Trenton, Florida sits within the Suwannee River Valley at an elevation of just 45 feet above sea level, making it prone to occasional flooding during the rainy season. The area's subtropical climate features hot, humid summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F and mild winters with occasional frost between December and February. Camping options range from established campgrounds with full amenities to primitive sites alongside spring-fed waterways that maintain a constant 72°F year-round.
What to do
Spring exploration: 3-mile paddle trips at Manatee Springs State Park Campground connect to the Suwannee River. "A great place to kayak! You will be able to see a lot of manatees if you are lucky. The showers are large. The campsites are good and shaded," notes Jordan S.
Wildlife viewing: Early morning hikes at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park Campground offer opportunities to spot native species. "Many opportunities to spot wildlife close by. Buffalo, deer, eagles, alligators, owls....Visit Sweetwater," recommends Jenn B.
Stargazing: Open field viewing available behind several campgrounds with minimal light pollution. "Dark skies! Great location with plenty of dark skies. The spots are well spaced in the woods, with plenty of room," shares Joe R. about Paynes Prairie.
Trail hiking: Network of paths through various ecosystems. "There are lots of trail. The swamp there is absolutely beautiful with lots of large oaks and cypress," as one visitor described the area's natural features.
Outdoor recreation: Multiple options for water and land activities. "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," explains Laura M. about her Manatee Springs experience.
What campers like
Natural swimming areas: Spring-fed pools provide relief from summer heat. At O'Leno State Park, "The campsite was nice and private. The bathrooms were clean. The park had nice hiking trails, but I enjoyed the kayaking most of all. There is a swimming section," shares Sean B.
Authentic Florida wilderness: Away from tourist areas with native plants and animals. "From the grasslands to the marshes, Paynes is truly one of a kind. It's challenging to get a reservation for the campgrounds but worth it if you can," advises Issa F.
Yurt camping: Trenton, Florida options blend tent camping comfort with structure. Several properties offer these circular tent structures with raised platforms. "Beautiful clear spring with swimming area, including area for kids. Two nice boardwalks. Nature trails," mentions Janet H. about camping facilities in the region.
Quiet evenings: Remote locations allow for peaceful rest. "When we were there the weather was perfect. The spaces aren't huge but they feel private enough," reports Christine about her experience at Shell Mound Campground.
Historical elements: Indigenous sites provide educational value. "The Shell Mound archeological site is an easy walk from the campsite. We highly recommend exploring this large prehistoric shell midden rising 28 feet above sea level," explains Cyndi H.
What you should know
Bug preparation: Essential gear needed especially during warm months. "BUGS! The place is full of bugs and mosquitoes especially in the afternoon, night and dawn, so don't forget to bring your repellent, make a fire to scare away insects, bring firewood, citronella candles or mosquitos coil, fan etc," warns Mayra R. at Shell Mound.
Limited connectivity: Cell service varies throughout the region. "Zero WiFi or Zero cell service (1 tiny bar but not enough to do a basic internet search) - once we purchased Starlink ($599), we were able to stream," reports Julia H. about her extended stay at Otter Springs Resort Park and Campground.
Seasonal considerations: Weather impacts camping conditions significantly. "When you arrive there is a check in at the office. We were tent camping and got us an unmarked spot next to the main spring. There are two springs here that one flows into the other so that distance between them may be 50 yards creates a shallow stream area," explains Thomas R.
Bathroom facilities: Variable quality across different properties. "The bathrooms were adequate. Wife had some cockroach visitors while showering... I didn't see any in the Mens shower. Could've been a water bug?" notes John G. about facilities at a local campground.
Tips for camping with families
Animal encounters: Supervised visits offer educational opportunities. At Ichetucknee Springs Campground, "This has been one of the best campgrounds I've been to in Florida. There are so many adorable animals roaming around, my favorite was Daisy the pig (who acts more like a dog)," shares Kacie W.
Recreation options: Indoor alternatives for rainy days or excessive heat. "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," Kacie continues.
Site selection: Choose based on facilities needed for your family size. "I did not have a good experience at this park. The compacted sand road to the sites was very uneven and trees were very close to the road. The RV site was extremely small, our porch was shared with our neighbor," warns Brandie B. about one property.
Swimming safety: Spring temperatures remain consistent year-round. "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," reports Mica H.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Verify clearances before booking reservations. At Ellie Ray's RV Resort & Lounge, "We loved this campground. We did not visit pool/hottub or bathrooms... had a camper delivered and towed our boat up. Perfect spot on the Sante Fe with the Ichetucknee and Suwanee rivers super close," shares Laura F.
Hookup locations: Positioning matters for convenience. "The electric box and water is in the very front of the site. There is only one flush toilet per sex and the showers are small and very rustic," notes Melissa A. about Ichetucknee Springs Campground.
Leveling challenges: Many sites require additional equipment. "Site# 54 Check in: 1pm Check out: 11am Full hook-up Easy to level Gravel back-in," reports Julia H. about her experience at a local RV park.
Weather preparation: Flooding risks vary by location. "When we arrived a little later than we wanted (around 6:30). It was pretty dark. We followed the sign in the office to the host camp, right behind the rec hall. It was simple," describes Joe R. about his check-in experience.
