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Camping near Land O' Lakes, FL

20 campgrounds with availability next weekend

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    The Land O' Lakes area in central Florida offers campgrounds ranging from free primitive sites to full-hookup RV parks, with options managed by preserves, state parks, and water management districts. Campsites near Land O' Lakes span free dispersed primitive spots to developed RV parks, giving campers a broad range of choices across public preserves and private resorts. 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.

    Best Campgrounds near Land O' Lakes (312)

      1. Hillsborough River State Park Campground

      4.3(65)14mi from Land O' Lakes95 sitesTents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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."

      Campground full next weekend

      Get a text when available

      from $24 / night

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      2. Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park

      4.3(13)12mi from Land O' LakesTents, Cabins, Glamping

      "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

      4.5(8)11mi from Land O' LakesRVs, Tents

      "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

      4.4(5)7mi from Land O' LakesRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "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

      4.4(5)7mi from Land O' LakesTents

      "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. Cypress Creek Preserve

      3.8(5)7mi from Land O' LakesRVs, Tents

      "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."

      "There are pot holes as you drive in that are kinda steep however nothing too serious. The spots are spacious and all other campers were respectful of noise volume and kept spots clean."

      7. Encore Winter Quarters Pasco

      4.0(4)2mi from Land O' LakesRVs, Cabins

      "Great location"

      8. Lazydays RV Resort

      4.0(14)16mi from Land O' Lakes1 siteRVs

      "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."

      from $61 - $83 / night

      Check Availability

      9. Colt Creek State Park Campground

      4.6(34)25mi from Land O' Lakes28 sitesRVs, Tents

      "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."

      Campground full next weekend

      Get a text when available

      from $24 / night

      Check Availability

      10. Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve

      4.3(4)12mi from Land O' LakesTents

      "Other parks and trails are located at the Wilderness Park Off Road Loop Trail System, [Flatwoods Park](https://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us"

      "Chevy Malibu isn't really known for off-roading lol"

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    Recent Reviews near Land O' Lakes, FL

    1220 Reviews of 312 Land O' Lakes Campgrounds

    • AThe Dyrt Pro User
      Nov. 7, 2026

      Encore Clover Leaf Forest RV Resort

      Beautiful pools and showers, washer and dryer on site are only like $2.50 each and very nice! They’ve done a lot of recent updates

    • James W.The Dyrt Pro User
      Nov. 5, 2026

      St. Petersburg-Madeira Beach KOA Holiday

      The bayou site are excellent. Reasonably level, nice patios, and a bit of a view. The staff are nice and helpful. They seem to have a section for those of us who are not snowbirds.

    • Stuart K.The Dyrt Pro User
      Nov. 1, 2026

      Fort De Soto Campground

      The Most Perfect Campground in Florida?

      On my never-ending pursuit of finding the most perfect campground on earth ... I may have just landed it! Fort DeSoto State Park Campground, which rests at the southernmost edge of Pinellas County, reached by crossing a series of causeways from St. Petersburg until the land simply runs out and the Gulf of Mexico (as my friend John Cougar Mellencamp recently point out - not Gulf of ‘Merika) takes over. First impressions are pure Florida magic with palm-lined roads, sweeping water views of translucent aqua blue shimmering in the sun all accompanied by a salty breeze that makes you feel like vacation has officially begun. The campground itself is spread across a low-lying coastal landscape with mangroves, dunes and open skies punctuated by cotton candy clouds, and despite its popularity, this tri-loop campground haven manages to feel relaxed and unhurried if you pick your timing right.

      This archipelago is shaped like a boomerang with 3 distinct campground loops – each with its own vibe, layout, amenities and overall character (more on this later) – leaving one with the impression that Fort DeSoto is both incredibly spacious as well as incredibly well-organized, offering a mix of waterfront and interior sites with paved pads, picnic tables, stand-up grills and access to modern bathhouses that are generally clean and well maintained. Many sites offer electric and water hookups, with a dump station available for RV travelers. Navigation through the one-way loops is straightforward, pets are welcome and the overall layout feels intentionally designed to handle high traffic without feeling chaotic. While there’s but just a modest playground on-site, there are much more amenities for the kids on North Beach, but throughout the campground area, the sheer amount of open space, bike paths, beach side access to inlets that will allow you to make the most out of being this close to the Gulf more than compensates for families.

      What truly sets Fort DeSoto apart is everything just outside your campsite. Miles of white sand beaches wrap around the park, including North Beach which is frequently ranked among the best beaches in the country (note: not county ... country). Kayaking trails wind through calm mangrove tunnels, fishing piers stretch into Tampa Bay, and biking loops circle the entire park. History lovers can explore the restored fort and military ruins, while birders will find plenty to admire along the shoreline. For supplies, you’re about 15 minutes from Tierra Verde Market, Publix and a Walmart Supercenter on Pinellas Bayway as well as a handful of casual eateries like Billy’s Stone Crab and Sea Hags if cooking feels optional.

