Best Tent Camping in Florida
If you're looking for a place to pitch your tent in Florida, look no further. The Dyrt helps you find campsites in Florida with tent camping. Search nearby tent campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other campers.
If you're looking for a place to pitch your tent in Florida, look no further. The Dyrt helps you find campsites in Florida with tent camping. Search nearby tent campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other campers.
Just minutes from downtown Tampa, this Hillsborough River State Park Camping offers a refuge from city life with its seven miles of nature trails and ample places to cool off in the water.
Except for occasional reenactments, the cannon and guns are now silent at Fort Foster. No longer do Seminole Indians have to fight to keep a foothold in Florida, and soldiers no longer guard a strategic river crossing. The reconstructed fort and its surroundings are now part of Hillsborough River State Park.
Besides a living history lesson, visitors can kayak or canoe class II river rapids, rare in Florida, hike seven miles of nature trails and swim in an ADA accessible swimming pool.
Tucked away, only a short distance from the bustling city of Tampa, camping is a popular activity at Hillsborough River State Park.
$24 / night
The family campground offers water and electric hookups, a dump station, access to restrooms with shower facilities, laundry and dishwashing areas.
Currently, there is no free Wi-Fi in the campground; however, Wi-Fi is available at the Hammock Inn Concession, which is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. during peak season months. During the slow summer season, daily availability and hours of operation may vary for the Hammock Inn camp store. Call 863-402-0061 for details.
Campsites have picnic tables and fire rings. Sites vary from being open and sunny to partially or fully shaded and range in length from 20 to 50 feet. Maximum RV length = 50 feet.
Three paved campsites, designated as American Disability Act sites, are near an ADA-accessible restroom. A maximum of eight people with two tents are allowed per site. RV sites are allowed to have the RV and one tent.
The recreation hall, a park rental facility with a full kitchen, stage, large seating area, restrooms, barbecue grill and playground, is used for family reunions, weddings, parties, meetings and other events. Reservations may be booked through the ranger station 11 months in advance.
The campground is a short walk from the Civilian Conservation Corps Museum and the picnic area. The bike path, nature trails and playgrounds are within proximity and easily accessed. Ranger-guided programs and interpretive walks offered during the busy winter season are suspended during the summer.
$18 - $22 / night
Cayo Costa State Park protects the Charlotte Harbor Estuary and provides visitors with a majestic piece of untouched Florida.
An unspoiled Gulf Coast island evokes images of wind-shaped trees, dunes, beaches and freedom to explore. This especially rings true for Cayo Costa Island.
Accessible only by boat or kayak, this former fishing ground of the Calusa Indians features nine miles of undeveloped shoreline for swimming, snorkeling, shelling, fishing, birdwatching and exploration along with several walking and bicycling trails through the island’s interior. Shorebirds are numerous, and one might spot manatees, porpoises and sea turtles offshore.
This is coastal Florida at its best! Campsites and cabins are available for overnight stays, and a ferry service runs to the island from several mainland locations. Visitors are reminded that camping is allowed only in designated sites in the campground on Cayo Costa.
$22 / night
Garden Key, home to Fort Jefferson, has a primitive campground only a short walk from public dock and piers. Individual sites can accommodate up to three 2-person tents (6 persons max per-site) on a first-come, first served basis. In the event a regular campsite is unavailable, an overflow area will be made available. Upon arrival all overnight visitors will be provided a place to camp. For parties of 10 or more, a group campsite is available through our website.
Well-known for its natural spring which flows year-round, cool, clean water into the Alafia River, the Lithia Springs Park was originally purchased by Gardinier, Inc., a mining company that soon became Mosaic Phosphate, Inc. When the company leased the park to Hillsborough County as a recreational area in 1957, the 160-acre site slowly became a popular camping spot.
After setting up camp, hikers can explore the woodsy trails and its diverse plant communities, river cypress swamps, and hardwood hammocks. But it is the natural spring that serves as the park’s major attraction, which---courtesy of the water’s 72 degree temperature---provides an excellent swimming experience all year long. In addition to swimming, visitors can fish and play volleyball. There is also a bath house for the parents to rest and chat, while their kids can play at the park’s playground.
