PIXIE B.
Traveler
TravelerOsceola National Forest Ocean Pond Campground
I keep coming back!
Nice camp ground. Clean. Host are the best. Tmobile has good service.
Best Campgrounds near Trenton, FL
Campgrounds near Trenton, Florida provide access to freshwater springs, rivers, and natural woodland areas throughout north central Florida. Otter Springs Park & Campground, located directly in Trenton, accommodates tent camping, RVs, cabins, and glamping with both electric hookups and primitive sites. Hart Springs Park in nearby Bell offers a similar mix of camping options with spacious sites set among native Florida oak trees. The region includes several state parks and mixed-use campgrounds within a 30-minute drive, most featuring both developed and primitive camping opportunities along rivers and springs.
Road conditions throughout the area remain accessible year-round with most campgrounds offering paved or well-maintained gravel roads. The area experiences mild winters with occasional cold snaps and hot, humid summers with regular afternoon thunderstorms. Most developed campgrounds require reservations, particularly during spring break periods and summer weekends when the springs are most popular for swimming. Cell coverage varies between campgrounds, with most reporting moderate connectivity for basic needs. Visitors should prepare for insects, especially during warmer months. According to one visitor, "Located in the town of Trenton, Florida is this gem of a spot loved by the locals and tourists alike. They offer Lodge Rentals, RV Sites, Tent Camping & Cabins, Heated Pool & Great access to Otter Springs and the Suwannee River."
Several campgrounds in the area feature natural springs with constant 72-degree water temperature, making them popular swimming destinations. Manatee Springs State Park Campground offers wildlife viewing opportunities including deer and seasonal manatee sightings. Hart Springs Park provides a more rustic experience with a "retro Florida" atmosphere and restrictions that maintain a family-friendly environment. Campers report high satisfaction with the boardwalks and trail systems at many parks, which provide excellent opportunities to explore the unique karst spring environments. Sites tend to be spacious and moderately private, though most lack dense vegetation between campsites. A camper noted that "The campground setting is nestled in Florida native Oak trees with long moss growing, palm scrubs, other varieties of native plants and vegetation all the way from entrance to the river."
Best Camping Sites Near Trenton, Florida (186)
1. Manatee Springs State Park Campground
68 ReviewsChiefland, FL13 milesWebsite+1 (352) 493-6072$20 / night
"Easy access to the park and quick and painless check-in process with reservations. The main road in the campground is fine but the roads to the sites are gravel with potholes."
"Step into a world of deer, manatee, and unknown river surprises at Manatee Springs State Park."
2. Ginnie Springs Outdoors
54 ReviewsFort White, FL17 milesWebsite+1 (386) 454-7188$45 - $60 / night
"This is clearly one of the best natural springs in all of Florida complete with 250 wooded acres of pure Florida wilderness."
"Favorite springs in Florida and one of my favorite places to camp and spend a few days in Florida or the country in general. Awesomely maintained, plenty of sites."
3. Hart Springs Park
20 ReviewsFanning Springs, FL9 milesWebsite+1 (352) 463-3444$35 - $250 / night
"It’s our go to place near some of our favorite Florida Springs when they are not available. This park is clean and well maintained with a swimming pool."
"Large sites with beautiful Florida nature trails. We were camping here in March and we were not able to enjoy the springs because they were having a brown out."
4. Otter Springs Park & Campground
15 ReviewsFanning Springs, FL8 milesWebsite+1 (352) 463-0800"Located in the town of Trenton, Florida is this gem of a spot loved by the locals and tourists alike."
"I didn’t actually stay overnight here, but biked over from the nearby Hart Springs campground. Nice facility with fully shaded spots among Florida forest."
5. Suwannee River Bend RV Park
11 ReviewsFanning Springs, FL8 milesWebsite+1 (352) 542-7680"This is our second time here ,we love the people and the view, we like that it's mostly rvers not alot of full-time residents.A lot of the sites are right on the water as the whole park is surrounded by"
"Restaurant choices are limited in the area, and the nearby towns are mostly run down. After 6 weeks, we probably won’t be back for awhile, but it’s not because of the campground."
6. Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park Campground
22 ReviewsHigh Springs, FL17 milesWebsite+1 (386) 454-1369"This spring is one of the newer State parks in Florida. The bathrooms need updating. The sites are small. The electrical boxes are limited to amp hookup. The spring is AMAZING!!!"
"While quite a few of the natural springs you’ll find here in Florida contain a Disneyworld-like level of crowds and subsequent infrastructure, here at Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park, you’ll discover"
7. Suwannee River Hideaway Campground
8 ReviewsFanning Springs, FL10 milesWebsite+1 (352) 542-7800$28 - $55 / night
"Clean pool and bathrooms great long board walk that leads to the Swanee River. Pet friendly with pet walk area."
"I had site E9, which had some shade and there weren’t many other campers nearby. The people working there are super nice and helpful."
8. Fanning Springs State Park Campground
6 ReviewsFanning Springs, FL7 milesWebsite+1 (352) 463-3420$100 / night
"There will be morning mist coming off the spring, manatee hanging out in the warm waters, and peaceful surroundings."
"Stopped here for a trail bike ride while staying at Otter Springs. The entrance is well marked, but don't expect Siri to take you there. She's confused. It was $6 for the car entrance."
9. Dogwood Campground — O'Leno State Park
41 ReviewsFort White, FL25 milesWebsite+1 (386) 454-1853$18 / night
"The campsites are spacious, well shaded, and with in easy walking distance to the Bathhouse/Restrooms. The facilities are kept clean and neat."
"You know, like quintessential state or national park imagery where you would expect to see“Smoky The Bear” around the next bend."
10. Strawberry Fields for RV'ers
5 ReviewsChiefland, FL9 milesWebsite+1 (352) 507-7035"We will certainly be returning as this is the best location for transiting to central Florida while staying off the interstates. Sites have full hookups but missing picnic tables."
"Great for biking and a great bike path nearby that we used often. Manatee springs is close and Cedar Key is a welcome getaway. Plenty of shopping options."
Recent Camping Photos near Trenton, FL
226 Photos of 186 Trenton Campgrounds
wendy S.
Suwannee River Bend RV Park
Amelia W.
Otter Springs Park & Campground
Julia H.
Otter Springs Resort Park and Campground
Doug S.
Hart Springs Park
Steve N.
Suwannee River Hideaway Campground
Tremain B.
The ice cream bean fruit camp
Megan
Woodsy Spring Haven
Marina O.
Manatee Springs State Park Campground
Ken C.
Ken's Kamps
Bri F.
Gronto Springs County Park
Jhoan R.
Fine Life World
Josh W.
Yellow Jacket RV Resort
Recent Reviews near Trenton, FL
760 Reviews of 186 Trenton Campgrounds
Maria Mercedes M.
LegendShell Mound Campground
First-Come Simplicity on the Gulf’s Edge
There’s something deeply grounding about arriving at Shell Mound Campground, where the road narrows, the salt air thickens and you realize you’ve traded polish for authenticity in one of the last truly 'Old Florida' camping outposts near Cedar Key. Set within a protected coastal landscape of tidal creeks, marsh grass and shaded scrub, this small public campground offers a mix of primitive tent camping and basic RV sites with dirt and grass pads, minimal infrastructure and a refreshing absence of crowds or commercial gloss. Amenities are simple and purposeful with vault restrooms, picnic tables, fire rings, a boat ramp and short nature trails. But beware: everything here operates on a strict first-come, first-served basis, which is both its biggest charm and its biggest gamble, meaning early arrival is key if you want your pick of sites. One quiet evening, the boys helped us carry the canoe down to the water’s edge, laughing as fiddler crabs scattered and osprey hovered overhead, and later we fell asleep to the rhythmic sounds of the marsh rather than generators or highway noise. From what we saw, the best sites are those closer to the water, offering better breezes, easier kayak launching and beautiful sunrise views across the estuary, while inland sites feel a bit more tucked away but still peaceful. We’d recommend Shell Mound for families and campers who value solitude, wildlife and affordability, are comfortable with rustic conditions and don’t mind planning around a first-come system in exchange for a genuinely quiet, nature-forward experience that feels worlds away from resort-style camping.
- GGrace W.
ScoutHeritage Oaks RV Resort
Clean facility with EXTRAORDINARY amenities!
