Best Tent Camping near Starke, FL
Looking for tent camping near Starke? The Dyrt can help you find the best tent campsites for your next trip. Each spot offers quick access to one or more of Starke, Florida's most popular destinations.
Best Tent Sites Near Starke, Florida (16)
1. Jennings State Forest Hammock Campground
11 Reviews•21 Photos•104 SavesMiddleburg, FloridaThis drive-up primitive campground has ten tent sites. A Clivus mulching toilet system is available behind site 5. A communal, 2-table pavilion, grills, and a campfire ring with benches is located across from site 6. No electric hook-ups. No potable water. Pets must be on a leash. Hunting occurs during scheduled hunt seasons, as listed at http://myfwc.com/hunting/wma-brochures/. Trail users should wear day-glo orange during hunt seasons. Wildlife proof all food Forest is open for day use visitors from 1.5 hours before sunrise until 1.5 hours after sunset. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
$9 - $10 / night
2. Camp Chowenwaw Park - Treehouse Point
9 Reviews•82 Photos•84 SavesGreen Cove Springs, FloridaCabins and tent sites are accessed by walking trails. Push carts available to transport gear. Visitors are responsible for bringing their own linens, cookware, and dishes. Camping-style mattresses provided in cabins and treehouses. RV or car camping is not permitted in the park.
Camp Chowenwaw (Cho’-wen-waw), is a beautiful 150-acre site at the mouth of Black Creek, near its confluence with the St. Johns River. The Girl Scout Council of Duval County operated the site as a camp for over 70 years. The original cabins and the Big Cabin were built with federal aid using logs cut on site. The camp opened on July 1, 1933. Camp Chowenwaw has played an important role in the lives of three generations of young women in Northeast Florida. Thousands of campers have stayed at the Camp; many have gone on to be leaders in our community. In 2006, Clay County purchased the camp from the Girl Scouts of Gateway Council with assistance from Florida Communities Trust using Florida Forever funds. It is now a public park offering a variety of recreation including trails, camping and overnight cabins, nature programs, fishing pier, canoe launch, picnicking, swimming pool, museum, playground, and meeting rooms. The Park is managed as a conservation, historic preservation, and outdoor recreation area.
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Cabins
3. Black Creek Ravine
1 Review•6 Photos•38 SavesMiddleburg, FloridaTrail Guide: https://www.sjrwmd.com/static/lands/trailguides/blackcreekravinestrail.pdf St. Johns River Water Management District lands are natural, wild and scenic places. While camping on district lands, you may have an opportunity to see various wildlife, sit under the stars, listen to a soft evening breeze rustling tree leaves and experience Florida much as some of the earliest settlers did. However, be prepared to rough it. Only primitive tent camping is allowed on district lands and only at designated locations. No travel trailers, campers or RVs are allowed. Most properties offer no amenities such as rentals, restrooms, potable water or shelters. Many of the campsites are in remote areas and can be reached only by hiking, bicycling, boating or horseback riding. Campers should use the designated campfire rings for fires and should carry out all garbage with them when they leave. Check the notices section of this website for updates on any current burn bans. First come/first serve and reservable camping sites are available at most district properties. Reservable campsites require a reservation and permit from the district. Campers must make a reservation at least 24 hours in advance. All camping is limited to a maximum of seven days per visit and you may camp no more than 30 days on a property per year.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Picnic Table
4. Etoniah Creek State Forest
2 Reviews•18 Photos•5 SavesFlorahome, Florida- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Equestrian
- Alcohol
5. Bayard Conservation Area
3 Reviews•17 Photos•170 SavesGreen Cove Springs, FloridaThis conservation area’s importance is magnified by its closeness to the St. Johns River and the Jacksonville metropolitan area. Its riverine bottomland hardwoods, pine flatwoods and sandhill communities protect approximately seven miles of the St. Johns River, which borders the east side of the property. In addition, the property provides storage of flood waters and preserves water and natural resources in the Lower St. Johns River Basin. One of the special highlights of this property is its two campsites within area 1 in the northern section of the property. Both are special spots. The Hammock campground is tucked back into the flatwoods with an ephemeral stream directly to the east of the camp site. The Riverside campsite is located directly along the St. Johns River with fantastic views of the cypress trees that flank the banks of the river. The Riverside campsite and the trail leading to it can be wet due to seasonal flooding.
