Best RV Parks & Resorts near Hawthorne, FL

Looking to find an RV campground, RV park, or private campsite near Hawthorne? Find the best sites near Hawthorne where you can park your RV with a scenic view. Whether you're looking for a quiet location in the woods or a happening campground near the attractions, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to park your RV.

Best RV Sites Near Hawthorne, FL (196)

    Camper-submitted photo from Compass RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Compass RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Compass RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Compass RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Compass RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Compass RV Park

    1. Compass RV Park

    19 Reviews
    22 Photos
    88 Saves
    St. Augustine, Florida

    Take a trip to Old Florida at Sun Outdoors St. Augustine, formerly known as Compass RV Resort. As one of the best RV parks near St. Augustine, Florida, you'll discover great site options, including full hookup sites, patio sites, and buddy sites.

    Our three sections, The Grove, The Pond, and The Oasis, each deliver a different experience. Guests can enjoy a spacious dog park, swimming pool, fitness center, laundry room, a nature trail that winds through the resort, and a friendly community with fun planned activities. Discover all that our St. Augustine RV park has to offer.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Sun Retreats Ocala Orange Lake and Golf Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Sun Retreats Ocala Orange Lake and Golf Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Sun Retreats Ocala Orange Lake and Golf Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Sun Retreats Ocala Orange Lake and Golf Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Sun Retreats Ocala Orange Lake and Golf Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Sun Retreats Ocala Orange Lake and Golf Resort

    2. Sun Retreats Ocala Orange Lake and Golf Resort

    1 Review
    19 Photos
    Reddick, Florida

    Rated "One of the Top Nine Resorts in the United States" by USA Today and given a 5-star rating by Woodall's, Sun Retreats Ocala Orange Lake immerses you in central Florida's natural beauty and seclusion mixed with a wonderful Florida RV resort experience.

    Take your RV experience to the next level with a stay on an elite site offering full hookups with 30- or 50-amp electric service for your convenience. These back-in sites are beautifully landscaped and feature full concrete pads that can accommodate up to 45 feet with room for slide-outs, plus a beautiful brick paver patio area. Each site also includes cable and WiFi services to keep you connected, and a shed for extra storage space.

    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    Camper-submitted photo from Ocala Sun RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Ocala Sun RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Ocala Sun RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Ocala Sun RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Ocala Sun RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Ocala Sun RV Resort

    3. Ocala Sun RV Resort

    6 Reviews
    9 Photos
    6 Saves
    Belleview, Florida

    Ocala Sun RV Resort offers the best of central Florida living with its convenient location, spacious full hook-up sites and first-class resort amenities.

    First-Class Amenities, Activities and Service

    Ocala Sun is a resort community designed to fulfill every wish of today's discerning RV owner. Residents and visitors in this wonderful resort community will have access to a complete suite of luxury amenities including:

    Newly remodeled clubhouse complete with:

    Laundry

    Kitchen

    Counter bar

    TV & lounge area

    Computer station

    2 handicap and 3 regular private baths with showers

    Seating for 90 people at tables

    Free wireless internet and 70+ channel cable TV at every site

    Spacious full hookup sites with 50-amp electric service

    Big Rig Friendly

    Heated outdoor pool and spa

    Outdoor recreation and picnic area

    Pet friendly with a fenced dog run area

    Numerous walking trails

    A secure community with perimeter privacy fence

    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $54 - $75 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Runaway Bay Lodge
    Camper-submitted photo from Runaway Bay Lodge
    Camper-submitted photo from Runaway Bay Lodge
    Camper-submitted photo from Runaway Bay Lodge
    Camper-submitted photo from Runaway Bay Lodge
    Camper-submitted photo from Runaway Bay Lodge

    4. Runaway Bay Lodge

    1 Review
    21 Photos
    17 Saves
    Pierson, Florida

    Waterfront, 420 Friendly and Clothing Optional camping and Gla.ping Destination. Welcome to Runaway Bay! You can lose yourself, find yourself and be yourself all on the same trip!!! We offer luxury glamping Yurts and cabins, as well as sites to set up your own tent. We are refreshingly different. We offer gourmet meals, at our Private Chef Dinner for Two Experience and relaxation services, as well as, yoga, meditation, reiki, sound bath, couples introduction to tantra and our very popular plant based magic meditation.

