The best waterside campgrounds near Winter Haven, Florida

If Winter Haven’s name doesn’t reel you in, its campsites certainly will. Located in Central Florida, Winter Haven has Lakeland and Tampa to its west and Orlando and Kissimmee just northeast. For your next camping trip, however, you’ll want to start in the city. After you check-in to your tent site, explore Winter Haven’s canal-linked lakes, which provide ample opportunities to fish, boat, and unwind. If you’re planning a family-friendly getaway, opt instead for an RV camping resort and piece together your ultimate camping trip with a day at Legoland. Winter Haven strikes the perfect balance between Florida’s cultural thrills and natural landscapes.

97% (2.2K) • 1 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Winter Haven

By the Pond...

1. By the Pond...

97%

(748)

47mi from Winter Haven · 12 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

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. The pond is Spring-fed at the headwaters of Marsh Branch Creek which begins at our property and flows West about five miles in to Tampa Bay. Approximately 33 private acres allows for plenty of space between our campsites. Property is home to a farm with hundreds of fruit trees- Lychee, Mango, Starfruit, Papaya, Guava). Red Mombin, 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. Parts of property are wide open, other areas are rugged and difficult to walk through including some wetland areas. The nursery has plenty of trees, and some fields -the 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!

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

from

$33

/ night

If Winter Haven’s name doesn’t reel you in, its campsites certainly will. Located in Central Florida, Winter Haven has Lakeland and Tampa to its west and Orlando and Kissimmee just northeast. For your next camping trip, however, you’ll want to start in the city. After you check-in to your tent site, explore Winter Haven’s canal-linked lakes, which provide ample opportunities to fish, boat, and unwind. If you’re planning a family-friendly getaway, opt instead for an RV camping resort and piece together your ultimate camping trip with a day at Legoland. Winter Haven strikes the perfect balance between Florida’s cultural thrills and natural landscapes.

97% (2.2K) • 1 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Winter Haven

By the Pond...

1. By the Pond...

97%

(748)

47mi from Winter Haven · 12 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

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. The pond is Spring-fed at the headwaters of Marsh Branch Creek which begins at our property and flows West about five miles in to Tampa Bay. Approximately 33 private acres allows for plenty of space between our campsites. Property is home to a farm with hundreds of fruit trees- Lychee, Mango, Starfruit, Papaya, Guava). Red Mombin, 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. Parts of property are wide open, other areas are rugged and difficult to walk through including some wetland areas. The nursery has plenty of trees, and some fields -the 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!

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

from

$33

/ night

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

A

Ashley

November 2025

Tent

2 nights at By the Pond...

The site is beautiful! The hosts are absolutely wonderful. They went out of their way to help me when I had trouble with my tent! Highly recommend!

E

Elizabeth

March 2025

28 ft toy hauler

Weekend Trip to By the Pond...

It's on a beautiful spring-fed lake. Campsites are spread out, so very peaceful and a very attentive host. You feel like you're far away from it all, yet it's very handy to everything if you need groceries, camp supplies or even a meal in a restaurant. A great getaway.

K

Kristina

March 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to By the Pond...

Absolutely loved tent camping here. My simple weekend to enjoy the beautiful weather was made even better than I could imagine. Mike was super helpful and knowledgeable, the star fruit is some of the best I’ve ever. It was quiet and the views were nice

D

Diane

February 2025

27 ft Class C

With pets

1 night at By the Pond...

Le 18 février 2025 great place, quiet and peaceful, very zen, we recommend 100% Diane et Mario from Québec

Racquel

February 2025

19 ft Class B

Weekend Trip to By the Pond...

We booked Mike & Bill’s place because we needed a place to just relax and let our two dogs run free. I also loved seeing the baby pigs. Mike was so friendly, he had chairs and firewood all ready for us when we arrived. We loved just sitting by the pond and listening to the birds. The storm did quite a bit of damage ; my heart went out to Mike as he was working hard to get the place back together again. I appreciate that they want to conserve some of nature. Thanks again for sharing your property with us.

E

Eva

January 2025

21 ft Class B

2 nights at By the Pond...

This is such a unique place. We would definitely stay here again - especially when the fruit trees are in full swing. The pigs & piglets were a surprise!

G

Gabriella

January 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to By the Pond...

I loved camping by the lake! Super gorgeous views and the owners were so kind and helpful.

kaite

January 2025

20 ft campervan

1 night at By the Pond...

Mike was the most gracious and attentive host. We felt incredibly blessed to share in the beauty and bounty of this super special farmstead!!

T

Tyler

December 2024

Tent

Weekend Trip to By the Pond...

Awesome place to camp! The owner is very kind and accomodating. It’s just close enough to amenities and just far enough away! We will be back as much as we can!

A

Amber

December 2024

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to By the Pond...

We enjoyed our stay. Beautiful property, our dogs enjoyed the free roam! Only complaint is the neighbors behind (which you can’t see) were blasting music until 1 AM, which is no fault of Mike or Bill.

Jasmine

November 2024

15 ft campervan

With kids

Weekend Trip to By the Pond...

Absolutely loved our stay! Will be going back. Host is amazing and went out of his way for us .

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best waterside camping near Winter Haven guide

Where to go

The Northern Lakes

Winter Haven contains a plethora of lakes, each of which has a distinct identity—and equally distinct campsites. The lakes are divided into Northern and Southern chains, so, for the full Winter Haven experience, drive north and work your way across the freshwater. Rent a cabin overlooking Lake Haines, and you’ll start your camping trip off on the right foot—or with the right paddle.

The Southern Lakes

Keeping in theme, why not explore the area’s other lakes? Pick a lake, any lake, on the Southern Chain of Lakes. Before you park your RV, take it for a spin and enjoy a scenic drive past the likes of Lake Eloise, Lake Summit, and Lake Cannon. Across Polk County, campers will not only find stunning vistas, but also enough fish to fill any campsite grill.

Wildlife Areas

If you’d rather explore Winter Haven’s green spaces, you’re in luck. Wildlife Areas come on all sides of the city, so Florida campers can embrace their inner birdwatchers, fishermen, and nature enthusiasts. Gopher tortoises, in particular, are known to frequent both the Hilochee Wildlife Management Area and the Crooked Lake Wildlife and Environmental Area. Keep your binoculars handy, and you’ll see all sides of Winter Haven.

When to go

Winter Haven is a year-round locale, though, like its name suggests, winter may actually be the best time for your next Florida camping trip. Hurricane season runs from late spring through early fall, so summer campers run the risk of storms. Of course, Florida has earned its “Sunshine State” alias, so you can certainly camp, hike, bike, and swim throughout the year. Just plan to maximize your time in the sun—and around the lakes.