Lake Camping in Palmetto, Florida, US: 12 Best Lake Campsites 2024

United States
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Florida
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Palmetto

98% (595 reviews)

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7 top lakeside campgrounds near Palmetto

98%

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By the Pond...

12 sites · RVs, Tents33 acres · Ruskin, FL

Stay by a lovely pond on 33 acre fruit and ornamental tree nursery property with great vibes. Located near I-75 just 20 miles South of Tampa, 35 miles east of Saint Petersburg, 35 miles North of Sarasota, 2 hours West of Orlando. This property is home to a farm/nursery operation and has a large pond on the west side. Approximately 33 private acres allows for space and social distancing. Site is loaded with hundreds of fruit trees Lychee, Mango, Starfruit, Papaya, Guava), and thousands of banana plants. Fishing can be great, wildlife and bird watching too. Fenced and gated for safety, this old historic nursery property has good vibes and plenty to offer. Until you see it - you really may not understand. Part s of property are wide open, other areas are rugged and difficult to walk through including some wetland areas. The nursery has plenty of trees, & some fields - large pond is surrounded by cattails and marsh/wetlands and has fish (Bass, Tilapia, Sunfish, Catfish). Several species of wildlife have been seen on the property. We think the property is lovely, and definitely want you to enjoy your camping experience!

Honey Bunny’s Urban Oasis

3 sites · RVs1 acre · St Petersburg, FL

Send Van Type and Length with Request to Book 🐝 👀check out our EXTRAS👀 🐝 Elderberry Tonic/Tropic Spice Hot Sauce/Shoo Fly! Bug Spray 🦩WE ONLY HOST VANS/CLASS B vehicles/very small travel trailers🦩 If you need to book for longer VanLife stays just message me 🌈 Everyone Welcome 🌈 As a family who has towed campers across the US a couple times utilizing Hip Camp we know others will appreciate the ease of pulling into our little 1 acre urban oasis just a couple miles off the interstate in Floridas Coolest City. It’s an ideal location to explore St Pete as we are right between the beaches and downtown (5 miles to St Pete beach, 4 miles to downtown -$10 Uber ride), Sarasota and/or Tampa. Ours is an urban spot based on ease, safety and location, not a wilderness "experience" We have a paved circular driveway overlooking our beehives, henhouse and seasonal garden where you’ll find a table with chairs and plenty of space to cookout and enjoy a quiet evening with a great sunset by the blowing bamboo. This is one of South St Pete’s oldest neighborhoods- it surrounds an active former PGA golf course and lively country club. It’s a great place for safely biking or walking with green spaces, tennis courts, playgrounds and dog parks nearby. There are many owls, raptors, green parrots, purple martins and osprey overhead as we’re just a few blocks from the beautiful Boyd Hill Nature Preserve. - not to be missed! The Pinellas Trail is just a short bike ride away too and can lead you to downtown. It is a cyclists favorite! We love our city - happy to give recommendations.

Rasayana Cove

2 sites · Lodging25 acres · Ona, FL

Rasayana Cove is a 25-acre eco-retreat located in the heartland of west central Florida. An hour's drive east of Sarasota surrounded by vast tracts of orange groves and ranch land, Rasayana Cove has been operating as a small retreat center since 1995. The long eastern boundary borders Horse Creek, a major tributary of the Peace River. The property features two spring-fed ponds - one small and the other large. The cabins are accessible by well constructed shell-topped roads with good drainage and a variety of nature pathways. A natural ecosystem remains undisturbed in the middle of the property - a Florida bay head of native flora and wildlife. While most of the state is crowded and overdeveloped, this eco-retreat offers a haven of peace in the pristine nature of Florida

