The Withlacoochee State Forest dominates the camping landscape around Trilby, Florida, with multiple campgrounds spread across its 165,000 acres spanning five counties. Established campgrounds like Cypress Glen and River Junction provide water and electric hookups for RVs while accommodating tent campers with shaded sites near Silver Lake and the Withlacoochee River. Several areas include amenities ranging from basic to full-service, with Florida Sand Music Ranch hosting regular music festivals and events throughout the year. The region encompasses mixed-use campgrounds with varying levels of development, from primitive sites to those with modern facilities including showers, restrooms, and dump stations.
Access to camping areas around Trilby varies seasonally, with most campgrounds operational year-round but experiencing higher occupancy during winter months when temperatures moderate. Campsites within the Withlacoochee State Forest require reservations through Reserve America, a change from the previous self-registration system. A visitor noted, "They did away with walk-ups, now it's Reserve America and prices went up." Many campgrounds feature hard-packed gravel roads suitable for most vehicles, though some sites present challenges with sloping terrain. The proximity to Interstate 75 means road noise affects certain campgrounds, particularly those near Silver Lake, while sites deeper in the forest offer more seclusion.
Campers report high satisfaction with water-adjacent sites throughout the area. The Withlacoochee River and Silver Lake provide opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing, with several campgrounds offering direct water access. A review highlighted that "It's not too far away but very peaceful and quiet. Fishing, kayaking, trails. Nice campfires in the evenings." The extensive trail systems, including the Withlacoochee State Trail and Croom Mountain Biking Trails, draw cycling enthusiasts to campgrounds like Cypress Glen. Wildlife observation opportunities abound with species including deer, turkey, bald eagles, and gopher tortoises inhabiting the forest. Campground options range from more social settings with organized activities to quieter, nature-immersive experiences, with campground selection largely determining the camping experience in this diverse region.
$24 / night
"Okay, so I didn’t do a ton of research, but I have driven around here before so I decided to get one of the primitive sites and do a little gear testing. 5+ per person/night -Bundles of firewood available"
"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."
$22 / night
"Perfectly located just off the exit for Brooksville off of I-75, and right off the Withlacoochee Rails to Trail bike/hiking path and near the [Croom Mountain Biking Trails](http"
"This is a RV-tent camping site with all sites being a reasonable walking distance from the facilities in the center."
$24 / night
"Then exit 7 to Highway 301 north about 10 miles to the campground. The way in which the state park and campground are set up is easy too."
"This was my first time at a campground in Florida! I was surrounded by beautiful wildlife (alligators, birds, and even a wild boar). The hiking trails were perfect for a beginner or a regular hiker."
$14 / night
"The road in called SW 113 ST was hardcore off road muddy driving. We pay for the sites so the road in could have been a lot less treacherous. Potholes all the way to the site."
"Full over the weekend Visual Privacy Between Adjacent Sites: thick shrubs Site Spacing: Good Pad surface: Sand Reservations: Yes Campground Noise: Quiet Outside Road Noise: none Through Traffic"
"Hottest month in Florida but still we had a lovely time here at this park. It was our first time taking our 2016 class C out on the road as total newbies."
"This is a great free camping area in the Florida wilderness. Plenty of hiking, biking and horseback riding trails. The Florida trail is nearby."
"Crooked River Campground is located within the Croom Tract of Withlacoochee State Forest (Hernando County), and a short 5-mile drive from I-75."
"Each campground has its primitive camp charm all come with a picnic table, parking spot, a wooden pole you can hang your garbage, and a water spout near by."
$14 / night
"hog) is located on the eastern bank of the Withlacoochee river close to the small town of Nobleton."
"Older Florida park on the Withlacoochee State Forest. The campground had 20 very large sand and grass sites in tall pines. Each site has water only."
"Stayed at Ashley campground, which is free with a reservation through Southwest Florida water management."
"This section of the FT is quite a nice walk, and I assume that most individuals looking at a site on the trail, are looking at Gator Hole."
"Located in Brooksville Florida, you will find more of Florida's nature hidden here. There's a swamp like lake in the back with plenty of birds to see."
"The Florida Sand Music Ranch is a small campground that has big music events throughout the year. We are her for a 3-day blues music festival."
$22 / night
"There is a beautiful lake that you can canoe/kayak/boat on, and a great trail that runs along side of it, but it is super close to I75."