      Trying to find out which 1 of the 3 loops might be best for you? I’ll try to break this down. First, of all, my brother and I stayed in Area #1, so let me begin there, not only because numerically that’s where we should begin, but also because I’m the most familiar with this loop, which consists of sites numbered #1-85. If you’re looking not just for ocean views with Gulf access – because like me, you’ve brought a kayak / canoe – then Area #1 for this solo reason is why you want to book here. And while it’s true that you likely could access water in Area #2, you’ll have to go the long way around to access the Gulf. Back to Area #1, I found this simple, single loop offering sites excellent in size, with TONS of shade (no need to bring your shelter to blot out the sun, although not a bad idea to have it handy in case of rain) and decent length long ‘driveways’ with which to pull in and set up camp, whether you’re packing tents (like me) or pulling in with your RV or sprinter van. Seriously, the scenery alone here in Area #1(at least sites #1-34) cannot be beaten with direct views of the Gulf, which you can access in less than 20 paces from where you’ve pitched your tent or parked for the night. 

      Each site is equipped with electric and water and for RVs needing sewage, there’s a spot as you exit prior to arriving at the ranger station that will accommodate you. The restroom and shower facilities in Area#1 are the best that I’ve ever seen in the state of Florida (which is saying something as I’ve camped in more than 100 spots here in the Sunshine state) – and wonder if this is because CG Hosts (versus FL state employees) are charged with keeping the CG clean?! – with very hot water (sometimes TOO hot) and lots of pressure would be an accurate description. Area #2 IMHO is somewhat cramped, very RV populated, with sites that are fairly crowded, yet heavily shaded with amenities that are similar to Area #1, albeit slightly more outdated; however, if you come with pets in tow, this is the ONLY area that will welcome you here at Fort DeSoto CG. Lastly, Area #3 has AMAZING water views, but given the seawall that surrounds this portion of the island, you won’t be able to actually access the water unless you dock your boat somehow to the wall and don’t mind jumping up 4-6 feet down to access your vessel. I found the sites here to be fine, although like Area #2, somewhat crowded, but yet still offering very good shade with restroom and shower facilities to be on par with the rest of the park. The best sites over here would be those from #197– 233 that look northernly towards the Gulf offering nothing short of AMAZING sunsets on the water.

      Insider’s tips? Here’s a handful: (1) Waterfront sites in Loop 2 and Loop 3 are the most coveted for sunset views and breezes, but they book fast; (2) Bring bikes as this park is tailor-made for cruising on two wheels with flat, scenic loops in and around the campground area, but the best biking will be had once heading out past the ranger station to explore the larger areas of the island, where East Beach is worth a glide by (especially to watch the kite surfers where wind is at its strongest), but it’s North Beach that will have you stopping for a longer spell; (3) Kayaking through the mangroves on a calm morning is a must, especially for wildlife sightings; however, our absolute favorite moment of the entire trip was crossing the strong currents of shipping lanes to make it all the way to Shell Key, which apart from a few pensioners getting sunburnt in their beach chairs and an errant fishing boat or two, we had the entire island to ourselves … EASTER EGG: I’m a fairly solid kayaker and love oaring and with these strong currents, it IS manageable to cross, but you’ll want to plan on at least 1 hour of non-stop, albeit scenic oaring to make it to Shell Key; (4) Afternoon storms roll through quickly in summer, so plan beach time early and camp dinners later; (5) North Beach on the northernmost edge tends to be quieter and more family-friendly than the busier east-facing beaches near the fort; (6) If you’re visiting during peak season, weekday stays are noticeably calmer than weekends; and (7) When heading to the restroom facilities you will come across what is likely the largest sign I have ever seen in any campground WARNING YOU OF RACCOONS and, trust me, you want to HEED THIS SIGN as these black-eyed bandits are EVERYWHERE and not afraid to come right up to your tent and look in or right up to you sitting next to your campfire while looking for something to eat or steal, so be incredibly careful and PACK UP EVERYTHING whenever it’s not being used EVEN IN DAYLIGHT HOURS.

      In sum, I absolutely loved this campground and will now be comparing every single one I visit to Fort DeSoto Campground.

      Happy Camping!

    • Stuart K.The Dyrt Pro User
      Nov. 1, 2026

      Countryside RV Park

      Wild West Meets Old Florida

      This 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!

    • GThe Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 23, 2026

      Little Manatee River State Park Campground

      Quiet. 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

    • CThe Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 12, 2026

      Bay Bayou RV Resort

      Great time @ a great campground.

      Great fishing docks, with lighting for nighttime fishing. Clean & great environment, kids had a blast. Will stay here again

    Guide to Land O' Lakes

    Land O' Lakes camping areas feature a mix of primitive and developed options on preserved wetlands and pine flatwoods. The region sits at an elevation between 75-90 feet above sea level with sandy soil that drains quickly after rain. Most campsites throughout the area require reservations even for free camping, with gates often secured by combination locks provided upon confirmation.

