De Leon Springs, FL is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Get the dirt on all the best camping near De Leon Springs. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.
Blue Spring State Park has 51 campsites (recreational vehicles up to 40 feet long) located in the sand pine scrub and are within walking distance to the spring. Each site is equipped with a picnic table, water, electricity and a grill. A dump station is available in the park. Pets are welcome in the Blue Springs camping area in accordance with our Pet Policy. ADA Accessible sites at Blue Springs State Park camping are offered on Reserve America and two new bathhouses are complete with accessible showers and bathroom stalls. Conservation measures can produce astounding results. In 1970, two years before Blue Spring State Park was established, researchers tracked 14 manatees in the spring run. By 2005, after years of park improvements and manatee protection efforts, wintering manatee numbers exceeded 200 and by 2018, that number skyrocketed to a record 485. Besides "sea cows," fish abound in the spring run, and these attract a variety of wading birds, ospreys, eagles and kingfishers. To see the park’s wonders, visitors can hike along the spring run or on the 4.5-mile Pine Island Trail. Visitors can also launch a canoe or kayak (rentals are available at the park) or take a guided river boat cruise.
$24 - $95 / night
Located in a shady hammock near the Tomoka River, each of the park's 100 campsites has a picnic table, grill, electric hook-up and water. A dump station is located within the park. Three restrooms with hot showers, two of which have accessible facilities, are located in the campground.
$24 per night plus tax, plus a non-refundable $6.70 reservation fee. Includes water and electricity.
Florida residents who are 65 years of age or older or who hold a Social Security disability award certificate or a 100-percent disability award certificate from the federal government are permitted to receive a 50-percent discount on current base campsite fees. Proof of eligibility is required.
Well-behaved pets are allowed in the campground in accordance with our Pet Policy.
Maximum recreational vehicle (RV) length is 34 feet.
For reservations, visit the Florida State Parks reservations website or call 800-326-3521 or TDD 888-433-0287.
$24 / night
Wekiwa Springs Camping offers slopes of gently rolling hills supporting longleaf pine among other specialty plants is the Sandhill habitat where the 60 spacious campsites are located. Each wooded site has water and electrical hook-up, a fire ring with grill and a picnic table. Some sites also have sewer hook-ups and a dump station is located at the campground. Accessible camp sites can be requested at the time of reservation. Two accessible restrooms with showers are located in the camping area. Firewood is available at the ranger station. Well behaved pets are allowed in the campground in accordance with our Pet Policy.
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. If you are planning to visit the weekend of Memorial Day through Labor Day on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, you will be required to obtain a Vehicle Access Reservation.
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. If you are planning to visit the weekend of Memorial Day through Labor Day on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, you will be required to obtain a Vehicle Access Reservation. Fishing and canoeing are p opular 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.
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.
For facility specific information, please call (352) 669-3522.
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.
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.
$36 - $60 / night
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.
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.
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.
For facility specific information, please call (352) 625-3147.
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.
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.
$36 - $60 / night
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.
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.
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.
Salt Springs is very close to Lake George, a great fishing destination.
$31 - $65 / night
Clearwater Lake Recreation Area offers a quiet getaway along the southeastern edge of the Ocala National Forest, just outside the community of Paisley, Florida. With a shaded campground, day use picnic area, beach and a nature trail that winds through the pine woods and scrub around Clearwater Lake, this facility has plenty of activities to keep campers occupied. The Ocala National Forest, 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.
The abundant water in the area offers many opportunities for recreation. In addition to swimming in the lake, a 7-mile canoe trail meanders not far from Clearwater Lake. Canoe rentals are available at the campground. Campers can fish for largemouth bass, brim or catfish. Hikers have access to the Clearwater Lake Loop Trail, a 1.3-mile nature trail; a segment of the 1,400-mile Florida National Scenic Trail; and mountain bikers can ride the Paisley Woods Bicycle Trail, a 22-mile forested path. This is bear country; practice safe food storage techniques. It is also alligator country; practice caution around water.
The semi-tropical region gives the campground a mixture of pines and palms, with lush greenery and warm temperatures. With ample habitat, alligators, turtles, deer, raccoons, black bear and numerous birds make their home here.
For facility specific information, please call (352) 669-0078.
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 Clearwater Lake.
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.
