Looking for an adventure where you can explore New Smyrna Beach and then fall asleep in your tent? You can find tent campsites by type, including drive-in, walk-in, and even hike-in for a backpacking adventure. Would you prefer a quiet dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities? Either way, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.
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.
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
Mullet Lake Park is a 55-acre park located in Geneva. It offers a pavilion, camping, and boat launching in a rustic setting. There are 8 individuals campsites and one group campsite available for rent. All campsites have a fire ring, a picnic table and appropriate parking spot.
$15 - $30 / night
King's Landing is located directly on the pristine waters of Rocks Springs Run, one of three main tributaries that feeds the Wekiva River Basin, a designated National Wild and Scenic River. Offering a variety of activities for everyone to enjoy, from self-guided rentals, adventure tours and even nightly escapes that will have you gazing under the stars. There's no better way to immerse yourself in true Florida nature, wildlife around every paddle and emerald waters below.
The Eagle Boy Scout Retreat Campground is just steps away from King's Landing and has provided a quality camping experience for members of the Boy Scouts of America and campers across the country. We believe that scouting is adventure, family and leadership, helping one grow to their very best future self.
CAMPSITE DETAILS
DYRT PRO MEMBERS 10% DISCOUNT
$30 / night
Tent Camping Only (No RV's). Tent Camping is allowed at designated campsites in the Princess Place Preserve.
Princess Place Preserve, with its rich history and 1500 pristine acres, attracts nature enthusiasts from near and far. It provides a glimpse of old Florida. Visitors can take in its splendor while on one of the many hiking trails, fishing the salt marshes along the Matanzas River and Pellicer Creek, or camping out under the stars. The preserve is a popular spot for horse enthusiasts, with an equestrian campsite and plenty of trails that make it is easy to embrace nature while enjoying a ride.
This beautiful 1,500-acre preserve is situated in the northern part of Flagler County. It was purchased by Henry Cutting in 1886 and passed on to his widow Angela Mills Cutting Worden, who eventually married Boris Scherbatoff, an exiled Russian prince. Angela assumed the title of princess and it was then that the once named "Cherokee Grove" came to be known as "Princess Place." The original lodge, built by Henry Cutting, stills stands as Flagler County's oldest intact structure. It is also home to Florida's very first in-ground swimming pool.
Hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Sunday. There are Lodge tours Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. on a first come first serve basis. There is no reservations for the tours, simply meet the Rangers at the Lodge at 2pm. Camping check-in is from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Ranger Station. For more information about camping or pavilion rentals, call Parks and Recreation at 386-313-4020.
$20 / night
Scout
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.
Legend
Warning: you are not actually on New Smyrna Beach at this RV wonderland, but rather, a good 15-20 minute drive to one of the most glorious drive-on beaches in all of Florida. So what you may sacrifice in terms of immediate beach access, you more than make up for in an affordable place to rock up your RV (max 50 feet length), rent a cabin (1BR or 2BR) or pitch a tent for the night. This destination marries ancient Oaks with swinging Palms and has a very nice forested feel encircling the place (and helping you forget all of that traffic that is whirring by just outside of the property).
As for the campground itself, all of the typical hook-ups (electric, water and sewage) are available for the mobile-inclined RV’ers out there. For those that prefer to camp au naturale, there’s a handful of spots, but honestly, you won’t feel as though you are out in nature whatsoever, as the noise in the place is pretty unsettling as the individual campsites are too close together. And if you have just rocked up in your car or SUV and are looking for an alternative to hotels, then you have just hit the lottery, as the cabins here, while small, are quaint and fairly new as well as offering a proper front porch swing.
New Smyrna Beach RV Park & Campground offers up amenities like a nice little swimming pool (at about 4pm, there were some pretty nice cocktails being poured poolside!) along with free WiFi, TV scattered relatively new picnic tables and stand-up BBQ grilles.
Insider’s tips? This spot is perfect whether you are heading to Daytona 500 or watching a rocket launch form Kennedy Space Center. I’d also highly recommend Central Florida Zoo, which has 116 acres of exotic animals and botanical gardens to explore. Of course, there’s 25 miles of pristine Atlantic shoreline encompassing the dunes and Mosquito Lagoon, which is one of the state’s longest stretches of undeveloped and protected preserve to explore.
Happy Camping!
Legend
If you’ve landed on this review hopefully its because of a primary decision to visit one of the greatest beach communities in all of Florida – New Smyrna Beach. This super-slim archipelago boasts some of the most perfect white sugar sand beaches anywhere – plus, the best part is that this beach is a proper ‘drive-on’ beach, so whatever you would normally have to haul in a cart or wheeled by trolley to the beach, you can simply keep in the trunk or bed of your SUV / car / truck. And if you are here, hopefully you have planned to be here for some time – or, upon seeing how simply amazing New Smyrna Beach is, have decided that you need a place to stay ... but unfortunately, you and a couple thousand other people have come to the same conclusion. So what do you do?
