of the water, and trees/nature is abundant." Campgrounds closer to Lakeland tend to offer more developed amenities but may have less privacy between sites. More rustic experiences can be found at state and county parks, where natural surroundings are emphasized over resort-style amenities. Proximity to theme parks and attractions makes the region popular with families, while others appreciate the fishing opportunities at places like Saddle Creek Park. Campground fees vary widely from approximately $20 per night at county parks to over $50 at private resorts with extensive amenities.
$24 / night
"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."
$80 - $419 / night
"What it lacks in shade it makes up for with 2 nice pools, one geared toward kids with a fountain and very fun twisty slide, music, TV’s etc & the other is on the lake by a tow-ski place that’s fun"
"Very close to a long biking trail & there’s a gas station near the entrance. Beautifully landscaped & friendly staff."
$24 / night
"A gravel back in drive area that contained a fire pit a grill, electric and water. A short walk to the bathrooms that were well laid out, large and exceptionally clean."
"Okay, so I didn’t do a ton of research, but I have driven around here before so I decided to get one of the primitive sites and do a little gear testing. 5+ per person/night -Bundles of firewood available"
$56 - $201 / night
"Big park so lots of walking if you don’t have the cart (or you can bring your own and/or bikes). Our grandsons loved the golf cart!"
"The best campground in Florida ! Fun beautiful and lots to do even without going to the parks Wildlife is abundant Bunnies deer turkey"
$40 - $75 / night
"Hike along the water on trails, off road biking, and up close viewing of the beautiful ranch animals ( steer and goats )."
"Great privately owned campsite for those wanting to get away from crowds and overly-popular sites."
$24 / night
"What a beautiful well kept facility near suburbia. Just a short drive from Tampa and Lakeland areas this first come first served facility is a favorite of locals."
"Camping is first come first serve but gives you access to the park after hours. Camp sites are bit close to one another but overall amazing experience."
$10 - $20 / night
"Thrift and bait shop nearby."
"This park is conveniently located to Publix grocery store, Cracker Barrel, and many other great restaurants. It is mainly full time mobile homes but welcomes RVs as well."
"Located just south of Lakeland this park offers multiple amenities for group gatherings including a large firepit and stage area."
TravelerThere appears to be new management in the campground. Procedures are completely different and much better than previous visits. It is cleaner and more organized. It is now possible to get a reservation for the full hookup section. The river and woods trails are in great shape. Hopefully they will get the mini golf course turf replaced, it is currently painted concrete and not much fun to play on.
ScoutRelaxing campsite, most sites have water access or view. The raccoons are a little too comfortable they will make their selves at home and borrow anything that you leave open.
ScoutNice old KOA but businesses built around it. If you like sirens and racing cars irs ok. It is a nice camp ground but don’t park in back near the fence. lots of street noice like garbage pickup.
TravelerWelcoming staff upon arrival. Park is very clean and well taken care of. Met some great neighbors and enjoyed the quietness. The park is constantly monitored by staff giving you a sense of comfort. Beautiful spring to enjoy a warm day as the water temp is a consistent 72°. Canoe and Kyak launch is easily accessible to enjoy the calm waters of the Alafia River. Restrooms and showers were clean and plentiful around the grounds. We will definitely be back.
ScoutLarge, level sites. Can accommodate any size RV. Very active community. 2 activity centers, pool, pickleball, horseshoes, billiards, bingo, entertainment and much more. Clean bathrooms and showers.
GuideI think the best thing is the size of this place, there usually is always a spot to get in on. There is a nice Little River running through the very edge of the park, but it's difficult to get a spot there. Also, the laundry facility is top notch and the pool is very pleasant, they also have racquetball and some nice short trails to walk on.
GuideI was staying across the Street at 1000 trails, and I thought I would come over here and look at the old locomotive and the log cabin, etc. But as I walked through the park towards the Peace River, I saw hundreds of buzzards, which made this amazing place to visit. I also noticed that there is a sanctuary for animals here as well, and for only 5 bucks you can go and see a nice variety of birds and mammals. Overall, this is definitely a great place to go it's very, very large and it also hosts tent camping as well.
GuideLindsay in the office is great. She will go out of her way to help with anything she can. Sites are hit or miss. Some are spacious; some are cramped. It's in the city if that's your thing.
ScoutGreat place to camp, but they need Mosquito Shield to get rid of these mosques and no-see-ums. Temple terrace is bad with the mosquito problem .
Lakeland's camping opportunities spread across freshwater lakes and conservation lands, with over 38,000 acres of water bodies in Polk County alone. Most camping spots near Lakeland, Florida sit at elevations below 200 feet, creating flat terrain ideal for beginner hikers and cyclists. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F between June and September, with afternoon thunderstorms common during these months.
Water activities on multiple lakes: At Colt Creek State Park, visitors can enjoy fishing in several small lakes throughout the property. According to one camper: "There are 4 lakes (no swimming) on the property kayak/canoe rentals, nice fishing areas and a dock. Lots of wildlife." The park offers both developed campsites and primitive options along a 10-mile loop trail.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Edward Medard Park provides excellent wildlife spotting chances near Plant City. "Beautiful park with a lot of wild life. The campground had bathrooms and showers available at a short walking distance," notes one visitor. The park includes fishing piers and hiking trails where alligators are commonly seen.
