Best Tent Camping near Spring Hill, FL

The Withlacoochee State Forest offers several tent camping options within a short drive from Spring Hill, Florida. Tent campers can find established sites at Crooked River Campground with spacious, secluded campsites set among dense forest, and primitive sites along the Croom Hiking Trails. Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park provides both car camping and hike-in backcountry tent sites approximately 25 miles southwest of Spring Hill. Most sites require reservations through their respective park systems.

Sites at Crooked River provide basic amenities including fire rings with adjustable grill grates, picnic tables, and nearby water spigots. The primitive tent sites at Croom B Loop and Tucker Hill are more rustic, requiring campers to pack in all supplies and pack out all trash. Many of these areas require permits, even for overnight stays. Bathrooms with showers are available at some locations, though cleanliness varies. Campers should check for seasonal restrictions, as hunting seasons and summer heat can impact camping conditions. During periods of high fire danger, cooking fires may be prohibited in primitive areas.

The tent-specific sites offer varying levels of privacy and natural settings. At Crooked River, sites are separated by dense vegetation, creating a secluded camping experience even when the campground is full. Primitive camping zones in the Withlacoochee State Forest provide a more immersive experience, with wildlife sightings common. Trails connect many of these areas, allowing for day hiking or exploration of the surrounding forest. Starkey Wilderness Park features multiple tent camping areas with access to over 50 miles of trails. According to one visitor, "Each campground has its primitive camp charm. It's clean, there are mosquitoes but that is Florida camping—bring bug spray and keep the fire going."

Best Tent Sites Near Spring Hill, Florida (34)

    1. Crooked River Campground — Withlacoochee State Forest

    38 Reviews
    Nobleton, FL
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 797-4140

    "Crooked River Campground is located within the Croom Tract of Withlacoochee State Forest (Hernando County), and a short 5-mile drive from I-75."

    "Tent camping only, with a picnic table, fire ring and water faucet. You have a bath house you can get to by walking and it has hot water in the fall and winter months."

    2. Hillsborough River State Park Campground

    65 Reviews
    Thonotosassa, FL
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (813) 987-6771

    $24 / night

    "I typically avoid tent camping here in the summer months– early summer the trails are heavy with mosquitoes and summer rains bring a large amount of flooding."

    "Lots of RV campers, sites that are quite close to each other, and rock-hard ground from being packed down by heavy vehicles day after day."

    3. Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park

    13 Reviews
    New Port Richey, FL
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (727) 834-3247

    "Part of the Starkey Wilderness Preservethis location is full of multi use trails, has primitive cabin rentals (no electric"

    "We stayed at one of the hike-in sites and had a good time. Be prepared for a trek, as the site was a couple miles in. The trail was nice and paved though, suitable for bicycling in."

    4. Pasco County - Crews Lake Wilderness Park

    3 Reviews
    Spring Hill, FL
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (727) 861-3038

    "Awesome park with well maintained trail. There are a lot of other small trails that lead off into the woods. If you wander, bring a compass and throw some az. Fun times"

    "Love this place so many trails"

    5. Colonel Robins Group Area

    1 Review
    Brooksville, FL
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 797-4140

    $18 / night

    "Absolutely beautiful, clean, well shaded, natural campsites. Prices start at $5 per person per night. There is limited parking available near sites. Well water and bathrooms onsite."

    6. Tucker Hill Forestry Primitive Sites

    1 Review
    Nobleton, FL
    16 miles
    Website

    "Access primitive camp from the Tucker Hill Day Use Area located on the Hernando County side of the Croom Tract on Croom Road. or hike in from trails."

    7. Croom B Loop Primitive Site

    1 Review
    Nobleton, FL
    18 miles
    Website

    "We love backpacking and to get to this site you will hike some beautiful trails!  Site also known as Croom PCZ East

    The Croom Hiking Trail is made up of three stacked loops: A, B, and C."

    8. Lake Park

    5 Reviews
    Lutz, FL
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (813) 264-3806

    "I live in an adjacent neighborhood (2 years) and walk this park daily with my doggos. I’ve biked all the trails and been here from sunrise to sunset."

    "This is a great park with trails, restrooms, boating, a fun playground, nice picnic areas, volleyball, BMX, and more."

    9. Hidden Valley Campground

    Be the first to review!
    Brooksville, FL
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 796-8710

    10. Flying Eagle Preserve

    7 Reviews
    Inverness, FL
    29 miles
    Website

    "To get to the camp site:

    1. go to the Circle K linked below

    https://goo.gl/maps/qCoojcRZWhjXTjC77

    1. use google maps walking directions to get to Flying Eagle Preserve."

    "Hiking trails horse area. Fire rings and picnic tables. Bathroom needs work.."

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Tent Camping Reviews near Spring Hill, FL

765 Reviews of 34 Spring Hill Campgrounds


  • Jeanene A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 12, 2017

    Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park

    Anything but stark...

    Part of the Starkey Wilderness Preservethis location is full of multi use trails, has primitive cabin rentals (no electric) and tent camping available. Front country (car camping) and back country camping (hike in only). There are specific equestrian camping sites as well.

    Cabins are pretty close to each other. All sites need to be reserved.Tent, cabin, shelter and pavilion reservations: Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park, (727) 834-3247. Picnic tables and fire pits are provided. Pavilions are also available to rent and they take reservations for large groups as well.

    We chose car camping for our visit to check the place out. A favorite for hiking and biking. This place has gotten busier as development has been growing steadily over the years. Many of the trails are without shade and the recent fire season hit the back part of the tract pretty hard (Spring 2017) but you would not see any signs of this unless you hiked out the furthest trails from entrance.

    Bring your bikes, hiking shoes, horses, or telescopes. Birders bring your binoculars! Over 150 species call Starkey home either full or part time. There is something here for everyone.

    As always in Florida bring bug spray, sunblock, hat, and please leave no trace!

  • Jeanene A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 9, 2017

    Alderman's Ford Conservation Park Primitive Campground

    A favorite for the locals

    This location is utterly beautiful! So many different environments can be seen just walking the trials. The 4 primitive campsites we found were along the river and we did not see bathrooms or picnic tables or fire rings. The trails are marked well but not often maintained - so you really get the feel that you are in the middle of nowhere. No traffic was heard at night and I would not camp out there alone on a weekend due to the "local party crowd". This is a hike in and hike out site. We only stayed 1 night. No amenities. Lots of birds and wildlife in the late day and early morning. Parking is a small fenced in area before turn in road - no security/lighting appx 1.5 miles from camping area that we found

    I would have given this location a 5 except for the large amount of trash we found on trails (that we carried out) and the obvious disregard for rules of no swimming and no alcohol.

  • J
    Jul. 18, 2021

    Alderman's Ford Conservation Park Primitive Campground

    Great Place!

    The camp sites are hike in only. I LOVE this. Bring a manageable pack with everything you need. There is no water, power, or restrooms at the sites. There is a restroom facility about a 1/2 mile down the trail. There was firewood for use when I went. Sites were equipped with hammock posts, picnic table, and a fire pit. There was also a trash can. I had a great time, the whole park to myself for the night. Strongly recommend if you enjoy primitive camping.

  • James A.
    Sep. 9, 2020

    Colt Creek State Park Campground

    Tired Tree Primative Site

    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 for purchase (located at the site) -$5 arm loads -Fire ring, Picnic Table, Bench, and Garbage pail at the site

    Walked the long way in (3.25miles), instead of the 1 mile route. The entire hike is through typical open grass “roads” cut and maintained in the Florida brush. The site itself had a nice vibe and is far away from any other sites at the park. A large open clearing could easily allow for a dozen tents, unfortunately, I brought my hammock,.. and this site is not set up for hammock camping.

    With a little rigging and placement over a dried up gator hole, I found a spot that I could hang my hammock and shelter for the night.

    I thoroughly enjoyed the spot, other than the lack of clearing for a hammock, and the mosquitos were absolutely unbearable... I am aware that it was rainy season in Florida, near a WMA named Green Swamp, but I went home with hundreds and hundreds of bites, despite my preparedness.

    I would camp here again, maybe when it’s a little cooler and more dry, and also would hike in with a tent, or potentially take the shorter route and pull a wagon full of gear, to enjoy a bit more “glamped” feel.

  • A
    Aug. 31, 2021

    Hog Island Campground — Withlacoochee State Forest

    Spacious camp sites!

    We loved the large sites. And pretty private. Wooded areas between sites. Nice clean restrooms and showers. Only 2 showers in the ladies bath house. It's old but clean. But it's sapose to be no pets. And a camper near us had a very large dog in a cage that barked all day. Very annoying. Bad area for ticks. Rangers check sites several times a day and are very nice. Also there is water but no electricity. We will go back. No generator after 10pm.

  • Alex M.
    Jul. 1, 2019

    Mutual Mine Campground — Withlacoochee State Forest

    Wide open spaces, very quiet!

    We hiked extensively in this tract and used Mutual Mine campground as one of our stop-overs. Very nice, open, flat areas to pitch tents and close to hiking trails. Fire ring at each site, options to hang your hammock. Bathrooms but no showers. Free potable water. You can also pull in a trailer but this is not a full-commercial type campground. More a cross between that and primitive camping…….perfect for backpackers!!

  • Monte W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 7, 2020

    Green Swamp — West Tract

    Peaceful and free!

    Stayed here for a night in November of 2020. We stayed at the Ashley campsite. It is free but had to register at watermatters.org - (Southwest Florida Water Management). They provide you with a code to unlock the gate once registered. At the campsite there were about 15 sites. Most had non-potable water. All had a picnic tables and fire ring. My site had a covered picnic table. A vault toilet was also provided and was pretty clean. The campsite was about half full when I was here and it was pretty quiet even though you can see your neighbors. You are permitted to collect fire wood as long as it has fallen from the tree. For a free campsite, I can’t complain. I would stay here again.

