Looking for an adventure where you can explore Osceola National Forest and then fall asleep in your tent? Find the best information on tent camping near Osceola National Forest, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your camping experience. Search nearby tent campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other campers.
Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park Campground is a fantastic spot for anyone looking to enjoy a mix of history and nature. The campground offers a variety of accommodations, including tent sites, RV spots, cabins, and even glamping options. The sites are spacious, with many offering ample shade and privacy thanks to the dense vegetation between them. Pull-thru sites with 50-amp hookups and water are available, and there's a sanitary dump station on-site.
Visitors rave about the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers, which are well-maintained and conveniently located. The park itself is a treasure trove of activities. You can explore the fascinating museums dedicated to Stephen Foster, the famous American composer, and take a stroll to the iconic bell tower. The park's historical and cultural significance adds a unique touch to your camping experience.
For those who love paddling, the Suwannee River is a major draw. There's a local outfitter that offers shuttle services and boat rentals, making it easy to get out on the water. If you're into hiking or biking, the park has plenty of trails to explore.
Nearby, the town of White Springs offers some good dining options like Fat Belly's, which comes recommended by campers for its reasonable prices and convenience. Whether you're staying for a night or planning a longer visit, Stephen Foster State Park Campground provides a peaceful and enriching retreat.
Ocean Pond hosts more than 100,000 visitors annually. The two-mile wide lake has a shallow, sandy beach and facilities for fishing, picnicking, hiking, restrooms, fire rings and picnic tables. Ocean Pond is a favorite for boaters and skiing enthusiasts. A public boat launch and a 67-site campground attracts visitors from many parts of the country. The early bird gets the worm! Come early for lakeshore camping. Nineteen sites have electric and water hook-ups, 27 have water hook ups and there are twenty primitive sites. Water and electric are paved spurs with a 50-foot capacity. Each site has a lantern post, picnic table, fire ring and convenient access to bathrooms and hot showers. Campers can enjoy the boat launch and swimming area. If you are interested in day-use activities, the Olustee Beach has full bathrooms with showers, beach, boat launch, fishing pier, trails and picnic areas. The Great Florida Birding Trail and the Florida National Scenic Trail pass through the campground. Motor boats and trailers can be kept in the boat trailer parking across from the boat ramp. Ocean Pond is just four miles away from the Olustee Battlefield Park, site of Florida's only Civil War battle in 1864. The Olustee Battle Festival and Re-enactmentis held annually in Lake City. The campground is located approximately 1 hour from the First Coast Atlantic beaches and a short half-hour to multiple State Parks, local springs and caves.
Located just north of Live Oak, Fla, the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park is a one-of-a-kind music park and premier campground nestled on the shady banks of the historic, tea-colored Suwannee River in North Florida. The Spirit of the Suwannee is proud to host a variety of events throughout the year. In addition to these events, the park offers live music during the week in the Music Hall and a natural amphitheater for outdoor music festivals.
Located on the Santa Fe River in High Springs Florida, Ginnie Springs is one of the clearest springs in Florida. The 72-degree water is perfect for river tubing, swimming, snorkeling, scuba and cave diving. Visitors to Ginnie Springs Outdoors can enjoy camping (wilderness sites or sites with electricity), an overnight rental cottage, picnicking, swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, canoeing, kayaking, river tubing and volleyball.
$20 - $25 / night
Welcome to Stephen C. Foster State Park Campground, nestled near Fargo, Georgia. This place is a real gem, offering a unique camping experience right in the heart of the Okefenokee Swamp. If you're into nature, this is the spot for you.
The campground has a mix of sites, some with water and electric hookups. Sites 1-25 are larger and can accommodate bigger rigs, while sites 26-58 are a bit smaller, perfect for tents. If you prefer pull-through sites, check out sites 59-64. For those who like to be close to the facilities, sites 40, 41, and 42 are your best bet.
One of the standout features here is the dark sky designation. On a clear night, the stargazing is phenomenal. Just imagine lying back and seeing the Milky Way stretch across the sky. It's a sight you won't forget.
The park offers plenty of activities to keep you busy. You can rent canoes, kayaks, or motorized John boats to explore the swamp. Keep an eye out for alligators and other wildlife—it's not uncommon to spot a gator lounging near the boat launch. If you prefer to stay on dry land, there are several hiking trails and a boardwalk that takes you through the swamp.
The campground is pretty remote, so make sure you're stocked up on essentials before you arrive. The nearest store is about 18 miles away. Cell service is spotty, but there's Wi-Fi at the trading post if you need to check in with the outside world.
Overall, Stephen C. Foster State Park Campground offers a peaceful, nature-filled escape. Whether you're paddling through the swamp, hiking the trails, or just relaxing under the stars, you're in for a memorable experience.
$10 / night
Hog Pen Landing offers quiet moments on waterfront campsites while Spanish moss sways with the wind. If you're lucky, you might just see a great blue heron fish for dinner. A boat ramp provides easy access to Ocean Pond.
The Great Florida Birding Trail and the Florida National Scenic Trail pass close by and is just miles away from the Olustee Battlefield State Park, site of Florida's largest Civil War battle, which took place in 1864. The Olustee Battle Festival is held annually in Lake City. The Battle Re-enactment is held annually at the Olustee Battlefield State Park.
Boating
This area is a favorite for boaters and water-skiers, anglers and hunters. Hog Pen Landing is located on the northwest side of Ocean Pond off FS Road 241 and houses a public boat launch. Camping
This area serves as a hunt camp during hunting season. Fishing
Fish from shore or take a boat out into Ocean Pond. This two-mile wide lake is perfect for both. https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/florida/recreation/camping-cabins/?recid=70792&actid=34
$10 / night
Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park is the newest addition to Florida State Parks!
The park contains a collection of natural springs, including a large second magnitude spring that produces an average of 44 million gallons of water per day. This spring, known as Gilchrist Blue, has outstanding water clarity and discharges water through a shallow spring run about one-quarter mile to the Santa Fe River. The other named springs on-site are Little Blue Spring, Naked Spring, Kiefer Spring and Johnson Spring.
The most significant ecological habitats within the park include the spring run stream and floodplain communities. The main spring run is renowned for its support of a diversity of wildlife species including turtles, fish and invertebrates.
Paddling, snorkeling and swimming are all popular at the main springhead and spring run. Pavilions are available and a concession stand provides food and beverage service. Other popular activities include hiking, nature study and picnicking.
The park features 23 campsites: 16 sites for RV/tent camping (30 amp available) and seven tent-only camping.
For reservations, visit the Florida State Parks reservations website or call 800-326-3521 or TDD 888-433-0287.
At the intersection of the Suwannee and Withlacoochee rivers, patches of rain lilies spring up on earthen mounds built to defend against Union Navy gunboats. Sunwannee River Campground is alive with history. Visitors can see remnants of a nineteenth-century steamship and two ghost towns that have been reclaimed by the sandhill wilderness, which is home to diverse and imperiled native species. On foot or by canoe, experiencing the park’s historical significance is its own timeless reward.
Located near the Suwannee River, the campground offers 30 oak-shaded sites with electricity, water, sewer, picnic table and fire ring. Three campsites are ADA accessible. The campground offers an ADA accessible restroom with showers. A dump station is also available.
Pets are welcome but must be kept on a 6-foot leash controlled by the pet's owner. Maximum RV length = 45 feet.
$22 / night
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Osceola National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Osceola National Forest is O'Leno State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 47 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Osceola National Forest?
TheDyrt.com has all 89 tent camping locations near Osceola National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.