    Check us out online at: https://www.runawaybaylodge.com/

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Cabins

    $30 - $160 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Ocala North RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Ocala North RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Ocala North RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Ocala North RV Park

    5. Ocala North RV Park

    9 Reviews
    5 Photos
    15 Saves
    Reddick, Florida
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Citra Royal Palm RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Citra Royal Palm RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Citra Royal Palm RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Citra Royal Palm RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Citra Royal Palm RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Citra Royal Palm RV Park

    6. Citra Royal Palm RV Park

    3 Reviews
    23 Photos
    13 Saves
    Citra, Florida

    Citra Royal Palm RV Park - A clean, friendly, and safe camping atmosphere for all types of campers. Full Hook-Up RV Sites, Partial Hook-Up RV Sites, and Tent Sites. Clubhouse with showers and toilets, coin laundry, and wi-fi. A beautiful community fire circle and free firewood, surrounded by a large grassy area, woods, and some backwoods with Florida Swamp backing up to Orange Lake. A mix of short-term and long-term guests. We host Motorhomes, RVs, Tiny Homes, Skoolies, Vans, Tents, and all sorts of other campers.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $25 - $50 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Blanding RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Blanding RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Blanding RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Blanding RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Blanding RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Blanding RV Park

    7. Camp Blanding RV Park

    5 Reviews
    23 Photos
    71 Saves
    Starke, Florida

    Authorized Users Active Duty, National Guard, Reservists, Retired Military, 0-100% DAV, Purple Heart Recipients, Former POW, Veteran Caregivers, DoD Civilians, Sponsored Guests, Public with an approved "Associate Membership" (call office)

    Johnson RV Park accepts reservations, is only for RV's and doesn't have laundry, restrooms or showers. McKenna Campground is first-come only, allows tents, and has showers, restrooms and laundry. 2 tent limit per primitive site. There is a new Wal-mart super center in Starke, Fl. about 15 miles from the Campground. There is a small px with limited food supplies available on post.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Williston Crossings RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Williston Crossings RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Williston Crossings RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Williston Crossings RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Williston Crossings RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Williston Crossings RV Resort

    8. Williston Crossings RV Resort

    5 Reviews
    13 Photos
    33 Saves
    Williston, Florida
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Cooper Lake RV Community
    Camper-submitted photo from Cooper Lake RV Community
    Camper-submitted photo from Cooper Lake RV Community
    Camper-submitted photo from Cooper Lake RV Community
    Camper-submitted photo from Cooper Lake RV Community
    Camper-submitted photo from Cooper Lake RV Community

    9. Cooper Lake RV Community

    1 Review
    15 Photos
    2 Saves
    Interlachen, Florida

    A HIDDEN GEM WHERE PARADISE AND SOUTHERN CHARM MEET

    Multiple spacious, shaded lots where you always feel at home

    • Full hookups with 50 AMP at every site
    • Plenty of pull-through sites for stress-free parking
    • An abundance of back-in sites for your convenience
    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Trash
    • WiFi

    $45 - $55 / night

    • No image available
    Showing results 1-10 of 196 campgrounds

    Recent RV Reviews in Hawthorne

    936 Reviews of 196 Hawthorne Campgrounds


    • Amy P.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Juniper Springs Rec Area - Fern Hammock Springs
      Nov. 21, 2024

      Juniper Springs Rec Area - Fern Hammock Springs

      Party Camp

      Overall it’s not a bad campground but I have no plans to ever return.

      The good: clean bathrooms with running, hot water; wild Florida flora; starry night skies. The spring run is one of my favorites. It’s difficult and technical and challenging and I just love it.

      The bad: the worst part of my experience was other campers being loud after quiet hours and the camp host doing nothing about it. While most people kept it down after 10 (as stated in the rules) one group of partiers was up til 3am, blasting music and hootin’ and hollerin’. I know the park can’t control individual’s behavior but, again, the camp host was on site and did nothing about it. I talked to other campers the next day who all lamented at their lack of sleep because of this one group. It was so bad we only stayed one night. We left the next day after kayaking the run because our home in the city is quieter.

