Hillsborough River State Park Campground
Showers and bathrooms are closed
5 campgrounds with availability next weekend
Hillsborough River State Park Campground offers luxurious glamping yurts and safari-style canvas tents nestled among oak trees just 20 minutes from Zephyrhills. These eco-friendly accommodations feature comfortable queen beds with premium linens, climate control systems, and stylish furnishings that blend with the natural surroundings. The park's glamping options include electrical hookups, private decks, and carefully designed interiors that maintain a connection to nature while providing modern comforts. According to a recent visitor, "The yurt was chic and smelt really good like essential oils. Everything was very clean and they put in a lot of effort to customize the stay for you. Best way to camp while staying clean and comfy." Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park also offers upscale glamping accommodations with similar amenities, providing a more secluded alternative for those seeking privacy among Florida's natural landscapes.
Hiking trails through pine flatwoods and along the Hillsborough River provide glamping guests opportunities to explore diverse ecosystems. One reviewer highlighted, "The park was so lush and green it felt like a jungle safari. There are so many alligators just hanging around near the water so watch out while hiking!" The Withlacoochee River Park, another nearby glamping destination, allows visitors to enjoy canoeing and kayaking adventures directly from their luxury canvas accommodations. Seasonal considerations are important when booking yurt rentals in the area, as winter months offer more comfortable temperatures and fewer insects compared to summer. Upper Hillsborough Preserve provides a unique glamping experience with covered pavilions, fire rings, and access to 16 miles of trails that meander through multiple counties, offering exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities in a natural setting with minimal light pollution for stargazing.
"The park was so lush and green it felt like a jungle safari. There are so many alligators just hanging around near the water so watch out while hiking!"
"During busy season you can really be packed in but the primitive camping site is another option - hike out and camp away from the crowds!"
Available next weekend
from $24 / night
"Colt 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."
"We arrived to check in only to fine we were to get the last remaining campsite available. After checking in we drove to our campsite. The campsites are large and well spaced."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $24 / night
"I would have rated a 5+ except that there is only 1 small bathhouse in campground. There are other bathrooms on property though."
"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."
"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."
"These (this) equestrian and primitive campsite(s) have several of your standard picnic tables under a nice large covered pavilion, fire rings and multiple grills."
"We stayed at Quail Run for a weekend in October as it was close to my son’s lacrosse practice location... we were pleasantly surprised with the very nice site with full hook ups and cable."
"Only one pet per spot allowed and don’t allow over 35 pounds unless receive permission."
"Big park so lots of walking if you don’t have the cart (or you can bring your own and/or bikes). Our grandsons loved the golf cart!"
"We stayed in a tent loop right across from the swimming pool, walking distance to the pool and Bike Barn (where you rent everything and play)."
from $56 - $201 / night
"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."
"There are pot holes as you drive in that are kinda steep however nothing too serious. The spots are spacious and all other campers were respectful of noise volume and kept spots clean."
"Check for scheduled hunts, hunters do not like hikers even though Florida trail is open year round. 5 minute walk from river if you need drinking water. Make sure to filter and watch for gators."
"Lake Louisa is located on the edge of the Orlando metropolitan region. Close to Disney but accessible to other area attractions and communities, if that's what you are lookimg to do."
"Lake Louisa is located in Clermont Florida and is only 20 miles from Disney in Orlando. It is a newer park and the facilities were really nice."
Available next weekend
from $24 - $120 / night
"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."
"Very nicely redone camp grounds , newly paved roads bathrooms with private showers. Full hook ups. Shady sites big and small sites .Nice lake for boat or kayaking nice hiking trails ."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $22 / night










Showers and bathrooms are closed
Everything went pretty well except for one hiccup. Our first night staying there our bathroom drain got backed up with sewage that came back up from the drain which caused a terrible smell of The shower then also clogged and had to shower in puddle of water that got gross from our feet being all dirty because of the mud. I had mistakingly booked the stay without adding the hot tub.. so when we mentioned the issue to Dan(main guy in charge) we asked about the hot tub for the second day since it says it needs to be booked for a 2 night minimum. He said it would be taken care of.. so in our minds of a server and bartender and having worked in the service industry for a long time, we figured that the hot tub would be taken care of for us, considering that it's simply a$30 charge. So l then later get a text message from him asking if the card that I had on file was Ok to charge for the hot tub, and I asked if there would be any sort of compensation for the bathroom situation, he said being charged for one night instead of 2 was the compensation.. which made no sense to me since we only were getting it for one night. To top it off the hot tub was not even hot.. Was def not very impressed by that.
