The best camping near Weeki Wachee Springs State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Weeki Wachee Springs State Park adventure.

Come for the world-famous mermaids, stay for the natural beauty.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Weeki Wachee Springs State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Weeki Wachee Springs State Park

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Little Spring Retreat

3 sites · RVs1 acre · Weeki Wachee, FL

We have a 50' x 100' lot one canal from the Weeki Wachee river. Brand new shower house and dock! We have four single kayak/SUP hybrids, bonfire area, and grill. There are three sites available now: RV hookup, tent, and an Aliner camper. We are a few minute paddle from the pristine crystal clear river. Come enjoy the tranquillity of nature while also being close to restaurants and stores. New shell driveway laid down for your RV. Always improving!

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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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The Olive Grove Cabin Tent

19 sites · Lodging, Tents4 acres · Brookridge, FL

Glamping in The Olive Grove. Aframe Cabin Tent nestled in a 4 acre olive orchard. We are a working farm and harvest and mill our olives into high quality, extra virgin olive oil. Free range chickens and ducks and rescue dogs roam the grounds. Cabin tent side opens, queen bed, Wi-fi, heat and AC, TV, electric outlets and fire pit. Kitchenette and bathrooms are separate from the cabin tent. Kitchenette has coffee maker, toaster over/ air fryer, hot plate, pots and pans. Bathrooms have showers with hot water and flushing toilets. Located on the bike path, close to Weeki Wachee River Mermaids and the beautiful Chassahwitzka River. Relax, rest and take it all in. No pets please. Enjoy farm fresh eggs and fresh olive oil with your stay, our gift. Firewood available $1 per log. Farm Store open on weekends August thru March. Ask about our kayak and sailboat adventures.

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The Funky Flamingo

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Weeki Wachee, FL

Reconnect with nature at this unforgettable escape! Located in Weeki Wachee on the Mud Spring between the Gulf Of Mexico and Weeki Wachee River. Kayaks are provided for adventures on the water. Head upriver to Weeki Wachee River or down river to paddling trails or the Gulf! There is a park style grill on site, an outdoor sink and a restroom with a toilet and a sink, all steps away from your camper. On Site boat rentals are available. The property sits on an Old Florida natural setting on the Mud River and the Mud Spring, with 500 feet of waterfront. Property was originally a fish camp with a 3 bedroom main unit surrounded by 4 efficiency rooms. The motel is in the process of being lovingly restored for future guests. We hope all of our guests that get the opportunity to stay in this beautiful area are able to connect with nature and recharge.

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Weeki wachee Sharing the Main river

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Weeki Wachee, FL

Location location! We sit on the Main river of Weeki Wachee. You can snorkel from the seawall, boat, swim, fish, and cookout. Watch the manatees / dolphins go by! Kayak and enjoy what a water front property has to offer. We are settled in a rustic two story 2 bed 1 bath cabin on the main river what a beautiful view screened in porch downstairs with a kitchenette, medium-size fridge ,microwave coffee pot ! Downstairs is owner occupied with pets totally separate units and entrances.

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Boulevard Landing

4 sites · RVs1 acre · Port Richey, FL

5645 Bay Boulevard is 2 blocks off US 19 in Port Richey Florida. The property is 1 mile east of the Gulf Of Mexico. There are 5 restaurants on the water that are a short ride bicycle, golf cart or 1 wheel ride away. One is a Hooters. Within 2 blocks is a Dunkin Donuts, Culvers and Hardees. Walmart is accessible without driving on 19. If you need fuel there is a WaWa and Walmart station. The Veteran's Expressway is a short drive east which makes a drive to the Tampa Fairgrounds less than 1 hour. We have a 50 amp covered full hook up spot, a 50 amp with water spot and 6 plus boondocking spots. We have a place to dump and refill the water tank. We aren't fancy, just very convenient. Convenience is what makes our property special. We enjoy being able to help people save while enjoying a nice safe place to stay John Thompson is the manager of the property and lives in the house .

