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."