    What to do

    Paddle the waterways: Hillsborough River State Park offers kayak rentals for exploring the river's unique features. As Rebecca A. notes, "You can kayak in the river, which is really neat to do." The park's location near Tampa makes it convenient for combining outdoor adventures with urban activities.

    Hike through old Florida landscapes: Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park contains extensive trail systems for day hiking or backpacking to primitive sites. "We spent the day hiking the numerous off-road trails and enjoying some of the amenities the park has to offer," shares Steve S., who appreciates the park's "separate primitive tent, car-camping and cabin campgrounds near the entrance."

    Wildlife viewing: Colt Creek State Park provides excellent opportunities for animal spotting in natural habitats. According to Barbara A., "this park is beautiful, quiet, alive with wild life, we saw deers, owls, turtles, rabbits & a mama wild boar with her piglets." Morning and evening hours offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities.

    Explore historical sites: The area contains interesting historical remnants. At Serenova Tract Campsites, campers can hike to "the remains of a decaying chimney near the lake has long been rumored to be the hideout used by Al Capone," according to Steve S. These sites are accessible via marked trails.

    What campers like

    Convenient location: The proximity to urban amenities while still feeling remote appeals to many campers. As Abby M. points out about Serenova Tract, "There's a Publix just across the street and a gas station not even half a mile down the road. Super easy to get to and short drive down a dirt road."

    Clean facilities: Campground maintenance consistently receives positive mentions. At Colt Creek State Park Campground, Rick W. observed, "They did a fantastic job in all area's of their new campground. So much to do and it was so quiet and clean." Bathroom cleanliness is frequently highlighted in reviews.

    Spacious sites: Campers appreciate room to spread out, especially at primitive sites. Shaun C. mentions that Jay B. Starkey site #9 "is VERY spacious (could easily fit 5 large tents here) and the back of the site has a trail that leads directly to The McNeil Homestead."

    Level camping spots: The region's flat terrain translates to comfortable camping. SanDal B. notes that at Colt Creek, "Camp spots are big, flat with gravel parking areas. Power and water an each site for RV camping." This natural flatness means less site preparation before tent setup.

    What you should know

    Reservations required: Most camping in the area requires advance booking through different systems. For Serenova Tract, Hootmon H. explains, "Need a reservation, there are just a handful of sites. Each has a fire ring and a table. Locked gate (you need a code they give you in your reservation confirmation)."

    Mosquito preparedness: Florida's insects are legendary, particularly in warmer months. Jake H. warns about Hillsborough River State Park: "Bring plenty of bugspray, the mosquitoes here are big enough to carry away a small dog." Long sleeves and pants are recommended for evening activities.

    Water management: Campers should plan water usage carefully at primitive sites. Rich S. advises about Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park: "You have to bring in your own water or a filter system, since thanks to COVID the park stopped putting water along the paved trail, which you could hike out to in a pinch and use."

    Weather considerations: Central Florida experiences rapid weather changes, particularly in summer months. Sudden heavy storms can cause flooding in some camping areas, as noted by Lake Park reviewers who mentioned part of the park being "closed off due to the road being flooded."

    Tips for camping with families

    Playground access: Multiple parks offer recreational facilities designed for children. Melanie B. mentions that Jay B. Starkey "has lots of firewood for campers. There are many hiking, bike trails, and 2 playgrounds within mere steps of your tent or cabin."

    Educational opportunities: Lake Park provides learning experiences alongside recreation. Christy C. notes that "Lake Park is a regional county park with an entry fee of $2 per vehicle" with "many community events held here annually like the Christmas craft show, zombie run, State and local BMX races."

    Accessibility options: Families with mobility needs can find accommodating sites. Jeanene A. points out that at Colt Creek, "We had the opportunity to camp at one of the handicap accessible sites recently and found it to be very convenient. Path and pad on site were roomy and fire pit was higher than usual for safety."

    Weekday camping: For quieter family experiences, consider mid-week reservations. Shaun C. advises against weekend camping at Jay B. Starkey: "IF YOU ARE HOPING FOR PEACE AND QUIET, DO NOT GO ON A WEEKEND... I went on a Friday night, and the entire campground was PACKED."

    Tips from RVers

    Site selection for RV size: Quail Run RV Park offers comfortable concrete pads for larger rigs. John G. describes "very nice site with full hook ups and cable. The park is secluded and away from highway noise." Site dimensions should be confirmed before booking.

    Dump station access: For parks without full hookups, plan dump station visits accordingly. Hillsborough River State Park includes a dump station near the campground entrance, which campers describe as "clean" with "super convenient" facilities.

    Leveling requirements: The natural terrain requires minimal leveling at most sites. Joe R. remarks about Colt Creek that "the campground is well maintained and has large, level sites. We have stayed in site 1 and 11 and didn't need blocks for either."

    Park maneuvering: Some campgrounds have tight turns and narrow access roads. Ryan D. cautions about Winter Quarters Pasco: "I had a very difficult time parking my 37' foot travel trailer. If someone is parked across from you, you basically are stuck."

    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.