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Best Campgrounds near Land O' Lakes, FL

1,120 Reviews

The Land O' Lakes area in central Florida features a diverse range of camping options within preserves and parks managed by various agencies. Serenova Tract Campsites, part of the Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park system, offers primitive camping with basic amenities like picnic tables and fire rings. Cypress Creek Preserve provides additional tent and RV camping opportunities directly in Land O' Lakes. Within a 30-minute drive, campers can access Hillsborough River State Park with full-service campgrounds including electric hookups, water, and shower facilities. The region balances developed RV resorts like Quail Run and Encore Winter Quarters Pasco with more natural settings in water management district lands.

Reservations are essential for most sites in the area, with many campgrounds managed by the Southwest Florida Water Management District requiring advance booking. As one camper noted, "The Serenova tract offers free camping with a reservation which needs to be made with the Southwest Florida Wildlife Management District." Summer months bring intense heat and humidity along with mosquitoes, particularly in primitive areas. Campers frequently mention the convenience of nearby shopping centers for supplies, with one reviewer pointing out that "directly across Route 52 is a Publix shopping center where you can get water, groceries and ice." Highway noise affects some campgrounds closer to I-75, while sites deeper in preserves offer more seclusion and natural surroundings.

Oak shade trees provide welcome relief from the Florida sun at many sites, with campers consistently mentioning the importance of shade coverage in reviews. Wildlife sightings are common throughout the area's campgrounds, with visitors reporting encounters with deer, gopher tortoises, armadillos, and various bird species. Water-based recreation opportunities abound, as many preserves include access to rivers, lakes, and ponds for fishing, paddling, and wildlife viewing. Trail systems connect many of the camping areas, with the Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park featuring "over 50 miles of biking, hiking, nature as well as equestrian trails." Primitive sites typically include fire rings and picnic tables but may lack potable water, while developed campgrounds offer varying levels of hookups and amenities depending on the managing agency.

Map showing campgrounds near Land O' Lakes, FloridaExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Land O' Lakes, Florida (293)

    1. Hillsborough River State Park Campground

    65 Reviews
    Thonotosassa, FL
    14 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. Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park

    13 Reviews
    New Port Richey, FL
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (727) 834-3247

    "Great get away in west-central Florida as a day trip or long weekend stay.

    We spent the day hiking the numerous off-road trails and enjoying some of the amenities the park has to offer."

    "3.2 mile hike through mostly open Florida pine forest with the occasional swamp. Perfect time of year to come. Site has great shade and opens up at the fire pit for great star gazing."

    3. Serenova Tract Campsites

    8 Reviews
    Hudson, FL
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 423-1476

    "Starkey wilderness park and can be accessed off of Route 52 in Land O' Lakes, Fl."

    "You do have to apply for a permit to camp here through the SW Florida water management site. The campground is gated so you need a code to get in, which is a nice safety feature."

    4. Quail Run RV Park

    5 Reviews
    Land O' Lakes, FL
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (813) 973-0999

    "We stayed at Quail Run for a weekend in October as it was close to my son’s lacrosse practice location... we were pleasantly surprised with the very nice site with full hook ups and cable."

    "Close to epperson lagoon which was nice."

    5. Lake Park

    5 Reviews
    Lutz, FL
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (813) 264-3806

    "I live in an adjacent neighborhood (2 years) and walk this park daily with my doggos. I’ve biked all the trails and been here from sunrise to sunset."

    "This park has a really great walking trail around a lake with exercise stations. I’ve seen some horses on the trails also. There’s a cool BMX and rc car track too!"

    6. Lazydays RV Resort

    14 Reviews
    Lee, FL
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (813) 246-4777

    "We were less than an hour away from home at Lazydays RV Resort and it felt like we were on the other side of the planet. Got to spend uninterrupted time with my bride and it was awesome."

    "Great location just outside Tampa, Fl. Wonderful facilities and friendly staff. nearby RV dealership is largest in America with huge service department and camping/RV store."

    7. Cypress Creek Preserve

    4 Reviews
    Lutz, FL
    7 miles
    Website

    "There aren't many free spots in this area of Florida. Of course, they provide nothing other than a spot to camp with fire ring and old table, and an outhouse."

