Lorilee S.
Legend
LegendLake Louisa State Park Campground
Pretty campground
Very pretty and clean campground. Bathhouse was clean as well. Loved riding our bikes and walking the trails.
Camping near Temple Terrace, FL
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Camping areas around Temple Terrace, Florida include established campgrounds and recreation facilities within a 30-mile radius of the city. The Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve features multiple camping options including Oak Ridge Primitive Campground and Dead River Park, while Hillsborough River State Park offers developed sites with tent, RV, and cabin accommodations. Several private RV resorts such as Lazydays RV Resort and Happy Traveler RV Resort provide additional options for travelers seeking full hookups and resort-style amenities within close proximity to Tampa.
Florida's subtropical climate makes camping possible year-round, though summer months bring high humidity, frequent afternoon thunderstorms, and mosquitoes. Many campgrounds require advance reservations, particularly during winter when seasonal visitors increase demand. "The campground here is huge as you can use it either as a primitive site or an equestrian site. Although it's nice and open you actually have a ton of tree coverage," noted one visitor about Oak Ridge Primitive Campground. Water management is a significant consideration in this region, with several sites located within water management districts that may experience seasonal flooding during Florida's rainy season from June through September.
Waterfront camping receives consistently positive reviews throughout the area, with Fort De Soto Campground and Hillsborough River State Park offering popular water-adjacent sites. Several campers highlight wildlife viewing opportunities, with one review mentioning "We saw sting rays, a baby turtle, many different birds & other wildlife within 5 minutes of parking the boat." Most developed campgrounds provide standard amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and access to restrooms, while primitive sites offer more secluded experiences. The extensive trail systems connecting many of these camping areas make them attractive for hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. Proximity to urban amenities while maintaining natural settings appears to be a significant advantage for camping in this region, with multiple reviews noting the convenience of being able to enjoy wilderness experiences without venturing far from city services.
Best Campgrounds near Temple Terrace (300)
1. Hillsborough River State Park Campground
"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 Availability2. Lazydays RV Resort
"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 Availability3. Edward Medard Park
"Camping is first come first serve but gives you access to the park after hours. Camp sites are bit close to one another but overall amazing experience."
"Very pretty and wooded for Florida. Great to bike around and see everything. Neat to see gators. Will definitely go back."
from $24 / night
Check Availability4. Fort De Soto Campground
"As an camper with northern roots, I have found it hard to camp in Florida. This campground helped me relieve those worries. I will start by saying that this campground is south of St."
"Nice walking/bicycle path around the edge. Bike paths also throughout the park. Sites 1-8 or so have direct beach access, but swimming is not allowed. Mangroves surround the rest of the peninsula."
from $38 - $48 / night
Check Availability5. Lithia Springs Conservation Park
"Stayed over mother's day weekend at Lithia Springs."
"Stayed over mother's day weekend at Lithia Springs."
from $24 / night
Check Availability6. Happy Traveler RV Resort
"Temple terrace is bad with the mosquito problem ."
"Lots of shaded spots, 3 laundry facilities around the park (2 w/bathhouses). Large fenced in swimming pool, clubhouse with pool table, games, movies, kitchen, activities almost daily."
7. Cypress Creek Preserve
"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."
8. Lake Park
"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!"
9. Lithia Springs
"Lithia Springs Conservation Park is a hidden gem for camping in Florida. The campground is clean, well-maintained, and tucked away in a peaceful natural setting."
"Canoe and Kyak launch is easily accessible to enjoy the calm waters of the Alafia River. Restrooms and showers were clean and plentiful around the grounds. We will definitely be back."
10. E.G. Simmons Regional Park
"Nearly every campsite is right on the water - easy in and out for kayaks, large boat ramp and many picnic pavilions."
"Close to the boatramp. Raccoons can be annoying. Has picnic pavilions and several fishing docks"
from $24 / night
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Drive Time
- 12 min from Tampa, FL
- 25 min from Lakeland, FL
- 58 min from Homosassa Springs, FL
Recent Camping Photos near Temple Terrace, FL
287 Photos of 300 Temple Terrace Campgrounds
Elliott B.
Cypress Creek Preserve
Lawrence W.
Lakeside Getaway
Nate D.
Oak Ridge Primitive Campground
Anita
Hillsborough River State Park Campground
Derick B.
Encore Winter Quarters Pasco
Eric E.
Island Retreat Florida
Jeanene A.
