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Just minutes from downtown Tampa, this Hillsborough River State Park Camping offers a refuge from city life with its seven miles of nature trails and ample places to cool off in the water.
Except for occasional reenactments, the cannon and guns are now silent at Fort Foster. No longer do Seminole Indians have to fight to keep a foothold in Florida, and soldiers no longer guard a strategic river crossing. The reconstructed fort and its surroundings are now part of Hillsborough River State Park.
Besides a living history lesson, visitors can kayak or canoe class II river rapids, rare in Florida, hike seven miles of nature trails and swim in an ADA accessible swimming pool.
Tucked away, only a short distance from the bustling city of Tampa, camping is a popular activity at Hillsborough River State Park.
$24 / night
Separate primitive camping areas available for individual and equestrian camping. Backcountry camping available. Campsites for cars and primitive cabins available. Groups can reserve tent site or cabins up to 90 days in advance. Reservation and fee are required and can be made up to 30 days in advance.
Ten campsites are available for overnight tent camping at the park. There is also a group tent camping area. Reservations must be made in advance through the Pasco County Parks & Recreation Department.
A free reservation is required and must be displayed.
$18 / night
Overnight primitive camping is permitted only within the Primitive Camp Zones (PCZ’s) designated by yellow-banded trees. PCZ West is located on the west end of the trails and 1/2 mile north of the Tucker Hill Trailhead. PCZ East is located north of Croom Road (Forest Road 6) between Forest Road 9 and Nobleton Croom Road approximately 6 miles east from Tucker Hill. Nearby campgrounds with bathhouses are located at Hog Island Recreation Area and Silver Lake Recreation Area
Traveler
So I will say this site has super clean bathrooms, nice tent campsites and freshly paved roads. The tent sites have hookups and very close to the bathrooms. The only downfall is there isn't a ton to do here so don't expect anything spectacular.
Guide
We tent camped here for two nights. I really enjoyed our stay and the staff were very friendly and helpful.
We stayed one of the premium tent sites, but unfortunately there is a very bright street light on all night right next to premium camping. The primitive campsites with no hookups are in a much more secluded area and not affected by lighting at night.
Other than that, everything else was great.
LegendColt Creek State Park is one of the newest parks in the Florida State Park System. Their RV/Tent Campground just recently opened in early 2018. RV spots are spacious. There is not a lot of privacy between spots but cover will grow in in time. Most sites are in full sun most of the day. Tent camping areas are on grass not gravel. very nice dump and wash area at gate to campground. They also offer equestrian, group, and primitive camping at this location. The equestrian camp is well used and quite large with standard amenities for horses and campers. There are 2 primitive sites along a 10 mile loop trail. Group site does not have a pavilion but does have port o lets ( no water or electric). There are 4 lakes ( no swimming) on the property kayak/canoe rentals, nice fishing ares and a dock. Lots of wildlife. Great for biking as well.
Legend
Wow... a few miles from home and one I will visit often! This lovely county run park you will find at the end of a 15 min drive down a back country road. There is so much to see and do here. The campsites are well shaded. (unless grounds were full when you reserved and you took option to camp in adjoining astronomy field). I would have rated a 5+ except that there is only 1 small bathhouse in campground. There are other bathrooms on property though. Staff on phone are not overly friendly - but do not let that dissuade you from booking a spot here!
There are multiple tent camping sites dispersed on property and 1 primitive site that you have to hike into. The group site is very popular with local scouts! The RV/Tent sites are roomy and not too close together - but not very private either. There is a dump station onsite
Next to campground you will find a historic church, a large and small cabin available for rent, 2 playgrounds, shelters, large pavilion with grill/fire pit, fishing dock, canoe launch, paved bike trail hiking trails and an observation tower. On new moon nights the local astronomy club uses neighboring field to gaze at the stars. This place is quiet and dark at night!
Wildlife did not seem to be a problem at camp (but we are very careful with trash). There are lots of birds, deer and fishing was good on the river.
You might have to compete with us for a reservation here - we will be back!
TravelerThis park has RV sites, regular tent sites, cabins and primitive camping. I like the regular tent sites, not much of a walk in but secluded. The park includes restrooms and showers and seem to be taken care of. There are several trails around, one paved, and I believe the Florida Trail is very close. Quiet at night and peaceful.
Scout
We decided last minute to do some camping and they were very nice in the office. There are showers, bathrooms, tent camping, rv camping, canoe launching, and even a pool. Also if you keep going down the main road you will find a little beach and park. The only thing I could suggest is that they do not place the tent campers right in the middle of the rv's. It was hard to get used to our tent camping and hearing the a/c's and tv playing Every Body Loves Raymond.
Guide
Nice place, relatively quiet. Little light pollution. Sites are very spacious. Close and clean facilities. Saw a good bit of wildlife: deer and wild boar. Hiking and biking trials. I regular tent sites (which are also hammock friendly). Also have cabins for rent. Prices are on the lower end, $17 a night for tent sites. Only reason for the 4 start is the reservation system has to be done through the county park and rec sites.
Traveler
The people are friendly and the fishing is great. Tent sites are primitive but there is a bath house.
Traveler
Tent camped at a site in loop one. Weather was nice, though we were warned it can get a bit muddy when it rains. Crowds were a bit higher on the trails during Saturday afternoon but Sunday morning was much more quiet and we saw lots of wildlife.
Scout
RV sites but they allow tent camping so you have electric and water hookups, showers, toilets, dog friendly, many hiking trails, and a 30-minute drive to the Crystal springs, dames caves, and manatee snorkeling!
Everyone there was super friendly. If you like off-roading, then you'll love their trails.
LegendI typically avoid tent camping here in the summer months– early summer the trails are heavy with mosquitoes and summer rains bring a large amount of flooding. Though in the fall winter and spring this park is AMAZING. We were very lucky on this trip to have snagged spot at the high part of the riverside loop. Sites 20 and 21 typically stay dry enough for tents. Sites along the river side of loops are prone to flooding some holding as much as 4-6 inches of water.
This trip was a short overnight to get rid of some pent up cabin fever. We loaded up a tent and the bikes, praying for dry weather. The mosquitoes were not bad, almost none, the the river was near flood stage and inches from overflowing its bank near the campground.
The 2.5 mile loop from main entrance is perfect for biking, be careful near the pool area that is VERY crowded in the summer as many locals visit and it will reach capacity early in the day. You can rent bikes and canoes at the concession area near the stand if you did not bring your own. The grounds are beautifully kept, campground hosts are helpful, bathrooms clean and playground areas are plentiful. There are very nice pavilions and one air conditioned building available for rent for special events. If you are visiting in the summer call to make sure the site you booked is dry.
We did see where one person got his travel trailer stuck on the mud trying to get into his site. There are very few tent campers in the summer so be prepared if you are tent camping to hear neighbors a/c running all night.
I get products to test from time to time- today I am testing the INNO INH540 Bike Rack On first impression upon receiving– this is a heavy duty rack! Shipping weight is nearly 50lbs. and came fully assembled. This bike rack will fit both 1.25 and 2 inch receivers. We first tried to mount on my Jeep Liberty but we need to get a receiver extension as our spare tire prevented installation. So we mounted on our Dodge 1500 truck. I had to have my husband help me slip it into the receiver(was a bit awkward for me to do on my own).
I was very pleased to find the unit came with a hitch lock that was keyed the same as the cable lock for the bikes. Rack came with 2 keys so we each have a key on our ring and can access without looking for it.
The bars are adjustable and the rotating upper and lower cradles are well designed. The support bars also fold down when not in use. Another nice feature is locking pivot at base that will allow you to tilt the rack out of the way of tailgate to enable access without removing the entire rack.
The rack will hold 4 bikes up to 35 lbs each or a total of 140 lbs. We have mountain bikes with less space on crossbars of frame so was a bit tight to get loaded. Loading was much easier once we did it a couple times and got used to where we needed to place the cradles. Street bikes load with no issues,(we borrowed the neighbors bikes to test and to show off our new INNO bike rack– they were jealous)!
Order yours today from https://www.innoracks.com/ You will not be disappointed!
GuideWhat a lovely campground!
Everything is quiet and even though the sites are close to each other, there's lots of privacy (at least among the tent sites).
There appears to be a lot of people actives on water and on foot.
Staff has been very friendly.
Scout
Horrible for tent camping. Didn't own an RV. I'm just traveling through, and I went off of what information was listed. This place is pathetic. Not as advertised. Trash is not taken out regularly. One table on the ground, and it's not a picnic camping table. Tent campers have no showers or restroom. Freeway is very close and noisy. Campground is not really for campers. I'd stay away. This place is appearing fraudulent. Owner does not run this property accordingly. Seems like just a place to store RVs. Not for camping in tents or RVs. Stay away. There's much better camping across the state, regulated and maintained.
ScoutVery friendly, helpful staff. This place was always clean and well maintained. Tent camped here for 11 days. Water access to the gulf for fishing crabbing claming kayaking etc. The pinellas county trail runs along side KOA and they rent bikes and fun little tricycles to ride the trail or use in campground. Itwas great. Plenty of trees to add shade. Nice clean pool and rec center. They even had a movie night at the pool. Cant wait to go back in my RV. Loved it here
TravelerI'd like to give this place a bad review so that everyone stays away but I just can't.
This place has it all.
Small, Quaint, Quiet and Beautiful Waterfront.
Located on the Mud River but don't let the name fool you. This is a spring fed tidal tributary which means almost crystal clear, dolphins. manatees, aquatic birds and fish galore.
The sites are adequate some shaded , some not. Some have left hand utilities ( reason for for 4 stars instead of 5)
Beautiful river and 275" seawall. Boat ramp on site. Gulf access about 2 miles down.
Watch locals catch endless schools of mullet. Kayak the river and find a few hidden spring runs. Creek connects to Weeki Wachee river.
Watch the sunset on a deck with adirondack chairs.
Pet friendly Too
Priceless!!
Ranger
If you’re tent camping in the tent-only walk-in sites, site 60 is definitely the most private (farthest from the lot but still a short walk in on a paved path). Bathrooms are two single stall/shower combos, but never too crowded. Campground is good for paddling, especially for renting from the concessions (they have single and tandem kayaks, SUP, and canoes). It’s a drive and a separate entrance to get to the head springs area of the park, though there is a small roped off swim area by the boat ramp. We went before tubing opens (April 1 each year), so the Rainbow was less crowded and stunningly clear and emerald.
Traveler
Great place to boondock! Spent 3 nights here by the pavilion. There are about 5 spots in the “primitive” camping area. Plenty of privacy and a kayak launch area. Spots have fire rings and a couple have picnic tables. Porta potty is clean. The back-country area was recently gated so RVs can no longer camp there. It’s now designated as tent-camping only. It’s a huge open space with entrances to walking trails and beautiful views of the river. The back-country area has an outhouse. It’s easy to get to and very quiet other than other campers and periodic airboats that zoom by.
Guide
I rated this park a four, only because it's not really meant for a long stay for tent campers or for a lot of activities. 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 am a heavy sleeper, and actually appreciate "white noise" but for others tent camping, it may be inconvenient. I would recommend this as for a one night stop for travelers or for RV's only. There isn't a visitors center and check-in is by honor code. Dogs are allowed so this is always nice for me! There is also dirt biking trails, which is something you don't always see and nice to have. Other that water activities there wasn't much to do on site. Locally and near by is the Dade City Battlefield, which was really interesting and historic information about Florida. There is also an ancient oak tree in the middle of the park which was beautiful! I'd recommend visiting if you stay at this park.
LegendColt 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. These tent sites had water and electric as well. There are 2 of these sites available and both are easily accessed from handicap parking close by. Because this is a new er park the trees have not grown in well enough yet to provide adequate shade so be prepared for that. There is a lovely fishing doc with easy access and bathrooms are just wonderful. There is a paved trail as well as wide dirt trails to explore. This is a great place to visit. Camp hosts were wonderful as well.
Guide
Well, if your looking to do some “camping” this is not place. We came into Florida on a Friday looking for a campsite for us and our rooftop tent and was not having any luck on finding a campground that had any vacancy. We didn’t want to stay at a Rv park because we don’t have a Rv and we like nature and privacy. So we were running out of options and called CODYS and they said they didn’t have any spots but ended up telling us since we just had a suv he would us stay a night for $45, which was a very high price for one night in a tent. When we arrived the man was very nice and we thanked him for making room for us. In my option the only thing this place has, is old RV’s that have been parked there for years, full time residents. Bathrooms did not lock, 10min max time in the restrooms, and frogs in the bathroom also. Very crowded and interesting corky place. We made the best of it for being parked in a little grass area which included a picnic table and fire ring. People were nice just not for tent camping or short term stays!
Traveler
I love this place! Even though you can't bring your dogs here (Cypress Glenn you can - it's just down the road, but not as secluded and more for RV's). There are a few group campsites here and some side by side, but most of the sites are secluded with dense forest in between each site. Tent camping only, with a picnic table, fire ring and water faucet. You have a bath house you can get to by walking and it has hot water in the fall and winter months. You are right near the Withlacoochee river and there are lots of trails to walk around and visit. You have some walk up sites (2) and the others you will need to reserve ahead of time. Love the wildlife around here. We don't have the time to travel as far as we would like
Guide
I live in an adjacent neighborhood (2 years) and walk this park daily with my doggos. I’ve biked all the trails and been here from sunrise to sunset. The connecting trail (from my neighborhood) has a parking lot, and there are a few throughout the surrounding neighborhoods. There are lots of little loops in the woods, sometimes flooded out, but just be prepared during rainy season. One section is an old grove and during citrus season, there are oranges available for snacking, while exploring. There is a few large clearings set for tent camping, with fire pits and some small built gazebos for shelter. Not sure if you can drive in, but they are located at the end of an easy, few mile, walk. There are a few ponds surrounding the large lake and I’ve seen gators in several of them. If you live nearby, definitely take advantage of the free parking and miles of trails, paved and non!!
LegendRainbow River State Park Campground is up the road a bit from the head spring portion of the park where everyone goes tubing and swimming - make sure to check your GPS that you are getting the correct directions.
There are no mature trees in the camping area. The parks dept just redid this campground in 2009. All sites , tent and rv have gravel so if tent camping make sure you bring a solid footprint or ground tarp. Being that this facility is still rather new the bathrooms are very nice, Sites have picnic tables, fire rings and hookups for water and electric. Sites are of average side but have no natural buffers( bushes, etc.) between. Tube rentals and shuttles are available. Tubing take out is near the campground making that portion of river trip very convenient.
Rainbow Springs is a Registered Natural Landmark.Taking a drive to the spring head for the day is a must! There is a nice large area for picnicking, Covered pavilions. There are beautiful trails, visitor center and a native plant garden as well.
Legend
Part of the Starkey Wilderness Preservethis location is full of multi use trails, has primitive cabin rentals (no electric) and tent camping available. Front country (car camping) and back country camping (hike in only). There are specific equestrian camping sites as well.
Cabins are pretty close to each other. All sites need to be reserved.Tent, cabin, shelter and pavilion reservations: Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park, (727) 834-3247. Picnic tables and fire pits are provided. Pavilions are also available to rent and they take reservations for large groups as well.
We chose car camping for our visit to check the place out. A favorite for hiking and biking. This place has gotten busier as development has been growing steadily over the years. Many of the trails are without shade and the recent fire season hit the back part of the tract pretty hard (Spring 2017) but you would not see any signs of this unless you hiked out the furthest trails from entrance.
Bring your bikes, hiking shoes, horses, or telescopes. Birders bring your binoculars! Over 150 species call Starkey home either full or part time. There is something here for everyone.
As always in Florida bring bug spray, sunblock, hat, and please leave no trace!
RangerWe stayed at Colt Creek for one night at the beginning of February. We were lucky to have a very large site with good separation between neighbors - site 31. Note that you can see the entry road from the back, but this wasn’t a big deal for us since it was just an overnight stay. A lot of the other sites looked closer together with a little less privacy, but all of the sites looked well maintained. The tent sites were some of the best maintained sites I’ve ever seen. Our site was completely level. The trails looked nice, but we unfortunately didn’t have time to explore. One item of note - we had zero cell service (Verizon) which is normally a good thing on vacation, but a bad thing when working remotely. Would definitely stay here again when we’d have time to do trails and not worry about cell service.
TravelerMullet fishing is the big draw. We went last May. Fish were biting but the season is really Oct-March.
The fish swarm the fishing dock/wall so no boat needed to find action. The locals chum the water all day with oatmeal so you dont need facy lures to catch mullet but be sure to get fresh bait before you come(they only had frozen) if you are after snook.
Bamboo poles are the popular style. Pelicans and water turkeys will hang out with you all day. Really awesome setting for fishing.
The biggest drawback is if you are tent camping like I was. The sites are small, no privacy and no shade. Our site(cant remember which number) was right next to the hill which I defientally reccomend because the hill and field allow you to spread out more. No water spigot on site but its only about 25 yards away. Not sure what electricity is avialable for tents. The fishing is very close along with bait shop and bathrooms so everything you could possibly need will be there.
I highly reccomend this place for fishing or boating/kyaking but if your looking for some rustic camping not the best.
GuideThis campground has 17 RV type site with full hookup and 5 tent sites that I don’t think have electricity. They have a store with a very nice area to hang out on handmade rocking chairs and swings. Community fire pit and small game room with pool table. They are known for fishermen coming and hanging out for the day to fish off the wall for mullet. They have 5 cabins. One small bathroom 1 shower toilet sink for men and the same for women (this is why I gave 4 stars), luckily both times we stayed here we were the only people without a bathroom in our camper. They recently purchased more land next door and now have a private boat ramp that they are planning on making even better than the pictures and video show. They currently have room for 7 boats to be tied off and trailer parking. They are located on Mud River and you can kayak to Mud Spring or if you have a boat you can get to Weeki Watchee River and the Gulf very easily. They have a very nice long fish cutting table perfect for anyone coming in off the water.
Tent camping near Weeki Wachee, Florida, offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying various amenities and activities. With several well-reviewed campgrounds nearby, you'll find the perfect spot to set up your tent and explore the great outdoors.
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Weeki Wachee, FL is Hillsborough River State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 63 reviews.
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