Best Tent Camping near Citra, FL

Tent camping options near Citra, Florida include both established campgrounds and primitive sites scattered throughout the nearby Ocala National Forest. Lake Delancy East NF Campground offers a simple, tent-friendly experience with basic amenities, while Caravelle Ranch Wildlife Management Area provides more secluded tent sites with direct access to wildlife viewing opportunities. Trout Lake Primitive Sites and Etoniah Creek State Forest Green Camp are additional options within driving distance for tent campers seeking natural settings.

The tent sites in this region typically feature sandy or packed dirt surfaces with varying levels of tree coverage for shade. Access roads to primitive sites often require careful navigation, as noted at Trout Lake where "smaller access roads to sites are two-track about 1/4 mile through woods with very narrow tree clearance." Most tent campgrounds provide fire rings and picnic tables, though amenities vary significantly. Vault toilets are common at established sites like Lake Delancy East, while more remote areas may have no facilities whatsoever. Water availability is limited; many locations like Trout Lake have no drinking water, requiring campers to bring their own supplies.

Tent campers in the Citra area can expect diverse experiences based on their chosen location. The Florida Trail runs near several campgrounds, offering hiking opportunities directly from tent sites. Wildlife viewing is abundant, with campers reporting sightings of deer, turkey, and occasionally black bears. Most sites provide good shade coverage, important for comfort during hot Florida days. Noise levels vary by location—some primitive sites offer exceptional quiet, while others may experience periodic disruptions. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, Etoniah Creek State Forest provides "six sites with picnic tables, lots of room, fire ring with grate, BBQ grills, a latrine nearby." Seasonal considerations include hunting seasons, when some areas become more crowded with hunters using the wildlife management areas.

Best Tent Sites Near Citra, Florida (36)

    1. Lake Delancy East NF Campground

    3 Reviews
    Salt Springs, FL
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 669-3153

    "Very nice Primitive campground . Great shade trees and tent spots. Has vault bathrooms that are kept pretty clean. No running water but has a hand pump well."

    "The Florida trail is close by."

    2. Caravelle Ranch Wildlife Management Area

    1 Review
    Welaka, FL
    23 miles

    "This very unassuming county-run wildlife area sits on 13,000+ acres of thick wilderness and wetlands offering a number of different hiking trails, like Outhouse Hammock Loop, which is medium-grade level"

    3. Palm Acres

    Be the first to review!
    Anthony, FL
    16 miles
    +1 (904) 302-4078

    $20 - $40 / night

    4. Hideaway Oasis

    Be the first to review!
    Interlachen, FL
    18 miles
    +1 (386) 353-5025

    $10 - $60 / night

    5. Etoniah Creek State Forest Green Camp

    2 Reviews
    Florahome, FL
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (386) 329-2552

    $9 / night

    "Just off the Palatka-Lake Butler Bike trail. Campgrounds are About 4 miles in on bikeable hard roads. Six Sites have picnic tables, lots of room, fire ring with grate, bbq grills, a latrine nearby."

    "Located just about 20 minutes due northwest of Palatka – dubbed ‘Florida’s State Farmers Market’ where you will easily discover that this north central town is teeming with fresh agriculture every which"

    6. Trout Lake Primitive Sites

    3 Reviews
    Ocklawaha, FL
    30 miles

    "Set of primitive spots near lake. Main road entry is packed dirt; smaller access road to sites is two-track about 1/4 mile through woods — very narrow tree clearance. 4WD recommended."

    "Very narrow trails but really easy access, you will leave with some new pinstripes"

    7. Potts Preserve - River Primitive Campground (North Hooty Point Road)

    6 Reviews
    Hernando, FL
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 423-1476

    "There is a designated area to leave vehicles, and the sites on the river are walk in only. The area is open, but you can no longer pull your vehicle in next to your campsite. "

    "Hands-down my new favorite camping spot in Florida. Free, primitive, private, secluded. Pet-friendly, hammock friendly, boat friendly, fire friendly, & more."

