Located in the Tampa area, Hillsborough River SP is one of our top 5 central Florida state parks.  Large park, with plenty of hiking trails.  A river meanders through the park, with trails that criss-cross the river at a couple locations.  Pets (dogs) are welcome on the trails, and our Golden Retriever loves to spend as much time on the trails as she can.

Tampa is only a short drive away, and there is plenty to do in the area (Bush Gardens, Ybor City, Raymond James Stadium, and lots more).

Link: Hillsborough River SP

Price Rating:
Amenities Rating:
Cleanliness Rating:
Value Rating:
Overall Rating:

Just a stone’s throw west of the Ocala National Forest is Silver River State Park.  A very nice CG, and it sits next door to Silver Springs Park.  Silver Springs is a great place to spend a day, walking around the grounds, taking in one of the shows or the attractions such as the glass bottom boat ride.  This is where about 100 episodes of Sea Hunt, staring Lloyd Bridges was filmed and six of the original Tarzan movies staring Johnny Weissmuller was filmed.  Its an interesting peek at some old Florida.

Link:  Silver River SP

Price Rating:
Amenities Rating:
Cleanliness Rating:
Value Rating:
Overall Rating:

Blue Spring SP is a great location to spend some time when the thermometer starts heading north.  A natural spring is located in the park, and tube rentals are available.  We spent hours swimming up to the spring then drifting  back down the river.  The water was just the right temp on a hot Florida day.

On certain times of the year you may see a manatee in the river.  Trails are available throughout the park to take a stroll.  Or just hang out and read a good book.  But the swimming hole is what really stands out here.  Be warned… the swimming hole can get pretty crowded at times.

Link:  Blue Spring SP

Price Rating:
Amenities Rating:
Cleanliness Rating:
Value Rating:
Overall Rating:

Very nice campground.  Plenty to do; families may never want to leave and go see some of the other sights in the area.  Things like evening outdoor movie, bonfire with toasted marshmallows, petting zoo, horseback riding, swimming pools, restaurants, bike rentals, boat rentals, fishing, and a bunch more!

A bit pricey, but after all, it is Disney.  With all there is to do and the attention to details, one could justify the cost.

Note:  the photo below is the first time we took our p’up out camping after purchasing it.  Unfortunately, it poured rain the entire weekend we were at Fort Wilderness.  However, we’ve returned several times after that and had wonderful times on each occasion.

[singlepic id=489 w=320 h=240 float=center]

Link: Fort Wilderness CG

Price Rating:
Amenities Rating:
Cleanliness Rating:
Value Rating:
Overall Rating:

Most of our camping is done in Florida State Parks since we typically spend most of our time visiting the surrounding towns and sights, and spend some time hiking the trails of the park.  Jonathan Dickinson fits the bill here pretty well.  Plenty to see within the park.  The Loxahatchee River runs through the park, and you can fish, hike, canoe/kayak, and even take a tour boat (which we did and found it to be very interesting).

Very nice park to relax and unwind!

Link: Jonathan Dickinson SP

Price Rating:
Amenities Rating:
Cleanliness Rating:
Value Rating:
Overall Rating: