Tent campsites near Oakland, Florida range from riverside primitive sites to established campgrounds with access to springs and forests. Located in central Florida where the elevation averages 120 feet above sea level, this region features numerous freshwater springs with consistent 72-degree temperatures year-round. Summer camping temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity, making water access particularly valuable during this season.
What to do
Paddle the Withlacoochee River: Crooked River Campground provides direct river access for canoeing and kayaking. "You can see from my campground and another random site I took a photo of that you are really nestled into the underbrush. If you want to get to the water there is a staircase which provides access to the Withlacoochee River for small boats."
Morning hiking on Florida Trail: Green Swamp East Tract connects to extensive trail networks and camping areas. A camper reported: "We stayed on the Florida Trail until it broke off with a blue trail marker. From there its a few hundred feet until you reach camp. Decently large open area with 2 picnic tables and a bench."
Experience Florida's only rapids: Hillsborough River State Park features rare Class II rapids. "Pretty wild. Several short trails to see the only class 2 rapids in Florida," noted a recent visitor after the park reopened following hurricane damage.
What campers like
Privacy between campsites: Many tent campers appreciate the secluded setup at Little Big Econ State Forest primitive sites. "Hike out to this beautiful sight under the stars and dream of bygone eras...You will find one site of this camping area out on a curve of the Econlockhatchee River not far from the old railroad."
Early morning spring access: Tent campers at King's Landing value the priority access before day visitors arrive. "The springs are crystal clear, especially when you're the 1st one out there in the a.m. which is a huge perk of camping here. The line to get in for non-campers gets really long fast so being able to be the 1st ones on the river is awesome!"
Community campfire events: Some sites organize social activities for campers. "It has a very cozy communal vibe. Saturday nights they host a large fire down by the boat launch for everyone to join," reports a camper who stayed at site 7 at King's Landing.
What you should know
Walk-in distance planning: Many primitive sites require carrying gear from parking areas. At Seminole State Forest, "The walk from where you can park to the actual site is also not that long (about a quarter mile away), but it can be prone to flooding, so I would wear waterproof hiking boots and have some gaters handy."
Water quality considerations: Some campgrounds have sulfur water that affects showering. "The one down side was the water to shower with smells terrible, I recommend you bring your own water to shower with or you can go to Publix (10 mins away) and buy those 86 cent water bottles and your set."
Flooding potential: Summer thunderstorms can impact campsite conditions. "It flooded very quickly during the few thunderstorms we experienced and there was some poison ivy in an easy to run into area," noted a camper at Crooked River Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water activities: Camp Wewa offers structured recreation facilities for children. "Basically, whatever you can conjure up for a summer camping experience for kid campers this place has in spades. There's a (nearly Olympic-size) swimming pool, vertical climbing walls, free-standing cabins and plenty of trails."
Wildlife education opportunities: East Tract primitive sites provide nature observation. "We were a short walk to the water which kept camp cool during the day but pretty buggy at night. We used repellent but were still eaten alive by mosquitoes."
Pack lightweight for hiking campsites: When bringing children to walk-in sites, prepare accordingly. "We had a wheeled cooler and a wagon with our gear so we didnt have an ideal backpacking situation...I definitely recommend a long weekend here; I only wish we had packed a little lighter!"
Tips from RVers
Avoid tent-only designations: Outdoor World Orlando Resort accommodates both tents and RVs. "Nice level sites I've been there a few times Nice facilities and pool fun to bike around in," reports one camper, mentioning the level sites that work well for recreational vehicles.
Seasonal considerations: Florida summer heat impacts camping comfort. "We are boondockers so we tend to stay away from very peoplely places.. and this is a bit peoply. That said it was very comfortable everything was clean and super convenient. There was 30 amp as well as 50 amp water there's a dump station."
Hammock camping alternatives: Some sites accommodate hammock setups. "Nice campsites, clean bathrooms, friendly campers. The windshield placard they give you says dont hang things from the trees, however the parks website says its fine if you're hanging a hammock with 1" thick webbing, and its on a thick tree."
