The best camping near Fort Cooper State Park

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

Discover the natural splendor of Fort Cooper State Park.

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Top-rated campgrounds near Fort Cooper State Park

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Smokey Acres

15 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Brooksville, FL

Welcome to Smokey Acres! This property has been in my family for decades. My Husband and I were married under the oaks and have had our share of campfires out there. Down a hidden gravel drive with wetlands on either side you will find a completely fenced in field surrounded by pine, oak, and swamp maple trees. There are two ponds located on the property both stocked with bass, bluegill, and sunfish. The front pond is home to many natural Florida wildlife and is a great location to bird watch. Located a few miles from Brooksville and the Suncoast Parkway, this quiet and peaceful setting is just 5 minutes from the parking area and trailhead for the Suncoast Trail and 10 miles from the famous Weeki Wachee Springs, where you can spend the day at the local park or float down the river with the manatees. Withlacoochee State Park and other natural preserves with trail access and kayaking are only a short distance away, and Dames Cave, Homosassa Springs, and Chasawiska Springs are all within a ~20-minute drive as well. Spending a day at the beach is easy with plenty of options along the Nature Coast. We’re also less than an hour from Tampa and Clearwater and two hours from Orlando. A perfect weekend get-away for anyone looking to “unplug,” Smokey Acres is also a great stop for those passing through the area. We are a close distance to many racing, livestock, boating and fishing events. We have no problem accommodating whatever you’re towing! Whether you'd like a leisurely day on the river or an adventure in the Gulf, there are plenty of boating options nearby. Be sure to make it back to the property in time to enjoy amazing sunsets that bring peace and tranquility to your experience. Our neighbors, JG Ranch, offers U- Pick Fruit and Vegetables or a great selection of local harvest at their roadside stand. This 10-acre property has been in my family for decades. My Husband and I were married under the oaks and have had our share of campfires together out there. I've recently moved back home with my own family and as much as we enjoy the land for ourselves we'd love to share it. Any profit from hosting campers will help us maintain our sustainable farm that we're hoping to expand onto Smokey Acres. Just in! Our dirt road has been repaved. So no worries about a bumpy drive in!

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SC Campgrounds

29 sites · Lodging, Tents80 acres · Astatula, FL

Welcome to SC Campgrounds, , a peaceful 80 acre homestead turned into a serene activity campground located just outside Orlando, FL. Our campground offers a wide range of accommodations, including several camp sites with power, water, restrooms and cozy campers with central A/C and Heat. But that's not all – we also offer a range of exciting extras to enhance your camping experience. On the estate there is a putt putt course, canoes, pirate ship, swimming pool, ATV trails, and much. And for a unique outdoor movie experience, we offer a projector screen with any movie of your choice - just imagine enjoying your favorite film under the stars! 🎥 Each campsite comes with electricity, a fire pit, and a picnic table. Our campgrounds are very pet friendly as long as you have friendly pets. So what are you waiting for? Come join us at the SC Campgrounds for an unforgettable camping experience filled with nature, farm animals, and plenty of extras to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable. Please note:::::: Requirement as of 2/19/24 All campers and guests must present a valid ID upon check it. Important Note: 3/19 because of our off leash dog policy children are not allowed to camp on the premises.

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Lucky U Ranch

15 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents60 acres · Bushnell, FL

Authentic old Florida homestead. Beautiful Spanish moss veiled Grandfather Oak trees, rolling subtle grassy hills and Cypress filled wetlands with an abundant of bird life every day. We raise Nigerian Dairy goats and always have time for goat visits and petting. Our horses are boarded at night and roam freely during the day along with our donkeys. Hiking our land and marked trails, gives you the feeling of serenity and back to nature, clearing your mind so you can remember what nature is all about. Just minutes away are amazing places and parks like the Withlacoochee State park, Hog Island and the Withlacoochee river, where kayaking is a must. Peace and quiet and privacy as you tent, stay in one of our RV's or bring your own. Be part of our AGRITOURISM VENUE and take part in the RANCH EXPERIENCE, a guided visit to meet and pet our livestock, from baby goats to miniature horses! Get to pet one of our over 60 goats and check out our twin turkeys and many chickens.... Pigs are just begging to be scratched as well!!! As it gets warmer out.... How about renting one of our portable AC's for tent camping. Stay cool at night and enjoy the springs, rivers and forest during the day. ENJOY!

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Happy Campers Rescue Ranch

11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · 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! 🎉

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Serene Forested Blueberry Farm

12 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Ft. Mc Coy, FL

Located on 5 acres in the Ocala National Forest, Hookie's Hideaway is the perfect place to stay for easy access to all of nature's bounty and activities. This property is easily accessible, serene and peaceful. Campsites are in a beautiful grove of pine and sycamore trees. We are surrounded by forested camping areas and close enough to drive into town to pick up groceries or get a meal. We have a "you pick them" blueberry farm when in season. We are pet friendly! If you have a pet please add the pet Extra at checkout so you will be charged a $20 pet fee ($10 for the trailers). We are close to hiking, horse trails, lakes and springs. Bocce Ball and Croquet is available to play here anytime! We are only a short distance away from amazing horse riding trails and Florida's most popular natural springs. We live on the property and are available during normal business hours. We are free to ask questions and give suggestions for surrounding activities and dining options. We will interact as little or as much as you need. Birds singing in the morning and crickets at night ensure a restful getaway here. Our property is the perfect place to escape the noise and high paced city life.

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Cristal camping 🏕️

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Crystal River, FL

You just came across a very unique piece of land very close to all the springs that there is to enjoy and a beautiful small town of Inglis located in Crystal River Florida. Please come and enjoy this cold water from this beautiful springs. And don’t forget to bring the floaty’s, snorkels and goggles because you’re going to need it in order to see all the beautiful underwater scenes on this Cristal water, rivers. Come enjoy our beautiful tent space nestled in a wooded lot located at the beautiful Rainbow River, one of the largest spring fed rivers in the world , you will have a parking area. Kayak rentals available. It is a short walk to the 40-mile Withlacoochee biking/walking trail which has a large variety of birds and wildlife for your viewing pleasure. Rainbow River State park and head springs is located 4.6 miles away, a great place for swimming and snorkeling with an admission fee of $2. There is a laundromat, grocery stores, and a large selection of restaurants nearby for your dining pleasure. See you soon! PEACE

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J & T Hideaway / Silver Springs, FL

1 site · RV1 acre · Silver Springs, FL

Beautiful high and dry corner lot with privacy hedge and full hook ups in the highly sought after Wilderness RV Resort. Our property is nestled within the tranquil Ocala National Forest, complete with tons of resort amenities! Did we mention our resort is located on a portion of the Florida Black Bear Scenic Highway! Come Explore the Local Area! The Florida freshwater springs are a natural and tropical central Florida paradise with pristine crystal clear waters. Enjoy the wide array of wildlife the Ocala National Forest and the Florida freshwater springs offer! Our property is located just minutes from Silver Springs State Park, Silver Springs, Salt Springs, Juniper Springs, and Alexander Springs! Do you love the "Lake Life?" Central Florida is known for their beautiful lakes such as Lake George and Lake Kerr! Love to canoe or kayak? There are tons of canoe runs throughout this area of central Florida. In fact, you can canoe or kayak on the Ocklawaha River with direct river access from the resort! Love mountain biking? Check out the Santos Trailhead which offers over 30 miles of mountain bike trails with three levels of difficulty! One visit to Santos Trailhead and you'll see why so many people say that these are the BEST bike trails in Florida! Explore a Bit Farther! From our property's location and with a short drive, you can easily access the following towns and/or cities: Orlando - 1.5 hour drive Daytona Beach - 1 hour drive Gainesville - 30 minute drive Crystal River - 1 hour drive The Villages - 45 minute drive Enjoy the many amenities that Wilderness RV Resort offers: * Community Pool and Hot Tub * Full Hook Up Service * Direct Access to the Ocklawaha River (canoe/kayak rentals through resort) * Direct Access to Florida Greenway Hiking Trail * Clubhouse/Lodge * On Site Restaurant * On Site Candy Shop (w/ Whoopie Pies) * Laundry Facility * Bathhouse * Recreation Room (Ping Pong, Pool, Darts) * Private Mail Box

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Homosassa Springs RV site

1 site · RV1 acre · 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. This location is close to 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. This is a residential area and is very quiet. 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. The site is located 150 ft from the dock on our private residential property at the head of the springs. This is a residential area and is very quiet. 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.

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The Olive Grove Cabin Tent

19 sites · Lodging4 acres · Brookridge, 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.

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North Shore Relic Ranch

8 sites · RVs, Tents80 acres · Mount Dora, FL

This property is called relic ranch because we have actually found a ton of old relics. the campground is under an ancient canopy of oaks. so youll always have shade. the center of the property is unique to say the least but the campground is nature at its finest. there is a 2.6 mile nature trail across from the campground to explore. also there is a boat ramp for fishing about 1/8 mile away. you are welcome to roam over most of the 80 acres. We have goats, cows and chickens as well. All super friendly.

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Beautiful Orlando-Area Lake Camping

2 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Ocoee, FL

We have 5 acres of beautiful Florida lakefront land. Sunrise views are amazing then the day unfolds with a variety of sounds and sights of local wildlife. The small and private lake provides options for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing from our dock. You'll feel like you've found the perfect country retreat and will be just 20 minutes from Universal, 30 minutes from Disney, and 10-20 minutes from all West Orange County has to offer.

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Shannon Trails bring your horses

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents6 acres · Dunnellon, FL

Come enjoy the Greenway, 70k acres of trails abut the back of the property. Just a few miles to Rainbow River, and 14 miles from WEC Whether it’s hiking, biking, bird watching, or horseback riding, (stalls are available) you will blend with nature. Camp underneath the canopy of trees or hook up to our RV sites, cabins also available, choose your level of comfort. 😊

The best camping near Fort Cooper State Park 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.