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Big Scrub Campground

4 ReviewsAdd Review

Big Scrub Campground sits at the intersection of two forest service roads in Ocala National Forest, offering open sites with no shade cover. The US Forest Service manages this established campground that reopened in November 2018 after renovations, providing hot showers, clean restrooms, and small fire pits at each site.

The wide-open layout leaves campers exposed to Florida sun throughout the day, as multiple reviewers confirm the complete absence of shade trees. Sites drain well during heavy rain, and the Forest Service staff maintains the grounds while occasionally sharing collected firewood with campers. Cell service varies significantly by provider, with AT&T showing no signal according to recent visitors. Douglas H. notes the campground has "open sites, hot showers, and clean toilets" following its renovation.

The campground provides water spigots and bathroom facilities but lacks electrical or water hookups at individual sites. Reservations are available through the Forest Service system, though pets are not permitted. Horse flies can be problematic during certain seasons, making insect repellent essential for comfortable stays.

Campers exploring the area can find campgrounds near Ocala National Forest for additional options with different amenities and shade conditions.

Fee Info

Sites A and B = Full Hook up = $12 + $10 = $22 per night

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Location

Public Campground

Big Scrub Campground is located in Florida

Detail location of campground

Directions

From I-75 east, travel on State Route 40 to Forest Road 588. Turn south on 588 and go approximately 8 miles. The campground is on the west side of the road.

Address

11990 SE NATIONALFOREST RD 588
Umatilla, FL 32784

Coordinates

29.0502778 N
81.7625 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Good Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 1 user

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Good Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 1 user

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Reservable
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets

For Vehicles

  • Sewer Hookups
  • Water Hookups
  • Pull-Through Sites
  • 50 Amp Hookups
  • Big Rig Friendly

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Reviews

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3.5

out of 5

4 Reviews

Many visitors appreciated the clean facilities including hot showers and restrooms. The complete lack of shade and missing RV hookups were common concerns. Staff experiences varied from helpful to problematic.

D
Reviewed Apr. 13, 2024

Camp ground host

Camp ground host was a pure dick over a matter that could have been handled differently.

Month of VisitApril
N
Reviewed Aug. 23, 2021

Very Nice, Clean, and Quiet!

I stayed here with my 2 boys and the only fault I could find was the horse flies... Cant blame the campground for that! :). Bring bugspray!

It was enjoyable!!

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Big Scrub Campground by Nicholas B., August 23, 2021
  • Review photo of Big Scrub Campground by Nicholas B., August 23, 2021
Douglas H.
Reviewed Mar. 12, 2019

Big Scrub is a good deal

I was apparently the first person to reserve a site online after it was reopened. Open sites, hot showers, and clean toilets. Re-opened in November of 2018. Small fire pits in every sites, guys who run it will share leftover fire wood they collect, but none for purchase. No shade, on a corner of two forest service roads. Cell service depends on what service you use, AT&T was non existent. I didn’t get to use much of the site, it rained for 12 straight hours when I stayed. But site drained well, and Forest Service guys were super nice and helpful.

Month of VisitDecember
  • Review photo of Big Scrub Campground by Douglas H., March 12, 2019
Daniel S.
Reviewed Jun. 19, 2016

Big Scrubb Campground

Despite campground having showers & bathrooms and a few spigots to draw water, there is no electric hook ups or water hook ups. Campground is wide open with no shade trees at all. leaving you out in the hot Florida hot sun all day. The OHV trails are not as good or long as the trails at Lake Delancy west. Do not like this campground . Even though Lake Delancy west has no showers or water/electric hook ups we like it better because of the shade trees. We bring our own showers & generators for power.

  • Review photo of Big Scrub Campground by Daniel S., June 19, 2016
Showing results 1-4 of 4 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities and facilities are available at Big Scrub Campground?

Big Scrub Campground offers clean restrooms with hot showers and toilet facilities. The campground has drinking water available from spigots throughout the area, but no electric or water hookups for RVs. Each campsite includes a small fire pit for cooking and campfires. While firewood isn't available for purchase at the campground, the hosts sometimes share leftover wood they've collected. The amenities are basic but functional, providing essential services for campers while maintaining a more rustic outdoor experience.

Where is Big Scrub Campground located in the Ocala National Forest?

Big Scrub Campground is situated within the Ocala National Forest in Florida. It's positioned at a corner of the forest, making it relatively accessible while still providing a genuine forest camping experience. The campground's location puts it near OHV (Off-Highway Vehicle) trails, though these aren't as extensive as some other areas in the forest. For precise directions, contact the Ocala National Forest office as the campground's specific access points may vary seasonally.

Are there hiking trails or recreational activities near Big Scrub Campground?

The area surrounding Big Scrub Campground offers several recreational options, primarily centered around OHV (Off-Highway Vehicle) trails. While these trails are available, they aren't as extensive as some others in the Ocala National Forest. The campground's location puts outdoor enthusiasts in proximity to typical forest activities like hiking, wildlife viewing, and exploring nature. Visitors should be prepared for insects, particularly horse flies, by bringing appropriate bug spray. For more specific trail information, check with the Ocala National Forest visitor center or campground host upon arrival.

What does Big Scrub Campground look like?

Big Scrub Campground features an open layout with minimal tree cover, providing little shade from the Florida sun. The sites are spaced out in a wide-open area, creating a communal atmosphere while still allowing for some privacy between campers. The lack of shade trees means campers should prepare for direct sunlight throughout most of the day. Each site comes equipped with a small fire pit, and the overall atmosphere is fairly basic but clean and well-maintained.

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