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    1. United States
    2. Florida

    Island Retreat Florida

    98%
    ·
    22 reviews
     · Progress Village, Hillsborough, Florida · 2 acres
    Hosted by Eric E.
    Tent site
    · 26 guests max
    Avatar
    Eric is a Star Host
    Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.
    Off-leash friendly
    Pets can be off-leash at this Hipcamp.
    Boat-in
    This Hipcamp is accessible by boat.
    *****PLEASE READ THIS PRIOR TO BOOKING: THIS IS TRUELY AN ISLAND THAT IS UN-INHABITED OTHER THAN NATURE. DUE TO THIS FACT YOU MUST HAVE YOUR OWN PERSONAL WATERCRAFT OR ADD AN "EXTRA" KAYAK/CANOE RENTAL OR SHUTTLE SERVICES TO YOUR BOOKING FOR ADDITIONAL COST BEYOND CAMPING FEE. THE ADDITIONAL SERVICES REQUIRE A HUMAN BEING TO BE ON CALL AND DELIVER EQUIPMENT AND MACHINES FOR YOUR ADVENTURE. **** if ok with the above please proceed as there has been some confusion about islands. About the Island: Ever wonder what it would be like to stay on a deserted island? This is truly an adventure you will never forget. Once you land in paradise you will wander thru the looping trail system to find your campsite. There are (5) campsites with elevated tent platforms tucked back in the trees. Once you are settled in,  it is time to gather wood and build a fire in one of the (2) 8 foot wide,  2 ton concrete fire pits.   Awake a dawn with a nice kayak/canoe trip on a secluded water trail thru mangrove islands and stop for lunch at River's Edge Bar and Grill across the river from the island.  Having too much fun, take a nap in hammock and rock to breeze and sounds of river.  This is an island is accessible via water only so there is some preparation to get here and stay here.  Kayaks, Canoes and a shuttle are available if you don't have your own transportation.  Please contact prior to booking to ensure you understand the packages, for example,  if you want to rent the whole island for yourself and need transportation for your group. We offer tailored quote for package based on your needs. Our Story: After 6 years of my neighbor bugging me to buy this island, I finally took him up on it. My neighbor bought it in the 1970's but did little with it. It has been overgrown for years. I am actively work to develop multiple campsites of the island for enjoyment of the river and its surrounding. All money from your stay here is re-invested back into the property.Ever wonder what it would be like to stay on a deserted island? This is truly an adventure you will never forget. Once you land in paradise you will wander thru the looping trail system to find your campsite. There are (4) campsite with elevated tent platforms tucked back in the trees.  Now that you are settled in,  time to gather wood and build a fire in one of the (2) 8 foot wide,  2 ton concrete fire pits.   Awake a dawn with a nice kayak/canoe trip on a secluded water trail thru mangrove islands and stop for lunch at River's Edge Bar & Grill across the river from the island.  Having too much fun, take a nap in hammock and rock to breeze and sounds of river.  This is an island is accessible via water only so there is some preparation to get here and stay here.  Kayaks, Canoes and a shuttle are available if you don't have your own transportation. Please contact prior to booking to ensure you understand the packages, for example,  if you want to rent the whole island for yourself and need transportation for your group. We offer tailored quote for package based on your needs. 
    What to expect
    Tent site
    You'll have this Hipcamp all to yourself.
    26 guests max
    Campfires allowed
    Firewood provided, firepit
    Toilet available
    Pit toilet
    Pets allowed
    Off leash
    Showers available
    Cold water only. Water hand carried in for your pleasure!
    Picnic table present
    No potable water
    Bring your own water, purify from river or stream
    Pack it out
    Please pack out all of your trash so that it doesn't end up in the river.
    Cooking equipment absent
    No wifi
    Laundry absent

