Tampa Bay's Best-Kept Secret: You Can Actually Camp at These Three County Parks
And now you can book a site online — from your phone
If you've driven past E.G. Simmons on your way to the boat ramp, or spent a hot afternoon swimming at Lithia Springs, or hiked the trails at Edward Medard — you might have had the same thought I did when I first heard the news: wait, you can camp there?
Yes. Yes, you can. And a whole lot of Tampa Bay area residents have no idea.
Hillsborough County quietly operates nearly 200 campsites spread across three of its conservation parks, and as of this month, you can reserve your spot online — no more showing up at dawn hoping someone didn't beat you to it. Here's what each park offers and why any of them could be your next weekend adventure.
E.G. Simmons Conservation Park — Tampa Bay at Your Doorstep
With 103 campsites, E.G. Simmons is the largest of the three — and the one with the most going on. The park borders Tampa Bay and feels more like a full outdoor resort than a county campground.
You've got a large boat ramp facility, kayak and canoe rentals, a beach and swimming area, fishing spots, two playgrounds, and picnic shelters. But the real standout is the 200-acre mangrove sanctuary that borders the campground — a protected habitat for birds and wildlife that's essentially your backyard for the night. If you're into birding or early-morning paddling, this is your place.
At $24 a night, it's a fraction of what you'd pay at a private RV park anywhere near Tampa Bay — and you're sleeping right on the water.
Lithia Springs Conservation Park — Springs, River, and Canopy
Lithia Springs is the one that surprises people most. Most visitors know it as a day-use swimming and kayaking spot on the Alafia River — but 45 campsites tucked into the surrounding conservation land make it a legitimately great overnight destination.
Canoe rentals are available on-site, and the Alafia River corridor is one of the better paddling runs in the Tampa Bay area — shaded, spring-fed, and far less crowded than the more famous springs up in Marion County. There are hiking trails, picnic shelters, and an ADA-accessible playground. It's a genuinely beautiful setting, especially on a cool spring morning when the mist is still sitting on the water.
If you've been looking for a short shakedown run for a new rig without driving three hours to find a spring, Lithia is an easy answer.
Edward Medard Conservation Park — The One for the Hikers and Disc Golfers
Medard is the hidden gem of the three. Built around a 700-acre reservoir in Plant City, it has a completely different feel from the other two — more open, more pastoral, with a big observation tower that gives you a great view over the water and surrounding flatwoods.
The 43 campsites here are the smallest allotment of the three parks, which also means it tends to be quieter. Beyond the reservoir (great for fishing), you've got hiking trails, a disc golf course, a large playground, and picnic shelters. It doesn't have the water access or wildlife drama of Simmons, but if you want to unplug for a weekend without the crowds, Medard delivers.
How to Book
The new online system just launched on March 9th and covers all 191 sites at once. Head to HCFL.gov/camping, where you can:
- Filter sites by amenities — electric hookups, water, fire ring, grill, picnic table
- See real-time availability across all three parks
- Book up to 6 months in advance
- Pay online when you reserve
Nightly fees vary based on age and residency status:
| Who | Nightly Rate |
|---|---|
| Standard | $24.00 |
| Senior 55+ | $18.00 |
| Hillsborough County Resident 65+ | $12.00 |
| Hillsborough County Resident with Disability | $12.00 |
If you're a county resident over 65 or have a qualifying disability, you're camping for half the standard rate — that's genuinely hard to beat anywhere near Tampa Bay.
(Fees current as of the time of this posting — check HCFL.gov/camping for the latest rates before you book.)
A Few Things to Know Before You Go
All three parks are day-use popular spots, which means weekends can get busy — especially Lithia Springs during warm weather. If you want a quieter experience, aim for Sunday through Thursday nights. The online system should also help you snag a specific site rather than luck of the draw on the best spots near the water.
Cell service is decent at all three locations, which is worth knowing if you're working remotely or just want to stay connected. None of these are deep-wilderness experiences — they're conservation parks with full amenities — but that's exactly the point. You can have a real camping weekend without needing a two-day drive or a week off work.
Tampa Bay campers have been sleeping on these parks for years. Now that you can book a site from your couch, there's no excuse not to check them out.
Reserve your site at HCFL.gov/camping
