Astatula is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Astatula is surrounded by family-friendly activities. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Astatula, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.
Fort wilderness camping features 4 types of campsites accommodate everything from tents to 45-foot and longer RVs, with a maximum of 10 Guests per site. Each campsite is equipped with privacy-enhancing landscaping, water, cable television and electrical hook-ups, a picnic table and a charcoal grill. Most campsites also include a sewer hook-up, and some even permit pets.
$56 - $201 / night
Wekiwa Springs Camping offers slopes of gently rolling hills supporting longleaf pine among other specialty plants is the Sandhill habitat where the 60 spacious campsites are located. Each wooded site has water and electrical hook-up, a fire ring with grill and a picnic table. Some sites also have sewer hook-ups and a dump station is located at the campground. Accessible camp sites can be requested at the time of reservation. Two accessible restrooms with showers are located in the camping area. Firewood is available at the ranger station. Well behaved pets are allowed in the campground in accordance with our Pet Policy.
A
$24 - $120 / night
Blue Spring State Park has 51 campsites (recreational vehicles up to 40 feet long) located in the sand pine scrub and are within walking distance to the spring. Each site is equipped with a picnic table, water, electricity and a grill. A dump station is available in the park. Pets are welcome in the Blue Springs camping area in accordance with our Pet Policy. ADA Accessible sites at Blue Springs State Park camping are offered on Reserve America and two new bathhouses are complete with accessible showers and bathroom stalls. Conservation measures can produce astounding results. In 1970, two years before Blue Spring State Park was established, researchers tracked 14 manatees in the spring run. By 2005, after years of park improvements and manatee protection efforts, wintering manatee numbers exceeded 200 and by 2018, that number skyrocketed to a record 485. Besides "sea cows," fish abound in the spring run, and these attract a variety of wading birds, ospreys, eagles and kingfishers. To see the park’s wonders, visitors can hike along the spring run or on the 4.5-mile Pine Island Trail. Visitors can also launch a canoe or kayak (rentals are available at the park) or take a guided river boat cruise.
$24 - $95 / night
LG01
$18 / night
Reservations for camping will be accepted at the park no more than 45-days prior to your stay
Alexander Springs Recreation Area is located in the Ocala National Forest near the beautiful, turquoise waters of Alexander Springs. With forested scenery and abundant water, the recreation area offers camping, swimming, canoeing, scuba diving (for certified divers), hiking, birding and wildlife viewing.The Ocala National Forest, located in north central Florida, spans four counties and 383,000 acres. It is the southernmost and oldest national forest east of the Mississippi River, and protects the world's largest contiguous sand pine scrub forest. If you are planning to visit the weekend of Memorial Day through Labor Day on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, you will be required to obtain a Vehicle Access Reservation.
Visitors can swim, snorkel and dive year-round in the crystalline waters of the spring. The spring is the only place in the Ocala National Forest where scuba diving is permitted, and a broad and naturally gently sloped spring pool becomes a natural water park where visitors can picnic, swim and play. If you are planning to visit the weekend of Memorial Day through Labor Day on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, you will be required to obtain a Vehicle Access Reservation. Fishing and canoeing are p opular outside the swimming area. Anglers can bring a rod and reel and head down to one of the platforms along the Timucuan Trail to drop a line in Alexander Run. Visitors can rent canoes or bring their own and paddle down Alexander Run into the Alexander Springs Wilderness.Day hikers will appreciate a short interpretive trail on a boardwalk over the spring and through the palm trees. They can also access two segments of the 1,400-mile Florida National Scenic Trail, which runs through the entire national forest.
Alexander Springs is among 27 first-magnitude springs in Florida, and is by far one of the easiest for visitors to enjoy. The water is a constant 72 degrees and extraordinarily clear with a sandy bottom. The area is subtropical, surrounded by a floodplain forest of maples, sweet gum and cabbage palms. Alligators, turtles, deer, raccoons, black bear and numerous birds make their home in the national forest.
For facility specific information, please call (352) 669-3522.
Visitors can explore the surrounding Alexander Springs Wilderness Area. A paddle down the spring run is the best option to explore the mosaic of hardwood swamp, hardwood forest and scrub habitats and spot the animals that live there. The Ocala National Forest is notable for its extensive off-road trail system catering to both ATV enthusiasts and Jeeps, as well as being a traditional destination for deer hunters from around Central Florida. These opportunities are available within a short drive of Alexander Springs.
Cancelling a Reservation: Customers may cancel their reservation prior to arrival both on-line and through the call center. A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refund for a cancellation. Depending on when you cancel in relation to your arrival day, it may be considered a late cancellation. https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies Refunds are not given for inclement weather for camping, gear rentals, or day-use fees.
$36 - $60 / night
Juniper Springs Campground is one of the most popular campgrounds in the Ocala National Forest. The location offers deeply shaded sites within walking distance of some of Florida's most beautiful natural springs. The surrounding recreation area has plenty of activities to entertain visitors, including swimming, picnicking, canoeing, snorkeling, hiking, birding and wildlife viewing. This campground was named one of Reserve America's Top 100 Family Campgrounds in the United States.
Visitors love swimming in a warm natural pool found in the day use area. Canoeing is also extremely popular year-round. The 7-mile journey down Juniper Run offers a unique perspective on the Juniper Prairie Wilderness. Private canoes can be used, but no inflatables are allowed. Back on land, campers can spend a day in the woods on a segment of the statewide Florida Trail, or walk a shorter nature trail within the facility. Interpretive programs are available during summer months.
The natural springs are at the heart of this recreation area. Hundreds of bubbling springs emerge from crevices in the earth beneath a dense canopy of palms and oaks - an oasis within the heart of the desert-like Big Scrub ecosystem for which the national forest is known. Abundant wildlife inhabitant the area, including alligators, turtles, deer, black bear, turkey, raccoons and numerous species of birds, as well as uncommon species like the albino gray squirrel, river otters and American eels.
For facility specific information, please call (352) 625-3147.
Lake George and its many activities are just a short drive away. The Ocala National Forest is also notable for its extensive off-road trail system catering to both ATV enthusiasts and Jeeps, as well as being a traditional destination for deer hunters from around Central Florida. These opportunities are available nearby.
Cancelling a Reservation: Customers may cancel their reservation prior to arrival both on-line and through the call center. A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refund for a cancellation. Depending on when you cancel in relation to your arrival day, it may be considered a late cancellation. https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies Refunds are not given for inclement weather for camping, gear rentals, or day-use fees.
$36 - $60 / night
Clearwater Lake Recreation Area offers a quiet getaway along the southeastern edge of the Ocala National Forest, just outside the community of Paisley, Florida. With a shaded campground, day use picnic area, beach and a nature trail that winds through the pine woods and scrub around Clearwater Lake, this facility has plenty of activities to keep campers occupied. The Ocala National Forest, in north central Florida, spans four counties and 383,000 acres. It is the southernmost and oldest national forest east of the Mississippi River, and protects the world's largest, contiguous sand pine scrub forest.
The abundant water in the area offers many opportunities for recreation. In addition to swimming in the lake, a 7-mile canoe trail meanders not far from Clearwater Lake. Canoe rentals are available at the campground. Campers can fish for largemouth bass, brim or catfish. Hikers have access to the Clearwater Lake Loop Trail, a 1.3-mile nature trail; a segment of the 1,400-mile Florida National Scenic Trail; and mountain bikers can ride the Paisley Woods Bicycle Trail, a 22-mile forested path. This is bear country; practice safe food storage techniques. It is also alligator country; practice caution around water.
The semi-tropical region gives the campground a mixture of pines and palms, with lush greenery and warm temperatures. With ample habitat, alligators, turtles, deer, raccoons, black bear and numerous birds make their home here.
For facility specific information, please call (352) 669-0078.
The Ocala National Forest is notable for its extensive off-road trail system catering to both ATV enthusiasts and Jeeps, as well as being a traditional destination for deer hunters from around Central Florida. These opportunities are available within a short drive of Clearwater Lake.
Cancelling a Reservation: Customers may cancel their reservation prior to arrival both on-line and through the call center. A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refund for a cancellation. Depending on when you cancel in relation to your arrival day, it may be considered a late cancellation. https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies Refunds are not given for inclement weather for camping, gear rentals, or day-use fees.
$36 / night
Reservations for camping will be accepted at the park no more than 45- days prior to your stay.
Scout
I called the Winter Garden number listed, which transfers to Encore, Thousand Trails reservations 888-07-1477. They were very helpful to inform me that there are only RV sites at this location. Tent camping 27 miles away at Tropical Palms.
Guide
Nice level spots. Lots to around the state park.
Traveler
Very small park with only 15 campsites. Each site has power and water connections. Water access by pier for relaxing or fishing.
Scout
Great site, took grandson on his first camping trip. He thought it was great. He was planning on future visits here. Noise wasn’t bad, just background noise that you forget is even there. Restroom and shower pretty clean. The place and staff get a big thumbs up.
Traveler
This is primarily an RV campground. I’m a tent camper and felt like I was in an RV zoo. However, the facilities are very good with toilet/shower facilities. Electric and water at each site. Shady spacious sites. CG is patrolled by park rangers. Host has firewood for sale. Gate code required (comes with reservation). Best thing about this place is the surrounding area: lots of (walking only) trails but my favorite, the seemingly endless off roading sandy Jeep trails throughout this forest state park - lovely!
Scout
My boyfriend and I just camped here for 4 days. Weekends have a different vibe on the weekdays it’s quiet. Each campground has its primitive camp charm all come with a picnic table, parking spot, a wooden pole you can hang your garbage, and a water spout near by. Overall we had a great time it’s clean, there’s mosquitoes but that is Florida camping bring bug spray and keep the fire going helps. We’ll definitely be going back one day!
Guide
Situated in Ocala, this park offers a wonderful get away for bicycling, horseback riding, or hiking Great trails The park itself is open with few trees but an amazing host. Some long timers reside here.
Scout
Electric and water went out several times during the month the laundry machines were locked a good portion of the time I would not recommend this establishment. They won’t answer your phone calls nor emails when it comes to giving you your deposit back.
Traveler
If you enjoy kayaking, canoeing, or just floating down river on a tube in addition to camping, this is your spot. We have stayed at sites 50, which is a long pull through site, and at site 18 which was quite private. We enjoyed both locations. Both times we rented canoes or kayaks and paddled upstream to the headspring. Such a gorgeous river. To see all of the campsites visit https://www.youtube.com/@MapleCamps Make sure to have your gate code at the ready, the gate is unmanned, and it's right off the main road as soon as you turn in. There is only room for one Rv/travel trailer between the gate and the road, so there is nowhere to pull over to the side. Be ready. Not far away there are also some more cycling trails and hiking trails. So plenty to do in the area when you want to wanter away from your campsite. Here's a blog about Rainbow Springs Campground: https://maplecamps.wixsite.com/blog
Scout
Sawmill Campground is not what it claims to be. The so-called "trails" are frequented by older men engaging in inappropriate activities in plain view, which is both disturbing and unhygienic. This kind of behavior fosters an environment that can promote the transmission of STDs, posing health risks to anyone who visits.
The overall quality of the patrons is less than appealing, and if you have any issues with management, don't expect professionalism. They will go to great lengths to deny problems and shift blame rather than address valid concerns.
Between the unsafe environment and the lack of accountability, this place is the definition of negligence. I strongly advise avoiding Sawmill Campground for your own safety and peace of mind.
TravelerGreat camp site with just what you needed. It’s close to a power plant and railroad so you hear a lot of noise at night but was perfect for a one nighter
Guide
Older Florida park on the Withlacoochee State Forest. The campground had 20 very large sand and grass sites in tall pines. Each site has water only. The campground is very quiet and offered both T-Mobile and Verizon cell service. Facilities are clean, albeit old. The campground is convenient to fishing, hiking, and bike and equestrian trails.
Traveler
Absolutely fantastic Hosting and cleaned facilities with quiet and friendly surroundings, trails and more.
Traveler
We were looking for a place to overnight during the wknd. Office was closed but several residents came to our rescue. They made us feel so welcome. We parked on the overflow (water/30amp hook-up) with views over the lake. Rate was 45$ plus tax at time of our stay (2025)
Traveler
Cabin 5 stars- Immaculately clean with comfortable furniture, bright spacious living room, t.v. in living room and bedroom, bathroom and bedroom a little tight but adequate, tub/shower combo, loft area easily accessible with stairs, no porch-but paved driveway, picnic table and grill, linens provided but towels and pillows were on the thin side *Campground 5 stars- Family friendly atmosphere, clean, quiet, sunny, well maintained landscaping *Amenities 5 stars- Clean and spacious rec center with lots of scheduled activities for adults and children-Bingo, hot food/snacks available for purchase Outdoor amenities (pool, putt-putt, shuffle board, pickle ball, playground, etc.) looked nice but we didn’t utilize them on this visit *Staff 5 stars- Efficient and very responsive
Scout
Heated pool, firepit, cornhole, bocci ball on site. Pickleball courts, golf tee off and bark park being installed. Newly updated clubhouse and rates are better than any others I have seen. Hoping I can score an annual site!!
