Best Tent Camping near Mulberry, FL
Tent campsites in the Mulberry, Florida area range from established state park grounds to primitive wilderness sites with varying amenities. Hillsborough River State Park Campground offers designated tent sites with good shade coverage under mature oak trees, while Alderman's Ford Conservation Park provides more secluded primitive tent camping opportunities accessed via hiking trails. Several conservation areas within a 30-minute drive provide both drive-in and hike-in tent options, creating a diverse selection for campers seeking different levels of immersion in Florida's natural environments.
Most tent camping areas near Mulberry feature sandy or dirt surfaces that may become muddy after rain. At Alderman's Ford Conservation Park, tent sites are hike-in only and equipped with hammock posts, picnic tables, and fire pits, though campers must bring their own water as none is available at the sites. Upper Hillsborough Preserve's Alston Tract offers free primitive tent camping with basic amenities like picnic tables under a covered pavilion and fire rings, but requires advance reservations. Lithia Springs Conservation Park provides tent campers with more developed facilities including showers and toilets, though it operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no advance reservations. Many sites throughout the region restrict or prohibit alcohol consumption and enforce quiet hours.
The tent camping experience in these areas varies significantly by location. Sites at Alderman's Ford provide a true nature immersion with good separation between campsites and direct access to hiking trails. Tent campers at Upper Hillsborough Preserve enjoy access to 16 miles of trails through pine flatwoods and along the Hillsborough River, making it ideal for wildlife observation. Shaded sites are particularly valuable during Florida's hot months, with Lithia Springs and Hillsborough River State Park offering excellent tree coverage. One camper noted that Alderman's Ford Conservation Park's primitive sites are "a great place for families wanting to start out primitive camping" with "super clean campsites and great easy trail out to the site."
