Plant City camping options feature a mix of open meadow and wooded sites, with elevation ranging from 100 to 150 feet above sea level. The region's subtropical climate brings average winter lows around 50°F and summer temperatures often exceeding 90°F with high humidity. Campgrounds near Plant City typically maintain good cellular reception, with most visitors reporting 3-5 bars on major carriers.
What to do
Mountain biking on challenging trails: Alafia River State Park offers extensive trail systems for mountain biking enthusiasts. A visitor noted, "I come here often for the Mountain Biking and the awesome humans. The facilities are clean and the MTB trails are constantly changing so we are never bored here." The park features trails for various skill levels, from beginner to advanced.
Swimming in natural springs: For $2 per person, visitors can enjoy swimming in the natural spring at Lithia Springs Conservation Park. "Nice spring to swim in for 2.00 a person. Most campsites are very shaded. Bathhouse are clean. Has dumpstations," explains a camper. The spring maintains a consistent 72°F year-round, providing refreshing relief during hot summer months.
Kayaking on rivers and lakes: Several parks offer water access for paddling adventures. At Hillsborough River State Park, you can "kayak in the river, which is really neat to do," according to a reviewer who added that "the bathrooms are well kept and clean. The park itself is very nice, with some hikes and kayak rentals!"
What campers like
Proximity to events and attractions: Many campers appreciate being close to local festivities. One visitor at Lazydays RV Resort shared, "We stayed here for two nights to attend the strawberry festival in Plant City (about 20 minutes away) as well as visit a few bakeries and breweries." The resort's location makes it convenient for exploring the area.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Campers frequently report wildlife sightings. At Colt Creek State Park, one camper mentioned, "This park is beautiful, quiet, alive with wild life, we saw deers, owls, turtles, rabbits & a mama wild boar with her piglets." The park's diverse habitats support a variety of animal species.
Clean facilities and amenities: Multiple reviews highlight the cleanliness of facilities. A camper at Edward Medard Park described it as "clean, beautiful areas to go explore, campsites are nice and bathrooms and showers are very clean and nice! Great campground!!!!!" The park maintains well-kept restrooms and shower facilities throughout the year.
What you should know
Reservation systems vary by park: While state parks accept bookings up to 11 months in advance, county parks like Edward Medard Park operate on a first-come, first-served basis. A visitor explained, "Midweek is best time to visit as weekends fill fast (usually by Thursday night)." Planning ahead is especially important during peak winter season.
Insects can be problematic in summer: Mosquitoes and other insects are particularly active during warmer months. One camper at Hillsborough River State Park warned, "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." Another camper advised to "bring plenty of bugspray, the mosquitoes here are big enough to carry away a small dog."
Shade availability varies significantly: Some campgrounds offer more tree cover than others. A reviewer at Alafia River State Park noted, "Sites and facilities are nice and clean. Sites were decent size. Good for RVs and tents. However, sites are not shaded at all." In contrast, Lithia Springs Conservation Park features "very pretty and wooded" sites with good shade coverage.
Tips for camping with families
Accessible activities for children: Camp Margaritaville RV Resort provides numerous family-friendly amenities. A parent shared, "We had a great time. The camp sites and the whole resort area is very clean and safe. I felt comfortable with my kid running around on her scooter. They had a lot of activities for the kids during spring break." The resort features a splash pad, playground, and organized activities.
Wildlife education opportunities: Parks offer chances for children to learn about Florida's ecosystems. At Colt Creek State Park, families can explore "a lovely fishing doc with easy access" and "a paved trail as well as wide dirt trails." One visitor noted there are "2 primitive sites along a 10 mile loop trail" for more adventurous families.
Playground access: Several parks provide playgrounds for young visitors. A camper at Edward Medard Park mentioned, "With the paved bike trails, easy access fishing, and decent size sites, we were always busy." Another added that the park has "hiking, climbing, park playing area" making it ideal for families with varied interests.
Tips from RVers
Site sizing considerations: RV campers should note the varying site dimensions. At Alderman's Ford Conservation Park, a reviewer emphasized that the "camp sites are hike in only" making it unsuitable for RVs. Conversely, Colt Creek State Park features "big, flat with gravel parking areas. Power and water at each site for RV camping," with one camper noting, "Our van is so small in our site."
Hookup availability: Full-service sites are available at several locations. A visitor to Lazydays RV Resort described it as having "paved roads and pads, concrete patio, FHU 50A throughout," though they noted "sites are close together but have nice grass in the park." The resort also offers laundry facilities and a restaurant in the main building.
Road access considerations: Some parks have more challenging access roads. A visitor to Colt Creek State Park mentioned, "The long and windy ride in gives you a trip back to some real Florida." They added that the park has "large, level sites" and they "didn't need blocks" when staying in sites 1 and 11, making setup easier for larger rigs.
