296 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
De Leon Springs, Florida provides multiple campground settings that support a range of camping styles throughout Ocala National Forest and surrounding state parks. Blue Spring State Park Campground, located in nearby Orange City, accommodates tent camping, RV hookups, and cabin rentals with amenities including electric and water hookups, picnic tables, and shower facilities. Within a 30-mile radius, campers can find recreation areas like Alexander Springs, Juniper Springs, and Salt Springs, each offering primitive to developed sites near crystal-clear natural springs. Highland Park Fish Camp near DeLand provides lakeside camping with cabin options for those seeking fishing access.
Campground availability remains accessible year-round with Florida's mild climate allowing for camping in all seasons. Most developed sites require reservations, particularly during winter months when northern visitors seek warmer temperatures. The area's campgrounds feature varying levels of amenities - some like Blue Spring offer full hookups while others like Alexander Springs maintain a more primitive camping experience with basic facilities. Roads throughout the region are generally well-maintained, though some forest service roads leading to more remote sites may become rough during wet periods. Several campgrounds provide direct water access to springs, lakes, and rivers. As one visitor noted about Salt Springs Recreation Area, "Located in the Ocala National Forest in Central Florida, with over 150 sites overall this is one of the better campgrounds we have ever visited."
Natural springs represent the defining feature of camping in the De Leon Springs area, with multiple campgrounds offering access to 72-degree year-round swimming areas. Campers frequently mention the crystal-clear water visibility and wildlife viewing opportunities as highlights. Ocala National Forest sites provide more secluded experiences with greater distance between campsites, while state parks tend to offer more amenities but with closer proximity to neighboring campers. One reviewer described Clearwater Lake Recreation Area as having "well-shaded, private and spaced apart" campsites, noting that "Clearwater lake lives up to its name, with water conditions typically providing excellent visibility to the mostly sand-bottomed swimming area." Proximity to hiking trails, including the Florida Trail that traverses the region, provides additional recreational opportunities beyond water activities.
"Not a ton of hiking available here but a decent 3.5 mile one way trail through Florida scrub and oak hammock. The rare and endangered Florida Scrub Jay can be found here."
"It was still very hot and buggy in Florida so be warned If this is an issue for you. Large campsites with a picnic table, electric, and water."
from $24 - $95 / night
Check Availability"This was one of the busier places I have camped in Florida. The facilities were clean and provided showers."
"This is a typical Florida spring."
from $38 - $70 / night
Check Availability"From the initial encounter with the ranger at the entrance to the staff running the camp store everyone was super-chill. Campground was well maintained and our neighbors were all well behaved."
"This is my favorite Florida State Park so far. Sites are small. Some are very shallow. There is plenty of greenery between sites. Camp road and sites may be difficult to maneuver into."
from $24 / night
Check Availability"Clearwater Lake Recreation is one of the few National Forest Service managed campgrounds located at the southern end of Ocala National Forest. Campsites are well-shaded, private and spaced apart."
"Clearwater Lake Recreation Area was recommended to us as a backup option to nearby and popular Alexander Springs for our small group of scouts."
from $38 / night
Check Availability"The spring pool is gorgeous and quite, very pretty trails to watch spring boils and turtles. Very sunny during the day and very cool at nigth."
"The Florida Trail runs right through this spot and has a natural spring connection as well. We camped out near the facilities and am happy to report everything was maintained and clean."
from $38 - $70 / night
Check Availability"Lots of permanent sites takes away from the typical campground. Staff member was nice and helpful. NO internet and phone service so spotty that hotspot was useless."
"This family run location has bee in operation for over 50 years and is working on their 4th generation! They offer 50 sites with full hookups (some 50 amp), tent sites and hot showers."
from $25 - $32 / night
Check Availability"There are no laundry facilities but if you exit park and drive left there is a laundromat, local food, dollar store, bait tackle."
"Located in the center of the state, you’ll have near equal access to both the Atlantic Ocean to the east as well as the Gulf shores to the west."
from $38 - $70 / night
Check Availability"Close to home and took a drive through one day. Haven't been camping yet this year due to illness but getting ready to get on the road."
"We camp a lot during the summer but since this is Florida it's HOT regularly and sizzling during the summer months."
from $24 / night
Check Availability"Johns River KOA in DeLand, FL is a great find for those looking for everything properly arranged for a riverfront encampment with EZ access to the frackish waters."
"This is really getting away from it all. The only way to reach the island is via the ferry (free, and runs all day) or bring your own boat. There are boat docking facilities."
"Would not recommend walking with all your camping stuff). I came here for my birthday weekend last year and it was a great choice!"
GuideGreat little spot, easy access to silver springs. Glass boat tour was cool - just the right amount of cruising time before little ones breaking points! Ice cream afterwards of course and good local pizza joint.
LegendDelivering a blend of riverside charm and campground convenience to the banks of the St. Johns River, St. Johns River KOA in DeLand, FL is a great find for those looking for everything properly arranged for a riverfront encampment with EZ access to the frackish waters. Located just off State Road 44, it's an easy exit from Orlando or Daytona, but once you're settled, it feels like a peaceful riverfront retreat. First impressions? Pull into a shaded site, breathe in the river air and instantly realize you've landed in a camper’s version of lakeside serenity.
This KOA pulls no punches on amenities. You'll find full RV hookups (30 / 50 amp electric, water, sewer), spacious back-in and pull-through sites that fit up to 80' rigs, clean bathhouses, laundry, Wi Fi, a dog park and a center pavilion. At the water’s edge, there's a marina with boat and kayak rentals, a boat ramp and even a restaurant serving riverfront fare and weekend live music. All the staff you come into contact with here are friendly locals and a relaxed yet well-maintained environment that keeps you both entertained and relaxed. The crown jewel of this place? The Tiki Bar that sits atop John’s River Grille on-site at this location comes with just one rule: don’t show up late for the Happy Hour sundowning sessions!
Where this KOA shines is on the water. The St. Johns River is full of life, so expect to see manatees, turtles, great blue herons and even gators. Kayaking or paddling right from the campground is a breeze, and guided tours offer a closer look at local wildlife and quiet stretches of river. And when you want to stretch beyond the river, historic downtown DeLand, De Leon Springs State Park and the Ocala National Forest are all within easy reach.
Insider Tips? Here’s a smattering: (1) River-view pull-through sites are prime real estate for sunrises and quick water access, so book early for the best sites; (2) Kayak or paddle launch right from the boat ramp for ideal for wildlife spotting and scenic calm; (3) Guided river cruises (available on-site) unlock insider encounters with manatees and osprey at low cost; (4) Prefer quiet? Request a site farther from the pool and marina because foot traffic can rise near those areas; (5) Bugs gather at sunset, so bring repellent for riverside evenings; and (6) Nearby dining options include Shady Oak Restaurant (you could walk to from St. Johns River KOA), Gator Bites, Emmy’s Time Out Tavern for an old school supper club menu or Hyder Head Brewery for locally brewed hops and Haggis.
Happy Camping!
LegendNestled within the longleaf pine flatwoods of Matanzas State Forest just south of St. Augustine, the group campground here feels like stepping into a slice of Old Florida: untamed, tranquil and blissfully simple. Managed by the Florida Forest Service, this rustic site lies within the Pellicer Creek Corridor, where the air is thick with pine and salt, and the forest floor hums with life. The drive-in sets the tone where a canopy of oaks shrouded with Spanish moss gives way to open meadows and whispering wetlands before revealing the group camping area, which I must admit, is NOT the easiest place to find, but once you do, you’ll discover a wide, sandy clearing ideal for tents, both large and small as well as, of course, hammocks, which are perfect to absorb the shade that this space offers.
