Quiet enough that the main interruptions are the periodic hum of airboats on the water, Potts Preserve sits on 8,500 acres of Southwest Florida Water Management District land outside Hernando, protecting groundwater recharge areas and wetland habitats along the river. Camping here is free with a reservation, and the preserve divides into distinct areas: the Oak Hammock site off North Dee Road, the River Primitive area at the end of North Hooty Point Road, and the more remote Holly Hill site, which requires a hike of over five miles. Each area has a different character, and choosing between them matters.
The River Primitive sites at Potts Preserve - River Primitive Campground (North Hooty Point Road) draw the most attention for good reason. Boats can pull directly into some spots, and the area gives anglers and paddlers direct water access. The tradeoff is seasonal flooding, which can close the sites during wetter months. The North Dee Road site is drier and more reliably accessible, with a fire pit, bench, and non-potable water on-site. Both areas have outhouse facilities, and Todd M. notes the porta potty is "clean." The gravel road holds up reasonably well in rain.
Sites are semi-private, with fire rings and picnic tables at most spots. The backcountry area is now tent-only after a gate was installed, so RV campers should plan accordingly. Campers who do best here tend to be self-sufficient, comfortable with primitive conditions, and drawn to fishing or paddling on the river.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsPotts Preserve is located in Florida near Hernando
Coordinates
28.91479485 N
82.28261936 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 4/20/26
AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/6/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 4/20/26
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/6/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
Drive Time
- 31 min from Homosassa Springs, FL
- 38 min from Wildwood, FL
- 45 min from Ocala, FL
- 1 hr 21 min from Gainesville, FL
