L
Laura H.
Guide
GuideFort De Soto Campground
Crowded but worth it
Day 1 we had electrical issues. Thanks to park rangers we were relocated and our vacation resumed. Great beach!
Camping near Lee, FL
317 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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Campgrounds near Lee, Florida provide a mix of RV resorts and state park camping with varied amenities and settings. Several well-established facilities like Hillsborough River State Park Campground and Tampa East RV Resort accommodate tent camping, RV sites with full hookups, and cabin options. The eastern Tampa Bay area features multiple private RV parks including Southern Aire RV Resort and Lazydays RV Resort, which cater primarily to motorhomes and trailers with electric, water and sewer connections, while also offering cabin rentals at select locations.
Most developed campgrounds in the region remain open year-round due to Florida's favorable climate, though advance reservations are strongly recommended during winter months when seasonal visitors increase occupancy rates. According to one visitor at Southern Aire RV Resort, "Excellent accommodations include a large clubhouse for socializing, playing games and 2 pool tables. Large laundry room and bathrooms/showers, all very clean and in good repair." Access to most campgrounds is straightforward via paved roads, with many sites located near major highways for convenient travel. Water and electric hookups are standard at most locations, while amenities like showers, laundry facilities, and dump stations vary between parks. Many campgrounds enforce pet policies that allow dogs with some restrictions.
Campers report varying levels of privacy and spacing between sites at different facilities. The more developed RV resorts tend to feature closely spaced sites with limited natural separation. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, "The sites are very close together. No fire pits. Heated pool and hot tub, the diner is pretty cool with basic bar food." State parks generally offer more spacious sites with better tree coverage and natural surroundings. Several campgrounds provide recreational amenities including swimming pools, shuffleboard courts, and organized activities for guests. Proximity to Tampa attractions represents a significant draw for many visitors, with most campgrounds situated within 30-45 minutes of urban amenities while still providing a camping experience. Sites with shade trees are particularly valued in this region due to Florida's heat, especially during summer months.
Best Campgrounds near Lee (317)
1. Hillsborough River State Park Campground
"Then exit 7 to Highway 301 north about 10 miles to the campground. The way in which the state park and campground are set up is easy too."
"This was my first time at a campground in Florida! I was surrounded by beautiful wildlife (alligators, birds, and even a wild boar). The hiking trails were perfect for a beginner or a regular hiker."
from $24 / night
Check Availability2. Lazydays RV Resort
"We were less than an hour away from home at Lazydays RV Resort and it felt like we were on the other side of the planet. Got to spend uninterrupted time with my bride and it was awesome."
"Great location just outside Tampa, Fl. Wonderful facilities and friendly staff. nearby RV dealership is largest in America with huge service department and camping/RV store."
from $61 - $83 / night
Check Availability3. Edward Medard Park
"Camping is first come first serve but gives you access to the park after hours. Camp sites are bit close to one another but overall amazing experience."
"Very pretty and wooded for Florida. Great to bike around and see everything. Neat to see gators. Will definitely go back."
from $24 / night
Check Availability4. Lithia Springs Conservation Park
"Stayed over mother's day weekend at Lithia Springs."
"Stayed over mother's day weekend at Lithia Springs."
from $24 / night
Check Availability5. Colt Creek State Park Campground
"Okay, so I didn’t do a ton of research, but I have driven around here before so I decided to get one of the primitive sites and do a little gear testing. 5+ per person/night -Bundles of firewood available"
"Colt Creek State Park is one of the newer parks in the Florida State Park System. We had the opportunity to camp at one of the handicap accessible sites recently and found it to be very convenient."
from $24 / night
Check Availability6. Happy Traveler RV Resort
"Lots of shaded spots, 3 laundry facilities around the park (2 w/bathhouses). Large fenced in swimming pool, clubhouse with pool table, games, movies, kitchen, activities almost daily."
7. Lithia Springs
"Lithia Springs Conservation Park is a hidden gem for camping in Florida. The campground is clean, well-maintained, and tucked away in a peaceful natural setting."
"Canoe and Kyak launch is easily accessible to enjoy the calm waters of the Alafia River. Restrooms and showers were clean and plentiful around the grounds. We will definitely be back."
8. Cypress Creek Preserve
"There aren't many free spots in this area of Florida. Of course, they provide nothing other than a spot to camp with fire ring and old table, and an outhouse."
"There are pot holes as you drive in that are kinda steep however nothing too serious. The spots are spacious and all other campers were respectful of noise volume and kept spots clean."
9. Fort De Soto Campground
"As an camper with northern roots, I have found it hard to camp in Florida. This campground helped me relieve those worries. I will start by saying that this campground is south of St."
"Nice walking/bicycle path around the edge. Bike paths also throughout the park. Sites 1-8 or so have direct beach access, but swimming is not allowed. Mangroves surround the rest of the peninsula."
from $38 - $48 / night
Check Availability10. Alafia River State Park Campground
"Widely known in Florida for the mountain bike trails. Not much else to do in the area, but very nice space to chill out. The night sky is far enough away that you can really take in the stars."