Lake Rogers Park
Randal B.
Lithia Springs
Amanda .
Edward Medard Park
Tom&Jennifer D.
MacDill AFB FamCamp
The Longs ..
Upper Hillsborough Preserve — Alston Tract
Jorge A. M.
No longer in business
Recent Reviews near Temple Terrace, FL
1147 Reviews of 300 Temple Terrace Campgrounds
Stuart K.LegendShell Key Preserve
A Deserted Island Escape Worth the Effort
Arriving at Shell Key feels like stepping off the grid, and that sense of removal is exactly what makes it so special. Accessible only by kayak, paddleboard, boat or ferry from nearby Fort DeSoto State Park, this barrier island preserve greets you with white powder sugary sand, shallow turquoise water and a quiet, calm stillness that is best described as reverent. I camped here with my older brother Matt, who fled-20 degree Chicago winter weather with his expert camera gear in tow in order to spend a week here with me. From the moment we beached our kayaks, it was clear this was going to be something special.
Shell Key is as primitive as coastal camping gets, with no facilities, no freshwater and absolutely no developed campsites, just open stretches of sand where you carefully choose a high, wind-protected spot above the tide line. Camping is limited and regulated to protect the preserve and the experience is intentionally minimalist, which keeps crowds at bay and the island feeling truly wild. You pack in everything, pack out everything and rely on common sense, weather awareness as well as respect for nesting zones for turtles and waterfowl clearly marked along the beach.
What makes Shell Key extraordinary is its birdlife. Matt spent hours crouched low with his telescopic lens while I played spotter and together we photographed an incredible range of species, including brown pelicans, great blue herons, snowy egrets, roseate spoonbills, reddish egrets, ospreys, black skimmers, willets, least terns, royal terns, but the prize? Black-masked parrots that call this isle home. Dolphins cruised just offshore while rays ghosted through the shallows and every turn of the shoreline revealed another pocket of life, including the oversized snow white pelicans that seem to guard this oasis. The paddle over from Fort DeSoto was not what I would call calm, with a series of rollicking waves between the stretch where North Beach ended and Shell Key began, although the entire journey was scenic, with views back toward the Skyway Bridge and plenty of chances to stop, float, and soak it all in.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a handful: (1) Plan your paddle with tides and wind in mind, as the crossing is straightforward in calm conditions but can feel much longer with chop – and don’t forget that you’ll have to cross some designated shipping lanes, where the currents are strong; (2) Bring a lightweight kayak cart or be prepared for soft sand landings when fully loaded; (3) Set camp well above the high tide line and away from posted bird nesting areas; (4) Dawn and dusk are prime times for bird photography when the light is nothing short of spectacular; (5) As a survivalist, everywhere I camp, I prepare to fish or hunt for my meal, so here, you’ll have decent fishing, but the gem on Shell Key is the abundance of crabs, both large and small - so bring a spear or fishnet if you hope to catch any; and (6) There are ABSOLUTELY no amenities on Shell Key (not even a trash can), so stock up at Fort DeSoto before launching, including water, sun protection, and extra batteries for cameras and headlamps.
Happy Camping!
Dajah B.
TravelerFind Out Farms
Beautiful and peaceful
It's very peaceful. Chickens roam free and we were able to see cows and get farm fresh eggs. 50 AMP and water connections, I saw reviews about the road being bumpy but we didn't have that experience. Everything was smooth. 10/10.
Celeste A.TravelerLake Manatee State Park Campground
Campground Stay
The bathrooms are rather hot at any time of the day, but they are clean. One of the showers doesn’t work but there is no sign posted. 30 sites for 1 bathroom/ bathhouse so showering at night may take longer than usual. The campground isn’t too shady, but the Day Use Rec Area is nice and has a small play ground. However, if you’re looking to cool off in the lake, think again. It’s very warm water and there is a caution sign about green blue algae being possibly present in the waters. Lots of squirrels and ants
- LLaura H.
GuideFort De Soto Campground
Crowded but worth it
Day 1 we had electrical issues. Thanks to park rangers we were relocated and our vacation resumed. Great beach!
- Dylan M.
