I previously wrote 23 Places To Go Camping In Tampa Bay, which covers Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas Counties. This article covers the additional counties often associated with Tampa Bay: Hernando, Polk, and Manatee.
I put in links to my relevant blog articles. At the end of each location I put a link(s) to the respective website so you can get more info about booking your trip.
Camping In Hernando County.
Withlacoochee State Forest is the #1 outdoor destination and camping location in Hernando County. Enormous with 157,479-acres and 26 campgrounds spread throughout. The Florida Trail passes through here. World Wildlife Fund lists Withlacoochee as one of the “10 Coolest Places You’ve Never Been In North America.” The Official Website!!! Withlacoochee State Forest
Smokey Acres Campground is a private spot with an RV hook up rented out via airbnb. The Official Website!!! Smokey Acres Campground
Hawk’s Nest RV Park & Campground is a family-owned RV Park that also has tent camping sites. Located near Weeki Wachee Springs State Park and Crystal River. The Official Website!!! Hawk’s Nest RV Park & Campground
Weeki Wachee Christian Camp has RV, cabin, and tent sites. A very good place to RV if you want to be near Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. The Official Website!!! Weeki Wachee Christian Camp
Mary’s Fish Camp has RV, cabin, and primitive tent camp sites. Fishing, obviously, is available. Established 1946. The Official Website!!! Mary’s Fish Camp
Camping In Polk County
Colt Creek State Park offers 5,067 acres to explore. RV, tent, equestrian, and primitive tent campsites are available. Hiking and fishing are favorites. One of my favorite local state parks. The Official Website!!! Colt Creek State Park
Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve – East Tract offers 51,149 acres. About 31 miles of the Florida Trail runs through here. Also a 15 mile or 8 mile loop hiking trail. Tent camping. Maybe you can boondock here. The Official Website!!! Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve – East Tract
Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve – Hampton Tract offers 11,052 acres. Equestrian and primitive camping are available. The Official Website!!! Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve – Hampton Tract
Safari Wilderness Ranch is a place where you can go on an African Safari without ever leaving Florida. And now they added a glamping experience. Pricey compared to camping for free on Water Management District Lands, but still a tantalizing option. The Official Website!!! Safari Wilderness Ranch
Lake Wales Ridge State Forest contains several different campgrounds and has sites for both RV and Tent campers. Offers 26,563-acres to explore at your leisure. The Official Website!!! Lake Wales Ridge State Forest
Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Preserve State Park offers 8,000+ acres and 2 primitive tent campsites. Sites must be reserved in advance and you have to hike to them. Either a 1.7 mile or 3.5 mile hike depending on the site you get. The Official Website!!! Catfish Creek Preserve State Park
Lake Marion Creek Wildlife Management Area offers 8,000+ acres and some tent camping. A lot to explore! The Official Website!!! Lake Marion Creek Wildlife Management Area
Lake Kissimmee State Park provides RV, Tent, Glamping, and Primitive Tent Campsites. Hiking, boating, paddling, fishing, biking, birding are popular activities here. The Official Website!!! Lake Kissimmee State Park
Lake Arbuckle Park, Lake Rosalie Park, Port Hatchineha, Saddle Creek Park, and Coleman Landing are the 5 Polk County Parks with campgrounds. FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVE. NO RESERVATIONS AVAILABLE. Good luck! The Official Website!!! Polk County Campgrounds
Camping In Manatee County
Lake Manatee State Park is 556 acres and has 60 campsites for tent and RV. Located on the shores of Lake Manatee. Water activities, hiking available. Don’t be fooled! No manatees here! They are blocked by a dam. But still a great place to explore. The Official Website!!! Lake Manatee State Park
Bradenton / Hunsader Farms KOA Holiday – Tent, RV, and cabin camping available on an old family farm-site. Fun! Near many points of interest too. The Official Website!!! Bradenton / Hunsader Farms KOA Holiday
Frog Creek RV Resort and Campground – This private campground is located on the edge of the Tampa Bay, offering access to lots of water activities. Tent and RV campsites available. The Official Website!!! Frog Creek RV Resort and Campground
Duette Preserve is a large Manatee County preserve that offers primitive camping. There is hiking available on the property too. Call 941-742-5923 for more info. The Official Website!!! My Manatee County
Rye Preserve is a 145 acre property located on the Manatee River. Offers weekend tent camping. Call 941-742-5923 for more info. The Official Website!!! My Manatee County
HAPPY CAMPING!!!
