2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Tent camping near Wimauma, Florida spans conservation parks with primitive and developed tent sites, from electric hookup sites to hike-in wilderness camping. Lithia Springs Conservation Park offers tent campsites with fire rings, picnic tables and electric hookups in a wooded setting along the river, while Alderman's Ford Conservation Park Primitive Campground provides a more secluded experience with walk-in tent sites accessible only by hiking trails. Island Retreat Florida offers boat-in tent camping for those seeking a more adventurous approach to overnight stays.
Most tent campgrounds in the Wimauma area have basic amenities such as restrooms and trash collection, though facilities vary significantly between locations. Lithia Springs provides drinking water, showers and electric hookups at its tent sites, while primitive locations like Alderman's Ford feature minimal facilities with vault toilets located a short hike from the camping areas. Several sites require permits or reservations, particularly the primitive tent camping areas. The Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve offers free primitive camping but requires advance reservations, while Lithia Springs operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations accepted.
The tent campsites near Wimauma cover diverse environments from riverside sites to island camping. Alderman's Ford Conservation Park features hammock posts at several tent sites and offers a genuine wilderness experience with minimal development. According to one visitor, "The camp sites are hike in only. I LOVE this. Bring a manageable pack with everything you need." Island Retreat Florida provides boat-in tent camping that allows visitors to combine water activities with primitive camping. Terry Tomalin Campground offers spacious tent sites but maintains stricter regulations, prohibiting alcohol, smoking and pets. Many tent campgrounds in the region feature significant tree coverage, providing essential shade during Florida's warmer months.
"Stayed over mother's day weekend at Lithia Springs."
"Stayed over mother's day weekend at Lithia Springs."
from $24 / night
"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."
"3 full service camping loops full of sites - lots of space for RV's and Tents - 2 designated hammock camping spots."
Available this weekend
from $24 / night
"This location is utterly beautiful! So many different environments can be seen just walking the trials."
"The camp sites are hike in only. I LOVE this. Bring a manageable pack with everything you need. There is no water, power, or restrooms at the sites."
"The island itself is fairly spacious with many tent platforms and elevated boardwalks throughout. For me, the hilight was the small elevated cabin on one end of the island."
from $50 - $75 / night
"Lively rivers and trails to explore for kids."
from $20 - $25 / night
"The trails wind through beautiful natural scenery, and the quiet surroundings make it perfect for a relaxing hike."
"The tent sites are spacious and nicely spread out, giving you plenty of room to set up camp without feeling crowded by your neighbors."
"The campsites are nicely spaced out so you aren’t to close to other campers. The trails are amazing but be careful or you might get lost."
from $30 / night
"We always camp in the primitive sites when we visit. The are large but have minimal shade. There is a picnic table and fire ring at each site and there is a toilet nearby."
"Located nearly dead center in the middle of Florida, and equidistant between Fort Pierce and Bradenton is Highlands Hammock State Park."
from $18 - $22 / night
"Other parks and trails are located at the Wilderness Park Off Road Loop Trail System, [Flatwoods Park](https://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us"
"No hookups or dumpsites. There is a pump well for non potable water and a port a potty on site. Miles of trails and plenty of space to explore."
"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."
GuideNice state park in a great location for visiting the area. Bathhouse near my site could use an update and newer bathhouse could use a good shower stall wash. I camp in a Travato Van so maneuvering in the campground was easy for me but larger rigs might struggle.
GuideThe bayou site are excellent. Reasonably level, nice patios, and a bit of a view. The staff are nice and helpful. They seem to have a section for those of us who are not snowbirds.
LegendOn my never-ending pursuit of finding the most perfect campground on earth ... I may have just landed it! Fort DeSoto State Park Campground, which rests at the southernmost edge of Pinellas County, reached by crossing a series of causeways from St. Petersburg until the land simply runs out and the Gulf of Mexico (as my friend John Cougar Mellencamp recently point out - not Gulf of ‘Merika) takes over. First impressions are pure Florida magic with palm-lined roads, sweeping water views of translucent aqua blue shimmering in the sun all accompanied by a salty breeze that makes you feel like vacation has officially begun. The campground itself is spread across a low-lying coastal landscape with mangroves, dunes and open skies punctuated by cotton candy clouds, and despite its popularity, this tri-loop campground haven manages to feel relaxed and unhurried if you pick your timing right.
This archipelago is shaped like a boomerang with 3 distinct campground loops – each with its own vibe, layout, amenities and overall character (more on this later) – leaving one with the impression that Fort DeSoto is both incredibly spacious as well as incredibly well-organized, offering a mix of waterfront and interior sites with paved pads, picnic tables, stand-up grills and access to modern bathhouses that are generally clean and well maintained. Many sites offer electric and water hookups, with a dump station available for RV travelers. Navigation through the one-way loops is straightforward, pets are welcome and the overall layout feels intentionally designed to handle high traffic without feeling chaotic. While there’s but just a modest playground on-site, there are much more amenities for the kids on North Beach, but throughout the campground area, the sheer amount of open space, bike paths, beach side access to inlets that will allow you to make the most out of being this close to the Gulf more than compensates for families.
What truly sets Fort DeSoto apart is everything just outside your campsite. Miles of white sand beaches wrap around the park, including North Beach which is frequently ranked among the best beaches in the country (note: not county ... country). Kayaking trails wind through calm mangrove tunnels, fishing piers stretch into Tampa Bay, and biking loops circle the entire park. History lovers can explore the restored fort and military ruins, while birders will find plenty to admire along the shoreline. For supplies, you’re about 15 minutes from Tierra Verde Market, Publix and a Walmart Supercenter on Pinellas Bayway as well as a handful of casual eateries like Billy’s Stone Crab and Sea Hags if cooking feels optional.
Trying to find out which 1 of the 3 loops might be best for you? I’ll try to break this down. First, of all, my brother and I stayed in Area #1, so let me begin there, not only because numerically that’s where we should begin, but also because I’m the most familiar with this loop, which consists of sites numbered #1-85. If you’re looking not just for ocean views with Gulf access – because like me, you’ve brought a kayak / canoe – then Area #1 for this solo reason is why you want to book here. And while it’s true that you likely could access water in Area #2, you’ll have to go the long way around to access the Gulf. Back to Area #1, I found this simple, single loop offering sites excellent in size, with TONS of shade (no need to bring your shelter to blot out the sun, although not a bad idea to have it handy in case of rain) and decent length long ‘driveways’ with which to pull in and set up camp, whether you’re packing tents (like me) or pulling in with your RV or sprinter van. Seriously, the scenery alone here in Area #1(at least sites #1-34) cannot be beaten with direct views of the Gulf, which you can access in less than 20 paces from where you’ve pitched your tent or parked for the night.
Each site is equipped with electric and water and for RVs needing sewage, there’s a spot as you exit prior to arriving at the ranger station that will accommodate you. The restroom and shower facilities in Area#1 are the best that I’ve ever seen in the state of Florida (which is saying something as I’ve camped in more than 100 spots here in the Sunshine state) – and wonder if this is because CG Hosts (versus FL state employees) are charged with keeping the CG clean?! – with very hot water (sometimes TOO hot) and lots of pressure would be an accurate description. Area #2 IMHO is somewhat cramped, very RV populated, with sites that are fairly crowded, yet heavily shaded with amenities that are similar to Area #1, albeit slightly more outdated; however, if you come with pets in tow, this is the ONLY area that will welcome you here at Fort DeSoto CG. Lastly, Area #3 has AMAZING water views, but given the seawall that surrounds this portion of the island, you won’t be able to actually access the water unless you dock your boat somehow to the wall and don’t mind jumping up 4-6 feet down to access your vessel. I found the sites here to be fine, although like Area #2, somewhat crowded, but yet still offering very good shade with restroom and shower facilities to be on par with the rest of the park. The best sites over here would be those from #197– 233 that look northernly towards the Gulf offering nothing short of AMAZING sunsets on the water.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a handful: (1) Waterfront sites in Loop 2 and Loop 3 are the most coveted for sunset views and breezes, but they book fast; (2) Bring bikes as this park is tailor-made for cruising on two wheels with flat, scenic loops in and around the campground area, but the best biking will be had once heading out past the ranger station to explore the larger areas of the island, where East Beach is worth a glide by (especially to watch the kite surfers where wind is at its strongest), but it’s North Beach that will have you stopping for a longer spell; (3) Kayaking through the mangroves on a calm morning is a must, especially for wildlife sightings; however, our absolute favorite moment of the entire trip was crossing the strong currents of shipping lanes to make it all the way to Shell Key, which apart from a few pensioners getting sunburnt in their beach chairs and an errant fishing boat or two, we had the entire island to ourselves … EASTER EGG: I’m a fairly solid kayaker and love oaring and with these strong currents, it IS manageable to cross, but you’ll want to plan on at least 1 hour of non-stop, albeit scenic oaring to make it to Shell Key; (4) Afternoon storms roll through quickly in summer, so plan beach time early and camp dinners later; (5) North Beach on the northernmost edge tends to be quieter and more family-friendly than the busier east-facing beaches near the fort; (6) If you’re visiting during peak season, weekday stays are noticeably calmer than weekends; and (7) When heading to the restroom facilities you will come across what is likely the largest sign I have ever seen in any campground WARNING YOU OF RACCOONS and, trust me, you want to HEED THIS SIGN as these black-eyed bandits are EVERYWHERE and not afraid to come right up to your tent and look in or right up to you sitting next to your campfire while looking for something to eat or steal, so be incredibly careful and PACK UP EVERYTHING whenever it’s not being used EVEN IN DAYLIGHT HOURS.
In sum, I absolutely loved this campground and will now be comparing every single one I visit to Fort DeSoto Campground.
Happy Camping!
ScoutHaven't been camping here. Based on the photos, it looks like it is a beautiful place. Looks like somewhere to have a fun, crazy, spontaneous camp experience. I prefer natural nature. Cutting the trails, fire wood, catching dinner, fighting mosquitoes without harsh chemicals. Preserving the world. Maybe make a reservation. Leave the dogs with a sitter and not have a care in the world.
ScoutShowers and bathrooms are closed
ScoutQuiet. Definitely skewed toward equestrian. Sites are well spaced. Outer loop is best. Restroom/showers are very well kept. Not much for kids. Short trails are ok. Cayaking is best option if you're in to that. Relax here, enjoy the peace and have your favorite beverage
ScoutBeautiful 😁
GuideNice little place. Gravel, pull-through sites, clean bathrooms, and friendly staff. Tons to do for the littles!
ScoutZephyrhills colony has new Management. It's like a breath of fresh air.A weight is lifted from our shoulders of constant harassment and being hawked at on a daily basis. The parking pads are beautiful.The construction crew did an excellent job and the yellow stripes on the roads are amazing.We are so thankful for this improvement in our park that we can be proud and happy at once and for all. I thank God for answered prayer personally.Now I can breathe now.I can live amen
Tent camping near Wimauma, Florida offers access to multiple nature preserves and conservation areas within a subtropical climate zone. The region maintains average temperatures between 60-90°F throughout the year with summer humidity levels frequently exceeding 80%. Mosquitoes are particularly active from May through October, requiring proper preparation for overnight stays in the more secluded camping areas.
Paddling opportunities: Lithia Springs Conservation Park provides direct river access for kayaking and canoeing with rentals available on-site. "The spring area so nice the sound of the breeze through the trees, just wow!" notes camper Holy O., highlighting the natural soundscape that accompanies water activities.
Trail exploration: The trail system at Hillsborough River State Park includes routes suitable for all skill levels with wildlife viewing opportunities. According to camper Rebecca A., "The park itself is very nice, with some hikes and kayak rentals! You can kayak in the river, which is really neat to do."
Rapids viewing: Hillsborough River State Park contains the only Class II rapids in Florida. As Joe R. describes, "Several short trails to see the only class 2 rapids in Florida. Pretty wild." The elevated boardwalks along the river provide safe viewing platforms for observing this unique geological feature.
