19 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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. Camping near Lakeland covers a wide spectrum, from waterfront tent sites at Wilderness Shores Ranch to RV hookups at Lakeland RV Resort, with nightly fees running from roughly $20 at county parks to over $50 at private resorts. 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.
"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."
Available this weekend
from $24 / 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."
from $67 - $99999 / 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"
Available this weekend
from $24 / night
"If you’re looking for an authentic “Old Florida” experience surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, this campground is truly something special."
"Hike along the water on trails, off road biking, and up close viewing of the beautiful ranch animals ( steer and goats )."
from $40 - $75 / night
"I love coming here even if I never step foot inside the theme parks. There plenty to do here. You can rent golf carts or bring your own. I love just driving around on the golf carts."
"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!"
from $56 - $201 / 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."
from $24 / night
"Thrift and bait shop nearby."
from $10 - $20 / night
"Located just south of Lakeland this park offers multiple amenities for group gatherings including a large firepit and stage area."
"Large dispersed camping area with good views of the airshow, included access to the ground display area, and great facilities considering how large the event is."
"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."
ScoutTim and Leisha were the best! Great campsite close to Disney is what we wanted.. clean and well organized. They make you feel at home and they even invited us to dinner at the pool and provided all the food. I will definitely be going back when I’m in town. They loved our kiddos too!
LegendThis Old Florida location has a Western bent to the place with the covered wagon motif and ranch-styled main office with what looks to be a horse tie up on the porch, so whatever the theme might be, this RV enclave is a good stretch away from the I75 highway that you moseyed onto in to find this 55+ retirement one lane (OK, there’s a simple loop) cowboy retirement OK corral. You’ll access Countryside RV Park via Country Rd 489 just off of Route 470 and if you blink (you know, because of all that dust blowing off the prairie), you’d miss the turn-off, so keep your eyes peeled, pardner, and about 20 yards into the property, you’ll swing by the office on what looks to be freshly laid, small single vehicle lanes and check in with the sheriff (er, the RV manager), who will direct you to your humble piece of very flat land, which no doubt will be draped in shade provided by the scattered ancient and live oaks that are sweating Spanish moss creating a very (trust me) un-wild, wild west vibe.
There’s some basic amenities here in addition to the standard pull-through parking pads and FHUs offering 20 / 30 / 50 amp electric, water and sewage, including: sanitary dump, impeccably clean his / her restrooms and shower facilities, picnic tables, WiFi, cable TV, coin-operated laundry, horseshoes, side X side shuffle boards that are in pristine condition, recreation room with billiards, dog park, fire pit, retention pond, on-site storage, exercise equipment and gym. There’s even a proper mail room in case you plan on staying long enough that you need to receive mail here or have it forwarded (beats waiting for the Pony Express to arrive). Due to this being a semi- or full-retirement zone, Countryside offers additional diversions and activities like bingo, Karaoke, bowling, arts & crafts as well as Bible study, in addition to learning how to lasso your very own steer (OK, I made up this last one).
Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) If your ID or social security card doesn’t clearly state that you are 55+ you won’t have any luck at this hideout; (2) If you do manage to stay here, IMHO the best spots are those either on the western - but of course - side of this depot (#6 – 22) or eastern (#46–#59) perimeters; (3) Should you need to load up on anything while here, there’s not much nearby apart from a Dollar General and Kal’s Food Grocery, but if you don’t mind driving slightly further afield, there’s a Publix NE of here and a Winn-Dixie and Walmart due south of here towards Bushnell; and (4) In the event that you’d like to grab some local grub, there’s Big Apple Café and a Subway nearby in the small town here, or up on Lake Panasoffkee there’s Big Bass Grill Lakefront Restaurant & Marina, which I highly recommend.
Happy Camping!
ScoutShowers and bathrooms are closed
ScoutQuiet. Definitely skewed toward equestrian. Sites are well spaced. Outer loop is best. Restroom/showers are very well kept. Not much for kids. Short trails are ok. Cayaking is best option if you're in to that. Relax here, enjoy the peace and have your favorite beverage
ScoutGreat location
GuideNice little place. Gravel, pull-through sites, clean bathrooms, and friendly staff. Tons to do for the littles!
TravelerGreat fishing docks, with lighting for nighttime fishing. Clean & great environment, kids had a blast. Will stay here again
ScoutZephyrhills colony has new Management. It's like a breath of fresh air.A weight is lifted from our shoulders of constant harassment and being hawked at on a daily basis. The parking pads are beautiful.The construction crew did an excellent job and the yellow stripes on the roads are amazing.We are so thankful for this improvement in our park that we can be proud and happy at once and for all. I thank God for answered prayer personally.Now I can breathe now.I can live amen
ScoutThe campsites are nice! They’re close together, but there are plenty of trees providing shade and privacy. The grounds are well maintained, probably thanks in part to the very strict rules (nothing tied to trees, no disturbing or touching nature, etc.).
Unfortunately, the spring was closed due to flooding during our visit, but the kids enjoyed the swings at the playground (the slides were too hot!). We rode our bikes, relaxed, and enjoyed the peace and quiet.
My only real complaint was the staff and their approach to enforcing the rules. From the moment we checked in, the emphasis seemed to be more on what we couldn’t do than on welcoming us. We completely understand the importance of protecting the natural environment, but the delivery came across as unnecessarily harsh, almost rude.
To top it off, we received a written warning for checking out 45 minutes late, despite having already vacated our campsite. We were simply waiting to use the dump station. It seemed a bit excessive considering we weren’t occupying our site or holding up the next campers.
Overall, it’s a beautiful, peaceful campground with plenty of shade, and we really enjoyed our stay. A little more hospitality and flexibility from the staff would have made the experience even better.
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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