Tent camping near Lamont, Florida offers varied experiences from established park sites to primitive backcountry locations. The region sits within the Florida's Gulf Coastal Lowlands with elevations generally under 100 feet, creating terrain that's prone to seasonal flooding during summer months. Most campsites in this area feature oak and pine tree coverage providing essential shade during Florida's hot seasons when temperatures regularly exceed 90°F.
What to do
Paddling opportunities: Hillsborough River State Park provides excellent paddling access with river proximity. As Rebecca A. notes, "You can kayak in the river, which is really neat to do," making it an ideal base for water exploration.
Hiking trails: The extensive trail system at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park offers multiple terrain options. According to Jeremiah F., "We stayed at one of the hike-in sites and had a good time. Be prepared for a trek, as the site was a couple miles in. The trail was nice and paved though, suitable for bicycling in."
Wildlife viewing: Dawn and dusk provide optimal wildlife spotting times throughout the region. At Crooked River Campground, Tracy L H. reports, "Lots of wildlife abounds and it's right along the river with a launch area. Very nice primitive campsites."
What campers like
Private campsites: Lithia Springs Conservation Park offers secluded spots that campers consistently praise. Ryan notes, "We enjoyed a two night stay at site 28. This site is set deep from the road and can accommodate a large rig. Completely secluded from neighbors."
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept bathrooms. At Hillsborough River State Park Campground, Lorilee S. confirms, "Bathhouse was clean. They offer recycling, which is a great plus! It's nice and dark at night."
Night atmosphere: The natural darkness creates excellent stargazing conditions. Jake H. mentions, "Nice campsites, clean bathrooms, friendly campers," and adds practical advice about hammock camping: "The parks website says it's fine if you're hanging a hammock with 1" thick webbing, and its on a thick tree."
What you should know
Bug preparation: Mosquitoes are a significant factor for tent camping in this area. Jake H. warns about Hillsborough River State Park: "Bring plenty of bugspray, the mosquitoes here are big enough to carry away a small dog."
Flooding concerns: Low-lying sites may experience water issues during rainy seasons. At Crooked River Campground, Danae N. cautions that "it flooded very quickly during the few thunderstorms we experienced."
Restricted camping: Some parks have specific limitations on who can camp. At Lake Park, Kristen W. advises, "Unfortunately you can only camp here with an organized nonprofit youth group."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water access: Look for campsites with safe water entry points. Danae N. shares about Crooked River Campground: "The kids really loved cooling off in the river and catching frogs, they all agree that this was their favorite part."
Secluded family sites: For those camping with children, noise concerns can be reduced at certain locations. One parent reports at Crooked River Campground: "We had site 74 and really enjoyed it. It was huge and secluded! Our kids were able to run around and be noisy and we weren't worried about annoying our neighbors."
Playground access: Some parks offer play equipment near camping areas. James A. notes about Lake Park: "There is a few large clearings set for tent camping, with fire pits and some small built gazebos for shelter... There are a few ponds surrounding the large lake and I've seen gators in several of them."
Tips from RVers
Site spacing: At Alderman's Ford Conservation Park, the primitive campsites provide ample spacing. Joe reports, "Sites were equipped with hammock posts, picnic table, and a fire pit. There was also a trash can."
Reservation recommendations: Many of the best tent camping sites near Lamont require advance planning. Gail W. advises about Hillsborough River State Park: "We are boondockers so we tend to stay away from very peoplely places... and this is a bit peoply. That said it was very comfortable everything was clean and super convenient."
Weather considerations: Florida's climate demands appropriate planning for tent campers. Rick G. notes, "Weather was cool in February that allowed for comfortable hiking and biking. Good Verizon signal to allow for plenty of streaming."
