N
Nancy L.
Scout
ScoutHaines Creek RV Village (55+)
Nice Private Park
Great small RV park. Very clean and super friendly & helpful staff. We stayed 3 nights and will definately return. Approximately 60% full-time residents.
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 (314)
1. Rainbow Springs State Park Campground
45 ReviewsDunnellon, FL3 milesWebsite+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. Encore Crystal Isles
23 ReviewsCrystal River, FL15 milesWebsite+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."
3. Ross Prairie Campground
12 ReviewsHernando, FL9 milesWebsite+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"
4. Holder Mine Campground
20 ReviewsInverness, FL18 milesWebsite+1 (352) 797-4140$23 / night
"I had site 1, which sites 1 and 2 are next to the entrance gate. It was fairly quiet at night. There was a few times I heard loud vehicles gojng down the road but not enough to complain about."
"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!"
5. Rock Crusher Canyon RV Park
13 ReviewsCrystal River, FL14 milesWebsite+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."
6. Potts Preserve
9 ReviewsHernando, FL14 milesWebsite"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. Shangri-La Trailhead & Campground
7 ReviewsHernando, FL12 milesWebsite+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."
8. Sandy Oaks RV Resort
4 ReviewsHolder, FL6 milesWebsite+1 (352) 465-72339. Silver Springs State Park Campground
41 ReviewsOcala, FL27 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsInglis, FL8 milesWebsite+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."
Recent Camping Photos near Dunnellon, FL
284 Photos of 314 Dunnellon Campgrounds
Napunani
Rainbow Springs State Park Campground
Arcadio M.
Unlisted
Dezarae H.
Woodland Nesters
Joseph P.
Cristal Camping 🏕️ Fl
Shayna B.
Shangri-La Trailhead & Campground
Jen U.
Village Pines Campground
L&A C.
Gulf Coast RV Resort
Amy A.
Higher Ground
Alyssa D.
Potts Preserve - River Primitive Campground (North Hooty Point Road)
Todd M.
Potts Preserve
Phil
Encore Crystal Isles
Island C.
Suncoast MH & RV Park
Recent Reviews near Dunnellon, FL
1111 Reviews of 314 Dunnellon Campgrounds
- KKyle L.Scout
Old Florida RV Resort and Marina
Tremendous place to camp
Great environment, a lot of marine activity in the water and boat rental was super fun.
- CCory J.Scout
Lake Delancy West Campground
Nice spot in the trees
Awesome open spots for dispersed camping. Not too busy and camp host is a really nice dude.
Susan A.ScoutMill Dam Lake Resort
Mill Dam campground PARKING LOT
75 women campers rented the parking lot at Mill Dam used for large group camping. I believe it was $100 a night. Currently a 'burn ban' on fires but they are otherwise allowed. Most of us have dogs and cats, but must check you and you pets for ticks, they are prevalent. There is a lake with a beauriful beach. There are restrooms and changing rooms with floor drains, so if you bring your own shower you can use that. There are no power hookups or dump stations that I saw, but there are dumpsters. There is a resident black bear so MUST observe bear safety. Great place, very nice camp host, kept bathrooms clean and stocked.
Glen W.ScoutSalt Springs Recreation Area
Salt Springs is Beautiful!
The campground is clean with large sites, huge trees, shade or no shade, very clean bath houses, and extremely friendly and helpful staff. The springs themselves are perfect for a refreshing swim or snorkeling. A bit far from a real grocery store but there is a convenient mart and hardware store close by.
Jonathan G.
TravelerLake Delancy West Campground
Much nicer than expected
Other reviews had suggested that this campsite was largely used by ATV and other off highway vehicle enthusiasts using the adjoining trail system and it was loud and unpleasant. On our visit, there were only three campers total in the area, which was nicely maintained and clean, with a very friendly and accommodating campground host. The campground is directly adjacent to the Florida trail, which provided great opportunities for hiking.
- Jonathan G.Traveler
Juniper Springs Rec Area - Tropical Camp Area
Very disappointed
We were very disappointed with the condition of what once was the flagship campground in Ocala National Forest. The boardwalks to both the springs adjacent to the campgrounds were in horrible and disrepair and closed, and looked like they had been for some time. The restroom on the tropical loop where we were staying was in serious need of a deep cleaning, lots of grime all over the walls. Additionally, the only dump station in the old campground was out of order and blocked off. This is one of those campgrounds where the forest service has contracted operations to a private contractor, and they are apparently falling down on the job.
Kathy S.
Guide7 Oaks RV Park
Nature Coast & more
This is an RV Park with no tent camping. Clean & quiet with full hook ups. Within 15 mins of Hernando Beach & Sam's Beach Bar. Close to natural springs and parks. Showers & Laundry available.
- Dallas W.Guide
The Springs RV Resort
Florida campground for 55+
Great place to camp Close to silver springs state park and stores and shopping nearby Would recommend
Guide to Dunnellon
Dunnellon's camping options lie within the subtropical climate zone of central Florida, where the limestone terrain creates natural springs with constant 72-degree water temperatures. The area sits at an elevation of approximately 45 feet above sea level and features several waterways including the Rainbow and Withlacoochee Rivers. Campground access varies from well-maintained state park roads to more challenging forest service routes requiring higher clearance vehicles.
What to do
Kayaking at headsprings: Visitors at Silver Springs State Park Campground can paddle to the iconic headsprings. "If you enjoy kayaking, canoeing, or just floating down river on a tube in addition to camping, this is your spot. We have stayed at sites 50, which is a long pull through site, and at site 18 which was quite private," notes one camper.
