Best Campgrounds near Alachua, FL

Camping near Alachua, Florida, offers a mix of natural beauty and outdoor fun. With several campgrounds in the area, you can find the perfect spot to relax and enjoy nature.

What to do

• Explore the Springs: Visit Ginnie Springs Outdoors for crystal-clear waters and a lazy river. One reviewer said, "This is clearly one of the best natural springs in all of Florida."
• Wildlife Watching: At Manatee Springs State Park Campground, you can see manatees and other wildlife. A camper noted, "The springs are amazing and full of wildlife."
• Hiking and Biking: Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground has beautiful trails. One visitor mentioned, "The trails are absolutely gorgeous."

What campers like

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Salt Springs Recreation Area stated, "The bathhouse by us was always clean."
• Privacy: Many campgrounds offer sites with good spacing. A reviewer at Tomoka State Park Campground said, "Sites seem very private due to vegetation and trees."
• Friendly Staff: Campers often mention helpful staff. One camper at Hillsborough River State Park Campground said, "The rangers were amazing and patrolled the campground on a regular basis."

What you should know

• Cell Service: Some campgrounds have poor cell reception. A visitor at Manatee Springs State Park Campground noted, "No cell coverage period."
• Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife. One camper at Ginnie Springs Outdoors warned, "High alcohol and drug use and high crime rate at times."
• Reservations: Some campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak seasons. A review for Salt Springs Recreation Area mentioned, "There’s an $8 fee to make online reservations."

Tips for camping with families

• Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground offers many activities. One parent said, "There are so many sites and yes there are people around but there’s serious vegetation between all the sites that you have plenty of privacy."
• Plan for Bugs: Bring bug spray, especially in warmer months. A camper at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park Campground advised, "BRING BUG SPRAY."
• Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can keep kids happy. A visitor at Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park mentioned, "A large camp store and food truck near front."

Tips from RVers

• Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A review for Fort Clinch State Park noted, "The roads in the campground are a little narrow so maneuvering a larger rig might take some time."
• Use Dump Stations: Familiarize yourself with dump station locations. One RV camper at Tomoka State Park Campground said, "There’s also a proper dump station located at the front of the loop."
• Bring Extra Supplies: Stock up on essentials before arriving. A visitor at Salt Springs Recreation Area mentioned, "You’ll need to drive several miles into town to get quarters."

Camping near Alachua, Florida, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Enjoy the great outdoors!