Best Campgrounds near Altoona, FL

Altoona, Florida serves as a gateway to numerous camping opportunities within the Ocala National Forest, with both established campgrounds and more primitive sites available throughout the area. Lake Dorr Campground, located within the national forest, provides tent and RV sites in a natural setting adjacent to Lake Dorr. Alexander Springs Recreation Area, situated approximately 10 miles south of Altoona, offers developed campgrounds with access to one of Florida's most pristine natural springs. The region includes both reservation-required sites at state parks and first-come, first-served camping areas within the national forest boundaries, accommodating various camping preferences from basic tent sites to full-hookup RV spots.

Road conditions within the Ocala National Forest vary significantly, with some areas requiring high-clearance vehicles, particularly when accessing more remote camping areas. Most developed campgrounds feature potable water, restrooms, and fire rings, while primitive sites may offer only basic amenities. The climate remains warm year-round, though summer brings higher humidity and occasional afternoon thunderstorms. Winter months (November through March) typically offer milder temperatures and reduced insect activity, making it the preferred season for tent camping. Bear activity is common throughout the forest, necessitating proper food storage. As one camper noted, "This place is right on the lake, quiet and beautiful. It's affordable and the camp hosts are very friendly!"

Several visitors highlight the proximity to natural springs as a major draw for camping in the Altoona area. Alexander Springs, Juniper Springs, and Clearwater Lake provide swimming, snorkeling, and paddling opportunities within short driving distances from most campgrounds. Campers report high satisfaction with waterfront sites, particularly those at Lake Dorr and Clearwater Lake Recreation Area. A recent review mentioned that "Clearwater Lake lives up to its name, with water conditions typically providing excellent visibility to the mostly sand-bottomed swimming area." Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with many campers reporting sightings of deer, wild turkeys, and various bird species. Cell service remains limited throughout much of the national forest, allowing for a more disconnected camping experience, though coverage improves near the towns of Altoona and Umatilla.

Best Camping Sites Near Altoona, Florida (378)

    1. Alexander Springs Recreation Area

    35 Reviews
    Astor, FL
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 669-3522

    $37 - $60 / night

    "This was one of the busier places I have camped in Florida. The facilities were clean and provided showers."

    "This is a typical Florida spring."

    2. Clearwater Lake Campground

    23 Reviews
    Paisley, FL
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 669-0078

    $37 / night

    "Clearwater Lake Recreation is one of the few National Forest Service managed campgrounds located at the southern end of Ocala National Forest. Campsites are well-shaded, private and spaced apart."

    "Clearwater Lake Recreation Area was recommended to us as a backup option to nearby and popular Alexander Springs for our small group of scouts."

    3. Juniper Springs Rec Area - Tropical Camp Area

    45 Reviews
    Astor, FL
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 625-3147

    $37 - $60 / night

    "The spring pool is gorgeous and quite, very pretty trails to watch spring boils and turtles. Very sunny during the day and very cool at nigth."

    "The Florida Trail runs right through this spot and has a natural spring connection as well. We camped out near the facilities and am happy to report everything was maintained and clean."

    4. Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground

    64 Reviews
    Apopka, FL
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (407) 553-4383

    "Close to home and took a drive through one day. Haven't been camping yet this year due to illness but getting ready to get on the road."

    "We camp a lot during the summer but since this is Florida it's HOT regularly and sizzling during the summer months."

    5. Blue Spring State Park Campground

    45 Reviews
    Orange City, FL
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (386) 775-3663

    $24 - $95 / night

    "Not a ton of hiking available here but a decent 3.5 mile one way trail through Florida scrub and oak hammock. The rare and endangered Florida Scrub Jay can be found here."

    "It was still very hot and buggy in Florida so be warned If this is an issue for you. Large campsites with a picnic table, electric, and water."

    6. Trimble Park Campground

    19 Reviews
    Mount Dora, FL
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (407) 254-1982

    "Just a note of caution: Keep animals away from the water's edge."

    "I stayed in site 11 that was positioned so I had a magnificent view of the lake and the little gator that lived at the waters edge."

    7. Ocala National Forest Lake Dorr Campground

    8 Reviews
    Altoona, FL
    3 miles
    Website

    $20 / night

    "Lake Dorr is a super nice camp site located less than an hour away from some of Florida’s natural springs."

