Indian Lake State Forest Campground
Very nice park
There is 5 tent only sites without water or electric. There is also RV sites with water and electric.
Central Florida's Astatula region features a diverse array of camping options centered around Lake Harris and the surrounding waterways. Hide-A-Way Harbor RV Park sits directly on Lake Harris, offering full hookups and a fishing pier with covered pavilion. Within a 30-minute drive, campers will find several state parks including Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground near Apopka and Lake Griffin State Park in Fruitland Park. Trimble Park Campground in Mount Dora consistently receives high ratings for its pristine waterfront sites and ancient oak trees draped with Spanish moss. The area balances developed RV resorts with more natural settings, providing options for tent camping, RV sites with full hookups, and cabin rentals throughout the region.
Florida's subtropical climate makes year-round camping possible, though summer months bring high humidity and afternoon thunderstorms. Most campgrounds in the area require advance reservations, particularly during winter months when seasonal visitors arrive. "The sites are spacious and most are shaded," notes one camper about nearby facilities. Sandy soil conditions can occasionally affect access during drought periods, particularly at boat ramps and primitive sites. Cell service varies significantly between developed and more remote locations. The natural springs in the area maintain a consistent 72-74 degree temperature year-round, providing refreshing swimming opportunities even during summer heat.
Water access dominates the camping experience around Astatula, with fishing, boating, and kayaking available at most locations. "Get yourself on Lake Harris for some excellent fishing, boating and kayaking," recommends one visitor to Hide-A-Way Harbor. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with birds, turtles, and occasional alligators common sights. Several campgrounds report issues with weekend crowding and noise, particularly at popular spots like Wekiwa Springs. Campers seeking quieter experiences often prefer weekday visits or more remote locations like those in Ocala National Forest. Shade is a critical amenity in this region, with most highly-rated sites featuring substantial tree cover to mitigate Florida's intense sun.
$24 / night
"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."
$56 - $201 / night
"Big park so lots of walking if you don’t have the cart (or you can bring your own and/or bikes). Our grandsons loved the golf cart!"
"The best campground in Florida ! Fun beautiful and lots to do even without going to the parks Wildlife is abundant Bunnies deer turkey"
"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."
$24 - $120 / night
"Situated right off of rout 27, a very busy 3 lane state road and not too far from Disney Parks is Lake Louisa State Park."
"Secluded campground in natural Florida. Hookup sites were well kept and at the end of the park so there was no thru traffic. To get to the hookup sites it Is an 8-10 minute drive from park entrance."
$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."
"While located a bit off the beaten path in a part of Florida that few find themselves in, Magnolia Park Campground, featuring 56 acres of pristine Florida wilderness, is located on an elbow curve where"
"You can hear a small amount of highway traffic in the distance, but totally tolerable. No pull thru sites. We stayed in site #8 and could barely see the neighbor next to us thru the trees/brush."
$50 - $65 / night
"Maybe they choose the name of this RV enclave because they were either actively hiding from the rest of the known world or due to its location, was hidden from (nearly) plain sight."
"Friendly neighbors and perfect lakeside view."
"It’s not common to find a spot that you can plant your RV on and go out to hit the links for the day all in the same location, but here at Clerbrook Golf & RV Resort you can hit par on both fronts."
"Good stores and restaurants close by. Go check out the mini White House in Clermont!"
"We stayed 2 weeks with our Thousand Trails affiliate plan. We were surrounded by empty sites which was probably due to the pandemic."
"Next to a highway so it can be noisy."
$15 - $18 / night
"We had a tent site near the bathhouse. The bath house is very nice and clean. The sites are all pretty much shaded."
"There is access to the park springs area, which is the main draw for the public. This is a beautiful area so bring the camera."











There is 5 tent only sites without water or electric. There is also RV sites with water and electric.
This place has many pros and a few cons... I'll get the cons out of the way first... it is just 3 miles out of Zephyrhills Hills, FL so there is plenty of noise from nearby busy road. A train runs through this property several times a day/night and is loud. It is right next door to a mobile home community and these homes are visible from parts of the campground. Pros? It is close to town if you need something. A train runs through it so not many people come to camp here. There are several picnic tables and firepits. There are 3 port-a-pottie, all clean. It is beautiful, especially deeper in the property along the trails. This is a strictly boondock, pack it out location... no electric, no dump station and only non-potable water via a hand pump at a sink near the staff shack (staff only pr a sent during hunting days). There is. Good mix of sun and shade with a generous oak tree canopy. I could keep my class b in the shade and run my portable solar panels in the sun or keep my rig in the sun as well. Dogs are allowed on leash. There are no numbered sites, just set up where you please, there is plenty of flat spots.I had good cell reception with TMobile. Reservations are required and gate lock code given.Even with the train etc I enjoyed my time there, I REALLY enjoyed having the place to myself all but one day.