$36 / night
Located between Orlando and Daytona, our Central Florida RV Park is surrounded by state-owned preserve land, but is still only 5 miles from Sanford, FL. The campground has a total of 817 sites, 569 of which offer full hookups, and there are plenty of over-sized RV sites to accommodate big rigs and small RVs alike. Wekiva Falls RV Resort and campground also offers tent camping at our Orlando-area campground. Some sites are equipped with picnic tables and grills, while others have fire pits, and some are located far back in the woods. Wekiva Falls is a premiere RV Resort and campground destination ideally located in beautiful Sorrento, Florida between Daytona Beach and Orlando. Before Walt Disney came to the area in the 1970’s, Orlando was a sleepy town with an economy based on citrus and cattle. Since then, Orlando has blossomed into one of our nations most sought-after destinations. That’s why the founders decided to build Wekiva Falls right up to the road, in Sorrento, Florida. The founders wanted to be close enough to all the attractions and local shops, without being disturbed by the noise, or frustrated by the stop and go traffic. Sorrento, Florida is truly one of the last peaceful reserves in Central Florida. With its near-perfect mild temperatures that last all year-round. Built on over 100 acres, you’ll find the beauty of the great outdoors stretches in every direction, as far as the eye can see. At Wekiva Falls a beautiful beach awaits, winding trails call your name, and a variety of nearby wildlife dot the picture-perfect landscape.
$40 - $73 / night
$15 / night
BEACHSIDE
$28 / night
Scout
I called the Winter Garden number listed, which transfers to Encore, Thousand Trails reservations 888-07-1477. They were very helpful to inform me that there are only RV sites at this location. Tent camping 27 miles away at Tropical Palms.
Traveler
Very small park with only 15 campsites. Each site has power and water connections. Water access by pier for relaxing or fishing.
Scout
Great site, took grandson on his first camping trip. He thought it was great. He was planning on future visits here. Noise wasn’t bad, just background noise that you forget is even there. Restroom and shower pretty clean. The place and staff get a big thumbs up.
Guide
Situated in Ocala, this park offers a wonderful get away for bicycling, horseback riding, or hiking Great trails The park itself is open with few trees but an amazing host. Some long timers reside here.
Scout
We stayed in one of the mobile homes. It was not glamorous but was plenty adequate for our needs.
Scout
Electric and water went out several times during the month the laundry machines were locked a good portion of the time I would not recommend this establishment. They won’t answer your phone calls nor emails when it comes to giving you your deposit back.
TravelerGreat camp site with just what you needed. It’s close to a power plant and railroad so you hear a lot of noise at night but was perfect for a one nighter
Traveler
Absolutely fantastic Hosting and cleaned facilities with quiet and friendly surroundings, trails and more.
Traveler
We were looking for a place to overnight during the wknd. Office was closed but several residents came to our rescue. They made us feel so welcome. We parked on the overflow (water/30amp hook-up) with views over the lake. Rate was 45$ plus tax at time of our stay (2025)
Scout
WOW -- was great. Only sites (I had #2 -- a little bigger) No one else there. Amazing stars -- great view of incredible moon.As one of the other commenters wrote --- its amazing you are 10 minutes from a major highway yet feel like you are 1000 miles from anywhere. Easy to get to --- gps has much of it listed as walking but can drive up. Roads are rough but not terrible (i have a jeep wrangler - but 4 wheel drive not necessary) was there 2 nights -- definitely the time of year to be there [January] --- no bugs, no animals. Passing through and will definitely stop by again when I can. Rangers were super nice too.
Scout
Too bad I can not leave ZERO stars. Gave a month notice to pull my boat out for good. They lost it and tried to charge me another month. Then after pulling my boat I see another$60 charge for fuel I NEVER asked for. When I complained to a lady on the phone some man eavesdropping on the phone breaks in and says"I'm glad you pulled your boat out". AVOID THIS PLACE!!!
Guide
Rodman Campground, nestled within the Ocala National Forest, offers a delightful escape for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. This peaceful campground provides a serene setting surrounded by towering pines and lush Florida foliage.
The campground is immersed in the beauty of the Ocala National Forest, offering a tranquil environment for relaxation and exploration. Its proximity to the Ocklawaha River and Rodman Reservoir allows campers to enjoy a variety of activities such as fishing, boating, kayaking, and wildlife viewing. There are also several hiking and biking trails located nearby to explore the diverse ecosystems of the Ocala National Forest.
