A
Anthony W.
Scout
ScoutPaynes Prairie Preserve State Park Campground
Campsites
I love this campground very clean and has nice big sites.
Glamping near Fanning Springs, FL
6 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Search destinations
Add dates
Otter Springs Park & Campground and Ichetucknee Springs Campground house upscale glamping accommodations near Florida's pristine natural springs, blending outdoor adventure with resort-style comfort. The glamping units at both locations feature electricity, comfortable beds with quality linens, and climate control options for year-round enjoyment. At Otter Springs, the luxury canvas accommodations are positioned within easy access to the picturesque spring head, while Ichetucknee's premium safari-style tents provide a more secluded experience with convenient access to paddle sports. Each glamping site includes a dedicated fire ring, sturdy picnic table, and proximity to modern bathroom facilities with hot showers. One visitor noted, "The cabins felt right at home. It was a really nice change from sleeping in a tent and made exploring the trails and paddling to the Suwannee River even more enjoyable."
The natural spring systems surrounding these glamping resorts create exceptional recreational opportunities directly from your luxury accommodation. Guests at Otter Springs Park can access both the heated indoor pool and the natural spring for swimming, with hiking trails connecting to the Suwannee River for paddling adventures. The trails throughout the 600-acre property offer excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, with many glampers spotting deer and diverse bird species during their stay. Ichetucknee Springs Campground provides direct access to tubing and paddling activities, with equipment rentals available on-site. A recent visitor mentioned, "Beautiful campground with springs that are clear and unpolluted. The swimming area is clean and walking distance from the glamping sites." Both locations maintain stargazing fields behind the accommodations, perfect for evening relaxation after exploring the nearby nature preserves and state parks. Reservations for these glamping yurts and canvas accommodations are recommended, especially during spring and summer months when water activities are most popular.
Best Glamping Campgrounds near Fanning Springs (23)
1. Manatee Springs State Park Campground
"Easy access to the park and quick and painless check-in process with reservations. The main road in the campground is fine but the roads to the sites are gravel with potholes."
"Spaces were level and came with a picnic table, fire pit, plenty of trees and wildlife!"
2 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $20 / night
2. Otter Springs Park & Campground
"Located in the town of Trenton, Florida is this gem of a spot loved by the locals and tourists alike."
"The spring wasn’t anything amazing but definitely a way to cool off here in the Florida heat. I will definitely be staying here in the future."
46 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $45 - $150 / night
3. Otter Springs Resort Park and Campground
"Arrived here for a four-night tent stay at spot 110 after The Suwanee Music Park, in mid October 2020. Took several country roads to get here and was happy to put gas at that last gas station."
"This private RV and tent campground has a gorgeous hot spring on site which flows into the Suwannee River. Recreation includes swimming, canoeing, hiking, biking and birding."
Check Availabilityfrom $45 / night
4. Ichetucknee Springs Campground
"We arrived a little later than we wanted (around 6:30). It was pretty dark. We followed the sign in the office to the host camp, right behind the rec hall. It was simple."
"The North side gate is right next to the campground and provides two swimming holes."
Check Availabilityfrom $20 - $40 / night
5. Dogwood Campground — O'Leno State Park
"My dogs don’t understand that this is the type of park where the wildlife will chase and eat them instead of the other way around ………So that being said keep a close eye on your kids and pets!"
"There’s a good bit of distance between you and your neighbor which is always nice. The campsites have electricity and water and there is a dump station on-site. "
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $18 / night
6. Ellie Ray's RV Resort & Lounge
"Bathrooms within walking distance. Pool and hot tub are great."
"Right near water and dock. Pool and jacuzzi. Water in cabin was brown - so showering was strange. Bring bottled water/water storage. Boat, canoe rentals."