Spacious shady sites that offer good privacy are readily available here! Some low hanging overhead branches may cause an issue for larger rigs but I had no problem at 12 feet high. Rustic camping with very clean vault toilets, bear-secure trash bins,water spigots scattered throughout the campground and a dump station with non-portable and portable water right there. A meandering and scenic 30 mile drive off of I 75 definitely takes you off the beaten trail, though there is a bit of road noise that can be heard but not seen from the campground.
Checked in yesterday and pulled up to a full park. Check in was easy at the front gate . Site 1 is tight for our 29' Class A and it took some blocking to get level. Right rear corner of the lot sits high but not terrible. We took a walk down a trail behind the campground to the springs parking lot and took the campground path back. I will update more as the week goes on. Walked down to the spring and shared videos. No manatees today but I am sure we will see some before the weeks end. Tuesday walk to the spring. Saw two Manatees. Videos loaded here. Cool rainy day had them come back up into the spring. 3 more Manatees today. rained everyday so far but got to see more Manatees. Campground is very quiet except for a rail line that runs just outside the park. 45 minutes from Daytona or Orlando. we have been here since Saturday evening and it in now Thursday.
Delete night day with a nice spring. The website looks nice and clean for every size. But we have a small sprinter we didn’t need any water or electricity So we stayed in the tent area, which is much more nature. And the space in between camps are huge
Stayed just one night on March. Great tent sites and mostly private. Facilities are clean with showers. Water and power at the site. Beautiful walks and lakes, Lots of birds and rabbits.
Only issue was the early morning traffic on the nearby highway (#27) was noisy.
I'd like to give you the positives. Crisp, clean, manicured, food and bar pretty good, well-appointed amenities. We had a pretty good week, having found a quiet pool area. Saw a bald eagle and a swallow-tail kite. I’d like to tell you about that, but that’s not the review.
Here’s the review: if you book here, you will be checking into a bizarre combination of tropical paradise, tailgate party, spring break, and a middle school playground. On St. Patrick's Day, we had been doing some sightseeing. We came back to our site, and the folks who had arrived behind us fired up their music. I don't have a problem with music or other noise prior to"quiet time," so long as it's not over the top. This was way over the top. Kim was on the phone with the nursing home about her 91-year old mother and she couldn't hear the other end of the call.
We called Security and asked for help, they came around and talked to the offenders. Whereupon the offenders started yelling around"who complained about our music?" And, they sent their preteen daughters on their bicycles going around and asking"did you complain?” Let's just say it was downhill from there. They jacked the volume even more, and started taunting us. Kim lost her temper and started yelling at them to quiet down. They responded by threatening her. She told me to call security, but since they hadn’t helped, and the on-duty rent-a-cop had no interest in helping, I called 911(which the campground rules said to do in an emergency). Apparently, that was a mistake. The rent-a-cop was pissed off that we called 911 when he was supposed to already be on top of it(which he wasn't). So there was a conclave of police cars, and the night manager, and the three large guys from the offending site, etc.
Bottom line: management demanded that WE leave, in half an hour, or be arrested. It’s 10:30 pm, and I told the rent-a-cop that I was in no shape to drive. “Figure it out,” he said, and walked away. So two 70-year olds had 30 minutes to get everything packed up and drive to some alternative place.
While we were striking the site, the kids at the offending site were chanting"we won, we won." And they started playing"Hit the Road You Jack" quite loud. And the adults were yelling"we're Republicans. We can do whatever we want." They noted our Maine license plates and told us to"go back to Canada where you belong."
We ended up in a wicked expensive hotel in the next town over, paying spring break prices($340 a night!!). And we lost the cost of two nights at the campground.
So if you’re a party animal, this may be your kind of place. Just don’t complain about anything, or you will be asked to leave.
It’s interesting to note which rules are enforced and which aren’t. For instance, there’s a poolside bar, and lots of signs between the bar and the pool saying“no food or drink beyond this point.” Not only was there lots of food and drink around the pool, there were wait staff taking orders and delivering it.
In retrospect, the fact that they have a rent-a-cop cruising the premises every night should have been a red flag. I’ve never seen that before, but apparently they expect rowdiness. They just don’t want to deal with the negative repercussions.
Quite a bit of ticks. The camping table had a bee hive …
Great small RV park. Very clean and super friendly & helpful staff. We stayed 3 nights and will definately return. Approximately 60% full-time residents.
Camping spots near Astatula, Florida center around Lake Harris, which spans over 13,700 acres and connects to seven other lakes via the Harris Chain of Lakes. The sandy soil conditions typical of this region can affect campsite stability during Florida's dry season (November through April). Water levels at boat ramps and primitive sites fluctuate seasonally, with summer rains raising lake levels by 1-2 feet in many locations.