      Also, there’s a general lack of information available for visitors. There are no maps available, for the campground or the run. I had to take a picture of an employee’s personal map of the grounds which ended up being inaccurate because it listed a shower facility that doesn’t actually exist. I asked the staff at the spring run for a map and they didn’t have one I could look at. I asked “how do I know I’m at the end of the run for pickup?” She said “it’s right after the bridge.” Which was true, but it’s not labeled in any kind of way so if I hadn’t asked, I would’ve just kept on paddling forever. Their website has limited information and the confirmation email I got after booking had incorrect information. It said to call if I’d arrive after hours starting in November, so I did, and was told that policy wasn’t in effect for a few weeks. None of these things are a big deal on their own but when they’re all together it becomes a pattern.

    • JThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Ocala RV Camp Resort
      Oct. 22, 2024

      Ocala RV Camp Resort

      No tent camping allowed

      I called and was told they don’t allow any tent camping. Just an FYI. Was advised only the state parks in the area allow tent camping.

    • Alexandra E.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Alexander Springs Recreation Area
      Oct. 19, 2024

      Alexander Springs Recreation Area

      Right across Florida Trail and cold but gorgeous spring

      Very convenient campground to go for a hike along the florida trail and cool off in the gorgeous blue spring waters. It does get crowded so plan accordingly.

    • Joe R.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Black Prong Equestrian Village
      Oct. 14, 2024

      Black Prong Equestrian Village

      Awesome Harvest Host partner!

      We stayed one night on a grass spot with harvest host. While we did not “pay,” we were still treated as royalty. The entire team was amazing. The grass spit was up front by all of the amenities. The other lots are beautiful and further back. The pool is gorgeous. They have bikes that you check out with the bracelets, and the restaurant was top notch with live music.

    • Jeremy R.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Island Oaks RV Resort
      Sep. 18, 2024

      Island Oaks RV Resort

      We will be back. Many Times!

      We just purchased our 33’ Salem travel trailer and we used Island Oaks as our shakedown trip. Honestly, its going to be hard to top this first trip. My Wife and I traveled with our 2 young children and our pup. We never had to leave the park, they had EVERYTHING. Heated resort pool with tiki pool bar & music, beach front lake with a massive inflatable obstacle course, an on-site restaurant & ice cream shop, not to mention multiple fenced dog parks. I cant say enough positives about this place! I chose a pull through site and it had sewage, water, & electrical hook ups. They do offer free Wifi, however I would not rely on it, it was spotty at best. Dont think twice. Give this resort a try. It’s a hidden gem in the middle of nowhere!

    • NThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Ocala North RV Park
      Sep. 13, 2024

      Ocala North RV Park

      Great experience

      We stayed here for 3 weeks. Park staff made sure we had a shaded site in the front of the park. The park is very clean and well cared for. Staff is very attentive. Location is convenient to Gainesville or Ocala, and the park is next to a beautiful horse farm with curious, friendly horses. Great pool and fitness center. Very pet friendly!! We’ve already booked our next stay

    • Ashley W.
      Camper-submitted photo from Sun Retreats Ocala Orange Lake and Golf Resort
      Jul. 28, 2024

      Sun Retreats Ocala Orange Lake and Golf Resort

      Sun Retreat Ocala Orange Lake RV Resort

      This is a beautiful large RV and golf resort. The grounds were clean and well maintained. There is a full 18 course golf course and putting green. There are also onsite golf cart rentals and a golf pro shop. The staff were very helpful and friendly. Bath houses were clean. Nice laundry facilities available. Campground is directly in Orange Lake with a dock available. Fishing permitted off dock and from shore. All roads were paved. There are both RVs and vacation rentals. Many things to do and lots of options for other recreation nearby. We came for spring break and would definitely visit again.

    • Danton T.
      Camper-submitted photo from Silver Springs RV Park
      Jul. 22, 2024

      Silver Springs RV Park

      A great place to stay

      My wife and I decided last year to full time RV. We were already living in Ocala and we wanted to remain in the area. We discovered Silver Springs RV and are so glad we did. Everyone here, especially the staff, was so welcoming and friendly. SSRV is definitely going to be home for a long time.

    • Lorilee S.
      Camper-submitted photo from Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park Campground
      Jul. 6, 2024

      Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park Campground

      Pretty and quiet

      This campground is really dark, quiet and pretty. The bathhouse was always clean. You can smell the well water in the bathhouse. Brings me back to my childhood memories. We rode our bikes to the observation tower, but we were not lucky enough to see any bison or wild horses. Still nice to see the open prairie. We had a big rainstorm and the back of our site did become a lake, but it was gone overnight. The bugs lit us up all hours, so make sure you different bug sprays.

    • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Rivers Edge RV Park
      Jul. 1, 2024

      Rivers Edge RV Park

      Hidden Camping Gem Truly On The River’s Edge

      One thing’s for certain, this camping outpost located just outside the itty bitty village of Georgetown couldn’t be any closer to the mighty St. Johns River, which if you don’t know, is one of the largest and most prolific fishing rivers in all of Florida. Should you find yourself in north-central Florida and / or near Lake George and looking for a spot to call ‘home for the night’ (or many as it might be) then you’ll definitely want to plan a stay here at Rivers Edge RV Park, which is a little know campground jewel in the rough, but be sure to reach out well in advance, as with only 50 or so slots, this place books up quick.

      Apart from the very close proximity to St. Johns River – so close that Rivers Edge RV Park actually offers up boat launch and slips exclusively for its guests, so if you have a boat, whether with motor or not (like those of us towing canoes and kayaks), be sure to call ahead and enquire about available boat slips – this is one very pristine, well-kept and easily organized campground. There’s a decent amount of top-grade amenities including spartan-clean restrooms, shower & laundry facilities with brand new washers & dryers, propane refueling station, a pup playground, trash stations and waterfront nature walk path.

      What I appreciated most was that Rivers Edge RV Park offers up a distinct tent area, which places mi tent-pitchin’ bredren in our own canvassed-erected environ that is actually the closest camping option to the St. Johns River here. As for the RV or 5th Wheel crowd, the standard hook-ups are offered here including 30 / 50 amp electric, water and sewage back-in and pull-through sites with concrete patios. Complimentary WiFi is offered everywhere and actually isn’t too bad (although our ability to stream was slow). Most sites offer up picnic tables and fire-rings and there are community offerings like a riverside pavilion (also with another set of restrooms and showers), lawn games, horseshoes, pickleball court and enough space for a good game of jarts or frisbee.

      As for the campground itself, you’ll access Rivers Edge RV Park simply by following Road 309 and just as this small country road bends making way for Drayton Island, you’ll want to turn in heading westerly, wherein you’ll be greeted by the main office where you’ll check in at the office immediately on the right. The layout for the campground is a simple loop, about the size of a junior football field with sites #1-28 on the right and the other sites through #54 on the interior of the loop. Should you not have a tent or an RV, no worries, the very good folks at Rivers Edge even have a handful of cabins that they’ll rent you. Overall, I found the pricing to be VERY affordable here – no matter what type of camping you might be interested in.

      Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) Rivers Edge RV Park offers up firewood for sale for a decent price, which I always like to flag, because if you don’t need to find additional space to haul firewood with you, it frees up space for other things, right?; (2) If you’ve got kids and need a much bigger space to let them run around, nearby this campground is a very nice kid’s playground as well as a soccer field; (3) For anyone wanting a bit of an off-the-grid adventure, just south of Rivers Edge is the Drayton Island Ferry (just take your second right after the US post office), where you can cross the channel over to Drayton Island for some decent off-the-trail biking & biking as well as zip-lining, which you can access on the far western side of the island at Grands Island Resort, which is a very cool camping outpost in its own right; and (4) Should you grow weary of trying to conjure up that next meal from the depths of your roto-molded Cordova cooler or mini-onboard fridge, you’ll only find meager options near you that include Mel’s River Pub Italian Grille & Liquor Store that offers up a very diverse menu featuring pasta, sandwiches and pizzas, The Oaks Golf Club Café serving up glorified bar fare such as burgers, po-boys, wings, fried baskets, tacos & quesadillas and southern comfort food or Renegades on the River, which is actually another campground, but offers up a super-cool restaurant featuring pizzas, wings, peel & eat shrimp and fried foodstuffs like pickles and gator bites as well as a Tiki Hut pouring some mighty strong Daquiris and Mai Tais.

      Happy Camping!

    • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Rodman Campground
      Jul. 1, 2024

      Rodman Campground

      Hidden Gem for Primitive Camping Solitude w/ Amenities & Reservoir Access

      Maybe it was that the light was falling at just the right time as I moseyed into Rodman Campground a good hour or so before dusk became official here just due south of Palatka, the Sunshine State’s ‘Unofficial Farmer’s Market’ and a pretty decent stretch from the endless miles of pristine white sand beaches on the Atlantic Coast or the overwhelming non-stop entertainment options of a city built on 'Mouse Magic.’ Whatever it was, there’s something that struck us as incredibly special about this particular campground outpost. I think what we left with was a surreal understanding that no matter what you come packing with, you’re gonna have just one helluva amazing camping experience here at Rodman Campground.

