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Best Tent Campsites near Palm Coast, FL

861 Reviews

Tent campsites near Palm Coast, Florida offer a mix of waterfront and forest settings across several natural preserves and state parks, ranging from shaded primitive tent sites under ancient oaks to elevated pads along the water's edge. Princess Place Preserve provides spacious tent sites with some directly on the water at Moody Campground, while Haw Creek Preserve State Park offers more remote dispersed camping accessed by wooden plank pathways through swamp-like environments. Both locations maintain primitive tent camping areas with varying levels of amenities and natural surroundings.

Most tent camping areas require advance reservations through county or state park systems, with many sites featuring elevated tent pads to help keep equipment dry. Primitive tent sites typically include fire rings, picnic tables, and access to non-potable water, though campers should bring their own drinking water. At Princess Place Preserve, tent campers find shaded sites under palm trees and ancient oaks draped with Spanish moss, while more remote locations like Matanzas State Forest provide greater seclusion with minimal facilities. A visitor noted, "The tent sites are elevated which should help keep the soil dryer in case of rain."

The tent camping experience varies significantly between locations, with waterfront sites at Princess Place offering immediate kayak launch access and wildlife viewing opportunities. Tent campers at Haw Creek can utilize the shelter lodge during inclement weather, providing protection not typically available at primitive sites. The wooden pathways make gear transport easier than at many other primitive camping locations. Hikers can access multiple trail systems from most tent sites, with opportunities to spot deer, turkey, and various bird species. According to one camper, "This is an excellent place to pitch a tent and spend time in nature without traveling far. Great hiking trails and the Pelicer Creek is available for fishing."

Best Tent Sites Near Palm Coast, Florida (35)

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26 Photos of 35 Palm Coast Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Palm Coast, FL

861 Reviews of 35 Palm Coast Campgrounds

  • M
    Feb. 28, 2026

    Bull Creek Campground

    Quiet, rural, and plenty of water

    Last minute getaway. 20 minutes from palm coast. We enjoyed being by the lake. You could bring your boat to this one for sure.

  • Jeanene A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 1, 2018

    Black Bear Wilderness Area

    Be ready for a hike

    To get to this camp you will have to hike in along old levy's some just over a foot wide. Much of the trail is sloped to one side or the other. Along the way you will see some beautiful sites! Many hike the loop trail as a day hike. but it is better enjoyed at a slower pace as there is so much to see if you open your eyes. The just over 7 mile trail takes you by orange trees cover in butterflies in spring, also wildflower lines trails and along the beautiful St Johns River.

    The camp site is used often by scouts and folks wanting to start training for longer hikes North of Florida. The campsite it self is very nice. there is a covered shelter, fire pit, benches and a picnic table. Many trees for hammock camping and lots of room for tents. Sadly with no toilet facilities back along the edges of the campsite you will find evidence of human use and abuse. PLEASE leave no trace. Also if you go take the time to pull a few of the invasive Caesar Weed plants that are trying to take over the camp (they are the ones with seeds that act like Velcro).

    You MUST have a reservation to camp here. If you have a pet it MUST be kept on a lease at all times and picked up after. there are feral hogs and snakes on the property....and you must practice bear safety using a bear proof container for food and hanging from tree at night. We saw no bear sign when we hiked - but that is not saying they are not around.

  • L
    Feb. 28, 2020

    Salt Springs Recreation Area

    Great campground in Ocala National Forest

    Fantastic campground and recreation area. Over 150 campsites, one area full hookups with all amenities and other area for tent camping. Sites have lots of space and majority have shade trees with moss flowing in the breeze. All sites have picnic table, lantern pole, grill, and fire ring. We have 2 golden retrievers and had plenty of space to spare. Beautiful stars out at night. Bathhouses are large, clean, hot showers. Trailer sites were full and only a few tent campers this time of year. Tent sites are complete with Bear boxes at each site. Camp hosts and management were very friendly and helpful.
    Saw manatees kayaking in the spring and river on premises. Spring area has a boardwalk around it. People swam with them too. Saw bald eagle catching fish, lots of birds, some fish, etc. Has a small boat launch and marina. Can tent kayaks. Great place for bikes. A few hiking trails were well maintained.
    Convenient location to lots of springs to visit and things to do. Visited Silver Springs, Blue Springs, Juniper Spring to name a few. All within 1 hr drive.
    Not sure how summer time is, but this late February time was Awesome. 40-50 at night and 60s in the day! This is a must stay place.