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Equestrian
- Standard (Tent/RV)
6. Bowman's Landing
2 Reviews•10 Photos•31 SavesFort White, FloridaWe are a 12.5 acre campground on the Sante Fe River.
We have cabins as well as primitive car campsites directly on the river as well. See the following distances:
Ginnie Springs - 6 miles
Blue Springs - 9 miles
Ichetucknee Springs - 4 miles
Gainesville - 38 miles
Rum 138 - 8 miles
Lake City - 27 miles
White Springs - 38 miles
Branford - 13 miles
High Springs - 12 miles
Dollar General - 3 miles
Publix - 15 miles
Bobs River Place - 20 miles
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Cabins
$45 - $105 / night
7. Big Camp Hunt Camp
1 Review•18 SavesOsceola National Forest, FloridaPrimitive camping area on the north edge of the Big Gum Swamp Wilderness.
- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Trash
- Toilets
8. Lake Delancy East NF Campground
3 Reviews•1 Photo•24 SavesSalt Springs, FloridaLake area campground with 29 campsites along the eastern shore of Lake Delancy in the Big Scrub.
- Fires
- Tents
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
- Alcohol
9. Caravelle Ranch Wildlife Management Area
1 Review•10 Photos•1 SaveWelaka, FloridaCaravelle Ranch camping is available for permitted hunters at designated primitive sites. Be cautious after heavy rains as they might close to protect the roads.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
10. Dutton Island Preserve
4 Reviews•13 Photos•86 SavesAtlantic Beach, Florida- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$25 - $125 / night
Recent Tent Reviews near Starke, FL
653 Reviews of 16 Starke Campgrounds
- Kandi G.
Guide
Rodman Campground
Closely gathered camp sites, without water or electric. Clean.
Closely gathered tent camp sites, without water or electric at the site. Water is stationed within walking distance, tastes weird. Nonpotable?Clean sites. Bath house with hot water, boat ramp for large and small boats. Current is very fast for kayaking. Go tot he dam instead which offers World renowned fishing. Lots of alligators. Go to Rodman damn for the fishing and quiet waters to kayak in. A minagerie of wildlife is available to view. No phone service. Dog friendly camping. Isolated. Bring what you need.
- LLiz H.
Ranger
Salt Springs Recreation Area
Great campground in Ocala National Forest
Fantastic campground and recreation area. Over 150 campsites, one area full hookups with all amenities and other area for tent camping. Sites have lots of space and majority have shade trees with moss flowing in the breeze. All sites have picnic table, lantern pole, grill, and fire ring. We have 2 golden retrievers and had plenty of space to spare. Beautiful stars out at night. Bathhouses are large, clean, hot showers. Trailer sites were full and only a few tent campers this time of year. Tent sites are complete with Bear boxes at each site. Camp hosts and management were very friendly and helpful.
Saw manatees kayaking in the spring and river on premises. Spring area has a boardwalk around it. People swam with them too. Saw bald eagle catching fish, lots of birds, some fish, etc. Has a small boat launch and marina. Can tent kayaks. Great place for bikes. A few hiking trails were well maintained.
Convenient location to lots of springs to visit and things to do. Visited Silver Springs, Blue Springs, Juniper Spring to name a few. All within 1 hr drive.
Not sure how summer time is, but this late February time was Awesome. 40-50 at night and 60s in the day! This is a must stay place. - Brandie B.
LegendSalt Springs Recreation Area
Oldest National Forest east of the Mississippi River!