Tubing at natural springs: Kelly Park offers a popular 30-minute natural lazy river tubing experience through Rock Springs. "The springs are beautiful. My partner and I enjoyed ourselves. Will definitely be going again," notes one visitor to Kelly Park Campground.
Kayaking on multiple connected lakes: Lake Harris connects to several other bodies of water, creating extensive paddling options. At Hide-A-Way Harbor RV Park, one camper recommends: "Get yourself on Lake Harris for some excellent fishing, boating and kayaking. Further afield, I also recommend these lakes as well: Beauclaire, Ola and Carlton."
Visit ancient trees: Lake Griffin State Park features one of Florida's oldest live oak trees, estimated to be 400-500 years old. "Nice clean restrooms, good trails and boat docks. The 500 year old tree is worth seeing," reports a camper at Lake Griffin State Park Campground.
Golfing near camping: Several campgrounds in the area offer golf course access. "There is a vibrant RV community with a decent number of open slots available. 18 Hole Golf Course with Pro Shop (note: first 9 holes are complimentary with a visit to the Pro Shop)," mentions a visitor to Clerbrook Golf and RV Resort.
Spacious waterfront sites: Many campgrounds feature direct lake access from individual sites. A camper at Trimble Park Campground shares: "This is a beautiful, small campground with 15 campsites most of which are waterfront. I stayed in site 11 that was positioned so I had a magnificent view of the lake."
Wildlife viewing: The area's wetlands support diverse animal populations. "We camped for three nights and loved it! Such a nice view of the sunset from where we were. Saw lots of animals. Everyone was very nice!" reports a visitor at Wekiwa Springs State Park.
Less crowded alternatives: While some springs get extremely busy, quieter options exist. "This is a quaint little campground. It is well groomed and clean. There is a nice heated pool, laundry room, cable and wifi, also a small store," notes a camper at Orlando NW-Orange Blossom KOA.
Proximity to towns: Many campgrounds provide easy access to nearby communities. "In less than 30 minutes you can be walking among the well-heeled on the cobblestone streets of Mount Dora where there is no shortage of art galleries, restaurants and boutiques to choose from," explains a Hide-A-Way Harbor visitor.
Spring access limitations: Popular springs often reach capacity early. "If you go on a weekend, make sure you go EARLY! Line of car starts around 9am and park will close at capacity," warns a visitor to Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience traffic sounds. "The park is bordered by railroad tracks, a truck route highway and a small airport. Very noisy. Rt 441 is a busy road. Small airport next door with training flights all day," explains an Orlando NW-Orange Blossom KOA camper.
Reservations for primitive sites: Many campgrounds require advance planning, especially for less developed areas. "To utilize primitive campsites, you'll park at a trailhead and pack your gear into a pine forest. We arrived at night, so it seemed farther back to the site than it actually is, but I'd venture to say it was a quarter mile, at least," shares a Lake Louisa camper.
Water levels: The lakes around Astatula experience seasonal fluctuations. "We paddled my inflatable kayak around lake Carlton and the adjoining lake that has the boat ramp. I launched directly from my campsite," notes a Trimble Park visitor.
Playground access: Several parks offer dedicated play areas. "A short walk leads to a very nice playground with typical park equipment. My kiddos loved that playground. My favorite part was the springs that also had a little 'beach' where my youngest played in the sand after tubing," shares a Kelly Park camper.
Accessible facilities: Some campgrounds have specific accommodations. At Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, one visitor with disabilities noted: "Jane, one of the park rangers informed us about the ramp for wheelchairs, and a lift into the water! She was so helpful."
Wildlife education: Animal sightings provide learning opportunities. "We only saw baby gators right off the water's edge, but never any longer than your arm the entire time we were there, which was 4 days," explains a Trimble Park camper.
Limited pet-friendly options: Not all parks welcome animals. "No pets allowed which is another downside," notes a Kelly Park visitor, while another camper at Magnolia Park mentions: "The peacocks were so much fun. I loved using them as an excuse when I was running late for something."
Level sites: Many campers report varying site conditions. "The sites are super private, but the lake view makes it totally worth it! Our site was clean and level. The hookups all worked perfectly," shares an Orlando NW-Orange Blossom KOA visitor.
Hookup locations: Utility placement varies between campgrounds. "Water spigot on the wrong end of the site. Sites are spread out and wooded. Bathhouse is always super clean. Springs are beautiful," notes a Kelly Park camper.
Site selection strategy: Choose carefully based on specific needs. "In all of my camping experiences, Trimble Park CG holds a very special place as one of my MOST favorites. The majority of sites (#3-#13) are waterfront with all sites being spacious, flat and nicely shaded, courtesy of all the ancient and live Oaks dripping with Spanish moss," advises a recent visitor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Astatula, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, Astatula, FL offers a wide range of camping options, with 394 campgrounds and RV parks near Astatula, FL and 9 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 Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 65 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Astatula, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 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 Ocala National Forest and National Forests in Florida.
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