Haines Creek RV Village (55+)
Nice Private Park
Great small RV park. Very clean and super friendly & helpful staff. We stayed 3 nights and will definately return. Approximately 60% full-time residents.
Central Florida's Belleview area features diverse camping options within the Ocala region, with notable sites like Silver Springs State Park and Rainbow Springs State Park offering year-round access. These established campgrounds provide shaded sites beneath Spanish moss-draped oak trees, creating the quintessential "Real Florida" camping experience. Southern Oaks RV Resort and Santos Trailhead & Campground offer additional options within a 15-mile radius, with the latter providing excellent mountain biking access along the Cross Florida Greenway. Most campgrounds accommodate both tent and RV camping, while several also offer cabin rentals for those seeking more comfort.
Reservations are essential during winter months when the region's mild climate attracts seasonal visitors from northern states. As one camper noted, "Silver Springs Campground has spacious sites with huge live oak trees and Spanish moss. Each site is shady and clean with bathroom facilities nearby." Summer brings higher humidity and frequent afternoon thunderstorms, making spring and fall ideal for comfortable camping. Many campgrounds in the area feature crystal-clear springs that maintain a constant 72-74°F year-round, providing refreshing swimming opportunities during hot weather. Sandy roads in some areas can become challenging during drought conditions, occasionally affecting boat ramp access.
Natural springs represent the defining feature of camping in this region, with several campgrounds providing direct access to these unique ecosystems. Visitors frequently mention wildlife viewing opportunities, particularly at dawn and dusk when birds and other animals are most active. According to one reviewer, "Rainbow Springs Campground stands out as one of the top 5 I have returned to. The campground setting is nestled in Florida native oak trees with long moss growing, palm scrubs, and other varieties of native plants." The Florida Trail passes through several nearby areas, offering hiking opportunities for day trips. Campers particularly value sites that provide shade from the intense Florida sun, with many reviewers highlighting the importance of selecting locations with adequate tree cover, especially during summer months.
$24 - $110 / night
"We rode our bikes around the campground and were amazed as almost all the sites were huge! Live oak trees with Spanish moss...this campground is truly the "Real Florida"."
"Silver Springs Silver Springs SP Beautiful Florida campground with 60 sites, many pullthrus. The sites are huge with lots of space and privacy. Lush surroundings."
$22 / night
"Although in a populated area of Ocala, this campground is positioned in the trees and makes you feel like you are miles from civilization. The sites are spacious and most are shaded."
"This campground is located near Ocala, FL. on the cross florida greenway. It is a small loop of only 22 sites with water and electric. Has clean restrooms with showers."
$46 - $188 / night
"We Enjoyed the natural beauty and peaceful surroundings while listening to the Owls Hooting ~while we sat at our campfire ."
"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."
$30 / night
"I have been to quite a few campgrounds in Florida over the past 20+ years."
"The primitive camping is tucked back away from most of the RVs and has a bathhouse with very hot water/ toilets and hot hand dryers. Each site is spaced properly so not each person is too close."
$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."
$38 - $70 / night
"The spring pool is gorgeous and quite, very pretty trails to watch spring boils and turtles. Very sunny during the day and very cool at nigth."
"The Florida Trail runs right through this spot and has a natural spring connection as well. We camped out near the facilities and am happy to report everything was maintained and clean."
$54 - $75 / night
"Very large RV park outside The Villages of FL. A mix of transient, seasonal and full timers. Clean if not older facilities. Most sites are good sized."
$22 / night
"The positive is that the sites, especially around the outside loop, are spaced nicely and private. It’s not a bad drive to Crystal River or Ocala."
"Located near Dunnellon, FL and is part of the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenways. Smaller campground - 15ish sites. All sites are pull thru for you rvers out there!"
"Nearby shops and such are within 10 miles(gas, groceries, restaurants, flea markets, etc.). Overall, a nice park, but I wouldn't go during the rainy season in Florida."
"Nice little Thousand Trails in Florida. Had full hookups at every site."












Great small RV park. Very clean and super friendly & helpful staff. We stayed 3 nights and will definately return. Approximately 60% full-time residents.
Just outside the tiny river village of Georgetown, where Road 309 bends toward Drayton Island, you will find Rivers Edge RV Park sitting exactly where its name promises, right on the banks of the St. Johns River. With roughly 50 or so sites arranged in a simple, easy to navigate loop, this campground feels intimate without being cramped and it books quickly for good reason. The setting is classic 'Old Florida' with long bearded Spanish moss draped over ancient oaks, wide river views and that slow moving, fish-filled water stretching out toward Lake George.
Sites here cater primarily to the RV and 5th wheel crowd, offering full hookups with 30- and 50-amp electric, water & sewer, along with a mix of back-in and pull-through options, many with concrete pads and patios. There is also a designated tent area, thoughtfully placed closer to the river, which gives tent campers a front row seat to sunrise over the water. Restrooms and showers are notably clean, laundry facilities feature newer machines and there is also a propane station on-site. Add in a small dog park, trash stations, a riverside pavilion, lawn games, horseshoes and even pickleball courts and it becomes clear that this is a well-managed, well-maintained operation. Complimentary WiFi reaches most of the park, though streaming can be a bit slow at peak times.
