Little Manatee River State Park Campground
First time lil campers
Took the littles (ages 5 &4) for their first tent camping trip - had a blast once they learned what s’mores were all about! Decent space, warm days and unusually cool nights.
302 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping near Temple Terrace, Florida ranges from primitive tent sites and equestrian campgrounds to full-hookup RV resorts and cabin accommodations, with options spread across a 30-mile radius of the city. The Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve features multiple camping options including Oak Ridge Primitive Campground and Dead River Park, while Hillsborough River State Park offers developed sites with tent, RV, and cabin accommodations. Several private RV resorts such as Lazydays RV Resort and Happy Traveler RV Resort provide additional options for travelers seeking full hookups and resort-style amenities within close proximity to Tampa.
Florida's subtropical climate makes camping possible year-round, though summer months bring high humidity, frequent afternoon thunderstorms, and mosquitoes. Many campgrounds require advance reservations, particularly during winter when seasonal visitors increase demand. "The campground here is huge as you can use it either as a primitive site or an equestrian site. Although it's nice and open you actually have a ton of tree coverage," noted one visitor about Oak Ridge Primitive Campground. Water management is a significant consideration in this region, with several sites located within water management districts that may experience seasonal flooding during Florida's rainy season from June through September.
Waterfront camping receives consistently positive reviews throughout the area, with Fort De Soto Campground and Hillsborough River State Park offering popular water-adjacent sites. Several campers highlight wildlife viewing opportunities, with one review mentioning "We saw sting rays, a baby turtle, many different birds & other wildlife within 5 minutes of parking the boat." Most developed campgrounds provide standard amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and access to restrooms, while primitive sites offer more secluded experiences. The extensive trail systems connecting many of these camping areas make them attractive for hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. Proximity to urban amenities while maintaining natural settings appears to be a significant advantage for camping in this region, with multiple reviews noting the convenience of being able to enjoy wilderness experiences without venturing far from city services.
"Then exit 7 to Highway 301 north about 10 miles to the campground. The way in which the state park and campground are set up is easy too."
"This was my first time at a campground in Florida! I was surrounded by beautiful wildlife (alligators, birds, and even a wild boar). The hiking trails were perfect for a beginner or a regular hiker."
from $24 / night
Check Availability"We were less than an hour away from home at Lazydays RV Resort and it felt like we were on the other side of the planet. Got to spend uninterrupted time with my bride and it was awesome."
"Great location just outside Tampa, Fl. Wonderful facilities and friendly staff. nearby RV dealership is largest in America with huge service department and camping/RV store."
from $61 - $83 / night
Check Availability"Camping is first come first serve but gives you access to the park after hours. Camp sites are bit close to one another but overall amazing experience."
"Very pretty and wooded for Florida. Great to bike around and see everything. Neat to see gators. Will definitely go back."
from $24 / night
Check Availability"As an camper with northern roots, I have found it hard to camp in Florida. This campground helped me relieve those worries. I will start by saying that this campground is south of St."
"Nice walking/bicycle path around the edge. Bike paths also throughout the park. Sites 1-8 or so have direct beach access, but swimming is not allowed. Mangroves surround the rest of the peninsula."
from $38 - $48 / night
Check Availability"Stayed over mother's day weekend at Lithia Springs."
"Stayed over mother's day weekend at Lithia Springs."
from $24 / night
Check Availability"Temple terrace is bad with the mosquito problem ."
"Lots of shaded spots, 3 laundry facilities around the park (2 w/bathhouses). Large fenced in swimming pool, clubhouse with pool table, games, movies, kitchen, activities almost daily."
"There aren't many free spots in this area of Florida. Of course, they provide nothing other than a spot to camp with fire ring and old table, and an outhouse."
"There are pot holes as you drive in that are kinda steep however nothing too serious. The spots are spacious and all other campers were respectful of noise volume and kept spots clean."
"Other parks and trails are located at the Wilderness Park Off Road Loop Trail System, [Flatwoods Park](https://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us"
"Chevy Malibu isn't really known for off-roading lol"
"I live in an adjacent neighborhood (2 years) and walk this park daily with my doggos. I’ve biked all the trails and been here from sunrise to sunset."
"This park has a really great walking trail around a lake with exercise stations. I’ve seen some horses on the trails also. There’s a cool BMX and rc car track too!"
"Lithia Springs Conservation Park is a hidden gem for camping in Florida. The campground is clean, well-maintained, and tucked away in a peaceful natural setting."
"Canoe and Kyak launch is easily accessible to enjoy the calm waters of the Alafia River. Restrooms and showers were clean and plentiful around the grounds. We will definitely be back."










Took the littles (ages 5 &4) for their first tent camping trip - had a blast once they learned what s’mores were all about! Decent space, warm days and unusually cool nights.
Great views! Most sites have water-access backyards. Gravel pads are long enough and grassy area behind them goes to waters edge. Room for kiddos to play and adults to wade fish for seatrout on the flats
Great lil place. Nice private bathrooms, mini splits in these and in tent, comfortable for family of 5. Fun turfed play area near main office. Shark tooth sifting, trail hike, river fishing was a bust. Owner/manager was a jack of all trades and seemed to do it all.