Bathrooms were clean (with hot showers) but were a bit of a hike if you camp riverfront (you can follow the road around or go through the woods up and over a pretty steep hill). Site 61 had a picnic table, fire ring, water and electric and was right on the river with only an access road (5mph) between the campsite and riverfront. Be advised, that you cannot access the river from the camp site, you must go to the boat ramp, there is a steep drop off and there are signs telling you there is no access. But you can put up a camp chair and enjoy relaxing at the top of the riverbank. We saw deer at dusk meandering through the woods.
Concerning the tranquil surroundings, a note of caution and something to definitely keep in mind when booking ... IF there is an "ALL HOURS WEEKEND" at the nearby Hog Waller Campground and ATV Resort (right across the river), then the trails remain open 24 hours and you will not have any tranquility or relaxation all night. We were there unfortunately on one of these weekends and there was loud music, dirt bikes, ATVs and 4-Wheelers screaming through the entire night. (24-Hour riding begins Friday 8:00am- Ends Sunday 5:00pm... Gates and trails are open 24 hours during this period). So be forewarned to check the schedules at Hog Waller before booking because you will hear the all night parties and roaring engines tearing up the mud pits. This only detracts from Rodman when Hog Waller is in full swing but it's 1-2 weekends each month. Also, if there is any type of fishing tournament going on, the boats on the river will wake you in a tent very early in the morning. If you like getting up early and having a cup of coffee by the river and watching the bass boats go by then this is good fun, but don't think about being lazy and sleeping in (see video).
Overall, it's a really nice park in the wilds of Florida and we have already booked our next stay (but not riverfront and not during a Hog Waller 24 hour weekend). We look forward to visiting during the week when everything is more "chill".
Legend
I don’t use the word ‘best’ sparingly whatsoever, so when I refer to this little lakeside gem using that term, it isn’t applied lightly. To begin with, the very well-meaning groundsman that runs this place is definitely THE nicest gent I’ve ever come across running a campground in all of my sojourns. Add to this the fact that this place, which has recently been refurbished, gets top marks for simply outstanding restoration efforts as well as fine attention to detail as it relates to all of the landscaping and overall layout of Port Cove RV Resort & Marina. This place offers up 74 total RV slots with 66 of those being FHUs and is meticulously groomed, incredibly organized all with an incredible eye for detail, layout and organization.
As far as amenities go, Port Cove packs quite the punch with top marks for what is quite simply having the best eatery around for miles – Idle Awhile Restaurant & Bar– sitting right next door, ensuring that while you can fire up franks & beans for dinner over a roaring campfire, you can do that, but when you want to change things up, you don’t even need to get back in your cab or car to drive anywhere, but rather, just strap on your flip flops and walk 20-30 yards to this little waterfront oasis with spectacular views of Lake George / St. Johns River. Beyond coming close to having its own on-site restaurant, the second biggest draw here is of course the amazing pier and dock with EZ access to the beautiful body of water sitting in front of Port Cove RV Resort – this jetty is incredibly picturesque in and of itself, but what’s better, you can take your lawn chairs out on the pier close to sundown with an iced cooler of tall boys to watch the sun retire each night. Add to this list the amazing, heated pool with rock star sun deck complete with brand new patio chairs, sun umbrellas and tables along with black woven loveseats and chaise loungers with a westerly lakeview and you’ll be reaching for your Mai Tais in no time.
Additional amenities include: spartan-clean and completely refurbished new restrooms and well-appointed showers, scattered picnic tables, outdoor wicker furniture, brand new solid wood picnic tables, gravel strewn pathways and pads, ancient Oaks dripping with Spanish moss along with tall Q-tip-like Palms, river / lake deck, laundry facility, boat launch, outdoor covered pavilion with tables, WiFi, mini-golf, designated dump stations, doggie park on-site mini-market (at the office), cornhole and community fire pits.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) The best sites are those located right in front of the lake of which there are 9 to choose from, so call in advance to reserve one of these beauties, which are also protected from the harsh Florida sunshine with a combination of ancient and live Oaks dripping with Spanish moss as well as pencil-thin towering Sable palms; (2) In the event that you don’t have an RV, no worries, Port Cove has you covered with 6 different AirBnB rentals; (3) For a lakefront RV outpost like this, I found the rates incredibly affordable at $55 / night, $325 / week and $850 / month along with boat slip rentals @ $10 / night.; and (4) If you want to get ‘off the reservation’ Port Cove can arrange for a boat transfer to take you over to nearby Silver Glen Springs Recreation Park that features one of the best springs in all of Florida along with the opportunity to swim alongside manatees.
