Best Campgrounds near Chiefland, FL

Several good campgrounds circle the small town of Chiefland, Florida, giving campers different options for their stay. Manatee Springs State Park Campground draws many people who want to swim or kayak in the clear spring water. The sites have good tree cover, which helps during Florida's hot summers. About 12 miles from town, Otter Springs Park & Campground has full hookup sites and stays pretty quiet, with the spring being its main attraction. Hart Springs Park works well for both tent and RV camping and puts you close to the Suwannee River. The hiking trails there let you see local plants and animals up close. While camping around Chiefland, keep your food locked up since deer, raccoons and many birds might come looking for a meal. The humidity can get pretty high in this part of Florida, so bring plenty of water and dress for the weather. Most people find spring and fall camping most comfortable - the temperature stays moderate and there aren't as many insects. Chiefland's camping spots work for both families and solo campers. Just make sure to look up the rules for whichever campground you pick before heading out. The mix of natural water features and basic camping facilities makes this area good for most types of campers.

Best Camping Sites Near Chiefland, Florida (167)

    1. Manatee Springs State Park Campground

    69 Reviews
    Chiefland, FL
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 493-6072

    $20 / night

    "Manatee Springs, Chiefland, Florida  Beautiful clear spring with swimming area, including area for kids. Two nice boardwalks. Nature trails."

    "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."

    2. Hart Springs Park

    20 Reviews
    Fanning Springs, FL
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 463-3444

    $35 - $250 / night

    "This campground is super quiet and nestled in Florida cow country. The bathrooms are new and very well kept. The center sites seem more level than the outer ring of sites."

    "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."

    3. Suwannee River Bend RV Park

    11 Reviews
    Fanning Springs, FL
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 542-7680

    "A grocery store is just a couple miles away or there’s a WalMart in Chiefland, about 15 minutes south. a good location to hit the springs, Cedar Key and other area attractions."

    "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"

    4. Otter Springs Park & Campground

    15 Reviews
    Fanning Springs, FL
    12 miles
    Website
    +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 Hideaway Campground

    8 Reviews
    Fanning Springs, FL
    8 miles
    Website
    +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."

    6. Strawberry Fields for RV'ers

    5 Reviews
    Chiefland, FL
    1 mile
    Website
    +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."

    7. Ginnie Springs Outdoors

    55 Reviews
    Fort White, FL
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (386) 454-7188

    $55 - $70 / 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."

    8. Fanning Springs State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Fanning Springs, FL
    8 miles
    Website
    +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. Devil's Den Spring

    20 Reviews
    Williston, FL
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 528-3344

    $20 - $75 / night

    "Local weekend entertainment, pool, hot showers, and additional places to explore within walking distance. We will be back."

    "The location is really convenient and close to Gainesville, so if you want to spend some time being active in the water during the day but want to chill and go see a movie in a theatre at night, you can"

    10. Otter Springs Resort Park and Campground

    5 Reviews
    Fanning Springs, FL
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 463-0800

    "We were tent camping and got us an unmarked spot next to the main spring. There’s a review here that there’s a hot spring which there isn’t."

    "Lots of squirrels, and they say that raccoons are around, though none have been spotted. The camp store has wood for $6. The TMobile signal is zero. Verizon is good."

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Recent Reviews near Chiefland, FL

732 Reviews of 167 Chiefland Campgrounds


  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Arrowhead Campsites & Mobile Home Park

    Budget-Friendly Stay Just Off I-75 in the Horse Capital of the World

    Sitting quietly just off I-75, Arrowhead Campsites & Mobile Home Park in Ocala, Florida is located on one of the busiest thoroughfares that runs through Ocala. This place is a no frills, straightforward, budget-friendly campground where grass pads, shady trees and neighborly vibes create a cozy Old-Florida atmosphere. First impressions? This isn’t a resort, but while there is a community pool (that wasn’t working when we stopped by and TBH was incredibly cringe-worthy), it’s a practical, easygoing basecamp that gives you everything you need while keeping you close to Ocala’s natural gems ... as long as you manage your expectations before arriving here.

    Facilities are simple but sufficient (unless they aren't working at all). There are around 100 sites with full hookups (30 / 50 amp electric, water, sewer), most on grass with decent leveling. Guests have access to free Wi-Fi, cable TV, mediocre bathrooms and subpar showers, a laundry facility, picnic tables and a recreation room. Long-term residents mix with short-stay campers, so expect a lived-in, welcoming feel. The campground also features a dining hall and small community events, adding a sense of 'cringy neighborhood' to your stay.

