Looking for tent camping near Weeki Wachee? With The Dyrt, it's easy to find Weeki Wachee campgrounds for you and your tent. From remote to easy-to-reach, these Weeki Wachee campsites are perfect for tent campers.
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.
This wilderness park consists of 113 acres and there is so much to enjoy at this beautiful park. There is an observation tower, bird houses, a paved bike path, you can hike through the nature trails, stroll through the botanical garden and watch the birds and butterflies surround you. There is an outdoor amphitheater and primitive camping for families or group events. Shelters can be reserved for birthday parties or picnics online or you can visit one of the following locations and pay on site.
Dogs are allowed at the park on a 6' leash in designated areas. Please obey signs posted throughout the park.
The Suncoast Trail is located near the park and can be accessed via public roads and sidewalks. View the Florida Greenways and Trails website for more information on maps and other trails to explore.
The Central Pasco and Gulf Railroad, Inc. offers free rides on their scaled down train on the 2nd Saturday of each month from 10 am to 3 pm. The train depot is located near Shelter Number 2 by the log cabin. The train can be reserved for birthday parties only by contacting Central Pasco and Gulf Railroad. View the Central Pasco and Gulf Railroad website.
$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
Well-known for its natural spring which flows year-round, cool, clean water into the Alafia River, the Lithia Springs Park was originally purchased by Gardinier, Inc., a mining company that soon became Mosaic Phosphate, Inc. When the company leased the park to Hillsborough County as a recreational area in 1957, the 160-acre site slowly became a popular camping spot.
After setting up camp, hikers can explore the woodsy trails and its diverse plant communities, river cypress swamps, and hardwood hammocks. But it is the natural spring that serves as the park’s major attraction, which---courtesy of the water’s 72 degree temperature---provides an excellent swimming experience all year long. In addition to swimming, visitors can fish and play volleyball. There is also a bath house for the parents to rest and chat, while their kids can play at the park’s playground.
The park’s 44 camping sites---which is also suitable for RVs---include water/shower and electrical services. The campers also have access to picnic shelters and tables, restrooms, and barbecue grills. There are no reservations for these sites; everything is done on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Park rules to know:
-Picnic shelters are not rented for the months April - September. -All shelters, tables and grills and parking spaces are first come first serve -Due to the high demand of the swimming area and current conditions maximum capacity is -No rain checks / refunds
$24 / night
Scout
Heated pool, firepit, cornhole, bocci ball on site. Pickleball courts, golf tee off and bark park being installed. Newly updated clubhouse and rates are better than any others I have seen. Hoping I can score an annual site!!
Legend
River Junction, Withlacoochee SF, Webster, FL. 1/2025:
(72 yr olds in 27’ trailer.)
NO PETS.
Overall Rating: 4 for site privacy and river access. Bathrooms are not clean during our stay which is following a full weekend.
Price 2024: $10 for seniors
Security: Gate w code
Usage during visit: Light during the week. 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 in campground: None
Electric Hookup: no
Sewer Hookup: no
Dump Station: yes
Potable Water Available: At site
Generators: I did not see any restrictions posted.
Bathroom: Flush toilets. Not very clean upon arriving just following a full weekend. .
Showers: yes. Not very clean.
Pull Throughs: I didn’t notice any restrictions posted
Cell Service (Verizon):
Setting: Oak Forest with low growing shrubbery
Recent Weather: Polar vortex is bringing the temps down to highs in the 50s and lows in the 30s.
Solar: Some sites better than others.
Insects: None.
Host: Yes
Rig Size: Backing can be tight
Sites: Some sites back up to river with view and access from picnic area .
Traveler
There aren't many free spots in this area of Florida. Of course, they provide nothing other than a spot to camp with fire ring and old table, and an outhouse. We are in a 24' class C and found a nice private area that was surprisingly level. Trailers are accommodated at the equestrian campground. I suggest you arrive before dark as the road is a bit rough and narrow, with no light.
Traveler
Excited to spend a few nights in some peace and quiet and was pleasantly surprised how close to Tampa this was. All to be extremely disappointed in the fact site is literally 50 feet from an active train track with trains sounding the horn all night long. Besides the road noise felt like we were next to a freeway. Not peaceful at all. 
Scout
Campground sites are very close together. Staff is friendly and helpful. Bathrooms are clean and modern. Lots of road noise, trucks and sirens.
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.
Guide
We camped overnight on a Friday and were the only people in the area. Lovely space for dispersed camping with a picnic table, fire pit, an outhouse and hiking trails. We'll definitely visit again when we're in Florida.
Traveler
I just called them and none are walk-in. All has to be reserved.
And you are not allowed pets.
Scout
It’s a clean park with easy access to boat rentals (kayaks, canoes) and a boat launch if you have your own. Publix and Walmart are ~10 minutes away if you need anything. I came in September after a heavy rain and it was pretty buggy. Bring mosquito repellent. There are a number of long term campers with poorly kept RVs, but everyone is friendly.
Scout
I recently had a wonderful experience at the St. Petersburg/Madeira Beach KOA Holiday, and I’m excited to share my positive review! I’ve hosted friends in their Deluxe Cabins before, and they were thoroughly impressed. The cabins were equipped with everything needed for a comfortable stay—fresh linens, a full kitchen, and even a private patio with a grill and fire ring. And they had a great view of the lush mangrove lined Long Bayou.
They loved the blend of cozy and convenient, making their getaway truly enjoyable. At the end of the road driving out of this campground is a great restaurant called Doe Doe's that makes a delicious homestyle breakfast if you don't want to cook it yourself.
Wanting to be close to them I opted for one of the small tent sites at the end of the park where I car camped in my Subaru Outback. It was a peaceful and charming spot, perfect for a relaxing camping experience - and away from more of the centrally located activities that people camping with children enjoy.
Overall, the amenities were top-notch, including the heated outdoor pool, bike and kayak rentals, and clean and large facilities. They have something called KampK9 which is a fenced in dog park area. Less than a mile away is Bay Pines Park which is nice to jog or ride your bike through and there is also a super Walmart nearby so you can stock up for your drive to the next campground. You also have easy access to the Gulf Coast's stunning beaches and the scenic Pinellas Trail.
Driving on the main road, and seeing the somewhat industrial area you pass through on your way down the small side street to this campground, you wouldn't expect much - but this KOA has been there for decades and is one of the nicest family campgrounds in the middle of a city I have experienced.
Legend
We stayed in site 26, which was tucked back and fairly private. We planned on trail riding, but rain changed the plans. We didn’t get to explore much, but will be back. Nice long drive down to the sites. Electric and water were both great, and dump stations easy. Staff was extra friendly.
Traveler
The park is fantastic! The park rangers constantly ensured our safety and were very friendly and helpful. They made sure to keep us up to date regarding changes in weather and flooding. Oh, and the pricing to stay per week is amazing! It's a must-visit!
Scout
Horrible management, the president is a joke I will never stay again. The majority of the people that live in the park are nice but there are also a lot of nasty people, just horribly mean and very nosy. Terrible place!! Wish I could put 0 stars
Scout
Had no problems, calm and cool surroundings.
Scout
You have to get called back, not working with international numbers. Form on website won’t solve the captcha.
Sometimes automating everything is stupid.
Scout
Stayed in spot #8, not as much shade as I had hoped for, would've been better in 10-14. Sites are plenty large and relatively well spaced out. There was a large anthill between the spot and where you park which made packing in and out an adventure (very active colony). Otherwise, the site was level and devoid of rocks & roots. A good night's sleep despite the racoon who pilfered my SunChips during the night.
Scout
Was there 5/20. Not much privacy, other campers close. The deer, yellow flies ate me alive, even with heavy duty bug spray. Not on the lake, so no breeze. Have to take a boat on Dead River to see the lake. Neighbors were loud and fighting well past midnight. The famous oak tree is up front by highway. Was a nightmare. Left early.
Traveler
We were down for a funeral so we, unfortunately, didn’t spend any time in the park or campground. The park is absolutely gorgeous and we can’t wait to return in November for a week long stay. The roads in the campground are a little narrow so maneuvering a larger rig might take some time backing into sites but there were plenty of big rigs there so it is doable. The sites have picnic tables and a fire ring. As far as we could tell, all sites are sandy so I’m sure it would be a little messy after a rain with possible flooding. Our site was perfectly level with no side to side adjustments needed. Our loop was very shaded with gorgeous trees. The rangers were amazing and patrolled the campground on a regular basis. There is a huge pool but it was closed for renovations, opening sometime this summer. There is a small cafe with ice cream and you can rent kayaks or canoes to take a trip down a wonderfully, peaceful river. It was so clear that we could see fish swimming around. No swimming is allowed in the river because of gators but experienced paddle boarders would love the easy paddle. Lots of trails to hike as well.
Definitely a great place to stay right outside the Tampa area. Recommend highly.
LegendFHU, gravel site. The sites Very close together and guests pull in all around your site and park their boats, cars, trucks, golf carts. Luckily, we only stayed a weekend. Lots of full time residents. The dog park is big, Pool house, jacuzzi and pool are large and clean. There were activities planned for the kids which was fun! There are tennis courts, which we didn’t use. The playground has many different play areas and was tidy. There are lots of area attractions and a beach with a designated swimming area at the end of the road. If we had come off season, it would have been great. The swing and pond, behind our RV, was a nice touch for our puppy and granddaughter.
Traveler
Nice and quiet campground. Also, a nice short trail.
Guide
Sites were small, Service was friendly, Okay amenities- small pool, dog ‘park’ was a tiny walking area. Expensive considering location and amenities.
RangerThis place is a very quiet location. The owner of the property is extremely friendly. You can hear wild turkeys in the morning. You're far enough away from the city to get an excellent view of the sky.
Guide
After hours check in was EASY and we were able to call and speak with someone at 5:30pm. Friendly and kind hosts who care about their camp and their guests. The dog park was amazing! The cite was grass pull through but spacious! I loved the feel of this place.
Legend
We have a 36 ft Class A with a Cherokee Trailhawk tow and stayed in site 132 for 3 days in mid April. The CG is very clean, well maintained, but relatively expensive. The CG is a mixture of long-term and transient folks. The roads are paved, but the sites are sandy, shelly gravel. The staff is friendly and very helpful. They have beach chairs near the water and a fire pit that they lit every evening near sunset. In addition to the Bark Park area, there is a nice wooded area where you can walk your dog as well.
AT&T coverage was pretty good, with 3-4 bars of 5G service and speeds up to 11 MB/s. The CG has a lot of trees, but the sites in the front of the park are pretty open. We had no line-of-site to the DISH satellites, but did have an open view north, so Starlink usable, but the CG had WiFi and we were right across from the antenna, so we didn’t use Starlink. The CG WiFi achieved speeds up to 8 MB/s.
Scout
Nice park, great residents. We had a park model for two seasons. December 2023, we'd been there about a month, our boxer dog caught parvo in the park. As soon as I realized she was sick, I let the park know. We were immediately kicked out. I had already been quarantining her, but they made me leave. It was Christmas time and my husband was in the hospital, they didn't care. It was so unnecessary and cruel. I wouldn't let my worst enemy stay there.
ScoutThe ground are lovely and people are wonderful but the office management just ruins the experience. One of the ladies is a gossip who pics favorites and is openly mean to those she doesn't like. The atmosphere is oppressive. We were 6/6 residents for two seasons, we had to move somewhere else. I wouldn't advise anyone to purchase or stay for any length of time.
Scout
Quiet, huge oversized slips, gorgeous, trees are amazing and taken care of as well as the grounds. Not a big park so you get more personalized response with the staff. Everyone is very helpful and makes you feel welcome. We have been traveling Florida for a while and this is our favorite place by far.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Weeki Wachee, FL?
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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TheDyrt.com has all 24 tent camping locations near Weeki Wachee, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