    Things to know

    Getting there
    Check in: After 12:00 PM
    Check out: Before 12:00 PM
    On arrival: Head straight to site
    Access: By boat
    Cancellation policy: Moderate
    Minimum nights: 1 night
    Accepts bookings: 12 months out
    No wheelchair access
    Max 6 vehicles
    2WD accessible
    Watercraft, boat, kayak, canoe, inflatables
    During your trip
    Follow the
    Leave it better
    Inclusion policyWe have a zero-tolerance policy against discrimination at Hipcamp. We are committed to helping our Host and Hipcamper communities be inclusive.
    ExtrasAvailable at checkout
    Outhouse and Accessories Packagerental
    $75.00
    If you want to enhance your camping experience beyond primative. Add the Outhouse and Accessories Package. This Extra gives you access to the secure outhouse structure. The outhouse has a primitive toilet system, a non-potable wash down/shower system, folding tables, hammock, corn hole boards, and other items. This is an additional cost due to the host provides additional labor, equipment and material to accommodate/maintain this experience. Water is hand carried to provide an outdoor rinse down/shower.
    Canoe with delivery/pick-up to siterental
    $175.00
    Canoe with Live Vests and Paddles/ Per Day This includes a delivery and pick-up fees Pricing will be adjusted in rented more than (2) days. $300 Deposit Refundable Deposit will be required for rental.
    Kayak with delivery and pick-uprental
    $175.00
    If you don't have you own water transportation and want to explore around the Island. I provide Kayaks rental for your adventure.. This includes Delivery and Pick-up charges. All delivery & pick-up times must coordinated. $300 Refundable deposit required with rental.
    Tent Rental - See Detailsrental
    $45.00
    4 Person dome tent. This item is only available with Shuttle Service due to the cost of transportation to the island. . Additional Delivery and Pick-up fess will apply if rented individually.
    Hammock with rental of Canoe/Kayakrental
    $15.00
    Hammock rental per day. This option is only available with rental of other items due to the cost of delivery and pick-up fees.
    River Tour by Boat experience
    $350.00
    2 hour tour upriver to "The Diddy" a natural spring. Ask about custom tours.
    Kayak Tourexperience
    $200.00
    3 hour Tour - Trip thru a narrow mangrove trail out to the Flat of the Alafia River Banks. Wild. Includes Kayak or Canoe Rental.
    Water Taxi - Roundtrip to Islandexperience
    $200.00
    If you do not have your own Personal Watercraft or other water transport to the island. I provide a shuttle service to guests so they can get there gear to and from the island per day. A 20' Pontoon Boat is brought from Tampa to aide your adventure. We will meet at the Beach at Williams Park and load you and your gear on the Pontoon Boatand transport you into paradise. This is round trip service on Check-in and Check-out day only. *****Guests must adhere to agreed drop-off and pick-up times or wait time fees will be applied.*****
    Reviews
    98% Recommend30 Ratings · 22 reviews
    Island Retreat Florida offers a unique camping experience with a private island feel and plenty of activities such as kayaking and bird watching. Guests appreciate the well-maintained facilities, including spacious campsites, fire pits, and solar lighting. Eric, the host, is often praised for his helpfulness and communication, enhancing the overall experience. Some visitors note occasional noise from nearby areas and mention trash washing up, but these don't seem to detract significantly from the enjoyment of the island.
    Summary AI-generated from real reviews
    Avatar
    Jimmy B.
    2 reviews
    Recommends
    · March 2024
    Trip #2, what a success!
    Tent
    This was my 2nd time staying at Island Retreat Florida and I'm already planning trip #3 here! It's a wonderful place to stay and Eric is always so great to work with. I'm definitely making this a regular place that I'll be staying. My favorite activity is kayaking around the island and viewing the large variety of bird life in the area!
    Avatar
    Rachel H.
    10 reviews
    Recommends
    · January 2024
    AAMMMAAZZIINNGGG
    Tent
    Amazing! If you are thinking about doing it, DO IT!!! Private and very nice facilities! It was a dream to have a whole island to myself! And the paddle is pretty short
    Avatar
    Jimmy B.
    2 reviews
    Recommends
    · December 2023
    Tent
    I stayed 3 days at Island Retreat Florida and had a WONDERFUL time! Eric was great to work with and very helpful and informative. Not only did I spend time camping, or should I say glamping, but I also kayaked around the island and surrounding area. It was all fantastic, I can't wait for my next visit in the coming months!
    Avatar
    Emil A.
    16 reviews
    Recommends
    · December 2023
    Outstanding
    Tent
    This is the *coolest* little island. The pictures somehow don’t do it justice. What a great, unique spot to set up camp at. My dog was ELATED sniffing around, dude was frolicking like never before - genuinely a joy to see. Eric was communicative, helpful, and friendly. I was worried about the parking situation but there was plenty even during peak hours. I will without a doubt be back.
    Avatar
    Bret M.
    10 reviews
    Recommends
    · November 2023
    Tent
    Really enjoyed camping on iskand retreat. The swinging bed was my spot for the night and slept great. Cool place with the basic necessities.
    Avatar
    Tammie K.
    3 reviews
    Recommends
    · November 2023
    Tent · Group trip
    The island is my new favorite place. It was absolutely amazing! Eric is a phenomenal host, and very tentative to any question. I’m already planning my next trip!
    Location
    Progress Village, Hillsborough, Florida, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of Seminole, Tocobaga, Miccosukee, and Mascogo First Nations according to
    Native Land Digital.
    To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
    Avatar

    Hosted by Eric E.

    Joined in August 2020
    Response rate: 100%Response time: Within 3 hours
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    Hipcamp acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past, present and future and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.