K
Kyle L.
Scout
ScoutOld 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.
Best Campgrounds near Gulf Hammock, FL
Camping near Gulf Hammock, Florida encompasses a mix of state parks, coastal sites, and spring-fed recreation areas in north-central Florida. The region is characterized by oak hammocks, freshwater springs, and coastal marshlands where the Suwannee River meets the Gulf of Mexico. Notable destinations include Manatee Springs State Park Campground in Chiefland, which offers tent, RV, and glamping options, and Shell Mound Campground near Cedar Key, which provides waterfront sites with boat access to coastal areas. Many campgrounds in the area sit within the Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge, offering opportunities to observe diverse wildlife including manatees, deer, and numerous bird species.
Most campgrounds in the Gulf Hammock area remain open year-round, though summer brings high humidity, mosquitoes, and occasional afternoon thunderstorms. Winter months (November through March) offer more comfortable camping conditions with temperatures typically ranging from 50-75°F. Cell service varies significantly throughout the region, with state parks generally having limited coverage. According to reviews, Manatee Springs State Park has "little to no cell phone service with ATT or Verizon, even near the concession which reportedly had Wi-Fi." Fire restrictions may be implemented during dry periods, particularly in spring and early summer.
The camping options near Gulf Hammock range from primitive to full-service. State parks like Rainbow Springs and Manatee Springs provide spacious, shaded sites with water and electric hookups, clean bathhouses, and access to spring swimming areas. RV resorts such as Cedar Key RV Resort and Village Pines Campground offer full hookups with 30/50 amp service and resort amenities. For those seeking more rustic experiences, Potts Preserve offers primitive riverside camping described by one visitor as "free, primitive, private, secluded. Pet-friendly, hammock friendly, boat friendly." Water activities are central to the camping experience here, with opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and swimming in the springs, where visitors might spot manatees during winter months.
Best Camping Sites Near Gulf Hammock, Florida (222)
1. Manatee Springs State Park Campground
68 ReviewsChiefland, FL22 milesWebsite+1 (352) 493-6072$20 / night
"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."
"Step into a world of deer, manatee, and unknown river surprises at Manatee Springs State Park."
2. Rainbow Springs State Park Campground
45 ReviewsDunnellon, FL22 milesWebsite+1 (352) 465-8550$30 / night
"I have been to quite a few campgrounds in Florida over the past 20+ years."
"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."
3. Devil's Den Spring
20 ReviewsWilliston, FL18 milesWebsite+1 (352) 528-3344$20 - $75 / night
"Local weekend entertainment, pool, hot showers, and additional places to explore within walking distance. We will be back."
"The location is really convenient and close to Gainesville, so if you want to spend some time being active in the water during the day but want to chill and go see a movie in a theatre at night, you can"
4. Shell Mound Campground
19 ReviewsCedar Key, FL20 milesWebsite+1 (352) 221-4466$22 - $25 / night
"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"
"However, situated approximately 4 miles away, Shell Mound is an incredible camp site for tent camping, RV camping, kayak camping. "
5. Black Prong Equestrian Village
3 ReviewsWilliston, FL9 milesWebsite+1 (352) 486-1234$61 - $357 / night
"As an added bonus we were able to bring our horse for trail rides throughout the park. Tons of room and friendly staff. Highly recommend."
6. Cedar Key RV Resort
7 ReviewsCedar Key, FL15 milesWebsite+1 (352) 543-5097$43 - $60 / night
"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."
"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"
7. Goethe Trailhead Ranch Campground
3 ReviewsGulf Hammock, FL10 milesWebsite+1 (352) 489-8545$10 - $95 / night
"I can't even explain how nice it was to come to a place that wasn't near a roaring highway, airport, train etc. I haven't slept that well in years. The pool was fabulous and very nicely kept."
8. B's Marina & Campground
7 ReviewsYankeetown, FL16 miles+1 (352) 447-5888"The campsites are a very short walk from the marina, if any walk at all. Very quiet and relaxing."
"After an accident I walk with a cane and can’t go far. Sarah the owners daughter took me and my wife in their atv to check out the Gulf Preservr Area. We will definitely go back."
9. Encore Crystal Isles
23 ReviewsCrystal River, FL25 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."
10. Village Pines Campground
1 ReviewInglis, FL11 milesWebsite+1 (352) 447-2777
Recent Camping Photos near Gulf Hammock, FL
259 Photos of 222 Gulf Hammock Campgrounds
Jen U.