    8. Flying Eagle Preserve

    7 Reviews
    Inverness, FL
    42 miles
    Website

    "To get to the camp site:

    1. go to the Circle K linked below

    https://goo.gl/maps/qCoojcRZWhjXTjC77

    1. use google maps walking directions to get to Flying Eagle Preserve."

    "Hiking trails horse area. Fire rings and picnic tables. Bathroom needs work.."

    9. Camp Chowenwaw Park

    9 Reviews
    Fleming Island, FL
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (904) 529-8058

    "There are many different types of cabins available for rent, tent sites and 9 tree houses. Each area set up as a grouping with a bathhouse and kitchen pavilion. "

    "Definitely Different and Unique for Florida. And the perfect place to review my icemulecoolers.com 
    Campground Review:

    Camp Chowenwaw is located in Green Cove Springs, FL adjacent to the St."

    10. Ocala National Forest Farles Prairie Recreation Area

    1 Review
    Astor, FL
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 669-3153

    "If you’re hauling water gear or want to hike/backpack a section of the Florida Scenic Trail (FL Keys to GA state line), this is a lovely place to hang out on the small lake."

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Tent Camping Reviews near Citra, FL

960 Reviews of 36 Citra Campgrounds


  • L
    Feb. 28, 2020

    Salt Springs Recreation Area

    Great campground in Ocala National Forest

    Fantastic campground and recreation area. Over 150 campsites, one area full hookups with all amenities and other area for tent camping. Sites have lots of space and majority have shade trees with moss flowing in the breeze. All sites have picnic table, lantern pole, grill, and fire ring. We have 2 golden retrievers and had plenty of space to spare. Beautiful stars out at night. Bathhouses are large, clean, hot showers. Trailer sites were full and only a few tent campers this time of year. Tent sites are complete with Bear boxes at each site. Camp hosts and management were very friendly and helpful.
    Saw manatees kayaking in the spring and river on premises. Spring area has a boardwalk around it. People swam with them too. Saw bald eagle catching fish, lots of birds, some fish, etc. Has a small boat launch and marina. Can tent kayaks. Great place for bikes. A few hiking trails were well maintained.
    Convenient location to lots of springs to visit and things to do. Visited Silver Springs, Blue Springs, Juniper Spring to name a few. All within 1 hr drive.
    Not sure how summer time is, but this late February time was Awesome. 40-50 at night and 60s in the day! This is a must stay place.

  • Jenn B.
    Sep. 24, 2019

    Bayard Conservation Area

    Ranger Review: Pureland 30L Guard Backpack at Bayard Conservation Area

    **Campground Review: **

    Bayard Conservation Area is located in Green Cove Springs Florida and is maintained by the St. Johns River Water Management District. It is a track of land that has many hiking trails that traverse through shaded pine forests, hammocks, marsh, and river areas. 

    We have day hiked here many times, but this trip we were going to do some primitive camping at one of the campsites. There are several areas to park and then hike in. The campsites are a few miles from the parking area. They include a fire ring and a picnic table. The campsites have several different settings, but we chose the river view. On our way to our campsite we were able to spot many animals including: deer, otter, turkey, and wild pigs. 

    The area is kept clean and is quiet with the exception of a bit of noise pollution from the surrounding area. However, this does not distract from the experience. We enjoyed our overnight backcountry trip and highly recommend Bayard.

    ----------------

    **Product Review: **

    As a Dyrt Ranger I receive products from time-to-time and this time I am testing out the Pureland 30L Guard Backpack sold by Outdoor Element

    There are so many things to love about this backpack. The extensive cording and hooks on the outside made attaching extra items a breeze. I was able to store my trekking poles and Jetboil on the back with no problem. The hip pockets were an added plus and fit my cellphone inside of it easily. The room inside of the backpack was able to hold everything I needed for an overnight trip– including my bulky sleeping bag. The only two things that took away from the backpack was the inside zipper and the water pouch. The zipper on the inside of the bag came off the track with only a light pull while the bag was empty. It did not have the integrity that the zippers on the outside had. My 3.0L reservoir would not fit all the way in the provided pouch and hung out the top a bit. After the whole trip, I sincerely love this pack and will be using it for all of my hiking and primitive camping needs!!

