Best Camping near Crystal River, FL

Crystal River is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Crystal River. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Camping Sites Near Crystal River, FL (256)

    Camper-submitted photo from Rainbow Springs State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Rainbow Springs State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Rainbow Springs State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Rainbow Springs State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Rainbow Springs State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Rainbow Springs State Park Campground

    1. Rainbow Springs State Park Campground

    44 Reviews
    197 Photos
    548 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
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $30 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Encore Crystal Isles
    Camper-submitted photo from Encore Crystal Isles
    Camper-submitted photo from Encore Crystal Isles
    Camper-submitted photo from Encore Crystal Isles
    Camper-submitted photo from Encore Crystal Isles
    Camper-submitted photo from Encore Crystal Isles

    2. Encore Crystal Isles

    22 Reviews
    56 Photos
    190 Saves
    Crystal River, Florida

    Enjoy a beautiful RV resort on Florida's scenic West Coast. Indulge in the nearby Gulf beaches, shopping, restaurants, golf courses and fishing. Crystal Isles RV Resort lets you create the perfect blend of peace, pleasure and play for the Florida RV vacation you have been dreaming of. Hit a golf ball, stroll on the wide beaches, rent a boat, catch a fish in local streams and lakes, or visit nearby King's Bay to swim with a manatee - it's all waiting for you! We offer a wonderful experience for the whole family at Encore's Crystal Isles RV Resort in Florida. Perfect blend of peace and pleasure at a Nature Coast RV resort Whether you're planning a retreat for the whole family, a group of friends or a getaway for two, there's no shortage of unique activities to explore at Crystal Isles RV Resort. Plan activities upon arrival or visit this page before your departure to plan ahead. Looking for more? Our friendly staff can fill you in on all of the great ways to make your stay a memorable experience.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    Camper-submitted photo from Nature's Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Nature's Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Nature's Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Nature's Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Nature's Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Nature's Resort

    3. Nature's Resort

    15 Reviews
    20 Photos
    92 Saves
    Homosassa, Florida
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Holder Mine Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Holder Mine Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Holder Mine Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Holder Mine Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Holder Mine Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Holder Mine Campground

    4. Holder Mine Campground

    17 Reviews
    30 Photos
    126 Saves
    Inverness, Florida

    The Holder Mine Campground campsites are shaded by live oaks and turkey oaks. This campground is open seven days a week and is popular with hunters during archery and small game seasons.

    Features

    • Picnicking
    • Leashed pets allowed

    Hiking trails:

    • Citrus A Loop Trail is 8.6 miles.
    • Citrus B Loop Trail is 17.3 miles.

    Facilities 27 campsites with electricity, water, picnic table and fire ring (2) bathhouses Pavilion Dump station

    Note: Pavilion is only available for use for a fee by paid campers.

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

    $9 - $20 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Rock Crusher Canyon RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Rock Crusher Canyon RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Rock Crusher Canyon RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Rock Crusher Canyon RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Rock Crusher Canyon RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Rock Crusher Canyon RV Park

    5. Rock Crusher Canyon RV Park

    13 Reviews
    17 Photos
    77 Saves
    Crystal River, Florida
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $40 - $63 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Mutual Mine - Withlacoochee State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Mutual Mine - Withlacoochee State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Mutual Mine - Withlacoochee State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Mutual Mine - Withlacoochee State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Mutual Mine - Withlacoochee State Forest
    Camper-submitted photo from Mutual Mine - Withlacoochee State Forest

    6. Mutual Mine - Withlacoochee State Forest

    13 Reviews
    24 Photos
    56 Saves
    Floral City, Florida

    Mutual Mine Campground has campsites in a horseshoe formation next to a picturesque, rain-filled lake that was formerly a mine pit. This campground does not have showers. Features - No pets allowed Hiking trails: - Citrus C Loop is 16.9 miles. - Citrus D Loop is 19.4 miles. No alcohol allowed Facilities - 13 non-electric campsites with water, picnic table and fire ring Restrooms (no showers) - Youth group camp area. - Reservations required. Call (352) 797-4140. - Reservation required for ALL campsites. Call (352) 797-4140.