Hammock camping: Several sites include dedicated hammock posts for alternative sleeping arrangements. At Alderman's Ford Conservation Park, Joe notes, "Sites were equipped with hammock posts, picnic table, and a fire pit." This allows campers to sleep elevated off the ground, particularly beneficial during Florida's rainy season.
Secluded sites: Alderman's Ford Conservation Park Primitive Campground offers walk-in tent sites separated from parking areas. Katelynn L. shares, "Super clean campsites and great easy trail out to the site. Very safe area. The rangers made sure there was plenty of fire wood in the wooden hut."
Shade coverage: Many campsites feature significant tree canopy providing essential protection from direct sunlight. Elliott B. notes about Lithia Springs, "The sites are nice and spacious, have really excellent tree coverage," which helps manage temperatures during summer camping.
Water activities: Island Retreat Florida combines boat-in camping with direct water access. Eric E. explains, "This island adventure include camping and water activities at its finest. Whether you relax and take in the breeze on the island with a book, venture out to Beer Can Island, or paddle in dinner and drinks at the Bar/Restaurant across the river."
Clean facilities: Despite primitive camping designations, most sites maintain well-kept restrooms and common areas. At Terry Tomalin Campground, Caleb H. reports, "This place was newly renovated for guest to stay. The campsites are nicely spaced out so you aren't too close to other campers."
Reservation systems vary: Availability and booking methods differ significantly between parks. Lithia Springs operates without reservations, with Ryan noting, "This camp does not allow reservations but had quite a few empty lots." Conversely, most primitive sites require advance booking.
Rules differ by location: Terry Tomalin Campground enforces strict regulations against alcohol, smoking, vaping, and pets. Kevin W. cautions, "Please be aware that this is a very restrictive campground. You can only tent and you are not allowed to smoke anything, vape anything, drink anything alcoholic."
Seasonal crowds: Popular swimming areas experience significant visitor increases during summer months. About Lithia Springs, Elliott B. advises, "Maybe the park itself would be better in the 'off' season when it's not so packed."
Wildlife encounters: Alligators, bears, and large insects are common in camping areas. Sri G. reports from Highlands Hammock State Park, "We had a bear visit the garbage bin during the night, so you'll have to pay attention to storing your food during the night."
Swimming options: The natural spring at Lithia Springs Conservation Park offers family-friendly swimming for a $2 per person fee. Rick W. notes, "This is our favorite county park it is very clean and close to restaurants grocery stores. It has a nice spring to swim in."
Beginner-friendly sites: First-time campers should consider Alderman's Ford Conservation Park. According to Katelynn L., "I stayed with 3 adults and 3 children under the age of 8. We stayed two nights in 40 degree weather. This is a great place for families wanting to start out primitive camping!"
Insect preparation: Bring appropriate repellents, particularly during summer months. Jake H. warns from Hillsborough River State Park, "Bring plenty of bugspray, the mosquitoes here are big enough to carry away a small dog."
Kid-friendly trails: Alafia River Corridor Nature Preserve features gentle walking paths suitable for younger hikers. Zackary C. describes, "The trails wind through beautiful natural scenery, and the quiet surroundings make it perfect for a relaxing hike."
Site selection strategy: At Lithia Springs Conservation Park, certain locations offer greater privacy. Ryan recommends, "We enjoyed a two night stay at site 28. This site is set deep from the road and can accommodate a large rig. Completely secluded from neighbors."
Proximity to amenities: Several campgrounds provide convenient access to grocery stores and restaurants. Ryan notes about Lithia Springs, "Grocery stores within 2 miles which was great because the wife ran out of wine."
Weather monitoring: Florida's rainy season can create flooding issues. Cat A. appreciates the staff communication at Lithia Springs: "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."
Site spacing considerations: Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve offers more distance between campsites than many other local options. Annie C. reports, "Nice free area with a gate that is locked to keep those without reservations out. Pretty far from the main road so you don't hear a lot of traffic. Plenty of room for tent or RV camping."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Wimauma, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Wimauma, FL is Lithia Springs Conservation Park with a 4.5-star rating from 12 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 23 tent camping locations near Wimauma, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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