Best Tent Camping near Land O' Lakes, FL

Public lands surrounding Land O' Lakes, Florida offer diverse tent camping options ranging from established campgrounds to primitive backcountry sites. Hillsborough River State Park, located 15 miles east of Land O' Lakes, provides tent campsites with varying levels of amenities, while Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park in New Port Richey offers both drive-in and hike-in tent camping opportunities. The Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve features walk-in tent sites at Oak Ridge and Washburn primitive campgrounds, where free camping is available with required reservations. Crooked River Campground in Withlacoochee State Forest provides tent-only camping with sites nestled among dense undergrowth for added privacy.

Many primitive tent camping areas near Land O' Lakes feature sandy or dirt surfaces that can become problematic during Florida's rainy season. Summer flooding is common, particularly at Hillsborough River State Park where riverside sites may hold 4-6 inches of water. Campers should bring insect repellent, as mosquitoes are abundant, especially during warmer months. Most tent-only sites include fire rings and picnic tables, though amenities vary significantly between locations. Portable toilets are standard at primitive sites, while established campgrounds offer flush toilets and showers. Free camping locations like Upper Hillsborough Preserve's Alston Tract provide non-potable water pumps, requiring visitors to bring their own drinking water or filtration systems.

Fall through spring offers the most comfortable tent camping experience in the region. One camper at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park noted, "Be prepared for a trek, as the site was a couple miles in. Be prepared for sun exposure, with sunblock and lots of water recommended as you will be hiking under open sky in the Florida heat." At Crooked River Campground, a visitor observed that "most of the sites are secluded with dense forest in between each site," providing privacy not found at more developed campgrounds. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with birds and small mammals frequently spotted. Backcountry tent campers should be prepared to hang food and trash at night to deter wildlife, particularly in the Green Swamp areas where primitive tent sites are more remote.

Best Tent Sites Near Land O' Lakes, Florida (34)

    1. Hillsborough River State Park Campground

    65 Reviews
    Thonotosassa, FL
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (813) 987-6771

    $24 / night

    "I typically avoid tent camping here in the summer months– early summer the trails are heavy with mosquitoes and summer rains bring a large amount of flooding."

    "Lots of RV campers, sites that are quite close to each other, and rock-hard ground from being packed down by heavy vehicles day after day."

    2. Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park

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

    "Part of the Starkey Wilderness Preservethis location is full of multi use trails, has primitive cabin rentals (no electric"

    "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."

    3. 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 is a great park with trails, restrooms, boating, a fun playground, nice picnic areas, volleyball, BMX, and more."

    4. Lake Rogers Park

    3 Reviews
    Odessa, FL
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (813) 264-3917

    "This centrally located primitive camping spot is centrally located near the Odessa area near Tampa."

    "Lake Rodgers trail and campsites are beautiful and well kept up. The 3 trails( upper, mid, and lower) make it nice to walk thru different terrains."

    5. Crooked River Campground — Withlacoochee State Forest

    38 Reviews
    Nobleton, FL
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 797-4140

    "Crooked River Campground is located within the Croom Tract of Withlacoochee State Forest (Hernando County), and a short 5-mile drive from I-75."

    "Tent camping only, with a picnic table, fire ring and water faucet. You have a bath house you can get to by walking and it has hot water in the fall and winter months."

    6. Pasco County - Crews Lake Wilderness Park

    3 Reviews
    Spring Hill, FL
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (727) 861-3038

    "Awesome park with well maintained trail. There are a lot of other small trails that lead off into the woods. If you wander, bring a compass and throw some az. Fun times"

    "Love this place so many trails"

    7. Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve

    2 Reviews
    Thonotosassa, FL
    12 miles
    Website

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

    "No hookups or dumpsites. There is a pump well for non potable water and a port a potty on site. Miles of trails and plenty of space to explore."

    8. Loner Trail Tent Camp

    1 Review
    Land O' Lakes, FL
    3 miles

    9. Lithia Springs Conservation Park

    12 Reviews
    Durant, FL
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (813) 744-5572

    $24 / night

    "Stayed over mother's day weekend at Lithia Springs."

    "Stayed over mother's day weekend at Lithia Springs."

    10. Upper Hillsborough Preserve — Alston Tract

    5 Reviews
    Zephyrhills, FL
    20 miles
    Website

    "These (this) equestrian and primitive campsite(s) have several of your standard picnic tables under a nice large covered pavilion, fire rings and multiple grills."

    "Lovely space for dispersed camping with a picnic table, fire pit, an outhouse and hiking trails. We'll definitely visit again when we're in Florida."

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Tent Camping Reviews near Land O' Lakes, FL

875 Reviews of 34 Land O' Lakes Campgrounds


  • Jeanene A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 12, 2017

    Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park

    Anything but stark...

    Part of the Starkey Wilderness Preservethis location is full of multi use trails, has primitive cabin rentals (no electric) and tent camping available. Front country (car camping) and back country camping (hike in only). There are specific equestrian camping sites as well.