    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Manatee Springs State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Manatee Springs State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Manatee Springs State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Manatee Springs State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Manatee Springs State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Manatee Springs State Park Campground

    7. Manatee Springs State Park Campground

    68 Reviews
    238 Photos
    396 Saves
    Chiefland, Florida

    MAG1

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

    $20 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Silver Springs State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Silver Springs State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Silver Springs State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Silver Springs State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Silver Springs State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Silver Springs State Park Campground

    8. Silver Springs State Park Campground

    38 Reviews
    258 Photos
    379 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

    Camper-submitted photo from Ross Prairie Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Ross Prairie Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Ross Prairie Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Ross Prairie Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Ross Prairie Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Ross Prairie Campground

    9. Ross Prairie Campground

    12 Reviews
    23 Photos
    34 Saves
    Hernando, Florida

    Ross Prairie Trailhead and Campground

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

    $22 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from B's Marina & Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from B's Marina & Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from B's Marina & Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from B's Marina & Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from B's Marina & Campground

    10. B's Marina & Campground

    7 Reviews
    5 Photos
    44 Saves
    Yankeetown, Florida

    Quite mom and pop old Florida campground on the withlachochee river in Yankeetown Fl. 28 camp site 28 boat slips tiki boat rental kayak rentals. lots fun fun and relaxing.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 256 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Crystal River

Recent Reviews in Crystal River

864 Reviews of 256 Crystal River Campgrounds


  • Jayson S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Dade City RV Resort
    Jan. 10, 2025

    Dade City RV Resort

    Great place to stay!!

    Heated pool, firepit, cornhole, bocci ball on site. Pickleball courts, golf tee off and bark park being installed. Newly updated clubhouse and rates are better than any others I have seen. Hoping I can score an annual site!!

  • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from River Junction Campground - Withlacoochee State Forest
    Jan. 9, 2025

    River Junction Campground - Withlacoochee State Forest

    Private Sites But Not Pristine

    River Junction, Withlacoochee SF, Webster, FL. 1/2025:

    (72 yr olds in 27’ trailer.) NO PETS. Overall Rating: 4 for site privacy and river access. Bathrooms are not clean during our stay which is following a full weekend. Price 2024: $10 for seniors Security: Gate w code Usage during visit: Light during the week. Full over the weekend Visual Privacy Between Adjacent Sites: thick shrubs Site Spacing: Good Pad surface: Sand Reservations: Yes Campground Noise: Quiet Outside Road Noise: none Through Traffic in campground: None Electric Hookup: no Sewer Hookup: no Dump Station: yes Potable Water Available: At site Generators: I did not see any restrictions posted.
    Bathroom: Flush toilets. Not very clean upon arriving just following a full weekend. . Showers: yes. Not very clean. Pull Throughs: I didn’t notice any restrictions posted Cell Service (Verizon): Setting: Oak Forest with low growing shrubbery Recent Weather: Polar vortex is bringing the temps down to highs in the 50s and lows in the 30s. Solar: Some sites better than others. Insects: None. Host: Yes Rig Size: Backing can be tight Sites: Some sites back up to river with view and access from picnic area .

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Shell Mound Campground
    Dec. 31, 2024

    Shell Mound Campground

    Quiet but buggy

    We stopped at this campground to spend New Year’s Eve. Unfortunately, the power was out due to the most recent storm. We decided to go ahead and stay since my husband was able to pull the little bit of power that we wanted from the battery. We visited the town of Cedar Key and had supper which was really nice. We ate at steamers. It was crowded, but we got in quickly and the service was wonderful. When we got back, the bugs weren’t as bad as they were at dusk, but we had not had a shower and we were sticky. The next morning the bugs came back out and it was just miserable. We had a big rain come through so my opinion is this is a great camp for fisherman. The boat dock for air boats is right here And they have a really nice bathroom facility that’s kept clean. This one just wasn’t for me at this time. They also had a table to clean fish.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Old Florida RV Resort
    Dec. 24, 2024

