Best Tent Camping near Mount Dora, FL

Recent Tent Reviews near Mount Dora, Florida

1252 Reviews of 51 Mount Dora Campgrounds

• 

  Rhedonda L.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 7, 2023

  Colt Creek State Park Campground

  Mediocre at best

  So I will say this site has super clean bathrooms, nice tent campsites and freshly paved roads. The tent sites have hookups and very close to the bathrooms. The only downfall is there isn't a ton to do here so don't expect anything spectacular.

• 

  Jeanene A.

  Legend

  

  May. 9, 2018

  Colt Creek State Park Campground

  A Brand New Place For Adventure

  Colt Creek State Park is one of the newest parks in the Florida State Park System. Their RV/Tent Campground just recently opened in early 2018. RV spots are spacious. There is not a lot of privacy between spots but cover will grow in in time. Most sites are in full sun most of the day. Tent camping areas are on grass not gravel. very nice dump and wash area at gate to campground. They also offer equestrian, group, and primitive camping at this location. The equestrian camp is well used and quite large with standard amenities for horses and campers. There are 2 primitive sites along a 10 mile loop trail. Group site does not have a pavilion but does have port o lets ( no water or electric). There are 4 lakes ( no swimming) on the property kayak/canoe rentals, nice fishing ares and a dock. Lots of wildlife. Great for biking as well.

• 

  Kandi G.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 3, 2018

  Rodman Campground

  Closely gathered camp sites, without water or electric. Clean.

  Closely gathered tent camp sites, without water or electric at the site. Water is stationed within walking distance, tastes weird. Nonpotable?Clean sites. Bath house with hot water, boat ramp for large and small boats. Current is very fast for kayaking. Go tot he dam instead which offers World renowned fishing. Lots of alligators. Go to Rodman damn for the fishing and quiet waters to kayak in. A minagerie of wildlife is available to view. No phone service. Dog friendly camping. Isolated. Bring what you need.

• L

  Liz H.

  Ranger

  

  Feb. 28, 2020

  Salt Springs Recreation Area

  Great campground in Ocala National Forest

  Fantastic campground and recreation area. Over 150 campsites, one area full hookups with all amenities and other area for tent camping. Sites have lots of space and majority have shade trees with moss flowing in the breeze. All sites have picnic table, lantern pole, grill, and fire ring. We have 2 golden retrievers and had plenty of space to spare. Beautiful stars out at night. Bathhouses are large, clean, hot showers. Trailer sites were full and only a few tent campers this time of year. Tent sites are complete with Bear boxes at each site. Camp hosts and management were very friendly and helpful.
  Saw manatees kayaking in the spring and river on premises. Spring area has a boardwalk around it. People swam with them too. Saw bald eagle catching fish, lots of birds, some fish, etc. Has a small boat launch and marina. Can tent kayaks. Great place for bikes. A few hiking trails were well maintained.
  Convenient location to lots of springs to visit and things to do. Visited Silver Springs, Blue Springs, Juniper Spring to name a few. All within 1 hr drive.
  Not sure how summer time is, but this late February time was Awesome. 40-50 at night and 60s in the day! This is a must stay place.

• 

  Rusty R.

  Scout

  

  Apr. 24, 2019

  Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake

  Close to attractions

  We stayed here a lot when we first moved to Florida and loved it. We stayed in the tent ⛺️ area because it was the most cost effective. What you should know about the tent area is that it is not drive up, you have to walk a short distance to your site.

  One thing that we loved about the location is that it is close to all of the attractions. We actually walked home from Universal Studios to our campsite one night.

  Some other things to know you can only stay for 14 days at a time and only 14 days in a month. This was an issue for us as we were working in the area and camping full time. This seemed to be the case with all of the county parks in the area, so we had to move every two weeks.

  Apparently you can stay longer in the RV Park, but they wouldn’t let us with our roof top tent. They went as far as to say that it is illegal. We looked into it latter and found that not to be true. Apparently it is illegal in Orlando to camp in a tent within city limits. This does not apply to roof top tents though as they are not on the ground. They were a bit rude about the whole thing and after being lied to, it left a bad taste in our mouths.

  Remember that the tent sites are not drive up? Yea, we couldn’t use our roof top tent there either, fortunately we carried a ground tent too.

  Some other things to know, the tent sites are close to the highway/ turnpike so there is always traffic noise. Some weekends and during breaks it is a training ground for high school rowing teams (you are not allowed to use a canoe in the lake either, but somehow rowing is ok) and there are competitions. So it can be busy then and noisy in the morning when they are training and competing.

