Best Tent Camping near Umatilla, FL

Tent camping options near Umatilla, Florida range from established sites to primitive backcountry areas, with several locations in the Ocala National Forest offering tent-specific accommodations. Farles Prairie Recreation Area provides tent sites with basic amenities, while Seminole State Forest Primitive Campsites offer a more secluded experience. Freak Creek Dispersed Camping presents opportunities for campers seeking minimal development and maximum wilderness immersion.

Most tent campgrounds in the area feature dirt or sand pads with varying levels of shade and privacy between sites. Primitive tent sites typically include fire rings and sometimes picnic tables, but potable water is scarce at many locations. Campers should prepare for Florida's climate by bringing insect repellent, as reviews indicate mosquitoes can be problematic, especially during warmer months. According to one visitor, "We were a short walk to the water which kept camp cool during the day but pretty buggy at night." Vault toilets are available at some locations like Farles Prairie, but many primitive areas have no facilities whatsoever.

The tent camping experience in this region offers unique access to Florida's diverse ecosystems. Sites within Ocala National Forest provide opportunities to observe wildlife including deer, various bird species, and occasionally black bears. A camper noted that "We saw no bear sign when we hiked - but that is not saying they are not around," emphasizing the importance of proper food storage. Walk-in tent sites at locations like Sawgrass Island Preserve offer greater seclusion than drive-up areas. Many tent campgrounds connect to hiking trails, allowing for day excursions from basecamp. During winter months, temperatures become more comfortable for tent camping, with fewer insects and less humidity, making December through February particularly appealing for backcountry tent adventures in the Umatilla area.

Best Tent Sites Near Umatilla, Florida (60)

    1. Lake Dorr Cabin

    3 Reviews
    Altoona, FL
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 669-3522

    $290 / night

    "Super cute secluded cabin directly on the lake. You have your own private boat slip, 100ft long dock for fishing & swimming, canoes/paddles/life jackets on site."

    "It worked out well as some family members like the cabin experience and others were able to stay in tents near the cabin. There are lots of places to sleep (bunk beds, queen, etc)."

    2. Sawgrass Island Preserve

    1 Review
    Grand Island, FL
    5 miles
    Website

    "I like to go across the causeway and down the Bog Button Trail and over to the Hammock Trail and along the Cactus Trail and down around the ponds and back out the Bent Pine Trail. "

    3. Seminole State Forest Primitive Campsites

    6 Reviews
    DeBary, FL
    14 miles
    +1 (352) 360-6675

    $9 - $18 / night

    "Jumper camp is a primitive area with a picnic table and a fire ring."

    "We packed light but not that light because we like to be comfortable; it took my BF and me about 3 trips each to get everything we needed to the site, including firewood, our 4 person tent, air mattress"

    4. King's Landing

    5 Reviews
    Sorrento, FL
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (407) 886-0859

    $30 / night

    "The camp spaces are on a large field and each has its own fire ring.

    It has a very cozy communal vibe. Saturday nights they host a large fire down by the boat launch for everyone to join."

    "To begin with, there’s nearly 1,000 crystal clear springs throughout the state of Florida, so when you find one that’s pretty spectacular, it’s like finding a needle in a haystack."

    5. Freak Creek Dispersed Camping

    2 Reviews
    Paisley, FL
    12 miles

    "Sites are primitive. I would not attempt bringing a camper unless it's really small. Great place to put a kayak in the water."

    6. Bluff Landing

    2 Reviews
    Paisley, FL
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 625-2520

    "Places to tuck off and set up camp that are private. I would have said 5 stars but when choosing my options on what I was looking for I said rv accessible. Well it is for a half mile maybe."

    "This is a good spot just off the road/trail. Small and kind of tight in the official camping area with three spots kind of spread out. Tight in here, so would not recommend a trailer."

    7. Trout Lake Primitive Sites

    2 Reviews
    Ocklawaha, FL
    13 miles

    "Set of primitive spots near lake. Main road entry is packed dirt; smaller access road to sites is two-track about 1/4 mile through woods — very narrow tree clearance. 4WD recommended."

    "Very narrow trails but really easy access, you will leave with some new pinstripes"

    8. Hontoon Island State Park Campground

    5 Reviews
    Orange City, FL
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (386) 736-5309

    "We did not stay over night but I did notice some nice looking cabins and primitive camping sites."

    "This is really getting away from it all. The only way to reach the island is via the ferry (free, and runs all day) or bring your own boat. There are boat docking facilities."