    "Lake Dorr, NF campground in Ocala NF, FL Some sites are pretty secluded. This is not necessarily super attractive campground to me. I don’t know why for sure."

    8. Lake Griffin State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Fruitland Park, FL
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 360-6760

    $18 / night

    "This Florida gem is really something! Campsites were cozy and private. Walking trails a plenty. Friendly, helpful staff and courteous neighbors!"

    "Lake Griffin State Park in Fruitland Park, FL is a small Florida State Park and small campground as well. There are only 40 campsites."

    9. Encore Southern Palms

    9 Reviews
    Eustis, FL
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "Next to a highway so it can be noisy."

    "We stayed 2 weeks with our Thousand Trails affiliate plan. We were surrounded by empty sites which was probably due to the pandemic."

    10. Wekiva Falls RV Resort

    21 Reviews
    Mid Florida, FL
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 269-6839

    $40 - $73 / night

    "There are beautiful walking trails, beautiful and refreshing cool springs, kayak rentals for $20. There are also some small caves there for anyone who free dives or snorkels."

    "I have steps that will not allow us to close the door to the camper if there is not enough room. See second picture. If you have young ones or teenagers this place gives them lots to do."

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Recent Reviews near Altoona, FL

1701 Reviews of 378 Altoona Campgrounds


  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Youth Primitive Campground - Tomoka State Park

    Perfect Riverside Youth Group Camping Haven

    If you have hiking, canoeing, fishing, boating, picnicking, kayaking and bird watching on your mind and are looking for a great place that ticks all of these boxes and more, than you definitely want to give Tomoka State Park your due consideration. While I’ve camped here before in the main campground – which is nothing short of amazing – I just recently learned that there’s a Youth Campground that can be reserved (only by calling the main office here at Tomoka SP) for larger groups, so when I was invited to join my buddy’s boy scout group outing here, I jumped at the chance.

    What I love most about Tomoka State Park, especially as I was there to help guide a large group of teens, was all of the exploration that exists, from no shortage of flora like wild coffee bushes, tropical sage, green-fly orchids and of course, all of the live oak hammocks just dripping with Spanish moss. From a fauna standpoint, there’s white-tailed deer, otters, opossums, raccoons and even bobcats that come out closer to sunset as well as throughout the night, so you definitely want to ensure you are packing up everything before turning in. Of course, the stand-out attraction here is the immediate access to the Halifax River, where you can eyeball some coastal inhabitants like oysters, fiddler crabs and countless birds like blue herons, ospreys and eagles who prey on the ample fish that abounds here like redfish, snook, tarpon, black drum and seatrout. And if you keep your eyes open and get lucky, you may also see otters and dolphins.

    As for the campground, we had the entire place to ourselves for the weekend we went camping, so the sheer size of this place is massive – where there easily could be 3-4 different large-sized groups camping without tripping over one another. The ground was a mixture of both dirt and finely-ground sand with uneven patches of land scattered throughout the grounds. A lot of the picnic tables and benches were definitely worn and likely in need of some refurbishment (or replacement altogether) before too much longer. There were scattered concrete slabs around various areas of the campground – some with picnic tables bolted into the ground, while others were bare – the latter of which we used to organize our tent kitchen and eating area around. The CG had decent stand-up grills with adjustable levels for grilling at different heights, but we found that given we were a group, these grills were not large enough nor were there enough for us to BBQ everything we had planned on with our troop, but as we had brought additional grills ourselves, we didn’t have any issues.  Net-net, if you are here for a picnic, the grill situation is fine, but if you are here with a much larger group, then you better bring your own kitchen gear.

    Tree cover was light to non-existent in the center of the campground (so unless you want to get scorched by the unrelenting Florida sun, bring your own shade with you), but the surrounding perimeter was lush with thick jungle-like foliage of ferns and brush palms. A handful of scattered hanging Ts were provided for us to hang garbage and lanterns from and there were a number of solo standing water spigots to draw non-potable water from. The restroom and shower facility was fairly good with external showering hoses providing decent hot water and while the restroom itself was basic, it did have an actual toilet and working hot / cold water sink and paper towel dispenser - which for a primitive campsite is pretty amazing. Nearby there were a handful of covered shelters with additional picnic tables along with a sand volleyball court, which was definitely a bonus for the boys. Further afield, there’s a handful of great docks to either fish from or carefully launch a kayak or canoe from.

