222 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
North central Florida offers a mix of established campgrounds and natural areas surrounding Alachua, with multiple state parks and springs within a 30-mile radius. Ginnie Springs Outdoors and O'Leno State Park provide year-round camping options with varying levels of amenities. Most campgrounds accommodate both tent and RV camping, with several locations like Dogwood Campground and Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park featuring electric hookups, water access, and fire rings. The region's combination of spring-fed rivers, lakes, and forested areas creates diverse camping environments from primitive sites to more developed facilities with full hookups.
Access to campgrounds varies seasonally with Florida's subtropical climate influencing camping conditions. "O'Leno State Park is the camping I always remembered. You know, like quintessential state or national park imagery where you would expect to see Smokey The Bear around the next bend," noted one visitor. Summer months bring high humidity and temperatures, making spring and fall the preferred camping seasons. Most established campgrounds in the area maintain good road access year-round, though heavy rainfall can affect trail conditions. Cell service is generally available at developed sites but becomes limited in more remote areas. Campgrounds like Santa Fe Palms RV Resort and Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park typically require reservations, especially during winter months when seasonal visitors increase demand for camping sites.
The region's natural springs represent a major draw for campers, with multiple reviews highlighting swimming and kayaking opportunities. Campers consistently praise the shaded sites under oak trees draped with Spanish moss, particularly at Rainbow Springs and O'Leno State Park. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with visitors reporting sightings of deer, wild turkeys, and occasional alligators. Several campgrounds feature boardwalks and hiking trails providing access to diverse ecosystems. RV enthusiasts appreciate the full-hookup options at locations like Travelers Campground in Alachua, while tent campers often favor the more secluded, wooded sites at state parks. Reviews indicate that sites near water features tend to be the most sought-after, with one camper noting "The springs are wonderful" at Hart Springs Park, emphasizing the region's reputation for crystal-clear natural springs.
"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."
from $45 - $60 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $18 / night
Check Availability"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"
"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."
from $18 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $69 - $99 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $18 / night
Check Availability"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"
"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."
from $18 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $50 - $65 / night
Check Availability"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"
from $20 - $75 / night
Check Availability
ScoutGreat hike in filled with wildlife saw lots of deer, a bunny, and I’m pretty sure a small group of coyotes. Site is very private and quiet during the day. Unfortunately, the new toll road is right on the other side of the creek which became very loud at night.
ScoutRivers Crossing is a great new campground located 2 miles from Branford Florida. The owners are amazing, very friendly and accommodating. The campground is located on the Suwannee River Greenway (rails to trail) bike path that runs from Branford to O'leno State Park (24 miles of paved shaded bike path). We rode our ebikes to the Suwannee River, the Santa Fe River, Little River Springs, Ichetucknee river and Oleno State Parks.
The campground is less than a year old with full hookup sites, a dog park, bathrooms/shower, laundry and a playground. During our stay in May of 2026 the pool was under construction. Its scheduled to be open by July 4th 2026 (we will be back for the pool opening). The sites are grass, well spaced out with fire rings. We paid $50 per night.
TravelerFeels like true north fl wilderness even though you’re very close to a rural residential area and only about 15 minutes off I-10. Any car can access even after heavy rain. Just don’t go too far deep because the road is rutted and muddy but there’s plenty of spots before that. I had signal (Verizon) at my site but it was spotty throughout the camp. The spots are huge, even had picnic tables, so great for group camping. I did see porter potties and another building next to it but I didn’t look inside. Only caveat is this IS a hunt camp so hunters are out with their dogs at night. I didn’t hear any gun shots but I did hear lots of dogs barking and howling, thankfully a good distance away so it didn’t bother me. Mosquitoes weren’t too bad this time of year even with the rain. I would come here again happily :)
ScoutIt started that even though we had a reservation and called ahead, we had to wait 20 minutes for someone to get there to give us our site number. The place is full of long term residents, and many of them were very unkempt. We smelled marijuana the entire time. Lastly, when i went to use the restroom right before we left, it was locked and a sign in the door said to get a key from the office, which was a several minute walk away, but the office wasn’t open. Fortunately we were only there one night
TravelerOverall, an excellent campground found that all amenities are here. Electrical water power added extras are a very nice swimming pool and spa and it is on the on the Swanee river
GuideThe park is said to have had damage from a storm. It is a very nice campground but seems to need attention with the bathhouse facilities. They are cleaned but dated with some nonworking fixtures. Drought is very evident at the river. I believe this could be a high rated place with some investment.
GuideThis is an RV resort, I was only there for an overnight but definitely a place to bring the family! They had a cool beach pond, pool, bar/grill, as well as very clean shower and laundry. They do allow custom built RVs as along as your power, water, and sewer are all self contained and hook to their standard systems. I will definitely be back for a longer stay!
GuideFriendly staff. Clean campground. Some pull-thrus. Not gated. We have stayed here multiple times in our 40' motorhome with slides on both sides plus our Jeep. No problems. Recommended
ScoutThe phone number listed directs you to a campsite just up the road, which actually shares the same name as this listing. However, most of the photos shown (up to around photo 22) are of a different campground than where you’ll end up if you book here.
If you follow the booking details, you’ll be taken to a more open RV-style site with many long-term renters, and it does not match the photos provided. The area itself is still nice, and there’s a convenience store nearby with basic supplies.
If you’re specifically looking for the campground shown in the photos, make sure to search for Ichetucknee Springs Campground on Google to find the correct location.
North central Florida's freshwater springs create a unique camping landscape around Alachua, with water temperatures consistently holding at 72°F year-round regardless of season. The region sits at elevations below 200 feet, contributing to its flat terrain and multiple natural spring formations. During summer months, afternoon thunderstorms occur frequently between June and September, affecting hiking trail conditions and sometimes creating brief flooding at campsites near Alachua, Florida.
Spring diving and snorkeling: Devil's Den Spring offers unique prehistoric diving experiences in a limestone cave with crystal clear waters. "The spring was an amazing experience. The campground was maintained but the bathroom needed to be attended to. Overall, great experience!" notes Tom H. who visited Devil's Den Spring.
Wildlife viewing: Keep an eye out for the resident animal population at Travelers Campground. The campground integrates an animal rescue on-site. "An animal rescue is woven between the park and around the outside in such a thoughtful and beautiful way. I wish there was more info on this as you can tell it was very well thought out," shares Jessica J. about her stay at Travelers Campground.
Hiking trails: O'Leno State Park features elevation changes unusual for Florida. "Older Florida park with roots in the CCC and Forestry Service. Large park with hiking, bike and equestrian trails. Along the Santa Fe River there is a suspension bridge, old buildings and a small museum," reports Chris A. after camping at Magnolia Campground.
Night sky viewing: Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park provides exceptional stargazing opportunities. "Great location with plenty of dark skies. The spots are well spaced in the woods, with plenty of room," says Joe R. who stayed at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park.
Heated pool: Many campgrounds offer swimming holes, but Travelers Campground maintains a heated pool for year-round use. "I love how the pool is heated during the colder temperatures!" notes Anthony J., highlighting an option for winter campers when spring waters might feel too cold.
Multiple spring access: Several campers appreciate the proximity to multiple springs from a single basecamp. "Moonshine Acres is located 5 mins from the gates of Ichetucknee State Park," explains Roxane W. about Moonshine Acres RV Park, noting its strategic location for exploring different springs.
Reservation timing: Prime spots at popular springs fill quickly, especially in cooler months. "You can only make reservations in one area of the park with the water and electric hook ups. All others are first come, first serve. You simply drive around til you find an available site and claim your own piece of paradise," explains Perry J. about Ginnie Springs.
Spring atmosphere varies: The vibe at each spring differs considerably. "Ginnie Springs is an absolute blast! The float is gorgeous and the springs are clear and the perfect temperature all year round. My only advice would be do not bring small children to Ginnie. It is more like a huge party with plenty of drunken antics all day and all night," warns April L.
Pet restrictions: Some springs have strict pet policies. "Had to leave because they don't allow pets," reports Danyel P. about Ginnie Springs, giving it a 1-star review despite the location's beauty. Check each campground's pet policies before booking.
Campground size considerations: Smaller campgrounds can offer a more controlled environment. "Smaller campground but very spacious. Sites were great and well maintained even though they were crushed gravel. Facilities (bathrooms, game room, and general store) were very nice and clean," explains Mike H. about Moonshine Acres.
Facilities for rainy days: Moonshine Acres provides indoor entertainment options. "Pool house is fantastic and very nice for entertaining on rainy days. Love the gravel pads. Pulled 41 ft fifth wheel and had plenty of room," notes Brooke at Moonshine Acres.
Educational opportunities: O'Leno State Park offers ranger-led programs. "Lovely Park with lots of wildlife!! La Chua trail was beautiful and we saw lots of gators. We did the Ranger led hike which was really nice, my 5 year old struggled to keep up with the Ranger and there are decent elevation changes," shares Lindsey H.
Hookup locations: Campsite utilities aren't always conveniently placed. "We stayed in site 1 and it could see the spring from our RV. The staff was friendly and the park host was so full of information. One note: site 1 in particular requires a looooooong hose. The hookups are all over the place and we couldn't even use water because of that," cautions Ashlee R. about Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park.
Site width variations: High Springs RV Resort offers varying site widths. "The sites all felt a bit narrow and it appears that there are a number of full-timers living there," notes Stephen G. who gave the campground 4 stars despite this limitation.
Cell service considerations: Internet connections vary widely. "Not sure who said the internet coverage was good. It SUCKS. The campground is down a hill off the side of the interstate. Any signal probably just floats right by above you. Couldn't even connect to check email," explains Dean J. about Travelers Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find campsites near Alachua, Florida?
The Alachua area offers diverse camping options. Camping out in Country provides spacious, shaded sites with clean facilities and ready-to-use fire pits in a peaceful rural setting. For those seeking more amenities, Santa Fe Palms RV Resort is conveniently located northwest of Gainesville, offering a quiet retreat while still being close to attractions. Additional nearby options include Travelers Campground right in Alachua, Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park Campground south of Gainesville, and several excellent state parks within a 30-45 minute drive.
What RV rental options are available in Alachua, Florida?
Old Florida RV Resort offers 34 full hookup sites (30/50 amp) on a beautiful lakeside property that has been completely refurbished under new ownership. Gainesville RV Park, located about 30 minutes northeast of Gainesville, is another good option for RV travelers. Many local RV parks offer monthly rates for longer stays. For those without their own RV, rental companies in the Gainesville area can provide various RV sizes, with advance booking recommended especially during peak seasons and University of Florida events.
Are there any campgrounds in Alachua with swimming facilities?
Hart Springs Park in nearby Bell features both a swimming pool and natural springs with built-up access areas, making it an excellent option when looking for swimming facilities. The park is clean and well-maintained. Kate's Fish Camp offers waterside camping with access to swimming opportunities. Within a short drive, Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park Campground provides crystal-clear spring waters perfect for swimming. Rainbow Springs and Silver Springs State Parks also offer outstanding swimming in their pristine spring-fed waters, though they're a bit further from Alachua.
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