Best Campgrounds near Florahome, FL

Florahome, Florida is surrounded by diverse camping environments ranging from state parks to recreational areas and private campgrounds. Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park, located approximately 15 miles northwest of Florahome, offers tent sites, RV spots with electric hookups, and rustic cabins built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Etoniah Creek State Forest Green Camp provides primitive camping options along hiking and equestrian trails. The camping landscape includes several mixed-use campgrounds supporting both tent and RV camping, with some facilities like Rooterville Animal Sanctuary offering unique glamping options in covered wagons.

Many campsites require advance reservations, particularly during peak winter and spring months when northern visitors seek Florida's milder climate. Road access varies throughout the region, with some areas requiring navigation of sandy or gravel roads. A reviewer described Etoniah Creek State Forest as having "campgrounds about 4 miles in on bikeable hard roads" with "six sites that have picnic tables, lots of room, fire ring with grate, BBQ grills, a latrine nearby." Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity, while winter nights can occasionally dip below freezing. Most campgrounds remain open year-round, though seasonal flooding may affect access to certain areas, particularly after heavy rainfall.

Campers consistently highlight the natural features and wildlife viewing opportunities in the area. Several visitors mentioned the excellent hiking trails, with Gold Head Branch State Park receiving particular praise for its ravine system and spring-fed creek. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, the cabins at Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park are popular with families, with one camper noting it was "great for family camping thanks to the restroom/bathing facilities." Wildlife sightings commonly include white-tailed deer, various bird species, and occasionally black bears. The region's lakes and streams provide fishing and paddling opportunities, with Little Lake Johnson at Gold Head Branch State Park offering swimming, boating, and fishing. Most developed campgrounds provide basic amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and access to restrooms, while primitive sites typically require self-sufficiency.

Best Camping Sites Near Florahome, Florida (225)

    1. Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park Campground & Cabins

    32 Reviews
    Keystone Heights, FL
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 473-4701

    $20 - $100 / night

    "The Florida State Trail passes through the park and is well marked. The ravines section is my favorite area in the park. In the greener months, it feels like a rain forest."

    "The Florida Trail is my favorite part of my visits. The cabin we stayed in was small but nice. The ravines are gorgeous. You can access it with a vehicle, but you must walk down many stairs."

    2. Rodman Campground

    28 Reviews
    Welaka, FL
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (386) 326-2846

    $12 - $22 / night

    "Sites 1-39 are not near the Florida Trail but it was not a bad walk to the other side of the campground to get to the trail. Would stay again."

    "This peaceful campground provides a serene setting surrounded by towering pines and lush Florida foliage."

    3. Salt Springs Recreation Area

    59 Reviews
    Salt Springs, FL
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 685-2048

    $38 - $70 / night

    "There are no laundry facilities but if you exit park and drive left there is a laundromat, local food, dollar store, bait tackle."

    "Located in the center of the state, you’ll have near equal access to both the Atlantic Ocean to the east as well as the Gulf shores to the west."

    4. Anastasia State Park Campground

    115 Reviews
    St. Augustine, FL
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (904) 461-2033

    $28 / night

    "You really can have it all at this campground - with its 'next door' proximity to one of the most amazing beachheads on Florida's Atlantic coastline and quick access to the country's oldest town (St."

    "Great location & in close proximity to St. Augustine. One of my favorite places to visit in Florida. If you've never been to St."

    5. Etoniah Creek State Forest Green Camp

    2 Reviews
    Florahome, FL
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (386) 329-2552

    $9 / night

    "Located just about 20 minutes due northwest of Palatka – dubbed ‘Florida’s State Farmers Market’ where you will easily discover that this north central town is teeming with fresh agriculture every which"

    "Just off the Palatka-Lake Butler Bike trail. Campgrounds are About 4 miles in on bikeable hard roads. Six Sites have picnic tables, lots of room, fire ring with grate, bbq grills, a latrine nearby."

    6. Connors Family Campsite

    2 Reviews
    Florahome, FL
    4 miles
    +1 (423) 777-1247

    "You can do anything from buying an RV renting an RV a camper tent if you're not from around there bill will help you out overall great customer service"

    7. Rooterville Animal Sanctuary

    1 Review
    Florahome, FL
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 262-7313

    $164 - $210 / night

    8. Lake Oklawaha RV Park

    8 Reviews
    Interlachen, FL
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 546-5500

    $58400 - $120000 / night

    "Neat trails and plan to return for summer and warmer weather and will bring atvs. Pet friendly. Seen a black bear roaming at night. John the firewood guy brought wood around for $10 in evening."

