Best Tent Camping near Ormond Beach, FL

Tent campers near Ormond Beach, Florida have several options ranging from established campgrounds to primitive backcountry sites. Princess Place Preserve offers spacious tent sites with some waterfront locations, while Haw Creek Preserve State Park provides more remote, primitive tent camping opportunities accessible by boat. Both preserves showcase Florida's natural ecosystems, with Princess Place featuring expansive sites under shade trees and Haw Creek offering a more secluded experience.

Most tent campgrounds in this region provide basic amenities, though facilities vary considerably between locations. Princess Place Preserve's Moody Campground features elevated tent pads to help keep tents dry during Florida's frequent rains, plus fire rings and picnic tables at each site. Campers should note that many preserves have limited or non-potable water access. A recent review mentioned, "Keep in mind that there is no water available at the camping sites or the entire park for that matter, so you have to bring in all drinking water and water for washing dishes." Vault toilets or porta-potties are typically available, though sometimes at a distance from tent sites.

Tent camping in these natural areas offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities and access to hiking trails. The tent sites at Princess Place Preserve provide direct water access, making them ideal for campers bringing kayaks or canoes. Areas like Seminole State Forest offer primitive tent-only campsites that provide deeper seclusion, with some requiring a quarter-mile walk from parking areas. According to one visitor, "The camp sites are huge. The tent sites are elevated which should help keep the soil dryer in case of rain." Many campgrounds throughout the region feature Spanish moss-draped live oaks providing natural shade, which is particularly valuable during Florida's hot summer months. Wildlife sightings commonly include deer, various bird species, and occasionally alligators near waterfront tent sites.

Best Tent Sites Near Ormond Beach, Florida (38)

    1. Princess Place Preserve

    10 Reviews
    Palm Coast, FL
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (386) 313-4020

    $20 / night

    "There are multiple hiking trails, and plenty of places to fish. Dock Site 2 had water on 2 side of the site, and had a steady breeze during our whole visit."

    "You’ll see from the photos (all taken from my site) that the sites are expansive and beautifully shaded."

    2. Haw Creek Preserve State Park Dispersed

    1 Review
    Bunnell, FL
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (386) 313-4020

    "So here’s a strong call out to all of those primitive campers that want to rock it out in nature without a SINGLE soul within spitting (or hearing) distance. But you know what?"

    3. Princess Place Preserve - Moody Campground

    3 Reviews
    Palm Coast, FL
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (386) 313-4020

    $20 - $25 / night

    "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."

    "just digging to try your kayak and canoe on, then welcome to what is, quite possibly, one of the best waterfront campground destinations in the whole of Florida (and given all of the access to both salt"

    4. Hontoon Island State Park Campground

    5 Reviews
    Orange City, FL
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (386) 736-5309

    "We did not stay over night but I did notice some nice looking cabins and primitive camping sites."

    "This is really getting away from it all. The only way to reach the island is via the ferry (free, and runs all day) or bring your own boat. There are boat docking facilities."

    5. Candace R. Strawn-Lake Dias Park

    Be the first to review!
    De Leon Springs, FL
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (386) 736-5953

    6. Cedar Creek Campground — Matanzas State Forest

    5 Reviews
    St. Augustine, FL
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (386) 384-5256

    $9 / night

    "It’s more primitive than anything in my opinion. Star gazing out here is absolutely immaculate. The sites here are pretty large. You could fit several tents in these sites. Some limited service."

    "Amazing stars -- great view of incredible moon.As one of the other commenters wrote --- its amazing you are 10 minutes from a major highway yet feel like you are 1000 miles from anywhere. "

    7. Freak Creek Dispersed Camping

    2 Reviews
    Paisley, FL
    30 miles

    "Sites are primitive. I would not attempt bringing a camper unless it's really small. Great place to put a kayak in the water."