7. Shell Mound Campground
"Small campground, around 26 spaces. 1- You can arrive at any time, having a vacant spot, you can set up your campsite and pay when the office opens in the morning around 7:30, no reservations, first come"
"There’s something deeply grounding about arriving at Shell Mound Campground, where the road narrows, the salt air thickens and you realize you’ve traded polish for authenticity in one of the last truly"
Check Availabilityfrom $22 - $25 / night
8. Magnolia Campground — O'Leno State Park
"We tent camped & stayed in the Magnolia Loop which had section fencing for each lot. There was a nice playground & many learning spots set up."
"They were definitely the size we needed to set up 2 tents, very leveled, and very clean. The bathroom had nice hot showers but might need some maintenance. "
Check Availabilityfrom $18 / night
9. Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park Campground
"The tent only spots are nice and secluded. You do have to walk maybe 100-200 ft from your car to the campsite. I was in site #24. Nice and open with a lot of trees for protection."
"We stayed in site #38 it's a shaded site with water & electric. There is a picnic table & a fir pit the fire pit was a little to close to the camper to have a fire."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $18 / night
10. Cedar Key RV Resort
"If Cedar Blessings (the other RV resort across the street) feels like staying with family, Cedar Key RV Resort feels like checking into a coastal boutique resort that just happens to welcome RVs, sitting"
"Grounds were well kept and our site had some shade which is needed in Florida. Wifi was pretty good-- had an outage one night, but other than that, we were able to stream with few issues."
Check Availabilityfrom $43 - $60 / night
Drive Time
- 50 min from Gainesville, FL
- 59 min from Ocala, FL
- 1 hr 4 min from Homosassa Springs, FL
- 1 hr 22 min from Wildwood, FL
Recent Glamping Photos near Fanning Springs, FL
17 Photos of 23 Fanning Springs Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Glamping Reviews near Fanning Springs, FL
300 Reviews of 23 Fanning Springs Campgrounds
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!
Kai Z.
RangerPaynes Prairie Preserve State Park Campground
Beautiful Nature Escape with cool Wildlife
This is a really nice campground surrounded by beautiful nature. The bathhouse is a little older, but still fine. The area itself is really impressive though, with lots of wildlife all around. If you take a short walk, you’ll find a spot with a water view and tons of seating areas — a really beautiful place to relax. For the price, you honestly can’t complain. There are quite a lot of insects at night, so bringing good bug spray is definitely a good idea. But for our one-night stay, it was absolutely worth it.
- LLuke L.Scout
Ichetucknee Family Canoe and Cabins
Wrong listing! But still okay.
The phone number listed directs you to a campsite just up the road, which actually shares the same name as this listing. However, most of the photos shown (up to around photo 22) are of a different campground than where you’ll end up if you book here.
If you follow the booking details, you’ll be taken to a more open RV-style site with many long-term renters, and it does not match the photos provided. The area itself is still nice, and there’s a convenience store nearby with basic supplies.
If you’re specifically looking for the campground shown in the photos, make sure to search for Ichetucknee Springs Campground on Google to find the correct location.
Maria Mercedes M.
LegendShell Mound Campground
First-Come Simplicity on the Gulf’s Edge
There’s something deeply grounding about arriving at Shell Mound Campground, where the road narrows, the salt air thickens and you realize you’ve traded polish for authenticity in one of the last truly 'Old Florida' camping outposts near Cedar Key. Set within a protected coastal landscape of tidal creeks, marsh grass and shaded scrub, this small public campground offers a mix of primitive tent camping and basic RV sites with dirt and grass pads, minimal infrastructure and a refreshing absence of crowds or commercial gloss. Amenities are simple and purposeful with vault restrooms, picnic tables, fire rings, a boat ramp and short nature trails. But beware: everything here operates on a strict first-come, first-served basis, which is both its biggest charm and its biggest gamble, meaning early arrival is key if you want your pick of sites. One quiet evening, the boys helped us carry the canoe down to the water’s edge, laughing as fiddler crabs scattered and osprey hovered overhead, and later we fell asleep to the rhythmic sounds of the marsh rather than generators or highway noise. From what we saw, the best sites are those closer to the water, offering better breezes, easier kayak launching and beautiful sunrise views across the estuary, while inland sites feel a bit more tucked away but still peaceful. We’d recommend Shell Mound for families and campers who value solitude, wildlife and affordability, are comfortable with rustic conditions and don’t mind planning around a first-come system in exchange for a genuinely quiet, nature-forward experience that feels worlds away from resort-style camping.
