Potts Preserve - River Primitive Campground, near Florida's beautiful waterways, is a fantastic spot for those who crave a true escape into nature. This campground offers a primitive experience with no frills, making it perfect for campers who want to disconnect and enjoy the great outdoors.

The sites here are walk-in only, which means you’ll need to haul your gear a bit, but visitors have found the effort worthwhile for the stunning river views and peaceful surroundings. Many campers have raved about the quiet atmosphere, with one saying, “We really enjoyed our stay at this site. It was nice and quiet.” 

You can enjoy campfires under the stars, and pets are welcome, so you can bring your furry friends along for the adventure. The area is also great for activities like kayaking and fishing, with easy access to the river right from your campsite. Just be aware that there are no amenities like showers or trash services, so come prepared to embrace the wilderness. 

If you’re looking for a place that feels remote yet inviting, Potts Preserve is a solid choice. Just remember to pack out what you pack in, and enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds you!

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

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Hernando, FL has a lot to offer. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Hernando campgrounds just for you. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Hernando. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Hernando

The Best Camping Near Hernando, Florida

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

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

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

Nice drive in site

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!

Very different from Spring 2020

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.

Nice river view campsite

Campground

Very pretty nice but you can not drive up to the sites must walk an 8th of a mile to site

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

Real photos from real campers