Searching for a tent camping spot near Sharpes? You can find tent campsites by type, including drive-in, walk-in, and even hike-in for a backpacking adventure. Each tent campsite offers quick access to one or more of Sharpes's most popular destinations.
The East Camp Zone is located within Little Big Econ State Forest (Seminole County), about 40 miles east of Orlando, FL. The East Camp Zone is only accessible by boat and consists of six suggested camp zones. There is no water, electric or amenities... Recreational activities featured here are: boating, fishing, bird watching, wildlife viewing, wildflower viewing and nature study. The Little Big Econ State Forest offers two camp areas for primitive camping. The West Camp Area is located near the Barr Street hiking trailhead and can be accessed only from the hiking trail and by canoe or kayak from the Econlockhatchee River Paddling Trail. The East Camp Area can be accessed only by canoe and kayak at this time. Overnight camping is allowed by obtaining a State Forest Use Permit available at the Little Big Econ State Forest office. For more information and to get a State Forest Use Permit, please contact the forest at (407) 971-3500 or email the Little Big Econ State Forest.
Hatbill County Park allows primitive camping by permit on weekends. Please call (321) 264-5037 for camping permit. Boat ramp open 24 hours a day.
This vast property straddling portions of four counties was the first acquisition in Florida funded by the Save Our Rivers program. It includes 12 miles of the St. Johns River and is part of a large group of publicly owned conservation lands in the area that includes the Little-Big Econ State Forest, the Tosohatchee State Reserve and the St. Johns National Wildlife Refuge. Within the property are more than 4 miles of the Florida National Scenic Trail.
The property helps to filter nutrients during seasonal flooding; 96 percent of the area is part of the St. Johns River floodplain.
One of the special highlights of this property is that its unique plant community that is supported by naturally salty water, which flows from small springs near Harney and Puzzle lakes. The salinity of small lakes in the area approaches one-third that of seawater. Many salt-tolerant and marine-dwelling organisms present here are not found anywhere else in the St. Johns River.
Visitors often say they enjoy this property because of the sheer size of it and how open and vast much of the landscape is. There are huge marshes, miles of open water, shady hammocks, piney woods, and much more. They’ll also tell you it’s a big enough place to easily feel like you are lost – a treasure of remoteness in the busy central Florida area. Wildlife viewing
Please respect Florida’s wildlife and use caution while visiting district lands. These are wild animals. For your safety, do not approach or feed any wild animal. A diversity of migratory and resident wading birds and waterfowl is frequently found at the conservation area. Occasional sightings include white ibis, roseate spoonbills, white pelicans, southern bald eagles and sandhill cranes. Recreational activities
The southwestern 6,000 acres of this conservation area comprise the Seminole Ranch Wildlife Management Area, which is seasonally hunted.
Year-round activities include fishing, horseback riding, primitive camping east of the river, hiking (4.3 miles of Florida National Scenic Trail — hikers, please check hunt dates), canoeing, boating, bicycling, wildlife viewing, picnicking and nature study.
The trails are seasonally flooded.
For visitors wishing to backcountry camp in the seashore, primitive camping is available on designated islands throughout the Intracoastal Waterway and Mosquito Lagoon. These campsites are available by reservation only and require a permit. You may reserve campsites for $20 per night and up to six months in advance. RV or vehicle camping is not permitted within the seashore.
The following conditions apply to all backcountry camping permittees: The permittee identified on this permit shall retain and present the permit upon request to the National Park staff.
$20 / night
Mullet Lake Park is a 55-acre park located in Geneva. It offers a pavilion, camping, and boat launching in a rustic setting. There are 8 individuals campsites and one group campsite available for rent. All campsites have a fire ring, a picnic table and appropriate parking spot.
$15 - $30 / night
Guide
This is a 54 site campground with hook ups at each site, fire ring, and picnic table. The trees provide a good amount of privacy from adjacent campers. Clean bathrooms with hot showers. This is about 15 min from the airport yet very removed from Orlando. Water on three sides, gates that close and lock from 6pm to 8 am (Nov-March) but an easy access code is given at check in to be able to come and go after hours. No pets, no alcohol, and quiet after 10. I will stay again! It was a mix of RVs, trailers, camper vans, car camping, and tents when I stayed. The personnel were very nice and helpful at check in.
