- Ruskin
By the Pond...
Hosted by Mike · Ruskin, Florida
12 sites · RV, Tent, Lodging · 33 acres
Best Hipcamps in Florida
Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2025.
Best in Florida: 3rd place
Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2024.
Amazing views
Hipcampers say this spot has amazing views.
Family-friendly
Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.
from
$33
/ night12 sites
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Tent-only sites
1 site
Site 9 North side of Pond
95%
(28)Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
from
for 4 guests$33
/ nightRV/tent sites
10 sites
High demandInstant book
Site 4 at the Dock
97%
(93)Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
from
for 4 guests$33
/ night
High demandInstant book
Site 7 West Road
99%
(91)Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
from
for 4 guests$33
/ night
Instant book
Site 5 at S.W. Corner
96%
(74)Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
from
for 4 guests$33
/ night
Instant book
Site 3 near East shore of pond
94%
(68)Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
from
for 5 guests$33
/ night
Instant book
Site 6 West Road
95%
(54)Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
from
for 4 guests$33
/ night
Site 2 @ Road to Nowhere
99%
(40)Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
from
for 5 guests$33
/ night
Site 8 West Road
88%
(28)Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
from
for 5 guests$33
/ night
Instant book
Site 15 - new South Site
100%
(21)Campfires allowed
Pets allowed
from
for 5 guests$33
/ night
Site 10 North end, tents only
94%
(17)Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
from
for 4 guests$33
/ night
Site 1 near 24th Street
100%
(16)Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Pets allowed
from
for 5 guests$33
/ nightLodging
1 site
Grey Wolf Glam Camper
94%
(18)Campfires allowed
Toilet
Potable water
Showers
from
for 4 guests$90
/ nightfrom
$33
/ night12 sites
Reviews
97% Recommend773 ratings · 425 reviews
This review is specifically for site 6. Each site is unique, even the ones that are next to each other.
The first night of my stay, there were no other campers on the west side of the pond, so I didn't see or hear anyone. The second night I had neighbors at the next site over. They were quiet at night, but during the day, they were riding dirt bikes up and down the road and playing with purpose the way boisterous teenagers do. The noise didn't bother me during the day since I was gone most of the time, but if you plan to be there during the day, this might be a problem for you. The other thing to keep in mind is that this property is very close to a busy freeway, so the expected sounds of Florida jungle are almost completely drowned out by the loud exhaust of clapped out pickups accelerating onto the freeway and the jake brakes of the semis coming off.
The one thing about this specific site that could be addressed is the lack of a level pad. I have a medium size six person tent and could not find anything even close to a level area. I had to make due with an uneven slope.
The property itself is very cool, with an Old Florida rural vibe, tucked into a somewhat urban residential area. The views of the pond spackled with banana trees and 10 foot cattails is a beautiful thing to see, especially at sunrise. Take a walk around the pond to see a century old working farm, and if you're lucky and it's the right time of the year, the host might just drop off some homegrown fruit.
S
Seth M.
4 reviews
Recommends
· February 2026
Quiet camping in the city!
35 ft travel trailer · With pets ·
Site 4 at the Dock
We camped at Mike’s over a long weekend and really enjoyed ourselves. The pond had really clear water and both of my sons caught a fish! As others have said you do hear some highway noise but it didn’t bother us at all. We enjoyed the Peacefulness of the property. There was only a few campers out there so my boys could throw a football around without worrying about traffic. We had purchased wood for a fire, but didn’t realize there was a burn ban. Mike offered to refund us the money for it and that was very nice! We also payed to rent the poop caddy and Mike would come and haul it away whenever needed! We really appreciated that and it made dumping our tanks so easy. If you’re looking for a quick bite to eat the property is located close to lots of fast food options and a few gas stations just minutes away. Mike was even nice enough to let us put our paddle board in the pond and take a spin around. The pond was surprisingly bigger than I’d expected. We look forward to staying again soon!
T
Trish T.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· February 2026
22 ft travel trailer · With pets ·
Site 4 at the Dock
Stayed here for 2 nights. There were other guests but you would not have known it. Although the landscape took a hit due to Florida having one of its coldest winters it was still lovely to see how nature grows with what’s thrown at it. My 2 dogs loved running around and smelling everything. I would come again!
- direction to property are straight forward Apple Maps took me straight there.
