Bell, Florida sits at the confluence of multiple freshwater springs and the Suwannee River system, creating a unique camping environment where water recreation dominates seasonal activities. The region maintains year-round temperatures between 45-95°F with summer humidity often exceeding 80%. Cabin camping in this area ranges from rustic single-room structures to multi-bedroom units with varying amenities.
What to do
Swimming in natural springs: Head to O'Leno State Park where you can enjoy the swimming area when water levels permit. "There is a swimming section. The river goes underground but you can't kayak in this area. The river has a small rapids area, for Florida," notes one visitor who enjoyed the unique geological feature where the Santa Fe River disappears underground.
Hiking through diverse terrain: Explore the trail systems with elevation changes unusual for Florida. "If your looking for a nature campground this might be it. Very rustic with awesome trails. Lots of trees with changing leaf color and dropping. There are nice elevation changes which makes it feel like your in the Carolinas or Georgia," shares a camper at Magnolia Campground.
Wildlife viewing: Many cabin locations offer opportunities to spot local fauna. "We saw a large family of deer while walking our dogs but weren't quick enough for a photo. Saw lots of birds including finches, red hawk, and an owl. Great spot full of wildlife," reports a visitor about the natural surroundings.
River paddling: Multiple access points allow for kayaking and canoeing from cabin bases. "We picked a spot way out of the way from people and it was great. Bathrooms within walking distance. Pool and hot tub are great," mentions a camper at Ellie Ray's RV Resort & Lounge, which offers both cabin rentals and river access.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many cabin areas offer good separation from neighbors. "The camp host was sure to give us a spot that was more private/big. There are so many adorable animals roaming around, my favorite was Daisy the pig (who acts more like a dog)," shares a visitor at Ichetucknee Springs Campground.
Clean facilities: Cabin campers appreciate well-maintained bathroom buildings. "Everyone is polite and helpful. Springs are beautiful. Love that it is managed by a Veteran's organization," notes a guest at Otter Springs Park & Campground, highlighting the management approach.
Recreation variety: Sites often feature multiple entertainment options beyond water activities. "My favorite part of the campgrounds was the rec room that felt like a 70s time capsule. Older arcade games, a fireplace, two pool tables, a jukebox, air hockey, comfy couches. Seriously such a vibe of a place!" describes an enthusiastic camper.
Natural features: The springs themselves remain a primary attraction for cabin stays. "This has been one of my favorite campsites. The campground is nice: level ground, lots of trees, CLEAN bathrooms and showers, and walking distance to a great swimming area that's clean and unpolluted," shares a visitor about their experience at Otter Springs Resort Park and Campground.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Connectivity can be unrestricted in this rural area. "The TMobile signal is zero. Verizon is good. Sprint is ok, but not good enough for a personal hotspot. The camp WiFi is erratic," reports a camper detailing the connectivity challenges.
Grocery access: Plan food supplies carefully as options are limited. "Located in the middle of nowhere- Dollar General is four miles away and Walmart is 11 miles (doesn't seem far but on all back roads, it takes a while). Closest highway (75) is 45 miles away & I-90 is an hour," notes a long-term visitor.
Seasonal factors: Water levels and conditions vary throughout the year. "We were camping here in March and we were not able to enjoy the springs because they were having a brown out. Still plenty to do like walk the trails, enjoy the pool or visit the many different springs that are very near to your location," explains a visitor at Hart Springs Park.
Bathroom limitations: Some properties have minimal facilities for the number of sites. "The bathrooms are old and shabby, but I could see that they did attempt to keep them clean," mentions one reviewer, while another points out: "There is only one toilet per gender and two showers. I can see how that would be a problem at the height of the season."
Tips for camping with families
Animal attractions: Several sites feature small farms that children enjoy. "There are so many adorable animals roaming around... There is a cute playground, volleyball area and a covered, screened in pool," shares a visitor to Ichetucknee Family Canoe and Cabins, adding that the "Best part of this park is the short trail to Hart Springs directly from the campground."
Kid-friendly water options: Shallow spring areas provide safer swimming for younger children. "They have a small but very nice splash pad for the kids," notes a camper describing Hart Springs Park's amenities beyond the main swimming area.
Game rooms: Indoor recreation spaces offer rainy-day options. "We had the pleasure of visiting recently, and to my surprise this small campground exceeded my expectations! My son's favorite part was riding around on the provided bicycles and playing darts & cornhole by the communal fire pit," shares a visitor to Bowman's Landing.
Nature programming: Some parks offer educational opportunities. "The spring swimming area was lovely and clear and no crowds. Seems like a nice place to stay for a fun, activity filled getaway," mentions a day visitor describing the nature-based recreation options.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: RV sites with cabins nearby vary significantly in size. "Sites vary in size and level. Separation between sits is not bad but suffered in hurricane damage. Some sites appear a bit tight with overhanging trees," cautions a visitor about navigating larger rigs through the campgrounds.
Leveling challenges: Prepare for sandy terrain that can complicate setup. "The Magnolia campground is the only one we will stay at when going to O'Leno. The site was deep, shaded and close to the bathrooms," recommends one RVer about their preferred location.
Hookup placement: Utility connections may be awkwardly positioned. "The RV sites have a terrible layout and it's hard to tell where the site begins and ends. There are trees in the middle of the site and makes it difficult to park an RV to get the slide out and awning out. The electric box and water is in the very front of the site," warns one camper.
Road conditions: Access routes can be challenging for larger vehicles. "Very tight if you got a big rig, lots of sand but was very happy with the stay overall. Not far from downtown high springs and tubing," summarizes one RVer's experience.
