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Best Campgrounds near Lakeland, FL

1,192 Reviews

Lakeland, Florida has several state parks nearby that make good camping bases. At Little Manatee River State Park, you can camp with views of the river and spend your days kayaking or fishing. The campground at Wekiwa Springs State Park is popular for its clear springs where many people swim and snorkel. Hillsborough River State Park Campground has hiking trails that take you through Florida's natural landscapes. Since these spots fill up quickly, you should reserve your campsite months ahead, particularly during busy times. You can drive right up to these parks on paved roads, though you'll want good shoes for the trails. All these campgrounds come with basic amenities like shower facilities, picnic tables, and fire rings. If you're bringing kids, Little Manatee River State Park has a playground they'll enjoy. At Wekiwa Springs, you can rent canoes and kayaks to get out on the water. Fall and winter are the most comfortable times to camp here, as Florida summers get really hot. Pack rain gear since Florida showers can pop up anytime. These parks give you different camping feels but all provide good breaks from city noise. Make sure to check the park rules before you go to keep your trip smooth. These campgrounds work well for both experienced campers and newcomers to sleeping outdoors.

Map showing campgrounds near Lakeland, FloridaExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Lakeland, Florida (324)

    1. Hillsborough River State Park Campground

    65 Reviews
    Thonotosassa, FL
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (813) 987-6771

    $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."

    2. Camp Margaritaville RV Resort and Cabana Cabins Auburndale

    19 Reviews
    Auburndale, FL
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (863) 455-7335

    $74 - $99999 / 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."

    3. Colt Creek State Park Campground

    32 Reviews
    Zephyrhills, FL
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (863) 815-6761

    $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"

    4. Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground

    129 Reviews
    Windermere, FL
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (407) 939-2267

    $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"

    5. Wilderness Shores Ranch & RV/Tent Campground

    4 Reviews
    Lakeland, FL
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (863) 899-5147

    $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."

    6. Saddle Creek Park and Campground

    6 Reviews
    Lakeland, FL
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (863) 413-2399

    $10 - $20 / night

    "Thrift and bait shop nearby."

    7. Edward Medard Park

    10 Reviews
    Durant, FL
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (813) 757-3802

    $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."

    8. Lakeland RV Resort

    2 Reviews
    Lakeland, FL
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (863) 687-6146

    "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."

    9. Sun n Fun Campground

    3 Reviews
    Mulberry, FL
    7 miles
    Website

    "Located just south of Lakeland this park offers multiple amenities for group gatherings including a large firepit and stage area."

    10. Sanlan RV & Golf Resort

    2 Reviews
    Highland City, FL
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (863) 665-1726
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Recent Camping Photos near Lakeland, FL

285 Photos of 324 Lakeland Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Lakeland, FL

1192 Reviews of 324 Lakeland Campgrounds

  • Amanda W.
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Camp Margaritaville RV Resort and Cabana Cabins Auburndale

    So fun! Huge sites!!

    Margaritaville is so clean & spacious!! The store has so much great stuff and there is always entertainment. They even have a big farmers market on Sundays with tons of vendors. There are two big pools (the back one is quiet) with bars, yummy drinks and good food. They are pet friendly & have dog poo stations along the roads. Very close to a long biking trail & there’s a gas station near the entrance. Beautifully landscaped & friendly staff.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Lake Kissimmee State Park Campground

    Laid back camping

    Nice spot to just get away and relax. Lots of hiking trails and some wildlife. Deers all around even among the campsites. Some tours available close by for airboats. We will be back here again.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Belle Parc RV Resort

    Belle parc is a very relaxing campground

    So check in was easy and the ladies at the front office where amazing and very hospitable. We were shown to our campsite by a very nice gentleman. He even helped us back in and hook up. As for the stay it’s been very relaxing and quiet. The shower houses are awesome. We backed up to one of the lakeside areas where the fishing was excellent. We were Also located next to a pool and it was very clean with limited activity from other guest. Would definitely recommend to stay again.

  • SukiDookie ..The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Upper Hillsborough Water Management Area

    Very quiet and peaceful

    We were the only ones there for the weekend, probably because of the summer heat. However, it was nice and free. There is a porta-potty, but I didn’t check it out, so I’m not sure about the cleanliness. The grounds were nicely maintained, though. I do wish the fire rings weren’t so damaged, and the lack of trash cans was surprising. Just take your trash with you, leave no trace, and it was an enjoyable and free experience!

