Wimauma's camping terrain consists mainly of flat, wooded areas with elevations rarely exceeding 100 feet above sea level. The subtropical climate creates hot, humid summers with frequent afternoon thunderstorms from June through September, while winter months remain mild with temperatures rarely dropping below 50°F. Most campgrounds in this region feature sandy soil with patches of palmettos and oak hammocks, creating natural drainage during typical rainy periods.
What to do
Paddle the waterways: Myakka River State Park offers kayak rentals and river access where visitors can observe wildlife in their natural habitat. "Great park with full and partial hook ups for all styles of camping to include hammock camping. You will have 39 miles of hiking trails and off road/mountain biking at your pleasure," notes a visitor to Palmetto Ridge Campground — Myakka River State Park.
Beach access excursions: From Fort De Soto Campground, visitors can easily reach some of Florida's top-rated beaches. "Great park with days worth of activities! The historic fort, scenic beaches, trails for hiking or biking, etc made for a great visit! Tons of wildlife - we saw raccoons, dolphin, manatee, tons oftons of Birds!" explains a camper at Fort De Soto Campground.
Fossil hunting: A unique activity in this region involves searching for shark teeth and other fossils along riverbanks. "This park is superb place for a quiet time or with family and friends. Very spacious and variety camp sites to choose from," says a visitor to E.G. Simmons Regional Park. Another visitor mentions, "We were in site 55 of the East CG which was right on the water where we launched our kayaks to paddle the canals amongst the Mangroves."
What campers like
Natural surroundings: The blend of water, woods and wildlife creates appealing camping environments. A visitor to Hillsborough River State Park Campground observed, "A beautiful park that is a real taste of old Florida, with a campground that is completely shaded by oak trees. At night the green fireflies put on an amazing light show in the canopy."
Close proximity to urban amenities: Many campsites provide wilderness experiences while remaining accessible to nearby cities. "The campground is also not far from some big cities, such as Tampa and St Pete, which is convenient," explains a reviewer at Hillsborough River State Park Campground, making it ideal for yurt camping near Wimauma, Florida.
River access: Waterfront camping spots allow for easy water recreation. "Right on the river. Boat ramp awesome roomy sites. Bathrooms were clean. Nice pool," reports a camper at Camp Venice Retreat. Another notes, "You can launch you kayak or canoe right from your spot."
What you should know
Bug preparation essential: Florida's warm, humid climate supports active insect populations. "Unfortunately, the fireflies aren't the only bugs. The mosquitoes were ridiculous in June. We practically had to anchor our toddler to the picnic table so he wasn't carried away by them," warns a visitor to Hillsborough River State Park.
Wildlife awareness: Alligators are common in regional waters. "Went to drain the tanks yesterday morning and a large sounding gator started to growl territorially at me. So heads up with your pets please," cautions a camper at Palmetto Ridge Campground.
Seasonal fluctuations: Weather patterns affect both campsite availability and experience quality. According to a Thousand Trails Peace River visitor, "Make sure you have a Clam or some kind of outdoor shade with a big screen because there are a lot of mosquitos in the evenings. There are Alligators along the River banks and in the woods."
Tips for camping with families
Pool options: Several campgrounds feature swimming pools as alternatives to natural water features. "This park just reopened a couple of weeks ago from the hurricanes. They are slowly bringing the sites back up to par, but it is still an awesome place. Everything is kept up, and several short trails to see the only class 2 rapids in Florida," notes a reviewer at Hillsborough River State Park.
Recreation variety: Look for campgrounds with diverse activity options. A Fort De Soto visitor shares, "I find myself torn between four and five stars on this campground. It turned out being everything we expected and more. As an camper with northern roots, I have found it hard to camp in Florida. This campground helped me relieve those worries."
Educational opportunities: Many parks offer nature programs and historical features. "We visited this park about two years ago while visiting my grand mother. The park was a very interesting place. There were copious amounts of wildlife, and we ended up taking a boat tour on the river which was highly enjoyable," reports a visitor to Myakka River State Park, a top destination for family-friendly yurt camping in Wimauma.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose sites carefully for access and comfort. "I'm staying in the Palmetto Ridge loop which is the only paved loop & I think the only one w/sewer. The Big Flats & Old Prairie loops are gravel road, tight, no privacy & very small sites like for popups, vans or small campers. The Palmetto Ridge pull thrus are gigantic," advises an RV camper at Palmetto Ridge Campground.
Electric reliability: Some parks experience power fluctuations during peak usage. "Camp is very well kept, beautiful gym, pool, hot tub, and private island on backside to fish and other games like horseshoes. Maintenance is AMAZING! I will be staying here again for short and extended periods," shares a visitor to E.G. Simmons Regional Park.
Reservation strategies: Some popular parks require advance planning. A Fort De Soto camper recommends, "Cant go wrong with a waterfront stay. Book in advanced, especially if you want to stay more than a night or two."
