The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Tent Camping near Weeki Wachee, FL

709 Reviews

Tent campgrounds near Weeki Wachee offer several natural settings for camping in central Florida's wooded landscapes. The Withlacoochee State Forest provides primitive tent camping at the Crooked River Campground, with spacious and secluded sites tucked among dense forest. Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park, located in New Port Richey, features both drive-in tent sites near the entrance and primitive backcountry tent sites accessed by hiking trails within the preserve's extensive trail system.

Many tent sites include basic amenities like fire rings and picnic tables, though facilities vary significantly between locations. At Crooked River, campers find water spigots near their sites and access to bathhouses, while primitive locations like Tucker Hill Forestry Primitive Sites and Croom B Loop Primitive Site offer no facilities beyond possible fire rings. Tent campers should plan for potentially limited services, especially at backcountry sites where carrying in water is necessary. During summer months, proper sun protection and bug spray are essential as many trails leading to primitive sites lack shade. One camper noted, "Check in advance for open hunt season dates and restrictions related to open hunts," highlighting the importance of seasonal awareness.

Tent camping areas throughout the region provide varying levels of privacy and natural immersion. The primitive sites at Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park require a hike of several miles from trailheads, creating a more secluded experience. Sites at Crooked River offer more privacy than typical campgrounds, with natural vegetation between neighboring campsites. Several campers mentioned the spaciousness of sites, with one noting that "the spacious, private campsites were a plus. It truly felt like we were camping alone in the forest." Trail access is a significant benefit, with most tent campgrounds providing connections to hiking paths and, in some cases, water features like the Withlacoochee River, where campers can cool off during hot Florida days.

Map showing campgrounds near Weeki Wachee, FloridaExplore the Map

Best Tent Sites Near Weeki Wachee, Florida (32)

    1. Crooked River Campground — Withlacoochee State Forest

    38 Reviews
    Nobleton, FL
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 797-4140

    "Crooked River Campground is located within the Croom Tract of Withlacoochee State Forest (Hernando County), and a short 5-mile drive from I-75."

    "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."

    2. Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park

    13 Reviews
    New Port Richey, FL
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (727) 834-3247

    "Part of the Starkey Wilderness Preservethis location is full of multi use trails, has primitive cabin rentals (no electric"

    "We stayed at one of the hike-in sites and had a good time. Be prepared for a trek, as the site was a couple miles in. The trail was nice and paved though, suitable for bicycling in."

    3. Pasco County - Crews Lake Wilderness Park

    3 Reviews
    Spring Hill, FL
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (727) 861-3038

    "Awesome park with well maintained trail. There are a lot of other small trails that lead off into the woods. If you wander, bring a compass and throw some az. Fun times"

    "Love this place so many trails"

    4. Hillsborough River State Park Campground

    65 Reviews
    Thonotosassa, FL
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (813) 987-6771

    $24 / night

    "I 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."

    "Lots of RV campers, sites that are quite close to each other, and rock-hard ground from being packed down by heavy vehicles day after day."

    5. Colonel Robins Group Area

    1 Review
    Brooksville, FL
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 797-4140

    $18 / night

    "Absolutely beautiful, clean, well shaded, natural campsites. Prices start at $5 per person per night. There is limited parking available near sites. Well water and bathrooms onsite."

    6. Tucker Hill Forestry Primitive Sites

    1 Review
    Nobleton, FL
    18 miles
    Website

    "Access primitive camp from the Tucker Hill Day Use Area located on the Hernando County side of the Croom Tract on Croom Road. or hike in from trails."

    7. Croom B Loop Primitive Site

    1 Review
    Nobleton, FL
    20 miles
    Website

    "We love backpacking and to get to this site you will hike some beautiful trails!  Site also known as Croom PCZ East

    The Croom Hiking Trail is made up of three stacked loops: A, B, and C."

    8. Flying Eagle Preserve

    7 Reviews
    Inverness, FL
    29 miles
    Website

    "To get to the camp site:

    1. go to the Circle K linked below

    https://goo.gl/maps/qCoojcRZWhjXTjC77

    1. use google maps walking directions to get to Flying Eagle Preserve."

    "Hiking trails horse area. Fire rings and picnic tables. Bathroom needs work.."

    9. Lake Park

    5 Reviews
    Lutz, FL
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (813) 264-3806

    "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."

    "This is a great park with trails, restrooms, boating, a fun playground, nice picnic areas, volleyball, BMX, and more."

    10. Hidden Valley Campground

    Be the first to review!
    Brooksville, FL
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 796-8710
Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 32 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Weeki Wachee Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Tent Camping Photos near Weeki Wachee, FL

44 Photos of 32 Weeki Wachee Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Weeki Wachee, FL

709 Reviews of 32 Weeki Wachee Campgrounds

  • Jeanene A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 12, 2017

    Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park

    Anything but stark...

    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!

  • James A.
    Sep. 9, 2020

    Colt Creek State Park Campground

    Tired Tree Primative Site

    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 for purchase (located at the site) -$5 arm loads -Fire ring, Picnic Table, Bench, and Garbage pail at the site

    Walked the long way in (3.25miles), instead of the 1 mile route. The entire hike is through typical open grass “roads” cut and maintained in the Florida brush. The site itself had a nice vibe and is far away from any other sites at the park. A large open clearing could easily allow for a dozen tents, unfortunately, I brought my hammock,.. and this site is not set up for hammock camping.

    With a little rigging and placement over a dried up gator hole, I found a spot that I could hang my hammock and shelter for the night.

    I thoroughly enjoyed the spot, other than the lack of clearing for a hammock, and the mosquitos were absolutely unbearable... I am aware that it was rainy season in Florida, near a WMA named Green Swamp, but I went home with hundreds and hundreds of bites, despite my preparedness.

    I would camp here again, maybe when it’s a little cooler and more dry, and also would hike in with a tent, or potentially take the shorter route and pull a wagon full of gear, to enjoy a bit more “glamped” feel.

  • 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!!

  • 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.

  • Napunani
    Jun. 10, 2023

    Lake Griffin State Park Campground

    Small and Nice

    PROS 

    Dark sky friendly-no street lights in campground 

    100% gravel site 

    Metal fire ring with cooking grate 

    Moveable wood and metal picnic table 

    2 hook lantern pole 

    Security gate that closed at dusk with code provided for entrance 

    Some privacy from neighbors 

    Coin washers/dryers at the campground bathhouse 

    3 bars T-MOBILE 

    CONS 

    No senior or military discount 

    No campground WIFI 

    Site 11 very unlevel 

    Gravel roads to and thru campground 

    Tight campground road 

    Horrible traffic noise from US 441

  • Todd M.
    Feb. 10, 2021

    Potts Preserve

    Great place to boondock!

    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.

  • Elliott B.
    Jul. 15, 2017

    Crooked River Campground — Withlacoochee State Forest

    Old-Florida-style camping at its best.

    Crooked River Campground is located within the Croom Tract of Withlacoochee State Forest (Hernando County), and a short 5-mile drive from I-75. Thankfully the furthest away from the interstate which remains busy 24/7. The complex is on the shore of Silver Lake, which is part of the Withlacoochee River system, this campground is part of the Silver Lake Recreation Complex. The Withlacoochee travels around the different campgrounds here and there is a large day use boat ramp onto the lake away from the campgrounds.

    At Crooked River (The Native American name for the Withlacoochee) it seemed like every site was surrounded by dense undergrowth which really added more privacy. You can see from my campground and another random site I took a photo of that you are really nestled into the underbrush. If you want to get to the water there is a staircase which provides access to the Withlacoochee River for small boats. I took my folding kayak out and the water was very nice and refreshing against the unbearable heat of Florida. I think there was only 1 maybe 2 other campers while I was there and saw more people on mountain bikes going around the roads than anyone else.

    Local Features and Activities

    · Nature trail and boardwalk.

    · Fishing

    · Canoe trail

    · Sorry, no pets allowed

    Facilities

    • These are tent only primitive campsites with the standard uncovered picnic table and fire ring with a grate and/or a grill.
    • Flush restrooms and warm/hot water showers
    • The campground also is available for organized youth groups, but requires a reservation. You can’t do this online (at ReserveAmerica) like the normal sites. For reservations call (352) 797-4140.

    Directions: Take I-75 Exit 301 onto US98/SR50. You'll then turn east (away from Brooksville) and go about 1 mile until you reach the second stoplight at Croom Rital Road. Turn left and proceed north. Follow the signs to the Withlacoochee State Forest Silver Lake Recreation Area and turn right into the complex and follow the signs to the campground.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 21, 2025

    Red Oaks Campgrounds

    Well-Paved Early Retirement RV Outpost

    This is a 55+ resort for either the early or soon-to-be-retired community who happen to be toting around in an RV. Red Oaks, which is owned by the large RV conglomerate Sun Outdoors, is pet-friendly and offers up 200+ pull-through and back-in RV slots with FHUs offering 30 / 50 amp electric and well-apportioned grassy or, for slightly more $’s, concrete or paved asphalt pads for regular-sized and XL RVs alike. Most sites come with the prerequisite picnic table and cable as well as offering enough space for slide outs with some of the spots offering more shade than most. Net-net, if you are looking for a mini-RV village to live in with a tight-knit community of retirees looking to kick back, enjoy the simple life and grab some Florida sunshine while doing it, you’ve just hit the RV park lottery!

    With a population that actually rivals that of nearby Bushnell itself, Red Oaks RV Resort is organized pretty much like a little town in its own right with a grid-like paved street complex where the primary residential set-up is an oversized RV – but trust me, this place isn’t like many are simply housing long-term residents, although this location will definitely conjure up some residential vibes. What I like most about Red Oaks RV Resort is its central location to a ton of natural spaces to stretch your legs or get some oaring in like Flying Eagle Wildlife Management Area to the north, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park to the west, Lake Apopka to the east as well as artificial playgrounds like Disney World, Legoland and Universal Studies in Orlando to the south.

    From an amenities standpoint, this place packs a decent punch offering the following: incredibly clean and well-maintained restroom and shower facilities, WiFi / Cable TV, Mail Center, laundr-O-mat, on-site storage, doggie park, clubhouse, covered pavilions with picnic tables and benches, swimming pool w/ deck patio and lounge chairs, jacuzzi, fitness center, shuffleboard, horseshoes, hiking trails & biking paths, game room, pickleball, volleyball, billiards, fishing, library, car wash, dumpster and dump station, on-site catering, scattered community halls and open air pavilion with picnic tables and seating, comfort station, woodshop as well as planned activities like (you guessed it) Bingo, live music, karaoke nights, line and square dancing, ice cream socials, water aerobics and quilting contests (yes, this review actually mentions 'quilting contests').

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) IMHO the best sites at this place are either the ones on the eastern perimeter as they place you as far away from the roaring traffic shooting up and down I75, plus this area is heavy-laden with good ground cover and a decent thick treeline granting both shade and a healthy bit of privacy, versus many of the other spots here; (2) In the event that you wanna get off the reservation here and try some local fare there’s Big Bass Grill Lakefront Restaurant & Marina, Beef ‘O’ Brady’s, Wood Shed, Coney Island, Odd Cuples (misspelt on purpose) Café and a smattering of fast food joints closer to I75; and (3) If you are looking to catch up on some local history, head on over to Dade Battlefield Historic State Park.

    Happy Camping!

Guide to Weeki Wachee

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.

Tent campers should check out Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park

  • This park features spacious sites with picnic tables and fire pits, making it ideal for a comfortable camping experience. You can explore the trails and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
  • With amenities like drinking water, showers, and toilets, Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park ensures a convenient stay for all campers.
  • The park allows for campfires, perfect for roasting marshmallows and sharing stories under the stars.

Local activities for adventurous campers

Tent campers like these nearby features

  • Pasco County - Crews Lake Wilderness Park allows pets, making it a great choice for families who want to bring their furry friends along for the adventure.
  • The park features well-maintained facilities, including showers and toilets, ensuring a comfortable camping experience.
  • With ample trails for hiking and biking, this park is perfect for those looking to stay active while enjoying the natural surroundings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What tent camping amenities are available at Weeki Wachee?

In the Weeki Wachee area, tent campers can find a variety of amenities at nearby campgrounds. At Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park, tent camping sites offer multi-use trails, primitive cabin rentals, and both front country (car camping) and back country (hike-in only) options. For more secluded tent camping, Green Swamp — East Tract provides well-maintained sites with picnic tables, benches, and fire rings. Most campgrounds in the region offer basic amenities like potable water and toilet facilities, though amenities vary by location. Many sites feature scenic settings with dense forest for privacy, proximity to lakes or rivers, and access to hiking trails. Be prepared for seasonal considerations, as summer camping can bring mosquitoes and potential flooding.

How do I make camping reservations at Weeki Wachee?

While Weeki Wachee Springs State Park itself doesn't offer camping, you can make reservations at nearby campgrounds like Upper Hillsborough Preserve — Alston Tract through a free online reservation system on the Southwest Florida Water Management District website. Many campgrounds in the area require reservations 1-7 days in advance. For alternative camping options near Weeki Wachee, Crooked River Campground — Withlacoochee State Forest is just a short 5-mile drive from I-75 and offers tent camping sites. Reservations for state forest campgrounds can typically be made through the Florida State Parks reservation system or ReserveAmerica website, where you can select specific sites based on availability.

Can you camp at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park?

Weeki Wachee Springs State Park itself does not offer camping facilities. However, there are excellent camping options nearby. Hillsborough River State Park Campground provides developed camping within reasonable driving distance of Weeki Wachee, though it's best enjoyed in fall, winter, and spring to avoid summer mosquitoes and flooding. Another option is Potts Preserve - River Primitive Campground, which offers primitive riverside camping with designated parking areas and walk-in sites. These alternatives allow you to enjoy camping experiences while still being close enough to visit Weeki Wachee Springs State Park for its famous mermaid shows, crystal-clear spring waters, and other attractions as day trips.

Keep Exploring