Camping opportunities around Mulberry, Florida center on freshwater lakes and reclaimed natural areas that provide wildlife viewing access. Tent and RV sites in this region of central Florida typically range from $20-40 per night for standard sites. Winter months (November-March) bring lower temperatures in the 50-70°F range with reduced humidity, making it prime camping season in the area.
What to Do
Wildlife observation trails: Lake Kissimmee State Park offers numerous wildlife viewing opportunities. "Deers all around even among the campsites. Lots of hiking trails and some wildlife," notes Robert T., who adds there are "airboats tours available close by."
Lakeside recreation: Hardee Lakes Park provides water-based activities on four different lakes. "Trail system is great from dirt paths to boardwalks to cut straight through the woods," explains Joshua W. The park features "very spacious campsites with beautiful lake views."
Mountain biking: Alafia River State Park Campground is known for its challenging trail system. "The MTB trails are constantly changing so we are never bored here," says Jennifer T. The park offers a variety of difficulty levels with "a ton of different trails to choose from, some just hiking or biking, and some mixed ones."
What Campers Like
Privacy between sites: Little Manatee River State Park Campground offers well-separated camping areas. "Clean with good natural foliage dividers between campsites," reports Nicole D., who appreciates the "nice walking trails, & a gentle river for an easy paddle."
Clean facilities: Colt Creek State Park maintains high standards for its amenities. "They did a fantastic job in all areas of their new campground," says Rick W., noting the park has "nicer (newer) bathrooms than most FL state parks" according to SanDal B.
Natural surroundings: Campers enjoy the undeveloped feeling at many parks. "This park is beautiful, quiet, alive with wild life, we saw deers, owls, turtles, rabbits & a mama wild boar with her piglets," says Barbara A. about Colt Creek State Park.
What You Should Know
Water access limitations: Some parks have restricted boat access points. At Lake Louisa State Park Campground, "Since there is no public boat ramp access to Lake Louisa - unless you can hand carry or roll your boat to water...you will need to go to the Palatlakaha River Park and Boat Ramp."
Cell service issues: Connectivity varies between parks. Lake Kissimmee State Park has "practically non-existent" cell service in the park and within 10 miles, according to Corey K., who advises to "keep an eye on gas, there's one place about 6 miles from the park and town is about 15 miles away."
Seasonal considerations: Some park features operate on limited schedules. "Cow camp is only open Oct-May," notes a Lake Kissimmee visitor, while the Cracker Shack store is "only open Fri-Sunday."
Tips for Camping with Families
Accessibility options: Several parks accommodate visitors with mobility needs. Colt Creek State Park offers "handicap accessible sites" that are "very convenient" with "path and pad on site roomy and fire pit higher than usual for safety," according to Jeanene A.
Educational opportunities: Oak Ridge Primitive Campground connects to the larger Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve system where "one can paddle waters of the Hillsborough River amongst wading birds, turtles, alligators, lilies and cypress swamps; explore over 60 miles of forest trails."
Family-friendly activities: Lake Louisa State Park has cabins where "family gathered at our place" with "a lot of indoor and outdoor eating space." Sara S. notes families can "kayak on Dixie Lake, hike, swim, and bike while others were less than a ½ hour away hanging with Mickey Mouse."
Tips from RVers
Site access challenges: When staying at Disney's Fort Wilderness, be prepared for tight navigation. "There is not a lot of room in the loops to pull your RV into the spot," warns Samantha O., explaining "our neighbor across from us had to move his truck and several neighbors were helping direct us into our spot."
Level sites: Colt Creek State Park receives praise for its "long and windy ride in" that "gives you a trip back to some real Florida." Joe R. mentions, "The campground is well maintained and has large, level sites. We have stayed in site 1 and 11 and didn't need blocks for either."
Loop selection: At Lake Kissimmee State Park, RVers note site differences between loops. The park has "spots that are pretty level and the pads are crushed shells. Spot 9 is fully concrete. Most of the spots are fully shaded with trees. If you have a tall RV low hanging branches in the camp area might be an issue."
