Established Camping
Hopkins Prairie Campground — National Forests In Florida
Hopkins Prairie Campground, near the National Forests in Florida, is a fantastic spot for those who crave a bit of wilderness. This place is perfect for tent camping, with beautiful views of the unique wet prairie and plenty of shady spots to set up camp.
The campground is known for its first-come, first-served sites, which means you can snag a good spot if you arrive early. Visitors have mentioned that the lack of cell service and amenities like electric hookups adds to the charm, allowing for a true escape into nature. As one camper put it, “Minimal amenities and I have no service (which is part of the fun).”
If you're into hiking, you're in luck! The Florida Scenic Trail is nearby, offering great walking trails and opportunities to spot local wildlife. Just be aware that weekends can get a bit lively, so earplugs might be a good idea if you're looking for peace and quiet.
With its sandy roads and rustic feel, Hopkins Prairie Campground is a great place to unwind, enjoy a campfire, and maybe even catch a glimpse of some bears. Whether you're here for a weekend or a longer stay, this campground has a lot to offer for those looking to connect with nature.
Description
USDA Forest Service
National Forests in Florida
Overview
There are only 21 sites at Hopkins Prairie. All are well-shaded in an oak hammock on a peninsula surrounded by the prairie, where cool breezes blow in when there is a little water in the prairie.
Recreation
Depending on water levels in the prairie, you may be able to launch your canoe or jon boat to drift across the deeper spots in this vast ecosystem. Boat ramp available - $3 per vessel launch fee Hopkins Prairie is a designated camping area with minimal facilities, open seasonally. The vast expanse of Hopkins Prairie has ponds and shallows. Depending on water levels, it may be possible to fish from the bank or launch a canoe or jon boat to access the deeper areas. With a year-round trailhead providing access to the Florida Trail, Hopkins Prairie is a popular destination for day hikers to wander off in either direction along the trail, or complete a section down to the Pat's Island Trailhead or Juniper Springs. Hopkins Prairie is an excellent destination for birding, since the interface between open prairie and scrub forest is usually busy with songbirds, while wading birds pick through the ponds. Even when the campground is closed, you can meander from the Hopkins Prairie Trailhead along the Florida Trail to enjoy birding. It's also a perfect spot where you can peer out from the shade of an oak scrub forest beneath gnarled limbs to an expanse of grasslands shimmering in the sun.
Facilities
Depending on water levels in the prairie, you may be able to launch your canoe or jon boat to drift across the deeper spots in this vast ecosystem. Boat ramp available - $3 per vessel launch fee Hopkins Prairie is a designated camping area with minimal facilities, open seasonally. The vast expanse of Hopkins Prairie has ponds and shallows. Depending on water levels, it may be possible to fish from the bank or launch a canoe or jon boat to access the deeper areas. With a year-round trailhead providing access to the Florida Trail, Hopkins Prairie is a popular destination for day hikers to wander off in either direction along the trail, or complete a section down to the Pat's Island Trailhead or Juniper Springs. Hopkins Prairie is an excellent destination for birding, since the interface between open prairie and scrub forest is usually busy with songbirds, while wading birds pick through the ponds. Even when the campground is closed, you can meander from the Hopkins Prairie Trailhead along the Florida Trail to enjoy birding. It's also a perfect spot where you can peer out from the shade of an oak scrub forest beneath gnarled limbs to an expanse of grasslands shimmering in the sun.
Natural Features
An island of shade amid a broad, winding grassland, the Hopkins Prairie Campground is a seasonal destination for campers looking to get a bit off the beaten path. It sits right along the Florida Trail and offers opportunities for fishing and birding along miles of prairie shoreline.__
Fee Info
All visitors must display confirmation of payment in vehicle dash. This can be the tear ticket from the fee envelope or the CONFIRMATION AND RESERVATION NUMBER from Scan & Pay. Please write confirmation number on provided envelope.__
Location
Hopkins Prairie Campground — National Forests In Florida is located in Florida
Directions
The turnoff for Hopkins Prairie is 9.2 miles north along SR 19 from the intersection with SR 40. Turn left and follow the signs, turning left, right, and left along unmarked, unimproved roads to reach the camping area.
Coordinates
29.2696 N
81.6867 W
Access
Stay Connected
- WiFiGood
- VerizonFair
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileGood
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
Features
For Campers
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Water Hookups
Drive Time
- 54 min from Ocala
- 1 hr 8 min from Deltona
- 1 hr 13 min from Wildwood
- 1 hr 14 min from Gainesville