Village Pines Campground
Leonard H.
Skyacres aka the tin cottage
Leonard H.
Sky acres
L&A C.
Gulf Coast RV Resort
Tom H.
Devil's Den Spring
Denise H.
Sunset Isle RV Park
Annie C.
Shell Mound Campground
Joseph P.
Cristal Camping 🏕️ Fl
Arcadio M.
Unlisted
Dezarae H.
Woodland Nesters
Jeff A.
Manatee Springs State Park Campground
Christy C.
Rainbow Springs State Park Campground
Recent Reviews near Gulf Hammock, FL
952 Reviews of 222 Gulf Hammock Campgrounds
Dallas W.
GuideThe Springs RV Resort
Florida campground for 55+
Great place to camp Close to silver springs state park and stores and shopping nearby Would recommend
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.
Jeremiah F.
TravelerHolder Mine Campground
Good site
I was there in a 32 foot class A motorhome. The sites are paved and level. 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. The bathhouse is tucked in the back, its a good walk from site 1 but manageable. I think my biggest complaint about this campground, is that all the site pads are boxed in now with wood fences. I dont think it was like that 3 years ago when I stayed last time. So regardless of your site, theres a wood fence between the concrete pad and the fire pit and picnic table areas. There are walking trails nearby but theres not alot to do with kids besides that. I let my kids ride their bikes. They have a dump station outside the campground headed out the main exit. Its on the north side of the road like the campground is but its not a busy road, so you're fine pointing that direction. I didnt use their dump station because I left out the opposite way through the forest for other reasons but I dont recommend that if you dont know people in the area as trail 13 has some sandy spots headed north out of the forest. If you have a vehicle and are into this sorta thing, there are some nearby caves and old cemeteries as this area is known for a couple ghost towns that no longer stand. Trail 9 looked like it may have been a railroad track at one point, either that or they wanted to raise a road pretty high. Ive stayed at this campground now twice, and id definitely go back for an inexpensive stay in the area. I do recommend this campground to anyone's. Pets are allowed, they have stations with bags and cans to put waste in. Water and 50/30/20 hookups at all sites, fire ring and picnic tables.
Ashley R.ScoutEncore Crystal Isles
Great start to our RV adventure
Crystal Isle has been a dream in regards to starting our RV journey. The staff is wonderful. The sites are clean and I feel spacious (again just starting out but we have space). We don't have to worry about our overflow as they have overflow parking. The have a boat ramp for the park residents only. And it is an easy boat ride to the Golf. Shopping, food, and river access are close by. You have Three Sisters Springs and Hunter Springs Beach within 15 minute. Hunter Springs is a great place to bring the kids. It is a small beach on the river so the littles don't get smacked with waves. We stayed the whole month of January and February.
Heather B.ScoutShangri-La Trailhead & Campground
Tent camping
Clean restrooms and showers. Quiet
Nancy B.GuideFore Lake Campground
National Forest
This campground is so peaceful. Very small and cozy. John the host was so nice. Bathrooms were older, but clean. I appreciate they have a handicap shower for me to tell my friend in a wheelchair. She'll love it here. The road is rough with potholes, especially if you have low clearance. But the sites themselves are very private. I could barely see my neighbors. Lots of bear and alligator signs, but only saw deer and cranes. The food locker was nice to have. I really enjoyed my stay here.
- SSarah V.Guide
Mutual Mine Campground — Withlacoochee State Forest
Small quiet campground
The campground was very nice. Sites were spacious and campground was well maintained. Restrooms were very nice and had private shower in each bathroom. Only downside is a bit of road noise but wasn’t enough to make a huge difference. Lots of trails and points of interest around the area.Very nice campground
PIXIE B.TravelerFore Lake Campground
Worth the visit.
Nice little campsite. Reasonable rate. Cars, Vans, Truck Camper, Tents, all allowed in all the sites. So there isn't just a "tent" sites.
Campsite 5. Tmobile. Good service. I didn't even need my router to stream. Bear Aware area.
Host very nice and helpful. There is hot water, but baths need update.