While my review from a few years ago provides a ton of detail, I thought I would follow up that review with a topline of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS along with a smattering of new photos.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Direct access to the St. Johns River with private boat launch and guest-only slips; (2) Clean, well-kept facilities including modern laundry and shower buildings;(3) Distinct tent area positioned closest to the river; (4) Simple loop layout that makes navigation easy even for larger rigs; (5) Fishing is abundant here with local finds including: largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, shellcracker bream and striped bass; and (6) Affordable pricing compared to many waterfront parks in Florida, but for the area, this is either on par or slightly more $ for what you would typically find, however, IMHO completely worth it!
LOWLIGHTS: (1) Limited availability due to the park’s small size and popularity; (2) WiFi can slow down during busy periods; (3) Fewer restaurant and retail options immediately nearby, because, well, you're completely out in 'the sticks' here in Georgetown, which is admittedly, part of the allure (as well as the downside); (4) Sites, while organized, are not heavily screened for privacy; and (5) This CG is best suited for river lovers and boaters rather than those seeking resort style amenities.
Happy Camping!
The cabins at Blue Spring State Park offer a rare way to experience one of Florida’s most iconic spring-fed rivers without camping by RV or tents. Tucked well away from the busy springhead and day-use crowds and surrounded instead by hardwood hammock and palmetto flats. Arriving is straightforward via Orange City, just a stone's throw from I-4, and once you’re checked in, the cabins feel intentionally removed from the main campground loops, trading generator hums and tent zippers for solid walls, screened porches along with a noticeable sense of calm once the park gates close for the evening.
Each cabin is simple but thoughtfully laid out with climate control, real beds, a small kitchen setup, picnic tables and screened outdoor space that invites slow mornings with a freshly brewed cup of Colombian coffee and unhurried evenings over a nice iced glass of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. While these are not luxury accommodations by any stretch of the imagination, they are very clean, well maintained and ideal for families or couples who want immersion in nature without having to 'rough' it. Restrooms and showers are integrated into the cabin setup rather than shared campground facilities and nearby trails make it easy to step directly into the woods for a walk without ever starting the car.
Beyond the cabins themselves, Blue Spring’s broader amenities shine. Hiking trails wind through shaded forest and along the St. Johns River while the spring run offers some of the clearest freshwater paddling in the state. A small concession area and nearby Orange City like Fire on the Bayou, The Salted Goat and Orange Social provide tempting and hyper-local dining options, but most guests will find themselves lingering longer at the cabins, listening to owls at dusk or catching early morning river mist before the park stirs back to life.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a handful: (1) If you’re visiting during manatee season, the cabins are a ‘golden ticket’ for early and late viewing when crowds thin and the river feels most deserted and almost reverent; (2) For kayaking, launch at the Blue Spring Run canoe and kayak launch and paddle upstream early in the morning for glassy water, manatee sightings in season and wading birds like blue and grey heron, kingfishers, bald eagles and ospreys along the river banks; (3) The cabins closest to the interior trail network tend to feel the most secluded and quiet compared to those nearer service roads; (4) Plan simple meals rather than elaborate cooking, as kitchens are functional but hoestly, quite modest (read: just bare bones); and (5) If you want a true Old Florida day trip, head a short drive north to DeLeon Springs after breakfast for swimming and pancakes at the local restaurant there.
Happy Camping!
Great environment, a lot of marine activity in the water and boat rental was super fun.
Last minute getaway. 20 minutes from palm coast. We enjoyed being by the lake. You could bring your boat to this one for sure.
Awesome open spots for dispersed camping. Not too busy and camp host is a really nice dude.
75 women campers rented the parking lot at Mill Dam used for large group camping. I believe it was $100 a night. Currently a 'burn ban' on fires but they are otherwise allowed. Most of us have dogs and cats, but must check you and you pets for ticks, they are prevalent. There is a lake with a beauriful beach. There are restrooms and changing rooms with floor drains, so if you bring your own shower you can use that. There are no power hookups or dump stations that I saw, but there are dumpsters. There is a resident black bear so MUST observe bear safety. Great place, very nice camp host, kept bathrooms clean and stocked.
The campground is clean with large sites, huge trees, shade or no shade, very clean bath houses, and extremely friendly and helpful staff. The springs themselves are perfect for a refreshing swim or snorkeling. A bit far from a real grocery store but there is a convenient mart and hardware store close by.
Well kept primitive camping site. No road noise, and nice bear cabinets, picnic tables, grill and fire ring.
Camping sites near Belleview, Florida include established campgrounds with access to natural springs, hiking trails, and mountain biking routes within a 15-mile radius. The camping season extends year-round, with temperatures averaging 50-65°F in winter and 80-95°F in summer. Many campgrounds offer hookups for water and electricity, while primitive sites can be found within the Ocala National Forest.