    Ocala itself is the star attraction nearby. Known as the ‘Horse Capital of the World,’ you’re just minutes away from equestrian centers, rolling farms and the glass-clear waters of Silver Springs State Park. The Ocala National Forest offers endless hiking, kayaking and wildlife watching, while downtown Ocala brings restaurants, art galleries and Southern charm.

    Insider Tips? Here’s a smathering: (1) IMHO the best sites are the ones with grass pads near the front loops for the easiest pull-in and better spacing, especially if you’re arriving late, which is convenient as well for those that want to make an early, discreet and trouble-free exit in the morning; (2) Should you need to stock up on anything, there’s a Walmart Supercenter, Publix, Home Depot and Lowe’s all within a 10-minute drive; (3) A nearby hidden ‘easter egg’ you’ll want to explore are the lesser-visited trails at Silver Springs State Park where you’ll find quiet boardwalks and an historic pioneer village that many tourists (and even local residents) miss; (4) If you’ve come with your kayak, a great place to launch is at Silver Springs State Park where you can paddle down the Silver River. Expect to see turtles, manatees and wild rhesus (not Reese's, but sounds the same) monkeys that somehow call the riverbank home; (5) Because there are long-term residents here at Arrowhead, it’s best to request a short-term site closer to the entrance for less foot traffic and quieter evenings; and (6) When you get tired of conjuring up that next meal from the depths of your Cordova roto-molded cooler, then check on some local joints like Big Lee’s Serious About BBQ for its nationally acclaimed BBQ brisket, ribs, and sides or Ivy on the Square with its upscale comfort food in a historic downtown building and there’s also Latinos y Mas serving up fusion Latin classics with Mediterranean touches.

    Happy Camping!

  • liz S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 7, 2025

    Suwannee River Bend RV Park

    Suwannee retreat

    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. A salt scrub exfoliator for your hands. Private docks some with deep water access. Different rates for each lot and extremely reasonable.

  • A
    May. 13, 2025

    Travelers Campground

    Get location great amenities

    I love being at this park, it’s such a family atmosphere, playing with the animals is a therapeutic part of the park. And I love how the pool is heated during the colder temperatures! Overall great park to stop and visit. A true hidden gem

  • Rob V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 3, 2025

    Goethe Trailhead Ranch Campground

    Beautiful view with peace and quiet

    The stay here was amazing. We called the phone to reserve a spot and was told to pick a spot that was available. We picked a spot overlooking the back horse field and what an amazing view! The morning sunrise is beautiful and the evening the sky disappears into the earth. One thing to remember is you can pay by mailing a check or paying cash on site. Also a very quiet community here so you can rest with windows open with no problem.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 23, 2025

    Sportsman's Cove Resort

    Beautiful place to stay

    Great place to stay. Layed back atmosphere. Small campground right on a lake. The lake is natural and undisturbed.

  • M
    Mar. 16, 2025

    Ginnie Springs Outdoors

    Amazing

    The staff went above and beyond when we had a family emergency and had to cut our trip short! All the springs are beautiful and bathrooms were always clean.

  • G
    Mar. 13, 2025

    Lucky Charm RV Park

    Worst park ever

    All pull thru sites-good Bad:cash only, bathrooms are dirty and only open dawn till dusk, no tp provided, bring your own,laundry cold wash only, hot water does not work,hot tub does not work, pot holes in roads, no maintenance on site at all-stay away

  • Earl B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 11, 2025

    Lafayette Blue Springs State Park Campground

    Gunn and Earl’s Big Adventure

    Beautiful stop. Rain forced a 3 day stay. Camp host beyond helpful and understanding as we’re on a Ural motorcycle. Walk-in with onsite large wheelbarrow no problem.

  • Rob V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 8, 2025

    Champions Run Ocala RV Resort

    Champion camping

    Our experience here was good at the beginning. At the entrance the staff meet you for check in and show you to your site. The staff member will also help you back in if needed. The club house is very nice with a small store inside. You can find ice cream, snacks and small things you may needs for your camper. This place is only interested in people with really nice campers. We were called and asked what year, make, and model was our camper. I guess our 5 year old camper didn’t look good for someone.