Sandra L.RangerDogwood Campground — O'Leno State Park
Beautiful historic park
After exploring the museum, enjoying the nature trails, enjoy some fishing, or bird watching along the river. See where the river sinks( ends) and look for the turtles in the water. The campsites are shaded, level and qell kept. Bathrooms are clean, handicapped accessable, and conviently located. Pets welcome, families welcome. Big rigs may find the campground roads tight, but there are multiple sites available for big rigs. Be aware there are trees along the roads, so be aware of any lower branches.
- Maria Mercedes M.Legend
Cedar Key RV Resort
Glitz RV Camping by the Gulf
If Cedar Blessings (the other RV resort across the street) feels like staying with family, Cedar Key RV Resort feels like checking into a coastal boutique resort that just happens to welcome RVs, sitting directly across the road and making the contrast immediately clear the moment you pull in. This is a well-planned, modern RV resort with paved roads, manicured landscaping, tidy concrete pads and a noticeable emphasis on presentation, from the entrance signage to the neatly spaced sites that feel intentional and polished. Amenities lean firmly into the resort category, with a sparkling pool, clubhouse and communal spaces like fully functional kitchen, living room w/ TV and an endless lineup of books, board games and DVDs all designed for socializing rather than solitude, making it especially appealing for snowbirds and longer-stay guests who enjoy a bit of buzz and structure. One evening, after a full day of salty air and sightseeing, we let the boys run laps around the pool deck while we sat back watching the sun melt into the Gulf, the kind of low-stress moment that reminds you why amenities matter when traveling as a family. From what we saw, the best sites are those closer to the interior of the resort, where you’re a short walk to the pool and clubhouse but buffered from any road noise. We recommend Cedar Key RV Resort for families and couples who enjoy a more upscale, social camping experience with creature comforts front and center, and who don’t mind trading a little rustic charm for convenience, polish, and that unmistakable resort feel.
Adam B.RangerDogwood Campground — O'Leno State Park
Peaceful and pretty
Nice quiet campsite with decent level spaces Ok cell service Verizon and att Lots of deer and armadillos
- JJeannie B.Scout
Peacock Slough River Camp — Suwannee River Wilderness Trail
Boat in river access camping only
Many kayakers and canoers camp at this river camp. There are five Screened in platforms that are person can simple hang a hammock or set up a tent. There is a shower house with ADA access along with one of the platforms. There is electricity in each platform. This camp also has 5 primitive sights. Water is available at each platform and one in primitive. If you want a relaxing and moderate wilderness experience, check out this park. NO RVs or vehicles of any type are allowed. BOAT IN ONLY!
Guide to Fanning Springs
The Fanning Springs area of Florida sits at the convergence of the Suwannee River and several natural springs, creating a unique freshwater ecosystem with year-round 72-degree spring temperatures. This region in Levy County features numerous camping options within a 30-mile radius, with most campgrounds situated close to spring systems that remain clear and swimmable even during winter months when river levels are typically lower.
What to do
Paddling adventures: Manatee Springs State Park Campground offers excellent canoe and kayak experiences on both the springs and the Suwannee River. "A great place to kayak! You will be able to see a lot of manatees if you are lucky. The showers are large. The campsites are good and shaded," notes Jordan S. Rentals are available through the park concession.
Wildlife viewing: Trails at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park Campground provide opportunities to spot unique Florida wildlife including wild horses and bison. "Many opportunities to spot wildlife close by. Buffalo, deer, eagles, alligators, owls....Visit Sweetwater," recommends Jenn B. The park's elevated observation tower offers prairie views.
Springs swimming: Ichetucknee Springs features multiple swimming areas with crystal-clear water. "This has been one of my favorite campsites. The campground is nice: level ground, lots of trees, CLEAN bathrooms and showers, and walking distance to a great swimming area that's clean and unpolluted," shares Mica H. The main swimming hole is typically less crowded during weekday mornings.
