Best Tent Camping near Merritt Island, FL

We decided to book a group primitive campsite in this state park. We were in the primitive group campsite on the Buster Island Loop. It was about 3 miles to hike in to the site. The path is very clear with markers and when you arrive at the site, there is a clear indicator to follow. The path to the site is right off the main trail.

Since this is a primitive site, there are no facilities and keep in mind you need to bring your own water for drinking, cooking, cleaning etc. At the site there were two picnic tables and a fire ring which was enough for our group. The area was cleared with a lot of space to set up all of our tents. We were here in late April when the weather was getting warmer so remember to bring mosquito repellent and enough water for your whole group to stay hydrated!

The hiking trails are loops about 6 miles long where you can experience different types of Florida environments and boating on the lake. And there are also history demonstrations showing the old Florida cowboys at the park.

All in all, this park has many options and activities. Whether you are into water sports or biking and hiking, this park has it all.

Maybe it’s the no pets rule, but this campground was the quietest we’ve been to and we camp nearly every weekend.

The sites are spacious with the fire rings being in the way back. This is a no alcohol park. They didn’t have any fire or ice, which is a negative. We love camping at spots that have that for purchase. The nearest Publix is about 5 minutes or so away and does have both.

They don’t allow you to have anything on the trees, which I found a little off putting. We had solar lights hung from them, just wrapped around, not attached, and were told by the camp host (? Didn’t introduce himself) they needed to come down. Staff rode around a few times and said nothing but, okay.

The bathrooms were clean and well maintained. Lots of open space to run around, kick a ball, two playground sets, and a beautiful walk to Lake Mary Jane.

Quiet hours were observed, which was so nice.

I brought my T-Mobile home router and had plenty of signal to work, stream, etc.

We will be back!

This is a 54 site campground with hook ups at each site, fire ring, and picnic table. The trees provide a good amount of privacy from adjacent campers. Clean bathrooms with hot showers. This is about 15 min from the airport yet very removed from Orlando. Water on three sides, gates that close and lock from 6pm to 8 am (Nov-March) but an easy access code is given at check in to be able to come and go after hours. No pets, no alcohol, and quiet after 10. I will stay again! It was a mix of RVs, trailers, camper vans, car camping, and tents when I stayed. The personnel were very nice and helpful at check in.

The park was full. We got one of the last two spots left, which were the only two that were full sun so it was very hot! We checked in around midnight and they had security at the gate that just kept an eye on things. Our whole purpose of camping is to fish so although they had a nice pier to fish off of, you could see straight through the 1’-2’ deep water with no drop off in sight. All you can catch really are horseshoe crab and rays. This was very disappointing for us. To make it up, there is a pool on site which was great for the kids. The bath houses were clean and always had soap and toilet paper and parking also so you don’t have to walk. Unfortunately there was a bad apple there that decided to vandalize one of the game tables while we were there but management posted updates on the main doors of the office about what activities were available or unavailable. It was a good place to watch the shuttle launches. If you go to the right of the pier there are benches under the palms so you can sit and watch. Go to spaceflight.com for launch info. We did notice they have a dog park with waste bag stations but nobody was in there. Primitive tent camping is closer to the water but not waterfront while RV camping is behind the tents. You are only allowed one shade structure per RV, no tents on RV sites. The sites are really squished together so I felt like I was walking in the backyard of the RV next to us every time I went outside. We used the 30 amp electric and water hookups without problems. They do have picnic tables at each site. Fires are allowed but have to be off the ground, no fire rings. Our site backed up to the drainage ditch which was full of shrubs and no water whatsoever. Overall it was a good trip. The kids rated it 4 stars each (I’m sure because of the pool) but we do not plan on returning any time soon as we want to explore more fishing options. However we will return if we just want to get away and the kids can swim their little hearts out!

This is a lovely property sitting on the Northern boarder of Little Big Econ State Forest. There is one small hike in to primitive campsite on the far side of the lake from the nature center - on less than 2 mile loop trail. Site will hold approximately 5 guests comfortably. There are no amenities except a primitive toilet around the bend from the site. There is a fire ring on the site and a picnic table

The trails are filled with wildlife! Gopher tortoise, raccoon, shore birds, deer and so much more. the wildflowers in the spring and fall are eye catching and there is a small lake not far from the trail offering fishing opportunity.

The nature center is very well done and there is a new group pavilion with bathrooms, picnic tables and room to play for a small fee. They host family camp outs in this area 2 times per year.

Very peaceful and pretty deserted in June. Some spots were flooded due to recent heavy rains and others were blocked off due to COVID-19 social distancing requirements but we still had quite a selection of shady spots to choose from. Water and electric hookups were available and some spots had fire rings and picnic tables. Tables were in ok condition. Bath house was pretty clean with tepid water for showers, but they were free! We had no luck fishing from the shore and boat launch and would guarantee better luck from a boat. Launch is $5 and there is an honor box for payment. Only downside besides the heat (Summer in FL) were the large ants that were everywhere. Overall, we loved the place and will definitely be back in cooler weather.

Campground Review: GCI  Outdoors Slim Fold Cook Station at Geneva Wilderness Area

I took part in helping with a Camp Out for 10 families with 41 people at Geneva Wilderness Area in Seminole County, FL which covers 180 acres. This event used the group camp site with a good size pavilion.  This area was quite big for our group and perfect.  We had at least 10 tents in the big group area and four more in a smaller area off to the side for those of us that had to get up at the crack of dawn to cook breakfast, that way we didn't wake people up.  There were restrooms at the pavilion but no showers.  The pavilion area had lights and a grill with a cooking area just off to the side.  And there was a fire ring in the camping area for the families to hang out around and have S'mores at night.  This was a very, very good and well run event on everyone's part.   We had free time with some outdoor games, fishing nearby, and dutch oven cooking, cobblers, yum.  This is the perfect place for a weekend camp out.  I am so ready to take a group of friends there for a weekend.  The group area is just a short walk to the lake and the fishing pier.   Most of the kids in the group tried to fish, some for the first time.  We used worms and…..cut up hot dogs……shhhhh.   We caught 7 fish in the short amount of time we were there before dinner.  The fishing pier was very nice and set on a small lake, one of several on the property.   There is an Education Center: Ed Yarborough Center on the property near the group site that was open for our group and was an amazing.   Everyone in our group….all 41 enjoyed the park immensely.  We also did a night hike around one of the lakes that went past the primitive camp area.  I went back out the next day and was amazed at how nice that area was.  There is a fire ring, picnic table, benches, and a very small covered bench or kitchen area.  And even fire wood.  Lots of room for several tents and it was on the backside of another lake so what a view.  There is also a wildlife viewing blind that was built by an Eagle Scout right there too.  And I did notice a few feet away there seemed to be a small simple shower blind too.  Continuing around the lake brought you to the H.E. Buddy Long Memorial Chapel which was right on the water and very neat.  It had a little chapel and benches built by a Boy Scout group.  Great view and a good spot to relax and think.  A great place to visit.  I absolutely loved it and was amazed it was right there and what all was there.

https://www.seminolecountyfl.gov/locations/Geneva-Wilderness-Area-And-Ed-Yarborough-Nature-Center.stml

You can access Little Big Econ State Forest through trail hiking from Geneva Wilderness Area (yellow trail).  There is an equestrian stable nearby and a couple of air boat outfitters and guides.  Titusville would be a good area to go to afterwards to spend time on the coast.

Overall, I loved the park and I think everyone in the group enjoyed all the park had to offer.  I think the many lakes on the property make it super unique.  

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Product Review:  GCI Outdoors: Slim Fold Cook Station

As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get to test products. At Geneva Wilderness Area I tested The Slim Fold Cook Station.

https://www.gcioutdoor.com/tables-camp-kitchens/slim-fold-cook-station/

This cook station is an easy fold one piece design.  It can be set up and folded down in seconds.  It has multi use side tables which can be used to hold your beverage, wine glass, paper towels, garbage bags, or cooking utensils.  It has a storage rack under the top shelf for a cooler and other dry good storage and holds up to 35 lbs.  It has a heat resistance aluminum top that is perfect for camping grills and stoves and can hold up to 48 lbs.  It folds flat for easy portability and has a carrying handle.  It also weighs less than 19 lbs.  

1.  I loved that I had an easy time setting this up for the first time,  I was pleased with the ease.

2.  I loved the fact that I was pleasantly surprised about how sturdy it was and the fact that it did not weight a lot.  Even a seasoned camper commented on how sturdy it was and how great it was to have on this trip.

3.  I really loved how well the aluminum top held up to a camp stove.

4.  It was so easy to use and fold back up.  And easy to clean too.

5.  And it can be used tailgating easily.  

6.  And the price was the best thing….it wasn't super expensive as far as camping equipment goes….. and I can tell you it is worth so much more than they are charging.

I can't wait to use it again on my own small family camping trip.  I am so happy I got this product to try.  I was debating it because I thought it might not be very sturdy for the price.  BUT I was proved wrong and love it.  I am so glad I got it.

Desperate for a place to pitch our tent rather than spending $$$ for a hotel, we lucked up when we found VBK on The Dyrt. This quiet campground lined with moss covered oaks, palm trees and long leaf pines was a dream. They are set up mostly for RVs but have a few campsites. Our primitive campsite was at the far back. Large, Quiet, shady and near a water source. We ended up sharing the site with another very pleasant family. Heated pool, nice restroom and laundry facilities. I didn’t have a chance to check out the activities room with bocce ball, shuttle board and horseshoes. It was great being able to camp on our way to Bahia Honda State Park. No hotel for us!