308 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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.
"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."
from $24 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
"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."
"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!"
"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."
"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"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."
from $24 / night
Check Availability"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"
GuideTook the littles (ages 5 &4) for their first tent camping trip - had a blast once they learned what s’mores were all about! Decent space, warm days and unusually cool nights.
GuideGreat views! Most sites have water-access backyards. Gravel pads are long enough and grassy area behind them goes to waters edge. Room for kiddos to play and adults to wade fish for seatrout on the flats
GuideGreat little spot. Seemed to rain every 5 minutes where they had to shut everything down but had good contingency plans. Golf carts galore with some sites a little more rowdy than the next, but plenty of room. Kids loved the pools and crafts, adults loved the tiki bars and live music.
ScoutThe host Nor treated me like trash. He mandates you leave a lock off of your hitch so he can move your Rv around as needed. Mind you I was going to be paying for a reserved spot on the property paying a monthly rate. When I inquired more about their policy to see if they damaged my Rv while moving it would it be covered by them for the repairs of damages. My reservation was then automatically canceled for no reason and Nor only gave me a partial refund for my booking. He is very rude and unprofessional. There are also other reviews in the neighbor app stating damages happened while moving someone's rv and he refused to take accountability or finance the repairs for that customer. Hints the reason I was wanting clarification on the matter. Instead of providing it he decided to cancel my reservation and tried to beat me out of my deposit. Dont bring your RV here for storage it is a huge risk!
ScoutI visited Preservation Point in June and really enjoyed the stay. The property is a quiet with a lot of open space and natural scenery. The RV sites were clean, brand new, level, and easy to get set up on. The hookups were simple, and everything felt well laid out with plenty of room for the RV. Gail was very helpful and welcoming, which made the whole experience easy from the start. There is plenty of room to relax, enjoy the wildlife, and take in the natural setting. It is also a nice location for exploring nearby Inverness, the Withlacoochee State Trail, and other Central Florida spots. You can tell the park is still growing, but the foundation is excellent. For anyone looking for a clean, quiet, RV-only place with easy hookups and a peaceful setting, Preservation Point is definitely worth considering.
ScoutGood clean site.
GuideNice state park. Plenty of lakes, but also plenty of gators at this time; hatching season. Wide open space, great roads. Not all sites have sewer hookups, it’s worth finding out which one before booking, if it is important for you. Even glamping tents and cabins are available, cabins are right next to the lake. Swimming area at Lake Louisa has a playground with swings and even a beach/swimming area, but that seems awfully dangerous, given the noises the gators make about 30 feet away. Unfortunately there is not a lot of things to do near the state park if one wants to do anything outside of camping, at least not a lot I could find, maybe you are better at that. Apparently it is very popular with bikers and triathletes, I have seen at least 10 today, using the great roads.
LegendWe had a wonderful experience at the 4-year-old Terry Tomalin Campground! The tent sites are spacious and nicely spread out, giving you plenty of room to set up camp without feeling crowded by your neighbors. The campground has a peaceful, natural atmosphere that makes it easy to relax and enjoy being outdoors. There are 6 cabins also available with electric– no ac.
One of the things that really impressed us was the bathroom facilities. The restrooms and showers were very clean and well-maintained, which makes a huge difference when you’re tent camping. It was great to be able to enjoy a more primitive camping experience without giving up the convenience of a nice bathroom and shower.
The location next to Boyd Hill Nature Preserve is what really makes this campground special. Campers have access to the preserve’s pedestrian trails, making it easy to spend time exploring nature and then return to your campsite to relax.
Overall, Terry Tomalin Campground is a hidden gem in St. Petersburg and a fantastic place for anyone who enjoys tent camping and being surrounded by nature. We would definitely stay here again!
Notes: Only open on weekends, no pets, strict rules against vaping and alcoholic beverages. This location is very busy in the summertime as there are not many camping options in the area. Large group fire pits (not at each site)
LegendVery pretty and clean campground. Bathhouse was clean as well. Loved riding our bikes and walking the trails.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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."
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.
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