Biking and hiking trails: The Van Fleet State Trail runs near several Lakeland camping areas, offering 29 miles of paved cycling path. Near Camp Margaritaville RV Resort, one camper highlighted: "Very close to a long biking trail & there's a gas station near the entrance. Beautifully landscaped & friendly staff." The resort features concrete pads and paved roads suitable for bikes of all types.
Waterfront camping sites: Wilderness Shores Ranch & RV/Tent Campground offers direct water access from most sites. A camper reported: "Quiet and gorgeous; as every site has a view of the water, and trees/nature is abundant." The property features hiking trails along the water and opportunities for off-road biking.
Clean, well-maintained facilities: Hillsborough River State Park maintains high standards for their amenities. One visitor stated: "The bathhouse was clean. They offer recycling, which is a great plus! It's nice and dark at night." The park also features rapids, which are unusual in Florida's typically flat terrain.
Diverse camping options: Sun n Fun Campground provides both full-hookup sites in grass fields and more rustic water/electric sites. According to a visitor: "Located just south of Lakeland this park offers multiple amenities for group gatherings including a large firepit and stage area." The campground includes sites near an airport where campers can watch planes.
Mosquito preparation essential: Hillsborough River State Park has significant insect activity, particularly in summer months. A camper warned: "Bring plenty of bugspray, the mosquitoes here are big enough to carry away a small dog." The park features oak tree canopies that provide shade but also harbor mosquitoes.
First-come, first-served policies: Several county parks don't accept reservations, requiring early arrival. At Edward Medard Park, a visitor noted: "Midweek is best time to visit as weekends fill fast (usually by Thursday night)." The park charges approximately $24 per night for standard sites.
Camping restrictions: Some parks prohibit ground fires but allow portable fire pits. At Saddle Creek Park, a camper explained: "No ground fires allowed but portable grills, fire pits allowed. Great spot for fishing. Thrift and bait shop nearby." The park charges $20 daily or $140 weekly for sites.
Resort-style amenities: For families seeking entertainment options, Camp Margaritaville offers extensive kid-friendly facilities. A parent reported: "We love this Margaritaville location! The staff is always friendly, they've got a great splash pad and playground for the kids, a water slide, and two larger pools for kids and adults." Sites include concrete pads with turf areas.
Animal encounters: Wilderness Shores Ranch provides unique ranch animal experiences. As one visitor described: "Absolutely loved the place! Longhorns every where, goats, horse, cows. There's little tours they do on their side by sides. The property is huge! and plenty of roaming area." Children particularly enjoy petting the goats.
Kid-friendly trails: Colt Creek State Park offers accessible outdoor experiences for young explorers. A visitor mentioned: "There is a paved trail as well as wide dirt trails to explore. This is a great place to visit." The park features handicap-accessible sites with higher fire pits for safety.
Site access challenges: Some parks have limited maneuvering room for larger rigs. At Disney's Fort Wilderness, a camper cautioned: "There is not a lot of room in the loops to pull your rv into the spot. There is plenty of room between your rv and your neighbor next to you but not a lot of room across from your spot." Many visitors recommend asking for assistance when backing into sites.
Resort hookup options: Full hookups aren't universally available at all campgrounds. A boondocker at Hillsborough River State Park shared: "We are boondockers so we tend to stay away from very peoplely places... but it was very comfortable everything was clean and super convenient. There was 30 amp as well as 50 amp water there's a dump station."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping options are available in Lakeland for this weekend?
For this weekend in Lakeland, consider Sun n Fun Campground located just south of Lakeland with full hookup sites in a grassy field and excellent bath houses. They offer multiple amenities for groups including a large firepit area. Another good option is Sanlan RV & Golf Resort in Lakeland with drive-in access, reservable sites, and full hookups. For weekend camping, it's best to make reservations in advance, especially during peak seasons. Most campgrounds in the area require 24-48 hour advance booking through their websites or by phone.
Is boondocking or free camping allowed near Lakeland?
Free camping options do exist near Lakeland. The Green Swamp — Hampton Tract offers free camping through the Southwest Florida Water Management District, though you'll need to obtain a permit ahead of time through their website. This is primitive camping with minimal amenities. The Withlacoochee State Forest area has some options like Hog Island Campground, though not entirely free. True boondocking is limited in central Florida due to private land ownership and regulations. Always verify current rules before attempting to camp, as regulations can change.
Where are the best campgrounds near Lakeland, Florida?
The best campgrounds near Lakeland include Edward Medard Park, a beautiful well-kept facility just a short drive from the Lakeland area with full RV services, clean bathrooms, and additional activities like kayaking. Lake Louisa State Park Campground is another excellent option located off Route 27, offering a more natural setting while still being accessible. For those seeking convenience to highways, Love's RV Hookup-Auburndale provides 24-hour access just northwest of Lakeland off I-4 with dedicated overnight parking slots.
Where can I find places to buy firewood in Lakeland for camping?
Firewood for camping around Lakeland is readily available at most major gas stations, grocery stores like Publix and Walmart, and home improvement stores such as Lowe's and Home Depot. Many campgrounds like Saddle Creek Park and Campground sell firewood on-site. When camping at Crooked River Campground or other state forest sites, remember that it's best to buy local wood to prevent spreading invasive pests. The Florida Forest Service recommends purchasing firewood within 50 miles of where you'll burn it.
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