The best camping near Weeki Wachee Springs State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Weeki Wachee Springs State Park adventure.

Come for the world-famous mermaids, stay for the natural beauty.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Weeki Wachee Springs State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Weeki Wachee Springs State Park

93%

(780)

Smokey Acres

16 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!

97%

(231)

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! 🎉

99%

(189)

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 [October through June], 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!!! ENJOY!

100%

(5)

The Ranch

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents25 acres · Dade City, FL

Beautiful and peaceful farm with a fishing pond. Visit the farm animals or just enjoy a bonfire & the serenity of nature. We have several Different options from Rv or tent sites, a fully furnished Rv camper or a 2 bedroom 1 bath apartment with a full kitchen and a washer and dryer. Pets are welcome

98%

(179)

Paradise Lake Rousseau ,Fl

7 sites · Lodging, Tents3 acres · Crystal River, FL

3 acres on beautiful Lake Rousseau. Fishing , camping , kayaking , cabin rentals. 10 miles from ThreeSisters Springs, Hunter Springs and Crystal River. Abundant wildlife. Beatiful sunrirses and sunsets. Very peaceful!

98%

(167)

Cotee River Bend

15 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · New Port Richey, FL

Our RV Campsites are located in a grassy field next to dense woods. Electric and water hookups are included in the RV/Camper sites, but not the Tent Site. All sites have a picnic table. Cell phone service is not a problem, as we are not that remote (although it sort of feels like we are when you are here) - we are 5 min from downtown New Port Richey, 2 minutes from groceries, gas, restaurants. This beautiful slice of Old Florida is named for the Pithlachascotee River that bends along the back side of the property. Pithlo is the Creek word meaning canoe, and chaskita means to dig or chop out, together signifying "place where canoes are chopped or dug out". Seminoles of this area used canoes dug out from the great cypress trees found along Florida rivers. From the 1980s until 2014, this property was owned by the Cotee River Lions Club. They held a popular monthly pancake breakfast fundraiser in the large pavilion along the river. We purchased this 4.9 acres of land in late 2019. It is now where we live and have a woodworking shop. It has been a magical place for us, with no shortage of wildlife, rich jungle forest, a lazy winding narrow river, and even the occasion river otter sighting. We are grateful to all the humans who have occupied this place over the centuries before us for keeping it as nature intended it. It is our intention to do our part to conserve and protect its natural beauty as long as possible. We hope you find it to be as restful and rejuvenating as we do.

100%

(9)

Peacefully Acres

3 sites · RVs2 acres · Dunnellon, FL

Manicured wooded property with koi pond, working greenhouse, and plant nursery Easy access to Rainbow Springs State Park and Rainbow river less than 2 miles. 10 miles from Crystal River Manatee tours 10 miles World Equestrian Cemter in Ocala 17 miles to Devils Den spring 20 miles to Fort island public beach on the Gulf of Mexico Fishing pier All free public access

98%

(83)

The Olive Grove Cabin Tent

19 sites · Lodging, Tents4 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.

93%

(36)

Higher Ground "The Barn"

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Lecanto, FL

Come get back to nature with camping at your comfort level and YES, we have A/C AND MINI HEATERS and a mini-fridge in all of our cabins. PLEASE note that there IS A PET FEE and AND WOOD FEE and it must be added when you complete booking (as Extras). Kayaks available for rent too! Whether you'd like a tent site (tents available) or a rustic cabin with lofts, we have what you're looking for. Get out of the city and get into nature. Just over an hour drive from Tampa or Orlando and you'll be laying in a hammock or making s'mores by the campfire. BUT REMEMBER, you are IN THE WOODS.. Bugs live in the woods and eliminating them all is never possible. Bring spray :) We spray weekly but there are all kinds of bugs around because you're camping! We even have Kayaks available for rent to head to Crystal River or Lake Henderson!

100%

(7)

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. 😊

97%

(118)

Pure Paradise Lebanon station

25 sites · RVs, Tents23 acres · Inglis, FL

Learn more about this land:Beautiful area with waterfalls observation Tower 23 beautiful acres to roam plenty of fishing and water sports in the area as well as other activities , tent and self-contained camping starting at $25 per night full hookup $50 per night

99%

(169)

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.

The best camping near Weeki Wachee Springs State Park guide

Overview

About

Want to feel like you’ve entered a live version of The Little Mermaid? Check out Central Florida’s Weeki Wachee State Park, located near the Gulf Coast. The daily Weeki Wachee mermaid show began as a roadside attraction in the 1940s and has been popular ever since, with an underwater theater looking directly into the crystal-clear waters of the natural spring. Aside from the live mermaids, the park’s main attractions include outdoor recreation in the Weeki Wachee River, including swimming, paddling, and snorkeling. The Buccaneer Bay waterpark boasts thrilling water slides that land in the spring-fed swimming area. Or, take a river boat cruise to learn more about the history and landscapes of this slice of Old Florida. This Florida State Park does not offer onsite camping, but private options are plentiful nearby.

Tips for snagging a campsite

The Serenova Tract of the Starkey Wilderness Preserve is operated by the Southwest Florida Water Management District. Camping is free, but registration is required.
Reservations for Starkey Wilderness Preserve may be made online through the Southwest Florida Water Management District.
Starkey Wilderness Preserve offers dry camping only.
Reservations for Withlacoochee State Forest campgrounds may be made on the Reserve America website or by calling 877-879-3859.
Tillis Hill Campground offers 30-amp and 50-amp electric hookups and has potable water spigots.

When to go

If you hope to see manatees, along with the mermaids, visit Weeki Wachee Springs State Park in the winter, as the 72-degree waters are perfect for manatees. The weather is pleasant, with highs in the 70s and lows in the 40s. For watersports, visit during spring, fall, or summer, when daily temperatures reach the 80s. Summers are hotter and more humid, with frequent rains and thunderstorms possible.

Know before you go

The live mermaid show is held several times a day, and seating is first-come-first-served. Arrive early for the best chance to catch the show.
Tube and kayak rentals are available onsite and through nearby vendors.
You must rent a tube onsite to do the lazy river and cannot use your own floats.
The Weeki Wachee River boat rides are also offered on a limited basis.
The park is located less than an hour from Tampa and two hours from Orlando’s popular theme park area.
Though it is considered safe to swim in the Weeki Wachee River, since alligators prefer warmer, murkier waters, alligator sightings are not out of the question.