Trail riding: Located near the Cross Florida Greenways, Shangri-La Trailhead & Campground offers extensive horse trails. "Sandy trails for horses, watch out for rattle snakes. Trail go on for miles and has a huge sand hill near by to ride horses on and cross over i75," advises a regular visitor.
Manatee viewing: The Crystal River area, approximately 25 minutes from Dunnellon, is ideal for wildlife observation. "Manatee watching center of the world just 9 miles away," explains one visitor to Quail Roost RV Park. The best viewing occurs between November and March when water temperatures drop and manatees gather in the warmer springs.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Rock Crusher Canyon RV Park receives praise for its well-maintained grounds. "We loved our time here. There is so much room at all the sites. Great amenities and actives. Great for active walkers," shares one camper, highlighting the spaciousness compared to other parks in the region.
Privacy between sites: Site layout varies significantly between campgrounds near Dunnellon. At Ross Prairie Campground, campers appreciate the thoughtful spacing: "Lots of space between sites. Lots of Hike, bike horse trails are very nice and easy to navigate. Very clean bathroom/showers."
Natural surroundings: The oak hammock ecosystem creates ideal camping conditions. At Holder Mine Campground, "Each site has a spacious level concrete pad and plenty of shade trees. Clean and well maintained campground, including the restroom/shower with very hot water."
What you should know
Gate access: Several campgrounds require entrance codes after hours. At Ross Prairie Campground, "Gate access during closed hours for the public. Campground visitors get access code upon check in. Owners show you your site."
Road noise considerations: When booking, request sites away from major roads. One camper notes, "The only negative is that it's not far from the raid, you can hear the traffic and it's somewhat busy." This applies to several campgrounds in the area, particularly those near Highway 200.
Reservation timing: Advanced planning is crucial, especially for winter camping. "Love this campground though it can be hard to get in between the snowbirds and tubing season," warns a visitor to Rainbow Springs State Park Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water activities: Rainbow Springs offers excellent options for families with children. "Great for kayaking, swimming and snorkeling! Kids have a lot of fun!" reports one parent about the spring-fed waters that maintain a consistent 72-degree temperature year-round.
Bathroom facilities: When camping with children, reliable facilities become essential. Potts Preserve offers basic but functional options: "Nice campground. Probably about 4 or 5 sites in total. Each site has a fire pit and picnic table, and is semi covered from nearby campers."
Educational opportunities: Glass-bottom boat tours provide educational entertainment. "The glass bottom boat tour is an absolute must, we had such a wonderful time and the boat captain had lots of interesting information. We have a 4 year old and a 10 year old and they both really enjoyed the boat tour also."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: For RV camping near Dunnellon, consider site dimensions carefully. "When making reservations make sure to book towards the center of the park. We were in site 129A. The road noise was constant and loud. Site 127A was so close to us that our picnic table was beside their septic hose."
Hookup availability: Full hookups are available at several parks in the area but vary by site. "All sites are pull thru for you rvers out there! Definitely quieter here," notes a camper at Ross Prairie, which offers electric and water at all sites plus a dump station.
Dump station access: Some parks have eliminated dump stations. "The dump station is no longer in use so you have to use the bath house or dump elsewhere," reports a camper at Holder Mine Campground, highlighting the importance of planning waste management when visiting the area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there RV parks in Dunnellon, FL and what amenities do they offer?
Are there RV parks in Dunnellon, FL and what amenities do they offer?
Dunnellon and the surrounding area have several RV-friendly options with diverse amenities. Cedars Lake MH & RV Park in nearby Old Homosassa offers charming sites around a small pond under oak canopies, with friendly management and a welcoming atmosphere. Salt Springs Recreation Area in the Ocala National Forest provides over 150 sites with one area offering complete hookups including 50-amp service, water, and sewer. Additional RV options include Rock Crusher Canyon RV Park near Crystal River, Sandy Oaks RV Resort near Beverly Hills, and Quail Roost RV Park, all offering standard amenities like water hookups and being big-rig friendly.
Can you camp near Rainbow River in Dunnellon and what activities are available?
Can you camp near Rainbow River in Dunnellon and what activities are available?
Rainbow Springs State Park Campground offers excellent camping directly near Rainbow River with both RV sites and primitive camping options. The campground features hot showers, clean bathhouses, and properly spaced sites. The main attraction is access to Rainbow River for kayaking, canoeing, and tubing. Kayak rentals are available at reasonable prices. The river flows south and is crystal clear, making it perfect for spotting fish and wildlife. Crooked River Campground — Withlacoochee State Forest is another option in the region, located on Silver Lake which is part of the Withlacoochee River system, offering additional water recreation opportunities.
What campgrounds are available in and around Dunnellon, Florida?
What campgrounds are available in and around Dunnellon, Florida?
The Dunnellon area offers several excellent camping options. Ross Prairie Campground is a quiet, smaller campground with about 15 pull-through sites that's part of the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenways. It features clean facilities, friendly camp hosts, and access to hiking and biking trails. Hog Island Campground — Withlacoochee State Forest offers a peaceful setting on the eastern bank of the Withlacoochee River. Other options include Crooked River Campground within Withlacoochee State Forest, Florida Sand Music Ranch in nearby Brooksville, and Santos Trailhead & Campground in Ocala which provides spacious, shaded sites despite being near populated areas.
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