Well, you look for simple and affordable accommodations nearby, and that’s what will attract you to Sugar Mill Ruins Travel Park, which is conveniently located only 15 minutes drive or so from beachside bliss. While this is definitely an RV-laden outpost, the vibe here is quite contagious, with its main office greeting you immediately upon arrival, where just past this wooden log cabin structure pure hedonism awaits with vibrant bouncing beach balls popping up and down in this overgrown campside Florida shaped-pool bursting with loud southern country music (yee-haw!) and nearly everyone en towe brandishing a coozie with some cheap domestic beer and endless “hey y’all’s” and smiles to boot at the ‘Tiki Hut’ (warning – there’s nothing here that resembles a ’Tiki Hut’ apart from the drinks they pour, although even here, no umbrellas!). This place feels like Spring Break for the adults toting 2-3 kids with them as they dwell in their mobile manufactured temporary housing.
With all the proper hook-ups being provided (30 / 50 amp electric, sewer, water), this oversized RV menagerie feels like it’s been carved out of a forest of tall needle-pine trees sheltering its residents from the sweltering heat of NE Florida. The family-friendly restrooms and shower facilities are fairly clean and there’s picnic tables and BBQ grills sporadically littered all over the place. Sugar Mill Ruins also rents out very affordable cabins (12 x 20) with twin bunk beds and fold-out futon (nice) complete with mini-fridge, table, chairs, microwave and even a porch with deck chairs. There’s more than 200 sites to choose from complete with a playground for the kiddos, game room with 2 billiards tables, plus 3 acres of lake fishing along with a cool pavilion with games and events (this is the main building that you’ll first encounter).
Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) While not exactly a destination, Sugar Mill Ruins is so dang convenient to some of the best beach experiences you might ever encounter, depending upon your leaning, leave early and spend as much time as you can at New Smyrna Beach; (2) If you’re looking for a different place to soak some suds, I highly recommend Norwood’s Treehouse Bar, which has fantastic cocktails and local live music; and (3) For simply sublime food, check out Outriggers Tiki Bar& Grille, which has a pretty gracious happy hour where you can spot manatees and dolphins while biting down on some of the freshest catch in Florida, but with outstanding accoutrement, like key lime coconut beurre blanc and sticky bamboo rice or pineapple and peppadew rhum butter infused fish entrees.
Happy Camping!
Traveler
Not good for tent camping. Clean park. Friendly staff.
Scout
We tent camped a RV spot I really liked it
Guide
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.
Ranger
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.
Traveler
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!
Guide
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!
Ranger
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.
Guide
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.
Ranger
Stopped for a night here on the drive down the coast. Lots of turtle nest sites blocked off and an empty beach. RVs are wall to wall with tent sites so bring your earplugs if you're a tent camper or you'll be hearing generators all night.
Guide
Another nice stop on our East Coast bike tour! Spacious sites with picnic tables and water. Charge phone in the bathroom. No hot water for shower the night we were there though, and the tent camping area backs up to the main road into the neighborhood, so we heard car noise throughout the night.
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.
RangerAt 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
GuideLovely 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.
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.
RangerWe loved how private our site felt within the big oak trees, but we noticed they had a lot of other sites that weren't as private. They did have buddy sites, tent camping, and cabins. There was a cop almost every night patrolling. The area is nice, it is next to a historic sugar mill, and not far from the beach. I know it's a small thing, but the laundry had the CSC app which is super convenient to pay on.
LegendIf you find yourself heading to one of the best Atlantic-side beaches in all of Florida – New Smyrna Beach – then you are already in-store for what will be a fantastic experience. Until they actually let beachgoers camp out on the beach itself, finding a spot to ‘pitch your tent’ isn’t all that difficult to do in this area. That said, what you give up for convenience and close access to the white caps you’ll encounter in this beach destination makes you want to be somewhat more forgiving of the campground options available to you.
Only about 2 miles away from the soft lulling of lapping waves, you’ll come across one of a few good options (see my other reviews for those other options), one of which is Gold Rock Campground & RV Park. Conveniently located off State Road 44 (which you’ll take after getting off the main I95 highway), you’ll head south when you come to Old Mission Road, which is just a short drive to this location. I would describe what you’ll find as basically a big open football field with a few lanes of mostly RV’s lined up side-by-side. The vibe is definitely pleasant and the place is communal with fringes of hippiness (just look at some of the psychedelic painted camper vans and buses – the owners of which will certainly not disappoint!).
