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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.

Best in Florida: Finalist

Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2023.

Mike & Bill is a Star Host

Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.

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. Site is loaded with hundreds of fruit trees Lychee, Mango, Starfruit, Papaya, Guava), 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

Biking

Boating

Fishing

Hiking

Natural features

Beach

Cave

Forest

Lake

97%

591 ratings · 288 reviews

Chuck M.

August 1, 2024

Site 7 West Road

It's a nice property that could be cleaned up a bit and be very pretty. There were many mosquitoes when I arrived after dark, but once I got my mosquito netting up I slept very comfortably in my minivan. They had recently mowed around the pond so in the morning I had a very pleasant walk around the property. The mosquitoes had gone away! I met friendly pigs and enjoyed the tropical plants around the pond. Keep working on the farm. I see great potential in the property. Overall I was glad to find a good place to rest.

Q V.recommends

August 1, 2024

Site 7 West Road

I loved it..it reminded me of Adam and Eve secret spot fresh fruits from the trees and great privacy. 😁❤️

Arina K.recommends

July 9, 2024

Site 7 West Road

Amazing place!

Mike was so welcoming, he took time to show us around and explain everything. He also gave us a mango which was so good that we decided to buy some more fruits and eggs from his farm. He also allowed us to change our site. Btw, Site 3 or 4 are the best! We had an amazing time tent camping.

Claudia E.recommends

July 7, 2024

Site 10 North end, tents only

Mike an incredible host even before we got there. Show us around and let us pick the best spot. Always taking care of every need that you could ask for. You are in the city but at the same tima you feel you are away.. birds singing will wake you up.

Bill N.recommends

June 24, 2024

Site 4 at the Dock

Off season.

By the pond was my first time using Hipcamp. It was very quiet and I had the whole place to myself (plus wife & dogs). Convenient to Apollo beach. The host was very helpful.

Gabrielle A.recommends

June 17, 2024

Site 9 North side of Pond

Camping in the banana grove

Super awesome camping experience here! We got to set up our tent in the middle of the banana grove. Mike offered us lychee and and he was nice enough to walk us around the farm. We got a little visit from his hog friend who was so sweet and welcoming! I recommend this spot to anyone

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