If you are looking to explore Florida without breaking the bank, you need to check out the Starkey Wilderness Preserve. This is the first of what we hope will be many series exploring our home state, and we’ve found a total gem for anyone who loves the outdoors.
The best part? It is completely free.
The Location: Seranova Tract
Located off State Road 52 and near the 589 toll road, the Seranova Tract is incredibly accessible. What’s unique about this spot is how close it is to civilization while still feeling miles away. You have a Publix, gas stations, and restaurants right across the road, yet once you step into the preserve, you are surrounded by miles of hiking, horse trails, and wilderness.
For information & reservation:
https://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/recreation/serenova-tract
The Facilities: Primitive but Functional
Since this is free camping, don’t expect a luxury resort, but it covers the basics:
- Water: There is water on-site (we even found a bathtub setup with running water!).
- Restrooms: They have “outhouse” style facilities. They aren’t running water toilets, but they are well-maintained, have hand sanitizer, and surprisingly, they don’t stink!
- The Campsites: The sites are primitive, meaning you’ll find a fire pit, a picnic table, and a grill.
RV and Camping Logistics
The Problem: Finding free spots for an RV in Florida is getting harder every year.
The Solution: The Seranova Tract has a road that leads directly to the sites, making it accessible for RVs.
- Boondocking Required: There is no power on-site. You’ll need to rely on solar, a generator, or just “rough it” for the night.
- Natural Shade: One of the biggest perks here is the tree canopy. The trees provide a great canvas that blocks the direct Florida sun, which would make camping here much more bearable even in the warmer months.
Respect the Preserve
We noticed a little bit of trash and a damaged grill at one of the sites. If we want these free services to stay available, we have to take care of them. Pack it in, pack it out. Keep your site clean so the next person can have the same great experience.
Watch Out for the Locals
We found a great pond with a rope swing right near the entrance. While it looks tempting, remember this is Florida. We heard from a local rider that there was a 9-foot gator just a couple of miles down the trail. Use your head—if you decide to drop a kayak or fish, keep a sharp eye out!
Whether you’re hiking, horse riding, or just looking for a quiet place to park the rig for a few days, Starkey is worth the trip.
Watch our full tour of the grounds here: Free RV Camping Starkey Serenova Tract
Exploring makes you hungry, and if you want to see what Danielle is cooking up to keep us fueled for these trips, head over to dininginwithdanielle.com. She makes the food that makes me the man I am today!