    Old Florida RV Resort

    Refurbished Lakefront RV Resort Complete w/ Tiki Huts

    Formerly known as Water’s Edge Oak RV Park, this lakeside RV retreat has been completely refurbished under new ownership who have renamed this outdoor camping respite Old Florida RV Park, so do take note of these changes as of October, 2024. This RV resort, complete with just 34 FHU (30 / 50 amp electric, water and sewage) slots that dot a small, simple single loop, sits right on Orange Lake. One of its great assets is the quick and EZ access you’ll have to this formidable fresh water lake that is very decent in size and is perfect for kayaking, canoeing and boating along with fishing where you’ll have no problem reeling in redear sunfish, large- and smallmouth bass, black crappie and bluegill. When we rocked up, all we needed to do was scan the QR code to book a slot for the night – while somewhat impersonal, it was incredibly convenient and EZ enough to find our slot and apart from meeting all of our neighbors, we never actually got to meet the owners as it seems as though they run this RV park on remote control.

    This RV resort lives partially up to the name of ‘resort’ as there’s freshly minted Tiki huts throughout the property that look to be like they are in partial construction-mode, although when finished, these freestanding structures will definitely be a draw for those wanting to sip their Mai Tais under a straw-covered canopy. The road that leads you into this CG is perfectly smooth but wide enough only for a single vehicle moving in a one-way direction around the loop, where you’ll easily find diagonally-slotted pull-through (in the center) or back-in (on the exterior) RV sites complete with a perfectly paved adjoining patio decked out with brand new picnic tables. And while the interior of the RV resort is barren, exposing you to all of your soon-to-be-neighbors, the exterior perimeter is surrounded by a decent thick tree line along with brush and a new fence that encircles the property adding to the sense of safety and security here.

    From an amenity’s standpoint, what exists now is very good, but apparently there are plans to develop a lot more, like an in-ground pool, pickleball courts, horse shoe rings, game room as well as kayak and canoe rentals along with offers of wildlife and fishing tours. There’s also the promise of a general store, full Tiki bar (open to the whole community), weekend food trucks and a community grilling area. There’s a lot of ‘Coming Soon’ amenities, so hopefully the good folks here at Old Florida RV Park make good on their plans, but those newly built Tiki Huts, which apparently will be offered only with the more premium sites (read: upcharge), are a good indication that all of these other amenities will be offered shortly. What is currently on-site is in either fairly excellent condition and / or brand-spanking new, like a facility that has an 8-seat movie theater, showers and restrooms, excellent boat ramp launch as well as a community fire pit.

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) Unfortunately, for mi tent-pitchin’ bredren, there are not sites that allow for you to set up for the night, so you’ll have to keep looking for higher ground; (2) Should you be in the mood to check out some local fare, there’s just a small smattering of offerings in the nearby hamlet of Citra with options like Phil’s Grille and Sweet Baby Cheese’s or you’ll have to head a bit further west to the tiny town of Orange Lake to feast on Eagles Nest Bar & Grill, Lupita’s Taqueria, Southern Cooking and Georgie’s Lakeside Restaurant; (3) If you haven’t tried your go at a spring here in Florida, you need to add this to your bucket list – and fortunate enough for you, Salt Springs, which is one of the best springs in all of Florida, is located just about 20 minutes away from Old Florida RV Resort, so bring your goggles and fins and head on over to Salt Springs where if you are lucky, you’ll find some friendly manatees to swim alongside.

    Happy Camping!

