The best river, stream, or creek glamping in Central Florida

·

The world’s go-to destination for amusement parks and Disney-dream vacations might not seem like the obvious choice for a camping trip. But theme parks are just one string to Central Florida’s bow. This sunny central region has everything a camper could want: white-sand shores stretch along the Gulf Coast to the west of the Gulf Coast; wild beaches and barrier islands dot the Atlantic Coast to the east; and vast Lakelands encircle the hub of Orlando. Time your camping trip for fall through spring if you can, or bring your RV—the summer heat can be unbearable for tent campers.

100% (5)

Top-rated campgrounds

Sandy Bottom River Retreat

1. Sandy Bottom River Retreat

92%
(92)
5 sites · Tents, Lodging · Wimauma, FL
Welcome to Sandy Bottom River Retreat – Your Private Escape into Nature’s Serenity Discover the perfect blend of peace, adventure, and natural beauty at Sandy Bottom River Retreat. Tucked away in the heart of Wimauma’s untouched wilderness, this secluded hideaway offers private river access and a truly off-the-grid camping experience surrounded by towering pines, lush palmettos, and the soothing sounds of the great outdoors. Enjoy a refreshing dip, launch your kayak or tube, or simply unwind along the golden sandy riverbank where the water sparkles knee-deep and crystal clear. Wildlife enthusiasts will love spotting deer, rabbits, otters, and a colorful array of native birds that make this retreat their home. While you’ll feel miles away from everything, modern conveniences are just minutes away—restaurants, shops, and deliveries from Walmart, Instacart, or Amazon can reach you in no time. Two of our campsites sit directly on the river, while the others are a short, scenic walk away. Please note that this is a rustic, amenity-free experience designed for true nature lovers. The area is rural and neighbors may occasionally ride ATVs or enjoy target practice on their own land. For safety and peace of mind, outdoor cameras are placed around the property to help ensure the protection of our guests and the land. We maintain a zero-tolerance policy for hunting, shooting, or archery on site to preserve the peaceful environment for all. Looking for a private event booking or clothing-optional friendly stay? Contact us in advance to reserve one of our coveted riverfront sites or inquire about exclusive property rentals. Come reconnect with nature, recharge your spirit, and experience camping the way it was meant to be—wild, beautiful, and unforgettable.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$24
 / night
Yurt Glamping Nature in the City

2. Yurt Glamping Nature in the City

96%
(12)
2 sites · Lodging · Tampa, FL
A magical space designed to give you peace and serenity from the hussle bussle of the city. Formally, a yoga studio, this yurt is 30 ft round which is about 800 square feet w/ 30 ft high vaulted dome. The ancient cultures who lived in yurts lived longer happy lives due to the closeness to nature the round design; & nomadic lifestyle. We invite you to enjoy this perfect getaway space, affordable accommodation w/ outdoor dining; No parties. RV parking & electric hookup for RV. Dog friendly, only friendly dogs and people. This is glamping experience, no kitchen or hot water. However there is a small fridge, coffee maker, hot plate & full bathroom a short walk to the shed. Book a meditation, yoga or private Soundbath for an extra charge, inquire with host. Yoga can be specialized from chanting to Tantric meditations. 420 friendly however please be discreet. This is not a party atmosphere please respect the property, this is family atmosphere. Looking forward to hosting you!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$56
 / night
Runaway Bay Lodge

3. Runaway Bay Lodge

94%
(172)
7 sites · Lodging · Seville, FL
Runaway Bay Lodge - a place where Love and Magic Happen After the 4 mile trip through The Lake George State Forest, you will pass two small RV campgrounds of Pine Island. Runaway Bay Lodge is the first private property past The Pine Island RV Campground, on the right side of the street. OUR PROPERTY IS NOT LOCATED IN THE CAMPGROUND. We have 4 separate units on our property, including 2 cabins and 3 yurts, Each cabin and yurt is set up with only one bed, in each. We are a perfect spot for solo journeyers and couples. Larger groups can rent multiple units. We also host 3rd party retreats for up to 12 total guests. We do allow cannabis smoking on our property, in the common areas outside of the tents and cabins. We offer our exclusive holistic services and Yoga, Plant Based Vegan, Vegetarian and Non Vegetarian Meal Options, Energy work and other holistic well-being services, Small Group Retreats, Boat Tours and Boat Rentals. Use of a private vehicle is required. The property is on a natural 46000 acre lake that is connected to The Atlantic Ocean by The St Johns River. This location offers abundant wildlife refuge. This can be exciting, but dangerous. Please do not feed or approach the wildlife. You may see alligators, snakes, otters, manatees, as well as several species of fish and birds, including, but not limited to, american bald eagles, egret, heron, seagulls, bass, mullet, crappie, bluegill and more. Please simply use caution and do not attempt to disturb the animals or their environment.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$102
 / night
Moonwake on Drayton Island

