Best Tent Camping near San Mateo, FL

Tent campers exploring the San Mateo area of Florida will find several primitive camping options within a short drive. Princess Place Preserve offers waterfront tent sites with fire rings and picnic tables, while Etoniah Creek State Forest provides more secluded tent camping experiences with access to hiking trails through pine forests and hammocks. Bayard Conservation Area, located about 30 miles north, features tent sites that can be accessed via hiking trails through shaded pine forests.

Most tent sites in the region require campers to bring their own water, as potable water is limited or unavailable. At Princess Place Preserve's Moody Campground, tent sites are situated on elevated wooden platforms with sandy bases, providing good drainage during Florida's frequent rains. Fire rings with grill grates are standard at most locations, though firewood availability varies. Vault toilets or porta-potties are typically available near camping areas, but shower facilities are rare except at more developed sites like Princess Place. A camper noted that at Haw Creek Preserve, "there's a most excellent boat/kayak launch at Russell's Landing with fully functional restrooms."

The tent camping experience near San Mateo offers opportunities to observe diverse wildlife in relatively undisturbed natural settings. Bayard Conservation Area's walk-in tent sites provide chances to spot deer, otters, turkey, and wild pigs along the hiking trails. At Princess Place Preserve, tent campers can pitch directly along the water's edge with easy access for kayaking or canoeing on Moody Creek and Pellicer Creek. The sites are well-shaded by palm trees and ancient oaks draped with Spanish moss, offering protection from Florida's intense sun. A review of Princess Place mentioned that "sites are well spaced with a lot of well-cared-for nature park areas between. Moody sites are all on the water. Beautiful! Lots of palm trees provide shade."

Best Tent Sites Near San Mateo, Florida (33)

    1. Princess Place Preserve

    10 Reviews
    Palm Coast, FL
    21 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."

    2. Caravelle Ranch Wildlife Management Area

    1 Review
    Welaka, FL
    12 miles

    "This very unassuming county-run wildlife area sits on 13,000+ acres of thick wilderness and wetlands offering a number of different hiking trails, like Outhouse Hammock Loop, which is medium-grade level"

    3. Etoniah Creek State Forest Green Camp

    2 Reviews
    Florahome, FL
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (386) 329-2552

    $9 / night

    "Just off the Palatka-Lake Butler Bike trail. Campgrounds are About 4 miles in on bikeable hard roads. Six Sites have picnic tables, lots of room, fire ring with grate, bbq grills, a latrine nearby."

    "Located just about 20 minutes due northwest of Palatka – dubbed ‘Florida’s State Farmers Market’ where you will easily discover that this north central town is teeming with fresh agriculture every which"

    4. Lake Delancy East NF Campground

    3 Reviews
    Salt Springs, FL
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 669-3153

    "Very nice Primitive campground . Great shade trees and tent spots. Has vault bathrooms that are kept pretty clean. No running water but has a hand pump well."

    "The Florida trail is close by."

    5. Cedar Creek Campground — Matanzas State Forest

    5 Reviews
    St. Augustine, FL
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (386) 384-5256

    $9 / night

    "It’s more primitive than anything in my opinion. Star gazing out here is absolutely immaculate. The sites here are pretty large. You could fit several tents in these sites. Some limited service."

    "Amazing stars -- great view of incredible moon.As one of the other commenters wrote --- its amazing you are 10 minutes from a major highway yet feel like you are 1000 miles from anywhere. "

    6. Princess Place Preserve - Moody Campground

    3 Reviews
    Palm Coast, FL
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (386) 313-4020

    $20 - $25 / night

    "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."

    "just digging to try your kayak and canoe on, then welcome to what is, quite possibly, one of the best waterfront campground destinations in the whole of Florida (and given all of the access to both salt"

    7. Haw Creek Preserve State Park Dispersed

    1 Review
    Bunnell, FL
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (386) 313-4020

    "So here’s a strong call out to all of those primitive campers that want to rock it out in nature without a SINGLE soul within spitting (or hearing) distance. But you know what?"

    8. Lake George Conservation Area

    2 Reviews
    Georgetown, FL
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (386) 329-4404

    10. Bayard Conservation Area

    3 Reviews
    Green Cove Springs, FL
    25 miles
    Website

    "It is a track of land that has many hiking trails that traverse through shaded pine forests, hammocks, marsh, and river areas. "

    "Hiked in about 3.3 miles, but OnX user beware, trust the trail’s red marks, not the trail marked on most maps! Part of the trail was reblazed to go around a washed out section."

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Showing results 1-10 of 33 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near San Mateo, FL

950 Reviews of 33 San Mateo Campgrounds



Guide to San Mateo

Nestled in the heart of Florida, San Mateo offers a variety of tent camping options that cater to nature lovers seeking tranquility and adventure. With beautiful landscapes and well-maintained facilities, campers can enjoy a memorable outdoor experience.

Tips for tent camping near San Mateo

  • At Princess Place Preserve, you’ll find spacious campsites surrounded by stunning natural beauty, perfect for a peaceful getaway.
  • Bring your own water when camping at Moody Campground, as the water available is non-potable.
  • Be prepared for wildlife encounters at Matanzas State Forest, where you can enjoy the serenity of nature while keeping an eye out for deer and other animals.

Some prices for tent camping range from $10 to $20

  • Camping at Lake Delancy East NF Campground costs around $10 per night, making it an affordable option for budget-conscious campers.
  • The honor system payment method at Princess Place Preserve allows for easy access to well-maintained sites without the hassle of reservations.
  • Expect to pay around $15 for a night at Bayard Conservation Area, where you can enjoy a riverside campsite with plenty of wildlife.

Tent campers should check out Princess Place Preserve

  • Princess Place Preserve features numerous trails for hiking and biking, offering ample opportunities to explore the beautiful surroundings.
  • The equestrian sites at Matanzas State Forest provide spacious accommodations, making it a great choice for those traveling with horses.
  • Enjoy fishing and kayaking at Moody Campground, where the scenic waterways invite outdoor enthusiasts to dive into adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near San Mateo, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near San Mateo, FL is Princess Place Preserve with a 4.9-star rating from 10 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near San Mateo, FL?

TheDyrt.com has all 33 tent camping locations near San Mateo, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.