This is one of the best big nature escapes close to Tampa — perfect if you want classic Florida outdoor camping with water, forests, trails, and riverside paddling all within walking distance of your campsite. The campground sits under shady trees with plenty of space between sites, and most include water and electric hookups, fire rings, picnic tables, restrooms with hot showers, laundry, and a dump station for RVs.

The real draw here is the Hillsborough River — you can kayak or canoe right from the park, fish for bass and catfish, or explore miles of hiking and biking trails through pine flatwoods, hardwood hammocks, and cypress swamps. There’s even historical flair with Fort Foster and interpretive sites inside the park.