  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Shired Island Campground
    Dec. 22, 2024

    Shired Island Campground

    Camping area is blocked off

    I love this place its one of my favorite places to camp on a beach. I guess they have closed it cause there are big rocks blocking the access to the beach

  • K
    Camper-submitted photo from Manatee Springs State Park Campground
    Dec. 20, 2024

    Manatee Springs State Park Campground

    Slow in the Winter months…

    Park staff as always super friendly and happy to great campers. Stayed in Hickory Loop which was quiet. Bathrooms ample and clean. Walk to the springs was a short one from our site 74. You will definitely see some manatee but swimming up close is a no no. The springs themselves are cold and dark and look better in pictures(at least this time of year) on a hot summer day could be refreshing. Having bikes or kayaks would have added to the fun. They do rent a tandem kayak around $50 for 2 hours. Brings cash to the concession to avoid paying card fee of a few dollars per transaction. Night walks down to the pier are a must.

  • N/A
    Camper-submitted photo from Shired Island Campground
    Dec. 9, 2024

    Shired Island Campground

    Airboat Apocalypse

    It is too bad that they allow people to bring their airboats. Airboats have zero utility out here unless you want to run on land and water like a swamp. Shired Island is not a swamp, it's a wildlife refuge. Since they have no rules against airboats, the loudness of the machines gives visitors noise pollution where they might otherwise enjoy the sounds of the sea and the waves hitting the shore. If the airboats are there, everything natural is drowned out and, meanwhile, they feel as though they can run up on the land and ruin the habitat on the wildlife refuge. Airboats should definitely be made illegal at this location. Terrible.

  • Sara R.
    Camper-submitted photo from Manatee Springs State Park Campground
    Dec. 6, 2024

    Manatee Springs State Park Campground

    Disappointed for being Handicap

    I have trouble walking. I'm at site 38 and no handicap parking for showers. The shower doors and walls are nasty. Also, where I parked with 2 dogs. Was nothing more than a pile of dirt. Both are filthy after 5 days. I was also told that the station had no handicap parking for showers?

  • A
    Camper-submitted photo from Champions Run RV Resort
    Dec. 2, 2024

    Champions Run RV Resort

    Clean, decent location

    I don’t know if I would necessarily call this place “luxury” but it is clean & quiet. To be fair, it’s maybe only 10% full. The little store has very little merchandise. The pool is very nice. The staff have been nice. There are several doggie poo bag & trash stations. The dog run by site 121 is very small & mostly dead grass and dirt, no shade or water. There is a nice tiki bar & pickle ball. Close to gas, groceries & shopping. Easy in & out. The landscaping is very small so no shade or privacy between sites but the sites are decently spaced. There is a bath house with laundry. Full hookups. Big rig friendly.

  • Jeremy R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Black Prong Equestrian Village
    Nov. 28, 2024

    Black Prong Equestrian Village

    Great camping experience with or without a horse!

    My family and I had an incredible experience at black prong. Massive RV pad, full hookups, Golf Cart, plus privacy between you and your neighbor. As an added bonus we were able to bring our horse for trail rides throughout the park. Tons of room and friendly staff. Highly recommend. (Didn’t use the pool or hot tub but they looked nice and well kept)

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Ocala RV Camp Resort
    Oct. 22, 2024

    Ocala RV Camp Resort

    No tent camping allowed

    I called and was told they don’t allow any tent camping. Just an FYI. Was advised only the state parks in the area allow tent camping.

  • Joe R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Black Prong Equestrian Village
    Oct. 14, 2024

    Black Prong Equestrian Village

    Awesome Harvest Host partner!

    We stayed one night on a grass spot with harvest host. While we did not “pay,” we were still treated as royalty. The entire team was amazing. The grass spit was up front by all of the amenities. The other lots are beautiful and further back. The pool is gorgeous. They have bikes that you check out with the bracelets, and the restaurant was top notch with live music.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Chassahowitzka River Campground
    Sep. 16, 2024

    Chassahowitzka River Campground

    Clean, easy access to water

    It’s a clean park with easy access to boat rentals (kayaks, canoes) and a boat launch if you have your own. Publix and Walmart are ~10 minutes away if you need anything. I came in September after a heavy rain and it was pretty buggy. Bring mosquito repellent. There are a number of long term campers with poorly kept RVs, but everyone is friendly.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Ocala North RV Park
    Sep. 13, 2024

    Ocala North RV Park

    Great experience

    We stayed here for 3 weeks. Park staff made sure we had a shaded site in the front of the park. The park is very clean and well cared for. Staff is very attentive. Location is convenient to Gainesville or Ocala, and the park is next to a beautiful horse farm with curious, friendly horses. Great pool and fitness center. Very pet friendly!! We’ve already booked our next stay

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from The Olive Grove
    Sep. 4, 2024

    The Olive Grove

    Felt unsafe!