Traveler
Great county park for our holiday weekend trip. Sites are a little tight and park is open to none campers, but otherwise no complaints (and really those aren’t a big deal). Decent rates, full hook ups, great location, friendly staff, clean bathhouse, and beautiful views of the Indian River. We plan on coming back.
Scout
One of the best little places to get your youngins out into nature for the first time... It's small but has everything that a campground should have. Nice pier to fish off of, little nature trail, and a boat launch. And to top it all off it was cheap! A little small for my taste but over all a very nice place .
Guide
Beautiful shaded sites and long biking/ trails
Legend
Can’t beat the convenience & amenities of the Disney parks are on your itinerary. Super cost effective and direct access to magic kingdom and easy access to all the others. Sites were big, clear and clean. Amenities were wonderful. I’d stay here even if we didn’t do a Disney park. There are so many sites and yes there are people around but there’s serious vegetation between all the sites that you have plenty of privacy. Constant ground crews, sanitation work and transportation options. Pools, restaurants, shops and fun activities going on all the time. We loved it.
TravelerWonderful staff and well maintained Park, sites and facilities. Great fishing and kayaking in the lagoon with a view of Cape Canaveral.
Legend
Why contemplate leaving the creature comforts of home when you can just haul everything that you love most to a place that provides all of the concrete paved, easy-to-access amenities that you likely have at home in the first place? If you find yourself in this dilemma, no worries, Orlando/ Kissimmee KOA has all of your manufactured outdoor camping needs covered … and what’s perhaps most interesting is that you won’t even have to drive out of the concrete jungle to encounter this experience, in fact, it’s right off a major 4-lane highway (HWY 192).
So, if you are dreaming of escaping your domesticated life for the thrills of an outdoor camping adventure that will have you appreciating the best of what nature has to offer, then just be forewarned, this is not that place. But if you are simply looking for a change of scenery and want to be near all of the action and attractions here in Central Florida’s ‘Magic City’ and want a different experience than paying overpriced rates at Tiki-hut themed entertainment hotels and relish the idea of dusting off your RV or unpacking your tent in a pseudo nature environment complete with all the astro turf your dog can poop on within a confined, fenced-in setting, then this KOA (and let’s be frank, ANY KOA) has you covered.
As far as amenities go, it’s a KOA, so there’s going to be more amenities here than you can shake a stick at. These include: heated in-ground medium-sized pool complete with tiled patio, lounge chaise chairs, tables with umbrellas and regular chairs, water-rinsing station, as well as a jacuzzi / spa, propane refilling station, bike rentals, 134’ max length slots, WiFi, pavilion, Kamp K9, firewood for sale, 24 hour laundr-O-mat, picnic tables, community fire pits, on-site market, recreation office, life-size Jenga, designated trash areas, fitness center, playground, dog wash, public bus service, basketball court, EV chargers, jump pad, taxi service back-in and pull-through perfectly paved, level concrete RV sites with full hook-ups (30 / 50 amp electric, water and sewage). There’s even RV sites that are dubbed ‘Deluxe,’ which are larger and come with a paved connected patio.
No RV? And REALLY don’t want to have an experience that is different than living at home? Even here at this KOA, that’s not a problem, where the proprietors will easily rent you a deluxe cabin, if there is one available. These 1BR or 2BR A/C cooled Deluxe Cabins sleep 4, 6 or 8 people and come with bunk bed set, futon / sofa sleeper and a queen-sized bed along with a private bath and shower, TV with cable offering over 20 channels, some with EV chargers, patio w/ charcoal or gas BBQ grill and fire pit, front porch with patio furniture and chairs, refrigerator, fresh linens, paw pen for the pups and a partial or full kitchen. They even have rustic cabins that are cheaper and don’t come with all the thrills for those that want some degree of ‘roughing’ it, so this means no kitchen and no bathroom or showers, although there is full bed, bunk bed, TV, mini-refrigerator, A/C patio furniture, brick fire pit with cooking grate.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) To continue with the simple, easy-to-access, manufactured experience theme here, for those that grow tired of trying to conjure up that next meal for the kiddos, who are grumbling about making every meal, head on over to any one of these nearby drive-thru windows or curb-side meal offerings: McDonald’s, Panda Express, Applebee’s, Steak ‘n Shake and Wendy’s; (2) If you want to heighten that suburban culinary experience you all have been craving though, I really do rate the silverware-free dining experience that is Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament, which is literally just down the road and is actually a lot of fun for the kiddos and adults alike; (3) Should you find yourself in need of anything that you either forgot or may have run out of, then fear not, there’s a Sam’s Club that is in walking distance from this KOA and further south that definitely requires a drive, there’s a Walmart Supercenter; (4) I’ve noticed that this place has SIGNIFICANT discounts if you simply plan in advance – so for example, during the months of March OR April (it’s January now), they’re offering a whopping 25% discount; and (5) If you are looking for a slice of nature’s paradise, then I highly recommend driving a bit north to Wekiwa Springs, where you’ll be able to enjoy one of the most amazing springs in all of Florida where the water is 72 degrees year round.