The park’s 44 camping sites---which is also suitable for RVs---include water/shower and electrical services. The campers also have access to picnic shelters and tables, restrooms, and barbecue grills. There are no reservations for these sites; everything is done on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Park rules to know:
-Picnic shelters are not rented for the months April - September. -All shelters, tables and grills and parking spaces are first come first serve -Due to the high demand of the swimming area and current conditions maximum capacity is -No rain checks / refunds
$24 / night
Separate primitive camping areas available for individual and equestrian camping. Backcountry camping available. Campsites for cars and primitive cabins available. Groups can reserve tent site or cabins up to 90 days in advance. Reservation and fee are required and can be made up to 30 days in advance.
$10 / night
This drive-up primitive campground has ten tent sites. A Clivus mulching toilet system is available behind site 5. A communal, 2-table pavilion, grills, and a campfire ring with benches is located across from site 6. No electric hook-ups. No potable water. Pets must be on a leash. Hunting occurs during scheduled hunt seasons, as listed at http://myfwc.com/hunting/wma-brochures/. Trail users should wear day-glo orange during hunt seasons. Wildlife proof all food Forest is open for day use visitors from 1.5 hours before sunrise until 1.5 hours after sunset. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
$9 - $10 / night
Tent Camping Only (No RV's). Tent Camping is allowed at designated campsites in the Princess Place Preserve.
Princess Place Preserve, with its rich history and 1500 pristine acres, attracts nature enthusiasts from near and far. It provides a glimpse of old Florida. Visitors can take in its splendor while on one of the many hiking trails, fishing the salt marshes along the Matanzas River and Pellicer Creek, or camping out under the stars. The preserve is a popular spot for horse enthusiasts, with an equestrian campsite and plenty of trails that make it is easy to embrace nature while enjoying a ride.
This beautiful 1,500-acre preserve is situated in the northern part of Flagler County. It was purchased by Henry Cutting in 1886 and passed on to his widow Angela Mills Cutting Worden, who eventually married Boris Scherbatoff, an exiled Russian prince. Angela assumed the title of princess and it was then that the once named "Cherokee Grove" came to be known as "Princess Place." The original lodge, built by Henry Cutting, stills stands as Flagler County's oldest intact structure. It is also home to Florida's very first in-ground swimming pool.
Hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Sunday. There are Lodge tours Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. on a first come first serve basis. There is no reservations for the tours, simply meet the Rangers at the Lodge at 2pm. Camping check-in is from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Ranger Station. For more information about camping or pavilion rentals, call Parks and Recreation at 386-313-4020.
$20 / night
The East Camp Zone is located within Little Big Econ State Forest (Seminole County), about 40 miles east of Orlando, FL. The East Camp Zone is only accessible by boat and consists of six suggested camp zones. There is no water, electric or amenities... Recreational activities featured here are: boating, fishing, bird watching, wildlife viewing, wildflower viewing and nature study. The Little Big Econ State Forest offers two camp areas for primitive camping. The West Camp Area is located near the Barr Street hiking trailhead and can be accessed only from the hiking trail and by canoe or kayak from the Econlockhatchee River Paddling Trail. The East Camp Area can be accessed only by canoe and kayak at this time. Overnight camping is allowed by obtaining a State Forest Use Permit available at the Little Big Econ State Forest office. For more information and to get a State Forest Use Permit, please contact the forest at (407) 971-3500 or email the Little Big Econ State Forest.
10 campsites all fairly spacious (too big for just me as I am solo tent camping). CG overlooks a small lake. Nice open day use waterfront area. Swimming area as well. The lake has a hiking trail encircling it. Showers had hot water, I was surprised. 2 mi dirt road to get to it. I recommend.
We were going to stay 3 nights, but after one night left. The noise from a nearby wood plant is unbearable.
Electric and water went out several times during the month the laundry machines were locked a good portion of the time I would not recommend this establishment. They won’t answer your phone calls nor emails when it comes to giving you your deposit back.
Nice park and CG. Park is under construction with improvements . Trails, paddling access. , shelters, concession, food available. CG has back in, and pull thru sites with fire rings, water, electric, pads. Good views of Grand Lagoon. Wildlife viewing is good and park has interpretive center.
If you enjoy kayaking, canoeing, or just floating down river on a tube in addition to camping, this is your spot. We have stayed at sites 50, which is a long pull through site, and at site 18 which was quite private. We enjoyed both locations. Both times we rented canoes or kayaks and paddled upstream to the headspring. Such a gorgeous river. To see all of the campsites visit https://www.youtube.com/@MapleCamps Make sure to have your gate code at the ready, the gate is unmanned, and it's right off the main road as soon as you turn in. There is only room for one Rv/travel trailer between the gate and the road, so there is nowhere to pull over to the side. Be ready. Not far away there are also some more cycling trails and hiking trails. So plenty to do in the area when you want to wanter away from your campsite. Here's a blog about Rainbow Springs Campground: https://maplecamps.wixsite.com/blog
Sawmill Campground is not what it claims to be. The so-called "trails" are frequented by older men engaging in inappropriate activities in plain view, which is both disturbing and unhygienic. This kind of behavior fosters an environment that can promote the transmission of STDs, posing health risks to anyone who visits.
The overall quality of the patrons is less than appealing, and if you have any issues with management, don't expect professionalism. They will go to great lengths to deny problems and shift blame rather than address valid concerns.
Between the unsafe environment and the lack of accountability, this place is the definition of negligence. I strongly advise avoiding Sawmill Campground for your own safety and peace of mind.
The resort was nice, clean and quiet. Many amenities including pickleball. Good communication and a very secure park. The people staying there were very nice. In
I was here for the snow fall. The electric hook up was a saving grace. Now this is in the flight path of Eglin AFB. The staff is excellent both friendly and helpful.
Great camp site with just what you needed. It’s close to a power plant and railroad so you hear a lot of noise at night but was perfect for a one nighter
We stayed here at site 15 in January 2025. The sites all appeared level and most could fit sizeable RVs. We camped in a 25ft Travel Trailer. The sites were clean and the campground was quiet. I did make a video of the individual sites so others could see what they look like for planning purposes at. YouTube.com/@MapleCamps
Site 15 was not private, as it is on a big open field, but you don't have any neighbors staring right at you. It faces the playground, but its about 150 feet away. The open field allows for fun games that need a bit of space: frisbee, throwing a football, Skittle Skattle, corn hole etc. There are plenty of hiking trails within the park, as well as nearby at Big Shoals state park, Little Shoals, and Gar Pond to name a few. I also did a blog about the campground if interested at maplecamps.wixsite.com/blog
This campground is also conveniently located near I-75 and I-10
The Long Pine campground in the Everglades is nestled in the "Long Tall Pines" Pads on the 108 sites are paved but short! Our site F-92 was labeled 29-33 feet, but our 24'6" was barely out of the road with the rear hanging into the brush. There are not utilities on the sites. Shower houses, while clean, provide solar "hot" water. The showers nearest my site had signs that hot water was not available. Sites are generally large and pads fairly level. The campground is very clean and well kept. Staff are friendly. We had both 2 bars of Verizon 5G.
Large paved pads on huge site. We were in electric site number 1 which included shade trees. No water at the sites but potable water and dump facilities are provided. There is no Verizon or T-Mobile service. There is Wi-Fi available in the Marina store area. The campground is very clean. (Lots of mosquitos even in January).
Older Florida park on the Withlacoochee State Forest. The campground had 20 very large sand and grass sites in tall pines. Each site has water only. The campground is very quiet and offered both T-Mobile and Verizon cell service. Facilities are clean, albeit old. The campground is convenient to fishing, hiking, and bike and equestrian trails.
Checked in Friday 01/17 and extended my stay from 2 nights to 7 nights. I’m enjoying the solitude. I’m at a tent site, no WIFI. T Mobile is 4 bars.
Absolutely fantastic Hosting and cleaned facilities with quiet and friendly surroundings, trails and more.
We were looking for a place to overnight during the wknd. Office was closed but several residents came to our rescue. They made us feel so welcome. We parked on the overflow (water/30amp hook-up) with views over the lake. Rate was 45$ plus tax at time of our stay (2025)
WOW -- was great. Only sites (I had #2 -- a little bigger) No one else there. Amazing stars -- great view of incredible moon.As one of the other commenters wrote --- its amazing you are 10 minutes from a major highway yet feel like you are 1000 miles from anywhere. Easy to get to --- gps has much of it listed as walking but can drive up. Roads are rough but not terrible (i have a jeep wrangler - but 4 wheel drive not necessary) was there 2 nights -- definitely the time of year to be there [January] --- no bugs, no animals. Passing through and will definitely stop by again when I can. Rangers were super nice too.
An overnight stay with 25ft RV for 94$ including taxes for a partial hook up. Lovely lady at reception helped us book over the phone few hours before our arrival but you can also drive up after the office closes, park in the overflow area & register/pay the next day. Very clean communal toilet/showers if slightly dated. Nice heated pool… took a dip on a cold day. Very good wifi signal.
We booked last minute in January for an overnight stay with a 25ft RV. They were able to accommodate us. Majority of guests are here for long term. They all made us newbies feel very welcome. Paid 55$ for full hook-up. Poor wifi reception.