What campers like
Natural springs access: Otter Springs Park & Campground provides direct connections to its namesake spring. "Otter Springs Campground is off the beaten path, but is a very pleasant place for relaxing and a little spring dipping. There is a pool with showers and several playgrounds near the campsites," writes Amelia W. The spring maintains a constant temperature regardless of season.
River-based recreation: Ellie Ray's RV Resort & Lounge sits directly on the Santa Fe River. "Beautiful campground right on the river with boatramp. Nice pool area and lounge. Love entertainment Friday and Saturday," explains Rusty Gate F. The resort offers pontoon boat and jet ski rentals at hourly rates.
Stargazing opportunities: Several campgrounds in the area feature minimal light pollution for night sky viewing. "Great location with plenty of dark skies. The spots are well spaced in the woods, with plenty of room," notes Joe R. about Paynes Prairie. The field behind Otter Springs is particularly good for stargazing.
What you should know
Seasonal flooding concerns: The Suwannee River system can flood during rainy seasons, affecting campground access. "Due to rain & flooding of the Suwannee River over the ten weeks we were there, we were unable to access the spring or experience kayaking or the few amenities of the park. Very disappointing," reports Julia H. about her stay at Otter Springs.
Insect preparation: Shell Mound Campground and other riverside locations require serious bug protection. "The place is full of bugs and mosquitoes especially in the afternoon, night and dawn, so don't forget to bring your repellent, make a fire to scare away insects, bring firewood, citronella candles or mosquitos coil, fan etc," advises Mayra R. Bug activity intensifies at dawn and dusk.
Water quality variations: Spring clarity can change with rainfall and river conditions. "The swamp there is absolutely beautiful with lots of large oaks and cypress. There is another spring there that's called Little Otter that's close to the river and accessible by foot," explains Thomas R. Calling ahead about water conditions is recommended.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly recreation: Ichetucknee Springs Campground offers family activities beyond water sports. "The office has pool tables and games for kids to enjoy. There's also a lot of friendly animals that live on the property, such as goats, a donkey, chickens, dogs and cats," writes Miguel. Many families bring bikes for exploring the campground roads.
Safe swimming areas: Look for designated swimming zones with lifeguards during summer months. "The site has a basketball court, a clubhouse with arcade games, pool tables and an air hockey table. If you'd rather play with animals, you can go pet their cow and they now have a donkey!" shares Chad N. about Ichetucknee Springs Campground.
Educational opportunities: Many state parks offer ranger-led programs that engage children. "We did the Ranger led hike which was really nice, my 5 year old struggled to keep up with the Ranger and there are decent elevation changes," notes Lindsey H. from her experience at Paynes Prairie. Most programs run on weekends during peak seasons.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Many campgrounds have varying site sizes and privacy levels. "The RV sites have a terrible layout and it's hard to tell where the site begins and ends. There are trees in the middle of the site and makes it difficult to park an RV to get the slide out and awning out," cautions Melissa A. about Ichetucknee Springs Campground.
Utility placement awareness: Check hookup locations before selecting sites. "The electric box and water is in the very front of the site," continues Melissa A. about Ichetucknee, while Julia H. notes at Otter Springs that "water and electric were in a pretty logical spot and could easily reach anywhere in the site with a long enough hose or cord."
Campground surface conditions: Sand-based sites present specific challenges. "The sites were spacious enough - not too close together but not much privacy either. If you do not like noise choose a sight away from the pool! RV sites have Full hookup: Electric (30& 50 amp.), water, and sewer," explains Jeanene A. about Otter Springs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping
campsite near Fanning Springs, FL?
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Fanning Springs, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Fanning Springs, FL is Manatee Springs State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 69 reviews.
What is the best site to find
glamping camping near
Fanning Springs, FL?
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Fanning Springs, FL?
TheDyrt.com has all 23 glamping camping locations near Fanning Springs, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring