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."