There’s a small office upon entry that you’ll check in at, pay your nightly deposit and then you’re off to find an open space of greenery that you’ll call home for the night. There’s all the standard hook-ups for the RV’s and as a tent camper, you really have the run of the town to place your portable home for the night pretty much anywhere you want to. The only real insider tips I can give you if staying here or in the area is to get to the beach early – and note that the white sandy beaches in these parts are ‘drive-on only,’ so bring everything with you, find your perfect spot at the beach and open up the backgate of your SUV or Jeep and set up your camp in the sand there for the entire day. Simply one of the best beach experiences I’ve ever had in Florida (and I live here, so that should be saying something).
Happy Camping!
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.
Guide
Super cute secluded cabin directly on the lake. You have your own private boat slip, 100ft long dock for fishing & swimming, canoes/paddles/life jackets on site. You'll need to bring your own towels and linens but all Cook wear, dishes, etc are supplied. Cabin sleeps 6/8 comfortably and has 2 tent sites as well. 2 bundles of firewood are included at time of check in......Peaceful doesn't even being to describe it! Totally wort the nightly rate!
Legend
Who doesn’t love spending time on an island! I came here with a group who had reserved the picnic pavilion for a birthday party. The trip to the island on the ferry was quick and easy. There was a great playground for the kids and we enjoyed a nice long hike as well. We did not stay over night but I did notice some nice looking cabins and primitive camping sites. The cabins and tent camping sites are all nestled together so it’s not very secluded except the few trees between sites. There are nice tent pads though and the cabins look like a great option with nice screened porches as well as a fire pit and picnic table. A place to go back someday :)
Scout
We had a tent site near the bathhouse. The bath house is very nice and clean. The sites are all pretty much shaded. There are some swings and a cleared area the kids ran around/played chase right in front of the bath house. A short walk leads to a very nice playground with typical park equipment. My kiddos loved that playground. My favorite part was the springs that also had a little "beach"where my youngest played in the sand after tubing. To reserve it you will need to go to the Orange County Park and Recreation website.
Traveler
Princess Place Preserve is a beautiful campground for short overnight camping or even longer stays. It's off the beaten path sky there is very little traffic in the park compared to other local parks. PPP's camp sites have docks where you can pull a boat up if you are fishing. Some of the tent campsites are directly on one of the small rivers that empties into the Intercostal. Some of the sights only have a Porto potty but there are showers and full service restrooms a short drive away. Both tent and hammock camping is allowed!
Traveler
This is an excellent place to pitch a tent and spend time in nature without traveling far. Great hiking trails and the Pelicer Creek is available for fishing. Bring a kayak.
The camp sites are huge. The tent sites are elevated which should help keep the soil dryer in case of rain.
Keep in mind that there is no water available at the camping sites or the entire park for that matter. Potable or non potable so you have to bring in all drinking water and water for washing dishes if you plan on doing some cleanup. Also, there are bathrooms but they’re pretty far. The campsites do have nearby porta potties.
Legend
I have been visiting Highland Park Fish Camp for over 8 years. I was sold the first time I went. This family run location has bee in operation for over 50 years and is working on their 4th generation! They offer 50 sites with full hookups (some 50 amp), tent sites and hot showers. They also just added to the number of cabins they have. There are fire pits and picnic tables at tent site and outside of cabin area there is a nice community fire pit area. Bathrooms are kept clean.
There is a free catch and release pond that is kept well stocked and a great place for the kids or beginners to learn how to fish. You will often see yellow labs strolling or lounging by the office Ruger and Copper - they are super mellow and love getting a scratch or pet.
You can rent a pontoon boat, bass boat for a half or full day and explore the rivers and lakes connected to the camp. Freshwater fishing anywhere along here is just amazing! Lots of wildlife including manatee, shorebirds, bears and more can be seen. You can hire a guide to take your out or you can go on your own. It is only $5 to launch your kayak or canoe here.
Camp store has nearly all the equipment you would need for a fishing trip including live bait (crickets, shiners, worms, etc) There is a huge, covered cleaning station for preparing your catch of the day. You will also find frozen treats, soda, water and other snacks. Ice can also be purchased.
recently they have expanded their "Hammock" special event area. There is a stage, lots of seating, tables, & outdoor lighting making this a great place for group or special events. There is an outdoor wedding chapel area and many folks from all over the state come here for a rustic wedding.
They really make you feel welcome here and right at home. I hope you get a chance to check out this wonderful location!
Tent camping near New Smyrna Beach, Florida, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near New Smyrna Beach, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near New Smyrna Beach, FL is Little Big Econ State Forest Primitive Camping - East Camp Zone with a 4.8-star rating from 8 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near New Smyrna Beach, FL?
TheDyrt.com has all 35 tent camping locations near New Smyrna Beach, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
