Review with photos of FREE camping at Hampton Tract Equestrian/Primitive Camp in the Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve managed by the South West Florida Water Mgmt. Near Lakeland in Florida.
At A Glance
- South West Florida Management District – Green Swamp Wilderness Preserve – Hampton Tract.
- Free – Equestrian Campsite is primitive with at least a dozen sites.
- All types of RVs. Generators are okay – 10 pm to 7 am quiet time.
- Drop toilet.
- Locked gate. 7 nights max up to 30 days before arrival. Book at least 24 hours before arrival – check-in is 3 pm meaning you must book by 3 pm the day prior.
- Camping Area 28.2691, -81.96963
Location Map
Zoom into the area north of Lakeland. The campsite has a purple icon.
My Experience at the Hampton Tract Campground
One of the nearest free locations to Walt Disney World! A one-mile drive on a dirt road after the gate off Rockridge Road.
The camping area surrounds a circular loop road with about 6 sites on the outside and at least as many on the inside. There are no marked sites, just tables, fire rings, and horse rails scattered about. I have no idea how many bookings are allowed there per night, but the camp area has the potential to feel crowded if most of the rigs are large.
Many online reviews complain about the crowds and noise but during my stay, there were only 4 rigs and one abandoned tent. It was very pleasant and folks respected the quiet hours.
With one or two exceptions, most of the sites are under tree canopy and it is a challenge for solar panels. Unfortunately, the best site for solar happens to be right next to the smelly toilet!
The bad:
There were many mosquitos in mid-December and the gate-lock was very difficult to open and close. It made me nervous to leave the campground because I was unsure if the lock would open upon my return! I never saw a ranger and the abandoned tent with trash strewn around was a sad sight. The tree canopy and lack of sun forces folks to use generators.
The campground is at least 10 miles from grocery stores and shopping.
The good:
Verizon worked great. The toilet was OK but barely. The one-mile access road was full of potholes but driveable. It was very quiet and peaceful at night. Being a larger and more popular campground, it feels safe because one will most probably have neighbors every night.
Photos
About the Florida Water Management Districts
Please read my article about the Florida Water Management Districts and the booking process BEFORE booking! It will save you time and frustration.