Best Tent Camping in Florida

Despite being home to some of the most popular beaches in America, Florida has more freshwater springs than anywhere else in the world. While tourists flood the coastlines, you can head inland to one of Central Florida’s dozen spring systems to find a beautiful, serene spot that is perfect for camping in Florida.

One of the largest, clearest spots is Ginnie Springs, located 35 miles northwest of Gainesville. The year-round 72-degree water is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, scuba, and cave diving. The seven-spring system is a magnet for divers who love the underwater cave system, while the gentle current of the Santa Fe River attracts day tubers and kayakers. Pack a snorkel when you go camping in Florida to be rewarded with glimpses of bass, mullet, catfish, turtles, and other natural critters.

Plus, with over one hundred campsites, visitors to Ginnie Springs can also enjoy accessible camping spots complete with electric hookups. If you’re looking for a truly authentic Florida experience, wilderness sites are also scattered throughout Ginnie Springs’ 200 acres, many of which are right on the riverfront or a spring. You will truly be one with nature as you wake up next to your own crystal-clear spring, waiting for you to dive in.

Another nearby spring system perfect for camping is Rainbow Springs State Park, located 60 miles straight south of Ginnie Springs. Rainbow Springs is the fourth largest freshwater spring in Florida and feeds into the Rainbow River, giving the spring a gentle current that is great for tubing or canoeing.The Rainbow River campground has 60 sites ready for both RVers and tent campers, complete with electrical service.

There is no better way to get in touch with nature or experience camping in Florida than with the natural water systems of the state. These refreshing sites are a unique Floridian attraction that will make your next camping experience stand out above the rest. With The Dyrt, you can be sure to find more unique spots for all your camping in Florida needs.

Best Tent Sites in Florida (192)

    1. Hillsborough River State Park Campground

    64 Reviews
    Thonotosassa, FL
    Website
    +1 (813) 987-6771

    $24 / night

    "I typically avoid tent camping here in the summer months– early summer the trails are heavy with mosquitoes and summer rains bring a large amount of flooding."

    "Lots of RV campers, sites that are quite close to each other, and rock-hard ground from being packed down by heavy vehicles day after day."

    2. Highlands Hammock State Park Campground

    49 Reviews
    Sebring, FL
    Website
    +1 (863) 386-6094

    $18 - $22 / night

    "We always camp in the primitive sites when we visit. The are large but have minimal shade. There is a picnic table and fire ring at each site and there is a toilet nearby."

    "Located nearly dead center in the middle of Florida, and equidistant between Fort Pierce and Bradenton is Highlands Hammock State Park."

    3. Cayo Costa State Park Campground

    21 Reviews
    Boca Grande, FL
    Website
    +1 (941) 964-0375

    $22 / night

    "Cayo Costa is absolutely the best place for getting away from everything civilized!."

    "Best beach oriented camping in Florida.  The shelling is amazing and you truly feel like you have traveled back in time.  We have camped there in a tent site three times in the last year.  "

    4. Garden Key Campground — Dry Tortugas National Park

    15 Reviews
    Key West, FL
    Website
    +1 (305) 242-7700

    "Amazing... going out with the Yankee freedom boat for the max stay of three days is a must."

    "Camping at Garden Key Campground, located on the tiny island off of the Florida Keys, requires a little more preparation than other sites."

    5. Point Washington

    13 Reviews
    Inlet Beach, FL
    Website
    +1 (850) 267-8325

    $10 / night

    "Nice primitive campground located near 30A beach. The road leading in is sandy and gravely."

    "Good distance to beaches, although I didn’t see a way to walk to the beach - we drove. I would not chance the forest roads in a sedan."

    6. Jennings State Forest Hammock Campground

    12 Reviews
    Middleburg, FL
    Website
    +1 (904) 406-6390

    $9 - $10 / night

    "We hiked the beach pioneer trail and really enjoyed ourselves. The campsite is about a mile in and has a picnic table and fire ring. There is a stream nearby for water."

    "With 16 campsite each being semi private you will love the sounds of t h e wind in the trees and hawks flying over. Each has tent pad, In ground grill and picnic table."

    7. Lithia Springs Conservation Park

    12 Reviews
    Durant, FL
    Website
    +1 (813) 744-5572

    $24 / night

    "Stayed over mother's day weekend at Lithia Springs."

    "Stayed over mother's day weekend at Lithia Springs."

    8. Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park

    12 Reviews
    New Port Richey, FL
    Website
    +1 (727) 834-3247

    "Part of the Starkey Wilderness Preservethis location is full of multi use trails, has primitive cabin rentals (no electric"

    "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."

    9. Princess Place Preserve

    10 Reviews
    Palm Coast, FL
    Website
    +1 (386) 313-4020

    $20 / night

    "There are multiple hiking trails, and plenty of places to fish. Dock Site 2 had water on 2 side of the site, and had a steady breeze during our whole visit."

    "You’ll see from the photos (all taken from my site) that the sites are expansive and beautifully shaded."

    10. Withlacoochee SF/Croom Tract - Crooked River - Silver Lake Rec

    9 Reviews
    Nobleton, FL
    Website
    +1 (352) 797-4140

    "Crooked River Campground is located within the Croom Tract of Withlacoochee State Forest (Hernando County), and a short 5-mile drive from I-75."

    "Tent camping only, with a picnic table, fire ring and water faucet. You have a bath house you can get to by walking and it has hot water in the fall and winter months."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 192 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews in Florida

6000 Reviews of 192 Florida Campgrounds



Guide to Florida

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.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

Tent campers like these nearby activities

Tips for tent camping near Florida's natural beauty

  • When camping at Mystic Springs Recreation Area, be prepared for primitive camping conditions, as there are no electric hookups, but the serene water views make it worthwhile.
  • At South Hurricane Lake Recreation Area, remember to bring your own water, as the sites are water-only, but the peaceful lakeside setting is ideal for relaxation.
  • If you choose to camp at Little Gopher, ensure you have a reliable water source nearby, as the campground is primitive but well-maintained for a quiet getaway.