    "Pluses: everything was really clean,

    • there is a pool available,
    • spacious dining hall,
    • you have freedom to pick your own spot
    • stunning lake view
    • nice nature trail"

    9. Cooper Lake RV Community

    2 Reviews
    Interlachen, FL
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (386) 983-1478

    $45 - $55 / night

    "This RV parking pad is located in north central Florida, just due southwest of Palatka (a.k.a. the Sunshine’s State Farmer’s Market) where you’ll find southern charm hanging from more than the moss off"

    "Quiet, friendly park away from the hustle & bustle.  Close to St. Augustine, Gainesville, and Ocala. New owners so renovations and upgrades are at the top of their list. We will be back!"

    10. Ordway-Swisher Biological Station

    1 Review
    Keystone Heights, FL
    6 miles
    Website

    "to camp here you have to apply for one of the 3 spots available for fall term or spring term per the University of Florida school calendar. Total of 6 spots (12 people)."

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Recent Reviews near Florahome, FL

1223 Reviews of 225 Florahome Campgrounds


  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 19, 2026

    Osceola National Forest Landing Group Area

    Waterfront Bliss Amongst the Pines for Your Crew

    The Landing Group Area sits along Ocean Pond within Osceola National Forest, offering a group camp experience with a brilliant lakefront view and direct water access, where for the unbelievable price of $100 / night, you can easily pack at least a dozen (if not 20) tents along with room to roll-up 3-4 RVs with water & electric hook-ups. Like seriously, this feels like a camping tailgate party destination if ever there was one! First impressions: tall pines and cypress draped in Spanish moss line the sandy loops. You’ll see a modest private beach head, excellent sized pavilion with half a dozen picnic tables, picnic shelters and a wide-open access to the water with enough room for a half dozen fold-up chairs, 2-3 kayaks and a dozen fishing poles.

    The amenities are generous for a group area. You’ll find electric and water hookups for a few RVs (up to ~40 ft), potable water, bathhouse facilities with hot showers and flush toilets, picnic tables, fire pits, a proper large group-sized grill and a pavilion large enough for gatherings like a men’s group or a small reunion. The site accommodates up to 50 overnight guests and 75 day-users. The lodge is meant for group outings, family reunions, church retreats, or company events. The best part? You will have this place all to yourself (well, your entire group) with no other nearby sites or fellow campers to deal with.

    One of the strong draws is Ocean Pond itself (which, let's be clear, is neither a pond nor the ocean). It offers boating, canoeing, kayaking and fishing where you can cast your lines for bluegill, crappie, catfish and more from the shore or via boat launch. The private beach is a relaxing spot to wade or chill in the shallows. The surrounding forest hosts wildlife sightings where you can expect to see wading birds like herons and egrets, turtles, maybe an otter or two, and plenty of swamp and marsh edge life.

    Insider Tips? Here’s a few: (1) Reserve well ahead as this group site books quickly for weekends and special events; (2) Use the pavilion early for meals or shade as your group dinners will go smoother there versus in the wide-open where, because it’s Florida, you could encounter tropical rains at anytime; (3) Bring lots of extension cords as there’s only a few outlets in the pavilion and your hookup site, which likely is one of the 4 RV slots, may be some distance from the pavilion or where you set up your tent; (4) Launch your canoe or kayak from the sandy beach area for calm paddling early in the morning as the current picks up with small, but still formidable waves to contend with later in the day; (5) Plan meals to use the large grill and fire pits as they’re built to serve crowds and the largesse of these cooking amenities should be used to full effect and are perfect sized, considering the large group you have gathered around you; (6) Pack bug spray as mosquitoes love dusk near the pond edges; and (7) Consider arriving by daylight so you can assign your group to the best spots before dark.

    Happy Camping!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 17, 2026

    Braddock's Point Group Campground - Moses Creek Recreation Area

    Primitive Camping Solitude on the Tidal Edge of Ancient City

    Tucked deep inside the Moses Creek Conservation Area south of St. Augustine, Braddock’s Point Group Campground feels like Old Florida with its quiet pine flatwoods, oak hammocks and the briny breath of the tidal creek just beyond the trees. This seemingly hidden reservable group site sits in a wide, sandy clearing surrounded by palmettos and pines, offering a secluded, shaded and tranquil escape for tents and hammocks only. Accessible by a narrow forest road, it’s the kind of place where you unpack, exhale, and realize you haven’t heard a car in hours.

    So, with that ‘narrow forest road’ in mind, let’s get into it. When you come here – not to the first– but to the second access point to Moses Creek Conservation Area as you are driving east on 206 (from US1), when you book this campground, you’ll be granted access to the road that will take you about a mile into the Conservation Area before reaching this peaceful patch of paradise. But I’ll warn you, especially during rainy season, you want to ensure you are driving an SUV that can manage these flood-prone roads, where at least in 1 spot, we found it to be impassable, so had to unload all of our gear a good 100 yards or so from the camp. Oh, and there’s no signage, so yeah, go to https://aws.sjrwmd.com/SJRWMD/lands/recreation/Moses\_Creek\_Conservation\_Area.pdf or grab the image I have attached to this review) to download a real map of this place and just stay on what looks like is a road (no, don’t turn onto any of the bike paths – 1 tread versus 2!) and you should be fine.

    Facilities here are minimal by design with a large, oversized fire ring complete w/ 2 proper benches with seating for 3-4 each along with a log that serves as a ‘poor man’s bench,’ 2-3 scattered picnic tables with some located underneath a good-sized shelter that should cover up to about 12 people, a separate bonfire area set back amongst the live oaks draped in Spanish moss complete with 3-4 additional benches that can easily seat 2-3 people apiece along with a single standing port-a-potty that greeted you near the entrance to this group camp. There’s no potable water, electricity or trash service, so campers should come self-contained and pack out everything they bring in. There was a water pump that apparently offers up non-potable water for washing dishes, but it was not functional when we visited. Trails branch off toward Moses Creek, where you can hike or paddle through a maze of tidal inlets, spotting herons, egrets and maybe even an otter if you’re lucky. The Palmetto Trail, accessible nearby, winds through shaded hammocks and marsh overlooks perfect for nature walks or a leisurely bike ride.

    The real bonus of camping at Braddock’s Point is its proximity to historic St. Augustine, the oldest continuously occupied city in the U.S. Just 25 minutes away, you can explore the Castillo de San Marcos, stroll the narrow brick lanes of St. George Street, or take a ghost tour beneath gas-lit balconies. For ocean views and a touch of maritime history, head to the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum, or cross over to Anastasia State Park for pristine beaches, nature trails and kayak rentals. When it’s time to restock supplies, nearby options include Publix Super Market at Moultrie Square, Shell gas station where US1 meets SR-206 and Home Depot for any gear or propane needs.

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a handful: (1) Pitch tents along the northern treeline for views of the intracoastal or on the southern perimeter for shade and wind cover, leaving the center open for group gatherings around the fire ring; (2) For kayaking or canoeing, head to the Moses Creek launch near the Palmetto Trail where you’ll discover calm, scenic water and great birdwatching; (3) The Palmetto Trail is ideal for a half-day hike, offering shade, light elevation and stunning marsh vistas; (4) Watch for white-tailed deer, ospreys and herons around dawn and dusk; (5) Mosquitoes and no-see-ums are part of the deal, so bring heavy-duty repellent and long sleeves; (6) When you’re done roughing it, reward yourself with dinner at Le Bouchon Brasserie for French coastal fare like steamed mussels or Hawaiian meets California Mexican at Jimmy Hula’s for fish tacos and beachside vibes.

    Happy Camping!

  • J
    Jan. 10, 2026

    Whimcycle Trail Resort At Santos

    Great Commimication, Large Sites

    Beth was super responsive to questions I had before arrival. Easy access to large, flat, dirt/grass sites with hookups. I usually stay at Santos State Park nearby for lower cost, but this was available with less notice and a pleasant surprise. No Verizon service, so bring Starlink or AT&T. Will def consider WhimCycle again.

  • Sherry The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 8, 2026

    Davenport Landing

    Small

    Small area, close camping so No privacy, I you are nearby the water, First come first serve spots, has walking trail in the area. Beware of Bears.

  • Sherry The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 8, 2026

    Rodman Campground

    Peaceful

    Quiet, clean, well maintained, friendly people

  • Sandra L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 8, 2026

    Dogwood Campground — O'Leno State Park

    Beautiful historic park

    After exploring the museum, enjoying the nature trails, enjoy some fishing, or bird watching along the river. See where the river sinks( ends) and look for the turtles in the water. The campsites are shaded, level and qell kept. Bathrooms are clean, handicapped accessable, and conviently located. Pets welcome, families welcome. Big rigs may find the campground roads tight, but there are multiple sites available for big rigs. Be aware there are trees along the roads, so be aware of any lower branches.

  • Maria Mercedes M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 7, 2026

    Lake Delancy West Campground

    Full-Throttle Campground Fun

    There’s a real sense of forest solitude when you turn off the pavement and roll into Lake Delancy West Campground, a wooded public campground tucked beside the lake’s quiet west shore and surrounded by massive oak and towering pine trees. This is a beautifully natural setting with EZ access to water play, fishing, hiking and woodsy exploration with the campground layout being simple and open with shaded tent sites and roomy RV spots that make you feel like you’re out in the woods rather than in a parking lot. That said, this peace doesn’t come without its lively side: the area is also a popular ride zone for off-highway vehicles (OHVs) during the day, which means you’ll often hear ATVs revving and roaring through the forest corridors nearby before things calm down at night, giving this campground an energy that’s a mix of wilderness quiet and outdoor playground bustle. The best sites are those closer to the lake’s edge where you can sit with a morning coffee and catch the light on the water before traffic stirs, although if silence is a priority you’ll want to plan your day’s adventures around the heavier daytime OHV hours. We’d recommend Lake Delancy West for families who appreciate lakeside access, plenty of outdoor recreation, and don’t mind a bit of daytime horsepower mixed in with their bird calls, but keep in mind that the lively noise from trail riders can be part of the experience if you’re here earlier in the day.

  • Maria Mercedes M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 7, 2026

    Ocklawaha Canoe Outpost & Resort

    Coastal Creek Vibes Connected to the Ocklawaha

    Pulling into Ocklawaha Canoe Outpost near Fort McCoy feels like arriving somewhere that doesn’t rush you, where the tall trees and wide river channels invite the kind of slow, unhurried breathing that only a riverside campground can. Nestled along the banks of the Ocklawaha River with direct access to the Silver River and Salt Springs Run, this place sets you up in a mix of shady tent sites and roomy RV spots that make it EZ to wake up to the sound of birds and fall asleep to nothing more than whispering water and occasional night critters exploring nearby. There’s a real sense of connection to the landscape here, with picnic spots and fishing docks near the river’s edge, canoe and kayak launches right inside the campground and the big new bathhouse and restroom facilities that strike the right balance of clean and rustic. One evening the boys and I packed some snacks, launched our canoe at the campground’s dock, and drifted out toward a bend in the river where we watched small ripples on the water as turtles bobbed up to greet us. This simple, shared moment became our favorite memory of the whole trip. From what we saw, the best sites are the ones tucked closest to the riverbank (which only tent campers can stay at) where you can hear the slow-moving river at night and step right out into the kayak without any fuss, which makes waking up here feel a bit like being handed a secret you didn’t know you were searching for. We would recommend Ocklawaha Canoe Outpost for families who enjoy water-based play, peaceful scenery and active days on a river for paddling, fishing, swimming or exploring, combined with campground facilities that feel thoughtfully placed and welcoming rather than too polished or commercial.

  • Maria Mercedes M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 7, 2026

    The Griffin Ranch

    Old-Florida Charm Meets Ranch-Life Calm

    Arriving to Griffin Ranch just outside Fort McCoy feels like stepping into a page of classic Florida history, where 30+ acres of shaded woods, ponds, pastures and trails invite you to slow down long before you ever unpack your bags. The ranch’s cabins, Airstream camper and cottage rentals, each with antique-inspired interiors, set the tone for a timeless, unhurried stay. The accommodations are rustic in the very best way: solidly built, thoughtfully equipped spaces that feel cozy rather than pretentious, and the hosts are genuinely welcoming, making you feel like part of the ranch family rather than just a guest. During our visit, we watched the kids wander out toward the pasture at sunset, chasing fireflies and laughing at the horses’ gentle nickers, while the sun dipped behind the trees in that golden light only old pastures seem to have. While this isn’t a ‘back-to-barebones’ campground in the primitive sense, it is more of a cabin-centric ranch stay than a full-service campground, so if you’re coming with a big RV or tent setup in mind, you’ll want to book one of the on-site cabins instead of relying on typical campsites. The best lodging options are the cabins tucked deeper into the woods or near the ponds, which offer the most serenity and EZ access to the ranch trails and wildlife watching. Nearby you can easily stock up on supplies in Fort McCoy or make short drives to local eats like Rocco’s Italian or a long list of options in nearby Gainesville.  Also, the closeness to Ocala National Forest and Silver Springs makes this a great base for exploration. We’d recommend Griffin Ranch for families who appreciate quiet evenings under ancient oaks, authentic old-Florida ranch character, space for kids and pets to run wild and host hospitality that turns a simple stay into lasting memories. This place is one part history, one part nature retreat and entirely welcoming.


