The Green Swamp region surrounding Trilby, Florida sits at approximately 75 feet above sea level with gently rolling terrain. This protected watershed area contains over 110,000 acres of natural land across multiple management tracts. Camping options range from primitive backcountry sites to equestrian-focused facilities, with seasonal flooding between June and September affecting trail and campsite conditions.
What to do
Explore backcountry trails: Gator Hole campsite on the Florida Trail offers secluded hiking experiences. "We hiked out about a mile along the Florida Trail and stayed for a night at the Gator Hole campsite. It was so peaceful, lots of space to explore (we had a 3 year old and two dogs!) and the symphony of Sandhill Cranes and Coyotes as the sun set was a memory I'll never forget," describes Kelly S. from Green Swamp — West Tract.
Observe wildlife: Lake Louisa State Park provides opportunities to view native Florida species. "This park is beautiful, quiet, alive with wild life, we saw deers, owls, turtles, rabbits & a mama wild boar with her piglets," notes Barbara A. from Colt Creek State Park Campground.
Fish in multiple lakes: Several water bodies throughout the region offer fishing opportunities. "There are 4 lakes (no swimming) on the property kayak/canoe rentals, nice fishing areas and a dock. Lots of wildlife. Great for biking as well," explains Jeanene A. about the recreational options.
What campers like
Free camping options: Southwest Florida Water Management District sites offer no-cost camping with prior reservation. "Stayed here for a night in November of 2020. We stayed at the Ashley campsite. It is free but had to register at watermatters.org - (Southwest Florida Water Management). They provide you with a code to unlock the gate once registered," shares Monte W. about Lake Panasoffkee.
Clean facilities: Despite being in remote areas, many campgrounds maintain good bathroom facilities. "The bath house was very clean and modern, with spacious shower stalls and plenty of hot water," reports Cyndi B. from Lake Louisa State Park Campground.
Campsite amenities: Many sites include basic amenities even at primitive locations. "All sites had a picnic tables and fire ring. My site had a covered picnic table. A vault toilet was also provided and was pretty clean," notes a Lake Panasoffkee camper.
What you should know
Seasonal hunting closures: Many preservation areas allow hunting during specific seasons. "Check for scheduled hunts, hunters do not like hikers even though Florida trail is open year round," warns Anthony E. about Foster Bridge Primitive Site Green Swamp West.
Water management: Non-potable water is available at some sites, requiring filtration or bringing your own supply. "Not many campers on the Cumpressco side but tons on the Ashley. No potable water at either site. Bring your own!" advises Alicia B.
Insect preparation: Ticks and mosquitoes are prevalent in warmer months. "We love backpacking and to get to this site you will hike some beautiful trails! The site was clear and open, which was good because there is an abundance of ticks to be found in the brush," cautions Jeanene A.
Tips for camping with families
Select accessible sites: Some locations offer ADA-compliant facilities. "Colt Creek State Park is one of the newer parks in the Florida State Park System. We had the opportunity to camp at one of the handicap accessible sites recently and found it to be very convenient. Path and pad on site were roomy and fire pit was higher than usual for safety," explains Jeanene A. from Holder Mine Campground.
Look for beginner-friendly backcountry: Some primitive sites require minimal hiking effort. "As far as backcountry campsites go, you really can't ask for much better than Gator Hole especially as a beginner, or a more leisurely camping group. It is only about 1.5 miles from the trailhead," notes Skooma M.
Pack sufficient water: Many sites lack potable water sources. "You can collect your water a couple hundred feet to the north, and If you're not into filtering your water from the Florida swamp, make sure to pack in some extra," advises a Green Swamp visitor.
Tips for RVers
Site accessibility considerations: Some horse campgrounds near Trilby, Florida have limited maneuvering space. "Our only problem with wilderness camping. There is not a lot of room in the loops to pull your rv into the spot. There is plenty of room between your rv and your neighbor next to you but not a lot of room across from your spot," explains Samantha O.
Level parking pads: Many sites offer concrete parking surfaces. "We had a reservation and went directly to our site. Each site has a spacious level concrete pad and plenty of shade trees," notes David K. about Upper Hillsborough Preserve — Alston Tract.
Generator policies: Rules regarding generator use vary between equestrian campsites. "I use a quiet run generator and bring in 50 gallons of fresh water for weekend stays," mentions Nate D. about his camping approach at Upper Hillsborough Preserve.