If you like peace and quietness this is a place for you. I’m sure it is busier during the winter months. Plenty of shade with a new pool. You can rent canoes, play putt putt or paddle along the Peace river. If you’re into nature just walk the meandering trails through the woods. New concrete pads with a fire pit and picnic table. Everyone was polite and the WiFi was excellent. We stayed in lot 61. It overlooks the pasture with plenty of shade. Lot 60 and 59 also have total coverage and will be one of my next next choices. Plenty of space between your neighbors even make it better
Grass is beyond high. Little dogs can get lost in the grass. Some of the pavers near the pool stairs are lifting to where you need to watch your step or it pinches your foot.
The pros- centrally located. Clean pool. Not too busy of a campground. Large places.
Great lil place. Nice private bathrooms, mini splits in these and in tent, comfortable for family of 5. Fun turf play area near main office. Shark tooth sifting, trail hike, but the bank river fishing was tough. Owner/manager was a jack of all trades, very helpful and did it all.
Nice state park. Plenty of lakes, but also plenty of gators at this time; hatching season. Wide open space, great roads. Not all sites have sewer hookups, it’s worth finding out which one before booking, if it is important for you. Even glamping tents and cabins are available, cabins are right next to the lake. Swimming area at Lake Louisa has a playground with swings and even a beach/swimming area, but that seems awfully dangerous, given the noises the gators make about 30 feet away. Unfortunately there is not a lot of things to do near the state park if one wants to do anything outside of camping, at least not a lot I could find, maybe you are better at that. Apparently it is very popular with bikers and triathletes, I have seen at least 10 today, using the great roads.
We had a wonderful experience at the 4-year-old Terry Tomalin Campground! 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 campground has a peaceful, natural atmosphere that makes it easy to relax and enjoy being outdoors. There are 6 cabins also available with electric– no ac.
One of the things that really impressed us was the bathroom facilities. The restrooms and showers were very clean and well-maintained, which makes a huge difference when you’re tent camping. It was great to be able to enjoy a more primitive camping experience without giving up the convenience of a nice bathroom and shower.
The location next to Boyd Hill Nature Preserve is what really makes this campground special. Campers have access to the preserve’s pedestrian trails, making it easy to spend time exploring nature and then return to your campsite to relax.
Overall, Terry Tomalin Campground is a hidden gem in St. Petersburg and a fantastic place for anyone who enjoys tent camping and being surrounded by nature. We would definitely stay here again!
Notes: Only open on weekends, no pets, strict rules against vaping and alcoholic beverages. This location is very busy in the summertime as there are not many camping options in the area. Large group fire pits (not at each site)
I know, I know, it’s not real camping. But I love it just the same. I love coming here even if I never step foot inside the theme parks. There plenty to do here. You can rent golf carts or bring your own. I love just driving around on the golf carts. They have campfires and trivia. Outside movies. The Trails End to get food at.
Horse stables. Halloween time is the best time to come. I love looking at everyone’s decorations.
It has a lot of activities to do with the family. Only thing I don’t like is the restrooms. Had a bad experience. Someone was recording one of my family member in the shower. The other person was standing on a seat and recording when someone goes and shower. Disney couldn’t do anything by the time we notice the person left running from the bathroom units. Did not see a face but just a hand and a iPhone with a flashlight on. Be careful. Don’t go alone to the restrooms. Bathrooms are supposed to be lock at night and need a key card to open , but Disney always have it open. If it was locked Disney could had know who enter the restroom when the incident happened.
Campgrounds near Zephyrhills, Florida offer diverse experiences for outdoor enthusiasts in Pasco County's gently rolling terrain. Located in central Florida at 89 feet above sea level, the area experiences year-round camping opportunities with warm winters averaging 60°F. Seasonal conditions vary dramatically with summer temperatures routinely exceeding 90°F and high humidity levels making spring and fall optimal for outdoor activities.
Paddling opportunities: 5 miles of river access from Withlacoochee River Park launches let visitors explore winding waterways. "The river was an obstacle course but adventurous and challenging. What we were really impressed was the campsites. Very shaded and quiet. One added bonus is the Florida Trail starts there also," notes Joanne W.
Wildlife viewing: Dawn and dusk prime times at Upper Hillsborough Preserve — Alston Tract where campers report diverse sightings. "We stayed 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," shares The Longs.
Hiking multi-county trails: Extensive network connects preserves and parks. "These 'trails' at the Alston Tract of the Upper Hillsborough Preserve meander through pine flatwoods, consisting of both slash and longleaf pine overstory and floodplain swamp along the river," explains Elliott B. "An interesting note is that on a short hike, one can travel through three different counties."
Glamping alternatives to tent camping: Luxury accommodation options have expanded beyond those mentioned in existing descriptions. Lake Louisa State Park Campground offers additional glamping options close to Zephyrhills, Florida. "This 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," reports Bruce D.
Secluded sites for privacy seekers: Primitive camping offers solitude away from crowds. "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," writes Jeremiah F. about Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park.
Clean facilities despite primitive settings: Many campers note well-maintained amenities. "The bath house was very clean and modern, with spacious shower stalls and plenty of hot water. Just up the road from Citrus Showcase if you are looking for oranges and other goodies," reports Cyndi B. about Lake Louisa State Park.
Weather impacts: Seasonal considerations affect comfort levels dramatically. "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. Unfortunately, the fireflies aren't the only bugs. The mosquitoes were ridiculous in June," warns Jason D. about Hillsborough River State Park Campground.
Bug preparedness essential: Insect protection isn't optional during warm months. "Bring plenty of bugspray, the mosquitoes here are big enough to carry away a small dog," advises Jake H. about Hillsborough River State Park.
Water availability varies: Access to drinking water differs between sites. "Bring water with you or filtration system... So, campers will need to bring their own water or filtration system..." notes Elliott B. regarding Upper Hillsborough Preserve. This applies to many primitive sites in the region.
Bathroom accessibility considerations: Facilities vary widely between campgrounds. "Bathhouse was clean. They offer recycling, which is a great plus! It's nice and dark at night," shares Lorilee S. about Hillsborough River State Park.
Recreation options for different ages: Multiple activities keep children engaged. "Starkey Park campground is clean, rustic, and has lots of firewood for campers. There are many hiking, bike trails, and 2 playgrounds within mere steps of your tent or cabin," recommends Melanie B. about Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park.
Nature education opportunities: Wildlife viewing provides learning experiences. "There are armadillos, turtles, large Ospreys, and a small gator by the fishing dock. We didn't catch any fish but got a few good bites," reports the R. about Withlacoochee River Park.
Site size limitations: Some campgrounds have tight access roads. "Our site was spacious. It did not flood when we had torrential downpours for a few hours one night," notes Lorilee S. about site selection at Hillsborough River State Park.
Electrical hookup options: Full-service sites available at select locations. "Very good service. Nice park. Level concrete pads. Ours was pull through. Gated. Mix of permanent residents and rentals," reports Lucile F. about Quail Run RV Park.
Seasonal rate variations: Pricing changes based on time of year. "We are boondockers so we tend to stay away from very peoplely places.. and this is a bit peoply. That said it was very comfortable everything was clean and super convenient. There was 30 amp as well as 50 amp water there's a dump station clean bathrooms nice showers even dedicated dishwashing sinks," explains Gail W. about Hillsborough River facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Zephyrhills, FL is Hillsborough River State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 65 reviews.
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