    If I could give neg I would! The place is nothing but a bunch of trees, red ants, chickens and roosters! It’s surrounded by slaughter houses and one they found human bones. The husband was outside at night shooting the rats!!!! The owner was nasty to other guests while I was there! She acted crazy chasing and screaming  a guest who was driving in the grass because there was no lighting. It’s like a junk yard.  If you wanted a nice peaceful place to stay, this is not it! The roosters at 3 am and the pigs getting slaughtered and squealing! The place felt demonic! Very dark place. I didn’t feel safe at all and couldn’t wait til daylight to get out of there! Didn’t even stay the next night! Much better camping places in the area!

  • Ashley W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Sun Retreats Ocala Orange Lake and Golf Resort
    Jul. 28, 2024

    Sun Retreats Ocala Orange Lake and Golf Resort

    Sun Retreat Ocala Orange Lake RV Resort

    This is a beautiful large RV and golf resort. The grounds were clean and well maintained. There is a full 18 course golf course and putting green. There are also onsite golf cart rentals and a golf pro shop. The staff were very helpful and friendly. Bath houses were clean. Nice laundry facilities available. Campground is directly in Orange Lake with a dock available. Fishing permitted off dock and from shore. All roads were paved. There are both RVs and vacation rentals. Many things to do and lots of options for other recreation nearby. We came for spring break and would definitely visit again.

  • Danton T.
    Camper-submitted photo from Silver Springs RV Park
    Jul. 22, 2024

    Silver Springs RV Park

    A great place to stay

    My wife and I decided last year to full time RV. We were already living in Ocala and we wanted to remain in the area. We discovered Silver Springs RV and are so glad we did. Everyone here, especially the staff, was so welcoming and friendly. SSRV is definitely going to be home for a long time.

  • T
    Camper-submitted photo from Camper's Holiday
    Jul. 19, 2024

    Camper's Holiday

    Do not stay!!!!

    Horrible management, the president is a joke I will never stay again.  The majority of the people that live in the park are nice but there are also a lot of nasty people, just horribly mean and very nosy.  Terrible place!! Wish I could put 0 stars

  • Lorilee S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park Campground
    Jul. 6, 2024

    Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park Campground

    Pretty and quiet

    This campground is really dark, quiet and pretty. The bathhouse was always clean. You can smell the well water in the bathhouse. Brings me back to my childhood memories. We rode our bikes to the observation tower, but we were not lucky enough to see any bison or wild horses. Still nice to see the open prairie. We had a big rainstorm and the back of our site did become a lake, but it was gone overnight. The bugs lit us up all hours, so make sure you different bug sprays.

  • Scott B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Black Prong Equestrian Village
    Jun. 30, 2024

    Black Prong Equestrian Village

    Great Place

    Stayed here for 4 nights and really enjoyed it. Large paver sites with plenty of space. Beautiful horse farm setting. Pool and amenities were awesome. Can’t wait to come back!

  • Jeff E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park Campground
    Jun. 26, 2024

    Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park Campground

    Immersed in Nature.

    Quiet, lots of wildlife (wild horses, bison, alligators, deer, birds, turtles); plenty of hiking and biking trails with beautiful sunsets on the lake. Restroom facilities are showing some age but clean.  Walk-in tent sites are pretty close to the Restrooms.