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) You will want to heed all of the signs that properly warn you about both alligators and snakes – they are real, abundant with this place having had a lot of issues with people not taking these warnings seriously; (2) If you are boating in these parts with an engine, you will want to take note that there’s ample manatees to steer clear of as well as be very aware that there are a number of places, particularly on the inlet of the Tomoka River that are quite shallow, depending upon the timing of the tides; (3) In the event that you need ANYTHING while visiting Tomoka SP, you should definitely make it a point to stop by the very well-appointed Tomoka Outpost and say hello to Captain Scott and his lovely wife Ashley, where here at this store, you’ll find that this place has everything from kayak, canoe and paddleboard rentals, guided boat tours, firewood, bait and ice for sale, snacks, beverages as well as beer & wine, including their very own local Tomoka EPA brew, which you can enjoy at the river dock patio overlooking the Tomoka River.

    Happy Camping!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Ponderosa Adult RV Park

    Keep On Mosey'ing Past This RV Ranch

    Maybe it was the descriptor of ‘Adult’ that grabbed my attention or the fact that along this stretch of US1, there’s not a whole lot of competition for attractions that catches one’s eye. If you find yourself pondering a stay at Ponderosa Adult RV(apart from the prerequisite check of your ID), you likely are here because you have either gotten yourself lost or it is very late in the evening and you simply need a place to‘drop anchor’ for the night.

    Whatever the reason you find yourself out in the boondocks here, I would certainly recommend taking a hard pass on this little outcrop of an RV parking lot for a myriad of reasons. First of all, this patch of land is pretty rough– almost as rough as the‘neighbors’ you will encounter if you choose to stay here. There’s a single loop that goes around this place(conveniently named Ponderosa Lane, although it should be renamed loop or circle, right?) with only about two dozen or so slots available with about half of these being of the semi-permanent varietal with the other half occupied by proper RV’ers enroute no doubt to somewhere that’s more promising. As for amenities, there’s not a whole lot apart from a pretty unshapely pebble-strewn pathway, but watch out for all of the potholes(and being from Chicago, that’s saying something)! There’s electric and water hook-ups and a dumpster at the back of the place, but that’s about it.

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) Keep driving past this RV dump and look for higher ground – within a 30 minute drive of this place you’ll be able to find MUCH better accommodations – just look at my other reviews here on TheDyrt for nearby places that offer a much better experience, such as Palm Coast RV Park, just up the road past Bunnell; (2) If you do have to stay here for some reason, get in late and leave early; (3) Looking for nearby attractions or something to do? I would recommend heading east on Marco Polo Boulevard and crossing I95 to Bulow Creek State Park where you’ll find no shortage of amazing hiking pathways as well as kayak entry points and fishing holes to cast a line in; and (4) For those hauling an ATV, due south of Ponderosa Adult RV Park is something called Florida Cracker Ranch, which is basically a big open mud pit for all your ATV mud-flinging pleasure.

    Happy Camping!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Arrowhead Campsites & Mobile Home Park

    Budget-Friendly Stay Just Off I-75 in the Horse Capital of the World

    Sitting quietly just off I-75, Arrowhead Campsites & Mobile Home Park in Ocala, Florida is located on one of the busiest thoroughfares that runs through Ocala. This place is a no frills, straightforward, budget-friendly campground where grass pads, shady trees and neighborly vibes create a cozy Old-Florida atmosphere. First impressions? This isn’t a resort, but while there is a community pool (that wasn’t working when we stopped by and TBH was incredibly cringe-worthy), it’s a practical, easygoing basecamp that gives you everything you need while keeping you close to Ocala’s natural gems ... as long as you manage your expectations before arriving here.

    Facilities are simple but sufficient (unless they aren't working at all). There are around 100 sites with full hookups (30 / 50 amp electric, water, sewer), most on grass with decent leveling. Guests have access to free Wi-Fi, cable TV, mediocre bathrooms and subpar showers, a laundry facility, picnic tables and a recreation room. Long-term residents mix with short-stay campers, so expect a lived-in, welcoming feel. The campground also features a dining hall and small community events, adding a sense of 'cringy neighborhood' to your stay.