Great little spot. Seemed to rain every 5 minutes where they had to shut everything down but had good contingency plans. Golf carts galore with some sites a little more rowdy than the next, but plenty of room. Kids loved the pools and crafts, adults loved the tiki bars and live music.
this place is nice they have their own private island can go fishing over there with no license nice Pier to walk across take your dog there and enjoy on the river
I have been trying for weeks to get someone to answer the phone. Numerous requests for a call back have got me nowhere!!!
The host Nor treated me like trash. He mandates you leave a lock off of your hitch so he can move your Rv around as needed. Mind you I was going to be paying for a reserved spot on the property paying a monthly rate. When I inquired more about their policy to see if they damaged my Rv while moving it would it be covered by them for the repairs of damages. My reservation was then automatically canceled for no reason and Nor only gave me a partial refund for my booking. He is very rude and unprofessional. There are also other reviews in the neighbor app stating damages happened while moving someone's rv and he refused to take accountability or finance the repairs for that customer. Hints the reason I was wanting clarification on the matter. Instead of providing it he decided to cancel my reservation and tried to beat me out of my deposit. Dont bring your RV here for storage it is a huge risk!
Good clean site.
Nice state park. Plenty of lakes, but also plenty of gators at this time; hatching season. Wide open space, great roads. Not all sites have sewer hookups, it’s worth finding out which one before booking, if it is important for you. Even glamping tents and cabins are available, cabins are right next to the lake. Swimming area at Lake Louisa has a playground with swings and even a beach/swimming area, but that seems awfully dangerous, given the noises the gators make about 30 feet away. Unfortunately there is not a lot of things to do near the state park if one wants to do anything outside of camping, at least not a lot I could find, maybe you are better at that. Apparently it is very popular with bikers and triathletes, I have seen at least 10 today, using the great roads.
Temple Terrace camping sites sit within west-central Florida's subtropical zone at approximately 40 feet above sea level. The area receives about 51 inches of annual rainfall, with highest precipitation occurring from June through September. Camping options range from developed state park facilities to private RV resorts within 30 minutes of downtown Tampa.
Hiking and biking trails: The Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve offers over 60 miles of forest trails. "There are plenty of secret trails, a dog beach, historic walks, boat ramps, kayak access, and much more," notes a visitor to Fort De Soto Campground.
Water activities: The Hillsborough River provides canoeing and kayaking opportunities. "Nice trails, great river canoeing. Close to Tampa and Busch Gardens," mentions a camper at Hillsborough River State Park.
Wildlife viewing: Multiple preserves offer chances to see Florida's native species. "We saw raccoons, dolphin, manatee, tons of birds!" reports a camper at Fort De Soto Park.
Tree coverage: Many campgrounds provide shade from Florida's intense sun. "Most campsites are very shaded. Bathhouse are clean. Has dumpstations," writes a visitor to Lithia Springs Conservation Park.
Swimming options: Natural springs offer refreshing alternatives to pools. "Nice spring to swim in for 2.00 a person," notes another Lithia Springs camper.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses rank high on camper priorities. "Bathhouse was clean. They offer recycling, which is a great plus! It's nice and dark at night," reports a Hillsborough River State Park visitor.
Reservation challenges: Many parks book quickly, especially in winter months. "Book in advanced, especially if you want to stay more than a night or two," advises a visitor to Fort De Soto.
Insect preparation: Mosquitoes can be intense, particularly in warmer months. "The mosquitoes were ridiculous in June. We practically had to anchor our toddler to the picnic table so he wasn't carried away by them," warns a camper at Hillsborough River State Park.
Flood potential: Sites at Edward Medard Park may experience seasonal high water. "The park has been closed this year due to a sinkhole but due to reopen soon," reported one visitor.
Playground access: Several parks feature play equipment for children. "There's a cool BMX and rc car track too!" mentions a visitor to Lake Park.
Rental options: Some parks offer equipment rentals. "You can rent Surrey's and golf carts to cruise the park which is a nice plus, although they are overpriced," notes a Hillsborough River State Park camper.
Youth group sites: Some parks cater specifically to organized youth camping. "Camping is only available to youth groups by reservation only. Minimum of 6 and maximum of 30 campers allowed. Groups must have their own insurance," according to Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve information.
Full hookup options: For those wanting amenities, private resorts offer comprehensive services. "Paved roads and pads, concrete patio, FHU 50A throughout. Sites are close together but have nice grass in the park," writes a camper at Lazydays RV Resort.
Site dimensions: Some parks have space limitations for larger rigs. "Small tight spaces in the campground. Most with no coverage between sites," reports a Hillsborough River State Park visitor.
Security considerations: Gated access provides peace of mind at some camping sites near Temple Terrace, Florida. "Nice free area with a gate that is locked to keep those without reservations out. Pretty far from the main road so you don't hear a lot of traffic," notes a camper at the Oak Ridge Equestrian Area within Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Temple Terrace, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, Temple Terrace, FL offers a wide range of camping options, with 302 campgrounds and RV parks near Temple Terrace, FL and 4 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Temple Terrace, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Temple Terrace, FL is Hillsborough River State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 64 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Temple Terrace, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Temple Terrace, FL.
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