  • Napunani
    Jun. 10, 2023

    Lake Griffin State Park Campground

    Small and Nice

    PROS 

    Dark sky friendly-no street lights in campground 

    100% gravel site 

    Metal fire ring with cooking grate 

    Moveable wood and metal picnic table 

    2 hook lantern pole 

    Security gate that closed at dusk with code provided for entrance 

    Some privacy from neighbors 

    Coin washers/dryers at the campground bathhouse 

    3 bars T-MOBILE 

    CONS 

    No senior or military discount 

    No campground WIFI 

    Site 11 very unlevel 

    Gravel roads to and thru campground 

    Tight campground road 

    Horrible traffic noise from US 441

  • Todd M.
    Feb. 10, 2021

    Potts Preserve

    Great place to boondock!

    Great place to boondock! Spent 3 nights here by the pavilion. There are about 5 spots in the “primitive” camping area. Plenty of privacy and a kayak launch area. Spots have fire rings and a couple have picnic tables. Porta potty is clean. The back-country area was recently gated so RVs can no longer camp there. It’s now designated as tent-camping only. It’s a huge open space with entrances to walking trails and beautiful views of the river. The back-country area has an outhouse. It’s easy to get to and very quiet other than other campers and periodic airboats that zoom by.


Guide to Spring Hill

Tent camping near Spring Hill, Florida offers access to multiple wilderness areas within a 30-mile radius. The region features a subtropical climate with summer temperatures often exceeding 90°F and winter lows rarely dropping below 40°F. Campers should note that the area's high water table can lead to soggy conditions after even moderate rainfall, particularly in the primitive sites during summer months.

What to do

Paddling opportunities: Crooked River Campground offers river access with a designated launch area. According to one camper, "We enjoyed a group paddle down the river for a few hours. We shuttled some cars down that way so we could paddle far down and ride back. And have a lunch at the campsite afterwards. Perfect area for this."

Trail exploration: Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park provides extensive trail networks for day hiking. "Starkey Park campground is clean, rustic, and has lots of firewood for campers. There are many hiking, bike trails, and 2 playgrounds within mere steps of your tent or cabin," notes one visitor.

Wildlife viewing: The natural areas around Spring Hill support diverse wildlife. At Flying Eagle Preserve, campers experience "privacy awaits" where "not a single soul to be found with the exception of the passing airboats. Site was very spacious and private."

What campers like

Secluded campsites: Campers appreciate the privacy at many local sites. At Crooked River Campground, "the spacious, private campsites were a plus. It truly felt like we were camping alone in the forest and the kids loved getting to explore."

River access: Water features enhance the camping experience. "This site is in the Croom Tract of the Withlacoochee State Forest. Lots of wildlife abounds and it's right along the river with a launch area. Very nice primitive campsites."

Clean facilities: Several campgrounds maintain good standards despite their rustic nature. At Pasco County - Crews Lake Wilderness Park, visitors note "Awesome park with well maintained trail" and call it an "Awesome place, so nice and peaceful!"

What you should know

Seasonal considerations: During summer, insect protection is essential. "Bring bug spray and keep the fire going helps," advises one camper at Crooked River. Another camper warns, "The mosquitoes here are big enough to carry away a small dog" at Hillsborough River State Park.

Reservation systems: Different parks use different booking methods. For Tucker Hill Forestry Primitive Sites, "All groups using the Withlacoochee State Forest are required to obtain a Special Use Permit from the Visitor Center. I always check for permits even when hiking alone."

Road access variations: Some primitive sites have challenging access. For Flying Eagle Preserve, "GPS had a hard time getting there... Google will try to have you going through roads that don't go through... Go all the way till you run out of concrete.. then keep going straight down the dirt road it is very dusty keep it slow."

Tips for camping with families

Child-friendly activities: Several parks offer facilities specifically for younger campers. "We've camped here with my 4/5 year old boys and our Cub Scout pack. The bathrooms are clean and easily accessible," reports a visitor to Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park.

Water play options: Hillsborough River State Park provides water recreation for families. "The park itself is very nice, with some hikes and kayak rentals! You can kayak in the river, which is really neat to do," shares one visitor.

Spacious sites for kids: Some campgrounds offer room for children to play safely. At Crooked River, "Our site was spacious. It did not flood when we had torrential downpours for a few hours one night... It's nice and dark at night."

Tips from RVers

Site selection: Choose carefully based on your vehicle size. At Hillsborough River State Park, visitors note "Small tight spaces in the campground. Most with no coverage between sites."

Hookup availability: Electrical connections vary by campground. "We are boondockers so we tend to stay away from very peoplely places... that said it was very comfortable, everything was clean and super convenient. There was 30 amp as well as 50 amp water."

Seasonal booking: Reserve well in advance for winter months when snowbirds arrive. "We needed a campsite near Tampa FL for a few days to meet friends visiting the area from up north... Good Verizon signal to allow for plenty of streaming."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Spring Hill, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Spring Hill, FL is Crooked River Campground — Withlacoochee State Forest with a 4.5-star rating from 38 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Spring Hill, FL?

TheDyrt.com has all 34 tent camping locations near Spring Hill, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.