    Cabins are pretty close to each other. All sites need to be reserved.Tent, cabin, shelter and pavilion reservations: Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park, (727) 834-3247. Picnic tables and fire pits are provided. Pavilions are also available to rent and they take reservations for large groups as well.

    We chose car camping for our visit to check the place out. A favorite for hiking and biking. This place has gotten busier as development has been growing steadily over the years. Many of the trails are without shade and the recent fire season hit the back part of the tract pretty hard (Spring 2017) but you would not see any signs of this unless you hiked out the furthest trails from entrance.

    Bring your bikes, hiking shoes, horses, or telescopes. Birders bring your binoculars! Over 150 species call Starkey home either full or part time. There is something here for everyone.

    As always in Florida bring bug spray, sunblock, hat, and please leave no trace!

  • Steve S.
    Aug. 2, 2016

    Serenova Tract Campsites

    Quiet, primitive camping

    During our journeys we came across this small, out of the way park that was quite a delight!

    Serenova tract is part of the larger Jay B. Starkey wilderness park and can be accessed off of Route 52 in Land O' Lakes, Fl. The park offers free camping with a reservation which needs to be made with the Southwest Florida Wildlife Management District. The campsites are primitive, but each site has a picnic table and fire ring which doubles as a grill - you must provide your own firewood. Potable water is not available, so bring your own plus, directly across Route 52 is a Publix shopping center where you can get your water, groceries and ice!. The campsites are very well maintained, shaded by oak trees and separated enough to allow everyone to enjoy their peace while not disturbing their neighbors.

    Hiking, biking, horseback riding and fishing are the staples of the park, including approx. 20 miles of trails along with a spring fed lake accessible after about a 2 1/2 mile hike. There is even a hand pump well and cast-iron bathtub used as a watering trough for the horses!

    For the history buffs, the remains of a decaying chimney near the lake has long been rumored to be the remains of a hideout used by Al Capone.

  • Jeanene A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 9, 2017

    Alderman's Ford Conservation Park Primitive Campground

    A favorite for the locals

    This location is utterly beautiful! So many different environments can be seen just walking the trials. The 4 primitive campsites we found were along the river and we did not see bathrooms or picnic tables or fire rings. The trails are marked well but not often maintained - so you really get the feel that you are in the middle of nowhere. No traffic was heard at night and I would not camp out there alone on a weekend due to the "local party crowd". This is a hike in and hike out site. We only stayed 1 night. No amenities. Lots of birds and wildlife in the late day and early morning. Parking is a small fenced in area before turn in road - no security/lighting appx 1.5 miles from camping area that we found

    I would have given this location a 5 except for the large amount of trash we found on trails (that we carried out) and the obvious disregard for rules of no swimming and no alcohol.

  • J
    Jul. 18, 2021

    Alderman's Ford Conservation Park Primitive Campground

    Great Place!

    The camp sites are hike in only. I LOVE this. Bring a manageable pack with everything you need. There is no water, power, or restrooms at the sites. There is a restroom facility about a 1/2 mile down the trail. There was firewood for use when I went. Sites were equipped with hammock posts, picnic table, and a fire pit. There was also a trash can. I had a great time, the whole park to myself for the night. Strongly recommend if you enjoy primitive camping.

  • James A.
    Sep. 9, 2020

    Colt Creek State Park Campground

    Tired Tree Primative Site

    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 for purchase (located at the site) -$5 arm loads -Fire ring, Picnic Table, Bench, and Garbage pail at the site

    Walked the long way in (3.25miles), instead of the 1 mile route. The entire hike is through typical open grass “roads” cut and maintained in the Florida brush. The site itself had a nice vibe and is far away from any other sites at the park. A large open clearing could easily allow for a dozen tents, unfortunately, I brought my hammock,.. and this site is not set up for hammock camping.

    With a little rigging and placement over a dried up gator hole, I found a spot that I could hang my hammock and shelter for the night.

    I thoroughly enjoyed the spot, other than the lack of clearing for a hammock, and the mosquitos were absolutely unbearable... I am aware that it was rainy season in Florida, near a WMA named Green Swamp, but I went home with hundreds and hundreds of bites, despite my preparedness.

    I would camp here again, maybe when it’s a little cooler and more dry, and also would hike in with a tent, or potentially take the shorter route and pull a wagon full of gear, to enjoy a bit more “glamped” feel.

  • Cosmo L.
    May. 31, 2019

    Fort De Soto Campground

    Nice once you get in.

    Reservations months in advance required. Nice dog beach. No alcohol allowed so keep it inside along with music. No hookups.

  • A
    Aug. 31, 2021

    Hog Island Campground — Withlacoochee State Forest

    Spacious camp sites!

    We loved the large sites. And pretty private. Wooded areas between sites. Nice clean restrooms and showers. Only 2 showers in the ladies bath house. It's old but clean. But it's sapose to be no pets. And a camper near us had a very large dog in a cage that barked all day. Very annoying. Bad area for ticks. Rangers check sites several times a day and are very nice. Also there is water but no electricity. We will go back. No generator after 10pm.

