Looking for an adventure where you can explore Merritt Island and then fall asleep in your tent? The Dyrt helps you find campsites with tent camping near Merritt Island. Each tent site offers quick access to one or more of Merritt Island, Florida's most popular destinations.
The East Camp Zone is located within Little Big Econ State Forest (Seminole County), about 40 miles east of Orlando, FL. The East Camp Zone is only accessible by boat and consists of six suggested camp zones. There is no water, electric or amenities... Recreational activities featured here are: boating, fishing, bird watching, wildlife viewing, wildflower viewing and nature study. The Little Big Econ State Forest offers two camp areas for primitive camping. The West Camp Area is located near the Barr Street hiking trailhead and can be accessed only from the hiking trail and by canoe or kayak from the Econlockhatchee River Paddling Trail. The East Camp Area can be accessed only by canoe and kayak at this time. Overnight camping is allowed by obtaining a State Forest Use Permit available at the Little Big Econ State Forest office. For more information and to get a State Forest Use Permit, please contact the forest at (407) 971-3500 or email the Little Big Econ State Forest.
Hatbill County Park allows primitive camping by permit on weekends. Please call (321) 264-5037 for camping permit. Boat ramp open 24 hours a day.
This vast property straddling portions of four counties was the first acquisition in Florida funded by the Save Our Rivers program. It includes 12 miles of the St. Johns River and is part of a large group of publicly owned conservation lands in the area that includes the Little-Big Econ State Forest, the Tosohatchee State Reserve and the St. Johns National Wildlife Refuge. Within the property are more than 4 miles of the Florida National Scenic Trail.
The property helps to filter nutrients during seasonal flooding; 96 percent of the area is part of the St. Johns River floodplain.
One of the special highlights of this property is that its unique plant community that is supported by naturally salty water, which flows from small springs near Harney and Puzzle lakes. The salinity of small lakes in the area approaches one-third that of seawater. Many salt-tolerant and marine-dwelling organisms present here are not found anywhere else in the St. Johns River.
Visitors often say they enjoy this property because of the sheer size of it and how open and vast much of the landscape is. There are huge marshes, miles of open water, shady hammocks, piney woods, and much more. They’ll also tell you it’s a big enough place to easily feel like you are lost – a treasure of remoteness in the busy central Florida area. Wildlife viewing
Please respect Florida’s wildlife and use caution while visiting district lands. These are wild animals. For your safety, do not approach or feed any wild animal. A diversity of migratory and resident wading birds and waterfowl is frequently found at the conservation area. Occasional sightings include white ibis, roseate spoonbills, white pelicans, southern bald eagles and sandhill cranes. Recreational activities
The southwestern 6,000 acres of this conservation area comprise the Seminole Ranch Wildlife Management Area, which is seasonally hunted.
Year-round activities include fishing, horseback riding, primitive camping east of the river, hiking (4.3 miles of Florida National Scenic Trail — hikers, please check hunt dates), canoeing, boating, bicycling, wildlife viewing, picnicking and nature study.
The trails are seasonally flooded.
This conservation area includes lakes Washington, Winder and Poinsett. St. Johns River water flow is regulated at one point — a fixed-crest weir located just north of Lake Washington — to help ensure water supply to Melbourne. The area was acquired as part of the Upper St. Johns River Basin Project, undertaken jointly by the district and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, as a long-term flood control project to revitalize the upper basin. The Upper St. Johns River Basin Project reclaimed drained marshlands by creating reservoirs and replumbing existing canals. The goals were numerous: to improve water quality, reduce freshwater discharges to the Indian River Lagoon, provide for water supply, and restore or enhance wetland habitat. The area contains extensive wetland communities, typically dominated by emergent species such as sawgrass, smartweed, arrowhead and maidencane. One of the special highlights of this property is its numerous primitive camping sites (accessible by boat) along the river and access to more than 7 miles of trails. Other special features include open vistas dotted with palms, seasonal wildflowers and grasslands that change colors with the seasons. Portions of the hiking trail are unshaded, and portions go through dense shaded hardwood and palm hammocks. Eastern meadowlarks are plentiful here. St. Johns River Water Management District lands are natural, wild and scenic places. While camping on district lands, you may have an opportunity to see various wildlife, sit under the stars, listen to a soft evening breeze rustling tree leaves and experience Florida much as some of the earliest settlers did. However, be prepared to rough it. Only primitive tent camping is allowed on district lands and only at designated locations. No travel trailers, campers or RVs are allowed. Most properties offer no amenities such as rentals, restrooms, potable water or shelters. Many of the campsites are in remote areas and can be reached only by hiking, bicycling, boating or horseback riding. Campers should use the designated campfire rings for fires and should carry out all garbage with them when they leave. Check the notices section of this website for updates on any current burn bans. First come/first serve and reservable camping sites are available at most district properties. All camping is limited to a maximum of seven days per visit and you may camp no more than 30 days on a property per year.
For visitors wishing to backcountry camp in the seashore, primitive camping is available on designated islands throughout the Intracoastal Waterway and Mosquito Lagoon. These campsites are available by reservation only and require a permit. You may reserve campsites for $20 per night and up to six months in advance. RV or vehicle camping is not permitted within the seashore.
The following conditions apply to all backcountry camping permittees: The permittee identified on this permit shall retain and present the permit upon request to the National Park staff.
$20 / night
Scout
We tent camped a RV spot I really liked it
Scout
Old fishing camp being cleaned up by new management. Pontoon boats for rent, bait, tackle, and snacks in the office/store. Rv sites, permanent mobile home sites and I think tent camping. General manager Doc is so friendly. He love ensuring people are enjoying themselves.
Traveler
Stayed 1 night in a tent site, car camping. Arrived a bit late and had to set up in the dark. Efficient lighting and close to washrooms. A cold front came in and thankfully I was prepared and was toasty warm.
Scout
The tent sites are a little small but most of them are shady and secluded with lots of trees and shrubs between! Good bathroom and shower, and lots of trails to explore, leading to a boat ramp and playground
Scout
Really something for everyone. Tent sites are lakefront underneath cypress trees with hanging Spanish Moss. Lots of RV sites with clean bathrooms. 2 pools, 2 hot tubs, on site restaurants, a lakefront beach with free SUP’s. Very family-friendly atmosphere, but not a ton of kids.
Scout
Very friendly staff. Nicely laid out with space for everyone. Walk to the beach! Clean with shade. WiFi, water, electric and sewer hookup as well as tent sites and cabins. Cute! Concrete slabs to park your unit on. The sites 100-144 aren’t as shady. The red knot circle is the most shady.
TravelerFirst timer car/tent camping and our stay was perfect. Deer roam happily around and your wake up call in the morning is courtesy of feisty Sandhill Cranes calling back and forth. Park and facilities were super clean. Nearby trash facilities checked and cleaned multiple times a day during our stay. I can't say how crazy it is during the summer time, but in the early fall it's a beautiful campsite to just hang out in and chill.
Traveler
We loved our tent camping experience at Lake Kissimmee. Our site was 22 in Loop 1 and we were pleasantly surprised to discover that we had our own direct path to the bathroom, which wasn’t something featured on the FL State Park booking site. On-site store was only open on specific days of the week and did not carry ice, but they did have small bundles of firewood. We look forward to booking the same spot when we come back to visit during the colder months.
TravelerThis campground is right on the river, and has both RV and tent camping sites. The lanes are rather narrow, and it’s all one way, so depending where you’re at, you may end up circling the whole campground just to take your trash out.
We were there in late spring/early summer for a month, and it was okay. They do allow long term tent campers, so you’ll see lots of tents with huge tarps over them.
This campground fills up on the weekends, so it’s busier, more crowded, and a little loud.
I would probably not recommend this for long term, but it is one of the most reasonably priced campgrounds (that aren’t 55+) in the area.
Traveler
This KOA is definitely one of the nicer KOA sites I’ve visited. It’s a bit cramped, but has all the amenities you need. Bathrooms are super clean! Not many tent sites, but they’re located right next to the bathrooms and the pool. This location is very convenient if you’re planning to go to Disney but don’t want to spend a lot on a campsite. They also have cabins to rent (I didn’t rent one on this visit but would like to check them out).
RangerGiving 3 stars for now. I read a review in this and is at my backdoor. Never new about this place. Hiking trails, boat ramp, fishing, on the Sebastian Waterway. There are 30 sites that are for tent or a small pop up. Sites are large include a concrete picnic table and fire ring. There are several locations to get water from. Bathhouse is for camping guest only and you need a combo code to get in. There are 4 sites that are for Rv’s that have water hookup and 30amp service. This is a first come first serve campground. Reservations are not taken. Tent camping you would be fine the Rv sites I think on weekends you would be out of luck. Today on a Tuesday there was 2 taken and all the 30 other tent/pop up were available. Close to a lot of shopping. Plenty of wildlife and plants to discover.
LegendThis was the perfect location for our touristy vacation! The Orlando Kissimmee KOA Holiday is great park to visit when staying in the Orlando area. Most shopping and restaurants are within a 5-10 minute drive. And all the tourist attractions are within 30 minutes:
We made our reservations on the app, you could also choose to book online at Koa.com or over the phone. It’s an easy process and you’ll have multiple site options to choose from. Sign up for the Value Kard rewards program if you think you’ll stay more than 3 nights a year, it’ll pay for itself. KOA will not assign a specific site until you arrive to checkin, however they will accept requests if you have an area in mind or friends you want to be close to.
This park has 3 types of Motorhome/Camper sites; back-in, pull-through and deluxe patios. They are all full hook-ups(50Amp, water, sewer and cable). They also have deluxe cabins and tent sites available. We were extremely impressed of the amenities the tent sites had. Large tables, chairs around the fire pit and covered kitchen area with sinks and electrical outlets. These are located next to the shower and bath rooms, this makes it very convenient for those quick trips in the middle of the night. They’re also diagonal to the heated pool, sauna, workout room, bike rental area and laundry area.
On the other side of the park is a great playground and jump pad. They even have a fenced in dog run and dog wash area. This is a beautiful KOA location and well maintained. We like that the campground is just lit enough at night to walk the dogs after sunset. The lamps look like little Mickey Mouse heads! The staff is friendly and helpful. The camp store is well stocked and kept clean. There is minimal noise from the major road nearby.
If you can’t stay at Fort Wilderness on Disney property this is the next best location!!!
GuideThis is a great spot to RV camping, less so for tent camping. Nice and clean park amenities conveniently located within biking distance of several restaurants at Port Canaveral for dinner with the family or drinks as you watch the cruise ships leave. The campground, Itself, has easy beach access with great views of the sunrise, however this also means it is typically VERY crowded during the summer months. It’s closeness to the jetty means that the waters on the beach side are fairly calm and blocked from the big waves of ships leaving port but the pier on the other sides of the jetty has water deep enough for fishing and even the occasional sea turtle sighting!
This site is also located very close to the boat launch. If you like deep sea fishing this is a great location to bring your boat or look into one of the day trips offered at the Port about a mile away. Great for a day trip if you are visiting the Orlando area or want to avoid beachside hotel prices on a family vacation.
TravelerThe 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!
Legend
If you’re looking for a spot to park your 5th wheel or mobile RV campsite for the night and don’t mind being shoulder to shoulder with likeminded RV campers, then the flatly paved surfaces of Kissimmee RV Park, complete with 193 campsites, might just be for you. While just off the I-4 corridor taking you into Orlando (only 30 or so minutes due north of this location), pet-friendly Kissimmee RV Park offers close proximity to and affordable overnight accommodations near all of the amusement parks (just 6.5 miles away) the Magical City has to offer.
As far as amenities go, there’s a handful: recreation hall, full-service kitchen, heated pool, shuffle board court, bingo, horseshoe pits, scattered BBQ grills, spartan restrooms and bath house (although in need of refurbishment), laundry-O-mat, ice machine, free WiFi (but only at rec hall and pool – many people complained that they couldn’t access WiFi while at their sites, but if you read the fine print, that’s not what this place promises), RV storage, dog parks & walking paths, a few scattered gazebos and a propane tank refilling station. Each site comes with its own flat concrete slab that you can call home for the night, accompanied by a lone picnic table and all the typical hook-ups you would expect (30 / 50 electric amp, water, sewage, etc.) along with designated dump sites and an electric charging station as well as small pond.
Insider’s tips? Sure, here’s a few: (1) if you are tent camping, apparently Kissimmee RV Park has some sites, but as we were passing through with an RV, I didn’t bother to look, so check this out; (2) Tired of foraging through your cooler or on-board mini-fridge for your next meal? Then there’s no shortage of options being this close to Disney, so while there’s the chain restaurants nearby (Chili’s, Perkin’s, BJ’s, etc.), I recommend a few off-the-beaten places like Fat Boy’s BBQ, Savion’s Place or Capone’s Dinner & Show Theater;(3) Fan of comic books? My family and I stumbled across Coliseum of Comics Kissimmee and it was a nice diversion for a few hours; and (4) Want to go back in time for a nice meal and theater?! Then look no further than Medieval Times, which is literally just down the road!
Happy Camping!
ScoutNo dogs allowed and they like many Florida parks should have some way for Fl residence to actually be able to camp in Florida but no they don’t 
ScoutFirst time at Lake Kissimmee State Park! We loved it. We arrived just before sun down. First of all the drive into the park is beautiful. Classic Florida landscape and made us so excited to start camping. We were in loop 1 site 13. The sites are pretty private we couldn’t see the campers to the sides of us and they are very large. Bathrooms were very clean. Best part was all the wildlife we encountered. In the morning a family of deer walked right by our tent! There are three main hiking trails up to 6.7 miles. We did the 6 mile loop and it was beautiful and peaceful. Primitive hike in campsites available along the trails which we will be checking out for next time. Reservation was easily made through reservation America.
GuideWe 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.
Scout
Small tent area enough for about 4 tents close together... but clean and very nice!
TravelerHas been wonderful clean and quiet. We have a truck tent.
Guide
Guide
Launch at river breeze park, book through Canavaral National Seashore. 20 bucks a night your own island. Can book for up to 15 people but I don't know where you would put enough tents. Got a 6 man and a 2 man set up and could get a 4 man as well but who actually puts that many people in a tent, lol.
Traveler
Put out the roof awning on my car and set up the tent. Had charcoal grills at the campsite with a massive picnic table.
Traveler
The area seemed more of a housing area for the less fortunate. Lots of tents and what it looked “ permanent outdoor living “ nice park , but the camp grounds were not great.
Ranger
this place is alright for RVs, but not for tents, There is also not any privacy, and the bathrooms were kind of poorly kept.
GuideThere are tent and rv sites. The bathrooms were dirty the last two times we went. And the beach was trashy. This used to be my favorite place but has went downhill and I doubt I will ever return
Scout
We love this campground! We have camped here many times and also just have visited their awesome park and pavilions. The campsites are nice, we had our favorite one. It was big and secluded so we had privacy. Our tent is like the Taj Mahal of tents and we bring lots of stuff with us and we had plenty of room. The bathhouses are very nice and clean. There is a huge park with a great playground, which the kids love, and also a big lake. The pavilions can be used by anyone for the day and they range from small to large. This is just a great place!
Merritt Island, Florida, offers a variety of tent camping options that allow you to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying local attractions and amenities.
Frequently Asked Questions
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Merritt Island, FL is Wickham Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 6 reviews.
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