    Ocala itself is the star attraction nearby. Known as the ‘Horse Capital of the World,’ you’re just minutes away from equestrian centers, rolling farms and the glass-clear waters of Silver Springs State Park. The Ocala National Forest offers endless hiking, kayaking and wildlife watching, while downtown Ocala brings restaurants, art galleries and Southern charm.

    Insider Tips? Here’s a smathering: (1) IMHO the best sites are the ones with grass pads near the front loops for the easiest pull-in and better spacing, especially if you’re arriving late, which is convenient as well for those that want to make an early, discreet and trouble-free exit in the morning; (2) Should you need to stock up on anything, there’s a Walmart Supercenter, Publix, Home Depot and Lowe’s all within a 10-minute drive; (3) A nearby hidden ‘easter egg’ you’ll want to explore are the lesser-visited trails at Silver Springs State Park where you’ll find quiet boardwalks and an historic pioneer village that many tourists (and even local residents) miss; (4) If you’ve come with your kayak, a great place to launch is at Silver Springs State Park where you can paddle down the Silver River. Expect to see turtles, manatees and wild rhesus (not Reese's, but sounds the same) monkeys that somehow call the riverbank home; (5) Because there are long-term residents here at Arrowhead, it’s best to request a short-term site closer to the entrance for less foot traffic and quieter evenings; and (6) When you get tired of conjuring up that next meal from the depths of your Cordova roto-molded cooler, then check on some local joints like Big Lee’s Serious About BBQ for its nationally acclaimed BBQ brisket, ribs, and sides or Ivy on the Square with its upscale comfort food in a historic downtown building and there’s also Latinos y Mas serving up fusion Latin classics with Mediterranean touches.

    Happy Camping!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Highbanks Marina & Camp Resort

    Camelot on the River (With a Pool Nicer Than Your HOA)

    Nestled along the St. Johns River in DeBary, Highbanks Marina & Camp Resort is a 25-acre playground where RVers and boaters mingle under giant oaks and Spanish moss. Locals call it ‘Camelot on the River,’ though I’m quite sure Arthur never had 50-amp hookups or a bait shop. First impressions? Think Old Florida charm, river breezes and a place where your neighbor might offer you both a cold beer and unsolicited fishing advice.  Unfortunately, there's no primitive camping here for mi tent pitchin' bredren.

    The campground packs plenty of creature comforts. RV sites come with full hookups (30 / 50 amp electric, water, sewer), and most are shaded enough to keep your AC from begging for mercy. There’s a 30'X60' swimming pool (read: bigger than your neighbor’s backyard dream), a recreation hall, horseshoe pits, bocce ball and laundries. The camp store is less ‘convenience shop’ and more ‘bait & souvenirs,’ with everything from fishing gear to trinkets you’ll later wonder why you bought. Then there’s the 72-slip marina where your kayak can feel fancy just by association with the pontoon crowd.

    The setting is pure St. Johns River magic. You can paddle out and watch herons glide by, manatees surface like old river monks or gators give you side-eye. Kayakers rave about the downstream trip to Blue Spring, where you can float past manatees before your coffee gets cold. When you’re done pretending you’re an extra in a National Geographic documentary, DeBary and Deltona are just minutes away for groceries, supplies and a change of scenery.

    Insider Tips? Yeah, you know you are just jonesing for some, right? Here they are: (1) Riverfront sites are the crown jewels at this RV encampment, but book early unless you like camping by the dump station and telling people it’s ‘rustic charm.’; (2) Don’t skip the marina rentals as you’ll look cooler launching a pontoon, but the kayaks give you the better wildlife bragging rights; (3) The on-site Swamp House Grill & Tiki Bar is a must with its fried seafood, rum-fueled tiki drinks along with the chance to meet locals who definitely have fish stories longer than your RV; (4) Some sites feel more ‘neighbors with benefits’ (read: tight) than ‘sprawling privacy,’ so if this of concern for you, do yourself a ‘favor flave’ and grab a spot near the office or look towards the open loops for more elbow room; (5) If you missed it, for mi oar rowin’ bredren, kayak to Blue Spring: it’s the best free manatee show in Florida (sorry, SeaWorld!); and (6) In the event that you’ve already checked out the on-site Swamp House Grill and want to try something new, hit up Hontoon Landing Restaurant for casual riverside eats, Blue Spring Café serving up biscuits the size of your face or DeBary Hall’s nearby eateries for a dose of history and hearty Southern comfort.

