Canoeing/Kayaking

Timberline Glamping at Hillsborough River

Timberline Glamping at Hillsborough River brings luxury tent accommodations to the banks of the Hillsborough River in Thonotosassa, Florida, operating within one of the Tampa Bay area's most distinctive natural parks. The timberline glamping experience trades the standard campsite for thoughtfully furnished canvas tents that combine the setting of a Florida state park with the comfort level of a boutique hotel—an approach that opens genuine outdoor immersion to guests who wouldn't otherwise consider sleeping under canvas. Deluxe Bell Tents offer 200 square feet with a queen bed, hotel-quality linens, air conditioning and heating, a mini refrigerator, Keurig coffee maker, beautiful home décor, electrical outlets, and diffusers. Double Safari Tents scale up to 320 square feet with two queen beds and the same comfort amenities. Each glampsite surrounds the tent with outdoor elements that make the landscape part of the stay: a hammock under tree canopy, a private fire pit, a charcoal grill with cooking grate, string lights, camp chairs, a picnic table, and cornhole—all within the park's natural setting along the Hillsborough River. Shared bathrooms and showers are within easy walking distance. Hillsborough River State Park provides the natural infrastructure that makes this hillsborough river glamping location so compelling. The park protects one of the few class II river rapids in Florida—a rarity in a state defined by flat, slow-moving waterways—and the rapids are navigable by kayak for paddlers who enjoy moving water. Suspension bridges cross the river at scenic points, and trails wind through hammock forest and along the river's edge through terrain dominated by live oaks, cypress, and cabbage palms. Historic picnic pavilions built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s add a layer of heritage to a landscape that feels remarkably unchanged. Tampa lies roughly 15 miles west of the park, giving Timberline guests easy access to a full urban day trip without sacrificing the natural setting. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is about 20 minutes away for families who want a theme park afternoon, and Ybor City's historic Latin Quarter provides distinctive dining and nightlife with genuine cultural character. The Florida Aquarium, Lowry Park Zoo, and the downtown Tampa Riverwalk extend the day-trip possibilities for guests based at the river. Hillsborough River's quiet morning light and the sound of the rapids at night provide a counterpoint to the city that makes this one of the more satisfying one-foot-in-two-worlds camping experiences in central Florida. Timberline Glamping at Hillsborough River operates year-round in Florida's climate, though the fall-through-spring window offers the most comfortable outdoor temperatures for sitting by the fire pit and spending extended time outside. Summer brings the lush rainy-season greenery and warm water for swimming, along with the afternoon thunderstorms that are part of any honest Florida summer experience. Reservations book quickly for holiday weekends and spring break, and the combination of proximity to Tampa with the genuine park immersion the tents provide makes this a popular option for both couples and families looking for something beyond the standard Florida resort.

from $105/night

Camp Margaritaville RV Resort and Cabana Cabins Auburndale

262 RV Sites, 42 Cabins

Camp Margaritaville RV Resort and Cabana Cabins in Auburndale, Florida, offers 262 full-hookup RV sites and 42 cabins on the Florida Ridge, with 20, 30, and 50-amp service, cable TV, and rigs accepted up to 90 feet on a big-rig-friendly layout. Premium back-in and premium pull-through categories join standard tiers, alongside a water park, splash pad, fishing pier, and bar. Two hundred sixty-two sites span back-in, premium back-in, pull-thru, and premium pull-thru categories, all carrying water, sewer, and electric on 20, 30, and 50-amp with cable TV and site WiFi, sized to 90 feet, with picnic tables and BBQ pits. Ninety feet is exceptional and accommodates the longest coaches with a tow. Forty-two cabins round out the lodging. A general store, laundry, propane fills, dump station, restrooms, showers, and a pet washing station handle the practical side. One policy to clear before booking: any RV 10 years old or older requires advance approval — email [email protected]. A water park and splash pad anchor the summer, with an outdoor pool alongside. A lake and fishing pier support fishing, canoeing, and kayaking, with mini-golf, a fitness center, recreation center, clubhouse, sports courts, basketball, corn hole, golf cart rentals, hiking, biking, a playground, pavilion, community fire pit, dog park, on-site dining, and a bar filling the rest. Planned activities run through the season. Polk County sits between Tampa and Orlando, with both within easy reach. Winter and spring drive demand. Reserve well ahead, and clear RV approval early if your coach is older.

