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Best Tent Camping near Ponce Inlet, FL

581 Reviews

Coastal state parks and preserves surrounding Ponce Inlet, Florida offer diverse tent camping opportunities for those seeking waterfront experiences. Bissette Bay in Canaveral National Seashore provides boat-in tent camping with picnic tables and fire rings, though access requires arranging water transportation. Princess Place Preserve, located about 30 miles north, features spacious tent campsites with elevated wooden platforms that help keep tents dry during Florida's frequent rain. Hontoon Island State Park Campground, accessible by ferry, offers tent sites nestled among trees with basic amenities including fire rings and picnic tables.

Most primitive tent camping areas near Ponce Inlet require advance reservations and have specific regulations regarding fires and wildlife. Non-potable water is common at many sites, with campers advised to bring their own drinking water. At Princess Place Preserve, tent sites include fire rings and picnic tables, but the water available is strictly non-potable. Walk-in tent sites at Gemini Springs Campground require carrying gear from parking areas to designated campsites. Summer camping presents challenges with heat, humidity, and insects, while winter offers more comfortable temperatures but occasional cold fronts. Alligators and snakes are present in many camping areas, requiring proper food storage and awareness.

Tent campers frequently mention the privacy and natural setting as highlights of their experience. According to reviews, Princess Place Preserve offers "huge tent sites that are elevated to help keep the soil dryer in case of rain." At Seminole State Forest Primitive Campsites, one visitor noted it's "a good place to come to see the stars" with sites that work well "for large groups or a backpacker." Lake Mills Park provides 14 tent-only sites with a community bathroom and showers, making it suitable for backcountry tent camping beginners. The sites at Hal Scott Preserve require a hike of up to 2.5 miles, with campers reporting "mature oak trees that provide a canopy for shade" and "well-marked trails" that create a peaceful tent camping experience.

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Best Tent Sites Near Ponce Inlet, Florida (35)

    1. Bissette Bay — Canaveral National Seashore

    2 Reviews
    Oak Hill, FL
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (386) 428-3384

    $20 / night

    "There's no direct access to reach this primitive campground here in Bissette Bay.  "

    "Got a 6 man and a 2 man set up and could get a 4 man as well but who actually puts that many people in a tent, lol."

    2. Mangrove Cove RV Park

    1 Review
    Oak Hill, FL
    16 miles
    +1 (386) 345-1054

    3. 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."

    4. East Camp — Little Big Econ State Forest

    8 Reviews
    Oviedo, FL
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (407) 971-3500

    "Hike out to this beautiful sight under the stars and dream of bygone eras...We started at the Barr Street Trailhead and hiked in to LE 39 where we found 2 fire rings."

    "I definitely wouldn't recommend recommend getting there at night to set up, but otherwise it's fairly easy to get around."

    5. Mullet Lake Park

    2 Reviews
    Geneva, FL
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (407) 665-2001

    $15 - $30 / night

    6. Volusia County Park Gemini Springs Campground

    3 Reviews
    DeBary, FL
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (386) 736-5953

    $25 / night

    "However, I'm not sure if you can "drive" to the campsite. None of the other campers had their cars near, and with the set up of Campsites, it's unclear where you would resononably park."

    7. Lake Mills Park

    7 Reviews
    Oviedo, FL
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (407) 665-2180

    "This was a special use event so we used the big open field areas in the day use part of the park near the lake.  This was a very, very good and well run event on everyone's part.   "

    "The good: This is a beautiful clean campground attached to a nice community park. 14 sites total some closer to each other than others, but we had no neighbors."

    8. Seminole State Forest Primitive Campsites

    6 Reviews
    DeBary, FL
    34 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"

    9. Geneva Wilderness Area

    2 Reviews
    Geneva, FL
    30 miles
    Website

    "There is one small hike in to primitive campsite on the far side of the lake from the nature center - on less than 2 mile loop trail. Site will hold approximately 5 guests comfortably."

    "There were restrooms at the pavilion but no showers.  The pavilion area had lights and a grill with a cooking area just off to the side. "

    10. Princess Place Preserve

    10 Reviews
    Palm Coast, FL
    43 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."

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Ponce Inlet, FL

32 Photos of 35 Ponce Inlet Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Ponce Inlet, FL

581 Reviews of 35 Ponce Inlet 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.

  • 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!

  • Aubrey O.
    Apr. 24, 2022

    Buck Lake Group Campground

    Primitive Lakeside Camping

    Perfect for group of friends, club, or scouting type outing. Super private with your very own lake! Picnic tables, grills, and fire rings.... Two dirt/gravel boat ramps... Vault toilets, and steel trash bins.