Happy Camping!
Legend
Located a hefty trek down a winding gravel road west of Route 19, you’ll have to maneuver around divots and potholes along this narrow gravel, dusty roadway for the better part of 2 miles before arriving to a small sign on the left-hand side of the road that indicates you’ve arrived at Davenport Recreational Area – so finding this place is relatively easy. Unless you make the unwise decision to turn into one of the small handful of options beforehand that would have you drive down a patch of road that likely you are not authorized to, my only advice would be not to exceed 15 MPH on this road as the poor condition of the road could do damage to a lower-lying vehicle. Once you come across the Davenport Recreational Area sign, take a right and slowly (as the road conditions worsen as you get off the main road) follow the narrow tire-rutted pathway to a fork, where on the right you’ll see TRAILHEAD marked on a tree to your right– here you want to turn left instead and follow the pathway to its conclusion, which is a round-about that you will have no other alternative but to stop and park your vehicle.
Here at literally ‘the end of the road,’ you’ll be greeted by a dozen or so medium-sized Magnolias that blot out the sun’s rays and cast an unusually spooky shadow on this area, made even more dramatic by all of the Spanish moss falling from the tree limbs of these magnificent trees. While the ground here is flat – welcome to Florida, where for the most part, that’s par for the course – but barren and comprised of a combination of dirt and sand silt, which isn’t so bad when it’s dry, but when there’s rain, we’re talking some pretty messy mud-like conditions. As for what you’ll find here at this natural cul-de-sac, there isn’t anything. Literally. No picnic tables. No fire ring. No stand-up grill. No potable(or for that matter, non-potable) water spigot. Nothing. There is what looks to be a small wooden sign that likely was filled with information at some point in time that might have educated you about your stay here, but even that had nothing on it, apart from a single hand-made sign above it, indicating: “You are trash, if you leave trash,” which I wholeheartedly agree with. In all, perhaps there’s 5-6 individual spots that you could make a campsite from.
If you are a true primitive camper who really wants NOTHING to complement or aid their outdoor survivalist experiment, then you have hit the primitive camping jackpot! Apart from the solid peace & quiet you’ll experience here, there’s an amazing little access point here to the Ocklawaha river that runs through this neck of the woods – which used to be a riverboat stop where steamboats would stop to fuel or disembark enroute to Silver Springs via the St. Johns which this tributary eventually connects to. Apart from being a scenic access point to the river, if you are looking to catch and eat your meals, then this will certainly be an added bonus. The steps down the ravine to the river basin are somewhat steep, but for anyone towing a light-weight kayak or paddleboard, me thinks you could likely manage to bring your watercraft down here and easily access emerald-green waters shouldered with an abundance of spade-shaped lily pads to grab some great oaring.
When we stopped by, there was a team of fisherman there – not camping, mind you – but having a great afternoon nonetheless of ‘hooking‘ em’ and according to these local anglers, the fishing was great. Apart from this and the shade that the mighty Magnolias provide, the only other amenity that exists out here are the few trails that you can jump on to get a bit of hiking in. One word of caution, from my fishermen friends, is to be on the look-out for ‘Coyo-Dogs’ (a cross between canine species where a dog mates with a coyote) and black bear, both of which have been known to frequent this area, especially at night.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) There’s a 1.2 mile interpretive hiking trail called Davenport Landing Trail that will take to you to the former steamboat landing, which makes for a medium-grade hike with some interesting history; (2) If you have an explorer’s mindset, you’ll be richly rewarded here as there is a small gravesite from the Civil War that you can find along with middens along the Ocklawaha River hiding traces of the Timucuan Indians that once populated this area; (3) For fellow arborists, in addition to finding these amazing Magnolias that seem to be especially planted here for you, additionally there’s sweetgum and red maple trees; and (4) You definitely want to keep your eyes peeled for alligators in this area, where while we didn’t see any right at the ravine’s base, we were told that plenty were sunbathing right around the bend in the river from where we were.
Happy Camping!
Legend
If you either own an ATV or dream of combining 4-wheel muddin’ with overnight campin’ then you have hit the jackpot here with Hog Waller Mud Campground & ATV Resort. As my post from a bit more than a year ago provided quite a bit of detail on this campground, I’m following up on that review by sharing additional fotos as well as providing a topline update:
Highlights: (1) No shortage of mud-slinging fun for those ATV enthusiasts who want to spend all day long chasing trails with no end; (2) An incredibly unique and welcoming community of outdoor-motorcross enthusiasts; (3) Excellent topography to driving wild or hiking in the wild (but for the latter, make sure you wear bright orange); (4) Sites are spacious, flat and nicely shaded; (5) Despite being out in the boondocks, there’s an on-site restaurant and marketplace; (5) The restroom and shower facilities are actually pretty well-maintained and nicely outfitted.