Happy Camping!
Legend
Only a stone’s throw away to one of the most beautiful and isolated natural springs in the entire Sunshine State, which is Blue Springs SP, Luna Sands is a uniquely hidden campground, built exclusively for the RV driving or 5th Wheel-toting crowd. If you are a tent-pitching camper, then unfortunately there is ‘no room at this Inn’ so to speak, but the good news for you is that if you are reading this review, my HUGE advice would be simply to book a camping spot over at Blue Springs SP itself. That said, if you are looking for an off-the-beaten path RV campground, then you might as well have found heaven.
This place has a quaint, clean community pool that greets you upon entry at the front office (which also serves as a campground market of sorts and sells a number of sundries at affordable prices). Across the way from the front office, you’ll discover the very spartan laundry facilities, adjacent to what looks like a killer outdoor Tiki hut bar with enough exposed floorboards for a proper bit of barn dancing and live music entertaining, although there was neither of these when we were passing through. There’s also a club house here and bath house facilities that were also incredibly clean and very well organized. This is also one of those RV campgrounds that comes with those silly themed weekends from November to April, so if that’s another draw for you, so be it. Additional amenities include: swing set, cornhole, basketball court, WiFi and kids playground with swing set.
As for the campground itself, it is comprised of about 120 back-in and pull-through sites with capacity for 6 additional overflow slots in case the place either gets flooded or overrun somehow. Each slot is accompanied by the standard issued picnic table, which are in fairly decent condition, along with a standard fire ring and are situated on slightly sloping land, so be sure to check out the space beforehand for being level. Typical hook-ups are offered with 20 / 30 / 50 amp electricity, water and sewage. Once on the grounds, as you meander around the place, there’s a number of intimate, little micro-neighborhoods that dot the grounds of this campground. Each space has decent room to both maneuver as well as set up your outdoor living cabana. Cozy and neighborly is how I would describe the place, which might just be perfect, given the prices.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) IMHO the best areas to secure a spot include those on the SW corner of the campground as they are far enough away from the main road and the other noise-inducing amenities on the campground. These slots include: #124– 131 as well as #A– K and #39; (2) If you hadn’t come here to access Blue Springs State Park, you should really rethink that and make sure you get over to this water wonderland, which is one of the very few 72 degree year-round crystal clear springs that offers up herds of manatees to swim alongside, particularly from November– February; (3) Should you be looking for some local fare after looking into the depths of your onboard mini fridge and coming up empty, then you are in luck as nearby there’s a sweet little Argentinian joint called Rincon del Sabor and another dive called Taste of Soul – neither of which you’ll wanna write home about, but will definitely give you a break from ‘frank& beans’ for the night. And if neither of those places do the trick for you, there is also a few other restaurants you might wanna check out like Gram’s Kitchen for low country breakfast cooked up all day, Mi Tierra Authentic Mexican as well as Fire on the Bayou for some nice, spicy Cajun; and (4) If you need to stock up on any supplies, nearby Luna Sands is a grade A Publix as well as a Walmart nearby, so you should have no problems being stocked up while staying here.
Happy Camping!
Legend
Here at Sand Pine Campground inside of Blue Springs State Park, you’ll find that while this is a fairly large campground, the substantial amount of vegetation, along with the flow of how the campground is organized, the individual campsites give off a vibe of privacy, intimacy and solitude. Upon entry to this SP, you’ll meet likely some of the friendliest park rangers of any FL state park (although, honestly, the very GREAT rangers @ Rodman Campground ultimately win the battle!), who will provide you with all of the great information you need to have a great experience here.