    8. Lake George Conservation Area

    2 Reviews
    Georgetown, FL
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (386) 329-4404

    9. Seminole State Forest Primitive Campsites

    6 Reviews
    DeBary, FL
    35 miles
    +1 (352) 360-6675

    $9 - $18 / night

    "Jumper camp is a primitive area with a picnic table and a fire ring."

    "We packed light but not that light because we like to be comfortable; it took my BF and me about 3 trips each to get everything we needed to the site, including firewood, our 4 person tent, air mattress"

    10. Bluff Landing

    2 Reviews
    Paisley, FL
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 625-2520

    "Places to tuck off and set up camp that are private. I would have said 5 stars but when choosing my options on what I was looking for I said rv accessible. Well it is for a half mile maybe."

    "This is a good spot just off the road/trail. Small and kind of tight in the official camping area with three spots kind of spread out. Tight in here, so would not recommend a trailer."

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Tent Camping Reviews near Ormond Beach, FL

863 Reviews of 38 Ormond Beach Campgrounds


  • Jeanene A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 1, 2018

    Black Bear Wilderness Area

    Be ready for a hike

    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. Along the way you will see some beautiful sites! Many hike the loop trail as a day hike. but it is better enjoyed at a slower pace as there is so much to see if you open your eyes. The just over 7 mile trail takes you by orange trees cover in butterflies in spring, also wildflower lines trails and along the beautiful St Johns River.

    The camp site is used often by scouts and folks wanting to start training for longer hikes North of Florida. The campsite it self is very nice. there is a covered shelter, fire pit, benches and a picnic table. Many trees for hammock camping and lots of room for tents. Sadly with no toilet facilities back along the edges of the campsite you will find evidence of human use and abuse. PLEASE leave no trace. Also if you go take the time to pull a few of the invasive Caesar Weed plants that are trying to take over the camp (they are the ones with seeds that act like Velcro).

    You MUST have a reservation to camp here. If you have a pet it MUST be kept on a lease at all times and picked up after. there are feral hogs and snakes on the property....and you must practice bear safety using a bear proof container for food and hanging from tree at night. We saw no bear sign when we hiked - but that is not saying they are not around.

  • L
    Feb. 28, 2020

    Salt Springs Recreation Area

    Great campground in Ocala National Forest

    Fantastic campground and recreation area. Over 150 campsites, one area full hookups with all amenities and other area for tent camping. Sites have lots of space and majority have shade trees with moss flowing in the breeze. All sites have picnic table, lantern pole, grill, and fire ring. We have 2 golden retrievers and had plenty of space to spare. Beautiful stars out at night. Bathhouses are large, clean, hot showers. Trailer sites were full and only a few tent campers this time of year. Tent sites are complete with Bear boxes at each site. Camp hosts and management were very friendly and helpful.
    Saw manatees kayaking in the spring and river on premises. Spring area has a boardwalk around it. People swam with them too. Saw bald eagle catching fish, lots of birds, some fish, etc. Has a small boat launch and marina. Can tent kayaks. Great place for bikes. A few hiking trails were well maintained.
    Convenient location to lots of springs to visit and things to do. Visited Silver Springs, Blue Springs, Juniper Spring to name a few. All within 1 hr drive.
    Not sure how summer time is, but this late February time was Awesome. 40-50 at night and 60s in the day! This is a must stay place.

  • B+J S.
    Aug. 29, 2020

    Anastasia State Park Campground

    Awesome spot by the beach

    Easy to get to and close to everything! If you’re a beach lover, this is a great campground. All of the sites are shaded with fire rings, water hookups, picnic tables, and lantern holders. Most sites offer a fair bit of privacy for you set up camp properly. Each loop has a clean restrooms, laundry facilities with a clothes line and Coquina (the loop we stayed on) had a playground.

    Would recommend bicycles to get to the beach and either SUPs or kayaks to paddle the salt run at high tide. I’d you don’t have your own, they rent them there. There’s also a beach grill and convenience store by the beach.

    If you’re an early bird, watching the sunrise from the beach is quite a nice way to start the day!