    8. Encore Winter Quarters Pasco

    3 Reviews
    Land O' Lakes, FL
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    9. Colt Creek State Park Campground

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

    $24 / night

    "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"

    "Colt Creek State Park is one of the newer parks in the Florida State Park System. We had the opportunity to camp at one of the handicap accessible sites recently and found it to be very convenient."

    10. Lake Como Nudist Resort

    1 Review
    Lutz, FL
    5 miles
    Website

    "Trails to walk on. Paved driving roads. Both water and land volleyball. Petanque courts very nice. Pickleball and tennis. Went out on kayak today in Lake. Bar and restaurant going full speed."

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Recent Camping Photos near Land O' Lakes, FL

285 Photos of 293 Land O' Lakes Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Land O' Lakes, FL

1120 Reviews of 293 Land O' Lakes Campgrounds

  • 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.
    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.

  • 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.

  • Jackie S.
    Aug. 15, 2025

    Gulfbreeze RV Park

    Great little cozy park

    Everyone here treats you like family here

Guide to Land O' Lakes

Camping near Land O' Lakes, Florida, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A review from Lake Louisa State Park Campground stated, "The shower facilities are recently remodeled and impeccable."
  • Friendly Staff: Many visitors mention the helpfulness of the staff. At Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, one camper said, "The staff was very friendly when we called ahead to report our late arrival."
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy the roomy sites at Fort De Soto Campground. A review highlighted, "The sites are spacious and open."

What you should know

  • Bugs: Be prepared for bugs, especially in warmer months. One camper at Fort De Soto Campground mentioned, "The bugs were so bad... it was absolutely miserable."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Lake Manatee State Park Campground, have fewer amenities. A review noted, "It does not have full hookups."
  • Noise from Nearby Roads: Campers at Lake Manatee State Park Campground reported noise from a nearby racetrack, saying, "Cars ran from 8 am to 11 pm."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, which offers many activities for kids. One review said, "There are plenty of activities with lots to keep kids and kids at heart busy."
  • Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or check out nearby restaurants. A camper at St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA mentioned, "At the end of the road driving out of this campground is a great restaurant called Doe Doe's."
  • Pack Outdoor Games: Bring games for the kids to play outside. One visitor at Orlando/Kissimmee KOA said, "There’s a playground, dog wash, and community fire pits."

Tips from RVers

Camping around Land O' Lakes, FL, has something for everyone, from families to RVers. Just be prepared for the local bugs and noise, and you'll have a great time!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Land O' Lakes campground located?

Land O' Lakes is located in west-central Florida, north of Tampa. The Serenova Tract Campsites can be accessed off Route 52 in Land O' Lakes and is part of the larger Jay B. Starkey wilderness park. This area offers free camping with required reservations. Another nearby option is Cypress Creek Preserve, which provides drive-in access and basic facilities within the Land O' Lakes region. The area sits between Wesley Chapel and Hudson, making it easily accessible from major highways while still offering natural surroundings.

What are the top parks and camping options in Land O' Lakes?

The Land O' Lakes area offers several excellent camping options. The Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve is one of the largest contiguous recreation areas in Hillsborough County, providing extensive trails and natural habitats. Quail Run RV Park near Wesley Chapel is perfect for RVers seeking full amenities including water, toilets, and spacious sites that accommodate big rigs. For nature enthusiasts, the Southwest Florida Water Management District manages several outstanding properties in the region with primitive camping opportunities. Many of these parks feature lakes, rivers, and extensive trail systems for hiking, making Land O' Lakes an excellent base for exploring Florida's natural environment.

What amenities are available at Land O' Lakes campground?

Camping options in the Land O' Lakes area offer varying amenities. Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park provides separate primitive tent sites, car-camping areas, and cabin campgrounds near the entrance with numerous off-road hiking trails. For RV travelers, Encore Winter Quarters Pasco in nearby Lutz offers full hookups, water, toilets, and is big-rig friendly. Many campgrounds in this region feature access to water bodies, shower facilities, and bathrooms, though amenities vary by site. Primitive camping options typically provide basic facilities while RV parks offer more extensive services.

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