The best camping near Hillsborough River State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Hillsborough River adventure.

94% (8 reviews)

Hillsborough River State Park draws campers with its Class II rapids and the occasional alligator.

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Community favorites near Hillsborough River State Park

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Hillsborough River State Park

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Hillsborough River Campground

100 sites · RVs, Tents In Hillsborough River State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Hillsborough River State Park

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Wilderness Shores Ranch_Campground!

110 sites · RVs, Tents750 acres · Lakeland, FL

NOW OPEN!!! WINTER SALES GOING ON!!! 750 acres of Ranch, Water and Islands to explore! Wilderness Shores is an active Texas Longhorn Ranch with 3 beautiful miles of Shoreline and 750 acres of Ranch, Water and Islands to explore! Lake View or Oak Forest RV sites available with (20/30/50 amp) along with double water hookups and dump station on site! Shoreline tents sites available right along the lake shoreline! Or chose a primitive tent campsite or RV boondocking! Picnic table, fire ring, water and charcoal grills provided with RV sites and Shoreline tent sites! We also have 2 beautiful RV Camper Rentals on site to book a stay as well, sleeping 4 or 8 guests! Don't have a tent? We rent those too! Tent rentals medium/large are $35-$45. FREE HIGHSPEED OPTIC WIFI ON THE RANCH FOR ALL! Come see the beautiful scenery and breathtaking sunsets! We are Florida's Best Kept Secret! Non-Urbanized, Solitude and Family Fun Recreation! Join us for our exciting Texas Longhorn Cattle drives and kid Hayrides! Pet and feed snacks to our herd of friendly Nigerian Dwarf goats, beautiful Ranch Horses and our amazing Longhorn Cows! Grab a kayak (we rent them) and hit the lake to explore our dozens of islands and vast waterways! Walk or bike ride our many ridge trails! Along with fishing galore on our 3 miles of Lake Shoreline! Sit on our relaxing 3 person swings throughout the property and enjoy a beautiful nature filled sunrise or sunset! End the day with cookouts, music, fun, laughter and family time around the Campfire! Country Store on site with our grass fed hamburger meat/steaks for sale! Along with other food items/ essentials to purchase. Firewood cut on site/large round tubful's for a great price to last all weekend! Friendly pets are welcome! Our Ranch and Campsite is a designated Agritourism by the State of Florida combining its two largest industries, Agriculture and Tourism. Feel free to inquire with us! wildernessshores.com Centrally located! 18 miles to LEGOLAND, 37 miles to Busch Gardens and 32 miles to Disney World! Enjoy all the Parks! In addition, we are 6 miles to Super Walmart for shopping needs.

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SC Campgrounds

27 sites · Lodging, Tents80 acres · Astatula, FL

Welcome to SC Campgrounds, , a peaceful 80 acre homestead turned into a serene activity campground located just outside Orlando, FL. Our campground offers a wide range of accommodations, including several camp sites with power, water, restrooms and cozy campers with central A/C and Heat. But that's not all – we also offer a range of exciting extras to enhance your camping experience. On the estate there is a putt putt course, canoes, pirate ship, swimming pool, ATV trails, and much. And for a unique outdoor movie experience, we offer a projector screen with any movie of your choice - just imagine enjoying your favorite film under the stars! 🎥 Each campsite comes with electricity, a fire pit, and a picnic table. Our campgrounds are very pet friendly as long as you have friendly pets. So what are you waiting for? Come join us at the SC Campgrounds for an unforgettable camping experience filled with nature, farm animals, and plenty of extras to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable. Please note:::::: Requirement as of 2/19/24 All campers and guests must present a valid ID upon check it.