  Don’t look too closely at the girls in their tight athletic outfits either. Our neighbor got tossed out for that and complaining about their littering (which was a legitimate complaint there were water bottles littered everywhere when they were there).

  So those are the pros and cons. In spite of the negative stuff we would and have gone there again as it is a nice spot.

• 

  Jeanene A.

  Legend

  

  Apr. 25, 2019

  Withlacoochee River Park

  A Hidden Gem

  Wow... a few miles from home and one I will visit often! This lovely county run park you will find at the end of a 15 min drive down a back country road. There is so much to see and do here. The campsites are well shaded. (unless grounds were full when you reserved and you took option to camp in adjoining astronomy field). I would have rated a 5+ except that there is only 1 small bathhouse in campground. There are other bathrooms on property though. Staff on phone are not overly friendly - but do not let that dissuade you from booking a spot here!

  There are multiple tent camping sites dispersed on property and 1 primitive site that you have to hike into. The group site is very popular with local scouts! The RV/Tent sites are roomy and not too close together - but not very private either. There is a dump station onsite

  Next to campground you will find a historic church, a large and small cabin available for rent, 2 playgrounds, shelters, large pavilion with grill/fire pit, fishing dock, canoe launch, paved bike trail hiking trails and an observation tower. On new moon nights the local astronomy club uses neighboring field to gaze at the stars. This place is quiet and dark at night!

  Wildlife did not seem to be a problem at camp (but we are very careful with trash). There are lots of birds, deer and fishing was good on the river.

  You might have to compete with us for a reservation here - we will be back!

• 

  Brandie B.

  Legend

  

  Nov. 22, 2020

  Salt Springs Recreation Area

  Oldest National Forest east of the Mississippi River!

  Salt Springs Recreation Area is part of the Ocala National Forest. It’s the oldest national forest east of the Mississippi River and protects the world’s largest sand pine scrub forest. The Salt Springs gets its name from the magnesium, sodium and potassium levels in the water, giving it a slight salinity. We made our reservations online at www.recreation.gov you can also call 877-444-6777 the local office is(352) 685-2048. We’re a married couple in our forties traveling with two dogs and a cat in our 37 foot motorhome. We stayed at Salt Springs campground for about a week in February. It was$34 for full hookups or$23 for tent camping. American Land& Leisure does a great job managing this recreation and camping area, the staff are professional and friendly. It’s a very safe and well lit campground. Activities include spring swimming, basketball courts, horseshoe pit, fishing, snorkeling, hiking, boating and kayaking. Canoe rentals are available. Nearby in the town of Salt Springs you will find a grocery store, gas station, restaurants, post office and laundromat. Don’t expect big box stores to shop in, this is a very small town and a place to get away from the world. We stayed in a full hookup site and had lots of space to ourselves, at least 25 yards to our neighbor on either side and about 40 yards to the next loop behind us. It was a flat site and very easy to level our motorhome. Sites are fully equipped with fire ring, grill, lantern post and picnic table. The tent sites include a bear locker. We loved the recycling opportunities at each trash container. They recycle plastic, glass and aluminum. The bathhouses are a gem, extremely clean and well taken care of. For campers in tents they offer a kitchen sink area to clean your dishes. Overall we loved our stay here, we went swimming multiple times with our snorkel gear and drove down to Silver Springs on two separate days(one for the glass bottomed boats and a second day to go kayaking).

• J

  Jill P.

  Scout

  

  Oct. 22, 2024

  Ocala RV Camp Resort

  No tent camping allowed

  I called and was told they don’t allow any tent camping. Just an FYI. Was advised only the state parks in the area allow tent camping.

• 

  Bruce D.

  Traveler

  

  Nov. 9, 2020

  Withlacoochee River Park

  This is a great park

  This park has RV sites, regular tent sites, cabins and primitive camping. I like the regular tent sites, not much of a walk in but secluded. The park includes restrooms and showers and seem to be taken care of. There are several trails around, one paved, and I believe the Florida Trail is very close. Quiet at night and peaceful.

• 

  Stuart K.

  Legend

  

  Jun. 27, 2022

  Trimble Park Campground

  Camping Paradise Found!

  If like me, you find yourself on the never-ending, all-consuming search to find the very best campground on earth, then you will rejoice at what I discovered here in little known, far out-of-the-way Trimble Park Campground located just due south of Mount Dora – one of the quaintest small towns in the US (more on this later).