6. Moonwake on Drayton Island

100%
(10)
1 site · Lodging · FL
Drayton Island is a private island (only accessible by boat*) on Lake George and the St. John's River in North Central Florida, home of the manatee and crystal clear fresh water springs and part of the historical "Bartram Trail". We are on 6 secluded, jungle acres with 12 more additional available for exploring. We have a canoe and a pontoon boat that seats 8 people available for guided charter. You can explore the shoreline, find hidden canals or be at one of our crystal clear, freshwater springs in about 15 minutes. Enjoy stunning sunrises from our private dock, watch the wildlife from anywhere on the property. NO CLEANING FEES :) *private water taxi may be available for $60 round trip. If you need a water taxi please inquire in regards to availability before booking. After sundown and late night pick ups will incur a surcharge. See EXTRAS .
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$300
 / night

The world’s go-to destination for amusement parks and Disney-dream vacations might not seem like the obvious choice for a camping trip. But theme parks are just one string to Central Florida’s bow. This sunny central region has everything a camper could want: white-sand shores stretch along the Gulf Coast to the west of the Gulf Coast; wild beaches and barrier islands dot the Atlantic Coast to the east; and vast Lakelands encircle the hub of Orlando. Time your camping trip for fall through spring if you can, or bring your RV—the summer heat can be unbearable for tent campers.

100% (5)

Top-rated campgrounds

Sandy Bottom River Retreat

1. Sandy Bottom River Retreat

92%
(92)
5 sites · Tents, Lodging · Wimauma, FL
Welcome to Sandy Bottom River Retreat – Your Private Escape into Nature’s Serenity Discover the perfect blend of peace, adventure, and natural beauty at Sandy Bottom River Retreat. Tucked away in the heart of Wimauma’s untouched wilderness, this secluded hideaway offers private river access and a truly off-the-grid camping experience surrounded by towering pines, lush palmettos, and the soothing sounds of the great outdoors. Enjoy a refreshing dip, launch your kayak or tube, or simply unwind along the golden sandy riverbank where the water sparkles knee-deep and crystal clear. Wildlife enthusiasts will love spotting deer, rabbits, otters, and a colorful array of native birds that make this retreat their home. While you’ll feel miles away from everything, modern conveniences are just minutes away—restaurants, shops, and deliveries from Walmart, Instacart, or Amazon can reach you in no time. Two of our campsites sit directly on the river, while the others are a short, scenic walk away. Please note that this is a rustic, amenity-free experience designed for true nature lovers. The area is rural and neighbors may occasionally ride ATVs or enjoy target practice on their own land. For safety and peace of mind, outdoor cameras are placed around the property to help ensure the protection of our guests and the land. We maintain a zero-tolerance policy for hunting, shooting, or archery on site to preserve the peaceful environment for all. Looking for a private event booking or clothing-optional friendly stay? Contact us in advance to reserve one of our coveted riverfront sites or inquire about exclusive property rentals. Come reconnect with nature, recharge your spirit, and experience camping the way it was meant to be—wild, beautiful, and unforgettable.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$24
 / night
Yurt Glamping Nature in the City

2. Yurt Glamping Nature in the City

96%
(12)
2 sites · Lodging · Tampa, FL
A magical space designed to give you peace and serenity from the hussle bussle of the city. Formally, a yoga studio, this yurt is 30 ft round which is about 800 square feet w/ 30 ft high vaulted dome. The ancient cultures who lived in yurts lived longer happy lives due to the closeness to nature the round design; & nomadic lifestyle. We invite you to enjoy this perfect getaway space, affordable accommodation w/ outdoor dining; No parties. RV parking & electric hookup for RV. Dog friendly, only friendly dogs and people. This is glamping experience, no kitchen or hot water. However there is a small fridge, coffee maker, hot plate & full bathroom a short walk to the shed. Book a meditation, yoga or private Soundbath for an extra charge, inquire with host. Yoga can be specialized from chanting to Tantric meditations. 420 friendly however please be discreet. This is not a party atmosphere please respect the property, this is family atmosphere. Looking forward to hosting you!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$56
 / night
Runaway Bay Lodge