from $66/night

Trails End RV Park

37 RV Sites, 2 Tent Sites

Trails End RV Park in Floral City, Florida, offers 37 RV sites and two tent sites along the Withlacoochee River, with 30 and 50-amp service and rigs accepted to 47 feet on a big-rig-friendly layout. Five categories cover water-and-electric and full-hookup back-ins plus premium back-in and pull-through options, with a boat ramp, docks, and kayak rentals on site. Thirty-seven sites run in 50-amp water-and-electric back-ins, 30-amp and 50-amp full-hookup back-ins, and premium 50-amp back-in and pull-through categories, sized to 47 feet, with picnic tables. Two tent sites and distinctive tree tent rentals round out the accommodations. Personal mailboxes, laundry, a dump station, restrooms, showers, and firewood support longer stays, with WiFi throughout. The river carries the recreation. A boat ramp, boat docks, fishing pier, and boat and kayak rentals give guests direct access to the Withlacoochee, with canoeing, kayaking, boating, fishing, and paddle boats all running from the property. A clubhouse, dog park, and community fire pit fill the grounds. The oak hammock and cypress forest lining the river gives the park a state-park character that its 12-mile distance from I-75 belies. Pets are welcome. Floral City sits in Citrus County on Florida's Nature Coast, where the Withlacoochee State Forest and the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge sustain unusual wildlife density in the undeveloped interior between Ocala and the Suncoast. The Withlacoochee is one of Florida's most pristine blackwater river systems. Winter and spring draw the heaviest demand from seasonal residents and paddlers. Reserve ahead for those months.

from $31/night

River Oaks RV Campground & Retreat

1 RV Site

River Oaks RV Campground & Retreat in Inverness, Florida, offers full-hookup RV sites with 30-amp service and rigs accepted to 40 feet on a big-rig-friendly layout, under a canopy of old oaks and palms in Citrus County. Kayak and bike rentals, a pond, and a recreation center serve an intimate property with limited sites, open all year. Full-hookup sites carry water, sewer, and electric on 30-amp, sized to 40 feet, with site WiFi. This is a deliberately small campground with limited sites, so confirm availability rather than arriving on spec — the intimacy is the point. A dump station, laundry, restrooms, showers, and a pavilion handle the practical side. The old-growth canopy is the setting. Live oak, sabal palm, and cypress hammock shade the grounds, giving the property genuine old-Florida character that newer parks cannot replicate. Kayak rentals and bike rentals are available on site, with canoeing, kayaking, boating, biking, picnicking, and birding from the area and a pond on the property. A recreation center, walking trails, and dog park fill the rest, with planned activities through the season and wine tasting nearby. The campground also serves as a wedding venue. Pets are welcome. Inverness sits in Citrus County on US-41 between Brooksville and Ocala, in the freshwater lake country of Florida's Nature Coast. The Withlacoochee River corridor and the Tsala Apopka Lake chain surround the area, the Withlacoochee State Forest covers 157,000 acres nearby, and Inverness's vintage brick downtown is close. Winter and spring draw the heaviest Nature Coast demand. Reserve well ahead.

Thousand Palms Resort

4 RV Sites

Thousand Palms Resort in Lake Panasoffkee, Florida, offers four RV sites with 30 and 50-amp water-and-electric service and rigs accepted to 45 feet. Back-in categories at both amperages join an outdoor pool, fitness center, clubhouse, library, and community fire pit in Sumter County. Four back-in sites run in 30-amp and 50-amp water-and-electric categories, carrying water and electric, sized to 45 feet. Plan around the hookups — sites carry water and electric rather than sewer, so manage tank capacity and confirm dump arrangements when you book. Two straightforward categories: pick the service your rig needs. Cabins and tent sites round out the lodging. A laundry, restrooms, and showers handle the practical side. An outdoor pool anchors the property, with a fitness center, clubhouse, library, community fire pit, playground, dog park, pickleball, and shuffleboard filling the rest. A lake supports boating, paddle boarding, fishing, and swimming, with hiking, planned activities, and productive birding besides. Pets are welcome. The multi-format approach — cabins, RV sites, and tent camping together — gives groups traveling with mixed setups a genuine option, which small properties rarely accommodate. Lake Panasoffkee is a shallow 4,400-acre lake fed by springs in the heart of Florida's lake and spring country, with a reputation among anglers for crappie and bream that the bigger-name waters do not match. The Withlacoochee River, the state forest, and the Withlacoochee State Trail are all close, with I-75 nearby and both Tampa and Ocala within an hour. Winter is decisively the season in central Florida. January through March fills with snowbirds. Book well ahead.