  Allow me to begin by saying that the first thing I look for in a ‘magical unicorn campsite’ is that it truly is a unique discovery. Not made for – or even known by – the masses. Following a series of turns, and likely getting lost at least twice enroute and then having to double-back more than a few times where you’ll find yourself cursing as to whether or not the destination you are seeking out is actually even worth it … is exactly when you find yourself discovering this very particular slice of natural paradise. It’s here where I mistakenly came across one of the most amazing campgrounds I have ever been so excited to uncover in all of my backpacking, tent-unfolding, fireside grilling and midnight star-gazing sojourning. 

  So let me break it down for you. Beyond being a bit of a ‘hidden gem,’ Trimble Park Campground is idyllically sandwiched between two beautiful and very good sized lakes – Lake Carlton to the south and Lake Beauclair to the north (and just a smidge further north, you’ll come to a much larger Lake Dora) – so all you fish-catching, clear lake boat sailing and sunset-on-the-water seekers, rejoice at this very fantastic conundrum you will experience: with so many lakes at your nearby disposal, which one will you chose? Sprinkle in an ever-present chorus of tree frogs, never-ending patch quilt of verdant, green lilipads and more Spanish moss hanging from bending ancient Oaks than you’ve ever seen in your entire existence, then the charm factor of this spectacle just multiplied by 10 (at least). Add to this the simply superb way in which the local, regional rangers take METICULOUS care of this place, from the well-manicured lawns and pristine conditions of the shelters, picnic tables, BBQ grills, children’s playgrounds, fishing piers and even the newly paved flat roadways you’ll find yourself wanting to slowly crawl through so you don’t miss anything as you take in all the surroundings, this campground feels as though there is not a single blade of grass that is misplaced. It’s all been perfectly packaged to deliver a most amazing camping experience. 

  But the hands-down, most absolute amazing aspect of this entire experience is this: that nearly every RV / Tent campsite sits waterfront (and westward facing at that, ensuring one of the most brilliant sunsets you’ll see from the natural confines of your jungle-like make-shift camping abode). All sites come with water and electric, picnic tables, fire rings and BBQ’s, communal washing sinks and you’ll back up into the site, so as to maximize the lakefront views. There’s a separate bathroom facility that is fairly good and decently clean. 

  Massive insider’s tip? While there are primitive camping sites, apart from a bear pole to hang your trash, there is nothing on these sites (and they are incredibly small) – so I would highly recommend you book a non-primitive campsite (one of the very few times I have ever recommended this). Insider’s Tip#2? Further afield, you’ll want to make use of Wekiva Springs State Park – one of the best natural springs in the entire Sunshine State – you don’t want to miss this one! Last insider’s tip? If you don’t have to leave this place, then don’t. But if you must, you won’t have to mosey far to find just about everything you could want in just a 15 minute drive to the little showboat of a small town in nearby Mount Dora. This picturesque village has a number of grocery stores, small shoppes and boutiques as well as simply outstanding restaurants, which sent my Foodie radar to an all-time high. Joints I highly recommend include: Pizza Amoré, Ken’s Amish Deli & Bakery, Tony’s Clam Chowder Seafood, The Beauclaire, Jeremiah’s, Pisces Rising and 1921 Mount Dora. 

  For scenic shots of Mt. Dora, head to Gilbert Park where there’s a brilliant little lighthouse, flocks of seagulls and lots of aquatic rentals. On Saturdays, there’s a great little Farmer’s Market in town, called Renninger’s Farmer & Flea Market, where we bought fresh produce for our entire camping stay. Outside the main town of Mount Dora, you’ll find big box retailers like Publix, Target and Walmart. I sincerely hope I raised your expectations with regards to this particular natural campground oasis – even if I have, trust me, you will be pleasantly surprised by just what an amazing, precious camping experience awaits you here. 

  Happy Camping!

• 

  Nathan H.

  Traveler

  

  Nov. 29, 2021

  St Johns River Campground

  St johns river campground

  Not good for tent camping. Clean park. Friendly staff.

• B

  Bryce C.

  Scout

  

  Dec. 29, 2022

  Moss Park Campground

  Nice

  We tent camped a RV spot I really liked it

• 

  Brian and Janet S.

  Guide

  

  Mar. 19, 2024

  Hopkins Prairie Campground — National Forests In Florida

  Off the beaten path

  This is a beautiful campground with proximity to the Florida Scenic Trail. Ideal for tent camping, as the forest service roads were a little rough for our RV. Campground is along a beautiful and unique wet prairie. No cell service, no electric or water hookups. Worth a stay in a tent! Recommend using entrance off route 19 via forest service road 86.

• 

  Paully B.

  Guide

  

  Oct. 19, 2017

  Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground

  Exactly what one would expect from disney

  How could being at Disney be a bad thing? Even when tent camping it was amazing. Never a mosquito in sight. Geckos all around. GREAT for bike riding around the campsite.

• 

  Christian D.

  Legend

  

  Mar. 21, 2021

  Salt Springs Recreation Area

  Camping in Ocala National Forest

  Close to a nice spring (not the most beautiful of the area). Tent site are fine. Very friendly staff.

• 

  Susan P.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 27, 2018

  Gores Landing

  Remote and natural!

  Can flood but there is dry ground to camp on. Sulfur water in the outdoor showers, great tent sites right off river.

• 

  Daniel S.

  Ranger

  

  Jan. 4, 2021

  Alexander Springs Recreation Area

  Beautiful place

  One of our favorite places to visit. The springs are amazing. Camping facilities are nice. Would be 5 stars if they had some sites with electric hookups. Outside of that a great place for tent camping.

• M

  Margaret M.

  Traveler

  

  Apr. 9, 2019

  Wekiva Falls RV Resort

  Has everthing, year round enjoyment. Reservations recommended.

  Blike trails, from rv. to tent camping, year round enjoyment. Was there with 4 children 2 adults during a freezing cold snap. Didn't lower our enjoyment, the challenging cold 20°F, made it all the more fun!

• A

  Amber C.

  Scout

  

  Nov. 4, 2017

  Orlando Southwest KOA Holiday

  First Camp

  Our first camping trip we stayed in Koa for the Cotopaxi Questival. The tent site was well laid out. I was very pleased.

• 

  Rusty R.

  Ranger

  

  Jan. 31, 2021

  Blue Spring State Park Campground

  Great place to see wildlife

  I enjoy going to Blue Springs. Many activities for the family. Biking, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, boating, and watching nature. There is cabins or areas that allow RV or tent camping. There is even areas that you can go fishing.

• 

  Haley L.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 12, 2024

  Juniper Springs Rec Area - Tropical Camp Area

  Jungle camp

  Nice spots for tent camping. Got surprisingly cold when I visited. Would’ve been 5 stars if it weren’t for obnoxiously loud and rude neighbors that were yelling/screaming until midnight. If you camp here, expect to hear lots of partying.

• 

  Erica S.

  Guide

  

  Apr. 1, 2022

  Gold Rock Campground

  Beautiful artistic touches

  We tent camped for 1 night on our East Coast bike tour. There was an open field w a fun artisric tree stump, fire pit, picnic tables, and water. We charged phones in the bathroom. Nice warm showers. Would stay again!

• A

  Anthony A.

  Scout

  

  Oct. 19, 2021

  Salt Springs Recreation Area

  Weekend getaway

  The kids had a blast swimming in the spring and kayaking in the lake. Tent campsites weren’t spread out and zero privacy

• 

  Billy A.

  Ranger

  

  Jun. 30, 2015

  Bill Frederick Park at Turkey Lake

  Nice enough spots, but no campfires

  At the tent sites you are not allowed to have campfires which is kind of a bummer. The sites are on a slight slope that goes down to the lake. The sites are nice with a good view of the lake

• 

  Kevin W.

  Scout

  

  Mar. 23, 2021

  Holder Mine Campground

  Honestly freaking amazing!

  RV sites but they allow tent camping so you have electric and water hookups, showers, toilets, dog friendly, many hiking trails, and a 30-minute drive to the Crystal springs, dames caves, and manatee snorkeling!

  Everyone there was super friendly. If you like off-roading, then you'll love their trails.

• J

  Justin W.

  Guide

  

  Jan. 6, 2021

  Rodman Campground

  Nice State Park

  Rodman campground was very clean and well maintained. The bathrooms were spotless. The tent sites were very large, adequately spaced with varying degrees of privacy. The boat ramp is well kept and there is ample trailer parking nearby.

• 

  Amelia W.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 8, 2019

  Blue Spring State Park Campground

  Headspring Magic!

  Lovely place to camp, bike, and swim! Easy access from tent sites down to the springs. Many manatees can be seen while exploring the springs. Check out the Head spring and cave entrance at the northern end of the swimming area—nothing short of magical.