  • Napunani
    Jun. 10, 2023

    Salt Springs Recreation Area

    Immaculate Wind Tunnel (see video)

    PROS

    A camp host came to our site immediately after we unhitched to advise that our one tow vehicle tire on the grass will get us a $250 fine from US Forest Service officer. Funny, we never ever saw a USFS officer patrolling the campground. 

    Entrance gates closed at 8pm requiring code to enter 

    Immaculately maintained park. A small army of maintenance staff always working. Even one night at 930pm in the bathroom. 

    Saved $156 with America the Beautiful pass 

    Site 32 shady 

    Asphalt parking pad surrounded with sandy gravel 

    Moveable metal picnic table 

    Pedestal BBQ grill 

    High sided metal fire ring with 2 unremovable cooking grates 

    One hook lantern pole 

    Campfire wood for sale at registration office 

    No street lights in campground so good dark sky viewing if neighbors have their rig lights off which most nights they were lit up which also lit up surrounding campsites 

    Able to get T-MOBILE signal on our T-MOBILE WIFI device 

    Many squirrels ate from our hand 

    CONS 

    In 8 days never saw a USFD vehicle drive thru the campground

    $8 fee to make on-line reservations 

    Site 32 not level 

    Absolutely no privacy from any other site 

    In 20 degree exterior temperatures, both campground bathhouses had windows open, whole house fans operating in full capacity and ceiling fans operating on high. Obvious park maintenance does NOT want anyone taking a shower when interior bathhouse temperatures were in the 30s and the bathhouse was a freezing wind tunnel! It was even difficult using the toilet. 

    Loud and rowdy campers all weekend long—day and night. Quiet hours not enforced

    Highway 19 traffic noise 

    USFD clearing project on east side of campground. Heavy equipment noise for 9 straight hours day after day!!! 

    No notice water outage for 2 hours 

    No park WiFi 

    No T-MOBILE cell service 

    No public phone for emergency calls

  • Tracy L H.
    Dec. 31, 2019

    Sawgrass Island Preserve

    Old Florida!

    Sawgrass Island Preserve is a unique piece of property.  I love hiking on the north side of the property it looks so much like Old Florida.  I like to go across the causeway and down the Bog Button Trail and over to the Hammock Trail and along the Cactus Trail and down around the ponds and back out the Bent Pine Trail.  This is around a five mile hike and can be stretched out by doing the North Loop Trail also .  I have seen several whitetail deer, sandhill cranes, lots of other birds, quail, and some turkeys while hiking.  I also saw a black bear up a tree in the marsh.  It is a hidden gem for sure.  The south side is nice but gets super sandy in places due to horseback riders.  And if you have horses the preserve allows riders and even has a spot or two with water for the horses and some picnic areas with hitching post to tie off horse and have some time to eat.  Some trails are narrow and give the feel of actually walking in, in the woods!  I haven't camped there but they have two primitive campsites on the Hammock Trail near the marsh with a fire ring, picnic table, and lantern post.  There is also a horse campsite along the Cactus Trail down near the ponds and there is an open pole barn with two roomy stalls for horses and picnic tables and a fire ring with benches.  Also room to pitch tent under barn too.  There is no water available at any of the campsites.  Could be a fun adventure waiting in Old Florida.  There is a camping application to fill out on line at www.lcwa.org and a  small fee, but if everything checks out ok at the end of the stay after a Ranger has had a chance to check out the site your fee is refunded.

  • Tom H.
    Sep. 15, 2019

    Encore Bulow RV

    Great RV Location in NE FL

    This was a very nice campground. No WiFi but the restrooms were clean, they have a bar if needed. Nice flat spots for my pop up. Bathrooms very clean. Will definitely return.

