Best Tent Camping near Port Orange, FL

State parks and conservation areas surrounding Port Orange, Florida offer diverse tent camping options for outdoor enthusiasts. Hontoon Island State Park Campground, accessible by ferry about 30 minutes northwest of Port Orange, provides tent sites with amenities including drinking water, showers, and picnic tables. For those seeking more seclusion, Bissette Bay in Canaveral National Seashore offers boat-in tent camping with fire rings and picnic tables. Little Big Econ State Forest, approximately 45 minutes west, features primitive tent-only camping along the Econlockhatchee River with both hike-in and paddle-in access options.

Most tent campsites in the region require advance reservations, with fees typically ranging from $15-30 per night. Surface conditions vary significantly, with some sites offering elevated tent pads to keep equipment dry during Florida's frequent rains. Princess Place Preserve provides wooden frames with sandy perimeters for tent placement. Non-potable water is common at many locations, so tent campers should bring sufficient drinking water. Fire rings are standard at most sites, though seasonal fire restrictions may apply during dry periods. Wildlife considerations include alligators and snakes, particularly at waterfront campsites, where proper food storage is essential.

At Seminole State Forest Primitive Campsites, campers report excellent stargazing opportunities in what one visitor described as "super quiet" surroundings. According to reviews, the walk-in tent sites at Hal Scott Preserve feature "mature oak trees that provide a canopy for shade" and well-marked trails. One camper at Lake Mills Park noted that while the 14 tent sites are "clean and very well cared for," some ambient noise from nearby roads can be heard. Princess Place Preserve's waterfront tent sites are particularly popular, with one visitor mentioning that "the tent sites are elevated which should help keep the soil dryer in case of rain." Backcountry tent camping options typically offer greater solitude but require more preparation and self-sufficiency.

Best Tent Sites Near Port Orange, Florida (37)

    1. Bissette Bay — Canaveral National Seashore

    2 Reviews
    Oak Hill, FL
    19 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. Hontoon Island State Park Campground

    5 Reviews
    Orange City, FL
    25 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."

    3. Mangrove Cove RV Park

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

    4. East Camp — Little Big Econ State Forest

    8 Reviews
    Oviedo, FL
    33 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. Volusia County Park Gemini Springs Campground

    3 Reviews
    DeBary, FL
    27 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."

    6. Mullet Lake Park

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

    $15 - $30 / night

    7. Seminole State Forest Primitive Campsites

    6 Reviews
    DeBary, FL
    31 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"

    8. Candace R. Strawn-Lake Dias Park

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

    9. Princess Place Preserve

    10 Reviews
    Palm Coast, FL
    39 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."

    10. Lake Mills Park

    7 Reviews
    Oviedo, FL
    36 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."

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Tent Camping Reviews near Port Orange, FL

665 Reviews of 37 Port Orange 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.

  • 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!

  • 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


Guide to Port Orange

Tent camping near Port Orange, Florida, offers a variety of experiences, from serene natural settings to more developed sites with essential amenities. Whether you're looking for a primitive escape or a spot with some comforts, there's something for everyone.

Tips for tent camping near Port Orange

  • Bennett Field Campground - Tiger Bay State Forest provides a primitive camping experience with six sites available for reservation, perfect for those seeking solitude close to Daytona.
  • Hontoon Island State Park Campground is accessible only by ferry, making it a unique adventure where you can enjoy rustic camping surrounded by nature.
  • Geneva Wilderness Area features a group campsite with a pavilion, ideal for families or larger gatherings looking to enjoy the outdoors together.

Some prices for tent camping range from $18 to $20

  • Hontoon Island State Park Campground charges $18 per night for tent camping, offering a memorable experience on an island.
  • Bissette Bay — Canaveral National Seashore has a nightly fee of around $20, providing a primitive camping experience accessible by boat.
  • Mullet Lake Park offers tent camping at a reasonable price, making it a great option for budget-conscious campers.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • At Haw Creek Preserve State Park, you can explore diverse ecosystems and enjoy fishing opportunities in a serene setting.
  • Black Bear Wilderness Area features a scenic hiking trail that showcases beautiful landscapes and wildlife, perfect for nature enthusiasts.
  • Candace R. Strawn-Lake Dias Park offers a peaceful environment for fishing and picnicking, making it a great spot for a relaxing day outdoors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Port Orange, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Port Orange, 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 Port Orange, FL?

TheDyrt.com has all 37 tent camping locations near Port Orange, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.