Places to Camp near Fort Mccoy, FL

Best Camping Sites Near Fort Mccoy, FL (293)

1. 

   1.

   Salt Springs Recreation Area

   55 Reviews

   167 Photos

   558 Saves

   Salt Springs, Florida

   Overview

   Salt Springs Recreation Area is one the recreational jewels of the Ocala National Forest, with a spectacular natural mineral spring that gives the area its name. Plenty of outdoor activities keep campers and day-use visitors busy, including swimming in the springs, fishing, snorkeling, hiking and boating. Salt Springs is located between the St. Johns and Ocklawaha Rivers, 35 miles east of Ocala, Florida. The national forest spans four counties and 383,000 acres. It is the southernmost and oldest national forest east of the Mississippi River, and protects the world's largest, contiguous sand pine scrub forest.

   Recreation

   The natural springs, nearby Lake George and many surrounding rivers and streams provide ample opportunity for water recreation. Anglers can try a good fishing spot on Salt Springs Run, downstream of the swimming area, boat ramp and marina. Boat rentals are nearby. For those who wish to explore on land, the facility has basketball courts and a horseshoe pit. Hikers have easy access to the Bear Swamp Trail and a segment of the 1,400-mile Florida National Scenic Trail.

   Facilities

   Salt Springs is the largest campground in the Ocala National Forest and the only one with full hookups for RVs. The facility offers spacious campsites for RVs and trailers, as well as a designated tent-only area, which is a short walk from the parking area. Sites are nicely shaded and well away from the busy day-use area. The recreation area and campground are located in the community of Salt Springs, which has a gas station, grocery store, several restaurants, bait and tackle shops, a post office, laundromat and visitor center.

   Natural Features

   The semi-tropical region gives the campground a mixture of pines and palms, with lush greenery and warm temperatures. Within the recreation area, a natural spring rises from cracks deep within the earth. The presence of potassium, magnesium and sodium salts give the waters a slight salinity - hence the name Salt Springs.

   Nearby Attractions

   Salt Springs is very close to Lake George, a great fishing destination.

   • Pets
   • Fires
   • Electric Hookups
   • Phone Service
   • RVs
   • Tents

   $34 - $65 / night

2. 

   2.

   Silver Springs State Park Campground

   35 Reviews

   188 Photos

   348 Saves

   Ocala, Florida

   Silver Springs State Park’s campground offers Cabins, RV and Tent Sites, and Group Primitive Camp Sites.

   Located beneath shady oaks and beautiful pine trees, Silver Springs’ vacation cabins accommodate up to six people.

   Each cabin has a full dining area, two bedrooms, one bath, stove, refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, gas fireplace (October 1 to April 30), central cooling and heating and a large screened porch.

   Fifty-nine spacious sites in two campground loops easily accommodate even large camping units, with a maximum recreational vehicle length of 50 feet. Tent campers are welcome as well. Each site offers water and electric hook-up, as well as a fire ring, barbecue grill and picnic table.

   The primitive group camping area, set amid shady oaks, is for organized groups only, with preference given to youth groups. The area includes picnic tables and fire rings at each site.

   Non-potable water is available and there are no shower facilities.

   For more information and to make a group reservation for primitive camping, please call the Ranger Station at (352) 236-7148. This number is for primitive group camping reservations only.

   • Pets
   • Fires
   • Electric Hookups
   • Phone Service
   • Reservable
   • ADA Access

   $24 - $110 / night

3. 

   3.

   Juniper Springs Rec Area - Tropical Camp Area

   42 Reviews

   126 Photos

   478 Saves

   Astor, Florida

   Overview

   Juniper Springs Campground is one of the most popular campgrounds in the Ocala National Forest. The location offers deeply shaded sites within walking distance of some of Florida's most beautiful natural springs. The surrounding recreation area has plenty of activities to entertain visitors, including swimming, picnicking, canoeing, snorkeling, hiking, birding and wildlife viewing. This campground was named one of Reserve America's Top 100 Family Campgrounds in the United States.

   Recreation

   Visitors love swimming in a warm natural pool found in the day use area. Canoeing is also extremely popular year-round. The 7-mile journey down Juniper Run offers a unique perspective on the Juniper Prairie Wilderness. Private canoes can be used, but no inflatables are allowed. Back on land, campers can spend a day in the woods on a segment of the statewide Florida Trail, or walk a shorter nature trail within the facility. Interpretive programs are available during summer months.

   Facilities

   The facility is divided into a day use area and campground. Campsites are arranged into three loops near the creek and springs. All sites are shaded and equipped with a picnic table, grill, campfire ring, lantern post and space for tents. There are no sites with full hookups. Other amenities include hot showers, flush toilets and dump station.A convenience store with camping supplies, beach supplies, drinks and ice cream is nearby. Restaurants, shopping and gas are just 10 miles from campground.