  • Napunani
    Jun. 10, 2023

    Salt Springs Recreation Area

    Immaculate Wind Tunnel (see video)

    PROS

    A camp host came to our site immediately after we unhitched to advise that our one tow vehicle tire on the grass will get us a $250 fine from US Forest Service officer. Funny, we never ever saw a USFS officer patrolling the campground. 

    Entrance gates closed at 8pm requiring code to enter 

    Immaculately maintained park. A small army of maintenance staff always working. Even one night at 930pm in the bathroom. 

    Saved $156 with America the Beautiful pass 

    Site 32 shady 

    Asphalt parking pad surrounded with sandy gravel 

    Moveable metal picnic table 

    Pedestal BBQ grill 

    High sided metal fire ring with 2 unremovable cooking grates 

    One hook lantern pole 

    Campfire wood for sale at registration office 

    No street lights in campground so good dark sky viewing if neighbors have their rig lights off which most nights they were lit up which also lit up surrounding campsites 

    Able to get T-MOBILE signal on our T-MOBILE WIFI device 

    Many squirrels ate from our hand 

    CONS 

    In 8 days never saw a USFD vehicle drive thru the campground

    $8 fee to make on-line reservations 

    Site 32 not level 

    Absolutely no privacy from any other site 

    In 20 degree exterior temperatures, both campground bathhouses had windows open, whole house fans operating in full capacity and ceiling fans operating on high. Obvious park maintenance does NOT want anyone taking a shower when interior bathhouse temperatures were in the 30s and the bathhouse was a freezing wind tunnel! It was even difficult using the toilet. 

    Loud and rowdy campers all weekend long—day and night. Quiet hours not enforced

    Highway 19 traffic noise 

    USFD clearing project on east side of campground. Heavy equipment noise for 9 straight hours day after day!!! 

    No notice water outage for 2 hours 

    No park WiFi 

    No T-MOBILE cell service 

    No public phone for emergency calls

  • Tracy L H.
    Dec. 31, 2019

    Sawgrass Island Preserve

    Old Florida!

    Sawgrass Island Preserve is a unique piece of property.  I love hiking on the north side of the property it looks so much like Old Florida.  I like to go across the causeway and down the Bog Button Trail and over to the Hammock Trail and along the Cactus Trail and down around the ponds and back out the Bent Pine Trail.  This is around a five mile hike and can be stretched out by doing the North Loop Trail also .  I have seen several whitetail deer, sandhill cranes, lots of other birds, quail, and some turkeys while hiking.  I also saw a black bear up a tree in the marsh.  It is a hidden gem for sure.  The south side is nice but gets super sandy in places due to horseback riders.  And if you have horses the preserve allows riders and even has a spot or two with water for the horses and some picnic areas with hitching post to tie off horse and have some time to eat.  Some trails are narrow and give the feel of actually walking in, in the woods!  I haven't camped there but they have two primitive campsites on the Hammock Trail near the marsh with a fire ring, picnic table, and lantern post.  There is also a horse campsite along the Cactus Trail down near the ponds and there is an open pole barn with two roomy stalls for horses and picnic tables and a fire ring with benches.  Also room to pitch tent under barn too.  There is no water available at any of the campsites.  Could be a fun adventure waiting in Old Florida.  There is a camping application to fill out on line at www.lcwa.org and a  small fee, but if everything checks out ok at the end of the stay after a Ranger has had a chance to check out the site your fee is refunded.

  • Alex M.
    Jul. 1, 2019

    Mutual Mine Campground — Withlacoochee State Forest

    Wide open spaces, very quiet!

    We hiked extensively in this tract and used Mutual Mine campground as one of our stop-overs. Very nice, open, flat areas to pitch tents and close to hiking trails. Fire ring at each site, options to hang your hammock. Bathrooms but no showers. Free potable water. You can also pull in a trailer but this is not a full-commercial type campground. More a cross between that and primitive camping…….perfect for backpackers!!

  • Jeanene A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 2, 2019

    Camp Chowenwaw Park

    Unique Treehouse Camping Experience

    We found this fun family friendly location from a facebook post about Tree house camping and had to check it out. Making reservations was pretty easy on the county website. There are a number of forms you will be emailed to print and fill out(will save you a lot of time if you plan to use the pool that is run by YMCA) 

    Check in was easy. The office is closed form 12– 1 so no chance of checking in early. There is a Girl Scout Museum near the main office where you check is– but is rarely open. This was an old girl scout camp and now id open to the public. There are many different types of cabins available for rent, tent sites and 9 tree houses. Each area set up as a grouping with a bathhouse and kitchen pavilion. 

    The tree houses were so fun to stay in and being higher up gave us chances of a breeze– many in our group brought battery operated fans. Though there was a threat of rain all weekend we stayed high and dry in the tree houses(2 sides are only screened) 

    There was a very large lighted screened kitchen pavilion with fireplace, stove, fridge, sinks and covered outdoor grill. There were other campers in the tree house area we shared this community area with. It was great to have a place to hang out during the rainy evenings. Bath house was centrally located and clean. 

    Pool was very nice and very strictly run by the local“Y”. It was closed a lot due to distant rumbles of thunder but we did get a few minutes to enjoy. 

    Trails were well kept and took you through the property and past many of the grouped cabin areas. One boardwalk took you out to the river and fishing dock another out through the area by the tree houses. 

    It was a good 10 minute hike with our gear to get to the tree houses from parking area near pool. Wagons are provided but pack light to save the trouble. 

    Summertime this place is a kids paradise. There were lots of families, parties and groups on the property when we went. Fall and Winter we are told is the best time to camp here but we were advised to book early! 

    Remember to Leave No Trace and enjoy this one of a kind experience!

  • Tracy L H.
    Jul. 11, 2019

    Camp Chowenwaw Park

    Ranger Review: ICEMULE Cooler at Camp Chowenwaw Park Treehouse Point

    Florida has many many different camping options.  I was looking for something unique and different from what I'd done before and this place popped up on my radar.  Definitely Different and Unique for Florida. And the perfect place to review my icemulecoolers.com 

    Campground Review:

    Camp Chowenwaw is located in Green Cove Springs, FL adjacent to the St. John's River and on Black Creek.  It was a Girl Scout Camp for 70 years and is now owned and operated by Clay County, FL (https://www.claycountygov.com/departments/parks-and-recreation/camp-chowenwaw-park).  There are many different styles of camping available here with lots of privacy between the different sections.  

    I chose to camp in the Treehouse Point for a weekend where there are 9 Treehouses available for camping.  A group of us went and had Treehouse #4 and #5.  Each screened in non electric Treehouse slept 4 in bunk beds.  There were several central fire rings with a picnic table/benches throughout the unit.  A shared bathhouse with toilets, sinks, lights, and hot showers was available in the unit also.  There was a central dining hall for all of Treehouse Point with electric, lights, fans, inside fireplace, stove, refrigerator, sink area, and porch with outside charcoal grill and picnic table.  

