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Map showing campground location near Hernando, Florida
Camper submitted image from Potts Preserve - River Primitive Campground (North Hooty Point Road)View 53 Photos
FacilitiesMap showing campground location near Hernando, Florida

Potts Preserve - River Primitive Campground (North Hooty Point Road)

6 ReviewsAdd Review
SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Managed by the Southwest Florida Water Management District, Potts Preserve encompasses a stretch of the Withlacoochee River corridor in Hernando County, and this primitive campground along North Hooty Point Road sits at one of its more active river access points. The site layout has shifted in recent years: vehicles now park in a designated lot, and the riverside campsites require a walk of roughly an eighth of a mile. A separate drive-up area closer to the entrance has three to five sites with fire rings and picnic tables, though some of that furniture has seen better days.

The river is the main draw. Paddlers can access the water directly from the campground, and the entry to Gum Slough is right at the edge of the site, making this a practical staging point for float trips. Airboats operate in the area, and several reviewers flag them as noticeably loud, particularly on weekends. Cell coverage is inconsistent; at least one visitor found Verizon signal poor. The site is free, reservations are available through SWFWMD, and a gate code is required for entry.

"Free, primitive, private, secluded," is how Alyssa D. sums up the experience, and that framing holds. Pets are welcome, campfires are permitted, and drinking water and toilets are on site. Campers who want places to camp near Potts Preserve with more amenities or hookups will find alternatives in the region, but this site is best suited to paddlers, tent campers, and anyone willing to haul gear a short distance in exchange for direct river access at no cost.

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Map & DirectionsPotts Preserve is located in Florida near Hernando

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Coordinates

28.91487062 N
82.28256136 W

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Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 4/20/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 7/26/26

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 4/20/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 7/26/26

Access

  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Equestrian

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Pets
  • Fires

FREE established camping

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.

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Reviews6 Camper Reviews - Potts Preserve

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4.5

out of 5

6 Reviews

Many campers appreciated this free primitive campground for its beautiful, spacious riverside sites and secluded setting. Some visitors expressed disappointment with loud airboat noise, and sites now require walking about 1/8 mile from parking.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile
Reviewed May. 10, 2021

Nice river view campsite

We really enjoyed our stay at this site. It was nice and quiet. You can't drive up to the river view campsites. So cart would be useful for that reason 😂. There's plenty to do a Potts Preserve that's for sure.

SiteThe river side camping area.
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Potts Preserve - River Primitive Campground (North Hooty Point Road) by Rusty R., May 10, 2021
  • Review photo of Potts Preserve - River Primitive Campground (North Hooty Point Road) by Rusty R., May 10, 2021
  • Review photo of Potts Preserve - River Primitive Campground (North Hooty Point Road) by Rusty R., May 10, 2021
  • (7) View All
Reviewed May. 3, 2021

Very different from Spring 2020

Still a very nice primitive campground, the access and sites have changed, drastically. The large open pasture/meadow is no longer a vehicle area, same with the 5 sites within that area. There is a designated area to leave vehicles, and the sites on the river are walk in only. The area is open, but you can no longer pull your vehicle in next to your campsite. 

I would suspect this was done because of the increase in the size of campers trying to park close. A view of the sites from the river makes it pretty apparent the situation is near critical. 

Fear not, the area a few hundred feet closer to the entrance is now the drive up primitive campground, 3 sites on the east or river side of the road, and 2 or 3 on the west side. All are pretty open, this used to be the group camp area. There is a concrete covered area with public tables, each site has a fire ring and table....one is missing a fire ring and the tables are...primitive too. 

Its still a great part of the river, there is access to the river from the primitive area and there is a ramp sort of. The airboats are loud, probably on the weekend its rather distractive. 

There were a variety of folks, me in my cargo conversion, a couple pickup camping, a couple of different fellas on different nights in tents. The river is low, ever beautiful. Verizon signal was awful. Still love this preserve. The float into Gum Slough is right there at the edge of the campground, simply an awesome trip. ..still one of my favorite short trips and free camping as a bonus!

SitePrimitive area ,closest to river and ramp, first pull off
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Potts Preserve - River Primitive Campground (North Hooty Point Road) by CHARLES V., May 3, 2021
  • Review photo of Potts Preserve - River Primitive Campground (North Hooty Point Road) by CHARLES V., May 3, 2021
  • Review photo of Potts Preserve - River Primitive Campground (North Hooty Point Road) by CHARLES V., May 3, 2021
  • (9) View All
Reviewed Apr. 20, 2021

Nice drive in site

Beautiful drive in site with plenty of room. Airboats are very noisy! Reservations and gate code required through SWFWMD

SitePotts Preserve
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Potts Preserve - River Primitive Campground (North Hooty Point Road) by Anthony E., April 20, 2021
  • Review photo of Potts Preserve - River Primitive Campground (North Hooty Point Road) by Anthony E., April 20, 2021
  • Review photo of Potts Preserve - River Primitive Campground (North Hooty Point Road) by Anthony E., April 20, 2021
Reviewed Jun. 13, 2020

The REAL Florida... & on the River..

Hands-down my new favorite camping spot in Florida. Free, primitive, private, secluded. Pet-friendly, hammock friendly, boat friendly, fire friendly, & more.

If you don’t like to be in nature completely, and if you don’t want to be far away from others, I would stay away from this campground. No amenities, no market, no lights.

To me, this is the perfect camping spot. Oh yeah, and it was free!!!!!

  • Review photo of Potts Preserve - River Primitive Campground (North Hooty Point Road) by Alyssa D., June 13, 2020
  • Review photo of Potts Preserve - River Primitive Campground (North Hooty Point Road) by Alyssa D., June 13, 2020
  • Review photo of Potts Preserve - River Primitive Campground (North Hooty Point Road) by Alyssa D., June 13, 2020
  • (34) View All
Showing results 1-6 of 6 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I see photos of Potts Preserve Campground before visiting?

You can view photos of Potts Preserve Campground on The Dyrt website, which features user-submitted images showing the riverside sites, natural surroundings, and camping areas. The Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD) website may also provide official photos and maps of the preserve. Social media platforms and Florida outdoor recreation forums often contain recent visitor photos that can give you a good visual impression of the primitive riverside camping experience and the natural beauty of the area.

What facilities and amenities are available at Potts Preserve Campground?

Potts Preserve - River Primitive Campground offers a truly primitive camping experience with minimal facilities. This is a free, rustic campground with no electricity, running water, or modern restrooms. The campground is pet-friendly, hammock-friendly, and allows campfires. While vehicles can access the parking area, the riverside campsites require walking approximately an eighth of a mile from the parking area. A cart would be useful for transporting gear to your site. The campground provides a natural, secluded environment ideal for those seeking to immerse themselves in nature.

What are the reservation requirements and fees for Potts Preserve Campground?

Potts Preserve Campground is free to use, but requires reservations through the Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD). When making a reservation, you'll receive a gate code that's needed to access the campground. This system helps manage the number of visitors while maintaining the primitive, secluded nature of the site. Contact SWFWMD directly to make your reservation and obtain current information about any policy changes or seasonal restrictions that might affect your visit.

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