The best camping near Fort Cooper State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Fort Cooper State Park adventure.

Discover the natural splendor of Fort Cooper State Park.

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Top-rated campgrounds near Fort Cooper State Park

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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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Lucky U Ranch

15 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents60 acres · Bushnell, FL

Authentic old Florida homestead. Beautiful Spanish moss veiled Grandfather Oak trees, rolling subtle grassy hills and Cypress filled wetlands with an abundant of bird life every day. We raise Nigerian Dairy goats and always have time for goat visits and petting. Our horses are boarded at night and roam freely during the day along with our donkeys. Hiking our land and marked trails, gives you the feeling of serenity and back to nature, clearing your mind so you can remember what nature is all about. Just minutes away are amazing places and parks like the Withlacoochee State park, Hog Island and the Withlacoochee river, where kayaking is a must. Peace and quiet and privacy as you tent, stay in one of our RV's or bring your own. Be part of our AGRITOURISM VENUE and take part in the RANCH EXPERIENCE, a guided visit to meet and pet our livestock, from baby goats to miniature horses! Get to pet one of our over 60 goats and check out our twin turkeys and many chickens.... Pigs are just begging to be scratched as well!!! As it gets warmer out.... How about renting one of our portable AC's for tent camping. Stay cool at night and enjoy the springs, rivers and forest during the day. ENJOY!

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SC Campgrounds

29 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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Crystal River Paradise Camp

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents1 acre · Crystal River, FL

Monthly reduced rates for RV's available! NEW! This property is close to everything! Precious lighting turns the property into a virtual lightshow at dusk! Crystal River Famous Fishing, Beautiful crystal-clear springs for diving, swimming and tubing. Manatees and abundant wildlife. RV's and campers alike will enjoy creature comforts of fast Internet, Water hookup, Firewood, Toilet, 30 AMP, Electricity and Sewer. You will have access to a gas grill, horseshoes, spring fed pond stocked with bass, canoe, and a fire pit on the deck already stocked with propane. There are three wood-burning firepits on the campsite with one being a chimenea to roast marshmallows and hot dogs! Firewood and starter log provided and subsequent firewood for sale. Gazebo with table and chairs and a beautiful outdoor shower with views of mossy oak trees! The outdoor shower is a must. For CAMPERS! I do provide a camping toilet with bags for disposal along with hand sanitizer. Water is available from the hose on the deck. Tea and morning coffee will be provided. You are literally 1 mile from 2 parks with hiking trails (7-mile loop) to view all types of wildlife including alligators, birds, fox and deer. Kayaking spots are abundant. Historic Downtown offers a variety of bars and restaurants as well as local artist crafts. There is something for everyone. PS My backyard paradise is much more beautiful than my photographs. FREE WIFI!

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Higher Ground "The Barn"

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Lecanto, FL

Come get back to nature with camping at your comfort level and YES, we have A/C AND MINI HEATERS and a mini-fridge in all of our cabins. PLEASE note that there IS A PET FEE and AND WOOD FEE and it must be added when you complete booking (as Extras). Kayaks available for rent too! Whether you'd like a tent site (tents available) or a rustic cabin with lofts, we have what you're looking for. Get out of the city and get into nature. Just over an hour drive from Tampa or Orlando and you'll be laying in a hammock or making s'mores by the campfire. BUT REMEMBER, you are IN THE WOODS.. Bugs live in the woods and eliminating them all is never possible. Bring spray :) We spray weekly but there are all kinds of bugs around because you're camping! We even have Kayaks available for rent to head to Crystal River or Lake Henderson!

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Idlewild Lodge and RV Park

18 sites · Lodging, RVs3 acres · Lake Panasoffkee, FL

Idlewild Lodge and RV Park is located on the spring-fed waters of Lake Panasoffkee and built on 3 acres with 10 cabins and 10 RV pads. While peaceful and quaint, Idlewild offers all the comforts of home accompanied with plentiful amenities. Positioned as a boutique lodge, groups may find it ideal to host private events and families will find the amenities to be entertaining while also serving as a unique, but truly “Floridian,” nature experience. Located on the western perimeter of Lake Panasoffkee, Idlewild sits across a 9,911 acre state park preserving Lake Panasoffkee's vast floodplain forest, natural springs, pine flat-woods, freshwater marshes and oak scrub forest. Recognizing the beauty Lake Pan has to offer, the current owners revitalized Idlewild in 2022 welcoming residents and tourists alike to enjoy the natural beauty and fishing opportunities. In addition to cabin renovations and paved RV sites, Idlewild now features premium amenities including pontoon boat rentals, bait and tackle, a boat launch, boat slips, vending, recreational area, laundry machines, an on-site café, pool-side cabanas, and the most spectacular views of Lake Pan while sitting around the gas-fired fire pit. Idlewild is also host to Swamp Fever Airboat Adventures. Swamp Fever guests can sign up for the interactive alligator experience and ride an airboat deep into the shallow waters of Lake Pan's forest where snakes, turtles, cranes, and gators are aplenty.