    Even with sharing the dinning hall with other campers it was great since it was big enough and everyone was friendly.  The Treehouses are spread out with some trees in between so they are semi private.  The pool is available but doesn't open til 10 am where as we were all ready to go earlier since it was HOT.  It was very enjoyable but HOT in July with no electric in the Treehouses.  We had no issues with mosquitoes or yellow flies and the frogs serenaded us every night loudly, so that was a cool experience.  We had decided not to take kayaks since there was a bit of a walk into our area and we didn't want to leave them in the parking area on our vehicles, which turned out to be a good decision because the kayak launch was under repairs.  They are planning on upgrading a lot so it should be great soon.  They recently upgraded and replaced the fishing pier and its awesome.  We are planning to go again in the Fall when its cooler.  I would recommend this place for a unique experience.  On a side note:  Green Cove Springs has a pool also in a community park on the St. John's River that is spring fed and would be a cool stop.

    ........................................

    Product Review:

    As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get to test products.  A Camp Chowenwaw I tested the icemulecoolers.com.  I got the ICEMULE Pro XL (33L which equals 24 cans plus ice) in Camo.

    1.  What I loved about the ICEMULE was that I could wear it like a backpack and be comfortable and free my hands for something else.

    2.  I loved that the straps were wide and comfortable.

    3.  I also loved that the chest cross strap could be moved up and down to make it more comfortable for women to use the chest cross strap.

    4.  The straps had lots of room to make smaller or larger so it will be great fit  for a variety of people and body styles.

    5.  It kept my ice solid for three days in the FL heat.

    6.  It has a port to add air to enhance the coolers insulation.

    7.  It holds A LOT!!  I had 9 bottles of Propel water and 2 bags of grapes and 1 whole bag of ice.  It wasn't too heavy and there was room for much more.

    Only draw back I had was that the camo style is fabric and tends to sweat a lot.  The other colors are vinyl and don't seem to sweat.

    I'm ready to use my ICEMULE Cooler again.  I even want to take it kayaking and get some more accessories for it from their site like a dry bag and a waterproof box.

  • Napunani
    Jun. 10, 2023

    Lake Griffin State Park Campground

    Small and Nice

    PROS 

    Dark sky friendly-no street lights in campground 

    100% gravel site 

    Metal fire ring with cooking grate 

    Moveable wood and metal picnic table 

    2 hook lantern pole 

    Security gate that closed at dusk with code provided for entrance 

    Some privacy from neighbors 

    Coin washers/dryers at the campground bathhouse 

    3 bars T-MOBILE 

    CONS 

    No senior or military discount 

    No campground WIFI 

    Site 11 very unlevel 

    Gravel roads to and thru campground 

    Tight campground road 

    Horrible traffic noise from US 441

  • Todd M.
    Feb. 10, 2021

    Potts Preserve

    Great place to boondock!

    Great place to boondock! Spent 3 nights here by the pavilion. There are about 5 spots in the “primitive” camping area. Plenty of privacy and a kayak launch area. Spots have fire rings and a couple have picnic tables. Porta potty is clean. The back-country area was recently gated so RVs can no longer camp there. It’s now designated as tent-camping only. It’s a huge open space with entrances to walking trails and beautiful views of the river. The back-country area has an outhouse. It’s easy to get to and very quiet other than other campers and periodic airboats that zoom by.


Guide to Citra

Tent camping in Citra, Florida offers opportunities to explore Florida's subtropical ecosystem within the Ocklawaha River basin. The region maintains average temperatures between 45-90°F depending on season, with summer humidity often exceeding 80%. Primitive camping options in this area frequently require campers to navigate sandy terrain with limited cell service, particularly in the more remote sites of Ocala National Forest.

What to do

Hiking Florida Trail sections: Access trail segments directly from Lake Delancy East NF Campground which connects to the Florida Trail system. "The Florida trail is about 200 yards away. No Atv's But Lake delancy west is adjoined to campground east and you can ride atv's right out of the west side," notes Daniel S.

Fishing at Georges Lake: Set up at Etoniah Creek State Forest Green Camp for access to quality fishing spots. "Georges Lake hiking trail, which is about a mile roundtrip and will place you at an observation deck overlooking the lake," explains Stuart K., who adds that the forest offers "about 500 feet of lake frontage."