  • Jenn B.
    Sep. 24, 2019

    Bayard Conservation Area

    Ranger Review: Pureland 30L Guard Backpack at Bayard Conservation Area

    **Campground Review: **

    Bayard Conservation Area is located in Green Cove Springs Florida and is maintained by the St. Johns River Water Management District. It is a track of land that has many hiking trails that traverse through shaded pine forests, hammocks, marsh, and river areas. 

    We have day hiked here many times, but this trip we were going to do some primitive camping at one of the campsites. There are several areas to park and then hike in. The campsites are a few miles from the parking area. They include a fire ring and a picnic table. The campsites have several different settings, but we chose the river view. On our way to our campsite we were able to spot many animals including: deer, otter, turkey, and wild pigs. 

    The area is kept clean and is quiet with the exception of a bit of noise pollution from the surrounding area. However, this does not distract from the experience. We enjoyed our overnight backcountry trip and highly recommend Bayard.

    ----------------

    **Product Review: **

    As a Dyrt Ranger I receive products from time-to-time and this time I am testing out the Pureland 30L Guard Backpack sold by Outdoor Element. 

    There are so many things to love about this backpack. The extensive cording and hooks on the outside made attaching extra items a breeze. I was able to store my trekking poles and Jetboil on the back with no problem. The hip pockets were an added plus and fit my cellphone inside of it easily. The room inside of the backpack was able to hold everything I needed for an overnight trip– including my bulky sleeping bag. The only two things that took away from the backpack was the inside zipper and the water pouch. The zipper on the inside of the bag came off the track with only a light pull while the bag was empty. It did not have the integrity that the zippers on the outside had. My 3.0L reservoir would not fit all the way in the provided pouch and hung out the top a bit. After the whole trip, I sincerely love this pack and will be using it for all of my hiking and primitive camping needs!!

  • B+J S.
    Aug. 29, 2020

    Anastasia State Park Campground

    Awesome spot by the beach

    Easy to get to and close to everything! If you’re a beach lover, this is a great campground. All of the sites are shaded with fire rings, water hookups, picnic tables, and lantern holders. Most sites offer a fair bit of privacy for you set up camp properly. Each loop has a clean restrooms, laundry facilities with a clothes line and Coquina (the loop we stayed on) had a playground.

    Would recommend bicycles to get to the beach and either SUPs or kayaks to paddle the salt run at high tide. I’d you don’t have your own, they rent them there. There’s also a beach grill and convenience store by the beach.

    If you’re an early bird, watching the sunrise from the beach is quite a nice way to start the day!

  • Napunani
    Jun. 10, 2023

    Salt Springs Recreation Area

    Immaculate Wind Tunnel (see video)

    PROS

    A camp host came to our site immediately after we unhitched to advise that our one tow vehicle tire on the grass will get us a $250 fine from US Forest Service officer. Funny, we never ever saw a USFS officer patrolling the campground. 

    Entrance gates closed at 8pm requiring code to enter 

    Immaculately maintained park. A small army of maintenance staff always working. Even one night at 930pm in the bathroom. 

    Saved $156 with America the Beautiful pass 

    Site 32 shady 

    Asphalt parking pad surrounded with sandy gravel 

    Moveable metal picnic table 

    Pedestal BBQ grill 

    High sided metal fire ring with 2 unremovable cooking grates 

    One hook lantern pole 

    Campfire wood for sale at registration office 

    No street lights in campground so good dark sky viewing if neighbors have their rig lights off which most nights they were lit up which also lit up surrounding campsites 

    Able to get T-MOBILE signal on our T-MOBILE WIFI device 

    Many squirrels ate from our hand 

    CONS 

    In 8 days never saw a USFD vehicle drive thru the campground

    $8 fee to make on-line reservations 

    Site 32 not level 

    Absolutely no privacy from any other site 

    In 20 degree exterior temperatures, both campground bathhouses had windows open, whole house fans operating in full capacity and ceiling fans operating on high. Obvious park maintenance does NOT want anyone taking a shower when interior bathhouse temperatures were in the 30s and the bathhouse was a freezing wind tunnel! It was even difficult using the toilet. 

    Loud and rowdy campers all weekend long—day and night. Quiet hours not enforced

    Highway 19 traffic noise 

    USFD clearing project on east side of campground. Heavy equipment noise for 9 straight hours day after day!!! 