  • N
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Sundance Lakes RV Resort

    They don't care about their residents!

    I lived in this park full-time for 2½ years when Hurricane Helene submerged it under 3½ feet of water. The damage left the park without power for months, forcing us to move out and causing tremendous expenses. During that time, the park made no effort to assist or support the residents in any way. 

    When I applied for FEMA assistance, I was told I needed a simple letter from the park confirming the extended power outage. They refused to provide it, even though it would have cost them nothing and could have helped residents like me recover some of our losses. 

    Instead of showing compassion or accountability, they chose to do nothing. The staff at this park are unprofessional, unhelpful, and unwilling to take responsibility. It was a deeply disappointing experience, and I would never recommend living here.

  • Julia Marie H.
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Encore Vacation Village

    Mosquitoes beware

    This is a mosquito heaven!!! Being bug spray or candles! You will see a large amount of bugs in your area…. They used to spray. But now they don’t… with a pond down the street there is No end in site for air borne bug issues.

  • Nicole W.
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Encore Sherwood Forest

    Tent camping spring trip

    I booked this for a first time car camping with my 4 year old. The tent spots are ok just placed on corner spots with traffic. The spot I got was close to restroom with kids is a must if you don’t have other options. Front people were nice and tried to help. Got rained out of my check out time. Had to extend check out.

  • Jackie S.
    Aug. 15, 2025

    Gulfbreeze RV Park

    Great little cozy park

    Everyone here treats you like family here

Guide to Lakeland

Camping near Lakeland, Florida, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Explore nature trails: Many campgrounds, like Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground, have stunning trails. One visitor mentioned, "The trails are absolutely gorgeous. Natural palms growing among tall pines."
  • Wildlife watching: Campers at Myakka River State Park enjoy spotting various animals. A reviewer said, "It's quiet, and there's plenty of wildlife to be seen: Lots of birds, alligators, deer, wild turkeys."
  • Fishing and kayaking: At Hillsborough River State Park Campground, you can rent kayaks and enjoy fishing. One camper noted, "You can rent kayaks or canoes to take a trip down a wonderfully, peaceful river."

What campers like

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Lake Louisa State Park Campground said, "The bathrooms are exceptionally clean!"
  • Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy spots for tents and RVs. A reviewer at Colt Creek State Park Campground mentioned, "Very quiet and spacious. Wildlife in abundance."
  • Friendly staff: Campers often rave about the helpfulness of the staff. One camper at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground said, "The staff was very friendly when we called ahead to report our late arrival."

What you should know

  • Bugs can be a problem: Some campers have reported issues with insects, especially in warmer months. One visitor at Fort De Soto Campground said, "The bugs were so bad... it was absolutely miserable."
  • Limited amenities at some sites: Not all campgrounds have extensive facilities. A camper at Lake Kissimmee State Park Campground noted, "The on-site store was only open on specific days of the week and did not carry ice."
  • Reservations are recommended: Popular campgrounds can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. A camper at Orlando/Kissimmee KOA mentioned, "I think we were at the only undesirable site on the property."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose family-friendly campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. A visitor at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground said, "There are so many sites and yes there are people around but there’s serious vegetation between all the sites that you have plenty of privacy."
  • Pack for the weather: Florida can be hot and humid, so bring plenty of water and sunscreen. A camper at Hillsborough River State Park Campground noted, "Cool weather in February meant little to no bugs (yay!)."
  • Plan activities: Make sure to have a list of things to do. A camper at Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground mentioned, "We were usually out hiking and swimming during the day."

Tips from RVers

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the campground's sites. A reviewer at Colt Creek State Park Campground said, "Spacious and open sites that are very big rig friendly."
  • Use dump stations: Many campgrounds have easy access to dump stations. A camper at Lake Louisa State Park Campground mentioned, "The dump station had a hose to help with wash out."
  • Bring your own firewood: Some campgrounds sell firewood, but it’s good to have your own just in case. A visitor at Myakka River State Park said, "Firewood available for purchase."

Camping around Lakeland, FL, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Lakeland, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, Lakeland, FL offers a wide range of camping options, with 324 campgrounds and RV parks near Lakeland, FL and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Lakeland, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Lakeland, FL is Hillsborough River State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 65 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Lakeland, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Lakeland, FL.

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