Cabins and established campsites near Lamont, Florida offer outdoor accommodations throughout the year with varying levels of seclusion and facilities. The region sits within Florida's panhandle, characterized by wetlands, freshwater springs, and mixed pine-oak forests. Winter temperatures typically range from 40-65°F while summer brings 80-95°F with higher humidity levels that affect campground selection strategy.
What to do
Swimming in natural springs: Lithia Springs Conservation Park provides a refreshing swimming experience in 72°F spring water. One visitor noted, "The spring area so nice the sound of the breeze through the trees, just wow!" The swimming area requires a $2 per person entry fee separate from camping costs.
Paddling waterways: Fort De Soto Campground offers direct water access for kayakers and canoeists. "We have an inflatable raft that we took out in the water. We were greeted by dolphins, sting rays and manatees," shares one camper who enjoyed the diverse marine wildlife while paddling.
Biking on dedicated trails: The Pinellas Trail runs alongside Caladesi RV Park, providing easy access to miles of paved pathways. A camper confirmed, "The bike trail is right behind the park and has beautiful scenery." The trail connects multiple communities and offers flat terrain suitable for all skill levels.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Lake Park features multiple wildlife viewing areas around its lake system. "I've seen gators in several of the ponds," reports one regular visitor, highlighting the importance of maintaining safe distances while observing native species in their natural habitat.
What campers like
Waterfront camping options: E.G. Simmons Regional Park offers prime waterfront sites that provide direct water access. "All the sites along the water on this side are nice. We kayaked down the channel into Tampa Bay what a great view of Tampa, St. Petersburg and the Skyway bridge," explains one frequent visitor who appreciates the scenic vistas.
Military facilities: MacDill AFB FamCamp provides dedicated facilities for qualified military personnel and veterans. One visitor praised, "I absolutely loved the MacDill FamCamp. It's right by the beach and marina. There's a small dog beach and two dog parks." Access requires proper military ID and advance planning.
Secluded sites: Lithia Springs Conservation Park offers sites with natural buffers. A camper recommended site 28, noting it "is set deep from the road and can accommodate a large rig. Completely secluded from neighbors. Very quiet at night."
Clean facilities: Multiple campers highlight the maintenance standards across parks. At Hillsborough River State Park, one visitor commented, "The bathhouse was clean. They offer recycling, which is a great plus! It's nice and dark at night."
What you should know
Insect activity varies by season: Biting insects present challenges at most campgrounds, especially during warmer months and after rainfall. A camper at Hillsborough River State Park warned, "Bring plenty of bugspray, the mosquitoes here are big enough to carry away a small dog." Mesh screens and fans help manage no-see-ums at waterfront locations.
Reservation systems differ: Some parks operate on first-come, first-served basis while others require advance booking. E.G. Simmons Regional Park doesn't accept reservations and operates on a 14-day maximum stay policy, while Fort De Soto requires advance planning, especially for waterfront sites.
Cell service reliability: Coverage varies significantly between campgrounds. At MacDill AFB FamCamp, a camper noted, "No wifi (so weak it didn't work) and cell coverage almost non-existent (AT&T)." Bringing alternative connectivity options helps if remote work is necessary.
Site spacing differences: Some campgrounds feature tight spacing while others offer more privacy. At Hillsborough River State Park, a camper observed, "Small tight spaces in the campground. Most with no coverage between sites," contrasting with more secluded options elsewhere.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Lake Park offers family-friendly recreation areas including "a park type area for kids, a gazebo that overlooks a lake, and picnic areas equipped with standard public grills." The facilities provide convenient entertainment options for younger campers.
Swimming options: Fort De Soto Campground offers both a swimming beach and bathhouse facilities suitable for families. "The beaches are gorgeous, there are plenty of secret trails, a dog beach, general store, historic walks, boat ramps, kayak access, and much more," explained one visitor highlighting the variety of activities available.
Educational opportunities: Hillsborough River State Park provides nature-focused learning experiences. One camper shared, "The campground here is very nice! The park itself is very nice, with some hikes and kayak rentals! You can kayak in the river, which is really neat to do."
Safety considerations: Several campgrounds feature water hazards requiring parental supervision. At E.G. Simmons, shallow shorelines provide easier monitoring, though one camper noted, "During the day, go out and fish, kayak, grill or hang at the beach."
Tips from RVers
Hookup positioning: At Bay Bayou RV Resort, utility connections are strategically placed for convenient access. The resort "is wonderfully situated around a lake with good amenities and close to everything," according to visitors who appreciate the water views combined with practical RV facilities.
Larger rig accommodation: MacDill AFB FamCamp offers designated areas for bigger RVs but warns about tight spacing. "Tight spots with full hookups. Lots of snow birds, so getting in was a challenge," notes one RVer who recommends arriving early in the season for better site selection.
Urban proximity advantages: Some campgrounds provide easier access to urban amenities. One camper at Hillsborough River State Park mentioned, "The campground is also not far from some big cities, such as Tampa and St. Pete, which is convenient," making it suitable for RVers wanting both natural surroundings and city access.
Storm preparation: Florida's weather patterns require RVers to monitor conditions, particularly during hurricane season. Lithia Springs Conservation Park's rangers "constantly ensured our safety and were very friendly and helpful. They made sure to keep us up to date regarding changes in weather and flooding."