from $61/night

Fishermans Cove RV Resort

72 RV Sites, 2 Cottages

Escape to Fisherman's Cove RV Resort in Palmetto, Florida, a tropical oasis nestled on the shores of Terra Ceia Bay. This RV resort is the ideal base for exploring the beauty of Terra Ceia Preserve State Park, with its diverse ecosystem. Enjoy a range of accommodations, from full-hook-up RV sites to cozy vacation villas. The resort offers an array of amenities for all ages, including a clubhouse, fitness center, bayside pool, hot jetted spa, tiki hut with a BBQ kitchen, and a private fishing pier. With easy access to Bradenton, Sarasota, Tampa, Clearwater, and Bradenton Beach, you can explore beaches, golf courses, dining, museums, and more. Whether you're seeking outdoor adventures or a tranquil escape by the bay, Fisherman's Cove RV Resort delivers a memorable Florida experience.

from $80/night

Camp Mack

70 RV Sites, 8 Cabins, 33 Motel Rooms

Camp Mack in Lake Wales, Florida, offers 70 full-hookup back-in RV sites and 41 cabin and motel room units directly on the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes, with 30 and 50-amp service, cable TV, and rigs accepted to 45 feet. Premium shaded, premium, and standard back-in categories join a marina, boat ramp, boat rentals, and on-site fishing guides. Seventy back-in sites run in standard, premium, and premium shaded categories, all carrying water, sewer, and electric on 30 and 50-amp with cable TV and site WiFi, sized to 45 feet. The premium shaded tier is worth requesting in central Florida. Forty-one cabins and motel rooms round out an unusually deep lodging inventory for a fishing property. A general store, laundry, propane fills and exchange, dump station, restrooms, and showers handle the practical side. The marina is the anchor, with boat docks, boat rentals, and on-site fishing guides giving launch access to Lake Kissimmee, Lake Hatchineha, Lake Cypress, and Lake Tohopekaliga. An outdoor pool, clubhouse, playground, dog park, golf cart rentals, pond, on-site dining, pickleball, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and swimming fill the rest, with live music through the season and exceptional birding across the marshes. A state park is nearby. Pets are welcome. The upper Kissimmee's shallow, vegetation-rich interconnected lakes are among the most consistently productive trophy largemouth bass fisheries in the world. Winter and spring are peak bass season and draw the heaviest demand. Reserve well ahead for January through April.

from $51/night

Sun Resorts & Residences Horseshoe Cove

137 RV Sites, 7 Cottages, 1 Apartment

Horseshoe Cove in Bradenton, Florida, offers 138 full-hookup RV sites and eight apartment and cottage units in a waterfront community on the Gulf Coast, with 30 and 50-amp service and rigs accepted to 44 feet behind a gated entrance. Super, standard, value, and standard pull-through categories join a pool, hot tub, fitness center, boat docks, and library. One hundred thirty-eight sites run in value full hookup, standard full hookup, standard full hookup pull-through, and super full hookup categories, all carrying water, sewer, and electric on 30 and 50-amp with site WiFi, sized to 44 feet, with picnic tables. The value tier keeps a lower-priced option on the table in a market where waterfront pricing runs high; note the 44-foot cap before booking a larger rig. Eight apartments and cottages round out the lodging. A general store, laundry, propane fills, restrooms, showers, and recycling handle the practical side. An outdoor pool and hot tub and sauna anchor daily recreation, with a fitness center, recreation center, clubhouse, game room, library, pavilion, and on-site dining besides. Boat docks open the water for boating, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing, with pickleball, sports courts, billiards, shuffleboard, horseshoes, walking trails, and picnicking filling the grounds. There is a large open pet area for long walks, and a state park is nearby. The waterfront setting gives the resort a natural quality uncommon among Florida's densely developed Gulf Coast communities. Winter is decisively the season. Book well ahead for January through March.

from $58/night

Wekiva Falls RV Resort

195 RV Sites

Wekiva Falls RV Resort in Sorrento, Florida, offers 230 full-hookup back-in RV sites with 30 and 50-amp service and rigs accepted up to 100 feet — a generous allowance for central Florida. Premium, standard, and super back-in categories join an outdoor pool, fitness center, library, and kayak rentals near the Wekiva River, open all year. Two hundred thirty back-in sites run in standard, premium, and super categories, all carrying water, sewer, and electric on 30 and 50-amp, sized to 100 feet. The super category handles the longest coaches with a tow. A general store, laundry, and WiFi handle the practical side. An outdoor pool anchors daily recreation, with a fitness center, clubhouse, library, on-site dining, and a bar besides. Pickleball, shuffleboard, walking trails, a playground, dog park, and picnicking fill the grounds, and kayak rentals put guests on the water. Live music and planned activities run through the season. This is an adult-oriented resort, and the amenity set reflects that. Pets are welcome. The Wekiva River system is the draw. Florida's most celebrated spring-run river emerges from the karst aquifer at a constant 68 degrees, and the Wekiwa Springs and Rock Springs corridor is among the state's premier natural springs destinations for paddlers, swimmers, and wildlife watchers. Sorrento sits in Lake County within easy reach of it. Winter and spring drive the heaviest demand in central Florida, with the springs staying comfortable year-round. Reserve well ahead for January through April.