Older Florida park with roots in the CCC and Forestry Service. Large park with hiking, bike and equestrian trails. Along the Santa Fe River there is a swimming hole, suspension bridge, old buildings and a small museum. Magnolia loop would be the best loop for RVs, but spots can be had. Facilities are clean, albeit old. Camping loops and pads are hard sand. Sites vary in size and level. Separation between sits is not bad but suffered in hurricane damage. Some sites appear a bit tight with overhanging trees.
Great spot! Cool shorter hiking trails to take you to lakes or the gulf, or as we call it Lake Florida now. For hammock campers the tent camping spots are okay for hammock camping. I made due but I was in spot 21 and there are no trees accessible enough to hang a hammock up how you would want, BUT they had a couple 4x4s in the ground so I used one of those and a tree, everything went up properly. It was windy, rainy and around 30° and I was extremely comfortable.
Fire pits are great, it looks like all spots have a picnic table.
All in all great spot. I’ll be back soon!
Heated pool, firepit, cornhole, bocci ball on site. Pickleball courts, golf tee off and bark park being installed. Newly updated clubhouse and rates are better than any others I have seen. Hoping I can score an annual site!!
Keep in mind, this is a Preserve. Good trails, coastal dunes with lakes, fishing, paddling, beach, cabins, and tent camping including Glamping!
River Junction, Withlacoochee SF, Webster, FL. 1/2025:
(72 yr olds in 27’ trailer.)
NO PETS.
Overall Rating: 4 for site privacy and river access. Bathrooms are not clean during our stay which is following a full weekend.
Price 2024: $10 for seniors
Security: Gate w code
Usage during visit: Light during the week. Full over the weekend
Visual Privacy Between Adjacent Sites: thick shrubs
Site Spacing: Good
Pad surface: Sand
Reservations: Yes
Campground Noise: Quiet
Outside Road Noise: none
Through Traffic in campground: None
Electric Hookup: no
Sewer Hookup: no
Dump Station: yes
Potable Water Available: At site
Generators: I did not see any restrictions posted.
Bathroom: Flush toilets. Not very clean upon arriving just following a full weekend. .
Showers: yes. Not very clean.
Pull Throughs: I didn’t notice any restrictions posted
Cell Service (Verizon):
Setting: Oak Forest with low growing shrubbery
Recent Weather: Polar vortex is bringing the temps down to highs in the 50s and lows in the 30s.
Solar: Some sites better than others.
Insects: None.
Host: Yes
Rig Size: Backing can be tight
Sites: Some sites back up to river with view and access from picnic area .
CG is within the State Forest about 2 miles in, off US98, on Level 2 roads. Follow “Primitive camping area” signs to parking area, watching for route. Packin-pack out. Once at parking area, choose Eastern Lake Area 1 of 2.
Park and CG was not busy or dull considering our January visit. Unique lake dunes offered trails, beach access, and paddling/fishing. CG had good amenities: water, electric, hard pads, tables, showers/rr.
River Junction, Chataoochee, GA - near Florida boarder (72 yr olds in 27’ trailer.)
Overall Rating: 3.5 /5for not a preferable campground layout and no clear view of water. 4.5/5 for responsible host, boat launch access and convenient location for overnight stay while traveling to/from Tallahassee FL/ Montgomery, AL.
Price 2024: $ 13 w interagency pass
Security: no gate. Host is very aware of campground activity
Usage during visit: medium
Visual Privacy Between Adjacent Sites: none
Site Spacing: okay, but some sites back up to others
Pad surface: gravel
Reservations: no
Campground Noise: Quiet, but there is bird hunting nearby in the AM.
Outside Road Noise: no
Through Traffic in campground: Yes, to boat launch.
Electric Hookup: yes
Sewer Hookup: no
Dump Station: yes
Potable Water Available: at sites
Bathroom: Flush toilets . Clean
Showers: Yes. Heated room and clean
Pull Throughs: 3 or 4.
Cell Service (Verizon): 1 to 2 bars
Setting: Open park like area surrounded by thick forest.
Recent Weather: Polar vortex cooling to 40s for highs and 30s for lows.
Insects: none in January
Host: yes
Rig Size: large
Sites: most are in a central location. Ours, #5 is the best of those. Perimeter sites are pullover sites. Filtered view of water from some.
Florida offers a diverse range of tent camping experiences, from serene natural settings to well-equipped campgrounds, making it a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
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