Legend
River Junction, Withlacoochee SF, Webster, FL. 1/2025:
(72 yr olds in 27’ trailer.)
NO PETS.
Overall Rating: 4 for site privacy and river access. Bathrooms are not clean during our stay which is following a full weekend.
Price 2024: $10 for seniors
Security: Gate w code
Usage during visit: Light during the week. Full over the weekend
Visual Privacy Between Adjacent Sites: thick shrubs
Site Spacing: Good
Pad surface: Sand
Reservations: Yes
Campground Noise: Quiet
Outside Road Noise: none
Through Traffic in campground: None
Electric Hookup: no
Sewer Hookup: no
Dump Station: yes
Potable Water Available: At site
Generators: I did not see any restrictions posted.
Bathroom: Flush toilets. Not very clean upon arriving just following a full weekend. .
Showers: yes. Not very clean.
Pull Throughs: I didn’t notice any restrictions posted
Cell Service (Verizon):
Setting: Oak Forest with low growing shrubbery
Recent Weather: Polar vortex is bringing the temps down to highs in the 50s and lows in the 30s.
Solar: Some sites better than others.
Insects: None.
Host: Yes
Rig Size: Backing can be tight
Sites: Some sites back up to river with view and access from picnic area .
Scout
Too bad I can not leave ZERO stars. Gave a month notice to pull my boat out for good. They lost it and tried to charge me another month. Then after pulling my boat I see another$60 charge for fuel I NEVER asked for. When I complained to a lady on the phone some man eavesdropping on the phone breaks in and says"I'm glad you pulled your boat out". AVOID THIS PLACE!!!
Legend
I don’t use the word ‘best’ sparingly whatsoever, so when I refer to this little lakeside gem using that term, it isn’t applied lightly. To begin with, the very well-meaning groundsman that runs this place is definitely THE nicest gent I’ve ever come across running a campground in all of my sojourns. Add to this the fact that this place, which has recently been refurbished, gets top marks for simply outstanding restoration efforts as well as fine attention to detail as it relates to all of the landscaping and overall layout of Port Cove RV Resort & Marina. This place offers up 74 total RV slots with 66 of those being FHUs and is meticulously groomed, incredibly organized all with an incredible eye for detail, layout and organization.
As far as amenities go, Port Cove packs quite the punch with top marks for what is quite simply having the best eatery around for miles – Idle Awhile Restaurant & Bar– sitting right next door, ensuring that while you can fire up franks & beans for dinner over a roaring campfire, you can do that, but when you want to change things up, you don’t even need to get back in your cab or car to drive anywhere, but rather, just strap on your flip flops and walk 20-30 yards to this little waterfront oasis with spectacular views of Lake George / St. Johns River. Beyond coming close to having its own on-site restaurant, the second biggest draw here is of course the amazing pier and dock with EZ access to the beautiful body of water sitting in front of Port Cove RV Resort – this jetty is incredibly picturesque in and of itself, but what’s better, you can take your lawn chairs out on the pier close to sundown with an iced cooler of tall boys to watch the sun retire each night. Add to this list the amazing, heated pool with rock star sun deck complete with brand new patio chairs, sun umbrellas and tables along with black woven loveseats and chaise loungers with a westerly lakeview and you’ll be reaching for your Mai Tais in no time.
Additional amenities include: spartan-clean and completely refurbished new restrooms and well-appointed showers, scattered picnic tables, outdoor wicker furniture, brand new solid wood picnic tables, gravel strewn pathways and pads, ancient Oaks dripping with Spanish moss along with tall Q-tip-like Palms, river / lake deck, laundry facility, boat launch, outdoor covered pavilion with tables, WiFi, mini-golf, designated dump stations, doggie park on-site mini-market (at the office), cornhole and community fire pits.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) The best sites are those located right in front of the lake of which there are 9 to choose from, so call in advance to reserve one of these beauties, which are also protected from the harsh Florida sunshine with a combination of ancient and live Oaks dripping with Spanish moss as well as pencil-thin towering Sable palms; (2) In the event that you don’t have an RV, no worries, Port Cove has you covered with 6 different AirBnB rentals; (3) For a lakefront RV outpost like this, I found the rates incredibly affordable at $55 / night, $325 / week and $850 / month along with boat slip rentals @ $10 / night.; and (4) If you want to get ‘off the reservation’ Port Cove can arrange for a boat transfer to take you over to nearby Silver Glen Springs Recreation Park that features one of the best springs in all of Florida along with the opportunity to swim alongside manatees.