ScoutCamp Nebraska RV Park
Camp Nebraska Tampa FL 33612
The park itself is very nice not much amenities besides bathroom and shower building and the nearby area is not that good , its relatively safe but its just a lot of homeless nearby an its just not a nice area at all to walk around during the day or night its a shame. But the park itself keeps you very protected from that ive never had a issue for over 7 months being here
- Bill L.Traveler
MacDill AFB FamCamp
Reputation as the #1 FamCamp in the MWR system
Active duty, retirees, disabled vets and some others are eligible. PX and commissary near the security gate. Campground check-in quick and efficient. Pick your site from what's available. $26/night with full hook-ups. Right on the Gulf, beautiful beach. Beach bar cafe adjacent to campground.
- ccraig D.Scout
Seven Sisters Campground
Stumpy
Nice campground but with only one bathroom and one shower for men. So you may have to wait in line
- AAntwan Á.Traveler
Fort De Soto Campground
Beach Vibes
Great sites, clean bathrooms and showers. Easy access to the beach.
Stayed next to the playground and it was a great time for the kids.
Guide to Temple Terrace
Temple Terrace camping sites sit within west-central Florida's subtropical zone at approximately 40 feet above sea level. The area receives about 51 inches of annual rainfall, with highest precipitation occurring from June through September. Camping options range from developed state park facilities to private RV resorts within 30 minutes of downtown Tampa.
What to do
Hiking and biking trails: The Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve offers over 60 miles of forest trails. "There are plenty of secret trails, a dog beach, historic walks, boat ramps, kayak access, and much more," notes a visitor to Fort De Soto Campground.
Water activities: The Hillsborough River provides canoeing and kayaking opportunities. "Nice trails, great river canoeing. Close to Tampa and Busch Gardens," mentions a camper at Hillsborough River State Park.
Wildlife viewing: Multiple preserves offer chances to see Florida's native species. "We saw raccoons, dolphin, manatee, tons of birds!" reports a camper at Fort De Soto Park.
What campers like
Tree coverage: Many campgrounds provide shade from Florida's intense sun. "Most campsites are very shaded. Bathhouse are clean. Has dumpstations," writes a visitor to Lithia Springs Conservation Park.
Swimming options: Natural springs offer refreshing alternatives to pools. "Nice spring to swim in for 2.00 a person," notes another Lithia Springs camper.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses rank high on camper priorities. "Bathhouse was clean. They offer recycling, which is a great plus! It's nice and dark at night," reports a Hillsborough River State Park visitor.
What you should know
Reservation challenges: Many parks book quickly, especially in winter months. "Book in advanced, especially if you want to stay more than a night or two," advises a visitor to Fort De Soto.
Insect preparation: Mosquitoes can be intense, particularly in warmer months. "The mosquitoes were ridiculous in June. We practically had to anchor our toddler to the picnic table so he wasn't carried away by them," warns a camper at Hillsborough River State Park.
Flood potential: Sites at Edward Medard Park may experience seasonal high water. "The park has been closed this year due to a sinkhole but due to reopen soon," reported one visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several parks feature play equipment for children. "There's a cool BMX and rc car track too!" mentions a visitor to Lake Park.
Rental options: Some parks offer equipment rentals. "You can rent Surrey's and golf carts to cruise the park which is a nice plus, although they are overpriced," notes a Hillsborough River State Park camper.
Youth group sites: Some parks cater specifically to organized youth camping. "Camping is only available to youth groups by reservation only. Minimum of 6 and maximum of 30 campers allowed. Groups must have their own insurance," according to Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve information.
Tips from RVers
Full hookup options: For those wanting amenities, private resorts offer comprehensive services. "Paved roads and pads, concrete patio, FHU 50A throughout. Sites are close together but have nice grass in the park," writes a camper at Lazydays RV Resort.
Site dimensions: Some parks have space limitations for larger rigs. "Small tight spaces in the campground. Most with no coverage between sites," reports a Hillsborough River State Park visitor.
Security considerations: Gated access provides peace of mind at some camping sites near Temple Terrace, Florida. "Nice free area with a gate that is locked to keep those without reservations out. Pretty far from the main road so you don't hear a lot of traffic," notes a camper at the Oak Ridge Equestrian Area within Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Temple Terrace, FL?
What camping is available near Temple Terrace, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, Temple Terrace, FL offers a wide range of camping options, with 300 campgrounds and RV parks near Temple Terrace, FL and 4 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Temple Terrace, FL?
Which is the most popular campground near Temple Terrace, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Temple Terrace, FL is Hillsborough River State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 64 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Temple Terrace, FL?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Temple Terrace, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Temple Terrace, FL.
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