"I only heard it when outside (hearing impaired). The have a decent bath house, nice walking trails and it’s closed to Croom trails State ATV/Dirt bike."
ScoutWe stayed here on our way to Clearwater. It’s a busy campsite with a great many permanent residence folks. Very busy roads with multitude of golf carts and four wheelers, and we didn’t see a single bicycle anywhere, and very few walkers.
ScoutI've been to other WMA (Water Management Area) campgrounds before and had low expectations, this one wowed me! For those who don't know Florida has some wildlands set aside and camping and other use is allowed for FREE. If camping one must register first and reserve an available spot (watermatters.org, once reservation is accepted a confirmation email is sent along with the combination for the lock on the gate at the entrance. Spacious with a nice oak canopy for shade (unless you are dependent on roof solar), great for tent campers, RV campers, Skoolies, car campers, equestrian campers, hammock campers (depending on season due to bugs), backpackers. There are about 15 picnic tables and firepits scattered and one pavilion with 4 tables. There is one port-a-let that I have noticed so far. There are many water spigots supplying non-potable water. This campground calls itself an equestrian campground but you are welcome without a horse. I have seen plenty of sign of horses having been here. There are MANY trails leading out of the campground and a big dirt trail, where vehicles are not allowed, for hiking, biking and riding. This campground is very clean. This is going on my favorite list. Like many WMA lands GPS can be wonky... verify location both on a map and via your reservation email. Make sure your GPS directions are taking you to the actual entrance and not some service/access road. For this campground it is about a mile of dirt road, from the gate to the actual campground. Campsites are not numbered and it is first come first served. BTW I am the only one here!!! Bo us? There is a cattle field bordering one side of the campground and I here baby calves! Big thing to mention this is boondocking ONLY, no electric, no water hookups, no dumping, no trashcan. Pack in pack out, leave no trace. But hey it's FREE and beautiful
TravelerNice campground in trees. Some sites are unlevel. Electric, water, picnic table and fire pit. Dumpster and sanitary dump station.
GuideGorgeous grounds, well maintained facilities, great campsites with tiki huts, two bars, two huge pools, and lots of activities for all ages! We spent 4 days here and wished we had less things planned so that we could better take advantage of all they offered. We will be back!
GuideThe family stayed there in December. It was a great way to save money while still staying in Disney! Also, we went right before Christmas, so everyone who regularly comes at this time of year, had over the top decorations in their camping areas. It was so fun and the family wants to come back!
GuideLarge dispersed camping area with good views of the airshow, included access to the ground display area, and great facilities considering how large the event is. I will certainly be back with the family.
GuideEasy access RV park close to parks and drivable for events at the Orange County Event Center. Some reviews mentioned bikes being stolen. I put a lock cable through my outside things to be safe, but never saw any signs of anything that made me concerned. Clean pool, facilities, and park. Great service provided by the hosts. I’ll be back anytime I’m in Orlando for work.
ScoutA two day trip to be with a visit to Lake Ridge winery for a jazz and blues festival. Accommodations were as expected only thing really missing would be a picnic table and possibly a fire pit, most of the RV sites drive-through are in the front of the complex. The pool and walking area seemed very, very nice and the people were very pleasant and accommodating, and very helpful.
ScoutRobert the (I guess)manager is rude and disrespectful. He tries to be intimidating but is obviously a meth head; smoking his cigarettes in my face, just trying to get me to react. He refused to refund my money after 10 days of a month commitment. I didn’t even sign a contract as no one was there to check me in. Full timers kids running about with no supervision screaming and acting out. Run don’t walk from this glorified trailer park.
Camping spots near Trilby, Florida sit within a transition zone between Central Florida's sandy ridges and the low-lying coastal plains, with elevations ranging from 40-75 feet above sea level. The area experiences hot, humid summers with afternoon thunderstorms and mild winters that attract seasonal campers. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable camping conditions with daytime temperatures between 70-85°F and lower humidity.
Kayaking the Withlacoochee River: At Crooked River Campground, campers can access the river via a staircase. "We enjoyed a group paddle down the river for a few hours. We shuttled some cars down that way so we could paddle far down and ride back," shares one visitor. The river offers multiple entry points for different skill levels.
Wildlife observation: The forests around Trilby host diverse animal species. At Colt Creek State Park, campers report regular wildlife encounters. "We saw deers, owls, turtles, rabbits & a mama wild boar with her piglets," notes one reviewer. Dawn and dusk provide the best viewing opportunities.
Mountain biking trails: The Croom Mountain Biking Trails system offers routes for various skill levels. Cypress Glen provides easy trail access where "a rails to trails walking/bike path runs nearby." Trails range from beginner-friendly flat paths to technical sections with moderate elevation changes.
Stargazing: Light pollution is minimal at several campgrounds. At Withlacoochee River Park, the astronomy field hosts regular star-viewing events. "On new moon nights the local astronomy club uses neighboring field to gaze at the stars. This place is quiet and dark at night!"
Private, secluded sites: Many campers appreciate the natural separation between sites at Withlacoochee River Park. "The campsites are well shaded. Sites were nice and the area was very nice and seemingly secluded," writes one reviewer. The primitive tent sites are particularly noted for their privacy.
Well-maintained facilities: Despite being in remote settings, several campgrounds feature clean facilities. At Hillsborough River State Park, "bathhouse was clean. They offer recycling, which is a great plus! It's nice and dark at night." Many sites feature updated shower facilities with hot water.
Natural swimming areas: Several locations offer swimming opportunities. At River Junction Campground, site 14 features "its own private pool right in front of it with cold spring water." These natural swimming spots provide relief during hot months.
Multi-day paddling options: The Withlacoochee River system allows for extended paddling trips. A Crooked River camper explains, "We shuttled some cars down that way so we could paddle far down and ride back. And have a lunch at the campsite afterwards. Perfect area for this."
Reservation system changes: Most campgrounds now require advance booking. At Cypress Glen Campground, "they did away with walk ups, now its Reserve America and price went up." Booking windows typically open 6 months in advance.
Highway noise: Campgrounds near Interstate 75 experience road noise. Silver Lake Campground sits closest to the highway, with one camper noting "interstate noise is too loud." Crooked River and Hog Island offer quieter alternatives.
Weather considerations: Summer camping presents challenges. A camper at Hillsborough River State Park warned, "The mosquitoes were ridiculous in June. We practically had to anchor our toddler to the picnic table so he wasn't carried away by them."
Water levels fluctuate: River access points change with seasonal conditions. During dry periods (typically April-May), some river sections become difficult to navigate. After heavy rains, currents strengthen and water levels rise, creating different paddling challenges.
Kid-friendly swimming: Several locations offer safe water play areas. At Crooked River Campground, families enjoy river access. "The kids really loved cooling off in the river and catching frogs, they all agree that this was there favorite part," writes one parent. Sites 62-64 offer the closest walks to the river.
Handicap accessible options: Colt Creek State Park offers specialized sites for families with accessibility needs. "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."
Playground facilities: Withlacoochee River Park includes multiple play areas. "There are 2 playgrounds" alongside other family amenities. Most family-oriented campgrounds maintain designated kid zones away from water features.
Watch for wildlife: While exciting, families should maintain appropriate distance from wildlife. A Crooked River camper noted, "We didn't see any gators, which was disappointing but I'll survive." Parents should supervise children near water areas at all times.
Site leveling challenges: Several campgrounds present terrain issues. At Florida Sand Music Ranch, "The sites are dirt and grass and some are pretty unlevel." RVers should pack leveling blocks for most campgrounds in the area.
Dump station locations: While not all campgrounds offer on-site dump stations, regional options exist. Cypress Glen campers note "a brand new two-lane dump station that is easily accessible." Most public facilities charge $5-10 for non-campers.
Seasonal considerations: Winter brings the highest occupancy. "We go in the off season when not so many people are traveling in their RVs so it isn't as crowded," shares a Cypress Glen camper. Summer offers more availability but requires air conditioning due to heat.
Access road conditions: Some campgrounds have challenging entry roads. At River Junction, "The road in called SW 113 ST was hardcore off road muddy driving. We pay for the sites so the road in could have been a lot less treacherous. Potholes all the way to the site."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Trilby, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, Trilby, FL offers a wide range of camping options, with 388 campgrounds and RV parks near Trilby, FL and 5 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Trilby, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Trilby, FL is Colt Creek State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 34 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Trilby, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Trilby, FL.
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