Best Campgrounds near Alachua, FL

Alachua, Florida connects campers to many different camping spots that balance natural settings with useful facilities. Manatee Springs State Park Campground sits near clear spring waters where you can swim and snorkel. Rodman Campground gives you a basic camping setup with good fishing and chances to see wildlife. Edge Oak RV Park has full hookups and big sites for RV campers. Watch out for wildlife in the area - there are alligators and many types of birds around, so take care. Store your food properly to avoid attracting animals to your camp. You typically don't need permits to camp here, but double-check about any rules or fire bans before you go. Fall and spring are the best camping seasons in Alachua since summers get hot and sticky. Book ahead during these popular times if you want to get a spot at the busier campgrounds. Most camping areas are easy to reach on good roads, though some spots might need higher vehicles after rain. Mule Landing Campground is worth considering too - it's quiet and close to hiking trails. Be ready for weather changes since Florida can surprise you. Alachua has camping options that work whether you bring a tent or an RV. Remember to clean up after yourself to keep these places nice for the next people who camp there.

Best Camping Sites Near Alachua, Florida (194)

    1. Ginnie Springs Outdoors

    54 Reviews
    Fort White, FL
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (386) 454-7188

    $20 - $25 / night

    "This is clearly one of the best natural springs in all of Florida complete with 250 wooded acres of pure Florida wilderness."

    "Favorite springs in Florida and one of my favorite places to camp and spend a few days in Florida or the country in general. Awesomely maintained, plenty of sites."

    2. Dogwood Campground — O'Leno State Park

    39 Reviews
    Fort White, FL
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (386) 454-1853

    $18 / night

    "The campsites are spacious, well shaded, and with in easy walking distance to the Bathhouse/Restrooms. The facilities are kept clean and neat."

    "You know, like quintessential state or national park imagery where you would expect to see“Smoky The Bear” around the next bend."

    3. Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park Campground

    22 Reviews
    High Springs, FL
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (386) 454-1369

    "This spring is one of the newer State parks in Florida. The bathrooms need updating. The sites are small. The electrical boxes are limited to amp hookup. The spring is AMAZING!!!"

    "While quite a few of the natural springs you’ll find here in Florida contain a Disneyworld-like level of crowds and subsequent infrastructure, here at Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park, you’ll discover"

    4. Magnolia Campground — O'Leno State Park

    17 Reviews
    High Springs, FL
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (386) 454-1853

    $18 / night

    "Grounds are well kept as are most Florida parks. Short drive to several other park and springs in the area. Clean bathrooms."

    "There is a check in booth at the entrance. They gave us a call to let us know they will be closed when we arrive and we had to pick up our camp pass outside."

    5. Travelers Campground

    8 Reviews
    Alachua, FL
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (386) 462-2505

    $69 - $99 / night

    "We stopped in here on our way to Stone Mountain, coming from south Florida. It is conveniently located right off of I-75N with some restaurants nearby. Pull through full hook up site with cable."

    "Found this location here on Dyrt and I'm so glad we did. We were tired along our drive and needed a place to park and rest."

    6. Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park Campground

    33 Reviews
    Micanopy, FL
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 466-3397

    $18 / night

    "Very close to the University of Florida. Nice campground recently renovated."

    "There is a picnic table & a fir pit the fire pit was a little to close to the camper to have a fire. It is a very quiet and woodsy campground."

    7. High Springs RV Resort and campground

    7 Reviews
    High Springs, FL
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (386) 454-1688

    "This is a relatively small, privately owned RV campground just off of I-75 in northern Florida. We felt that it was a little pricey at $40 (with a Good Sam discount) for its location."

    "Located halfway between UF Gatorland in Gainesville and Lake City right of I75, High Springs Campground is an ideal location that puts you smack dab in the middle of all of the state’s northernmost natural"

    8. Ruth B. Kirby Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park Campground

    5 Reviews
    High Springs, FL
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (386) 775-3663

    $18 / night

    "Trails are cool but were not very well maintained. If you happen to be nearby, go, but don't go waay out of the way for it."

    "Right around the corner from Ginnie Springs. There are plenty of camping spots that are in open areas or hidden in the woods. The springs are amazing."

    9. Moonshine Acres RV Park

    13 Reviews
    Fort White, FL
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (833) 744-6378

    $50 - $65 / night

    "The main factor in deciding to stay here was the distance to Ichetucknee Springs. It's 3 miles from the south entrance and 4 miles from the north entrance."

    "A but of a drive for groceries, which is no biggie. Close to springs which was what attracted us to this spot."

    10. Devil's Den Spring

    20 Reviews
    Williston, FL
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 528-3344

    $20 - $75 / night

    "Local weekend entertainment, pool, hot showers, and additional places to explore within walking distance. We will be back."

    "The location is really convenient and close to Gainesville, so if you want to spend some time being active in the water during the day but want to chill and go see a movie in a theatre at night, you can"

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Showing results 1-10 of 194 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Alachua, FL

924 Reviews of 194 Alachua Campgrounds



Guide to Alachua

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!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Alachua, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, Alachua, FL offers a wide range of camping options, with 194 campgrounds and RV parks near Alachua, FL and 5 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Alachua, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Alachua, FL is Ginnie Springs Outdoors with a 4.2-star rating from 54 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Alachua, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Alachua, FL.

What parks are near Alachua, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 parks near Alachua, FL that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.