Cabin options range from 13 to 28 miles from Land O' Lakes, Florida, situated within the west-central region where temperatures average 70-90°F from April through October. The area features cypress wetlands and pine flatwoods typical of Florida's Gulf Coast, with most cabin camping facilities located near freshwater lakes or rivers. Winter overnight temperatures can drop into the 40s, making cabin amenities particularly valuable during December through February.
What to do
Kayaking on the Withlacoochee River: Launch from Withlacoochee River Park where the river offers natural obstacles for paddling enthusiasts. "The river was an obstacle course but adventurous and challenging. What we were really impressed was the campsites. Very shaded and quiet. One added bonus is the Florida Trail starts there also," notes one visitor.
Hiking the Florida Trail system: Access several segments directly from cabin camping areas. "There are a lot of other small trails that lead off into the woods. If you wander, bring a compass and throw some az," advises a visitor to Crews Lake Wilderness Park. Most trails interconnect with minimal elevation change but require proper footwear for wet sections.
Wildlife observation: Morning hours provide optimal viewing conditions. At Hillsborough River State Park Campground, visitors can spot diverse wildlife. "At night the green fireflies put on an amazing light show in the canopy," reports one camper. The park also features the only class 2 rapids in Florida, which one visitor described as "pretty wild."
What campers like
Privacy levels: Cabin spacing varies significantly between parks. "Site #9 has so far been my favorite spot here. It's 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," shares a camper at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park.
Clean facilities: Bathhouses are consistently maintained at most parks. "The bathrooms are well kept and clean. The park itself is very nice, with some hikes and kayak rentals! You can kayak in the river, which is really neat to do," notes a visitor to Hillsborough River State Park.
Night sky viewing: Limited light pollution creates stargazing opportunities. "On new moon nights the local astronomy club uses neighboring field to gaze at the stars. This place is quiet and dark at night!" explains a visitor at Withlacoochee River Park. Several cabin sites offer open sky views from the property.
What you should know
Seasonal insect preparation: Summer months bring increased mosquito activity. "Bring plenty of bugspray, the mosquitoes here are big enough to carry away a small dog," warns a camper at Hillsborough River State Park. Bug screens or netting are essential for cabin porches during evening hours from April through October.
Water sources: Reliability varies by location and season. At Big Oaks RV Resort, cabins include water hookups, while primitive options require planning. "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," notes a camper at Starkey Wilderness Park.
Cabin capacity limitations: Most cabins accommodate 4-6 people maximum. Reservations should specify exact guest numbers. "Site #14 is practically on top of 13 and 15 giving very little privacy," cautions a camper about specific cabin placements at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several parks offer child-friendly recreation areas. "Starkey Park campground is clean, rustic, and has lots of firewood for campers. There are many hiking, bike trails, and 2 playgrounds within mere steps of your tent or cabin," shares a visitor to Southern Aire RV Resort.
Educational opportunities: Nature centers provide structured learning activities. "Nature education center for children. Playgrounds and pavilions for get togethers. Large group bon fire pits and cabins for rent," notes a visitor to Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park.
Safety considerations: Wildlife awareness is essential with children. "We saw armadillos, turtles, large Ospreys, and a small gator by the fishing dock," reports a family staying at Withlacoochee River Park. Most cabin areas have defined boundaries to minimize wildlife encounters.
Tips from RVers
Cabin alternatives: RV hookup sites provide options when cabins are fully booked. "Very level and great hookups. Just small," notes a visitor to Encore Winter Quarters Pasco, though they cautioned about tight spacing between units.
Access challenges: Some parks have entrance constraints. "I had a very difficult time parking my 37' foot travel trailer. If someone is parked across from you, you basically are stuck," warns an RVer at Winter Quarters Pasco. Most cabin-focused parks can accommodate vehicles up to 25 feet in length.
Utilities reliability: Power supply varies by location. "Bring a powerstrip," advises a solo cabin camper at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park who noted the limited outlet availability during their stay. Several parks experience occasional outages during summer thunderstorms.