Salt Springs Recreation Area is part of the Ocala National Forest. It’s the oldest national forest east of the Mississippi River and protects the world’s largest sand pine scrub forest. The Salt Springs gets its name from the magnesium, sodium and potassium levels in the water, giving it a slight salinity. We made our reservations online at www.recreation.gov you can also call 877-444-6777 the local office is(352) 685-2048. We’re a married couple in our forties traveling with two dogs and a cat in our 37 foot motorhome. We stayed at Salt Springs campground for about a week in February. It was$34 for full hookups or$23 for tent camping. American Land& Leisure does a great job managing this recreation and camping area, the staff are professional and friendly. It’s a very safe and well lit campground. Activities include spring swimming, basketball courts, horseshoe pit, fishing, snorkeling, hiking, boating and kayaking. Canoe rentals are available. Nearby in the town of Salt Springs you will find a grocery store, gas station, restaurants, post office and laundromat. Don’t expect big box stores to shop in, this is a very small town and a place to get away from the world. We stayed in a full hookup site and had lots of space to ourselves, at least 25 yards to our neighbor on either side and about 40 yards to the next loop behind us. It was a flat site and very easy to level our motorhome. Sites are fully equipped with fire ring, grill, lantern post and picnic table. The tent sites include a bear locker. We loved the recycling opportunities at each trash container. They recycle plastic, glass and aluminum. The bathhouses are a gem, extremely clean and well taken care of. For campers in tents they offer a kitchen sink area to clean your dishes. Overall we loved our stay here, we went swimming multiple times with our snorkel gear and drove down to Silver Springs on two separate days(one for the glass bottomed boats and a second day to go kayaking).
- sshirley D.Guide
High Springs RV Resort and campground
Sandy bottom with oak and pine shady tops
Separate tent camping from RVs. Also has a barn and pasture if you are horse camping. Good WiFi, pool and laundry.
- AAndrea B.
Scout
Dogwood Campground — O'Leno State Park
Check yourself for ticks
Had a great time tent camping and hiking the various trails. Close to the itchnetuckee. It’s very woodsy so make sure you check yourself for ticks.
- hhillarie F.Scout
Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park Campground
Clean, good facilities
I've tent camped at Stephen Foster three times in the winter. The campsites are not jampacked on top of each other. The bathroom/shower facilities have always been clean.
Christian D.LegendSalt Springs Recreation Area
Camping in Ocala National Forest
Close to a nice spring (not the most beautiful of the area). Tent site are fine. Very friendly staff.
- Sara H.
Traveler
Camping out in Country
Country camping
6 of us tent camped at site 1, Host was really nice and we stayed 2 nights. Bathhouse was really clean and served it's purpose. Wonderful place to get away and relax.
Susan P.Scout
Gores Landing
Remote and natural!
Can flood but there is dry ground to camp on. Sulfur water in the outdoor showers, great tent sites right off river.
- aashleyGuide
Ichetucknee Family Canoe and Cabins
Sandy campground
Nice camp ground. Most of the space were pull through for Rv/campers. They were pretty narrow spaces. Lots of trees and shade. The entire campground was dirt and some gravel. The bathrooms were ok. Not kept the cleanest, but not the worst I’ve seen.
Super close to the river for easy access. Be prepared it almost rains every day in Florida, so if tent camping be prepared for rain.
Jennifer B.GuideDogwood Campground — O'Leno State Park
Old Florida History
Small charming campground along the Santa Fe River where it sinks into the underground system and rises at the next state park called River Rise. Sand/dirt roads to the RV/tent camping loop, with pretty tight turns and sharp entrances to rather short sites. Lots of screening trees between sites make for narrow parking of your RV with lots of branches to watch out for, but it is very deeply wooded and lovely.
It was during a cold snap in early December when we were there for 3 days, and it was packed with both tent and RV campers. There is a bathhouse with restrooms in the center of the loop. Note: some men tent camping used the bushes around their site for a urinal - we know this because when we pass by the one way loop to go sightseeing or hiking, they were using it in plain sight, more than once.
Very fine trail and very nice if primitive campground. Would stay again.