3. Runaway Bay Lodge

94%
(172)
7 sites · Lodging · Seville, FL
Runaway Bay Lodge - a place where Love and Magic Happen After the 4 mile trip through The Lake George State Forest, you will pass two small RV campgrounds of Pine Island. Runaway Bay Lodge is the first private property past The Pine Island RV Campground, on the right side of the street. OUR PROPERTY IS NOT LOCATED IN THE CAMPGROUND. We have 4 separate units on our property, including 2 cabins and 3 yurts, Each cabin and yurt is set up with only one bed, in each. We are a perfect spot for solo journeyers and couples. Larger groups can rent multiple units. We also host 3rd party retreats for up to 12 total guests. We do allow cannabis smoking on our property, in the common areas outside of the tents and cabins. We offer our exclusive holistic services and Yoga, Plant Based Vegan, Vegetarian and Non Vegetarian Meal Options, Energy work and other holistic well-being services, Small Group Retreats, Boat Tours and Boat Rentals. Use of a private vehicle is required. The property is on a natural 46000 acre lake that is connected to The Atlantic Ocean by The St Johns River. This location offers abundant wildlife refuge. This can be exciting, but dangerous. Please do not feed or approach the wildlife. You may see alligators, snakes, otters, manatees, as well as several species of fish and birds, including, but not limited to, american bald eagles, egret, heron, seagulls, bass, mullet, crappie, bluegill and more. Please simply use caution and do not attempt to disturb the animals or their environment.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$102
 / night
Moonwake on Drayton Island

6. Moonwake on Drayton Island

100%
(10)
1 site · Lodging · FL
Drayton Island is a private island (only accessible by boat*) on Lake George and the St. John's River in North Central Florida, home of the manatee and crystal clear fresh water springs and part of the historical "Bartram Trail". We are on 6 secluded, jungle acres with 12 more additional available for exploring. We have a canoe and a pontoon boat that seats 8 people available for guided charter. You can explore the shoreline, find hidden canals or be at one of our crystal clear, freshwater springs in about 15 minutes. Enjoy stunning sunrises from our private dock, watch the wildlife from anywhere on the property. NO CLEANING FEES :) *private water taxi may be available for $60 round trip. If you need a water taxi please inquire in regards to availability before booking. After sundown and late night pick ups will incur a surcharge. See EXTRAS .
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$300
 / night

Camper favorites in and near Central Florida

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Stories from the community

Other options in and near Central Florida

Value Prop
Value Prop
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best river, stream, or creek glamping in Central Florida guide

Where to go

Orlando and the Lake Country

Orlando’s theme parks might pull in the crowds, but the city is also surrounded by lakes and forests, affording plenty of options for fishing, paddling, and lakeside camping. Explore the hiking and horseback riding trails around Lake Apopka, cool off swimming and kayaking at Wekiwa Springs State Park, or seek out a tranquil campsite in Seminole State Forest. Further north, Ocala National Forest has 12 developed campgrounds and miles of backcountry camping. 

Florida Heartlands

Florida’s rural heartlands stretch north and west of Lake Okeechobee, the state’s largest freshwater lake. This is the spot to escape the crowds, whether parking your RV on a farmland Hipcamp, hiking and paddling the wetlands of Lake Kissimmee State Park, or fishing for bass on Lake Placid.

Atlantic Coast

Just a 40-minute drive from Orlando, the Canaveral National Seashore has some of the best backcountry camping along the Atlantic Coast, where you can boat or kayak to remote islands and pitch your tent right on the beach. Further north, there are plenty of RV parks and campgrounds between New Smyrna Beach, Daytona Beach, and Palm Coast, with easy access to the beaches, dunes, and lagoons. 

Gulf Coast

Urban campers have plenty of options around Tampa, the gateway to Central Florida’s Gulf Coast. Pitch your tent by white-sand beaches at Fort de Soto Park or Cayo Costa State Park, go fishing and hiking at Little Manatee River State Park, or enjoy some of Florida’s only whitewater rafting at Hillsborough River State Park.

Popular Central Florida glamping styles