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.
The National Forests in Florida provide multiple camping environments ranging from riverside sites to secluded forest locations. Ocala National Forest forms the core of the region's outdoor recreation, with established campgrounds like Lake Eaton, Hopkins Prairie, and Juniper Springs offering tent and RV sites. Several locations near the Ocklawaha River, such as Gores Landing and Ocklawaha Canoe Outpost & Resort, provide additional options including cabin rentals. Most developed campgrounds in this area maintain bathroom facilities, though amenities vary significantly between primitive forest service sites and more full-featured resort-style locations.
Road conditions require attention when accessing certain campgrounds in the Ocala National Forest area. Lake Eaton Campground can be reached via unpaved roads that may present challenges for larger vehicles. Several sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis, while others like Salt Springs Recreation Area and Silver Springs State Park require reservations, particularly during winter months when northern visitors increase demand. Water access influences camping patterns throughout the region, with riverside and lakefront sites typically filling fastest. As one camper noted, "Follow your GPS religiously, it is very rural but Google maps won't lead you astray. Good fishing from the river banks too."
Waterfront camping locations receive consistently positive feedback, particularly for fishing opportunities. The Ocklawaha River serves as a central feature for several campgrounds, with Gores Landing described as "a great nook for fishing, camping, off the grid." Camp hosts at many locations enhance the experience, with one review mentioning "The camp host is wonderful - been there for years. We can leave our cars/tents after checking in and head out for a day on the river and know the camp host is keeping a sharp eye out." Mixed-use campgrounds offering tent sites alongside cabin rentals provide flexibility for different camping styles. Proximity to natural springs represents another highlight, with multiple campgrounds serving as convenient bases for visiting Salt Springs, Silver Springs, and Juniper Springs, all offering crystal-clear swimming waters and paddling opportunities.
$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."
$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."
$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."
$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."
$35 / night
"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"
"This is old rural Florida, no glitz. We did a full day trip on the River. Lots of birds, alligators and very quiet and remote. GPS was misleading."
$10 - $15 / night
"Great camp with close location and easy access to Ocala trails"
"Place is nice, lake walk, gates, toilets etc is available. Firewood is in forest :)"
$17 / night
"Great year around. See previous review"
$16 / night
"This is a beautiful campground with proximity to the Florida Scenic Trail. Ideal for tent camping, as the forest service roads were a little rough for our RV."
"Great view of lake and Hopkins Prairie from most of the sights. Has a large bat house. Florida trail runs thru campground. Pay at the pipe system."
"This is a quiet little park that sits around a lake with some woods. Let’s see, the Wifi is poor, but we still were able to stream our favorite show at night."
"We found the office & lake area & it's great! The boats & kayaks are free for campers. You just have to sign one out at the office. "
$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."











Great small RV park. Very clean and super friendly & helpful staff. We stayed 3 nights and will definately return. Approximately 60% full-time residents.
Quiet beautiful laid back, let's keep it that way!
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!
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.
The National Forests in Florida provide a network of primitive and developed campgrounds spanning diverse ecosystems, from pine flatwoods to hardwood hammocks. With year-round camping opportunities, these sites experience significant temperature fluctuations between seasons, ranging from below freezing in winter months to above 90°F with high humidity during summer. Many primitive campgrounds throughout the forest require vehicles with higher clearance due to unpaved access roads.
Kayaking on crystal springs: At Juniper Springs Rec Area, the spring-fed river offers exceptional paddling opportunities. "The springs/swimming area is really beautiful! Huge with room for lots of people, deep diving areas, shallows children's areas. It's really great. And cold, it's around 72 all year, so if its hot SWIM!" according to Zanny M. The river run includes navigational challenges depending on water levels.
Mountain biking on developed trails: Santos Trailhead & Campground serves as a central hub for extensive trail networks. "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," shares David G. The trails include both technical features and smoother paths through scenic areas.
Wildlife viewing on river banks: The waterways near Rodman Campground provide excellent wildlife spotting opportunities. "We saw deer at dusk meandering through the woods," reports Jeff E., who stayed at campsite 61. Early morning hours offer the best chances to observe native species along the shorelines.
Privacy between sites: Campers consistently praise the spacious layout at Silver Springs State Park Campground. "The sites are big and have plenty of space between them. The the park staff we interacted with were very friendly and informative," notes Carlos R. Many campsites feature natural vegetation barriers.
Natural swimming holes: The 72-degree springs provide refreshing swimming spots during hot weather. "The spring pool is gorgeous and quite, very pretty trails to watch spring boils and turtles," reports Marisol R. about Juniper Springs. These swimming areas feature both shallow sections for children and deeper portions for adults.
Fishing opportunities: Rodman Campground offers direct access to productive fishing waters. "We had a great time. Full shade and very level. Water directly in front of our site," writes Lauren W. Local anglers target bass, catfish, and panfish species from both shorelines and boats.
Seasonal crowds affect availability: Winter months bring significant visitor increases to most campgrounds. "This was quite a relief to be able to secure reservations for both the beginning and end of my trip," mentions Charlie M. at Silver Springs State Park, highlighting the challenge of securing sites during peak periods.
Noise considerations: External factors can impact camping experiences at certain locations. "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," warns Jeff E. about Rodman Campground.
Limited amenities at primitive sites: Lake Eaton Campground offers a more basic camping experience. "Decent campground near the lake but not on it. A short walk to the dock. Pump water that I'm not sure is potable," notes Denny S. Many forest service campgrounds lack showers, electricity, and potable water.
Kid-friendly water activities: Salt Springs Recreation Area provides family-friendly water access. "We went camping here with two small kids, one of the sites closest to the springs, just a short walk. The campsite was much bigger than I expected," shares Desirae L. The springs maintain a consistent 72-degree temperature year-round.
Trail difficulty considerations: Select appropriate hiking routes based on children's abilities. "The trails around the park were my favorite part, there are crystal springs & the spring fed river meandering all through the park," explains Nicole D. about Juniper Springs. Most campgrounds offer both short, easy trails and longer options.
Wildlife education opportunities: Several campgrounds feature wildlife viewing platforms and interpretive materials. "It's a gorgeous natural run, sometimes with obstacles depending on tide and fallen trees," describes Zanny M. regarding Juniper Springs, where families can observe native species in natural habitats.
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds require additional equipment for comfortable setup. "Sites have paved pads but most are not level. Wifi very spotty," advises Sue G. about Salt Springs Recreation Area. Bringing leveling blocks or stabilizers helps address uneven surfaces.
Unpaved access roads: Forest service campgrounds often have challenging approach roads. "You have to use unpaced road to get there, so keep 4x4 in mind," warns Alex P. about Lake Eaton Campground. Larger RVs may struggle with limited turning radius on these routes, particularly after rainfall.
Reservation timing: Securing preferred spots requires advanced planning. "It is HIGHLY advisable that you make your CG reservations here at Salt Springs SP WAY in advance by calling 1-877-444-6777 or booking online at Recreation.gov," recommends Stuart K., noting that popular sites fill quickly during peak seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near National Forests in Florida?
According to TheDyrt.com, National Forests in Florida offers a wide range of camping options, with 341 campgrounds and RV parks near National Forests in Florida and 10 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near National Forests in Florida?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near National Forests in Florida is Salt Springs Recreation Area with a 4.4-star rating from 60 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near National Forests in Florida?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 free dispersed camping spots near National Forests in Florida.
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