So, insofar as getting to this location is concerned, basically, once you enter Matanzas SF on Double Gate Road from US1, you’ll essentially drive east until you have the opportunity to drive north before you wind up in the NE corner of the forest. There’s a lot of possible pathways you could take that will get you lost, but basically, you would have to be driving down non-cleared roads that have signs indicating you can’t drive on these pathways anyway. Your GPS will work out here and I would suggest you follow the roads on TheDyrt mobile app to guide you to this location as it is spot on. But when you do arrive, you’ll discover a simple parking lot with about 4 different pathways leading in opposing directions – so which one to take? That’s the greatest question you’ll find yourself asking. Here’s what you want to do – just stay in your car and keep driving north down the path that has tire marks on it and within 50 yards, it will drop you off at the Group Campground.
Facilities are modest but well-kept: there’s an oversized fire ring with foldable grill as well as single oversized, double-sided stand-up BBQ grill, about a half dozen picnic tables (with half being delapidated and the other half brand spanking new), a single port-a-potty and no potable water or source of electricity. What this spot lacks in amenities though makes up for in serenity. This is the kind of place where your morning alarm is a woodpecker’s knock and your evening entertainment is a campfire under a sky thick with stars. The surrounding trails and forest roads connect to the Pellicer Creek Aquatic Preserve and the Graham Swamp Trail System, offering plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, paddling and spotting wildlife like egrets, deer, and the occasional wild turkey.
Although secluded, the campground is only about 20 minutes from Ancient City and 10 minutes from Palm Coast, making supply runs and day trips easy. For essentials, stop by the Publix Super Market on Palm Coast Parkway, the Shell gas station at US-1 and Old Kings Road, or the nearby Tractor Supply for ice and camping odds and ends. There’s no REI or Bass Pro Shop within 10 miles, but Academy Sports+ Outdoors is the best bet for outdoor gear and fishing tackle, although that's going to be a hike (er, long drive) from here.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a handful: (1) The group site’s best tent placement is on the southern edge of the clearing where the pines provide late-day shade and natural wind protection; (2) Bring plenty of water as there’s no potable water here; (3) For kayaking or canoeing, head to the Pellicer Creek launch on nearby Old Kings Road for calm water and beautiful tidal scenery; (4) Trails in Matanzas can flood after heavy rain, so check conditions with the Forest Service before arriving; (5) Wildlife lovers should keep an eye out for gopher tortoises along the sandy roads and hawks circling above the pine canopy – on our visit, we were blessed to see an adolescent black panther; and (6) When it’s time to eat, reward yourself with a laid-back bite of a Surfin’ Cali burrito at nearby Jimmy Hula’s or an elegant dinner of steak pom frites at Le Bouchon Brasserie in the historic district of the country’s oldest city.
Happy Camping!
ScoutBeautiful. Friendly and fun
ScoutWe had an awesome time here. The camp hosts were very helpful, professional, and friendly. The bathrooms and showers were exceptional and clean. If someone moved out, within 30 minutes there was someone checking their site for anything they may have left behind. The only complaint I have, is the other campers that let their dogs do their business and not pick it up. This is not a negative against the campground and their employees.
LegendTucked away at 5320 State Road 11 in De Leon Springs, Candace R. Strawn on Lake Dias Park is a modest (read: not a whole lot here), but charming lakeside retreat for tent campers and minimalist RVers who crave calm over crowds. Twenty to thirty wooded acres cradle flat, shaded ground just steps from the peaceful waters of Lake Dias. With fewer neighbors, the sound of wind effortlessly blowing through the encircling pines, an incessant chorus of crickets and the gentle ripples emanating from Lake Dias are your evening soundtrack. My favorite part about the layout here is that there's an interior road that you'll need to access off State Road 11 that creates a sound buffer between you and the traffic swishing by.
The campground is quite basic with just a community boat launch, recently upgraded playground, a few picnic pavilions equipped with standard-issued picnic tables, stand-up adjustable grills, dated, but fairly clean restrooms and RV-friendly parking. No frills, no resorts. It’s not packed with amenities like pools or clubhouses, but instead offers level ground, easy lake access - so if you have fishing on your mind, this place is AMAZING - and a sense of being tucked into nature without all the big crowds. Fishing, kayaking or launching small boats from the ramp are top draws here.
Supplies and dining options are just a short drive away. The nearby town of De Leon Springs offers local grocery markets like Winn-Dixie in De Leon Springs or Walmart Supercenter in Deland and convenience stores on the long winding roads in between the thickly forested wooded wonderland you find yourself surrounded by and civilization. If you’re looking for a bit to eat, cupcakes and brunch await at the nearby Sugar Mill Restaurant located inside of De Leon Springs SP, which if you haven't been to an actual spring before, is DEFINITELY worth checking out. For outdoor gear or camping extras, the closest full-service hardware or sporting shop is in DeLand. And when it’s time for a meal after the campfire, you’ll find good fare at Lillian’s Dutch Bakery & Restaurant in De Leon Springs or Solid Ground Coffee Bar in DeLand for a latte and pastries.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a handful: (1) Choose one of the lake-side sites near the boat ramp for the best morning light and serenity; (2) Launch a kayak or canoe early from the free ramp to enjoy glassy water and quiet wildlife when morning is the most ideal; (3) Bring extra insect repellent as mosquitoes and no-see-ums can be active near the water at dusk and especially during the summer and shoulder seasons; (4) Shade is generous, but if you’re arriving mid-summer, consider pitching closer to the tree line for optimal breeze and cooler temps; (5) The park is pet-friendly, so your dog can enjoy walks along the rack of pines and lakeshore - but do be sure not to tie Fido to a tree or leave him alone for any length of time otherwise he'll make an appetizing snack for the gators; and (6) Weekends may get a little busier from local boaters, so consider arriving mid-week for maximum quietude.
Happy Camping!
ScoutJust for the night. The view wasn't great, and it cost $45 per night.
ScoutA very nice campground northwest of Orlando in Apopka. It's near a small airport that only has small planes flying in and out. It's relatively quiet here with access to the major theme parks from the nearby expressway. The staff here are very nice and friendly. I've stayed here on and off for approximately 1 month this summer and plan on coming back here again for the winter.
GuideSurrounded by trees quiet and peaceful
De Leon Springs dispersed camping opportunities feature diverse ecosystems across Ocala National Forest and surrounding areas within a 30-mile radius. Many campgrounds combine freshwater access with hiking connections to the Florida Trail, allowing visitors to explore unique habitats year-round. Water temperatures at natural springs remain consistent at 72 degrees regardless of season, while surrounding forest roads may require higher clearance vehicles during wet periods.
Kayaking at Juniper Springs: Launch directly from Juniper Springs Recreation Area for a challenging paddle through a narrow, winding waterway. The shuttle service costs around $16, but prepare for navigational challenges. As one visitor noted, "The current is pretty strong so you can't stop for a second really to grab a drink or take a photo bc you'll end up somewhere you don't want to be and that could be in the marshy grasses where I saw alligators hanging out."
Fishing opportunities: Highland Park Fish Camp provides direct lake access for anglers. The camp includes a free catch-and-release pond that's regularly stocked. "There is a free catch and release pond that is kept well stocked and a great place for the kids or beginners to learn how to fish," explains a regular visitor who has frequented Highland Park Fish Camp for over eight years.
Swimming at Alexander Springs: The swimming area at Alexander Springs offers one of the largest spring-fed swimming areas in the region. According to a camper, "The spring head is located right in the swimming area, it's bigger than any swim area at a spring that I have ever been too." The recreation area at Alexander Springs provides a spacious swimming experience even during busy periods.
Nature trails: Clearwater Lake Recreation Area features hiking trails that circle the lake and connect to other recreational paths. As one visitor reported, "There is a hiking trail that circles the lake, and the Paisley mountain bike trail head also begins at the campground entrance." The paths offer moderate difficulty suitable for most ability levels.