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Smokey Acres

15 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Brooksville, FL

Welcome to Smokey Acres! This property has been in my family for decades. My Husband and I were married under the oaks and have had our share of campfires out there. Down a hidden gravel drive with wetlands on either side you will find a completely fenced in field surrounded by pine, oak, and swamp maple trees. There are two ponds located on the property both stocked with bass, bluegill, and sunfish. The front pond is home to many natural Florida wildlife and is a great location to bird watch. Located a few miles from Brooksville and the Suncoast Parkway, this quiet and peaceful setting is just 5 minutes from the parking area and trailhead for the Suncoast Trail and 10 miles from the famous Weeki Wachee Springs, where you can spend the day at the local park or float down the river with the manatees. Withlacoochee State Park and other natural preserves with trail access and kayaking are only a short distance away, and Dames Cave, Homosassa Springs, and Chasawiska Springs are all within a ~20-minute drive as well. Spending a day at the beach is easy with plenty of options along the Nature Coast. We’re also less than an hour from Tampa and Clearwater and two hours from Orlando. A perfect weekend get-away for anyone looking to “unplug,” Smokey Acres is also a great stop for those passing through the area. We are a close distance to many racing, livestock, boating and fishing events. We have no problem accommodating whatever you’re towing! Whether you'd like a leisurely day on the river or an adventure in the Gulf, there are plenty of boating options nearby. Be sure to make it back to the property in time to enjoy amazing sunsets that bring peace and tranquility to your experience. Our neighbors, JG Ranch, offers U- Pick Fruit and Vegetables or a great selection of local harvest at their roadside stand. This 10-acre property has been in my family for decades. My Husband and I were married under the oaks and have had our share of campfires together out there. I've recently moved back home with my own family and as much as we enjoy the land for ourselves we'd love to share it. Any profit from hosting campers will help us maintain our sustainable farm that we're hoping to expand onto Smokey Acres. Just in! Our dirt road has been repaved. So no worries about a bumpy drive in!

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Still Waters Pines

1 site · RV, Tent2 acres · Dover, FL

Camp in a quiet, secluded area near a pond. Campers may choose to use the firepit, picnic table, or the unique Tea Time Terrace. Bring your fishing poles and enjoy catch and release fishing! Five homes surround the pond so you may occasionally see neighbors fishing. Owners live onsite in a house. We gladly share our space with many birds including ducks, egrets, sandhill cranes, hawks, owls, cardinals, and occasionally spoonbills or Eagles. You might also see turtles, otters, or raccoons. Our nearby county and state parks offer hiking, biking, and canoeing. We are close to the: Florida State Fair - 11 miles Florida Strawberry Festival - 6 miles Gasparilla - 20 miles Busch Gardens - 17 miles Beaches and Disney are an hour away!

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Awakened Retreats

3 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Valrico, FL

Welcome, Hipcampers! Our 1.5-acre retreat features an updated Community Center with a full shower and bathroom. You enjoy our grass-covered campsites with multiple sites space for up to two tents each, fostering a communal camping experience. Engage in on-site activities like board games or bonfires. Explore nearby attractions like Lithia Springs State Park or Florida Aquarium for diverse experiences. Whether relaxing in our retreat, setting up tents, or exploring, our property promises a memorable escape for nature enthusiasts.

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Myrtle Oaks

6 sites · RVs, Tents22 acres · Lakeland, FL

Welcome to our home!Welcome to Lakeland Florida; close to everything, and away from it all! As you enter our property through a canopy of mature oaks you’ll be greeted by a host of curious squirrels, rabbits, turtles, woodpeckers, and the like. Continue down the long dirt road and around the bend to your peaceful campsite.

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(15)

Lake Thomas

3 sites · RVs1 acre · Dade City, FL

Full electrical, sewer, water hookups, WiFi included, dedicated parking spot, property manager/camp ranger lives on property in private house. 18 total parking spots. Plenty of room for your slides and outdoor set up. Quiet, residential neighborhood setting.Dade City is centrally located in heart of Florida and is close to all the exciting Florida attractions. Just an hour's drive away you can visit beautiful Gulf Beaches, Busch Gardens, Disney World, Universal Studios and Sea World. Additionally, there are many antique malls, shopping, breweries, restaurants, museums and other places to explore during your stay. In the quaint Dade City square you can explore several boutiques and locally owned restaurants. So you can enjoy either a small town pace or drive a bit for some big city adventures. Either way, you will love your time spent here.

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Little Spring Retreat

2 sites · Lodging, RVs1 acre · Weeki Wachee, FL

New shell driveway laid down for your RV or car. Always improving!

