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By the Pond...

97%

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· Ruskin, Hillsborough, Florida

33 acres hosted by Mike & Bill E.

1 lodging site · 11 RV/tent sites

Best in Florida: 3rd place

Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2024.

Amazing views

Hipcampers say this spot has amazing views.

Family-friendly

Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.

Staff verified

Accuracy verified by Hipcamp's on-the-ground team.

Stay by a lovely pond on 33 acre fruit and ornamental tree nursery property with great vibes. Located near I-75 just 20 miles South of Tampa, 35 miles east of Saint Petersburg, 35 miles North of Sarasota, 2 hours West of Orlando. This property is home to a farm/nursery operation and has a large pond on the west side. The pond is Spring-fed at the headwaters of Marsh Branch Creek which begins at our property and flows West about five miles in to Tampa Bay. Approximately 33 private acres allows for plenty of space between our campsites. Property is home to a farm with hundreds of fruit trees- Lychee, Mango, Starfruit, Papaya, Guava). Red Mombin, and thousands of banana plants. Fishing can be great, wildlife and bird watching too. Fenced and gated for safety, this old historic nursery property has good vibes and plenty to offer. Until you see it - you really may not understand. Parts of property are wide open, other areas are rugged and difficult to walk through including some wetland areas. The nursery has plenty of trees, and some fields -the large pond is surrounded by cattails and marsh/wetlands and has fish (Bass, Tilapia, Sunfish, Catfish). Several species of wildlife have been seen on the property. We think the property is lovely, and definitely want you to enjoy your camping experience!

Activities

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613 ratings · 305 reviews

Rebecca Y.recommends

December 7, 2024

Site 4 at the Dock

Perfect!

very misunderstood hipcamp, the negative reviews are way too harsh. the host is wonderful, the land is being worked on so it’s not perfect but it’s a budget friendly, safe spot to camp! I would definitely come back here :)

Amber M.recommends

December 5, 2024

Site 15 - new South Site

We enjoyed our stay. Beautiful property, our dogs enjoyed the free roam! Only complaint is the neighbors behind (which you can’t see) were blasting music until 1 AM, which is no fault of Mike or Bill.

Ashley L.recommends

November 30, 2024

Site 4 at the Dock

My family and I loved camping on Mike’s land!! He was very responsive and helpful. We actually ended up switching spots to Spot 15 due to not wanting to be too close to the bees with our 2 toddlers. We LOVED site 15!! There were campers at Site 4 who weren’t super close but were very friendly! They helped us with some logs and fire as well. Mike was super helpful with our charging needs, very kind, and hospitable including his wife. The views at spot 15 were so picturesque at night over the campfire. Hands down would book again!! I love how our kiddos were able to run freely and enjoy themselves. We felt safe and loved camping By the Pond!

Alexia C.recommends

November 24, 2024

Site 5 at S.W. Corner

Everything! The owner is amazing ! Very kind and nice welcome

K M.recommends

November 19, 2024

Site 6 West Road

Beauty on the Pond

The host, Mike was most kind & helpful. Very quiet, secluded but the veiws are just amazing! The wildlife & birds were awesome. It's on a beautiful old nursery and all kinds of fruit & Japanese trees & flowers about. I would absolutely recommend. Don't miss the entrance tho. Very difficult to turn around. Yup I did it. Not anyone's fault but my own. I came after sunset.

Jerson Z.recommends

November 18, 2024

Site 4 at the Dock

Incredible One of a Kind Site!!

An absolutely incredible area to camp at!! The site I had was perfect! Great space and wonderful view of the farm and pond. Mike was extremely kind and very helpful in showing us around his farm and telling us of the different plants he had. Truly a wonderful and magical experience that I hope to return to again. Highly recommend!!

Location

Ruskin, Hillsborough, Florida, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of Seminole, Tocobaga, Miccosukee, and Mascogo First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking