Florida's Best 'Hidden Gem' Campground Offers Premium RV Sites & Amazing Food

If you're an old hat at RV life and camping, you know that most of the time dinner means either a well-packed cooler or a special trip into town. That's not the case at The Cove. This campground in Inverness — a city between Tampa and Gainesville, Florida — boasting its own on-site pub along the shimmering shoreline of Lake Henderson. This hidden treasure delivers the kind of laid-back vibe you won't find in overbooked beach hubs. It's a campground, yes — but it's also a destination that feels like a home away from home and everyone's on a first-name basis by sundown.

At first glance, it may look like your average RV park, but The Cove has been quietly racking up accolades. Campspot named it one of its "Top Hidden Gem Campgrounds" in 2025, and for good reason. With just 10 full hook-up RV sites and five rustic cabins, it offers a more intimate and peaceful experience. Plus, each site is a short stroll from the lake and the cozy pub that truly makes this place stand out.

Don't let the casual digs fool you — The Cove's Pub & Grub is locally loved. Regulars rave about the kitchen's standout comfort food, from crispy gator bites to big, juicy burgers and killer wings. The food tastes even better after a day out on the water, especially when paired with a refreshing brew. "If you're looking to stay in a spot with limitless access to hot wings, cold beer, and big burgers, this is your place," said Campspot on its awards page. "What used to be a regular ole' Florida fish camp has now evolved into one of the greatest hidden treasures in the state."

The Cove's pub has earned a reputation beyond its campground guests. Weekend boaters dock here just for lunch, and locals treat the pub like their own waterfront living room. Imagine if "Cheers" was on the water. Now you're getting the picture. It's what happens when a come-as-you-are dive bar meets mother nature, rather than a luxurious cabana-studded escape. And thanks to its growing acclaim, you'll want to grab a table early — sunset hours tend to draw a crowd, when the lake begins to glow in golden hues.

Whether you roll in with your RV, rent one of the property's five rustic cabins, or just stop by for lunch and a lakeside beer, The Cove offers a rare taste of authentic Florida. Between paddle boarding at dawn, happy hour at the pub, and swapping stories with new friends around the fire pit, it's easy to feel like you've found a secret slice of paradise. You can even bring your furry friends, as pets are welcome throughout the property — even outside at the pub. It's also an affordable escape, with RV sites under $60 and cabins starting around $135 per night plus a cleaning fee.

If you're looking for resort-style amenities, you'll find them here — just catered to a more relaxed crowd. There's a launch ramp for boats, free WiFi, kayak rentals, and even airboat tours. But more than anything, it offers connection: to nature, to the water, and to your fellow human. That's what makes it more than a spot to check off your list — it's a place you'll want to return to again and again. Want to trade the lake for the ocean? Check out Turtle Beach Campground for a quintessential seaside adventure in Florida.