RV campgrounds near Dade City, Florida offer varying layouts and activity options within commuting distance of Tampa Bay attractions. Located in Florida's central region where the terrain transitions from coastal wetlands to rolling hills, these RV parks provide year-round camping access with average winter temperatures in the mid-70s. Several resorts restrict tent camping while focusing on long-term RV stays, which affects the community atmosphere.
What to do
Golf outings nearby: Encore Clerbrook features an 18-hole golf course with the first 9 holes complimentary after visiting the Pro Shop. "There are so many amenities and even a full golf course!" noted one visitor, while another explained, "Located right off Route 27 just due west of Lake Apopka in central Florida, Clerbrook offers nearly 300 acres of prime landscape."
Fishing opportunities: Several RV parks maintain stocked ponds for guests. At Camper's Holiday, you'll find "dock fishing" among the amenities. The ponds at Encore Winter Quarters Pasco contain "nice bass in the ponds" according to a guest who stayed for over three months.
Organized recreation: Social activities are common at RV parks in this region. "Heated pool, firepit, cornhole, bocci ball on site. Pickleball courts, golf tee off and bark park being installed," reports a guest at Dade City RV Resort, highlighting the expanding recreational options.
What campers like
Swimming pools: Most RV campgrounds near Dade City maintain swimming facilities. At Encore Clover Leaf Forest RV Resort, "The pool was sparkling clean and provided a great spot to relax during the hot afternoons." Camper's Holiday features "a 55+ community using the same entrance and sharing the pool and park" with a "pretty big, almost brand new" pool that "has all the pool noodles you will ever need."
Natural ambiance: Pine trees create natural shade at many sites. "There are very clean bathrooms with showers and laundry. The pool is pretty big, it is almost brand new, and has all the pool noodles you will ever need. It looks like all the sites have shade from giant pines. They smell great!" wrote one Camper's Holiday guest.
Practical site layouts: Many parks feature paved sites with concrete pads. "Sites have cement slabs most have double cement slabs which keeps everything nice and clean," reports a visitor to Encore Winter Quarters Pasco. At Camper's Holiday, guests appreciate "large sites that are all paved and very easy to get into and out of."
What you should know
Road noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some parks more than others. At Encore Clover Leaf Forest RV Resort, guests advise to "try to not park close to the main road. Just one row back is a lot quieter."
Size limitations: Space constraints vary across parks. "It felt a little tight maneuvering into the spot, but we managed fine," notes a 40-foot Class A motorhome owner at Encore Clover Leaf Forest. Similarly, at Encore Winter Quarters Pasco, a guest with a 37-foot travel trailer found "the sites are extremely close. I had a very difficult time parking my 37' foot travel trailer. If someone is parked across from you, you basically are stuck."
Resident demographics: Most RV parks have a high percentage of permanent residents. Encore Barrington Hills features "many full time residents here" while still accommodating short-term stays. At Encore Winter Quarters Pasco, "this is mainly a retirement community" with corresponding expectations for noise levels and activities.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Select parks offer children's play areas. Encore Clerbrook provides "a decent playground" along with "a fenced in Dog Park" making it suitable for families with both children and pets.
Pet restrictions: Dog policies vary significantly between parks. "The campground is family friendly but there is a big senior/retiree presence, they also have a decent playground and a fenced in Dog Park," notes an Encore Clerbrook visitor, while Encore Barrington Hills earned praise specifically for "our favorite thing about the park was the dog park."
Activity planning: Some RV parks offer youth-specific recreation options. Camper's Holiday provides "common area with a community fire pit" and Dade City RV Resort is developing additional outdoor activity areas including "pickleball courts, golf tee off and bark park being installed."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Request spots away from train tracks and roads when possible. "Try to not park close to the main road. Just one row back is a lot quieter," advises an RVer staying at Encore Clover Leaf Forest RV Resort.
Internet considerations: WiFi quality varies between parks. At Encore Winter Quarters Pasco, guests report "for now we had no internet, and used our phones for Hot Spot," while Encore Clerbrook offers "complimentary WiFi" though quality may vary.
Booking timing: Advanced reservations are essential during winter months. Dade City RV Resort fills quickly with one visitor noting they're "hoping I can score an annual site!!" due to the park's popularity and reasonable rates that are "better than any others I have seen."