- AAnthony A.Scout
Salt Springs Recreation Area
Weekend getaway
The kids had a blast swimming in the spring and kayaking in the lake. Tent campsites weren’t spread out and zero privacy
- JJustin W.Guide
Rodman Campground
Nice State Park
Rodman campground was very clean and well maintained. The bathrooms were spotless. The tent sites were very large, adequately spaced with varying degrees of privacy. The boat ramp is well kept and there is ample trailer parking nearby.
- NNicole D.Guide
High Springs RV Resort and campground
Great tent sites
This park was mostly rv's when we were there so we had the tent camping area to ourselves. Nice showers and bathrooms. They have a pool but we didnt use it, the spring is right down the road. They have tubes for you to take & float down the river, really nice people.
Jeff E.Guide
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park Campground
Immersed in Nature.
Quiet, lots of wildlife (wild horses, bison, alligators, deer, birds, turtles); plenty of hiking and biking trails with beautiful sunsets on the lake. Restroom facilities are showing some age but clean. Walk-in tent sites are pretty close to the Restrooms.
Todd B.Scout
Hog Pen Landing
Peace and quiet on the water
Had an enjoyable weekend tent camping here and small game hunting in the forest.
Bob the volunteer host was super nice, and the bathrooms were very clean.
The mosquitos were a little annoying right after sundown, but quickly left once we had a fire going.
Definitely camping here again and bringing the kayaks next time.
- Ranae C.Guide
Salt Springs Recreation Area
Hate to see it when they are busy.
Nice area and staff. Site 142 is big and slightly more separated than the rest of the tent sites. Also closest to the kayak launch. The other sites holy crap no privacy or separation between most of them. Wouldn't want to camp here when they are busy.
Taira N.Scout
Magnolia Campground — O'Leno State Park
Springs Trip
3 families camping over 2 nights at O'leno to enjoy Ichetucknee Springs. We had kids in age range from 18 months up to 11. We tent camped & stayed in the Magnolia Loop which had section fencing for each lot. There was a nice playground & many learning spots set up. The park says you can swim at your own risk, but it looks like harmful creatures are in the water without any proper fencing.
Christopher B.GuideHog Pen Landing
Remote, isolated, free
A primitive site with about a dozen tent sites or more. Trash cans and out toilets are on site, with pick nick tables each campsite. Dirt road access, dirt road/undeveloped area other than the tables, trash cans, and out toilets. Beautiful views to the east through missy covered cypress trees with palmetto and pine forest behind to the west.
Annie C.LegendPaynes Prairie Preserve State Park Campground
Private with great wildlife viewing close to the city
Except for the noise of the highway, you would never guess you were 10 minutes from a major metropolitan city. The campground is very private with lots of trees and palms separating sites, especially in the tent loops. The tent sites are walk in, with some closer than others. I took site #23 for the night, which was set back just enough to the private, but not so far as to really haul my gear. Each tent site has a numbered parking space as well. There seemed to be about 10-12 tent only sites and the remainder of the 50 sites had hook-ups for RVs. The bathhouse was clean and modern, and well taken care of.
A two mile hike will take you the visitors center, from which you can climb the observation tower to look over the prairie and have access to several trails. It was really wet when I was there which meant that several trails were partially closed. But I still managed to hike several miles over several trails. I never did see the Cracker Wild Spanish Horses or the bison, but did see lots of signs in the form of poop. I also didn’t see any gators, but did get to see lots of birds of various size and variety.
- Ryan S.Guide
Salt Springs Recreation Area
Nice Campground
This is a very well kept campground unless you are looking at a hosts site. Host sites are very cluttered and messy. This really brings down the look of this campground. The spring area stays well kept and the boat ramp is convenient. There is a Marina but you have to leave the campground to get to it. Full hookups at every RV site and primitive tent camping has potable throughout. I paid $32 with my national parks access pass.
- JJessica T.Traveler
Ellie Ray's RV Resort & Lounge
Fun and beautiful
Had a group of six people stay for three days four of us were in tents, two of us were in a trailer. The primitive camping or close enough to the trailers but far enough to actually be able to enjoy the tent! Campsites are clean pool is beautiful and the bar it’s just a walk away! Staff is friendly! Loved the live music and being so close to the water.
Kristin T.Traveler
Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park Campground & Cabins
Nice Layout, Very Popular
There are two loops for campers, both very nice - one is near the lakes but not directly accessing the water (you’ll get more RVs in that area) and the tent camping loop backs up against the woods. Great access to water sports, the ravine hiking trails, dirt roads leading out the back entrance for motorcycles to easily access the nearby forest roads, and the amenities are spare but clean. The staff are always friendly and understanding, and other campers tend to be seasonal, return groups and families - pets are more than welcomed.
Caitlin R.GuideHog Pen Landing
Lake Views, now $10/night
A previous review stated this is a free site - no longer! Camp host came around and collected $10/night when we arrived
- big trees with Spanish moss
- lake views for half of the sites
- pit toilets
- spaces are variable size - but we’ll spread out with varying privacy
- doesn’t drain well! When we were there, we had some big puddles. Be careful if tent camping after a big rain! Road was fairly pitted.
- mosquitoes but you’re right next to a lake!
- there was a boat ramp/launch but we didn’t use it!
CM M.Traveler
Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park Campground
Tough reservation to get, but well worth it
This state park is booked out almost every weekend for months in advance, but it is definitely worth visiting. Sandy campsites are perfect for smaller RVs and tent camping. The sites are a close together, but everyone was respectful of each others space. Facilities are average, but clean. Easy walk to the spring and boat launch. Sites are right next to the day use area so it can be a bit loud by mid-morning. I’d recommend coming during the fall or on a weekday to avoid some of the crowds.
Steve G.LegendGilchrist Blue Springs State Park Campground
Marvelous little campground very close to the Springs
This is off the beaten path a bit, just out of High Springs Florida. The RV campsites are relatively small with little space between them. The campers there were quiet and respectful. The tent sites, however, are tremendously spacious by comparison. The whole area is beneath shady live oak trees. There is a little camp store that was not open during my visit there. Kayaks were available for rent. The rangers were wonderful folks and very helpful. They told me that I was there during a "very wet time" with a lot of standing water = MOSQUITOS! They are not normally a bother at this campground, but they were when I was there.
Laura H.Ranger
Devil's Den Spring
Neat spot
The campground has cabins, RV hookups and tent sites. It's nothing to write home about. It was just convenient to be close to the springs since it's a decent drive from any other major city in Florida. The springs themselves are quite cold so in the end we didn't spend that much time swimming - we probably could have driven back home and not camped after all. The Devil's Den itself is very neat to see, definitely worth going to at least once to snorkel or scuba dive. But if you can drive back to wherever you're staying, I would! I only took pics of the spring and not of the campground unfortunately. Enjoy!
Guide to Starke
Tent camping near Starke, Florida offers a variety of serene locations where nature lovers can unwind and enjoy the great outdoors.
Tent campers should check out Jennings State Forest Hammock Campground
- This campground provides a peaceful atmosphere with plenty of brush between sites, ensuring privacy for campers.
- Fires are allowed, making it perfect for cozy evenings under the stars while enjoying a campfire meal.
- Pets are welcome, so you can bring your furry friends along for the adventure.
Tent campers like these nearby activities
- Explore the scenic trails at Etoniah Creek State Forest, where you can hike and enjoy the diverse wildlife.
- Experience the tranquility of Black Creek Ravine, accessible only by a hike, providing a true escape into nature.
- Enjoy fishing and kayaking opportunities at Bowman's Landing, located on the beautiful Santa Fe River.
Tent campers appreciate these amenities
- Camp Chowenwaw Park - Treehouse Point features clean facilities, including showers and picnic tables, enhancing the camping experience.
- At Bayard Conservation Area, campers can find fire rings and picnic benches, perfect for outdoor meals and gatherings.
- Big Camp Hunt Camp offers essential amenities like toilets and trash disposal, ensuring a comfortable stay in the wilderness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Starke, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Starke, FL is Jennings State Forest Hammock Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 11 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Starke, FL?
TheDyrt.com has all 16 tent camping locations near Starke, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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