Happy Camping!
Traveler
Excited to spend a few nights in some peace and quiet and was pleasantly surprised how close to Tampa this was. All to be extremely disappointed in the fact site is literally 50 feet from an active train track with trains sounding the horn all night long. Besides the road noise felt like we were next to a freeway. Not peaceful at all. 
Guide
I don’t know if I would necessarily call this place “luxury” but it is clean & quiet. To be fair, it’s maybe only 10% full. The little store has very little merchandise. The pool is very nice. The staff have been nice. There are several doggie poo bag & trash stations. The dog run by site 121 is very small & mostly dead grass and dirt, no shade or water. There is a nice tiki bar & pickle ball. Close to gas, groceries & shopping. Easy in & out. The landscaping is very small so no shade or privacy between sites but the sites are decently spaced. There is a bath house with laundry. Full hookups. Big rig friendly.
Traveler
Overall it’s not a bad campground but I have no plans to ever return.
The good: clean bathrooms with running, hot water; wild Florida flora; starry night skies. The spring run is one of my favorites. It’s difficult and technical and challenging and I just love it.
The bad: the worst part of my experience was other campers being loud after quiet hours and the camp host doing nothing about it. While most people kept it down after 10 (as stated in the rules) one group of partiers was up til 3am, blasting music and hootin’ and hollerin’. I know the park can’t control individual’s behavior but, again, the camp host was on site and did nothing about it. I talked to other campers the next day who all lamented at their lack of sleep because of this one group. It was so bad we only stayed one night. We left the next day after kayaking the run because our home in the city is quieter.
Also, there’s a general lack of information available for visitors. There are no maps available, for the campground or the run. I had to take a picture of an employee’s personal map of the grounds which ended up being inaccurate because it listed a shower facility that doesn’t actually exist. I asked the staff at the spring run for a map and they didn’t have one I could look at. I asked “how do I know I’m at the end of the run for pickup?” She said “it’s right after the bridge.” Which was true, but it’s not labeled in any kind of way so if I hadn’t asked, I would’ve just kept on paddling forever. Their website has limited information and the confirmation email I got after booking had incorrect information. It said to call if I’d arrive after hours starting in November, so I did, and was told that policy wasn’t in effect for a few weeks. None of these things are a big deal on their own but when they’re all together it becomes a pattern.
Scout
Campground sites are very close together. Staff is friendly and helpful. Bathrooms are clean and modern. Lots of road noise, trucks and sirens.
Guide
This is a 54 site campground with hook ups at each site, fire ring, and picnic table. The trees provide a good amount of privacy from adjacent campers. Clean bathrooms with hot showers. This is about 15 min from the airport yet very removed from Orlando. Water on three sides, gates that close and lock from 6pm to 8 am (Nov-March) but an easy access code is given at check in to be able to come and go after hours. No pets, no alcohol, and quiet after 10. I will stay again! It was a mix of RVs, trailers, camper vans, car camping, and tents when I stayed. The personnel were very nice and helpful at check in.
TravelerFantastic hosts, camp grounds are impeccable, bath houses cleaned and surrounded by nature, what a wonderful place to be.
Scout
Horrible for tent camping. Didn't own an RV. I'm just traveling through, and I went off of what information was listed. This place is pathetic. Not as advertised. Trash is not taken out regularly. One table on the ground, and it's not a picnic camping table. Tent campers have no showers or restroom. Freeway is very close and noisy. Campground is not really for campers. I'd stay away. This place is appearing fraudulent. Owner does not run this property accordingly. Seems like just a place to store RVs. Not for camping in tents or RVs. Stay away. There's much better camping across the state, regulated and maintained.
Scout
I called and was told they don’t allow any tent camping. Just an FYI. Was advised only the state parks in the area allow tent camping.
Camping near Astatula, Florida, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From family-friendly spots to serene retreats, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful region.
Camping around Astatula, Florida, has its perks and challenges, but with the right preparation, it can be a fantastic experience for everyone involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Astatula, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, Astatula, FL offers a wide range of camping options, with 371 campgrounds and RV parks near Astatula, FL and 8 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Astatula, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Astatula, FL is Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 129 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Astatula, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 free dispersed camping spots near Astatula, FL.
What parks are near Astatula, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 parks near Astatula, FL that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.
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