Kayaking from primitive sites: Launch from Potts Preserve for river exploration. "The float into Gum Slough is right there at the edge of the campground, simply an awesome trip," shares Charles V. This preserve offers direct water access for paddlers without needing to transport equipment far from camp.

What campers like

Solitude in primitive settings: At Flying Eagle Preserve, campers appreciate the isolation. "Stayed here on 3 separate occasions. Each time not a single soul to be found with the exception of the passing airboats. Site was very spacious and private," reports Cristina M.

Well-maintained forest sites: Tent campers near Citra value the natural setting at Etoniah Creek State Forest Green Camp. "Just off the Palatka-Lake Butler Bike trail. Campgrounds are about 4 miles in on bikeable hard roads," states Brian K., highlighting the accessibility despite the natural setting.

Low-cost camping options: Budget-conscious campers appreciate Lake Delancy East's affordable rates. "$10 nightly fee for a campsite with restrooms close by, honor system payment method (e.g. cash only). It's only a few miles from Salt Springs so if you forgot a toothbrush, you're in luck," mentions Kristin T.

What you should know

Seasonal considerations: During hunting seasons, campgrounds can get crowded. "Be cautious around hunting season, as Delancey West appears to be where the hunters all camp with their atv's," warns Alma H.

Water availability challenges: Most primitive tent camping sites near Citra require bringing your own water. "We found the pitcher pump for water, but wouldn't bring up water. So come prepped with your own," explains a camper at Lake Delancy East.

Access limitations: Some sites have restricted vehicle access. At Trout Lake Primitive Sites, "Main road entry is packed dirt; smaller access road to sites is two-track about 1/4 mile through woods — very narrow tree clearance. 4WD recommended," warns Entropical Breeze E.

Noise factors: While many sites offer tranquility, some experience regular disruptions. "Airboats are very noisy! Reservations and gate code required through SWFWMD," notes Anthony E. about Potts Preserve.

Tips for camping with families

Pool access for kids: Camp Chowenwaw Park offers swimming facilities popular with families. "The pool is a nice feature, you just be over age 18 and have your license with you to swim, which is weird," explains Kandi G. Another camper adds, "There were short trails, a kayak/canoe launch, a pool, dock, fishing, and clean amenities."

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children often enjoy spotting local animals at tent sites near Citra. At Flying Eagle Preserve, families can observe native Florida wildlife. Diane F. notes the area is "Amazing is all I can say. Hiking trails horse area. Fire rings and picnic tables."

Pack insect protection: Mosquitoes are prevalent throughout tent camping areas near Citra. "There are lots of mosquitoes, so beware of that and bring bug spray," advises Jenn B. about Camp Chowenwaw Park.

Bathroom accessibility: When tent camping with kids, consider site location relative to facilities. "Bath house was centrally located and clean," notes Jeanene A. about Camp Chowenwaw Park, though at more remote sites like Caravelle Ranch Wildlife Management Area, facilities may be limited to "a potable water station, cleaning table and an odd hanging hook configuration."

Tips from RVers

Site accessibility challenges: RVers should carefully research access roads. At Trout Lake Primitive Sites, one camper "Just barely scraped a FWD Promaster through the trees, into a pullout just before sand started."

Alternative tent options: Some RVers recommend tent camping when accessing tighter sites. Stuart K. notes about Caravelle Ranch, "There's only about 5-6 designated camping spots here to choose from, all of which come with just a simple picnic table and makeshift fire ring."

Supplies and resources: RVers should travel fully stocked as shopping options are limited. One camper at Lake Delancy East notes it's "only a few miles from Salt Springs" if you need supplies, but most locations require self-sufficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Citra, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Citra, FL is Lake Delancy East NF Campground with a 4-star rating from 3 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Citra, FL?

TheDyrt.com has all 36 tent camping locations near Citra, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.