Guide to Gulf Hammock
The Gulf Hammock area sits within Florida's Big Bend region where the Waccasassa River and several springs create a network of freshwater and brackish waterways. The terrain consists primarily of limestone bedrock covered by sandy soils supporting pine flatwoods and palmetto thickets. Camping spots near Gulf Hammock, Florida remain accessible year-round, though spring brings significant wildflower blooms alongside increased mosquito activity.
What to do
Paddle the spring-fed waterways: Manatee Springs State Park Campground offers direct access to crystal-clear spring waters. "A great place to kayak! You will be able to see a lot of manatees if you are lucky... overall very relaxing campground with beautiful springs," notes Jordan S. The park maintains a boardwalk system for wildlife viewing when not on the water.
Fish from dedicated facilities: Shell Mound Campground provides both fishing docks and cleaning stations. "Great fishing spot! Friendly staff! Clean bathrooms! Dog friendly. Just watch where you put your trash, the turkey vultures are great at finding it in the mornings," reports Alyssa C. The boat ramp remains busy from before sunrise to after sunset.
Hike historical sites: Many camping areas connect to archaeological sites, including native shell middens. "The shell mound was the trip highlight for us. We went back several times, walked through the beautiful park and enjoyed the peace and quiet of the marshes. It's amazing to think of how long it had to take to build up a mound 20' tall and a quarter to a half mile long," shares Christine from Shell Mound.
What campers like
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Rainbow Springs State Park Campground offers excellent wildlife spotting along its emerald waters. "We have not camped here, but we went kayaking down the river and it was perfect for a summer (or even winter) day! The water was crystal clear and bright blue in some areas," Alyssa M. explains.
Hot showers after cold springs: Facilities at many sites offer comfort after swimming in 72-degree spring water. At Manatee Springs, Laura M. reports, "Free hot showers. No laundry machines. No trash bins in park, all trash must be taken to dumpsters near park entrance."
Privacy between sites: Black Prong Equestrian Village provides well-spaced campsites. "Massive RV pad, full hookups, Golf Cart, plus privacy between you and your neighbor. As an added bonus we were able to bring our horse for trail rides throughout the park," notes Jeremy R.
What you should know
Insect preparation essential: The Gulf Hammock region has significant insect populations, especially near water. "BUGS! 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. about Shell Mound.
Limited amenities in surrounding area: Most camping locations near Gulf Hammock require planning ahead for supplies. "Nearest gas station and market store is on Cedar Key downtown, 14 minutes by car. (Ice, firewood, drinks, bait)," notes another Shell Mound camper.
Variable cell service: Connectivity ranges from excellent to nonexistent depending on location and carrier. At Devil's Den Spring, campers report sufficient signal for basic functions, while at other springs coverage can disappear entirely.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming accessibility: Choose sites with designated swimming areas for safety. "Beautiful clear spring with swimming area, including area for kids. Two nice boardwalks. Nature trails. Great cafe at the Spring with ribs and pulled pork sandwiches," reports Janet H. about Manatee Springs State Park.
Playground availability: Some campgrounds maintain dedicated children's areas. At Crystal Isles RV Resort, "Facilities were great. Pool was amazing as was the playground. Would stay again," notes Erica D.
Wildlife education opportunities: Many locations offer ranger programs during peak seasons. "We had an incredible time camping here. Swimming in the Springs, canoeing, and seeing so much wildlife. The deer will literally eat out your hand! We saw 3 alligators, one was a 13 footer!" shares PopandNana D. at Manatee Springs.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Choose sites based on accessibility needs. At Cedar Key RV Resort, "Level concrete pads and our site had a paver patio and picnic bench. All the hookups were well placed and maintained. Grounds were well kept and our site had some shade which is needed in Florida," reports Karl and Lisa Z.
Full hookup availability: Several campgrounds provide complete services. "Peaceful secluded campsites. Most have a wooded buffer. There are full hookup sites available. We stayed in site 33. Sites have fire ring and picnic tables," notes Dave D. at Manatee Springs.
Access considerations: Some campgrounds have navigation challenges. "Be ready. Not far away there are also some more cycling trails and hiking trails. So plenty to do in the area when you want to wanter away from your campsite," shares S L. at Rainbow Springs, highlighting the importance of preparation when arriving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Gulf Hammock, FL?
Which is the most popular campground near Gulf Hammock, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Gulf Hammock, FL is Manatee Springs State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 68 reviews.
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