Camping near Weeki Wachee
Mesmerizing mermaids and natural spring adventures await Weeki Wachee campers.
- Weeki Wachee
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Explore the area’s public lands.
Camping near Weeki Wachee guide
Overview
Weeki Wachee is famous worldwide for its mermaid shows, delightful aquatic spectacles where synchronized sea sirens dance in the blue headwaters of a deep natural spring. The action occurs at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park, about an hour north of Tampa. Although the park has no campground, great campgrounds sit close by, many with access to kayaking, hiking, biking, and white-sand beaches. There are even nearby springs where you can embrace your inner mer-person and take a dip in the warm, crystal-clear spring waters that make this part of Central Florida so special.
Where to go
Weeki Wachee Surrounds
Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is more than just a mermaid show. Visitors can swim in the 74°F Weeki Wachee spring water at the park’s Buccaneer Bay pools (complete with pirate-themed water slides), or opt for the kayak rentals and shuttle services that put paddlers right on the Weeki Wachee River. RV campers can find a variety of RV parks with full hookups and wifi close to Weeki Wachee in Spring Hilli.
Crystal River
About 40 minutes north of Weeki Wachee, Crystal River has one of the most accessible springs sites in all of Florida. Here, you can paddle, snorkel, and swim in spring water where dozens of manatee congregate near famous sites like the Three Sisters Spring and King Spring. For even more spring access, check out Homosassa Springs.
Hillsborough River State Park
Set in a hydric hammock forest with cypress, palm, and pine trees, Hillsborough River State Park has over seven miles of hiking trails, plus Class II river rapids and on-site kayak rentals. The park’s RV and tent campsites feature picnic tables and fire rings, while glamping options are available too.
Gulf Coast Beaches
Beautiful white-sand Gulf Coast beaches sit about an hour south of Weeki Wachee at Honeymoon Island State Park. Meanwhile, neighboring Caladesi Island State Park, accessible by ferry, makes for an adventurous day trip of snorkeling, shelling, swimming, and sunsets. For developed Gulf Coast beaches and additional tent camping and RV camping options, continue on to Clearwater.
When to go
Because it’s a popular family destination, Weeki Wachee Springs State Park gets crowded during spring break, summer break, and on weekends. Otherwise, mild fall, winter, and spring temperatures make for excellent camping. Summers are humid, rainy, and have highs exceeding 90°F—this is when campers may prefer an RV or air-conditioned lodging to a tent. Summer and fall are also hurricane season in Florida, when visitors must keep an eye on storm forecasts.
