Best Campgrounds near Lakeland, FL

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.

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 Reviews near Lakeland, FL

1195 Reviews of 324 Lakeland Campgrounds


  • Dan M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve

    Very Nice but ....

    Very Nice just being wood panels. It's a long dirt road to get to the campsite and I didn't think my car would make it through some of the big puddles after rain. Chevy Malibu isn't really known for off-roading lol

  • Carlos T.
    Sep. 18, 2025

    Encore Silver Dollar

    Mobile home park, with rv sites.

    We stay there four times over a couple of years.  We have not see much of the park because we only arrive at night, plug in for ac, and in the morning we leave.

  • Rodd S.
    Sep. 18, 2025

    Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park

    Cabin stay

    Solo outing to clear my mind. Just me and the pup. Cabins were at 50% occupancy as it was mid-week. Quiet neighbors except the group behind me who was gone by 9pm. Many trails. Only one outlet, bring a powerstrip.

  • Amanda W.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.


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 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.