"For Florida this is a great campsite especially for me because it's so close overall a great place for any activity"
from $22 / night
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Drive Time
- 16 min from Tampa, FL
- 27 min from Lakeland, FL
- 1 hr 2 min from Homosassa Springs, FL
Recent Camping Photos near Lee, FL
295 Photos of 317 Lee Campgrounds
Lawrence W.
Lakeside Getaway
Nate D.
Oak Ridge Primitive Campground
Rachel G.
Hillsborough River State Park Campground
Elliott B.
Cypress Creek Preserve
Amanda .
Edward Medard Park
Randal B.
Lithia Springs
The Longs ..
Upper Hillsborough Preserve — Alston Tract
Eric E.
Island Retreat Florida
Derick B.
Encore Winter Quarters Pasco
Jorge A. M.
No longer in business
Joe
Alderman's Ford Conservation Park Primitive Campground
Scott O.
Upper Hillsborough Water Management Area
Recent Reviews near Lee, FL
1187 Reviews of 317 Lee Campgrounds
- Dylan M.
ScoutCamp Nebraska RV Park
Camp Nebraska Tampa FL 33612
The park itself is very nice not much amenities besides bathroom and shower building and the nearby area is not that good , its relatively safe but its just a lot of homeless nearby an its just not a nice area at all to walk around during the day or night its a shame. But the park itself keeps you very protected from that ive never had a issue for over 7 months being here
- Bill L.
TravelerMacDill AFB FamCamp
Reputation as the #1 FamCamp in the MWR system
Active duty, retirees, disabled vets and some others are eligible. PX and commissary near the security gate. Campground check-in quick and efficient. Pick your site from what's available. $26/night with full hook-ups. Right on the Gulf, beautiful beach. Beach bar cafe adjacent to campground.
- ccraig D.Scout
Seven Sisters Campground
Stumpy
Nice campground but with only one bathroom and one shower for men. So you may have to wait in line
- AAntwan Á.Traveler
Fort De Soto Campground
Beach Vibes
Great sites, clean bathrooms and showers. Easy access to the beach.
Stayed next to the playground and it was a great time for the kids.
- RRhonda B.Traveler
Wilderness Shores Ranch & RV/Tent Campground
Old Florida meets Animal Safari
If you’re looking for an authentic “Old Florida” experience surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty, this campground is truly something special. My husband and I brought our two grandchildren and daughter-in-law here for a family camping trip, and it exceeded every expectation we had.
The property is absolutely stunning — over 500 acres of peaceful scenery filled with lakes, wildlife, and beautiful open spaces. We spent time exploring on a four-wheeler and were amazed by everything we saw, from alligators and countless birds to longhorn steers, goats, and ducks roaming the grounds. It felt like stepping into a hidden slice of natural Florida paradise.
One of our favorite areas was the shaded grove of majestic oak trees with oversized swings where the children played and “hung out”. It created such a relaxing, family-friendly atmosphere that made the entire trip feel magical.
The campground itself was extremely well maintained. The restrooms and showers were plentiful, spotless, and clearly cared for with attention to detail. It’s also exciting to see how much love and vision is being poured into the property. During our stay, they appeared to be expanding with what looks like a beautiful waterfront wedding venue complete with a gazebo and bridge — absolutely picturesque.
This was one of the most memorable family trips we’ve had in a long time. The combination of natural beauty, peaceful surroundings, wildlife, and thoughtful amenities made for an unforgettable experience. We are already looking forward to returning.
Kai Z.
RangerLittle Manatee River State Park Campground
Hidden Nature Paradise with a Cozy Atmosphere
My friends and I stayed here on May 26th and 27th, and the campground was pretty empty, which is honestly a shame because it’s such a beautiful place. It feels like you’re right in the middle of an untouched natural oasis. The campsites are separated by large plants, which gives you a really private and cozy feeling. The bathrooms and showers were clean and well maintained. The host was also very kind and helpful. I’d definitely recommend staying here.
- SSteffen B.Scout
Fort De Soto Campground
Magical
Our first trip to Ft de Soto was nothing it magical. The campground is well maintained and offers everything you need. I felt so fully immersed in nature, the wildlife is incredible. Be aware of w (leave all food in the car)
- MMichelle J.Scout
Hickory Point RV Park
Great Stay
Really nice stay at Hickory Point RV Park. First off — the people running this place genuinely care, and it shows from the moment you check in to helping guide your RV into the spot.
The park is spotless — no garbage anywhere — and they really put effort into creating a welcoming atmosphere. The weekend we were there they had camper events like coffee & bagels one morning, and hot dogs and s’mores another evening (we didn’t take advantage, but it was a nice touch).
Great amenities if you don’t need a pool. There are a couple of small private beaches on the inlet, comfortable seating areas to relax and watch the boats go by, and they also offer kayaks and SUPs to borrow.
The location is excellent — just a few miles from Tarpon Springs and a little farther to Dunedin, Honeymoon Island, etc., right off Alt 19.
