J. B. Starkey Wilderness Park flies under the radar for most people planning Florida trips. It’s not a state park and it’s not near a population center. But this vast water-management preserve offers tent sites in the woods and rustic cabins you can rent quite cheaply. There are miles of trails, including an excellent paved bike trail.
Tent camping
We’ve selected nine public campgrounds near Tampa Bay for their scenic beauty, low prices and prime opportunities for hiking, biking, kayaking and canoeing. We think you’ll like these choices.
Phipps Park Campground is a great escape for family camping near Stuart. Rent a tent or bring your own, and the RV sites are waterfront.
Charming Old Florida village with an antique center and mega-flea market. Not everyone wants to stay in a B&B or hotel, so we reveal a few of our favorite places to camp within 25 miles.
Tent camping in the Keys took a big hit from hurricanes Irma and Ian, but there are still a few places where you can drive a tent stake in the ground.
Spring is the best time of year for tent camping in Florida. Campgrounds are emptying out as snowbirds flock home, and the weather is fantastic. Break out the gear and head for the woods!