      This place is perfect for both the RV tribe as well as mi tent-pitching community. And I don’t often get to say that. As for the campground itself, while there’s 64 sites to choose from in all, there’s basically 3 distinct areas that you should be aware of. The first area is what I would call the VIP RV Lots, given its proximity to the Rodman Reservoir, while I’m not an RV enthusiast, but this spot feels like you’ve hit ‘the jackpot’ as it’s a single lane with 6 or so sites on either side and provides you with direct and easy access to a very well-maintained restroom and shower facility. The second area is exclusively carved out for my tribe – those that are packing their experience with them and like to unroll their version of protection from the elements while staring straight up at the blessed star-crossed sky while completely surrounded by the thick of nature and tall needle-like trees. And while Rodman Campground calls this the ‘primitive campground,’ I’ll affectionately refer to it as ‘Pitch-A-Tent Heaven.’ Admittedly, I’ve never set up camp so close to RVs that still made me feel like one with nature. The third and final campground option here at Rodman is what I will characterize as ‘RV Pavement Parking Lot Hell,’ where if you have an RV (and can’t get into the VIP RV spot, then, well, you’ll be parking yourself here, but hopefully the freshly poured flat concrete will turn out to be a blessing in disguise.

      Regardless of the camping neighborhood that you end up arriving at, Rodman Campground will impress upon you what an amazing place it is, first and foremost, by offering up what is, no doubt, some of the best FL SP staff you will ever encounter – they are friendly, helpful and incredibly proud of this patch of land that they call home. Secondly, the Rodman Reservoir offers nothing short of AMAZING kayak and canoe adventures. The amenities are pretty top notch: back-in and pull-through RV sites with full-hook-ups (30 / 50 amp electric, water and sewage), scattered picnic tables, fire rings and BBQ grills, paved bicycle paths (and miles of additional pavement via Rodman Dam Road, boating within the 9K acre Rodman Preserve, designated dump stations, five reservable pavilions and an excellent boat ramp, freshwater fishing (license required), 5.1 miles of trail hiking (actually part of the Florida National Scenic Trail that runs adjacent to Rodman Campground, picnicking at waterfront pavilions (need to be reserved). If you’re a wild nature enthusiast, you’re in luck, because here at Rodman Campground, you’ll easily be able to spot: bald eagle, foxes, wild turkey, white-tailed deer, hawks and owls, osprey and the American alligator.

      Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) If I was an RV’er (and let’s be clear, I’m not) and I was looking to book a spot here at Rodman Campground, I would absolutely be looking at the VIP RV Lots wherein I would chose any of the spots that are backed up against the wilderness (that would be on the west), which offer a greater degree of connectivity with nature (and thus additional privacy) where, in particular, I would book one of these amazing sites: #2, #5, #9, #10 and #12. While the other sites in this spot aren’t bad, they just don’t offer the amount of privacy that these other 5 sites do; (2) For mi tent-pitching bredren, while almost all of these camp sites offer you a pristine au naturale experience (apart from the few sites that are front-facing (#14-17; #38) you’ll want to prioritize any other site (#18-37) as best you can; (3) If you come bringing your boat, please be aware that there’s submerged logs and other underwater obstructions to be aware of, so motor with caution!; (4) When you get tired of staring down the bottom of your Cordova roto-molded cooler or the emptiness of your on-board fridge, and want to try out some of the local fare, then look no further than Hog Wild Country Café back in Interlachen (no, we’re not in Switzerland, but if you head back NW, you’ll find this spot on County Road 310) where all the traditional BBQ plates are being served (smoked brisket, smoked turkey, smoked pork, OK, smoked EVERYTHING) along with killer southern sides like mac-n-cheese, potato salad, slaw and, my favorite, Vidalia onion rings!; and (5) If you come hauling watercraft, you’ll have no shortage of great launches here at Rodman Campground, but if you are looking to dip your canoe or kayak in some different places, I would highly recommend Marjorie Harris Carr (just follow the Kenwood Boat Ram Road till it reaches a parking circle, from which you’ll easily see the boat launch) or over across the reservoir as well as just heading a bit further west to Rodman Recreation Area where you can drop in there or over at the Rodman Dam Kayak Launch, which has tons of tributaries to navigate.