  • Reeca P.
    Jun. 27, 2022

    Juniper Springs Rec Area - Tropical Camp Area

    Tent camping with small TT

    First camping trip at this location was a blast! We had an 8 person tent, a 10x10 canopy and a 15 foot travel trailer. Site included a picnic table, fire ring, grill, and bear box. Shower houses were clean, and close to most camp sites. Highly recommend yhis campground.The swimming area was so much fun too!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 21, 2025

    Ocklawaha Canoe Outpost & Resort

    Intimate Backwater Canoe Outpost w/ Trifecta of Camping Options

    Located at the southern tip of Rodman Reservoir, which is one of the major water tributaries that you can float around the NE perimeter of the Ocala National Forest, you’ll discover that this backwater camping outpost sits on 7+ acres of heavily forested woods and offers up 3 distinct types of camping opportunities: RV / 5th Wheeler, primitive tent-camping and cabin rentals. While apparently long a bastion of this particular area, dating back to the mid-80’s, Ocklawaha Canoe Outpost has been under new management for the past few years. Unlike many of the CG's in the area, this river-front, nature-embracing outpost is smaller than most with only 22 sites available.

    Situated just west of the tiny hamlet of Eureka in Fort McCoy, you will first spot the area designated for RVs, 5th Wheelers and trailers a moment or two before arriving to Ocklawaha Canoe Outpost as this spot sits alongside the roadway with 2-3 gravel pathway access points before actually making your arrival to the main office and beyond it, the main parking area. In all, there’s some 11 slots available with FHUs offering 30 / 50 amp electric, water and sewage connections along with a picnic table and fire ring at each site. Being next to a main artery of Rodman Reservoir, one always needs to be aware of elevation, in case of flooding, so what we noticed immediately, even before arriving to the Ocklawaha main office is that both the RV-designated area as well as the main office sit on more elevated land, which is a bonus in case of flooding. Unlike the cabin and primitive tent camping areas, the RV-designated area does not possess much of any shade. At $40 / night (and $45 / night including bath house) and $240 / week ($270 / week including bath house), we found the pricing here to be just about right.

    For those of you thinking about renting one of the 6 log cabins that exist here, what I liked most about this particular set-up is that all of these units are located in close proximity to one another – we’ll call this the cottage enclave – which combined, share the community amenities specific to this community. Bear in mind, these cabins are not pet-friendly, so leave your 4-legged friends at home, or look to one of the other 2 modes of camping here. You have your choice between a one- or two-room cabin, both of which offer heat, A/C, furnished with bedding, towels, dishes, pots, pans, microwave, mini-fridge, small cook top and coffee pot. Each cabin also comes with a porch offering semi-privacy to take your morning coffee as well as brand-new Weber charcoal grill that sits in front of each cabin along with an in-ground fire pit. At $134 / night for the single that sleeps 5 (with 7 being the max) and$154 / night for the double-cabin that also sleeps 5 (with 6 being the max), considering the location of where you are at, combined with the amenities provided and the relative quality of the cabins, I found the pricing to be fairly economical. The prices decrease substantially to $109 and $129/ night respectively if one books multiple nights, which makes this a no-brainer for even a short stay.

    With mi tent-pitchin’ bredren in mind, you’ll appreciate that of the 3 available types of camping here, the area reserved for setting up your own non-mobile, semi-permanent nylon camping haven will place you closest to the river, where within 50-60 yards you’ll easily be able to access the Rodman Reservoir from a decent-sized tributary. While obviously that’s a huge plus, you also want to be careful about knowing when it’s going to rain and for how long as this also would be the area that gets the most flooding if there was any. Another bonus is that the tent-sites ARE pet-friendly, so you can smile as those cabin campers stroll past your sites (while your mutt barks at them). As for the grounds themselves, there’s 2 different areas that the pathway to the river’s edge dissects in half with 4-5 sites being available on the one side and only 1-2 sites being available on the other, which will provide you with just slightly more privacy. There’s not a whole lot to these sites, where you’ll simply have a picnic table and fire ring, but you’ll be surrounded by a great tree line and solid brush, albeit you won’t have sheltered views between sites. You’ll also want to take note that, again, the pathway to the river runs through the primitive tent camping area, so while not heavily trafficked, you will certainly experience pedestrians and fellow campers coming and going. Cost per night for tent camping is an acceptable $25/ night (up to 4 people, and $5/ pp after that), which again, scouting the area and staying in a few other places, seems about right.

