Tent camping near New Smyrna Beach presents several primitive options within the Seminole and Volusia County areas. The St. Johns River watershed influences many camping locations, creating diverse wetland ecosystems across the region. Most primitive sites require reservations through county or state reservation systems, with advanced booking recommended during winter months when Florida camping demand peaks.
What to do
Paddle pristine waterways: Hontoon Island State Park offers excellent kayaking opportunities around the island. "We've rented pontoons at Hontoon at least a half dozen times and done the circle from there to Blue Springs, then to Dead River & back to Hontoon. Plenty of gators, BIRDS, turtles, MANATEES, bountiful green scenery," notes one visitor.
Fish from shoreline spots: At Lake Mills Park, fishing from the pier is accessible for all experience levels. "Several in our group caught some small fish and some turtles too," reports a camper who participated in a group event. The fishing pier sits in a protected cove area with good catch rates.
Observe wildlife: Multiple hiking trails at Little Big Econ State Forest provide wildlife viewing opportunities. "You could spend an entire day just getting lost around the trails. So much fun. Not a very difficult trial though. There are lots of little waterways so mosquitoes do get bad on extra humid days," shares one hiker.
What campers like
Island camping seclusion: At Bissette Bay in Canaveral National Seashore, campers appreciate the isolation. "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," explains one camper who enjoyed the privacy.
Night sky viewing: Seminole State Forest Primitive Campsites offer particularly dark skies. "This is a good place to come to see the stars! Jumper camp is a primitive area with a picnic table and a fire ring. Great for large groups or a backpacker," states a reviewer who valued the minimal light pollution.
Natural surroundings: Many campers mention the oak canopies at multiple sites. "This site is in a really pretty oak canopy, situated next to an open field. This is the only site in Seminole State Forest with a latrine," notes a visitor describing one of the forest's primitive sites.
What you should know
Access challenges: Some sites require significant effort to reach. At Black Bear Wilderness Area, "To get to this camp you will have to hike in along old levy's some just over a foot wide. Much of the trail is sloped to one side or the other."
Seasonal considerations: Mosquitoes can be problematic during warmer months. A Little Big Econ State Forest visitor cautions, "Great place for hiking! Just be weary of the weather. In summer at nights mosquitoes come out here and will eat you up no matter how much bug spray you put on!"
Reservation requirements: Most primitive sites require advance booking. For Volusia County Park Gemini Springs Campground, a camper noted: "We can't arrive without reservation. The office is closed." County parks typically require online reservations before arrival.
Tips for camping with families
Start with accessible sites: Lake Mills Park offers family-friendly amenities. "This is a nice place to introduce kids to camping. It's not very far removed and there is a nice bathroom and a playground. There is a walking path and nice views of lake mills," shares a camper.
Look for educational opportunities: Geneva Wilderness Area provides nature learning experiences. "There is an Education Center: Ed Yarborough Center on the property near the group site that was open for our group and was amazing," explains a visitor who participated in a family camp out.
Consider noise factors: Some campgrounds experience ambient noise. At Lake Mills Park, "Traffic can be clearly heard on the main streets that border the campground. Also, there is an adjacent country bar, or 'honky-tonk' if you will with the sound system that was set up we could clearly hear everything that was going on there."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Most primitive sites near New Smyrna Beach don't accommodate RVs. A Lake Mills Park visitor observed, "Campsites themselves don't accommodate RVs and don't have any hookups. They do have a grill and a place to hang up food, and a single small parking space."
Consider day use: If traveling with an RV, consider using developed campgrounds as a base and visiting primitive areas during the day. At Hontoon Island State Park, "No admission charge to come over to the island to just explore for the day if you aren't camping."
Plan for transportation logistics: When visiting boat-in sites, transportation planning is essential. At Bissette Bay, one camper reports arranging impromptu transportation: "I struck camp here late afternoon, having brokered a deal with a boat chocked full of gents from South Carolina who had come down for the long weekend."