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Manatee Delight RV Camp Site

1 site · RV, Tent7 acres · Homosassa, FL

Sandwiched between the Homosassa River and the Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, this property has unique features, including karst windows with bubbling fresh water, natural springs, and large, mature trees. Learn more about this land: Tucked along a narrow road, this unique site offers users direct access to the crystal clear waters of the south-east fork of the Homosassa River. Use our kayaks or bring your own to explore one of Florida’s Outstanding Waterways where you may meet a manatee, observe otters, find fish, or watch wildlife of all kinds. The site has direct access to Pepper Creek Trail, a 0.75-mile paved trail that is part of the Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. While you’re there, swing into the state park to view the sparkling waters of the Homosassa head spring and meet all of the native wildlife ambassadors, including Florida panthers, black bears, endangered whooping cranes, and many other amazing animals. Interested in charter fishing, scalloping, or an ecotour? Your hosts are both professional, experienced charter captains. Avoid the crowds at the dock and step right onto the boat here! Ask for availability prior to your stay. The site is private and away from the hosts home, approximately 75-yards from the river, with electricity and water provided. There is no sewer hookup; restrooms and shower facilities are not available. If you plan on tent camping, please bring your own method to contain and dispose of solid toilet wastes. ***HURRICANE DAMAGE*** The small green building at the site sustained damage from Hurricane Idalia. We are working to repair the roof. It does not affect the campsite, however, it is unsightly and for that we apologize.

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Homosassa Springs RV site

1 site · RV1 acre · Homosassa, FL

Homosassa is an old Florida fishing town that is a hidden gem along the gulf coast, this site is nestled quietly at the head of the river. This location is close to Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park where you can discover the wild side of Florida with endangered Florida panther, red wolf, manatee and whooping crane, plus black bear, bobcat and, of course, alligator.The site is located 150 ft from the dock on our private residential property at the head of the springs. This is a residential area and is very quiet. This listing is for the SITE ONLY. Setup your own RV under the shade then enjoy our shared dock with direct access into the Homosassa springs for a refreshing dip or paddle. We provide full hookups (water, sewer, 50amp electric) for your RV as well as WIFI service and access to the docks for your boat or swimming. We have kayaks and paddleboards INCLUDED with our site or bring your own to paddle the springs and take a chance at seeing a manatee up close and personal or catching some fish. The site is located 150 ft from the dock on our private residential property at the head of the springs. This is a residential area and is very quiet. Homosassa is an old Florida fishing town that is a hidden gem along the gulf coast, this site is nestled quietly at the head of the river.

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Old Black Crow Retreat

3 sites · RVs1 acre · Homosassa, FL

Learn more about this land:Pick a spot pitch a tent! Small pond and dock A electrical outlets will be furnished on a common area for charging phones, coffee furnished in am as well, community grill as well, as chairs to use on my dock and back porch and yard! Walking to restaurants parks as well. Boat ramp down the road. Close to Homosassa River and Mason creek to fish boat. Close to 8 eatery’s and 3 grocery stores. Dry camp pack in pack out. Will provide potable water. A portable pot will be furished or bring your own . No dumping on site allowed. Pack in pack out.

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Primitive Island on Withlacoochee

1 site · Tent24 acres · Hernando, FL

Primitive Island is an island located directly on the Withlacoochee River across from Halpata Tastanaki Preserve. This is a BOAT ACCESS ONLY tent/hammock primitive site. Nearby you will see lots of wildlife. There are multiple springs you can visit while you paddle. The river offers great fishing including bass, bluegill, stumpknockers and blue catfish and those are just some of the fish that live here. Great for kids as they can fish right from the campsite! The river also offers a gorgeous paddling route which includes Nichols spring, Big Blue Spring, Gum Slough and the rainbow river.