   Natural Features

   The natural springs are at the heart of this recreation area. Hundreds of bubbling springs emerge from crevices in the earth beneath a dense canopy of palms and oaks - an oasis within the heart of the desert-like Big Scrub ecosystem for which the national forest is known. Abundant wildlife inhabitant the area, including alligators, turtles, deer, black bear, turkey, raccoons and numerous species of birds, as well as uncommon species like the albino gray squirrel, river otters and American eels.

   contact_info

   For facility specific information, please call (352) 625-3147.

   Nearby Attractions

   Lake George and its many activities are just a short drive away. The Ocala National Forest is also notable for its extensive off-road trail system catering to both ATV enthusiasts and Jeeps, as well as being a traditional destination for deer hunters from around Central Florida. These opportunities are available nearby.

   Charges & Cancellations

   Cancelling a Reservation: Customers may cancel their reservation prior to arrival both on-line and through the call center. A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refund for a cancellation. Depending on when you cancel in relation to your arrival day, it may be considered a late cancellation. https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies __ Refunds are not given for inclement weather for camping, gear rentals, or day-use fees.

   • Pets
   • Fires
   • Phone Service
   • RVs
   • Tents
   • Group

   $60 / night

4. 

   4.

   Rodman Campground

   25 Reviews

   81 Photos

   153 Saves

   Welaka, Florida

   A 64-site campground offers 26 primitive tent sites and 38 sites with power and water hookups. A dump station, picnic pavilions and boat ramps are located in the campground.

   The 9,500-acre Rodman Reservoir is perennially rated in the Top 10 Trophy Bass Lakes in Florida by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

   The 67-site Rodman Campground is located approximately 9 miles southwest of Palatka off State Route 19 on Rodman Dam Road.

   The Rodman Reservoir provides a diverse and extensive habitat for not only trophy fish but numerous avian species as well. Many endangered and threatened species of wading birds, waterfowl, bald eagles and others use the reservoir, particularly during the cooler months. There are also numerous alligators, turtles and even manatees that inhabit and travel through the reservoir seasonally.

   The campground and reservoir were originally created during the 1960s-era Cross Florida Barge Canal project. The mammoth public works project was started in 1964 when President Lyndon B. Johnson flew into Palatka and started the project with a ground-breaking explosion at the nearby Rodeheaver’s Boys Ranch.

   Almost 50 years later, the nearby Kirkpatrick Dam still remains intact, impounding the Ocklawaha River and maintaining the reservoir. A political and environmental battle continues since the reservoir was first flooded in November of 1968 of whether to maintain and manage Rodman as it is, or to remove significant portions of the earthen dam and restore the “Free Flowing Ocklawaha River."

   • Pets
   • Fires
   • Electric Hookups
   • Phone Service
   • Reservable
   • ADA Access

   $12 - $22 / night

5. 

   5.

   Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park Campground

   27 Reviews

   144 Photos

   215 Saves

   Micanopy, Florida

   • Pets
   • Fires
   • Electric Hookups
   • Phone Service
   • Reservable
   • ADA Access
6. 

   6.

   Rainbow Springs State Park Campground

   44 Reviews

   201 Photos

   515 Saves

   Dunnellon, Florida

   Rainbow Springs State Park’s campground is located along the Rainbow River. Rainbow River camping takes place at a separate facility a few miles from the main headspring and day use area.

   Rainbow Springs camping sites have water and electric (20, 30, and 50 amp), and are equipped with sewer hook-ups. Maximum RV length = 103 ft. ADA accessible restrooms are available. A dump station is located between the upper and lower campgrounds. Pets are welcome in the campground but are not permitted in swimming areas or buildings.

   Amenities include a recreation hall, showers and restrooms, laundry and playground. Access the river from the campground to fish, swim or paddle. Canoes and kayaks are available for rent from the campground office.

   • Pets
   • Fires
   • Electric Hookups
   • Phone Service
   • Reservable
   • ADA Access

   $30 / night

7. 

   7.

   Alexander Springs Recreation Area

   33 Reviews

   61 Photos

   395 Saves

   Astor, Florida

   Overview

   Alexander Springs Recreation Area is located in the Ocala National Forest near the beautiful, turquoise waters of Alexander Springs. With forested scenery and abundant water, the recreation area offers camping, swimming, canoeing, scuba diving (for certified divers), hiking, birding and wildlife viewing. The Ocala National Forest, located in north central Florida, spans four counties and 383,000 acres. It is the southernmost and oldest national forest east of the Mississippi River, and protects the world's largest contiguous sand pine scrub forest.

