The best camping in Fort Cooper State Park, FL

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Discover the natural splendor of Fort Cooper State Park.  

The best camping in Fort Cooper State Park, FL

Public campgrounds here are often sold out.
Lucky U Ranch

1. Lucky U Ranch

99%
(400)
8.1mi from Fort Cooper State Park · 17 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Bushnell, FL
Authentic Old Florida Homestead & Agritourism Experience Step into the charm of old Florida at our peaceful homestead, where Spanish moss drapes gracefully from Grandfather Oak trees, grassy hills roll gently across the landscape, and cypress-filled wetlands welcome an abundance of birdlife each day. We raise Nigerian Dairy goats and always make time for visits and petting. Our horses and donkeys roam freely during the day and are safely boarded at night. Explore our marked trails and open land—hiking here offers a true sense of serenity and a chance to reconnect with nature. Just minutes away, you’ll find incredible destinations like Withlacoochee State Park, Hog Island, and the Withlacoochee River—where kayaking is a must for nature lovers. Whether you’re tent camping, staying in one of our RVs, or bringing your own, you’ll enjoy peace, privacy, and a genuine connection to the land. Join us as part of our Agritourism Venue and experience the Ranch Experience—a guided visit where you’ll meet and interact with our livestock. Pet baby goats, miniature horses, twin turkeys, chickens, and even pigs who love a good scratch. With over 80 goats on the ranch, there’s always a friendly face waiting to greet you.
Pets
Toilets
Full Hookups
from 
$26
 / night
Picnic Point

2. Picnic Point

100%
(35)
8.6mi from Fort Cooper State Park · 2 sites · RVs · Hernando, FL
If you’re looking for a perfect blend of adventure and tranquility, Picnic point is the perfect spot! Nestled in the heart of nature, this Hipcamp offers an incredible array of activities and a true escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Location: This spot is a gem for outdoor enthusiasts. With the picturesque Rainbow River, Weeki Wachee Springs, and the tranquil Sunwest Park all nearby, you'll never be short of things to do. The Ocala National Forest is just a short drive away, offering endless hiking and biking trails. Don’t miss the chance to explore the unique Dames Cave or test your skills at the Croom ATV park. If you're into hunting, fishing, or kayaking, you’re in the right place! Amenities: The RV spots here are well-equipped with full hook-ups, which is a huge plus for a comfortable stay. Note that there’s no Wi-Fi available, so make sure to bring your Hotspot if you need to stay connected. However, the lack of connectivity just adds to the charm of getting away from it all. Proximity: Perfectly situated for those traveling south—it's a great stopping point if you're heading towards Miami or the Keys. Plus, it's close enough to Disney Orlando and Tampa if you want a day trip to the theme parks or city sights. Stay: A minimum stay of 7 nights up to 28 days allows you to truly immerse yourself in the natural beauty and diverse activities this area has to offer. Whether you’re here for a week or almost a month, you’ll find plenty to keep you entertained and relaxed. You can message me if you want to stay less than 7 days. Picnic Point is a fantastic choice for a nature-filled retreat. With its extensive range of activities, comfortable RV spots, and serene setting, it offers a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. Just remember to pack your Hotspot (no Wifi) and prepare for an unforgettable stay! Happy camping! 🌲🚤🎣
Pets
Full Hookups
from 
$21
 / night
Higher Ground "The Barn"

3. Higher Ground "The Barn"

95%
(82)
9mi from Fort Cooper State Park · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · 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!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$17
 / night
Idlewild Lakefront Fire Pit

4. Idlewild Lodge and RV Park

99%
(94)
9.7mi from Fort Cooper State Park · 18 sites · RVs, Lodging · 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.
Pets
Toilets
Full Hookups
from 
$74
 / night
Cabin Glamping

8. Cabin Glamping

95%
(112)
16mi from Fort Cooper State Park · 3 sites · Lodging · Crystal River, FL
Check in between 2:00 and 8:00 p.m., unless prior arrangements with owners have been made. Known as the Nature Coast and one of Florida's greatest hidden secrets, this property is private, yet just minutes from civilization and manatees! Your cabin has a full bed for two and a comfy pull out couch that will accommodate two more. The cabin is located on private property with owners and security on site, yet plenty of privacy. During the day, paddle your way to the beautiful Three Sisters Springs for a swim. You may see some manatee, turtles, and dolphins along your way! Hunter Springs is a great little park with a beach area for swimming and kayak rentals too. There are also several Diving with the manatee tours available. This is all only a short drive from camp. You can enjoy swimming, fishing, scalloping, snorkeling, kayaking, pontooning just five minutes away, or just relaxing back at the camp. Heritage Village is in town filled with many hometown eateries and shoppes. It's a great way to spend the afternoon and explore Crystal River. We have a variety of great one-of-a-kind eateries with many special events and festivals throughout the year. Conveniently located at the end of the street is a Publix, DG, Mexican restaurant, Brother's Pizza and Beef O'Brady's. Firewood is available on site. We also have brochures on all kinds of other great places you'll want to experience while staying in beautiful Crystal River! Oh, and don't forget to stop by Grandma's gift shop before you leave. We look forward to your stay!
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$79
 / night
Manatee Delight RV Camp Site

10. Manatee Delight RV Camp Site

98%
(180)
17mi from Fort Cooper State Park · 1 site · RV · 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 popular 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 your rig does not have a toilet, please bring your own method to contain and dispose of solid toilet wastes.
Electrical Hookup
Water Hookup
Pets
from 
$65
 / night
Homosassa Springs RV Site

11. Homosassa Springs RV Site

99%
(209)
17mi from Fort Cooper State Park · 3 sites · RVs · 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 on our shared residential property. This location is close to the head springs and 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, the dock is not visible from the site you do have to walk down to the dock area. This is a residential area and is very quiet. You can see the layout of the property in the photos from an aerial view as well as other photos of the setup. 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. We love to share our space with like minded outdoorsy people who respect nature and like to relax in the outdoors. This is not a party place, loud music or late nights aren't acceptable.
Pets
Full Hookups
from 
$75
 / night
Spotted Dance Ranch

15. Spotted Dance Ranch

99%
(88)
19mi from Fort Cooper State Park · 7 sites · Tents, RVs · Brooksville, FL
We opened to the public on Labor Day 2014. Most people come to stay either in our rental cottage or in their horse trailers/RVs with their horses to ride the awesome trails in the 20,000+ acre adjacent Croom Forest. However, because our ranch is so peaceful, many stay here without horses just to enjoy the peace and quiet. There are many opportunities to recreate in the area, including outstanding mountain and road biking, OHVing, hiking, golfing, and canoeing/kayaking. Many full-time and working RVers stay for extended periods. Note that our camping area is small and intimate, so you will be close to other campers. We have 5 30-amp hookups, and 2 50-amp hookups; if you need 50-amp service, please request it. Note that a minimum of a 2-night stay will typically be required on weekends, especially during our busy season. WiFi is available, but we call it "Country WiFi" since it sometimes can be slow and may or may not be accessible from where you are parked; also, Verizon cell service in our area is terrible. If internet access is important to you, we suggest having your own hotspot or internet service (many working RVers have Starlink). Note that GPS can be very mean in our rural area; make sure your turn off Highway 50 is onto paved High Corner Road, which is 2 miles west of I-75 (if GPS tries to turn you down unpaved, dead-end roads, DO NOT LISTEN..you will get stuck!).
Pets
Toilets
Full Hookups
from 
$60
 / night
Happy Campers Rescue Ranch

16. Happy Campers Rescue Ranch

95%
(330)
19mi from Fort Cooper State Park · 15 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · 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 – 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 Campers 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. 🐷🐱🌳 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 and ensures 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! 🎉
Pets
Electrical Hookup
Toilets
from 
$30
 / night
Sea Cow Campground <3

17. Sea Cow Campground <3

97%
(19)
20mi from Fort Cooper State Park · 3 sites · Lodging · Crystal River, FL
My home and others are visible from the site but you are also surrounded by trees and have privacy. It’s about 100ft from the rd so you will hear traffic from time to time. In Citrus Springs' central area, this 1-bedroom campsite provides a peaceful retreat for your upcoming trip. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the surrounding area, with Rainbow Springs State Park just a 19-minute drive away, where you can explore lush forests and crystal-clear springs. For a day on the water, the Crystal River Watersports Marina is only an 11-minute drive, providing ample opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and other water activities. If you're in the mood for a round of golf, the Plantation Inn and Golf Resort is just a 14-minute drive from your cozy campground. Back at your home-away-from-home, you'll find all the essentials, including a bathroom, towels, basic soaps, air conditioning, heating, and fresh linens, ensuring your comfort throughout your stay. Escape the hustle and bustle and immerse yourself in the tranquility of Citrus Springs at our charming 1-bedroom campground.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$40
 / night
The Olive Grove Cabin Tent

19. The Olive Grove Cabin Tent

99%
(124)
20mi from Fort Cooper State Park · 23 sites · Tents, Lodging · Brooksville, 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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$35
 / night

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

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The best camping in Fort Cooper State Park, FL 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.

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