Best Campgrounds near Port Richey, FL
Port Richey and the surrounding areas offer several established campgrounds with options ranging from primitive tent sites to full-service RV accommodations and cabins. Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park, located about 5 miles southeast of Port Richey, features tent sites, RV spaces, and cabin rentals with amenities including drinking water, showers, and flush toilets. The Anclote Key Preserve State Park Campground provides a more remote boat-in camping experience on an offshore island, while Starkey Wilderness Preserve's Serenova Tract offers tent and RV camping in a more natural setting.
Camping conditions in this region are influenced by Florida's subtropical climate, with high humidity and temperatures throughout much of the year. Most campgrounds remain open year-round, though summer months bring increased rainfall, mosquitoes, and occasional severe weather. Several parks require reservations, especially during winter months when seasonal visitors increase demand for camping spaces. Facilities at established campgrounds typically include restrooms, picnic tables, and fire rings, while water and electrical hookups vary by location. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the area, though coverage may be limited at more remote sites. A visitor to Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park described it as "a great get away in west-central Florida as a day trip or long weekend stay."
Waterfront and shaded sites receive consistently positive reviews from campers in the Port Richey area. The region's unique combination of coastal access, cypress wetlands, and pine forests creates diverse camping environments within short distances. Several campgrounds offer access to hiking and biking trails, with the Withlacoochee Rails to Trail path mentioned in multiple reviews as an appealing feature. Wildlife sightings are common, with one reviewer at Anclote Key noting, "We saw sting rays, a baby turtle, many different birds and other wildlife within 5 minutes of parking the boat." Campers frequently mention the proximity to water activities as a highlight, though some report highway noise affects certain campgrounds, particularly those near Interstate 75. Most sites offer good shade coverage, an important consideration given Florida's heat and abundant sunshine.