- host was easy to get in contact with via the app or phone number.
- cell service for me was good (att)
- environment was mostly quiet. You are next to a road but that doesn’t bother me.
- a little hard for the dogs to get in and out on site 4. Went over to 6 and it was much easier.
A
Amanda T.
8 reviews
Recommends
· February 2026
Tent ·
Site 9 North side of Pond
Very helpful & peaceful place to camp. Nice view of the pond.
M
Mark S.
2 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· February 2026
15 ft pop-up camper ·
Site 3 near East shore of pond
Mike was a very helpful and welcoming host. His little paradise offers a lot of seclusion and a great view of their really large pond, which is practically a lake. I had a problem with my trailer, and Mike jumped on it and helped me immediately. There’s chickens running around with roosters and tons of different fruit trees, and a lot of wildlife and it’s a great little spot that I will definitely return to.
A
August S.
3 reviews
Recommends
· February 2026
Tent · With pets ·
Site 7 West Road
I had a lovely stay with my jeep and dog at Mike’s place on the pond. A hidden gem I’d say, a working organic fruit farm brilliant with eclectic old Florida rustic charm. Mike was so incredibly friendly, showing me around the beautiful property., a work in progress full of passion and love for the land. My camp site 7 was quiet, clean and just remote enough to enjoy a beautiful evening amongst the stars. The morning of my departure, Mike stopped by to gift me with some lovely star fruit. Such a thoughtful gesture and so incredibly kind. I would highly recommend Mikes place, getting away tucked into this beautiful piece of land at the pond , a quiet little piece of heaven amongst the fruit trees with a bohemian grass roots vibe.
~
Mandee & Pico
M
Mandee M. S.
1 month on Hipcamp
A working farm oasis perfect for primitive camping! There is a sandy drive looping around a pond area where rustic camp sites are designated; so it makes the camping best for tenting or a camper van sized vehicle. There is no restroom, showering, water, electric available, but this is not a deal breaker. The land is lovely and sites are well spaced and give you privacy. A bit of highway hum can be heard, but not enough to distract or keep you awake. It is best to make reservations in advance and arrive prior to sundown. This will give you time to scope out the farm and sites as there is no lighting to guide you. I would definitely stay again!
A
Ann F.
15 reviews
Nice quiet spot, was a bit confused finding gate as it’s at a dead end in a neighborhood and I assumed it was more country from the pics, so I thought I was lost. Mike was very helpful and met me at the gate and I followed him to my spot. Surroundings in my area were pretty. Site 7 wasn’t exactly as the pic represented.. it was a pull off next to the dirt road that takes you around the pond. Not much room to put out a tent but I was camping in my car so it was fine for me. I drove around the pond and other areas had more room, so if you’re tent camping I’d pick a different site than 7. Overall, it’s a great location and a nice safe stay and would stay here again
Jody J.
16 reviews
Recommends
· February 2026
30 ft fifth wheel ·
Site 5 at S.W. Corner
What a great place to camp! We were visiting friends in the area so we were coming and going alit but a morning walk around the lake was a great way to start the day. Other groups were there taking advantage of this property.
C
Cilleen K.
3 reviews
Recommends
· February 2026
Tent · With pets ·
Site 9 North side of Pond
Very enjoyable getaway. The property is peaceful, the large pond adds to the charm. Host was very friendly and helpful.
J
Jennifer M.
8 months on Hipcamp
Mike was very hospitable. I felt safe and slept soundly by the pond.
S
Spencer C.
7 reviews
Recommends
· February 2026
24 ft Class C · With pets ·
Site 7 West Road
A working organic farm being brought back to life by the new owners. Very peaceful stay and our dog was happy.
M
Marsha B.
2 months on Hipcamp
Mixed feelings
· February 2026
24 ft Class C ·
Site 4 at the Dock
Private place to dry camp, but the entrance is easy to miss .
D
Dark S.
7 reviews
Recommends
· January 2026
Tent ·
Site 7 West Road
Great place to camp! Lots of fruit trees and animals. Owners were very nice and respectful.
Sophie H.
1 year on Hipcamp
Recommends
· January 2026
Tent ·
Site 7 West Road
Site 7 was perfect for me. Stayed a night in my tent with two dogs. Nice, large grassy sites with plenty of options. Enjoyed walking around the pond and farmland. Saw several hawks and admired all the fruit trees.
