Best Dispersed Camping near Tampa, FL
Tampa's dispersed camping spots give you a true primitive outdoor experience. The City Park Campground has remote sites with no amenities, so you'll need to bring everything yourself. Some parts of Tampa Area State Park allow primitive camping, but you must follow Leave No Trace practices while there. When camping on public land around Tampa, remember to camp away from roads and water sources as required by regulations. The Tampa Recreation Area lets you camp in the backcountry with time limits to help protect the natural areas. Many of these wild camping locations have rough roads that need high-clearance vehicles to access. You'll have to carry in all your supplies and take out all trash since these are undeveloped sites. Check if fires are allowed before you go, as many Tampa areas have fire bans depending on conditions. There are lots of wild animals around, so store your food properly to avoid attracting them to your camp. Don't expect water or bathrooms at these sites - that's what makes this true dispersed camping. Florida weather can change quickly, so plan your trip with the forecast in mind. Always call ahead or check online about road access, especially after rain when dirt roads can become impassable.