Kayaking the Rainbow River: Rainbow Springs State Park Campground provides direct access to one of Florida's clearest spring-fed rivers. "Beautiful place. Kayaking here is awesome. Try not to go during a tourist time. The cabins are very large. Fireplaces. Larger bedrooms..." notes Marlene V. The river maintains 72°F year-round, making it comfortable for paddling regardless of season.
Mountain biking on established trails: Santos Trailhead & Campground offers extensive mountain biking opportunities. "It's an international destination for mountain biking! While there are no mountains in Florida, there are many man made ramps and jumps and turns. It's remarkable to see," explains David G. The cross-Florida trail system includes both technical sections and smoother paved paths suitable for road biking.
Glass bottom boat tours: Silver Springs State Park Campground features the iconic glass bottom boat experience. "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 Carlos R. Tours operate daily and provide views of underwater springs and wildlife.
Privacy between sites: The campground layout at Whimcycle Trail Resort provides good separation between camping areas. "The campground was quiet, facilities were super clean, and the sites were large. We were under a big beautiful oak tree," reports Kirsten W. Sites on the western side of the loop back up to forested areas, creating a more secluded atmosphere.
Access to multiple trail systems: Ross Prairie Campground connects to diverse trail networks. "Great for camping and horses. Amazing 2.3 mile hike that has a little bit of everything," notes Bryan. The campground provides access points for hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails that wind through both wooded areas and open prairie sections.
Clean, modern facilities: Lake Griffin State Park Campground maintains high standards for bathrooms and showers. "I would have driven up to the park from our home in Sarasota, FL just for a shower in the bath house. We actually felt more welcomed, better service and cleaner accommodations in Lake Griffin State Park than we received at the Marriott on Hutchinson Island," Perry J. observes. The park also features a boat ramp and fishing opportunities.
Seasonal reservation challenges: Winter months (November-March) see significantly higher camping demand. "It was quite a relief to be able to secure reservations for both the beginning and end of my trip," mentions Charlie M. about Silver Springs State Park. Reservations should be made 3-6 months in advance for winter stays, while summer offers more last-minute availability.
Highway noise at some locations: Several campgrounds experience road noise despite natural settings. "Extremely noisy with trains running through all night, of course, blowing their whistles!" Lauren W. notes about Santos Trailhead. Ross Prairie campers also mention highway sounds from nearby Route 200, suggesting selecting sites furthest from roads.
Internet connectivity varies: Juniper Springs Rec Area has minimal cell service. "The only downside is maybe that there was no WiFi and limited cell service, but then again it was nice to disconnect for a few days," explains Kirsten W. about Whimcycle Trail Resort. Campers needing connectivity should verify service before arrival.
Spring swimming opportunities: The consistent 72°F spring water provides year-round swimming. "The spring is beautiful & refreshing in the florida heat," shares Nicole D. about Juniper Springs. The springs include shallow areas appropriate for children and deeper sections for more experienced swimmers.
Educational boat tours: Thousand Trails Three Flags provides a convenient base for exploring nearby attractions. "Close to the Villages with lots to do. Easy drive to Disney but we never did go. We did drive over to the gulf coast and it was a fairly easy trip," explains Charles F. The campground's central location provides access to both natural and commercial attractions.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Morning and evening hours offer the best wildlife sightings. "From glass bottom boat tours to kayaking to camping Wildlife. Hiking food. alligators monkeys Birds beautiful Springs and River," notes Noah R. about Silver Springs. Bringing binoculars enhances the experience, especially for bird watching.
Site selection for shade: Look for campsites with mature oak tree coverage. "We stayed in site 7, which was tucked into the wood line and somewhat private. Easy access to all the mountain bike trails, the paved Greenway trail, and the Florida Trail," suggests Rich S. about Santos Trailhead. The shade significantly reduces air conditioning needs during warmer months.
Power management considerations: Several campgrounds offer limited electrical hookups. "We have solar panels which did their job for a few days but I was pretty low on battery when I left. The tree coverage wasn't too extensive but it rained one day and was cloudy," Lisa O. notes about Juniper Springs. Generator restrictions apply at most parks, making solar power or battery backup worthwhile.
Leveling requirements: Some sites require additional leveling equipment. "Site 7 was quite undeveloped. Thanks to Anderson levelers we were fine," Charles B. mentions about Lake Griffin State Park. Many sites feature sandy or mixed gravel bases that may shift under heavier RVs, especially after rainstorms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Belleview, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, Belleview, FL offers a wide range of camping options, with 390 campgrounds and RV parks near Belleview, FL and 9 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Belleview, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Belleview, FL is Silver Springs State Park Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 41 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Belleview, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 free dispersed camping spots near Belleview, FL.
What parks are near Belleview, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 parks near Belleview, FL that allow camping, notably National Forests in Florida and Ocala National Forest.
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