  • Lorilee S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Santos Trailhead & Campground
    Jun. 24, 2024

    Santos Trailhead & Campground

    Very nice

    This campground is the perfect size. Our site had shade about 95% of the day! We had the perfect size of an area behind our RV. Loved hearing all of the birds chirping. You can hear traffic since it’s right off of the highway. There are plenty of trees around. The bathroom was very clean. It’s nice and dark at night!! We did the hike to see the historical part of the Island. That was neat to read about. We also took the biking trail to say we went above i75 on the bridge. That was a round trip of 15.5 miles, if anyone is interested. It’s a really nice campground, especially if like doing trails and biking.


Drive Time


Guide to Crystal River

Camping near Crystal River, Florida, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Tubing on the Rainbow River: This is a popular activity, but be cautious. One reviewer from Rainbow Springs State Park Campground warned, "Please be aware that you are literally taking your life in your own hands if you do the Rainbow River Tubing trip." It's essential to check the weather and be prepared for sudden storms.
  • Paddling and Kayaking: If you prefer a quieter experience, consider renting kayaks or canoes. A visitor at Rainbow Springs State Park Campground mentioned, "Campground is good for paddling, especially for renting from the concessions." The clear waters make for a stunning day on the river.
  • Hiking Trails: Explore the hiking trails around Holder Mine Campground. A camper shared, "There are some nice hiking trails just to the west of the campground that can be enjoyed when the weather is cooler."

What campers like:

  • Spacious Campsites: Campers appreciate the roomy sites at Hog Island Recreation Area. One reviewer noted, "The sites are spacious and spread apart pretty well," making it a great choice for those seeking privacy.
  • Clean Facilities: Many campers rave about the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at Cypress Glen Campground mentioned, "The bathhouses are fairly clean," which is always a plus when camping.
  • Friendly Atmosphere: Campers often highlight the welcoming vibe. A reviewer at Nature's Resort said, "The staff was extremely friendly," making it a pleasant place to stay.

What you should know:

  • No Reservations at Some Campgrounds: If you're planning to stay at Shell Mound Campground, be aware that they don't allow reservations. A local camper mentioned, "The only downfall is not allowing reservations but there are limited spaces."
  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds in the area have spotty cell reception. A visitor at Crystal Isles RV Resort noted, "Cell service and Wi-Fi is not the best," so plan accordingly if you need to stay connected.
  • Wildlife Encounters: Expect to see wildlife, especially at Holder Mine Campground. One camper shared, "Saw a wild turkey walking thru the campground a couple times," adding to the natural experience.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Rock Crusher Canyon RV Park, which has a pool and activities for kids. A reviewer mentioned, "The pool looked amazing big and screened," making it a great spot for families.
  • Pack Bug Spray: Be prepared for bugs, especially near water. A camper at Shell Mound Campground advised, "Lots of biting flies close to the water which can be a little annoying, so lots of bug spray is recommended."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities to keep everyone entertained. A visitor at Santos Trailhead & Campground shared, "Unbelievable trails for walking and biking!" which can be fun for the whole family.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: When booking, ensure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Rock Crusher Canyon RV Park mentioned, "When making reservations make sure to book towards the center of the park," to avoid noise from the road.
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Some campgrounds, like Nature's Resort, have limited amenities. A visitor noted, "There really isn’t great wifi if you have to work," so bring what you need for a comfortable stay.
  • Be Mindful of Neighbors: RV parks can be close-knit. A camper at Crystal Isles RV Resort mentioned, "The sites are very close together," so be respectful of noise levels, especially at night.

Camping near Crystal River, Florida, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, but being prepared can make all the difference in your experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What camping is available near Crystal River, FL?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Crystal River, FL offers a wide range of camping options, with 256 campgrounds and RV parks near Crystal River, FL and 3 free dispersed camping spots.

  • Which is the most popular campground near Crystal River, FL?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Crystal River, FL is Rainbow Springs State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 44 reviews.

  • Where can I find free dispersed camping near Crystal River, FL?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Crystal River, FL.

  • What parks are near Crystal River, FL?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 parks near Crystal River, FL that allow camping, notably National Forests in Florida and Ocala National Forest.