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The Love Lodge

9 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents1 acre · Lithia, FL

The Love Lodge is a tranquil oasis within minutes of the Alafia River State Park, Florida's #1 mountain biking trail, as well as a number of other destinations for boating, hiking, fishing, horseback riding, carting, ATV, and skeet shooting. We are only 5 minutes to the Alderman Ford Canoe Launch on the Alafia River, just upstream of Lithia Springs. The property is also a great jumping off point for berry picking and flower picking when the season is right. Located in the town of Lithia, conveniently between Tampa and Orlando, we are 15 minutes away from antique shopping in Plant City and Lakeland; 20 minutes from Dinosaur World; 30 minutes from Busch Gardens Tampa; and an hour and 15 minutes from Disney World. The Gulf beaches are also within striking distance if you’re looking to enjoy some time on the coast.Your Hosts are available to greet you upon arrival if you like, or are also happy to offer self check-in per guest preference. Additional Details to Note: Ice is available as an Extra and can be purchased upon checkoutWe have good cell service for all carriers, and WiFi is available

Glampers Camp

3 sites · Lodging, RVs33 acres · Port Charlotte, FL

Welcome to your dream RV getaway, where fun reigns supreme and relaxation is the only item on your agenda! Upon arrival, you'll find our fully equipped RV awaiting you, stocked with linens, towels, utensils, and all necessary kitchen supplies. Customize your experience with optional add-ons such as kayak rentals or golf cart rentals. This spacious RV comfortably accommodates up to 5 guests, offering plenty of room for everyone to enjoy. Nestled by the water, revel in the stunning sunsets of southwest Florida while gathered around the fire-pit, keeping an eye out for the abundant wildlife. Outdoors, delight in the convenience of an outdoor kitchen, grill, and fire-pit, along with a cozy seating area featuring rocking chairs. Dine al fresco with the family at the full-size picnic table adjacent to the RV, perfect for sunset dinners. The expansive awning provides ample shade and cleanliness, allowing for comfortable respite during warmer days. With two entrances—one leading into the main living area and another into the bathroom—keeping the sleeping areas pristine is effortless. Step directly into the bathroom to enhance your comfort during your stay. Ample storage space ensures that you'll have more than enough room for all your belongings throughout your stay. Make the most of the campground's amenities, including a pool, hot tub, tennis court, basketball court, pickleball court, and more! And if lounging by the pool isn't your style, fear not—some of the most breathtaking beaches in the United States are just a quick 15-minute drive away, offering a plethora of beachside activities and dining options for a memorable night out. This vacation getaway promises an unforgettable experience! For extended stays exceeding two weeks, please contact us at 862-243-2777 or email bookings@glamperscamp.com for special rates. Please remember to keep your pets on a leash at all times and remain vigilant of local wildlife, including but not limited to alligators, snakes, snapping turtles, and more.

Still Water Pines Pondside Campsite

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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Owen's Family Farm

5 sites · RVs, Tents6 acres · Lithia, FL

We are a small hobby farm in Lithia, FL, looking to provide boutique camp experiences for guests looking for a nature-based yet centrally located agro-tourism family environment. Our property is six acres, and the central feature is our natural spring-fed pond with gorgeous waterfront views. The camping designated area is a one-acre pasture across the pond from the farm house we live in. If you like privacy, you will be happy to know that we have very few designated RV and glamping sites. The property sits at the end of a private road in a quiet country-like setting with mature oak trees decorated with Spanish moss. The current inhabitants of our farm include our three mini-cows, Stormy, Lila, and Boots, two donkeys, Pancho, a standard, and Cindy Lou, a mini. Another two friendly faces you will see are Bacon Bit and Hot Dog, you guessed it, Kune-Kune sows who love to pasture around and be scratched in the back of their ears. Other animals you will see everywhere are our chickens, ducks, and other wild birds. The chickens and ducks don't have names but are also filled with personality. Anytime you are around the farm, feel free to pet and cuddle those furry and feathered friends; they love people and are extremely friendly. Our farm is strategically located. We call it 'one-hour and ten-minutes to anything'. Here's why: We are an hour away from Disney World, Downtown Tampa, the downtown St. Petersburg and Clearwater beach. Most of Tampa Bay suburban areas are also under an hour away. We are also a little over an hour away from some of the most breathtaking springs in Florida. Alderman's Ford, a Hillsborough County conservation park with over seven miles of hiking trails, is within walking or biking distance. The park's most famous attraction is a 1.9-mile paved and one of the state's most popular canoe spots. The loop, which is hiker, dog-walker, and bicycle-friendly, links with a boardwalk and footbridges leading into shaded woods of gigantic cypress and oak trees. There is also a designated horse trail. About 10 minutes down the road, the Alafaia River State Park offers some of the most radical elevation changes in the state. This topography is uncommon for most of Florida, making the park a hot spot for mountain bikers, equestrians, and hikers. The hilly trails at Alafaia River total about 20 miles and run through forests, flatwoods, and lakes. Lithia Springs is also a 10 minute drive and is well-known for its natural spring which flows year-round, cool, and clean water. Great for swimming on a hot day. Also, all standard suburban amenities, including banks, franchised restaurants, fast food, grocery stores, nail and hair salons, coffee shops, urgent care, etc., are 10 minutes away. Inquire about staying at our farm today!

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

100%

(9)

Oscar Scherer State Park

Osprey, Florida

96%

(13)

Myakka River State Park

Lake Sarasota, Florida

100%

(2)

Lake Manatee State Park

The Meadows, Florida

88%

(4)

Alafia River State Park

Fish Hawk, Florida

75%

(3)

Edward Medard Conservation Park

Valrico, Florida

Lakeside camping near Palmetto guide

Overview

Camping around Palmetto places campers close to the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the mangrove forests that dip over lakes and estuaries on the Cocohatchee River. Many state parks dot the area, like Terra Ceia Preserve State Park, Lake Manatee State Park, and Delnor-Wiggins Pass, where campers can hike, fish, snorkel, paddle, and spot local wildlife. Hot and humid summers are perfect for swimming and boating, while cooler spring and winter seasons make a comfortable climate for hiking and mountain biking. No matter when you arrive, nearby campsites feature modern amenities like wifi and hot showers.

Where to go

Terra Ceia Preserve State Park

Just 12 minutes north of Palmetto, sandwiched between Terra Ceia Bay and Tampa Bay, Terra Ceia Preserve State Park is a sanctuary for wildlife. Campers who love to birdwatch wil find blue herons, white ibis, bald eagles, and spoonbills. The park offers nine miles of hiking trails and year-round fishing (with a license) in Terra Ceia Bay. Magical and mysterious mangrove forests hang over creeks and streams, perfect for paddling through natural tunnels created by their drooping branches and rising roots. Bishop Harbor Road and Stotz Road feature boat, canoe, and kayak launches. There’s no camping within the park, but private campsites nearby have tent and RV campsites with hookups and potable water.

Lake Manatee State Park

Though there are no manatees in Lake Manatee, there’s still plenty of camping fun to be had at Lake Manatee State Park. Stay at tent and RV (up to 65 feet) campsites right in the park within walking distance to the beach where pets are welcome to join for sunbathing, swimming, and fishing from land. Campsites with water and electric hookups, a dump station, firepits, and picnic tables can be reserved online up to 11 months in advance. Bike along 2.5 miles of paved biking road, or take it off-road for a mountain biking challenge with bikes available to rent in the park. (Cyclists under 16 need to wear helmets.)

Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park

Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park’s claim to fame is a wealth of boating opportunities through Cocohatchee River estuaries leading directly to the Gulf. Explore Turkey Bay by kayak, canoe, or paddleboard, or search for shells on the ADA-accessible beaches with reservable wheelchairs. Or scuba dive and snorkel along Delnor-Wiggins Pass’ hard-bottom reef. Nearby campsites range from RV campsites with 50-amp hookups and wifi to primitive campsites.

When to go

October to March is generally considered camping season in Florida, when dense, muggy air cools in the evening for a more comfortable climate. Summers in Palmetto have an average daily temp above 86°F with hot and mostly cloudy skies. Short winters (from December to February) are cool and windy, rarely rising above 74°F. Florida camping is available year-round, and the ideal time depends on your preferences.