      Happy Camping!

    • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Crystal Cove Marina & RV Resort
      Jul. 1, 2024

      Crystal Cove Marina & RV Resort

      Single-Lane RV Parking Strip w/ Direct Access to St. Johns River

      If you find yourself up in the northeastern corner pocket of the Sunshine State, and for some reason end-up here in Palatka (a.k.a. The Farmer’s Market of the entire State of Florida) and looking for a spot to park your mobile living room on solid ground, then Crystal Cove Marina & RV Resort might just be the spot for you. Careful though, as there are only about 8 spots here to choose from (although this RV riverside stand is promising 40 more tree-lined RV slots in the near future), but all sites come with full hook-ups including 30 / 50 electrical, water and sewage. There are no picnic tables, BBQ grills or any other amenities to speak of, but you will have direct access to St. Johns River with an amazing boat launch. That’s about it.

      Other than the pavement that you will drive on upon entering this spot or the flat and level sandy locations that you will park upon, there’s not a whole lot to this particular place, although there is an incredibly nice restaurant / bar scenario called ‘The Lighthouse’ (formerly named ‘Captain’s Cove Bar’) which is a decent bar with all of the usuals on tap and on shelf. There’s food trucks and live music on the weekends, but bear in mind that your RV will be parked in the same spot as said food trucks along with all of the local parking traffic that overruns the parking lot you will find yourself in.

      Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) While there’s not much to offer in these parts, you are right near Palatka, which is kind of an overgrown town, that has a number of standard drive-by restaurants that you’ll expect (Chili’s … add every standard fast-food restaurant chain here), but there are a few hidden gems, of which, I highly recommend Corky’s Bell Seafood @ Gator Landing, which I would encourage you to try the fried whole catfish or the mahi-mahi served grilled or blackened; (2) Despite the bar offering here at Crystal Cove, which might keep you rooted because it’s just so dang easy and close, I would highly recommend a trip to Welatka Lodge Resort, which for a 25 minute ride south along the St. John's River will certainly impress; and (3) If you’re looking for a great slice of nature to discover and hike / fish / kayak / etc. then head on over to Etoniah State Forest, which is less than a 20 minute drive from Crystal Cove and there’s 4-5 amazing hiking trails to explore as well as Georges Lake with which to cast a line.

      Happy Camping!

    • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Kate’s Fish Camp
      Jul. 1, 2024

      Kate’s Fish Camp

      Roadside Fish Camp Draped in Spanish Moss

      Typically up here in northern Florida, whether you are on the coast or further inland, when you hear or see the name ‘fish camp,’ depending upon where you are from (or honestly, where you're at), the name typically conjures up one or two images - a mossy covered waterside restaurant serving up some freshly caught fish, typically fried, and with a whole lot fo southern fixin’s like grits, black-eyed peas, fried okra and the like. Or, it’s a reference to an actual campground that just so happens to be located right alongside a nice stretch of water, which could be a massive river like St. Johns in these parts, or a smaller, meandering outlet that either connects to a larger body of water, say a lake, or even the ocean. So let’s set the record straight, when visiting this particular fish camp, we are definitely talking about the latter, rather than the former.

      Heading towards Gainesville recently, I came across Kate’s Fish Camp, very conveniently located in the the middle of nowhere, but altogether, sitting on a very nice bit of a water trail called Prairie Creek, which I was told, would eventually, through perseverance and timing your luck between low and high tide, have you arrive at the ocean, but I have to admit, I don’t know how that is even possible, as we were only able to make our way to Orange Lake, but hey, it was my first try. Maybe you will have more luck, or perhaps I got it wrong and at some point, you just need to strap your kayak or canoe on top of your vehicle and drive it closer to a ‘frackish’ inlet that will allow you to ultimately reach some salt water.