   Recreation

   Visitors can swim, snorkel and dive year-round in the crystalline waters of the spring. The spring is the only place in the Ocala National Forest where scuba diving is permitted, and a broad and naturally gently sloped spring pool becomes a natural water park where visitors can picnic, swim and play. Fishing and canoeing are popular outside the swimming area. Anglers can bring a rod and reel and head down to one of the platforms along the Timucuan Trail to drop a line in Alexander Run. Visitors can rent canoes or bring their own and paddle down Alexander Run into the Alexander Springs Wilderness. Day hikers will appreciate a short interpretive trail on a boardwalk over the spring and through the palm trees. They can also access two segments of the 1,400-mile Florida National Scenic Trail, which runs through the entire national forest.

   Facilities

   The camping area contains four loops of campsites within an easy walk of the swimming and picnicking area. The sites are shaded with level parking pads for RVs and plenty of space for tents. No hookups are available. Restrooms have flush toilets and showers. Camping necessities and firewood are available at a small general store.

   Natural Features

   Alexander Springs is among 27 first-magnitude springs in Florida, and is by far one of the easiest for visitors to enjoy. The water is a constant 72 degrees and extraordinarily clear with a sandy bottom. The area is subtropical, surrounded by a floodplain forest of maples, sweet gum and cabbage palms. Alligators, turtles, deer, raccoons, black bear and numerous birds make their home in the national forest.

   Nearby Attractions

   Visitors can explore the surrounding Alexander Springs Wilderness Area. A paddle down the spring run is the best option to explore the mosaic of hardwood swamp, hardwood forest and scrub habitats and spot the animals that live there. The Ocala National Forest is notable for its extensive off-road trail system catering to both ATV enthusiasts and Jeeps, as well as being a traditional destination for deer hunters from around Central Florida. These opportunities are available within a short drive of Alexander Springs.

   contact_info

   For facility specific information, please call (352) 669-3522.

   Charges & Cancellations

   Cancelling a Reservation: Customers may cancel their reservation prior to arrival both on-line and through the call center. A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refund for a cancellation. Depending on when you cancel in relation to your arrival day, it may be considered a late cancellation. https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies__ Refunds are not given for inclement weather for camping, gear rentals, or day-use fees.

   • Pets
   • Fires
   • Phone Service
   • RVs
   • Tents
   • Group

   $60 / night

8. 

   8.

   Hopkins Prairie Campground

   14 Reviews

   41 Photos

   105 Saves

   Ocala National Forest, Florida

   An island of shade amid a broad, winding grassland, the Hopkins Prairie Campground is a seasonal destination for campers looking to get a bit off the beaten path. It sits right along the Florida Trail and offers opportunities for fishing and birding along miles of prairie shoreline.

   Hopkins Prairie is a designated camping area with minimal facilities, open seasonally.
   Expect full recreation sites during weekends. Have backup plans. Sites may close when capacity is reached. Please be aware that low tree branches over the road may limit the height of vehicles entering the campground.

   • Pets
   • Fires
   • Phone Service
   • ADA Access
   • RVs
   • Tents
9. 

   9.

   Santos Trailhead & Campground

   15 Reviews

   46 Photos

   49 Saves

   Belleview, Florida

   • Pets
   • Fires
   • Electric Hookups
   • Phone Service
   • Reservable
   • ADA Access
10. 

    10.

    Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park Campground

    28 Reviews

    145 Photos

    174 Saves

    Keystone Heights, Florida

    One of Florida's first state parks, the park was developed on a 600-acre site by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the 1930s. The extraordinary craftsmanship of the CCC is still evident today.

    Gold Head has three campground loops, Sandhill, Turkey Oak and Lakeview. The park's 73 campsites accommodate tents, trailers and motorized campers. Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring/grill and potable water.

    A centralized dump station is available for use, and 20- and 30-amp electrical service is available at all campsites except for sites 57 and 60-67 in the Lakeview campground loop. Sites 16-18, 58 and 59 feature 50-amp service in addition to 20- and 30-amp service.

    Each campground has its own bathhouse facility with hot showers. The Lakeview bathhouse is fully accessible and sites 58 and 59 are the closest, with paved sidewalks leading from the sites directly to the bathhouse.

    Well-behaved domestic pets are welcome in the campgrounds but are not allowed inside the bathhouses. View our park pet policy for more information.

    A coin-operated washer and dryer are available at the Sandhill and Lakeview bathhouses.

    Two primitive campsites are located within the southern end of the park just off the Florida National Scenic Trail. These sites include a picnic table, fire ring and a common pavilion.

    Three primitive group campsites are available for organized youth and adult groups. An organized group is six or more people camping together who are members of or sponsored by a recognized community organization such as a church, benevolent society or civic service club.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $20 / night