    No notice water outage for 2 hours 

    No park WiFi 

    No T-MOBILE cell service 

    No public phone for emergency calls

  • Tracy L H.
    Dec. 31, 2019

    Sawgrass Island Preserve

    Old Florida!

    Sawgrass Island Preserve is a unique piece of property.  I love hiking on the north side of the property it looks so much like Old Florida.  I like to go across the causeway and down the Bog Button Trail and over to the Hammock Trail and along the Cactus Trail and down around the ponds and back out the Bent Pine Trail.  This is around a five mile hike and can be stretched out by doing the North Loop Trail also .  I have seen several whitetail deer, sandhill cranes, lots of other birds, quail, and some turkeys while hiking.  I also saw a black bear up a tree in the marsh.  It is a hidden gem for sure.  The south side is nice but gets super sandy in places due to horseback riders.  And if you have horses the preserve allows riders and even has a spot or two with water for the horses and some picnic areas with hitching post to tie off horse and have some time to eat.  Some trails are narrow and give the feel of actually walking in, in the woods!  I haven't camped there but they have two primitive campsites on the Hammock Trail near the marsh with a fire ring, picnic table, and lantern post.  There is also a horse campsite along the Cactus Trail down near the ponds and there is an open pole barn with two roomy stalls for horses and picnic tables and a fire ring with benches.  Also room to pitch tent under barn too.  There is no water available at any of the campsites.  Could be a fun adventure waiting in Old Florida.  There is a camping application to fill out on line at www.lcwa.org and a  small fee, but if everything checks out ok at the end of the stay after a Ranger has had a chance to check out the site your fee is refunded.

  • Tom H.
    Sep. 15, 2019

    Encore Bulow RV

    Great RV Location in NE FL

    This was a very nice campground. No WiFi but the restrooms were clean, they have a bar if needed. Nice flat spots for my pop up. Bathrooms very clean. Will definitely return.

  • Jeanene A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 2, 2019

    Camp Chowenwaw Park

    Unique Treehouse Camping Experience

    We found this fun family friendly location from a facebook post about Tree house camping and had to check it out. Making reservations was pretty easy on the county website. There are a number of forms you will be emailed to print and fill out(will save you a lot of time if you plan to use the pool that is run by YMCA) 

    Check in was easy. The office is closed form 12– 1 so no chance of checking in early. There is a Girl Scout Museum near the main office where you check is– but is rarely open. This was an old girl scout camp and now id open to the public. There are many different types of cabins available for rent, tent sites and 9 tree houses. Each area set up as a grouping with a bathhouse and kitchen pavilion. 

    The tree houses were so fun to stay in and being higher up gave us chances of a breeze– many in our group brought battery operated fans. Though there was a threat of rain all weekend we stayed high and dry in the tree houses(2 sides are only screened) 

    There was a very large lighted screened kitchen pavilion with fireplace, stove, fridge, sinks and covered outdoor grill. There were other campers in the tree house area we shared this community area with. It was great to have a place to hang out during the rainy evenings. Bath house was centrally located and clean. 

    Pool was very nice and very strictly run by the local“Y”. It was closed a lot due to distant rumbles of thunder but we did get a few minutes to enjoy. 

    Trails were well kept and took you through the property and past many of the grouped cabin areas. One boardwalk took you out to the river and fishing dock another out through the area by the tree houses. 

    It was a good 10 minute hike with our gear to get to the tree houses from parking area near pool. Wagons are provided but pack light to save the trouble. 

    Summertime this place is a kids paradise. There were lots of families, parties and groups on the property when we went. Fall and Winter we are told is the best time to camp here but we were advised to book early! 

    Remember to Leave No Trace and enjoy this one of a kind experience!

Guide to Palm Coast

Tent campsites near Palm Coast, Florida frequently experience seasonal variations with summer temperatures reaching 90°F and high humidity levels, contrasting with milder winter conditions around 70°F. The region sits at a low elevation typically between 0-25 feet above sea level, making proper drainage at campsites crucial during Florida's frequent afternoon rainstorms. Many primitive sites in the area require advanced planning as they're situated in conservation areas with limited facilities.

What to do

Kayaking from your site: At Princess Place Preserve, waterfront sites offer direct water access. "Some of the tent campsites are directly on one of the small rivers that empties into the Intercostal," notes Reid D., making it ideal for paddlers who want to launch directly from camp.

