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Daniel R.
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TravelerGreentree Estates
Oak tree
Oak tree is more of a trailer park home opposed to being a campsite but there are people who live in tents on the property
Camping near Dunnellon, FL
321 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
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 Campgrounds near Dunnellon (321)
1. Rainbow Springs State Park Campground
"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."
from $30 / night
Check Availability2. Encore Crystal Isles
"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
"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"
from $22 / night
Check Availability4. Holder Mine Campground
"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!"
from $23 / night
Check Availability5. Rock Crusher Canyon RV Park
"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."
from $40 - $63 / night
Check Availability6. Potts Preserve
"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
"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."
from $18 / night
Check Availability8. Sandy Oaks RV Resort
9. Silver Springs State Park Campground
"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."
from $24 - $110 / night
Check Availability10. Quail Roost RV Park
"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."
from $50 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 25 min from Ocala, FL
- 27 min from Homosassa Springs, FL
- 39 min from Wildwood, FL
- 53 min from Gainesville, FL
Recent Camping Photos near Dunnellon, FL
284 Photos of 321 Dunnellon Campgrounds
Michael R.
Rainbow Springs State Park Campground
Arcadio M.
Unlisted
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Woodland Nesters
Shayna B.
Shangri-La Trailhead & Campground
Jen U.
Village Pines Campground
L&A C.
Gulf Coast RV Resort
Amy A.
Higher Ground
Rusty R.
Potts Preserve - River Primitive Campground (North Hooty Point Road)
Todd M.
Potts Preserve
Johann S.
Encore Crystal Isles
Island C.
Suncoast MH & RV Park
Joseph P.
Cristal Camping 🏕️ Fl
Recent Reviews near Dunnellon, FL
1137 Reviews of 321 Dunnellon Campgrounds
- A
Anthony W.
ScoutPaynes Prairie Preserve State Park Campground
Campsites
I love this campground very clean and has nice big sites.
- CChris I.Scout
Preservation Point RV Resort
Peaceful Stay with Easy Hookups and Beautiful Setting
I visited Preservation Point in June and really enjoyed the stay. The property is a quiet with a lot of open space and natural scenery. The RV sites were clean, brand new, level, and easy to get set up on. The hookups were simple, and everything felt well laid out with plenty of room for the RV. Gail was very helpful and welcoming, which made the whole experience easy from the start. There is plenty of room to relax, enjoy the wildlife, and take in the natural setting. It is also a nice location for exploring nearby Inverness, the Withlacoochee State Trail, and other Central Florida spots. You can tell the park is still growing, but the foundation is excellent. For anyone looking for a clean, quiet, RV-only place with easy hookups and a peaceful setting, Preservation Point is definitely worth considering.
- SSheri T.Scout
Fishermans cove rv resort
Relaxing
My husband and I love spending time here and overlooking the water, the sunsets and taking our boat out spending time with our family ,everyone there is super nice and friendly 😊
Erin L.
GuideManatee Springs State Park Campground
Spring is lovely
Going when it’s super hot turned out to be a great idea! It was lovely to get into the cool water every afternoon and cool right off. We enjoyed paddle boarding also and seeing the alligators, fish and turtles. Had a great time!
- Theresa K.Guide
Rainbow Springs State Park Campground
Unclear new rules & condescending ranger
Site 004 has a river running through it when it rains and floods the fire pit. You will have to set tent up on compacted super hard gravel surface. Fire ants around table and fire ring. The ranger has no tact whatsoever. She was grumpy and nit picking everything
Nancy W.
LegendWorld Equestrian RV Resort
Great for horse lovers
This campground is located on the grounds of the World Equestrian Center– a premier equestrian facility in the US located in Ocala. The campground is large (300 sites) campground and capable of fitting any size RV. The roads in the park are really easy to navigate and easy to back into for any size RV. All sites are back-in with 50/30A full hook-up. Sites 600-733 have more space between them and would be my preferred sites. There is really no check-in lane, you just stop on the road going into the campground and other have to go around you. The laundry is open 24-hours but be aware that people are washing horse blankets, dog beds, and other pet items, so stay away if you are allergic. Conveniently located before the campground is a fuel station (with gas and diesel). The campground is located on a venue that primarily holds equestrian events but also accommodates other sporting events. Some of the venues are quite a long walk away and parking can be difficult. Golf cart rentals are available at the campground. The camp store is nice and more of a gift shop but has a great selection of a range of items from clothes to drinks to food and RV items. They have a coffee bar and also sell alcohol. Restaurants on-site ranging from a coffee shop with pastries to fine dining and everything in between. Our site was long and level and the WIFI worked well. We had nice space between us and our neighbor and were treated to nice sunsets. Overall, we really liked this campground and would come back. We were there when equestrian events were going on and liked that we could watch them for free. Downtown Ocala is about ten minutes away and a cool town. We had lunch, walked around the square and checked out the painted horses. Lunch at the airport restaurant was great!
- CCristie L.Scout
Champions Run RV Resort
This place is fantastic!
I would highly recommend Champions Run. Sites are wide, clean and beautiful. Staff were friendly and helpful. Pool area is spacious, clean and beautiful. Drinks at the tiki bar were delicious.
Dajah B.TravelerFind Out Farms
Beautiful and peaceful
It's very peaceful. Chickens roam free and we were able to see cows and get farm fresh eggs. 50 AMP and water connections, I saw reviews about the road being bumpy but we didn't have that experience. Everything was smooth. 10/10.
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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