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. Trout Lake Primitive Sites

    3 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"

    7. 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."

    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."

    9. Ocala National Forest Farles Prairie Recreation Area

    1 Review
    Astor, FL
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 669-3153

    "If you’re hauling water gear or want to hike/backpack a section of the Florida Scenic Trail (FL Keys to GA state line), this is a lovely place to hang out on the small lake."

    10. North Shore Relic Ranch

    2 Reviews
    Astatula, FL
    15 miles
    Website

    $20 - $35 / night

    "The hiking near by is great and plenty of trails near by. Also a spot to go paddling but we didn’t this trip. We will deff be back!"

    "It was great getting to learn about the north shore ranch and the abundance of trails in the area for exploring!  Stop by and leave a review with some pictures of your favorite views!"

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Tent Camping Reviews near Umatilla, FL

1342 Reviews of 60 Umatilla Campgrounds


  • Jeanene A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 1, 2018

    Black Bear Wilderness Area

    Be ready for a hike

    To get to this camp you will have to hike in along old levy's some just over a foot wide. Much of the trail is sloped to one side or the other. Along the way you will see some beautiful sites! Many hike the loop trail as a day hike. but it is better enjoyed at a slower pace as there is so much to see if you open your eyes. The just over 7 mile trail takes you by orange trees cover in butterflies in spring, also wildflower lines trails and along the beautiful St Johns River.

    The camp site is used often by scouts and folks wanting to start training for longer hikes North of Florida. The campsite it self is very nice. there is a covered shelter, fire pit, benches and a picnic table. Many trees for hammock camping and lots of room for tents. Sadly with no toilet facilities back along the edges of the campsite you will find evidence of human use and abuse. PLEASE leave no trace. Also if you go take the time to pull a few of the invasive Caesar Weed plants that are trying to take over the camp (they are the ones with seeds that act like Velcro).

    You MUST have a reservation to camp here. If you have a pet it MUST be kept on a lease at all times and picked up after. there are feral hogs and snakes on the property....and you must practice bear safety using a bear proof container for food and hanging from tree at night. We saw no bear sign when we hiked - but that is not saying they are not around.

  • L
    Feb. 28, 2020

    Salt Springs Recreation Area

    Great campground in Ocala National Forest

    Fantastic campground and recreation area. Over 150 campsites, one area full hookups with all amenities and other area for tent camping. Sites have lots of space and majority have shade trees with moss flowing in the breeze. All sites have picnic table, lantern pole, grill, and fire ring. We have 2 golden retrievers and had plenty of space to spare. Beautiful stars out at night. Bathhouses are large, clean, hot showers. Trailer sites were full and only a few tent campers this time of year. Tent sites are complete with Bear boxes at each site. Camp hosts and management were very friendly and helpful.
    Saw manatees kayaking in the spring and river on premises. Spring area has a boardwalk around it. People swam with them too. Saw bald eagle catching fish, lots of birds, some fish, etc. Has a small boat launch and marina. Can tent kayaks. Great place for bikes. A few hiking trails were well maintained.
    Convenient location to lots of springs to visit and things to do. Visited Silver Springs, Blue Springs, Juniper Spring to name a few. All within 1 hr drive.
    Not sure how summer time is, but this late February time was Awesome. 40-50 at night and 60s in the day! This is a must stay place.

  • Napunani
    Jun. 10, 2023

    Salt Springs Recreation Area

    Immaculate Wind Tunnel (see video)

    PROS

    A camp host came to our site immediately after we unhitched to advise that our one tow vehicle tire on the grass will get us a $250 fine from US Forest Service officer. Funny, we never ever saw a USFS officer patrolling the campground. 

    Entrance gates closed at 8pm requiring code to enter 

    Immaculately maintained park. A small army of maintenance staff always working. Even one night at 930pm in the bathroom. 

    Saved $156 with America the Beautiful pass 

    Site 32 shady 

    Asphalt parking pad surrounded with sandy gravel 

    Moveable metal picnic table 

    Pedestal BBQ grill 

    High sided metal fire ring with 2 unremovable cooking grates 

    One hook lantern pole 

    Campfire wood for sale at registration office 

    No street lights in campground so good dark sky viewing if neighbors have their rig lights off which most nights they were lit up which also lit up surrounding campsites 

    Able to get T-MOBILE signal on our T-MOBILE WIFI device 

    Many squirrels ate from our hand 

    CONS 

    In 8 days never saw a USFD vehicle drive thru the campground

    $8 fee to make on-line reservations 

    Site 32 not level 

    Absolutely no privacy from any other site 

    In 20 degree exterior temperatures, both campground bathhouses had windows open, whole house fans operating in full capacity and ceiling fans operating on high. Obvious park maintenance does NOT want anyone taking a shower when interior bathhouse temperatures were in the 30s and the bathhouse was a freezing wind tunnel! It was even difficult using the toilet. 

    Loud and rowdy campers all weekend long—day and night. Quiet hours not enforced

    Highway 19 traffic noise 

    USFD clearing project on east side of campground. Heavy equipment noise for 9 straight hours day after day!!! 

    No notice water outage for 2 hours 

    No park WiFi 

    No T-MOBILE cell service 

    No public phone for emergency calls

  • Tracy L H.
    Dec. 31, 2019

    Sawgrass Island Preserve

    Old Florida!

    Sawgrass Island Preserve is a unique piece of property.  I love hiking on the north side of the property it looks so much like Old Florida.  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.  This is around a five mile hike and can be stretched out by doing the North Loop Trail also .  I have seen several whitetail deer, sandhill cranes, lots of other birds, quail, and some turkeys while hiking.  I also saw a black bear up a tree in the marsh.  It is a hidden gem for sure.  The south side is nice but gets super sandy in places due to horseback riders.  And if you have horses the preserve allows riders and even has a spot or two with water for the horses and some picnic areas with hitching post to tie off horse and have some time to eat.  Some trails are narrow and give the feel of actually walking in, in the woods!  I haven't camped there but they have two primitive campsites on the Hammock Trail near the marsh with a fire ring, picnic table, and lantern post.  There is also a horse campsite along the Cactus Trail down near the ponds and there is an open pole barn with two roomy stalls for horses and picnic tables and a fire ring with benches.  Also room to pitch tent under barn too.  There is no water available at any of the campsites.  Could be a fun adventure waiting in Old Florida.  There is a camping application to fill out on line at www.lcwa.org and a  small fee, but if everything checks out ok at the end of the stay after a Ranger has had a chance to check out the site your fee is refunded.

  • A
    Aug. 31, 2021

    Hog Island Campground — Withlacoochee State Forest

    Spacious camp sites!

    We loved the large sites. And pretty private. Wooded areas between sites. Nice clean restrooms and showers. Only 2 showers in the ladies bath house. It's old but clean. But it's sapose to be no pets. And a camper near us had a very large dog in a cage that barked all day. Very annoying. Bad area for ticks. Rangers check sites several times a day and are very nice. Also there is water but no electricity. We will go back. No generator after 10pm.

  • Alex M.
    Jul. 1, 2019

    Mutual Mine Campground — Withlacoochee State Forest

    Wide open spaces, very quiet!

    We hiked extensively in this tract and used Mutual Mine campground as one of our stop-overs. Very nice, open, flat areas to pitch tents and close to hiking trails. Fire ring at each site, options to hang your hammock. Bathrooms but no showers. Free potable water. You can also pull in a trailer but this is not a full-commercial type campground. More a cross between that and primitive camping…….perfect for backpackers!!

  • Tom H.
    Sep. 15, 2019

    Encore Bulow RV

    Great RV Location in NE FL

    This was a very nice campground. No WiFi but the restrooms were clean, they have a bar if needed. Nice flat spots for my pop up. Bathrooms very clean. Will definitely return.

  • Monte W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 7, 2020

    Green Swamp — West Tract

    Peaceful and free!

    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. At the campsite there were about 15 sites. Most had non-potable water. All had a picnic tables and fire ring. My site had a covered picnic table. A vault toilet was also provided and was pretty clean. The campsite was about half full when I was here and it was pretty quiet even though you can see your neighbors. You are permitted to collect fire wood as long as it has fallen from the tree. For a free campsite, I can’t complain. I would stay here again.

  • Carol B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 19, 2024

    Moss Park Campground

    Quiet, lots of trees, away from the hustle and bustle of Orlando

    This is a 54 site campground with hook ups at each site, fire ring, and picnic table. The trees provide a good amount of privacy from adjacent campers. Clean bathrooms with hot showers. This is about 15 min from the airport yet very removed from Orlando. Water on three sides, gates that close and lock from 6pm to 8 am (Nov-March) but an easy access code is given at check in to be able to come and go after hours. No pets, no alcohol, and quiet after 10. I will stay again! It was a mix of RVs, trailers, camper vans, car camping, and tents when I stayed. The personnel were very nice and helpful at check in.


Guide to Umatilla

The Ocala National Forest surrounds Umatilla, Florida with over 383,000 acres of pine scrub, sand pine, and oak scrub habitats. Tent campsites in this area typically sit at elevations between 100-200 feet above sea level on sandy soils. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity, making December through March the most comfortable months for tent camping near Umatilla.

What to do

Water activities at springs: Nearby King's Landing provides access to Rock Springs Run with crystal-clear water perfect for kayaking. "Kings Landing is absolutely breath taking. It has to be the most beautiful place in FL. The springs are crystal clear, especially when you're the 1st one out there in the a.m. which is a huge perk of camping here," notes one King's Landing visitor.

Wildlife observation: The primitive sites in Seminole State Forest offer excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. "I love hiking on the north side of the property it looks so much like Old Florida. I have seen several whitetail deer, sandhill cranes, lots of other birds, quail, and some turkeys while hiking. I also saw a black bear up a tree in the marsh," reports a camper at Sawgrass Island Preserve.

Hiking trails: Explore the Florida Scenic Trail which passes through the area. "If you're hauling water gear or want to hike/backpack a section of the Florida Scenic Trail (FL Keys to GA state line), this is a lovely place to hang out on the small lake," says a visitor to Ocala National Forest Farles Prairie Recreation Area.

What campers like

Island camping experience: Hontoon Island State Park offers a unique camping experience accessible only by boat or ferry. "This is a unique park to camp in. You can come on your own boat or take the free ferry over (donations are encouraged). The campsites are about a half mile from the docks and they even have a van to take your stuff to your site if you can't take it yourself," explains a camper at Hontoon Island State Park Campground.

Lake access: Many of the best tent camping spots near Umatilla, Florida feature water access. "This is a good spot situated between the spring and Blackwater Creek. The site is 100 yards down a path from where you park. It's a great spot if you want to paddle the creek," notes a visitor to Seminole State Forest Primitive Campsites.

Seclusion: Dispersed camping areas provide true wilderness immersion. "It's super secluded and quiet. Depending when you stay there's at times people who show up to party and then leave. Sites are primitive," mentions a camper at Freak Creek Dispersed Camping.

What you should know

Limited facilities: Most primitive sites have minimal amenities. "This is very primitive camping, $18 per night for tent. You must pack everything in from the ferry or your boat. Restrooms and showers are adequate and pretty clean," reports a Hontoon Island State Park visitor.

Vehicle requirements: Some dispersed sites require appropriate vehicles. "The main road in has huge deep ruts, the other road has a water crossing that was over my bumper on my lifted Mojave. If you don't have 4wd and recovery gear I wouldn't risk it," warns a visitor to Freak Creek Dispersed Camping.

Variable site conditions: Site quality varies significantly. "Not the cleanest but passable. 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," explains a camper at Trout Lake Primitive Sites.

Tips for camping with families

Cabin option: For families not ready for tent camping, cabins provide a comfortable alternative. "I was surprised to see this awesome cabin listed, but I'm happy it is. We went here with family since many relatives were in town doing touristy stuff it was a great 'base camp' for everyone to stay at. It worked out well as some family members like the cabin experience and others were able to stay in tents near the cabin," shares a visitor to Lake Dorr Cabin.

First-time friendly sites: Some locations are particularly suited to newcomers. "Place was great and peaceful. Kayaking was fun and a beautiful, specially when your coming down stream," notes a camper at King's Landing who adds it's "perfect for first time campers."

Child-friendly amenities: Look for sites with recreational facilities. "There was a great playground for the kids and we enjoyed a nice long hike as well," mentions a Hontoon Island State Park visitor about the day-use area near the camping facilities.

Tips from RVers

Site access limitations: Many of the tent camping areas near Umatilla have restrictions for larger vehicles. "I would not attempt bringing a camper unless it's really small," advises a visitor to Freak Creek Dispersed Camping.

Challenging terrain: Be prepared for difficult access roads. "I have a 36ft 5th wheel and it sounded like I'd have the ability to get it there. Well, I did, with a few broken dishes and messing up the camper a bit. Plus my truck broke down trying to get through the roads," warns a camper at Bluff Landing about the sandy roads with dips and mud holes.

Alternative parking options: Some sites offer separate parking for larger vehicles. "There is a parking area just past the camping turn off though with room for a trailer," notes a visitor to Bluff Landing about options when the main camping area is too tight for trailers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Umatilla, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Umatilla, FL is Lake Dorr Cabin with a 4.7-star rating from 3 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Umatilla, FL?

TheDyrt.com has all 60 tent camping locations near Umatilla, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.