Hiking diverse trails: Several interconnected trail systems provide opportunities to explore local ecosystems. One visitor at Princess Place Preserve shared, "I did the Hominy Trail which is 2.5 miles long and was well marked. There was gorgeous Live Oak trees with Spanish Moss hanging down, an adorable wild field full of white butterflies and an Eagles Nest Viewing Area."

Fishing in multiple waterways: Cedar Creek Campground provides access to less crowded fishing spots. The area offers freshwater fishing opportunities with various species available. "Rural and beautiful," commented a visitor, highlighting the secluded natural setting that provides peaceful fishing conditions.

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Early mornings and evenings are prime times for wildlife spotting. "We saw deer more frequently than we saw other humans," reported Taylor at Princess Place Preserve, describing the abundance of natural Florida wildlife present throughout the property.

What campers like

Privacy between sites: Moody Campground offers well-spaced waterfront sites. "Sites are well spaced with a lot of well cared for nature park areas between," reported Angie A., appreciating the campground layout that prevents overcrowding.

Clean facilities: Despite primitive settings, many campgrounds maintain serviceable facilities. According to Stuart K. at Haw Creek Preserve State Park, "The shelter lodge... features a promenade with a single picnic table, and further inside, a fairly wide open picnic area offering up a single deck opposite of which, you'll find a restroom and shower facility."

Star gazing opportunities: Clear night skies away from city lights provide excellent astronomical viewing. "Amazing stars -- great view of incredible moon," writes Gary G. about his experience at Cedar Creek Campground, highlighting the benefits of camping in less developed areas.

Elevated tent pads: Many sites feature raised camping platforms to prevent water issues. Louis B. notes at Moody Campground, "The tent sites are elevated which should help keep the soil dryer in case of rain."

What you should know

Water availability varies widely: Not all campgrounds provide potable water. "Keep in mind that there is no water available at the camping sites or the entire park for that matter. Potable or non potable so you have to bring in all drinking water and water for washing dishes," advises Louis B. about camping at Moody Campground.

Primitive camping means minimal amenities: Prepare for basic conditions at many sites. At Caravelle Ranch Wildlife Management Area, Stuart K. describes the setup: "There's only about 5-6 designated camping spots here to choose from, all of which come with just a simple picnic table and makeshift fire ring."

Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. "Sites are reserved well in advance, especially for the weekends so book early," advises Kippy N. regarding Princess Place Preserve.

Access challenges: Some sites require additional effort to reach. Stuart K. explains about Haw Creek Preserve, "This particular spot is somewhat easy to access – in that there's a perfectly fabricated wooden plank pathway to follow, albeit for at least a ¼ mile."

Tips for camping with families

Consider treehouse options: For a unique family experience, Camp Chowenwaw Park offers elevated camping. "We had the Squirrel Run cabin which had AC and 6 bunk beds. Which was great for our family of 6," reports Jenn B., highlighting accommodations suitable for larger family groups.

Pack insect protection: Florida's humid climate means abundant mosquitoes, especially in wooded areas. "There were lots of mosquitoes, so beware of that and bring bug spray," cautions Jenn B. about Camp Chowenwaw Park.

Plan for water activities: Pool access provides relief from summer heat. Jeanene A. notes about Camp Chowenwaw Park, "Pool was very nice and very strictly run by the local Y. It was closed a lot due to distant rumbles of thunder but we did get a few minutes to enjoy."

Bring transportation for gear: When camping sites are distant from parking areas, preparation helps. "It was a good 10 minute hike with our gear to get to the tree houses from parking area near pool. Wagons are provided but pack light to save the trouble," advises Jeanene A.

Tips from RVers

Limited hookup options: Many campsites near Palm Coast have primitive accommodations with few RV amenities. "There's only a small handful of fire rings here, but one HUGE bonus is the single-standing lodge that features a promenade with a single picnic table, and further inside, a fairly wide open picnic area," reports Stuart K. about Haw Creek Preserve, noting facilities that can compensate for limited hookups.

Road condition awareness: Access to more remote sites may challenge larger vehicles. "Took some rough dirt roads to get to this campsite," mentions Haley L. about Cedar Creek Campground, indicating the need for careful route planning with RVs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Palm Coast, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Palm Coast, FL is Princess Place Preserve with a 4.9-star rating from 10 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Palm Coast, FL?

TheDyrt.com has all 35 tent camping locations near Palm Coast, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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