As for the pet-friendly campground specifically, each of the 51 sites has its own picnic table, water and electric as well as fire ring, while the ground itself is laden with powdery grey sand (so leave your boots or flip flops at the door of your tent or RV). The individual slots are somewhat tight and narrow to navigate, but most RVs should be OK to back into these sites. What you will appreciate the most about Sand Pine is that just about every site offers a substantial amount of privacy with solid, thick Floridian jungle putting decent distance between you and your neighbors. The only downside is that it is a solid hike from this campground to the spring itself, which will require you to drive there or take a decent bike ride.
The amenities are pretty amazing with the two bathroom and laundry room facilities appearing to be nearly brand new and there are designated dump stations scattered throughout making disposal of trash and recyclables EZ. The restroom facilities had vending machines as well. As for the sand pine scrub nature you are surrounded by, but the real gem here of course is the fresh crystal spring that is teaming with manatees, which are best to view and swim alongside between the winter months of November and February. For my float-seeking friends, there’s a solid kayak / canoe launch and if you don’t want to get some oaring in, you can partake in a guided river boat cruise.
If you’re looking to get away from it all and enjoy some privacy, then this is a great little campground for you to consider. And if you miss anything from the non-natural world, have no fears, a short drive into town to grab a pizza or load up on groceries is easy enough to manage. What I love most about camping here at Blue Springs SP is that during heavier tourist season, a reservation will guarantee you access to the spring, which sometimes gets full and therefore requires the rangers to stop traffic flow into the park, so if you've got a place guaranteed for the night, then, well, you need not worry about the morning rush when most will just worry about getting in the park.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) If you find yourself out-of-luck in finding an available campground site to reserve, try your luck at booking one of the 6 often overlooked cabins, which BTW, come with their own set of parking spaces; (2) When you grow weary of digging through your onboard mini-fridge or roto-molded Cordova cooler, then check out some of the local fare where nearby in town, there’s a sweet little Argentinian joint called Rincon del Sabor, classic pie palace called Blue Springs Pizza and another ethereal dive called Taste of Soul – neither of which you’ll wanna write home about, but will definitely give you a break from ‘frank & beans’ for the night. And if neither of those places do the trick for you, there is also a few other restaurants you might wanna check out like Gram’s Kitchen for low country breakfast cooked up all day, Mi Tierra Authentic Mexican as well as Fire on the Bayou for some nice, spicy Cajun; (3) Should you need to stock up on any supplies, nearby Blue Springs SP has a 'grade A' Publix as well as a Walmart nearby, so you should have no problems being stocked up while staying here; and (4) When the kiddos get restless and the pristine nature that you find yourself surrounded by isn’t enough of a distraction, then head due east to Family Fun Town, which is a family-friendly amusement center with batting cages, mini-golf, arcade games and go cart racing. Yahoo!
Happy Camping!
ScoutSo much to do you don't even need to go to the theme parks if you don't want to. A little pricey but worth it in my opinion https://youtu.be/3qPP3GaZ_UU
Traveler
Sebastian Inlet State Park near Melbourne, FL. We stayed for stopovers on way down and back from Miami area. Most campsites do not have water views but are just a short stroll away. Most sites have limited privacy but some have more vegetation buffer. The campgrounds were quiet, clean and pleasant. With a Northern and Southern section, this park offers several access points to the ocean beach, the inlet itself and the River. We were delighted to stroll the long beaches and watch the surfers, watch fishermen in the river in the morning and evening, and watch the many pelicans feeding from the bridge structure over the river. The swimming area behind the jetty on the north side creates an almost man-made tide pool which is perfect for swimming and for younger children to play in the shallows without waves or currents. We hope we can get reservations again!
TravelerHad a 2 night tent camp stay here during January. Great option for family reunions, we had my girlfriend’s 30th here, and with our rented golf cart, had no problems escorting our guests to our campsite to enjoy a camp cookout with us at our campsite. Was definitely an authentic Disney experience, with a never ending list of activities with plenty to keep kids and kids at heart busy, which we didn’t partake in since we were enjoying our campsite.