Lowlights: (1) There is nothing nearby to either stock up on supplies or grab a bite to eat, apart from the Hog Wild Country Café/ BBQ joint just a few minutes west of here, so when you come here, bring everything with you that you’ll need; (2) Maybe it is understood when you come into this place, but to state the obvious, this entire place is buzzing with ATVs, motorbikes and lots of other contraptions that makes for a loud atmosphere, so if you want peace & quiet, particularly on the weekends, you don’t want to check-in here; and (3) On the weekends, in particular, it feels like things get a too party-centric, so the music gets louder and the drinks often get the best of people, resulting in either louder chatter or, in a few cases, fights breaking out (but, to be fair, there’s always a few off-duty sheriffs watching the place, so things get broken up real quick).
Happy Camping!
Legend
Maybe you could distinguish this RV camping lot as one part being ‘surf’ and the other half being ‘turf,’ so let me do my best to explain. As I’m a Pisces, let’s begin with the ‘surf’ side of the equation, which of the ‘two tales’ is certainly the brighter and sunnier side of the story (literally and figuratively). What you’ll discover here at Treasure by the Sea is that indeed this is an absolute gem of a location as it puts you DIRECTLY in front of the white capped Atlantic waves that you’ll experience no shortage of. The only thing separating you from the beach and ocean is the number of steps it takes you to walk there (and if you get lucky enough to get a front-row slot or spot, that’s only about 10 paces)! What little patch of land and fence did exist prior to our visit was eliminated by Hurricane Nicole.
On this eastern side of the AIA there is nothing but a flat and sandy landing for you to park (pull-through or back-in) or pitch your camp for the night, along with a few scattered picnic tables, there’s also water and electric (30 / 50 amp) hook-ups along with a bathroom & shower facility (which were just OK to be honest – and in need of enhancement). Amenities include in addition to beachfront RV sites, cable TV, complimentary WiFi, on-site laundry, scattered fire rings and picnic tables.
With the ‘turf’ side of the property, this is where the main office is, and apart from stopping here to register and check-in, I don’t really encourage you to spend much (if any) of your time on this side of paradise (western side of A1A), apart from dropping your kayak into the Intracoastal / Matanzas River. Additionally, what you’ll discover on this side is mostly mobile home residents, although there were a few free and open spots for RVers who couldn’t get a spot on the beachside.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) There’s not a lot in these parts, apart from what hopefully is the primary reason you are here for in the first place – beachfront access. If that’s what you are looking for, then this is a DESTINATION that you won’t want to leave anytime soon. But when you do choose to 'get off the reservation,' head north to Palm Coast for smart shops and attractions, or tract due south to a simpler, slightly more touristic experience in Flagler Beach; (2) When you get tired of preparing meals out of a cooler or on-board fridge and want to try out something locally, I highly recommend the crab cakes at Turtle Shack Café, two scoops of Wala Wala Monkey at Sally’s Ice Cream or the firecracker shrimp tacos over at Tortuga’s Kitchen & Bar; (3) The best beachfront spots at Treasure-By-The-Sea are 1, 2 & 3; 19 – 21; and 10 – 17; and (4) After getting enough salt water and beach, be sure to head south to Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreational Area for ‘frakish’ (salt and fresh) water where there’s a simply fantastic inlet to drop your kayak in to check out the Matanzas / Halifax Rivers.
Happy Camping!
Legend
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 hiking trail of slightly more than 5 miles. There’s a long-winding road to Little Lake George situated just due southeast of this CG with a handful of trail access points. Located just due south of tributaries flowing eastward from St. Johns River and Rodman Dam, if you are coming here to camp, this will be one of the more primitive offerings I’ve come across and offered to permitted hunters. 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. The land itself, for the most part, is fairly flat apart from the random tree roots and just about everywhere you might want to pitch a tent, there was substantial tree shade to block an otherwise unrelenting hot Florida sun.