    Happy Camping!

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2025

    Tomoka State Park Campground

    Mot as pretty as the pics

    Some spots are hard to back into, even with a 25ft rv. Don’t try to walk to the store on site, it’s kinda far!

  • Courtney Moriah
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Trimble Park Campground

    Gorgeous natural park

    Been here only 1 day so far. The park is beautiful! It’s like a jungle, very tucked away and private and surrounded by water. 50 amp power, water hookups and sewage dump is right inside the campground for easy access. Our site has lantern hangers and a big fire pit with benches! The sites are nicely paved and graveled and the picnic tables are like new!! 10/10 recommend.

  • Alex L.
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Tomoka State Park Campground

    Beautiful but noisy

    Stayed in site 69. Bugs were decent honestly. Temps were very warm. Bathroom closed (only found out after check in) but campground is small so not too long of a walk. Road noise is moderate and some sites are very close together but others do a good job of having a barrier. There is plenty nearby in terms of hiking and kayaking.

  • ENRIQUE T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Alexander Springs Recreation Area

    Wonderful Summer Spot

    Friendly and professional hostesses, clean bathrooms and sites are very spacious and private. The spring is wonderful even on busy weekends is very manageable. Just watch for coons stealing your food.


Guide to Altoona

Camping near Altoona, Florida, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities. Whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin, there are plenty of options to enjoy the great outdoors.

What to do

  • Explore the springs: Visit Alexander Springs Recreation Area for a refreshing swim. One camper mentioned, "The spring is walking distance from the campground - we saw turtles, otters, and many fish while swimming in the spring."
  • Kayaking and canoeing: At Silver Springs State Park Campground, you can paddle down the river. A visitor shared, "We had our own kayaks so we put in at the head springs and paddled down to the campground."
  • Hiking: Trails abound in the area. A reviewer at Lake Louisa State Park Campground noted, "There are lots of trails to hike, but it was so hot when we were there we did not do any but the river trail."

What campers like

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms. One visitor at Lake Griffin State Park Campground said, "The bathrooms are very clean and upgraded!"
  • Privacy: Many sites offer a sense of seclusion. A camper at Blue Spring State Park Campground remarked, "The individual campsites give off a vibe of privacy, intimacy, and solitude."
  • Wildlife: Nature lovers enjoy spotting animals. A reviewer at Juniper Springs Recreation Area mentioned, "The sites, day use area, and bathrooms were clean. The Springs were beautiful and the water was pretty cold."

What you should know

  • Noise levels: Some campgrounds can get loud, especially on weekends. A visitor at Salt Springs Recreation Area noted, "Loud and rowdy campers all weekend long—day and night."
  • Limited amenities: Not all campgrounds have electric or water hookups. A camper at Alexander Springs Recreation Area pointed out, "For the price, no electric or water hookups and the facilities were not well maintained."
  • Reservations recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. A reviewer at Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground advised, "If you find yourself out-of-luck in finding an available campground site to reserve, try your luck at booking one of the cabins."

Tips for camping with families

  • Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and swimming areas. A camper at Wekiva Falls RV Resort mentioned, "There is also a beautiful creek that's usually about knee to ankle deep that's a popular spot to bring the cooler and camp chairs."
  • Plan for noise: Be prepared for potential noise from other campers. A visitor at Lake Griffin State Park Campground said, "Neighbors were loud and fighting well past midnight."
  • Pack snacks: Having food on hand can help keep kids happy. A reviewer at Clearwater Lake Campground noted, "The bathrooms were nice and clean, well managed."

Tips from RVers

Camping near Altoona, Florida, has its perks and quirks. With a bit of planning, you can enjoy a great outdoor experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Altoona, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, Altoona, FL offers a wide range of camping options, with 378 campgrounds and RV parks near Altoona, FL and 8 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Altoona, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Altoona, FL is Alexander Springs Recreation Area with a 4.4-star rating from 35 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 free dispersed camping spots near Altoona, FL.

What parks are near Altoona, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 parks near Altoona, FL that allow camping, notably Ocala National Forest and National Forests in Florida.