Tent campsites near Gainesville, Florida sit on relatively flat terrain with elevations ranging from 50-100 feet above sea level. The region features sandy soils that drain quickly after rain, making ground conditions more stable than in other parts of Florida. Summer camping temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity, while winter brings pleasant 60-70°F daytime temperatures and occasional nights below 40°F.
What to do
Hiking access to Florida Trail: Lake Delancy East NF Campground provides easy entry to the Florida Trail system with an access point about 200 yards from the campground. "The Florida trail is close by. Several walking trails to choose from. Be cautious around hunting season, as Delancey West appears to be where the hunters all camp with their ATVs," notes camper Alma H.
Equestrian trail riding: Etoniah Creek State Forest offers extensive horse trails on sandy-dirt paths perfect for riders. "If you have horses and are interested in taking your steed for a nice ride, there is a fantastic horse trail that runs the circumference of this park and the sandy-dirt trails are perfect for horseshoes!" writes Stuart K.
Kayaking on Black Creek: Black Creek Ravine provides river access for paddlers who want to explore this waterway. "It is about 30 feet through some trees to the river, so if you were clever, I'm sure you could find it from a boat," explains Nate D. The campsite is accessible only by hiking in approximately 2.4 miles, ensuring more solitude than drive-up locations.
What campers like
Privacy between campsites: At Jennings State Forest Hammock Campground, campers appreciate the natural separation between sites. "The sites were close as you would normally get in an established campground but there was plenty of brush to separate each site," reports Amber R. Another camper mentions, "The sites are all on one loop, but there are trees and bushes separating each one for some privacy."
Peace and quiet: Many tent campsites offer genuine seclusion within a reasonable drive from Gainesville. "It was quiet and felt secluded," writes Amber R. about Jennings State Forest. "Very secluded and quiet. Great place to get away from Jacksonville for a weekend," notes Peter F. This makes these locations ideal for campers seeking to escape city noise.
Swimming options: Some campgrounds feature swimming access as a welcome relief from Florida heat. "The pool is a nice feature, you just be over age 18 and have your license with you to swim, which is weird," mentions one camper at Camp Chowenwaw Park. "We had the pleasure of visiting recently, and to my surprise this small campground exceeded my expectations! I traveled with two children, and they had a blast the entire time!" reports Jeremy R. about Bowman's Landing.
What you should know
Limited water access: Many primitive camping locations have minimal or no running water. At Lake Delancy East, one camper notes, "No running water but has a hand pump well...We found the pitcher pump for water, but wouldn't bring up water. So come prepped with your own."
Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for encounters with Florida wildlife at tent sites near Gainesville. "We hiked about 2.4 mi in to this campsite and stayed one night...On the hike in you can see deer, squirrels, and all kinds of different birds," reports a camper at Black Creek Ravine. Bear sightings are possible at some locations - "Have seen Black Bears but no problems," mentions a Lake Delancy East camper.
Weather considerations: Florida's climate affects camping comfort significantly. "We went in March and it got pretty chilly at night, but the fire pit helped us stay warm," notes Lizzy about Jennings State Forest. Summer heat can be challenging with many primitive sites lacking electricity for fans.
Tips for camping with families
Treehouse camping options: Camp Chowenwaw Park offers unique elevated camping structures kids will enjoy. "The tree houses are very cool and sleep four people," writes Sean B. Another camper adds, "We had the Squirrel Run cabin which had AC and 6 bunk beds. Which was great for our family of 6."
Swimming and recreation: Some campsites provide swimming areas that children particularly enjoy. At Bowman's Landing, one parent notes: "My daughter says her favorite part was fishing and swimming in the river. My son's favorite part was riding around on the provided bicycles and playing darts & cornhole by the communal fire pit."
Easy hiking trails: For families with younger children, look for shorter trails with features kids will appreciate. "There is a fun trail to hike with a wooden bridge over the swamp," mentions a camper at Camp Chowenwaw Park. "The camp has access to black creek and is fun for kayaking," adds another visitor.
Tips from RVers
Consider site access: For RV camping near Gainesville, many primitive areas have challenging access. At Jennings State Forest, one camper warns, "GPS will not get you there. Go to Middleburg. Take Long Bay Rd. Left on Old Jennings Rd. Follow signs." Some sites require additional driving on unpaved roads.
Generator needs: For electric needs at primitive sites, plan accordingly. At Lake Delancy East, a camper advises, "Very Primitive grounds, No electric or running water, but not a lot of crowds. Want electric bring generator."
Seasonal considerations: RVers should time their trips carefully to maximize comfort. "Fall and Winter we are told is the best time to camp here but we were advised to book early!" notes a camper at Camp Chowenwaw Park. Summer months often mean higher temperatures and more insects at most locations around Gainesville.