Driving south on Route 19, you’ll come across Caravelle Wildlife Area just after you pass over the county bridge crossing the Ocklawaha River, where within about a half mile, you’ll find this primitive camping outpost on the east side, but be careful as this place will sneak up on you if you’re not looking for it. While there’s no sign informing you of the upcoming wildlife area that you’re about to visit, there is a stucco-like gate (think ranch portico entrances out in the open wild west), where upon accessing, you can either turn left towards a semi-permanent covered structure (great, in the case of rain), and if you don’t, you’ll find yourself heading straight into someone’s private property (mind the signs) or taking a right and meandering down a long winding gravel road to nowhere, but will eventually open up to Little Lake George if not beforehand to Bear Creek.
Back at the open shed-like structure, you’ll discover that there’s a few signs and diagrams explaining the ‘gaming rules’ along with schedules sorted by seasons of the year. Over here, there’s also a potable water station, cleaning table and an odd hanging hook configuration that is for cleaning game that has been caught. There’s also a spray hose as well as what looks to be like a small open-air cleaning kitchen of sorts complete with countertops and lighting. Opposite this, there’s a kiosk that explains a bit more about the place you happen to be visiting. Beyond this, there’s not much more here. If you are a kayaker, you’ll find that there’s a great launch site just due south of here at Johnson Field Ramp which is just south of this location on Highway 19.
Happy Camping!
Scout
Most magical place in the Hill Country. I love it here. Plenty of rocks to climb (not like real rock climbing) and beautiful geology
Scout
Had a great time at Seminole Springs Campground while visiting Ocala National Forest. check in was super easy and the hosts are fantastic. I will be staying here again.
Traveler
Overall it’s not a bad campground but I have no plans to ever return.
The good: clean bathrooms with running, hot water; wild Florida flora; starry night skies. The spring run is one of my favorites. It’s difficult and technical and challenging and I just love it.
The bad: the worst part of my experience was other campers being loud after quiet hours and the camp host doing nothing about it. While most people kept it down after 10 (as stated in the rules) one group of partiers was up til 3am, blasting music and hootin’ and hollerin’. I know the park can’t control individual’s behavior but, again, the camp host was on site and did nothing about it. I talked to other campers the next day who all lamented at their lack of sleep because of this one group. It was so bad we only stayed one night. We left the next day after kayaking the run because our home in the city is quieter.
Also, there’s a general lack of information available for visitors. There are no maps available, for the campground or the run. I had to take a picture of an employee’s personal map of the grounds which ended up being inaccurate because it listed a shower facility that doesn’t actually exist. I asked the staff at the spring run for a map and they didn’t have one I could look at. I asked “how do I know I’m at the end of the run for pickup?” She said “it’s right after the bridge.” Which was true, but it’s not labeled in any kind of way so if I hadn’t asked, I would’ve just kept on paddling forever. Their website has limited information and the confirmation email I got after booking had incorrect information. It said to call if I’d arrive after hours starting in November, so I did, and was told that policy wasn’t in effect for a few weeks. None of these things are a big deal on their own but when they’re all together it becomes a pattern.
Scout
Campground sites are very close together. Staff is friendly and helpful. Bathrooms are clean and modern. Lots of road noise, trucks and sirens.
TravelerFantastic hosts, camp grounds are impeccable, bath houses cleaned and surrounded by nature, what a wonderful place to be.
Guide
Very convenient campground to go for a hike along the florida trail and cool off in the gorgeous blue spring waters. It does get crowded so plan accordingly.
Traveler
Very small and quiet place , great for beginners.
Host was great, bathrooms cleaned and hot showers.
15/20 minutes away plenty of amenities and shopping if necessary.
Scout
Quiet and friendly place. Better for campers.
Scout
Spot 25, direct view to the ocean. At the beach in seconds. Nice pool on the other side of hotel. Will be back!
Legend
There is no better ocean front sites that we have found. Perfect location. Basic and all that you need. Easy access to beach and in and out. The views are amazing.
Camping near De Leon Springs, Florida, offers a mix of natural beauty and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.
Camping near De Leon Springs, Florida, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors. With a variety of campgrounds like Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, Anastasia State Park Campground, and Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near De Leon Springs, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, De Leon Springs, FL offers a wide range of camping options, with 269 campgrounds and RV parks near De Leon Springs, FL and 8 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near De Leon Springs, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near De Leon Springs, FL is Blue Spring State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 45 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near De Leon Springs, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 free dispersed camping spots near De Leon Springs, FL.
What parks are near De Leon Springs, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 parks near De Leon Springs, FL that allow camping, notably Ocala National Forest and National Forests in Florida.
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