Best Campgrounds near Dunnellon, FL

State parks and forests surrounding Dunnellon, Florida feature diverse camping options centered around the area's natural springs and waterways. Rainbow Springs State Park Campground offers both tent and RV sites with water and electric hookups, situated along the crystal-clear Rainbow River. Ross Prairie Campground, part of the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenways, provides a smaller, quieter experience with approximately 15 pull-through sites. Within a 30-minute drive, campers can access the Withlacoochee State Forest's campgrounds and the more primitive options at Potts Preserve. The region's camping landscape ranges from full-service RV resorts to basic tent sites, with many locations providing river or spring access.

Reservations are essential for most developed campgrounds, particularly during winter months when temperatures remain mild and snowbirds flock to central Florida. Road access varies significantly between locations, with state park campgrounds featuring paved roads while forest service areas may require higher clearance vehicles. As one camper noted, "The primitive camping is tucked back away from most of the RVs and has a bathhouse with very hot water. Each site is spaced properly so not each person is too close." Summer brings intense heat and humidity along with afternoon thunderstorms, while winter temperatures can occasionally drop below freezing. Cell service is generally available at developed campgrounds but becomes spotty in more remote areas.

Water activities dominate the camping experience near Dunnellon, with the Rainbow River serving as a central attraction. "Spent the day kayaking in April on the Rainbow River. It was an easy kayak paddle upstream as the current is not overpowering," reported one visitor. Many campgrounds provide direct water access for swimming, fishing, or paddling. The area's oak hammocks with Spanish moss create naturally shaded campsites that campers frequently praise. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, particularly at dusk when, according to one regular visitor, "different animals or birds appear." Road noise affects some campgrounds, particularly those near Highway 200, prompting experienced campers to request sites farther from main roads. Most developed campgrounds offer clean facilities with hot showers, while primitive sites typically provide basic amenities like fire rings and picnic tables.

Best Camping Sites Near Dunnellon, Florida (296)

    1. Rainbow Springs State Park Campground

    45 Reviews
    Dunnellon, FL
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 465-8550

    $30 / night

    "Took a day trip while visiting friends that live in Gainesville to Dunnellon. Was an easy drive. Spent the day kayaking in April on the Rainbow River. We rented kayaks for a reasonable price."

    "The primitive camping is tucked back away from most of the RVs and has a bathhouse with very hot water/ toilets and hot hand dryers. Each site is spaced properly so not each person is too close."

    2. Ross Prairie Campground

    12 Reviews
    Hernando, FL
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 732-2606

    $22 / night

    "Located near Dunnellon, FL and is part of the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenways. Smaller campground - 15ish sites. All sites are pull thru for you rvers out there!"

    "Pluses are everything is super clean, the camp hosts are amazing, its easy to get to, great access to Ocala or Dunnellon, all sites are pullthrough, ground is small and quiet, 50 amp, and access to great"

    3. Encore Crystal Isles

    22 Reviews
    Crystal River, FL
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "Excellent park, great attractions nearby!

    We have tried to come here each year. It is a larger park, with many residents or longer term or leave the rig weekenders."

    "We had a spot on the lake which was very nice. The staff is super nice. When we arrived someone was parked in our spot but they were not around."

    4. Rock Crusher Canyon RV Park

    13 Reviews
    Crystal River, FL
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 564-9350

    $40 - $63 / night

    "Great spot with amenities and close to everything we want to do. Just make sure you don't get a site along the road."

    "Site 127A was so close to us that our picnic table was beside their septic hose. Would stay here again just in an inner site."

    5. Holder Mine Campground

    19 Reviews
    Inverness, FL
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 797-4140

    $23 / night

    "Best thing about this place is the surrounding area: lots of (walking only) trails but my favorite, the seemingly endless off roading sandy Jeep trails throughout this forest state park - lovely!"

    "There is no real divider between campsites next to you or straight across. BUT for someone who likes ot be a little more secluded, I still did enjoy our time here."

    6. Potts Preserve

    9 Reviews
    Hernando, FL
    14 miles
    Website

    "It is part of the Southwest Florida Water Management District Conservation Lands.

    Youtube Video Review: https://youtu.be/_n8q3ib0kPo"

    "It’s a huge open space with entrances to walking trails and beautiful views of the river. The back-country area has an outhouse."

