Tent campsites near Sharpes, Florida range from established campgrounds to remote primitive sites accessible only by boat or hiking trails. The area sits within a subtropical climate zone characterized by mild, dry winters and hot, humid summers with average temperatures of 83°F in summer and 59°F in winter. Many camping locations near Sharpes provide access to waterways including the St. Johns River and Lake Mills, where kayaking and fishing are common activities during cooler months.
What to do
Hiking trail exploration: The trail system at Little Big Econ State Forest offers miles of well-maintained paths through diverse ecosystems. "You could spend an entire day just getting lost around the trails. So much fun. Not a very difficult trial though. There are lots of little waterways so mosquitoes do get bad on extra humid days," notes Hannah S.
Wildlife viewing: Bring binoculars to spot local fauna at Geneva Wilderness Area, where a dedicated viewing blind built by an Eagle Scout provides optimal observation opportunities. "The trails are filled with wildlife! Gopher tortoise, raccoon, shore birds, deer and so much more. The wildflowers in the spring and fall are eye catching," reports Jeanene A.
Fishing: Multiple locations offer fishing access, including stocked ponds and natural waterways. "Most of the kids in the group tried to fish, some for the first time. We used worms and cut up hot dogs. We caught 7 fish in the short amount of time we were there before dinner," shares Tracy at Geneva Wilderness Area.
Island camping: For experienced campers seeking isolation, boat-access sites provide unique experiences. At Bissette Bay in Canaveral National Seashore, camper Stuart K. caught and prepared freshwater fish: "By 6pm, I had 3 different fish being fired up on my campsite - red drum, silver mullet and spotted sea trout."
What campers like
Secluded campsites: Hal Scott Preserve County Park offers remote tent camping areas requiring hiking access. "It's a long walk to a primitive site, but totally worth it. There's no real way of knowing if the sites are already taken, so be prepared for that. There's a fire pit, table and plenty of space for tents," reports BT E.
Ease of access: Some camping locations provide convenient entry points with adequate parking. "This is a nice place to introduce kids to camping. It's not very far removed and there is a nice bathroom and a playground. There is a walking path and nice views of lake mills," Billy A. notes about Lake Mills Park.
Diverse recreational options: Many campers appreciate multi-use facilities that offer various activities beyond camping. "We love camping here! It's very close to shops but it doesn't feel like it when you're in the campground. Close to beaches. Lots of trails to walk or mountain bike," Mikella shares about Wickham Park Campground.
Nature immersion: The natural setting attracts campers seeking connection with Florida ecosystems. "My wife and I love the Little Big Econ State Forest. It is close by, has numerous trail heads, and offers a wide variety of outdoor activity activities. The camping spots are primitive but are in areas that you seldom find in more densely populated areas," states Steven V.
What you should know
Site preparation: Many primitive tent sites near Sharpes require planning and proper gear. At Hatbill Park, camper Arlette H. notes: "Open Sandy, beautiful sunsets. Lots of noisy airboats, coming in after midnight. All camping is primitive, only 3 out here this weekend. Permit but no charge, county Park."
Security considerations: Some campgrounds implement security measures to ensure camper safety. "As a camper that often camps alone, I loved that the park gate closes and locks at night (with a code for campers to exit and enter) and the campground itself has a gate that is always locked as do the bathrooms so they stay fairly nice," Emily A. shares about Lake Mills Park.
Noise factors: Several camping areas experience noise from nearby roads or recreational activities. At Lake Mills Park, Jeff A. reports: "Traffic can be clearly heard on the main streets that border the campground. Also, there is an adjacent country bar, or 'honky-tonk' if you will, with the sound system that was set up we could clearly hear everything that was going on there."
Seasonal conditions: Weather significantly impacts camping comfort near Sharpes. "Non potable water pump. Great for hunters or airboat lovers. Small shelter area. Gator Heaven," warns Marlene V. about Seminole Ranch Conservation Trailhead, highlighting the need for awareness of wildlife activity.
Tips for camping with families
Educational opportunities: Take advantage of nature centers and educational facilities. "There is an Education Center: Ed Yarborough Center on the property near the group site that was open for our group and was amazing," Tracy notes about Geneva Wilderness Area, making it ideal for family camping outings.
Kid-friendly sites: Choose campgrounds with appropriate facilities for children. "Lake Mills Park has 14 sites to choose from, some being bigger than others. All sites were clean and very well cared for. The whole park was nice. Kids enjoyed the playground and fishing from the dock," shares Stephanie C.
Group camping options: For larger family gatherings, several parks offer dedicated group sites. "We had at least 10 tents in the big group area and four more in a smaller area off to the side for those of us that had to get up at the crack of dawn to cook breakfast, that way we didn't wake people up," Tracy describes at Geneva Wilderness Area.
Beginner-friendly locations: Some campgrounds provide ideal settings for introducing children to camping. "This is a lovely property sitting on the Northern boarder of Little Big Econ State Forest. There is one small hike in to primitive campsite on the far side of the lake from the nature center - on less than 2 mile loop trail," explains Jeanene A. about Geneva Wilderness Area.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Wickham Park Campground, experienced RVers recommend specific areas. "The sites are nice by the ponds. Good spacing between them and clean looking. The back sites (sect C) had rigs that have been there a while," advises Mimi B.
Activity planning: Many RV-friendly campgrounds offer additional recreational options. "We love camping here! It's very close to shops but it doesn't feel like it when you're in the campground. Close to beaches. Lots of trails to walk or mountain bike. We're full timers so we took advantage of the community garden here for a season," shares Mikella about Wickham Park Campground.
Extended stay considerations: For longer visits, evaluate campground policies and capacity. "The location of this park is perfect for us. We have family in Melbourne so we love staying here when we visit. Everything is kept clean, nice fishing ponds and nice and quite," Steven S. reports about Wickham Park Campground.