      As far as Kate’s Fish Camp go, the wonderful duo of Mike & Monica run this roadside camping rest stop and upon entry, you will marvel at just how intimate and compact the place is complete with substantial shade that blocks all of the harsh Floridian sunshine from otherwise roasting you in its humid inferno. The main office looks like something out of Duck Dynasty and is an old-schooled wooden single-story structure with restrooms and shower facilities (both pretty basic, but clean, albeit poorly lit) towards the front, and the entrance to the actual office on the rear-side, closer to the creek access point. On the subject of water access, let’s just say that while the meandering creek is definitely of interest and should be explored, the real find here is the nearby access to Newnans Lake, which just sits north of Kate’s Fish Camp and, unfortunately, requires a quick drive to Palm Point Park (around the corner from here) in order to access this body of water, but it’s totally worth it, especially if you have an engine-powered fishing boat and are looking to get out on the water to do some decent fishing.

      Back at the campground, here’s what you need to know. For starters, there’s about a dozen or so sites that are offered with each being pull-through ready. While this campground feels more geared towards the RV driving or 5th Wheel toting crowd, as a tent pitcher myself, this place is pretty OK from a tent camping standpoint. You’ll definitely appreciate all the shade that is offered here, as well as close proximity to the basic amenities (showers/ bathrooms) and river access. The picnic tables are pretty standard and there are scattered BBQs and fire rings. There’s also some pretty great WiFi here for those that need it. One of the huge upsides apart from direct river and bike path access is a number of really great hiking trails that you can explore both flora and fauna alike.

      Insider’s tips? Here’s a handful: (1) One of the huge upsides to Kate’s Fish Camp is the direct access you’ll have to the Gainesville-Hawthorne State Bike Trail, which if you wanted to, could lead you all the way into Gainesville to enjoy the UF campus and surrounding area without having to put up with traffic; (2) While Kate’s Fish Camp boasts about providing you with DIRECT access to Newnan’s Lake, it was our experience that you could not access the lake directly and that eventually, you would have to return to camp, pack your kayak on your vehicle and drive a quarter mile to the actual boat launch in order to access the lake - I don’t know why they tell folks that they provide direct access; (3) For RVers you will want to take note that Kate’s doesn’t provide sewer hook-ups, just water and electric (20 / 30 / 50 amp) for all of their pull-through sites; (4) You should take note that this campground is literally located right next to a fairly busy 4-lane highway, so if P&Q is important to you, consider another location, otherwise, bring some earplugs!; (5) It’s Florida, it’s the summer, and unless you weren’t already aware of it, you’re landlocked here in the middle of the state, so what does that mean? Mosquitos and bugs, so yeah, come prepared (and don't complain about mosquitos - they are endemic to FL)!; (6) When you get tired of sifting through your on-board mini-fridge or toto-molded Cordova cooler to conjure up what your next meal is going to be, then check out nearby dining options such as Antonio’s Made In Italy, Georgie’s Lakeside or Eagles Nest - and of course, there’s all the generic restaurant-fare that you’ll find in nearby Gainesville, but I’ve tried to suggest some slightly off-the-beaten path joints. If you want an Instagram-worthy dining experience that also lives up to the hype when you bite into their succulent pies, then head on over to Satchel’s Pizza for their deep dish pizza and local brews.

      Happy Camping!

    • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Pellicer Creek Campground
      Jul. 1, 2024

      Pellicer Creek Campground

      South St. Augustine RV Park Haven

      Located due southeast of the country's oldest town of St. Augustine (a.k.a. Ancient City) and just a few stone’s throw west of the busiest highway that runs north-south in the entire state of Florida (I95), this RV park (more permanent vs. transitory, mind you) is perfect for anyone looking for EZ access to both I95, US1 and even slightly further afield the glorious A1A. While definitely on the smaller side with only about 30 or so slots and, thus, more intimate, this location offers up full hook-ups (30 / 50 amp electric, water and sewage) for mostly back-in and just a few pull-through sites. There's a simple circle loop to the layout, where midway through you'll come across an access point to a small tributary from the Pellicer River, which is a perfect access point for kayaking and canoeing - just beware of the alligators, which show up in packs during mating season.

      As for amenities, apart from the Pellicer Creek itself and the small slice of earth that you will enjoy peace & quiet at, there isn’t much that this location offers apart from a designated picnic table and hook-ups at each site. There are no bathrooms or shower facilities per se. The place isn’t terribly level either as you drive towards the creek, it will be on a slight descent, while a slight ascent will greet you upon your return and eventual exit. That said, this place does get high marks for having a key-coded security gate to enter with, which given the very close proximity to I95 and US1 is a very welcomed feature indeed. WiFi does exist here but we barely got a bar. And as far as the slots themselves go, there isn’t much of any privacy as the slots are very close to one another, but unlike a lot of other places we’ve been to, there wasn’t much noise during the day or at night.