  • Alex M.
    Jul. 1, 2019

    Mutual Mine Campground — Withlacoochee State Forest

    Wide open spaces, very quiet!

    We hiked extensively in this tract and used Mutual Mine campground as one of our stop-overs. Very nice, open, flat areas to pitch tents and close to hiking trails. Fire ring at each site, options to hang your hammock. Bathrooms but no showers. Free potable water. You can also pull in a trailer but this is not a full-commercial type campground. More a cross between that and primitive camping…….perfect for backpackers!!

  • Monte W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 7, 2020

    Green Swamp — West Tract

    Peaceful and free!

    Stayed here for a night in November of 2020. We stayed at the Ashley campsite. It is free but had to register at watermatters.org - (Southwest Florida Water Management). They provide you with a code to unlock the gate once registered. At the campsite there were about 15 sites. Most had non-potable water. All had a picnic tables and fire ring. My site had a covered picnic table. A vault toilet was also provided and was pretty clean. The campsite was about half full when I was here and it was pretty quiet even though you can see your neighbors. You are permitted to collect fire wood as long as it has fallen from the tree. For a free campsite, I can’t complain. I would stay here again.


Guide to Land O' Lakes

Tent camping near Land O' Lakes, Florida offers accessible options within the region's subtropical climate zone, where summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity. The area sits at approximately 75 feet above sea level with sandy soil that drains quickly after heavy rains. Campgrounds typically remain open year-round despite seasonal flooding concerns during the rainy season from June through September.

What to do

Canoe the Withlacoochee River: Crooked River Campground provides direct access to the Withlacoochee River with stairs leading to a small boat launch area. "We enjoyed a group paddle down the river for a few hours. We shuttled some cars down that way so we could paddle far down and ride back," notes a camper at Crooked River Campground.

Explore multiple trail systems: The 16-mile trail network at Upper Hillsborough Preserve crosses through three different counties during a single hike. "The map has numbers that match small signs posted at trail junctions, making for easy navigation," explains a visitor to Upper Hillsborough Preserve — Alston Tract, where free camping requires advance reservations.

Visit the only Class II rapids in Florida: Just reopened after hurricane damage, Hillsborough River State Park offers a unique Florida experience. "Several short trails to see the only class 2 rapids in Florida. Pretty wild," reports a recent visitor to the park, which maintains both shaded and open camping areas.

What campers like

Secluded camping spots: Privacy between sites is highly valued by tent campers in the region. At Crooked River Campground, "It truly felt like we were camping alone in the forest and the kids loved getting to explore. The walk to the river from our site was so worth it."

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Campers report excellent wildlife sightings at Crews Lake Wilderness Park. "Love this place so nice and peaceful!" notes one visitor to Pasco County - Crews Lake Wilderness Park, which maintains multiple trails suitable for wildlife observation.

Spring-fed swimming areas: Natural springs provide relief from summer heat. "The spring area so nice the sound of the breeze through the trees, just wow!" reports a visitor to Lithia Springs Conservation Park, where camping areas are positioned near a spring-fed swimming hole that maintains a constant 72°F temperature year-round.

What you should know

Seasonal flooding affects accessibility: Trails and campsites throughout the region experience significant flooding during rainy seasons. A camper at Upper Hillsborough Preserve noted, "Parts of these trails can be filled with water (large puddles)," while another mentioned their "reservations were cut short due to flooding."

Water access varies between sites: Many primitive sites lack reliable drinking water. At Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park, a camper advises, "They have water stations, but do not count on these being full at all times. Bring water with you. Don't risk it!"

Tent-only camping restrictions: Several preserves limit camping to tent-only with no RV accommodations. "Crooked River Campground is located within the Croom Tract of Withlacoochee State Forest... these are tent only primitive campsites with the standard uncovered picnic table and fire ring with a grate and/or a grill."

Tips for camping with families

Look for sites with adjacent fields: Families value open spaces for children to play safely. One campsite at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park features "the field directly in back of the site that is easily accessible," while another visitor noted, "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."

Consider water play options: River access provides entertainment for children during hot months. At Hillsborough River State Park Campground, "You can kayak in the river, which is really neat to do. The campground is also not far from some big cities, such as Tampa and St. Pete, which is convenient."

Check for educational opportunities: Nature centers enhance the camping experience for younger visitors. "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.

Tips from RVers

Prepare for tight camping spaces: Many established campgrounds have limited space between sites. A camper at Hillsborough River State Park observed, "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. There was 30 amp as well as 50 amp water there's a dump station."

Consider weekday camping: Weekend crowds significantly impact the camping experience. "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. Very loud, too many tents packed into each site," reports a visitor to Lake Park.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Land O' Lakes, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Land O' Lakes, FL is Hillsborough River State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 65 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Land O' Lakes, FL?

TheDyrt.com has all 34 tent camping locations near Land O' Lakes, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.