We had an absolutely amazing time at Heritage Oaks! There is something for everyone here. From the arcade to the poker room, spa, basketball courts, pool, hot tub, fire pit, dog park, and more, we enjoyed every amenity there was. Staff was great and attentive as well! Overall, when looking for a clean and modern RV resort, you can't beat Heritage Oaks. We can't wait to go back!
- Wendy L.Scout
Osceola National Forest Ocean Pond Campground
Pines, Spanish moss, palms and water
Lovely spot, easy level parking, picnic tables, water available, some spots with electric and some without, clean bathrooms
- PIXIE B.Traveler
Ocean Pond Campground
I'll be back
Nice park. Good views. All Host are really nice and helpful.
- RRichard A.
GuideOsceola National Forest Ocean Pond Campground
The campground and staff is nice, but.....
I have driven by this campground literally hundreds of times and never knew it was there. It is in a pretty setting in the forest on a sizable lake.
There are 3 separate sections that vary in hookups and costs, the first is primitive, the second has water hookup only, and lastly is the section with electric and water hookup.
No sites (except hosts sites) have sewer, but there is a nice dump station that is free to campers.
Check-in at the office is not available, you need to choose your site, scan the QR code on the post using the Recreation.Gov app and pay online.
BE AWARE:
If you check-in before 2:00pm the app will charge you for the prior day.
The app charges a ridiculous $10 service fee for each reservation. We wanted to stay additional days but since it would also mean a 2nd $10 service fee we declined.
BLM America the Beautiful pass holders receive a discount, but not the usual 50%.
At the time of our stay pricing was:
Electric + water sites: $30 a night ($22 for pass holders)
Water only sites: $20 ($12 for passholders)
Primitive sites: $12 ($8 for pass holders)
There are a very small number of sites (approx. 6) that are reservable.
Overall we enjoyed our stay, the staff on-site were super helpful and friendly, we would definitely return, but wanted to provide some transparency on some of the less desirable aspects of this location.
Stuart K.LegendOsceola 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!
Sandra L.
RangerDogwood 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.Legend
Cedar Key RV Resort
Glitz RV Camping by the Gulf
If Cedar Blessings (the other RV resort across the street) feels like staying with family, Cedar Key RV Resort feels like checking into a coastal boutique resort that just happens to welcome RVs, sitting directly across the road and making the contrast immediately clear the moment you pull in. This is a well-planned, modern RV resort with paved roads, manicured landscaping, tidy concrete pads and a noticeable emphasis on presentation, from the entrance signage to the neatly spaced sites that feel intentional and polished. Amenities lean firmly into the resort category, with a sparkling pool, clubhouse and communal spaces like fully functional kitchen, living room w/ TV and an endless lineup of books, board games and DVDs all designed for socializing rather than solitude, making it especially appealing for snowbirds and longer-stay guests who enjoy a bit of buzz and structure. One evening, after a full day of salty air and sightseeing, we let the boys run laps around the pool deck while we sat back watching the sun melt into the Gulf, the kind of low-stress moment that reminds you why amenities matter when traveling as a family. From what we saw, the best sites are those closer to the interior of the resort, where you’re a short walk to the pool and clubhouse but buffered from any road noise. We recommend Cedar Key RV Resort for families and couples who enjoy a more upscale, social camping experience with creature comforts front and center, and who don’t mind trading a little rustic charm for convenience, polish, and that unmistakable resort feel.
Guide to Trenton
Campgrounds near Trenton, Florida range from established state parks to family-operated facilities with direct access to natural springs and the Suwannee River. The region sits at elevations between 40-60 feet above sea level, part of Florida's karst topography where underground limestone creates the area's signature spring systems. Most camping areas maintain cooler temperatures near water features despite summer highs reaching 90°F with accompanying humidity.
What to do
Springs exploration: Dive, snorkel, or swim year-round. At Manatee Springs State Park Campground, visitors can explore crystal-clear 72°F waters while potentially spotting wildlife. "You will definitely see some manatee but swimming up close is a no no. The springs themselves are cold and dark and look better in pictures(at least this time of year) on a hot summer day could be refreshing," notes Kat A.