TravelerWe loved our tent camping experience at Lake Kissimmee. Our site was 22 in Loop 1 and we were pleasantly surprised to discover that we had our own direct path to the bathroom, which wasn’t something featured on the FL State Park booking site. On-site store was only open on specific days of the week and did not carry ice, but they did have small bundles of firewood. We look forward to booking the same spot when we come back to visit during the colder months.
TravelerThis place was a good place for a beginner camper like me. It’s close to a Walmart, to get things I forgot. It has a few trail heads and lots of boat docks. I enjoyed fishing and wild cranes.
Scout
Have been camping there many times quiet and peaceful
GuideI simply can't say enough about Ft. Wilderness. It will always be a part of the magic of our Disney family vacations.
GuideNice park and amenities. Maintained well enough. Spaces are closer together but the amount of trees and foliage make it seem more private. Don’t ask for an early check in. Even if your spot is empty. The staff was extremely rude and unfriendly. I understand policy is policy but being rude doesn’t help enforce the policy.
Scoutits nice to relax .. if you are a camper ... for first time it dont have nothing plan its not good...
Traveler
This park was really nice to camp at, you got hookups for water and electricity. Hot showers in the bathrooms, each bathroom has its own sink , mirror , toilet , and hot showers the water doesn’t go cold on you. Pretty quite in the distance you can hear the power plant but not as bad as I thought it would be it’s a muffled noise so if you got tv or ear plugs you are in real good shape lol ! For rent campers atleast!! Clean grounds, has a soda machine near the playground very nice to launch boats out as well , I also see on here it’s listed @$15 it’s not $15 thru the number it’s like $25 plus tax (: worth it for the hookups
Ranger
Located on the river across from Kennedy Space Center, it's a great spot to view launches with 20 or so spots along the river.
Water/electric sites only, but there are two dump stations available. Boat launch just outside the campground as well. Bath houses were clean and there is a small camp store.
Spots are all first come, first serve. Only available to KSC/NASA employees and military though (and requires an annual membership of $15-20). The campground does update open sites on their facebook page daily (https://www.facebook.com/KARSPark).
ScoutWell ran. Quiet place.
Guide
Close enough to walk to the ocean, stores close enough to drive to. Sites closer than I would like. I wish this county park would put a 2 week limit on your stay. Seem like lots of people stay several months, which it can Seen cluttered in some sites, plus hard to find available because some people stay so long.
TravelerThis small campground was very full in middle of Florida winter season. While most sites appeared flat, there is not privacy between them and no shade in hot Florida sunshine. We were lucky with a quiet location in Site #3, and only 1 neighbor next to us. The only sites with open water views were in very tight and crowded section that was crowded with lots of big rigs. Park personnel were very gracious, helpful and accommodating. It was not convenient from I-95 for just a 1-night stopover, but we had a good night's sleep to refresh us for another day of driving! Fishermen and kayakers must love this location for easy access! Price was fairly steep compared to other local and state parks. We did enjoy the nearby beaches!
We stayed here on February 22, 2004.
Scout
Ice park
GuideVisited to see Manatees from the land. Cooler temps best for manatee numbers.
Campground sites feel secluded with vegetation but can be challenging for backing up into spots.
Had electric and water but trash is upon exit along with dump station
Nice paved road around campground and short trail to main park area. Canoe and kayak rentals available.
TravelerHas been wonderful clean and quiet. We have a truck tent.
Traveler
This campground has a split personality. The west side has nice wide concrete sites, the east side is on dirt and gravel and not so nice. When I made my reservation I missed the pick your site($30 add on?), but given the difference between the two sides, it would have been worth it. This is definitely a KOA Journey, hookups work, good for a night or two, but not a destination. I didn't think it is quite as close to the Space Center as described.
Some long term residents, many on the east side, and the roads aren't very wide. The gentleman who escorted us to our site took us off the road and out into the grass to get around a tree to make the turn workable. Most of the staff was friendly and helpful.
Oh, if you look at this campground on Google's satellite view, be aware that there is a different campground that wraps the KOA on the west, and south. If you see tennis courts, you're looking at the wrong campground.
Given the history of this area I had high expectations. If you get one of the nice new sites, then I think it's worthwhile, otherwise this is one of the few KOAs that I don't think I will recommend for more than a night maybe two.
Frequently Asked Questions
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