    Additional community amenities not already mentioned include: community bathhouses with impeccably clean restrooms and well-maintained showers, ping pong, recreation room with board games, corn hole, canoe & kayak rentals w/ shuttle service, horseshoe pit, kid’s playground and a small pond that is stocked for simple, yet enjoyable ‘catch & release’ as well as firewood available for sale @ $5/ bundle.

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) This CG is right on the Ocklawaha River populated with dense wetlands, marsh and semi-tropical forests sprouting sable palms, swamp maples, the odd pencil-thin towering pines and submerged cypress, so the owners are very smart to have organized a few different river experiences that you should definitely take advantage of with 2 different outfitters being Gores Landing and Rays Wayside, both of which offer up canoe ($52 / $85), solo ($42 / $75) and tandem ($62 / $95) kayak rentals as well as transport ($25 / $60) with respective pricing and seasonal availability. There’s even overnight river trips that Ockalawaha will help you set up, where pricing depends upon the specific drop point and number of nights you might be interested in. Please note that all of the above runs everyday except Tuesdays; (2) While you of course can get on a kayak, canoe or boat to catch some fish, if you don’t want to, you can simply cross the road from Ockalawaha CG and access the Wildlife & Fishing Area that has its own set of public docks and piers that you can cast a reel from – and in fact, these spots are very well-maintained and offer up some magnificent views of the head of the 100-mile Ocklawaha River as she flows southernly from Rodman Reservoir; (3) If you want to indulge in one of Florida’s greatest treasures, you’ll need to visit a natural spring and the good news is that there’s several of the state’s best springs surrounding you here, including: Salt Springs, Homosassa Springs, Deleon Springs, Silver Glen Springs, Alexander Springs, Juniper Springs, Silver Springs and Rainbow Springs; (4) If you’ve got fishing on your mind while in these parts, expect to be hauling in crappie, sunfish, small- and largemouth bass, catfish and bream; and (5) The owners Lance & Theresa are absolutely wonderful people that will do whatever it takes to ensure your stay is flawless!

    Happy Camping!

  • Leilani B.
    Jan. 18, 2022

    North Beach Camp Resort

    Beautiful setting surrounded by beaches

    We spent 3 lovely nights camping here. It's been pretty Cold so not many people were here. There are no ground fires allowed but luckily there is a community fire ring where we were Allowed to make a fire and get warm. )It went down to 42 degrees last night. Each campground has electric outlet and water spigot. Next to the community fire pit there is a well lit area with lots of outlets and washing machines. Also a picnic table and extra camping chairs. There is lots of hot water in the bathrooms. For the price, it seems like Thu bathhouse should be renovated, but still, they function. The campground is located near an airport so you can hear planes flying close ovehead. I definitely would recommend this site.


Guide to Ormond Beach

Tent camping around Ormond Beach, Florida ranges from creekside primitive sites to family-friendly locations with water access. Florida's natural landscape creates unique camping conditions with sandy soil and varied terrain. The region sees average summer temperatures of 90°F with frequent afternoon thunderstorms, while winter camping offers milder 70°F days and cooler 50°F nights.

What to do

Kayaking at multiple waterways: Princess Place Preserve offers direct water access from campsites. According to one visitor at Princess Place Preserve: "Princess Place Preserve is a beautiful campground for short overnight camping or even longer stays... 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."

Wildlife observation: Campers at Seminole State Forest Primitive Campsites can spot native Florida species. The forest offers seclusion with a quarter-mile walk to certain sites. One camper notes, "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."