Paddle the Santa Fe and Suwannee Rivers: Bring or rent equipment. Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park Campground offers direct access to paddle routes. "The spring is AMAZING!!! When you camp here you can use the spring before and after those who come for day use (there are a lot). I'm the evenings we had the spring to ourselves," reports Jenn B. Rental costs average $30-50 per day depending on vessel type.
Trail walking: Morning wildlife viewing opportunities. Many parks feature boardwalks and nature paths. One camper at Suwannee River Hideaway mentioned, "Beautiful wooded campsites... The campground backs up to an amazing field for stargazing. The Suwannee River can be hiked to!" Walking trails generally connect camping areas to water features within a quarter to half-mile distance.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Modern bathhouses at most campgrounds. The newer parks often receive compliments on amenities. At Dogwood Campground — O'Leno State Park, visitors appreciate infrastructure maintenance. "Everything was well marked, clean, and really have nothing negative to say. It was fully booked and crowded but didn't feel crowded. Easy access to bathrooms," writes Towson F.
Quiet evenings: Most parks enforce noise regulations. Campers value the peace found at these rural locations. "This campground is super quiet and nestled in Florida cow country. The bathrooms are new and very well kept," notes Kelsey G. about Hart Springs Park. Exceptions occur during holiday weekends when some campgrounds reach capacity.
Wildlife encounters: Deer, birds, occasional reptiles. Natural springs attract diverse species. "We saw a couple of manatees. Free hot showers. No laundry machines. No trash bins in park, all trash must be taken to dumpsters near park entrance," explains Laura M. at Manatee Springs. Wildlife viewing peaks during early morning and evening hours.
What you should know
Water levels fluctuate seasonally: Check spring conditions. Heavy rains can affect water clarity and access. "Unfortunately Hart springs was closed while we were there due to flooding and construction but should be open for spring 2019, but it looks like an incredible swimming spot with ample space, tables and pavilions," reports one visitor about Hart Springs Park.
Reservations essential during peak periods: Book 3-6 months ahead. State parks fill quickly December through April. "We came in the winter and it was a bit cold to swim, but there are plenty of boardwalks around the rec side of the park to tour the sights," notes Jessica C.
Cell service varies significantly: Some parks offer WiFi hotspots. Coverage can be limited in rural locations. "Poor/spotty cell service in park, but there's free wifi at the concession stand. Concession stand was closed when we were there but there was still ok wifi that reached outside," explains one camper.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming areas with supervision: Check depth restrictions. Some springs feature designated areas for younger swimmers. At Suwannee River Bend RV Park, amenities cater to all ages. "Great RV Park with full hookups, on the suwannee with kayak and canoe rentals. Super nice shower room witha shampoo, conditioner and body wash dispenser available for free in each stall," notes liz S.
Kid-friendly campgrounds: Look for playgrounds and open spaces. Several parks provide recreational facilities beyond water features. "We liked this campground a lot. With taxes and fees and the $7 RV surcharge (at all Florida State Parks) it came to about $30/night for full hookups," shares Laura M.
Spring water safety: Always check temperature before entry. The consistent 72°F water feels colder than expected to many children. "The springs were gorgeous and the swimming area is large. We came in the winter and it was a bit cold to swim," mentions one reviewer.
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: Ask about ground surface type. Many campgrounds feature sand or compacted dirt that can challenge leveling. At Otter Springs Park & Campground, campers find varied conditions. "Sites are spacious enough - not too close together but not much privacy either. If you do not like noise choose a sight away from the pool! RV sites have Full hookup: Electric (30& 50 amp.), water, and sewer," advises Jeanene A.
Utility placement variations: Bring extra-length hoses and cords. Site layouts sometimes place connections in unusual spots. "Site 1 in particular requires a looooooong hose. The hookups are all over the place and we couldn't even use water because of that," warns Ashlee R. about Gilchrist Blue Springs.
Dump station access: Not all parks offer on-site facilities. Check availability before arrival, especially for longer stays. "No trash bins in park, all trash must be taken to dumpsters near park entrance," notes one camper about waste management procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Trenton, FL?
Which is the most popular campground near Trenton, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Trenton, FL is Manatee Springs State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 68 reviews.
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