Guide to Chiefland

Chiefland sits at the gateway to Florida's Nature Coast, where freshwater springs flow at a constant 72°F year-round into the Suwannee River. The nearby camping areas offer sites with varying degrees of amenities, from primitive tent sites to full RV hookups. Most campgrounds in this region stay open through winter, providing an opportunity to see manatees in the warmer spring waters when Gulf temperatures drop.

What to do

Spring diving and snorkeling: Devil's Den Spring offers a unique underwater cave system for certified divers and snorkelers. "The Devil's Den itself is very neat to see, definitely worth going to at least once to snorkel or scuba dive," shares Laura H., who visited Devil's Den Spring.

River kayaking: Explore the Suwannee River by renting watercraft at several locations. "You can kyack, canoe, boat the Suwannee river full of springs, where you can snorkel swim and even dive," notes Jennifer B., who stayed at Suwannee River Bend RV Park.

Boardwalk exploration: Follow elevated pathways through cypress swamps and along river edges. One visitor to Manatee Springs reports, "Boardwalk was really cool and long and we saw a couple of manatees. Night walks down to the pier are a must."

Wildlife viewing: Dawn and dusk provide prime opportunities for spotting native animals. "We have seen owls hawks and other large wildlife" on the boardwalk trail at Hart Springs, according to Bri F.

What campers like

Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain high standards for restrooms and common areas. At Suwannee River Bend RV Park, a visitor noted "Super nice shower room with a shampoo, conditioner and body wash dispenser available for free in each stall. A salt scrub exfoliator for your hands."

Spacious sites: Hart Springs Park gets high marks for site size with one camper commenting, "Large sites with beautiful Florida nature trails."

Privacy between sites: At Manatee Springs, Dave D. appreciated that "Most have a wooded buffer" between campsites, creating "Peaceful secluded campsites."

Access to multiple springs: The Chiefland area allows campers to visit several different springs during one trip. "Manatee Springs, Chiefland, Florida. Beautiful clear spring with swimming area, including area for kids. Two nice boardwalks," notes Janet H.

What you should know

Reservation timing: The most popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially during cooler months. "You have to book cabins very early and in the summer the spring this place can be quite crowded," explains Jeanene A. about Fanning Springs State Park Campground.

Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies widely between locations. At Manatee Springs, Laura M. found "Poor/spotty cell service in park, but there's free wifi at the concession stand."

Seasonal crowds: Weekends bring local visitors, especially during summer. One reviewer at Strawberry Fields for RV'ers recommended to "check with staff because they have a tendency to limit the amount of people in the spring."

Site conditions: Sand and dirt predominate at many campgrounds, creating challenges for tent campers. "Lots of sand and no patio mats allowed," notes a visitor to Suwannee River Hideaway.

Tips for camping with families

Indoor pool access: When springs are too cold or closed, seek campgrounds with heated pools. At Otter Springs Park & Campground, Thomas R. explains there are "hot showers heated indoor pool blue grass concerts lots of activities including volleyball."

Kid-friendly spring areas: Some springs provide shallow areas specifically for younger swimmers. One visitor to Otter Springs noted the configuration creates "a shallow stream area that parents and their toddlers can sit down in the water."

Playground options: Several campgrounds provide dedicated play areas. A visitor to Hart Springs highlights that "This park also has a splash pad, volleyball and basketball court."

Group activities: Look for campgrounds with open fields for impromptu games. "The kids had a BLAST with about twenty other kids playing manhunt and running around," reports Ashlee R. about the camping area at Devil's Den.

Tips from RVers

Site leveling challenges: Be prepared with leveling blocks at most area campgrounds. At Suwannee River Hideaway, Jackie T. discovered "Good luck finding a level site. The sewer was higher than the outlet on our camper, so it ran uphill."

RV size considerations: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger rigs. "The compacted sand road to the sites was very uneven and trees were very close to the road," notes Brandie B. at Strawberry Fields for RV'ers, which offers "Sites are decent and paved. Wish there were trees for some shade."

Hookup quality: Quality and reliability of utilities vary between parks. One RVer at Suwannee River Bend appreciated the "full hookups, newer hookups; big rig friendly with many pull through sites."

Bathroom proximity: Consider site location relative to facilities. At Hart Springs, one camper recommended "The center sites seem more level than the outer ring of sites."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Chiefland, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Chiefland, FL is Manatee Springs State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 69 reviews.