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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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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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Sheepy Hollow

3 sites · RVs3 acres · Spring Hill, FL

Are you searching for a quiet, tranquil space to hook up your RV or Travel Trailer for a few days, weeks, or long term? Look no further! Come share three beautiful acres of oak trees and pines in northern Pasco County located north of Tampa on the Gulf Coast. Four adorably sweet miniature Babydoll lambs wander the grounds. Three lovely camping spots located at the end of a cul-de-sac away from the hustle and bustle, but still close to shopping and restaurants. We currently have three full hook-up spots available with brand new 50 amp service including water and sewer at the site, so no dealing with disgusting dump stations! Free wifi access AND laundry facilities! Owners live on premises for safety, security, peace of mind and attentiveness. 8 minutes to Publix, Walgreen’s, Starbucks, Dunkin', gas stations, and some restaurants, including a brand new Culver's (We're very excited!). 10 minutes to the Veteran’s expressway. 30 minutes to I-75. Under 20 minutes to Weeki Wachee Mermaids, natural springs, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, fishing, manatees, boat ramps, and many more restaurants! 30 minutes to Trinity, Crystal River, Homosassa, and ATV trails. 45 minutes to Wesley Chapel. Under 1 hour to Tampa International, theaters, Busch Gardens and Adventure Island, museums, pristine white sand beaches, Ybor nightlife, concerts, professional sporting events (hockey, baseball, football, and soccer!), USF, and so much more! Under 2 hours to Disney World, Universal, Sea World, Legoland, and all that Orlando offers! Historic Cedar Key, Micanopy antiques, and Gainesville. About 3 hours to Daytona Beach, Bike Week, and Cape Canaveral.

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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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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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Cotee River Bend

15 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · New Port Richey, FL

Our RV Campsites are located in a grassy field next to dense woods. Electric and water hookups are included in the RV/Camper sites, but not the Tent Site. All sites have a picnic table. Cell phone service is not a problem, as we are not that remote (although it sort of feels like we are when you are here) - we are 5 min from downtown New Port Richey, 2 minutes from groceries, gas, restaurants. This beautiful slice of Old Florida is named for the Pithlachascotee River that bends along the back side of the property. Pithlo is the Creek word meaning canoe, and chaskita means to dig or chop out, together signifying "place where canoes are chopped or dug out". Seminoles of this area used canoes dug out from the great cypress trees found along Florida rivers. From the 1980s until 2014, this property was owned by the Cotee River Lions Club. They held a popular monthly pancake breakfast fundraiser in the large pavilion along the river. We purchased this 4.9 acres of land in late 2019. It is now where we live and have a woodworking shop. It has been a magical place for us, with no shortage of wildlife, rich jungle forest, a lazy winding narrow river, and even the occasion river otter sighting. We are grateful to all the humans who have occupied this place over the centuries before us for keeping it as nature intended it. It is our intention to do our part to conserve and protect its natural beauty as long as possible. We hope you find it to be as restful and rejuvenating as we do.

The best camping near Weeki Wachee Springs State Park guide

Overview

About

Want to feel like you’ve entered a live version of The Little Mermaid? Check out Central Florida’s Weeki Wachee State Park, located near the Gulf Coast. The daily Weeki Wachee mermaid show began as a roadside attraction in the 1940s and has been popular ever since, with an underwater theater looking directly into the crystal-clear waters of the natural spring. Aside from the live mermaids, the park’s main attractions include outdoor recreation in the Weeki Wachee River, including swimming, paddling, and snorkeling. The Buccaneer Bay waterpark boasts thrilling water slides that land in the spring-fed swimming area. Or, take a river boat cruise to learn more about the history and landscapes of this slice of Old Florida. This Florida State Park does not offer onsite camping, but private options are plentiful nearby.

Tips for snagging a campsite

The Serenova Tract of the Starkey Wilderness Preserve is operated by the Southwest Florida Water Management District. Camping is free, but registration is required.
Reservations for Starkey Wilderness Preserve may be made online through the Southwest Florida Water Management District.
Starkey Wilderness Preserve offers dry camping only.
Reservations for Withlacoochee State Forest campgrounds may be made on the Reserve America website or by calling 877-879-3859.
Tillis Hill Campground offers 30-amp and 50-amp electric hookups and has potable water spigots.

When to go

If you hope to see manatees, along with the mermaids, visit Weeki Wachee Springs State Park in the winter, as the 72-degree waters are perfect for manatees. The weather is pleasant, with highs in the 70s and lows in the 40s. For watersports, visit during spring, fall, or summer, when daily temperatures reach the 80s. Summers are hotter and more humid, with frequent rains and thunderstorms possible.

Know before you go

The live mermaid show is held several times a day, and seating is first-come-first-served. Arrive early for the best chance to catch the show.
Tube and kayak rentals are available onsite and through nearby vendors.
You must rent a tube onsite to do the lazy river and cannot use your own floats.
The Weeki Wachee River boat rides are also offered on a limited basis.
The park is located less than an hour from Tampa and two hours from Orlando’s popular theme park area.
Though it is considered safe to swim in the Weeki Wachee River, since alligators prefer warmer, murkier waters, alligator sightings are not out of the question.