Saved 2 times

AhiYah Living

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Zephyrhills, FL

Enjoy the prívate country vibe on a 1/2 acre! You may see horses and Carla the goose make to tell them hi.💕 Relax under the clear skies with a bonfire or the sound of nature. You have access to the house on the property which you may use the kitchen, shower, and even read a book in the mediation room.

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Central Florida escape

1 site · RV2 acres · Lakeland, FL

Central Florida location off of I-4 provides sewer, water, and 30 amp. power hookup. Two hours to most beaches nearby Disney and Orlando attractions. Tampa 1 hour away. In a residential neighborhood location behind host and next to guest house. Campsite area the size of most RV parks. Our yard is large and you are welcome to walk around. Rv area 32 long tip to tip area for slides with parking at your campsite. Photo of our Travel Trailer on the site which is a 22 foot. Must back in only. NO pets Chimera and table provided in shaded area No cable hookup Quite hours 10 pm to 8 am No drugs and limiting alcohol consumption Downtown Lakeland has a Saturday Market and Food truck Rallies second Thursday of each month 6 to 9. Lakes abound in our City such as Lakes Hollingsworth, Morton and Parker. Make sure to visit Bonnet Springs Park (3mile away) which has many amenities. Walking trails, Butterfly garden, Starbucks, restaurant and roof top bar.

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Moore Manor

1 site · RV1 acre · Lutz, FL

Our location is situated under large live oak trees in a peaceful suburb of Tampa. The property is 1/2 an acre total but the site is located at the end of our driveway.A large nature preserve with hiking trails is within close walking distance. We're also located near I-275 and I-75 as well as Busch Gardens. The site features a 50 amp hookup and water is available.

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(5)

Bare RV Resort

19 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Land O'lakes, FL

Clothing Optional Oasis… Resort and Campground! Our ADULTS ONLY facility offers tent and RV camping spaces. Our entertainment area includes a pool and hot tub, along with clubhouse including a pool table, dart boards, corn hole, and lots of space to kick back, relax and be one with nature! We are dog friendly. Perfect for first-time nudists! We are woman owned/operated and offer a welcoming and relaxing environment for you to explore nudity. The resort has a lovely recreation area where you may adjust at your own pace. Be one with nature! Prepare for your visit: Our resort is completely BYO at this time. Come prepared with everything you will need for your visit. Feel free to pack a small cooler for your time at the pool (no glass in the recreation area).

The best camping near Hillsborough River State Park guide

Overview

About

Just 30 minutes from downtown Tampa, Hillsborough River State Park draws adventure seekers to some of Florida’s only Class II river rapids, plus seven miles of Central Florida nature trails through hammocks, flatwoods, and wetlands, a suspension bridge, and a swimming pool to cool off in. This popular getaway for birding, wildlife viewing, fishing, and hiking also contains the Fort Foster State Historic Site, a re-construction of an 1830s U.S. Army fort from the Second Seminole War. The sole Hillsborough River Campground features 171 tent camping and RV sites with water, picnic tables, and fire rings. Most (but not all) have electric hookups, too.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Like at other Florida state park campgrounds, all campsites at the Hillsborough River Campground are available to book online or by phone. Florida residents can make campsite reservations 11 months in advance, while non-residents can make reservations 10 months in advance.
Same-day campsites are bookable until 1pm ET, after which time open sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Call the ranger station to check for same-day availability after 1pm.

When to go

Hillsborough River State Park is a year-round destination. Summer break is busy, when campers should prepare for heat, humidity, and rain. Spring and summer rain can also affect the flow of the river, so check river conditions in advance of paddling. Winters are mild and generally pleasant, and the Fort Foster State Historic Site hosts a living history event in December and January.

Know before you go

Kayak, canoe, and bicycle rentals are available on-site.
The park’s historic pavilions, built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), are popular picnic areas. The nearest food services outside of the park are in Zephyrhills and Thonotosassa.
Spring and summer rains can flood lowland areas around Tampa Bay. Hikers should check hiking trail conditions in advance.
No matter when you visit, good hydration and bug spray are key to a safe and comfortable stay.