Guide to Florahome

Camping spots near Florahome, Florida offer a mix of primitive forest sites and developed campgrounds across varied terrain. The region sits at low elevation with sandy soil that drains quickly after rain. Temperatures fluctuate between 30°F in winter to over 95°F in summer, making spring and fall popular camping seasons.

What to do

Explore local waterways: At Rodman Campground, visitors can enjoy fishing and boating on the reservoir. "We saw deer at dusk meandering through the woods," notes Jeff E., who also mentions that "its proximity to the Ocklawaha River and Rodman Reservoir allows campers to enjoy a variety of activities such as fishing, boating, kayaking, and wildlife viewing."

Practice wilderness skills: Green Camp in Etoniah Creek State Forest provides opportunities for solitude and hiking. "Just off the Palatka-Lake Butler Bike trail. Campgrounds are About 4 miles in on bikeable hard roads," writes Brian K., who adds that "Etonia Creek is a couple miles from camp but a beautiful destination on its own."

Interact with rescued animals: For a unique experience, Rooterville Animal Sanctuary offers camping alongside their sanctuary. Ashley F. describes it as "the country experience of a lifetime" and mentions "the covered wagons and the cute lights that guide you home in the evening." The sanctuary requests that campers not cook meat on property and leave pets at home.

What campers like

Spacious, shaded sites: Lake Oklawaha RV Park receives praise for its generous camping areas. One visitor mentioned that "we enjoyed this campground. We had plenty of room. The campground was quiet," though they noted "the check-in process was unorganized."

Clean facilities: Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park consistently earns high marks for maintenance. According to Gina E., "The bathhouse was clean and well kept. Good size campsites with fire ring, picnic table, water and electricity. Our camp site was partially shaded."

Excellent hiking trails: Many campers appreciate the local trail systems. At Mike Roess, one camper noted it has "very nice hikes and birding abound! Amazing sunrises with the birds at the lakes. It's quiet, and the sites are relatively private." Another visitor called it "very woodsy, plenty of walking trails, even a spring to take a dip in, if you dare!!"

What you should know

Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience periodic noise. At Rodman Campground, a camper warns: "IF there is an 'ALL HOURS WEEKEND' at the nearby Hog Waller Campground and ATV Resort (right across the river), then the trails remain open 24 hours and you will not have any tranquility or relaxation all night."

Limited amenities at primitive sites: While many campgrounds offer full facilities, primitive sites require self-sufficiency. Brian K. notes that Etoniah Creek sites have "picnic tables, lots of room, fire ring with grate, bbq grills, a latrine nearby."

Seasonal crowds: Salt Springs Recreation Area gets busy during peak times. Stuart K. advises: "Like most natural springs, as the day progresses, the spring will get busier and busier, so I always recommend if you are camping at a spring...that you chose to go either early or later in the day."

Tips for camping with families

Book specific cabins: Reserve early for family-friendly accommodations. Joseph A. described his Gold Head Branch experience as having "great visit. Got 2 sites and had more family start camping with us. Kids loved the scenery for hiking and pictures."

Plan water activities: Springs maintain constant temperatures year-round. "We have stayed here many times. In cabins or in tent. We like to hike which there is plenty of. Canoe which they rent. Firewood is available," notes Jenn B. about Salt Springs.

Consider campground layouts: Some layouts work better for family camping. Gina E. reported that at Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park, "We went camping with the family and dog. The bathhouse was clean and well kept. Good size campsites with fire ring, picnic table, water and electricity."

Tips from RVers

Research RV pad features: At Cooper Lake RV Community, pads come with extensive amenities. According to Stuart K., the campground features "about 50 or so pull-through and back-in RV slots complete with full hook-ups (50 amp electric at every site along with water and sewage)."

Look for shaded sites: Florida heat makes tree cover valuable. Tom & Shar S. describe Cooper Lake as "Quiet, friendly park away from the hustle & bustle. Close to St. Augustine, Gainesville, and Ocala."

Check road conditions: Access roads vary widely in quality. Access to some campgrounds requires careful navigation, especially after rain when sandy roads can become difficult to traverse.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Florahome, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, Florahome, FL offers a wide range of camping options, with 225 campgrounds and RV parks near Florahome, FL and 5 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Florahome, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Florahome, FL is Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park Campground & Cabins with a 4.5-star rating from 32 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Florahome, FL.

What parks are near Florahome, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 parks near Florahome, FL that allow camping, notably National Forests in Florida and Ocala National Forest.