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Bring Your Horse

6 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Dunnellon, FL

Small horse farm, mostly wooded, borders Ross Prairie State Forest. Peaceful woods, nice place for walking and horseback riding. Places for tents and campers. Laid back, pet friendly place next to our small horse farm. Sorry, we do not rent horses, but you may bring your own. We do not have hookups available at this time. Very private.

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Happy Campers Rescue Ranch

11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Dunnellon, FL

Welcome! 🌿 We're thrilled to have you join us for an unforgettable experience surrounded by nature and animals. 🐾 At our ranch, we're dedicated to providing a sanctuary for rescued animals and offering our guests a unique opportunity to connect with nature and support our mission of animal welfare and conservation. Our property is more than just a place to stay – it's a haven where you can relax, unwind, and make memories that will last a lifetime. 🌟 During your stay, you'll have the chance to meet our furry friends, including rescued farm animals and adorable companions who call Happy Glampers Rescue Ranch home. Whether you're feeding the goats, cuddling with the kittens, or exploring the beautiful surroundings, there's something for everyone to enjoy. 🐷🐱🌳 We offer various accommodations allowing you to experience the beauty of nature without sacrificing the comforts of home. 🏕️ But that's not all – we also offer a range of exciting extras to enhance your experience. Rent a Kayak or Paddle Boat to explore the area and crystal-clear waters of Rainbow Springs, or choose our cooler with built-in air conditioning ❄️ to stay comfortable during hot summer days inside your tent. As a guest, you'll not only have the opportunity to relax and unwind, but you'll also be supporting our mission of animal rescue and rehabilitation. A portion of your stay goes directly towards caring for our rescued animals and maintaining our sanctuary, allowing us to continue our important work. 🤲 We can't wait to welcome you to out ranch and share our love for animals and nature with you. Whether you're looking for a weekend getaway, a family vacation, or a unique retreat, we're here to make your stay unforgettable. 🌈 ***We kindly request bookings for a maximum duration of up to 7 days. This allows us to maintain the integrity of our sanctuary for both our cherished rescued farm animals and our guests. By limiting stays to this duration, we ensure that our animals receive consistent care and attention while also offering our guests the opportunity to enjoy a refreshing and rejuvenating getaway. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in this matter. Thank you for choosing our ranch – we look forward to hosting you soon! 🎉

The best camping near Fort Cooper State Park guide

Overview

About

Tucked away in the heart of Florida lies a camping paradise waiting to be explored. Camping near Fort Cooper State Park offers adventurers a chance to immerse themselves in over 700 acres of pristine nature. Fort Cooper State Park provides the perfect setting for campers to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with nature. Whether you're looking to hike through lush forests, study the fascinating flora and fauna, or learn about Florida's rich history, this park has it all. For those who enjoy water activities, Lake Holathlikaha is a popular spot for fishing and boating. While private boats are not allowed, campers can rent canoes to explore the tranquil waters when conditions permit. Imagine gliding along the calm surface of the lake, surrounded by the beauty of nature and the sounds of wildlife. Nature enthusiasts will be delighted to discover that Fort Cooper State Park is home to nearly 5 miles of self-guided trails. These trails offer excellent opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife viewing. As you wander through the park's diverse natural areas, keep an eye out for threatened and endangered species that call this place home. Camping near Fort Cooper State Park is not just about enjoying the great outdoors; it's about creating unforgettable memories. Whether you're embarking on a solo adventure or spending quality time with loved ones, Fort Cooper State Park provides the perfect backdrop for a camping experience like no other.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Reserve early by calling the park directly to secure your spot in the primitive group camp.
For youth groups, book up to 60 days in advance, and for adult groups, up to 30 days ahead.
Ensure you have an adult chaperone for every 10 children in your group.
Explore nearby camping options if the primitive sites are fully booked.

When to go

The best time to visit Fort Cooper State Park is during the cooler months from November to March, when Florida's heat and humidity are at bay. Summer months can be hot and rainy, potentially impacting outdoor activities and wildlife viewing.

Know before you go

Fort Cooper State Park is open from 8am until sundown, 365 days a year, with an honor box for the $3 vehicle fee.
Accessible amenities are available for all visitors, including restrooms and picnic facilities.
Pets are welcome on trails and in picnic areas, provided they are on a leash no longer than six feet.
For a historical experience, follow the Seminole Heritage Trail and visit the fort site.
Remember to bring correct change for the honor box when paying entry fees.