      Insider’s Tips? Here’s a few: (1) Apart from the amazingly nice people who run this place, there is little to love about a campground that is more for RVs than actual outdoor tent campers, so if you are the latter and want a supremely amazing tent-pitching experience, then you are in great luck as just nearby and less than 15 minutes away you have Princess Prairie Preserve or Faver-Dykes SP both just due east; (2) If you have grown tired of firing up franks & beans for another meal, and while there’s not much within close proximity to this campground, fret not, jump in your vehicle and head north on I95 to Smokin’ D’s BBQ and if you are looking for some great seafood, then head east of this BBQ pit stand to The Commander’s Shellfish Camp for some great steamed shrimp and iced tall boys; (3) When you are looking for something really different to keep yourself entertained, head across the street from Pellicer Creek Campground to Shantytown Village, which is a former oyster farm that now features rustic buildings that feature local artisans, craftspeople and vendors selling their wares and on the weekend the place is transformed into a farmer’s market; and (4) While the access point to the Pellicer Creek is arguably the greatest asset this campground has, and as enjoyable as the creek is, it is slow-moving and not terribly eventful, making it a really good oaring for about an hour in either direction, but for more avid waters with which to navigate, you’ll want to head over to either Princess Prairie Preserve or Faver-Dykes SP (are you seeing a pattern here?!) for some excellent paddling.

      Happy Camping!

    • Scott B.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Black Prong Equestrian Village
      Jun. 30, 2024

      Black Prong Equestrian Village

      Great Place

      Stayed here for 4 nights and really enjoyed it. Large paver sites with plenty of space. Beautiful horse farm setting. Pool and amenities were awesome. Can’t wait to come back!

    • Jeff E.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park Campground
      Jun. 26, 2024

      Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park Campground

      Immersed in Nature.

      Quiet, lots of wildlife (wild horses, bison, alligators, deer, birds, turtles); plenty of hiking and biking trails with beautiful sunsets on the lake. Restroom facilities are showing some age but clean.  Walk-in tent sites are pretty close to the Restrooms.

    • Lorilee S.
      Camper-submitted photo from Santos Trailhead & Campground
      Jun. 24, 2024

      Santos Trailhead & Campground

      Very nice

      This campground is the perfect size. Our site had shade about 95% of the day! We had the perfect size of an area behind our RV. Loved hearing all of the birds chirping. You can hear traffic since it’s right off of the highway. There are plenty of trees around. The bathroom was very clean. It’s nice and dark at night!! We did the hike to see the historical part of the Island. That was neat to read about. We also took the biking trail to say we went above i75 on the bridge. That was a round trip of 15.5 miles, if anyone is interested. It’s a really nice campground, especially if like doing trails and biking.

    • Greg B.
      Camper-submitted photo from Ocean Pond Campground
      Jun. 23, 2024

      Ocean Pond Campground

      Ocean Pond Spot 9

      Nice quite campground. Well maintain. Clean bathrooms and working laundry machines (1 each) 1.75 for wash and 1.75 for dry. Lake and beach access are nice and maintained.

    • A
      Camper-submitted photo from Silver Springs State Park Campground
      Jun. 21, 2024

      Silver Springs State Park Campground

      Amazing kayaking & trails

      Campground is basic, very few sewer spots but there is a dump station. Big rig friendly, several pull thru spots, easy paved entry, gravel sites, I think all are 50/30. Plenty of space between sites. Clean bathroom, washer/dryer, soda machine. Very dark at night which I love. No lights except the bath house. Dog poo bag stations. Very friendly staff (Melinda & John, camp hosts were amazing) 1 mile from amazing kayaking. Great, woodsy hiking trails. Maybe 3 miles to Publix/Wawa.

    • Haley L.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Juniper Springs Rec Area - Tropical Camp Area
      Jun. 12, 2024

      Juniper Springs Rec Area - Tropical Camp Area

      Jungle camp

      Nice spots for tent camping. Got surprisingly cold when I visited. Would’ve been 5 stars if it weren’t for obnoxiously loud and rude neighbors that were yelling/screaming until midnight. If you camp here, expect to hear lots of partying.



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