    *my verizon service worked well here

  • Christie Q.
    Aug. 9, 2022

    Manatee Hammock Campground

    Decent spot

    The park was full. We got one of the last two spots left, which were the only two that were full sun so it was very hot! We checked in around midnight and they had security at the gate that just kept an eye on things. Our whole purpose of camping is to fish so although they had a nice pier to fish off of, you could see straight through the 1’-2’ deep water with no drop off in sight. All you can catch really are horseshoe crab and rays. This was very disappointing for us. To make it up, there is a pool on site which was great for the kids. The bath houses were clean and always had soap and toilet paper and parking also so you don’t have to walk. Unfortunately there was a bad apple there that decided to vandalize one of the game tables while we were there but management posted updates on the main doors of the office about what activities were available or unavailable. It was a good place to watch the shuttle launches. If you go to the right of the pier there are benches under the palms so you can sit and watch. Go to spaceflight.com for launch info. We did notice they have a dog park with waste bag stations but nobody was in there. Primitive tent camping is closer to the water but not waterfront while RV camping is behind the tents. You are only allowed one shade structure per RV, no tents on RV sites. The sites are really squished together so I felt like I was walking in the backyard of the RV next to us every time I went outside. We used the 30 amp electric and water hookups without problems. They do have picnic tables at each site. Fires are allowed but have to be off the ground, no fire rings. Our site backed up to the drainage ditch which was full of shrubs and no water whatsoever. Overall it was a good trip. The kids rated it 4 stars each (I’m sure because of the pool) but we do not plan on returning any time soon as we want to explore more fishing options. However we will return if we just want to get away and the kids can swim their little hearts out!

  • Stephanie K.
    Jul. 17, 2018

    Clearwater Lake Campground

    Exactly that. CLEAR WATER L A K E

    This was my first time ever being on water this clear. If is deep in the middle of the spring fed lake but you can see perfectly to the bottom. Lots of fish to catch and eat in there too.the water gets warm easy but it's a walk in beach style so it's perfect for big and very small kids. No electric hook ups, no water hook ups. They do allow you to run your generators and most people are considerate and don't run them ALL NIGHT. They have two loops we use the back loop bc the first loop is also for day use and it's a lot of foot traffic and more vehicles in and out. They have hot showers but just a heavy spray and it does shut off so you have to keep pushing the button. But the design of the bath houses is also cool bc the high ceilings keep the restrooms cool even in100° days. There is no cell service. You are also in bear country here and it is mandatory to use the bear lockers for your food and put your shower stuff in there too. If it's not a bear, which we didn't encounter it will definitely be a raccoon.lots of wild life to see and billions of spiders to shine

  • Aslynn A.
    Jan. 25, 2020

    Juniper Springs Rec Area - Tropical Camp Area

    Beautiful

    We had a wonderful family camping trip to Juniper Springs. But here are a few things to consider when planning your next trip:

    Pros: Very clean camping sites. No trash around. Close to walking trails. Firewood available for purchase. Picnic tables , grill , bear box and fire pit with grill available at each site.

    Cons: Bathroom was not cleaned daily. Due to the park being a bit crowded, the women’s shower had hair and hair ties everywhere.

    Sites are awfully close to one another, there are trees and shrubs in between but you could still hear your neighbors conversations.

    Sites located in the middle of the campsites are much smaller than those on the outside.

    Overall it’s a beautiful place to visit, the springs are crystal clear and if you like to kayak this place is for you. A wonderful weekend getaway.

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

    Geneva Wilderness Area

    Nice for Groups or primitive camping

    This is a lovely property sitting on the Northern boarder of Little Big Econ State Forest. There is one small hike in to primitive campsite on the far side of the lake from the nature center - on less than 2 mile loop trail. Site will hold approximately 5 guests comfortably. There are no amenities except a primitive toilet around the bend from the site. There is a fire ring on the site and a picnic table

    The trails are filled with wildlife! Gopher tortoise, raccoon, shore birds, deer and so much more. the wildflowers in the spring and fall are eye catching and there is a small lake not far from the trail offering fishing opportunity.

    The nature center is very well done and there is a new group pavilion with bathrooms, picnic tables and room to play for a small fee. They host family camp outs in this area 2 times per year.

  • L
    Apr. 15, 2024

    Princess Place Preserve - Moody Campground

    Beautiful place

    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.

    The camp sites are huge. The tent sites are elevated which should help keep the soil dryer in case of rain.

    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 if you plan on doing some cleanup. Also, there are bathrooms but they’re pretty far. The campsites do have nearby porta potties.

Guide to Ponce Inlet

Tent camping near Ponce Inlet, Florida, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure. With various campgrounds to choose from, you can enjoy the serene landscapes and diverse activities that this region has to offer.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Ponce Inlet, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Ponce Inlet, FL is Bissette Bay — Canaveral National Seashore with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Ponce Inlet, FL?

TheDyrt.com has all 35 tent camping locations near Ponce Inlet, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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