Historical exploration: Several campgrounds feature historical structures and educational opportunities. A camper at Princess Place Preserve mentioned: "I stayed at Princess Place Preserve from 10/23-10/27 and cannot wait to return... The rangers were incredibly kind and I felt very safe. Surrounded by stunning, natural Florida habitat! We saw deer more frequently than we saw other humans."

What campers like

Private waterfront access: Many tent campers near Ormond Beach value the privacy of waterfront sites. At Hontoon Island State Park, one camper shared: "This park is accessible only by ferry, which makes for a unique and rustic camping experience that is totally worth the extra effort! All camping supplies must be brought over by boat in wheelbarrows provides by the parks services."

Spacious sites: Campgrounds in this area often feature generously sized tent sites. A visitor to Princess Place Preserve - Moody Campground commented: "Arrived in the afternoon just after check in. Self check in process at the Ranger station was a breeze. Found my site easily. Sites are well spaced with a lot of well cared for nature park areas between. Moody sites are all on the water."

Secluded camping experiences: For those seeking true isolation, certain areas provide complete seclusion. A camper at Freak Creek Dispersed Camping noted: "It's super secluded and quiet. Depending when you stay there's at times people who show up to party and then leave. Sites are primitive. I would not attempt bringing a camper unless it's really small. Great place to put a kayak in the water."

What you should know

Water management challenges: Many tent sites in the Ormond Beach area require water planning. A camper at Haw Creek Preserve State Park advised: "If you find this place, you're in luck. I mean, unless you actually the know the name of this unpublished place, you will NOT find it... 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."

Access limitations: Several tent camping areas have specific access challenges. A recent visitor to Freak Creek reported: "The main road in has huge deep ruts, the other road has a water crossing that was over my bumper on my lifted Mojave... The campground is overgrown, and not many people visit due to not being able to get back."

Seasonal considerations: Weather impacts tent camping significantly in this region. A camper at Moody Campground mentioned: "Lots of palm trees to provide shade. Each site has room to drive in as well as plenty of tent space. 2 tables, a grill, and fire ring." This shade is particularly valuable during hot summer months, while raised platforms help during rainy seasons.

Tips for camping with families

Playground availability: When tent camping with children near Ormond Beach, look for sites with recreational facilities. A visitor to Hontoon Island State Park noted: "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."

Transportation assistance: Some preserves offer help with gear transportation. At Hontoon Island, "Once on the island there is a small store where you can buy firewood and any miscellaneous items you might have forgotten then catch one of the free shuttle vans that takes you out to the actual campsite (about a mile from the ferry dock. Would not recommend walking with all your camping stuff)."

Wildlife education opportunities: Turn camping into a learning experience with local wildlife. At Cedar Creek Campground — Matanzas State Forest, "The Matanzas Forest is home to turkeys, hogs, otters, tortoises, songbirds, egrets, bald eagles and of course, deer."

Tips from RVers

Road conditions: RVers planning tent trips should consider access roads. At Bluff Landing, a camper warned: "The roads are plenty wide enough. However, they are mostly sand and a lot of dips and mud holes from all the 4wheeling. I have a 36ft 5th wheel and it sounded like I'd have the ability to get it there. Well, I did, with a few broken dishes and messing up the camper a bit."

Site selection for larger vehicles: Choose tent sites with adequate parking and turn-around space. Cedar Creek Campground campers note: "While the amenities here at Matanzas are sparse, if you are looking for more to explore and do, check out either nearby Princess Preserve or Faver-Dykes State Park."

Trash management: Pack-out policies vary across campgrounds. A visitor to Bluff Landing reported: "Camp sights had a lot of trash. I cleaned what I could till I ran out of space to bag any more." Always prepare to carry out all waste when tent camping near Ormond Beach, especially at more remote sites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Ormond Beach, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Ormond Beach, FL is Princess Place Preserve with a 4.9-star rating from 10 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Ormond Beach, FL?

TheDyrt.com has all 38 tent camping locations near Ormond Beach, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.