We stayed in spot 117. We have a 30-foot RV and had no issues fitting. That said, the spaces in that area are a bit tight, so if you like to spread out and hang outside at your site, you’ll probably want to take advantage of the beautiful common waterfront spaces with tables and chairs instead.
One thing worth noting — and it’s nothing the park can control — if you’re bringing bikes or hoping to hop on the Pinellas Trail, it’s very close, but getting there by bike or foot can feel dangerous. Cars fly down the road and there’s no sidewalk.
Overall, we had a great few days and evenings here and definitely plan to come back!
Guide to Lee
Camping near Lee, Florida offers extensive options for outdoor recreation with ample shade during summer months. The region features freshwater springs, river systems, and wildlife preserves where campers can observe native Florida species. Camping is available year-round with more availability on weekdays, especially at county park facilities which operate on first-come, first-served systems.
What to do
Swimming in natural springs: Lithia Springs Conservation Park features a natural spring that maintains a constant 72°F temperature. As one visitor notes, "The spring area is clean and well kept. The sound of the breeze through the trees, just wow!" The swimming area provides relief during hot weather and offers a unique Florida experience.
Mountain biking on varied terrain: Alafia River State Park Campground contains some of central Florida's most challenging off-road biking trails. A visitor mentioned, "I loved that they had a ton of different trails to choose from, some just hiking or biking, and some mixed ones. Really well kept." The park features trails built on former phosphate mining land with elevation changes unusual for Florida.
Paddling opportunities: Edward Medard Park offers kayaking on its reservoir with rentals available. One camper shared, "Kayaking and fishing on the lake is a blast!" The 700-acre reservoir provides ample space for water activities with several access points near the campground.
What campers like
Wildlife viewing: Hillsborough River State Park Campground offers abundant wildlife sightings. A camper observed, "At night the green fireflies put on an amazing light show in the canopy." Another mentioned seeing "rapids to look at" and "tons of wildlife" during their stay.
Spacious, secluded sites: Colt Creek State Park Campground provides well-designed camping areas. A visitor shared, "Camp spots are big, flat with gravel parking areas. Power and water at each site for RV camping." Another camper remarked, "The long and windy ride in gives you a trip back to some real Florida."
Clean facilities: Several parks maintain well-kept bathhouses and amenities. At Fort De Soto Campground, a visitor noted, "They clean them daily, so they are not bad." Lithia Springs Conservation Park received similar praise: "Bathhouse was clean. They offer recycling, which is a great plus!"
What you should know
Insect preparation: Florida parks can have significant mosquito populations, especially near water. A 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 visitor advised, "Bring plenty of bugspray, the mosquitoes here are big enough to carry away a small dog."
Reservation systems vary: While state parks like Colt Creek and Hillsborough River accept reservations months in advance, county parks operate differently. At Edward Medard Park, "This first come first served facility is a favorite of locals," with weekends filling "usually by Thursday night." Lithia Springs also operates without reservations.
Hammock restrictions: Some parks limit tree usage. At Lithia Springs, visitors note that "nothing can be tied to trees, including hammocks." At Hillsborough River, there are mixed messages as "the windshield placard they give you says don't hang things from the trees, however the parks website says it's fine if you're hanging a hammock with 1" thick webbing."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Edward Medard Park offers "picnic and playground areas" near the campground. Another visitor mentioned the park's "climbing park playing area" which provides entertainment for children after swimming or hiking.
Accessibility options: Colt Creek State Park features specially designed sites for those with mobility needs. A visitor explained, "We had the opportunity to camp at one of the handicap accessible sites recently and found it to be very convenient. Path and pad on site were roomy and fire pit was higher than usual for safety."
Activities for varied interests: Fort De Soto Campground provides options for different age groups. A camper described, "The playground with good swings and also a sturdy playground that offered plenty of opportunity for my four year old to blow off some steam. The ground is all recycled rubber, which I love as a parent."
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: At Lazydays RV Resort, reviewers note the importance of choosing sites wisely. A camper advised, "Sites sit 90 degrees to the narrow street, so backing can be tricky, especially with all the vehicles parked along the road perpendicular to the pad entrance." Another mentioned, "We reserved one of the larger sites, which was big enough for our 39' 5th wheel, but we had to disconnect as our F450 was in the road."
Water management: Water pressure varies between parks. One RVer at Lazydays noted, "Water pressure was above 60 psi, so we needed a reducer." At Colt Creek State Park, "Power and water at each site for RV camping" makes setup convenient, while Lithia Springs offers full hookups.
Satellite and connectivity: Most campgrounds near Lee offer reasonable connectivity options. At Lazydays, "We got 4 bars on Verizon" and "the CG has cable, and we received 59 channels. You also get a lot of OTA channels, and we could have used satellite."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Lee, FL?
What camping is available near Lee, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, Lee, FL offers a wide range of camping options, with 317 campgrounds and RV parks near Lee, FL and 4 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Lee, FL?
Which is the most popular campground near Lee, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Lee, FL is Hillsborough River State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 64 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Lee, FL?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Lee, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Lee, FL.
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