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the natural buffers between campsites at Clearwater Lake. A camper described, "The sites are heavily shaded and large, with plenty of room and natural buffer between sites." This design at Clearwater Lake Recreation Area creates a more secluded camping experience despite being at an established campground.
Clean facilities: Tomoka State Park maintains exceptional facilities according to visitor reports. "Campground was beautiful and clean. The trees between the spaces were good buffers so you weren't looking right into your neighbors campers," noted one camper who rated their experience highly. The park offers hookups while maintaining natural separation between sites.
Wildlife viewing: Visitors consistently mention wildlife sightings as a highlight. At Blue Spring State Park, one camper described their experience: "We spent much of our time kayaking from the park's canoe launch. Here, we were able to see tons of wildlife from all sorts of fish, alligators, and yes, a manatee!"
Sand bottom swimming: Many natural springs in the area feature clear sand-bottom swimming areas. A visitor at Clearwater Lake described, "The swimming area on Clearwater Lake is a gradually deepening sand bottom with very clear water." This natural bottom enhances water clarity and swimming comfort.
Seasonal restrictions: Some springs limit swimming during manatee season. At Blue Spring, a camper noted, "During the winter you may not be able to swim because of the manatees." This typically affects winter months when manatees seek warmer waters.
Train noise: Several campgrounds experience train noise. At Lake Monroe Park, visitors mention: "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." Noise levels vary by campsite location and personal sensitivity.
Ferry-only access: Hontoon Island State Park requires ferry transport. A visitor explained, "All camping supplies must be brought over by boat in wheelbarrows provides by the parks services." The park offers a free shuttle service from the dock to campsites approximately one mile inland.
Spring crowds: Expect busier conditions during weekends and holidays. One visitor advised about Wekiwa Springs: "If you go on a weekend, make sure you go EARLY! Line of car starts around 9am and park will close at capacity." Many springs reach capacity by mid-morning during peak periods.
Kid-friendly swimming: Alexander Springs provides gradual entry points ideal for children. A camper observed, "The spring is wonderful even on busy weekends is very manageable." Wekiwa Springs State Park also offers accessibility features for families, with one visitor noting, "Jane, one of the park rangers informed us about the ramp for wheelchairs, and a lift into the water!"
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature playground facilities. At Hontoon Island State Park, a visitor mentioned, "There was a great playground for the kids and we enjoyed a nice long hike as well." The island setting adds novelty for children while providing structured recreation.
Learning opportunities: Many campgrounds offer educational experiences. At Juniper Springs, trails showcase diverse ecosystems. One visitor described the area as having "crystal springs & the spring fed river meandering all through the park," creating natural learning environments.
Safety considerations: Monitor children closely around water. A parent camping at Salt Springs Recreation Area shared: "We went camping here with two small kids, one of the sites closest to the springs, just a short walk. The campsite was much bigger than I expected." Proximity to water requires constant supervision.
Hookup availability: Full hookups are limited to certain campgrounds. At Salt Springs Recreation Area, RV sites feature "FHUs offering up 30/50 amp electric, water and sewage, making this the largest CG of any in the Ocala National Forest and the only one with FHUs."
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds require leveling equipment. A visitor at Salt Springs noted, "Sites have paved pads but most are not level." Bringing leveling blocks is recommended, especially for larger rigs.
Reservation importance: Secure sites well in advance, particularly for winter months. At Tomoka State Park, visitors recommend early booking: "The site had good separation from the neighboring sites and was level. The campground was mostly quiet."
Site size considerations: RV sites vary significantly between campgrounds. One Blue Spring visitor cautioned, "Campground sites feel secluded with vegetation but can be challenging for backing up into spots." Many sites accommodate larger rigs but may require careful maneuvering due to trees and vegetation.
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 296 campgrounds and RV parks near De Leon Springs, FL and 11 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 47 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near De Leon Springs, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 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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