from $67/night

Eleanor Oaks RV Park

55 RV Sites

Eleanor Oaks RV Park in Yankeetown, Florida, offers 55 full-hookup RV sites on the Nature Coast, with 50-amp service and rigs accepted to 45 feet. Back-in and pull-through categories join a solar-heated pool, marina, boat docks, fishing pier, kayak rentals, and recreation center in Levy County. Fifty-five sites run in back-in and pull-through categories, both carrying water, sewer, and electric on 50-amp with site WiFi, sized to 45 feet. One thing to check before booking: service is 50-amp throughout, so bring an adapter if your rig runs 30. Furnished rental accommodations round out the lodging. A laundry, restrooms, showers, firewood, RV storage, and boat storage handle the practical side. A solar-heated outdoor pool anchors the property, with a marina, boat docks, fishing pier, and kayak rentals opening the water for boating, canoeing, kayaking, and swimming. A recreation center, clubhouse, walking trails, playground, community fire pit, dog park, horseshoes, and corn hole fill the rest. Pets are welcome. Yankeetown sits at the mouth of the Withlacoochee River on one of the least developed and most ecologically intact stretches of the Florida Gulf Coast. The Withlacoochee Gulf Preserve is a 413-acre parcel of undeveloped wetlands — hardwood and pine, tidal marsh, and salt ponds — with a 30-foot observation tower and walking trails, and it is a short trip from the park. Crystal River's manatees and Cedar Key are both close. Winter is decisively the season on the Nature Coast, with manatee season running November through March. Book well ahead for January through March.

from $69 $60/night

Cross Creek RV Resort

17 RV Sites

Cross Creek RV Resort in Arcadia, Florida, offers 17 RV sites on the Peace River, with cable TV and rigs accepted to 75 feet, open all year behind a gated entrance. An RV Super Site category joins a standard back-in tier, with an outdoor pool, hot tub, fitness center, clubhouse, craft room, library, and bar. Seventeen back-in sites run in RV Super Site and standard back-in categories, carrying cable TV and site WiFi, sized to 75 feet. Confirm hookups and amp service with the resort for your rig when you book. Seventy-five feet accommodates a long coach with a tow — generous for a property this size, and the Super Site category gives the longest rigs a proper home. A laundry handles the practical side. An outdoor pool and hot tub and sauna anchor daily recreation, with a fitness center, recreation center, clubhouse, craft room, library, and bar besides. Sports courts, tennis, pickleball, bocce ball, shuffleboard, billiards, horseshoes, a lake, pond, beach, dog park, and hiking fill the rest, with boating, canoeing, kayaking, water sports, fishing, live music, and planned activities through the season. A golf course is nearby. That amenity list at 17 sites is genuinely remarkable, and it shows in the resort's Good Sam 10/10/10 rating — a perfect score achieved by only six resorts in all of Florida. The property is owned by a small South Florida company rather than a national chain, and the attention shows. DeSoto County's ranch and citrus country puts the Peace River, Arcadia's antique district, and the Gulf beaches within reach. Winter is decisively the season. Book well ahead for January through March.

from $62/night

Sun Resorts & Residences Buttonwood Bay

48 RV Sites, 13 Cottages

Sun Resorts & Residences Buttonwood Bay in Sebring, FL, offers 48 full-hookup RV sites and 13 cottages, with 30 and 50-amp service and back-in sites accommodating rigs up to 42 feet. Sites come in premium and standard full-hookup categories, all carrying water, sewer, and electric with a picnic table at the site. This is a 55+ community, gated, and open all year, with RV and boat storage available on the property. Laundry, bathhouse, a general store, and a dump station handle the practical side, and WiFi covers the resort. Pets are welcome, with a dog park on site. The amenity list is unusually deep. An outdoor pool, fitness center, recreation center, clubhouse-style game room, library, and craft room fill the indoor calendar, while bocce, pickleball, tennis, shuffleboard, horseshoes, billiards, and mini-golf fill the outdoor one. A boat ramp, fishing pier, and lake and pond frontage put anglers on the water, and walking trails circle the grounds. Planned activities run regularly, and golf is nearby. Sebring sits in the heart of Highlands County bass country, with lakes in every direction and Highlands Hammock State Park's live oak hammock close by. Rates for RV sites and cottages are on the booking page. Winter season books far in advance; reserve early for January through March.

from $45/night