Glamping near Astor, Florida has expanded beyond traditional canvas tents to include waterfront cabins, yurts, and specialized camping pods across the St. Johns River basin. The area sits at the western edge of the Ocala National Forest where the elevation averages just 10 feet above sea level, creating ideal conditions for wildlife viewing along the river's edge. Seasonal fluctuations affect water levels dramatically, with winter and spring typically offering the best access to waterways.
What to do
Kayaking Lake George: Pine Island RV & Marina provides direct lake access with kayak rentals available on-site. "Great very quiet RV park with a little bait shop, store, bar, boat ramp, and marina. This gives you access to Lake George and some of the most amazing sunsets ever seen," notes one visitor to Pine Island RV & Marina.
Explore conservation areas: Lake George Conservation Area offers primitive hiking trails accessible year-round. "Great for hunters. Not a lot there for hiking campers. Very primitive," shares a reviewer of Lake George Conservation Area, highlighting its undeveloped nature ideal for those seeking solitude.
Springs swimming: Wekiwa Springs State Park provides clear 72-degree water for swimming just under an hour from Astor. A camper noted, "The park offers hiking, biking, day swimming, a food grill, a canoe/kayak launch and rental, plus tons of wildlife! The campground was quiet and the restrooms fairly clean."
What campers like
Wildlife encounters: Regular manatee sightings occur along the St. Johns River corridor, particularly during winter months. "The park is awesome. Really enjoyed the springs and kayaking. The camp site was nice with a pit and grill on site," reports a visitor to Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground.
Quiet waterfront sites: Astor Landing Campground offers riverfront sites with minimal ambient noise. A camper described it as a "Small, quiet campground right on the river. Gorgeous sunrise and lots of birds to watch. Appears to be quite a few older folks who are here for a lengthy stay."
Fishing opportunities: Highland Park Fish Camp provides guided fishing excursions and boat rentals. "I have been visiting Highland Park Fish Camp for over 8 years. There is a free catch and release pond that is kept well stocked and a great place for the kids or beginners to learn how to fish," explains a regular visitor to Highland Park Fish Camp.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Several glamping sites near Astor have minimal connectivity. As one camper at Highland Park Fish Camp noted, "Great place to camp and very friendly and helpful staff, only issue was poor cell service, but it was expected to be out there."
Weekend crowds: Popular spring sites fill quickly, especially during summer months. "If you go on a weekend, make sure you go EARLY! Line of cars starts around 9am and park will close at capacity," advises one visitor about Wekiwa Springs.
Boat launch conditions: Lake George's shallow waters require careful navigation. "While Lake George is the second largest lake in all of Florida, it is also one of the most shallow," notes a visitor to Silver Springs State Park Campground, recommending proper footwear when launching watercraft.
Tips for camping with families
Beginner fishing spots: Stocked ponds offer easy access for young anglers. At Highland Park, "There is a free catch and release pond that is kept well stocked and a great place for the kids or beginners to learn how to fish."
Accessible water features: Some locations offer adaptive equipment for water access. "Jane, one of the park rangers informed us about the ramp for wheelchairs, and a lift into the water! She was so helpful," shared a visitor with mobility challenges at Wekiwa Springs.
Educational opportunities: Silver Springs' glass-bottom boats reveal underwater ecosystems. "The glass bottom boat tour is an absolute must, we had such a wonderful time and the boat captain had lots of interesting information. We have a 4 year old and a 10 year old and they both really enjoyed the boat tour also," shares a family who visited Lake Waldena Resort.
Tips from RVers
Site selection priority: Waterfront locations fill months in advance. "With only 9 waterfront slots to choose from, you want to book as early as possible," advises a Pine Island RV visitor about securing premium spots.
Utilities and hookups: Most glamping sites near Astor offer partial hookups at minimum. "Full facilities. Extensive trails. River access. Beautiful forest. What's not to love," notes one camper at Silver Springs State Park.
Equipment considerations: Several parks offer equipment rentals to save packing space. "The boats & kayaks are free for campers. You just have to sign one out at the office," shares a visitor about Astor Landing Campground & Marina amenities, allowing travelers to avoid bringing bulky gear.