    7. Sandy Oaks RV Resort

    4 Reviews
    Holder, FL
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 465-7233

    8. Shangri-La Trailhead & Campground

    6 Reviews
    Hernando, FL
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 347-1163

    $18 / night

    "Easy access to hiking and riding trials. Short drive into both Belview and Ocala."

    "I came for a night since it was close to other parks I wanted to visit, but I do think I’ll come back and have my father in law bring his horse with next time."

    9. Silver Springs State Park Campground

    39 Reviews
    Ocala, FL
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 236-7148

    $24 - $110 / night

    "We rode our bikes around the campground and were amazed as almost all the sites were huge! Live oak trees with Spanish moss...this campground is truly the "Real Florida"."

    "Silver Springs Silver Springs SP Beautiful Florida campground with 60 sites, many pullthrus. The sites are huge with lots of space and privacy. Lush surroundings."

    10. Quail Roost RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Inglis, FL
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 563-0404

    $50 / night

    "The park is centrally located to many of the attractions including Weeki Wachee, Silver Springs, Homosassa State Park and others."

    "Lots of biking, hiking, kayaking opportunities nearby. Manatee watching center of the world just 9 miles away. Management is friendly and helpful, residents very nice."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 296 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Dunnellon, FL

1067 Reviews of 296 Dunnellon Campgrounds



Guide to Dunnellon

Camping near Dunnellon, Florida, offers a mix of beautiful natural springs and well-maintained campgrounds. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.

What to do

  • Swimming and kayaking: Enjoy the crystal-clear waters at Ginnie Springs Outdoors. One camper said, “A perfect spot to camp and swim with your friends!!! This spot isn’t far from St. Pete and is great for group camping!”
  • Wildlife watching: At Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park Campground, you can spot wild horses, bison, and various birds. A visitor noted, “Quiet, lots of wildlife (wild horses, bison, alligators, deer, birds, turtles); plenty of hiking and biking trails with beautiful sunsets on the lake.”
  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Rainbow Springs State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, “Great hiking trail! This secret little spot is the perfect escape into the jungle of Florida.”

What campers like

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Lake Louisa State Park Campground said, “Shower facilities are recently remodeled and impeccable, with new wall tiles and epoxy floors throughout.”
  • Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites with good spacing. A camper at Silver Springs State Park Campground shared, “The sites are nice sized and level. The campground is quiet.”
  • Friendly staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of the staff. One reviewer at Alexander Springs Recreation Area noted, “Front desk staff are amazing, so friendly and knowledgeable.”

What you should know

  • Limited cell service: Many campgrounds have poor cell reception. A visitor at Florida Salt Springs remarked, “No T-MOBILE cell service. No public phone for emergency calls.”
  • Noise levels: Some campgrounds can get noisy, especially during busy weekends. A camper at Juniper Springs Recreation Area mentioned, “Over Thanksgiving weekend it got pretty noisy due to one large multi-site group.”
  • No electric hookups at some sites: If you need electricity, check ahead. A camper at Alexander Springs Recreation Area noted, “For the price, no electric or water hookups and the facilities were not well maintained.”

Tips for camping with families

  • Bring bug spray: Bugs can be a nuisance, especially in the warmer months. A visitor at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park Campground advised, “BRING BUG SPRAY. I wish I had time to stay longer to see everything the park had to offer.”
  • Plan for activities: Make sure to have a list of activities to keep kids entertained. One camper at Ginnie Springs Outdoors said, “The springs are amazing and full of wildlife.”
  • Choose the right campground: Some campgrounds are more family-friendly than others. A reviewer at Lake Louisa State Park Campground mentioned, “The rangers are super and nice. Playground and a small beach to put your feet into water.”

Tips from RVers

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at O'Leno State Park noted, “The sites were nice, forested, and reasonably spaced out.”
  • Use the dump station: Many campgrounds have dump stations available. A visitor at Silver Springs State Park Campground mentioned, “There is a dump station for disposal.”
  • Be prepared for limited amenities: Some campgrounds may not have full hookups. A camper at Florida Salt Springs said, “In 20 degree exterior temperatures, both campground bathhouses had windows open.”

Camping near Dunnellon, Florida, offers a unique blend of nature and adventure, making it a great spot for your next outdoor getaway.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Dunnellon, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, Dunnellon, FL offers a wide range of camping options, with 296 campgrounds and RV parks near Dunnellon, FL and 5 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Dunnellon, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Dunnellon, FL is Rainbow Springs State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 45 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Dunnellon, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Dunnellon, FL.

What parks are near Dunnellon, FL?

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