J
Jim D.
2 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· January 2026
Tent ·
Site 7 West Road
Everything was great, they were very helpful and checked in every so often. We only stayed for one night but will definitely be back
B
Brianna F.
2 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· January 2026
25 ft Class B ·
Site 15 - new South Site
The south end of the pond is close to a highway with pretty loud traffic noise so I moved around the pond to the west side which was much quieter. At one point Mike drove by and told me there was no problem with me switching sites. I was there for two nights. The first night it rained pretty hard but it didn’t bother me. The next morning it was still raining off and on and since I didn’t have any specific itinerary I just hung out and enjoyed the quiet and privacy.
D
David D.
5 reviews
It was easy to find. Nice location hidden little gem. This was my second time staying. Very nice little getaway spot that I will be using again.
Elizabeth T.
2 reviews
Not recommend
· January 2026
Tent ·
Site 4 at the Dock
Nothing like the photos unfortunately… host was very nice but decided not to stay due to the conditions.
S
Summer S.
2 months on Hipcamp
Hosts were helpful and welcoming.
However site is surrounded by what looks like a city dump. Trash along the roadside and a burnt out bus. I booked for 2 nights but only stayed for 1. With zero facilities i preferred a parking lot away from the site for my second night. And wifi is non existent .
Mark W.
7 reviews
Recommends
· December 2025
20 ft travel trailer ·
Site 4 at the Dock
Beautiful site. We didn’t have time to cast a line in the lake, but it was an amazing scene to wake up to. Would love to return.
J
Jason W.
2 reviews
Recommends
· December 2025
20 ft campervan ·
Site 7 West Road
We enjoyed our primitive site next to the pond. Huge banana trees and native tropical plants surrounded us. Mike was a gracious host. Porta potty was super-clean.
Robyne F.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· December 2025
Tent · With pets ·
Site 3 near East shore of pond
This space was very peaceful! You can hear the traffic on the nearby highway however. The area feels very safe and the sites are well spaced out. There are soo many fruit trees, so there is bound to be something fruiting no matter what time of year you visit. We bought some juicy starfruit and a few fruit plants as well! There are two cute piggys, some lovely chicken and guinea hens. The portable potty was super clean and we were even able to use the outdoor shower. We will definitely keep this place in mind next time we are in the area!
Molly L.
3 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· December 2025
Tent ·
Site 6 West Road
First time tent camping here and I loved it! Location was easy to find, site was clean and beautiful pond nearby. Also the owner the next day came by and introduced himself which was very nice. Will camp again!
R
Ramon M.
3 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· December 2025
Tent · With kids ·
Site 10 North end, tents only
awesome experience!! Mike was amazing and so accommodating. It was just what the family needed. I HIGHLY RECOMMED IT!
P
Paul T.
4 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· November 2025
12 ft travel trailer · With pets ·
Site 7 West Road
Pleasant stay. Close to town, but still feels remote. Spot 7 was fine for a smaller camper, but if I did it again, I would choose spot 8 ( bit more room). The pond was beautiful, but difficult to see from all the growth. The location is near the interstate, but the traffic noise was surprisingly minimal. If you like old time florida citrus farms, this is your spot.
M
Milton L.
4 reviews
Recommends
· November 2025
Tent ·
Site 5 at S.W. Corner
It's quiet, in this spot you get a tropical kind of feeling with the banana trees. It is a nice size lot. Plenty of space.
J
Jim O.
2 reviews
Recommends
· November 2025
Tent ·
Site 15 - new South Site
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!
A
Ashley B.
7 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· November 2025
Tent · With pets ·
Site 7 West Road
It’s a GREAT little get away spot without the hassle of trying to find an open camp sight at one of the bigger state parks. The owners are very responsive and very personable. Would 10/10 recommend for anyone looking for a way to get away from their everyday drama.
Bradley P.
4 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· November 2025
Tent ·
Site 7 West Road
Beautiful land and clean , well marked spots ! Mike was communicative , helpful and an all around kind soul who takes pride in his land. Great site overall!
D
Dillon B.
2 reviews
Location
Ruskin, Hillsborough, Florida, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
Hosted by Mike & Bill E.
Joined in November 2020Response rate: 100%Response time: Within 3 hours
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