Best Campgrounds near High Springs, FL

High Springs, Florida encompasses multiple established campgrounds and RV parks offering diverse camping experiences in a spring-rich landscape. The area includes Ginnie Springs Outdoors, O'Leno State Park with both Dogwood and Magnolia campgrounds, Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park, and several privately-owned RV resorts. These developed campgrounds accommodate various camping styles from tent sites to RV hookups, with some locations offering cabin rentals and glamping options. Most campgrounds in this region provide direct access to natural springs and rivers, making them popular destinations for swimming, tubing, kayaking, and other water activities.

Camping is available year-round in the High Springs area, with full hookup sites for RVs and designated tent camping areas at most locations. Many campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak seasons when visitors flock to the springs. Facilities typically include water and electric hookups, with most offering restrooms, showers, and dump stations. Sites vary in size and privacy, with some campgrounds featuring spacious, shaded spots while others have more compact layouts. Weather remains mild throughout most of the year, though summer brings higher humidity and occasional afternoon thunderstorms. "The spring was refreshing and the park is beautiful. My only problem was our site was in the sun from sunrise to sunset," noted one camper about their experience at Gilchrist Blue Springs.

The natural springs represent the primary attraction for campers visiting High Springs, with crystal-clear waters maintaining a constant 72-degree temperature year-round. Campers consistently highlight the pristine water quality and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities in their reviews. Several visitors mentioned the family-friendly atmosphere at many campgrounds, with activities like animal feeding at Travelers Campground and swimming areas suitable for children. Proximity to Interstate 75 makes several campgrounds convenient overnight stops for travelers, though some reviewers note highway noise at certain locations. According to one visitor, "Located halfway between UF Gatorland in Gainesville and Lake City right off I75, High Springs Campground is an ideal location that puts you smack dab in the middle of all of the state's northernmost natural springs." Campground amenities vary widely, with some offering heated pools, laundry facilities, and camp stores, while others maintain a more rustic, natural setting.

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Best Camping Sites Near High Springs, Florida (186)

    1. Ginnie Springs Outdoors

    55 Reviews
    Fort White, FL
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (386) 454-7188

    $55 - $70 / night

    "This is clearly one of the best natural springs in all of Florida complete with 250 wooded acres of pure Florida wilderness."

    "Favorite springs in Florida and one of my favorite places to camp and spend a few days in Florida or the country in general. Awesomely maintained, plenty of sites."

    2. Dogwood Campground — O'Leno State Park

    39 Reviews
    Fort White, FL
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (386) 454-1853

    $18 / night

    "Not far from downtown high springs and tubing."

    "The campsites are spacious, well shaded, and with in easy walking distance to the Bathhouse/Restrooms. The facilities are kept clean and neat."

    3. Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park Campground

    22 Reviews
    High Springs, FL
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (386) 454-1369

    "This is off the beaten path a bit, just out of High Springs Florida.  The RV campsites are relatively small with little space between them.  The campers there were quiet and respectful."

    "This spring is one of the newer State parks in Florida. The bathrooms need updating. The sites are small. The electrical boxes are limited to amp hookup. The spring is AMAZING!!!"

    4. Magnolia Campground — O'Leno State Park

    17 Reviews
    High Springs, FL
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (386) 454-1853

    $18 / night

    "There is a check in booth at the entrance. They gave us a call to let us know they will be closed when we arrive and we had to pick up our camp pass outside."

    "Grounds are well kept as are most Florida parks. Short drive to several other park and springs in the area. Clean bathrooms."

    5. Travelers Campground

    8 Reviews
    Alachua, FL
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (386) 462-2505

    $69 - $99 / night

    "We stopped in here on our way to Stone Mountain, coming from south Florida. It is conveniently located right off of I-75N with some restaurants nearby. Pull through full hook up site with cable."

    "Found this location here on Dyrt and I'm so glad we did. We were tired along our drive and needed a place to park and rest."

    6. High Springs RV Resort and campground

    7 Reviews
    High Springs, FL
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (386) 454-1688

    "Located halfway between UF Gatorland in Gainesville and Lake City right of I75, High Springs Campground is an ideal location that puts you smack dab in the middle of all of the state’s northernmost natural"

    "Welcome to High Springs RV Resort under new ownership!! This park has been transformed into a beauty."

    7. Moonshine Acres RV Park

    13 Reviews
    Fort White, FL
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (833) 744-6378

    $50 - $65 / night

    "The main factor in deciding to stay here was the distance to Ichetucknee Springs. It's 3 miles from the south entrance and 4 miles from the north entrance."

    "A but of a drive for groceries, which is no biggie. Close to springs which was what attracted us to this spot."

    8. Ruth B. Kirby Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    High Springs, FL
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (386) 775-3663

    $18 / night

    "Trails are cool but were not very well maintained. If you happen to be nearby, go, but don't go waay out of the way for it."

    "Right around the corner from Ginnie Springs. There are plenty of camping spots that are in open areas or hidden in the woods. The springs are amazing."

    9. Ichetucknee Family Canoe and Cabins

    11 Reviews
    Fort White, FL
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (386) 497-2150

    $20 / night

    "So the layout is basically one small dirt road loop with rv parking/primitive camping around the center as well as cabins around the outside."

    "The place is a nice hole in the wall on the side of the road, just past the north entrance of the Springs."

    10. Manatee Springs State Park Campground

    69 Reviews
    Chiefland, FL
    32 miles
    Website
    +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."

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Recent Reviews near High Springs, FL

807 Reviews of 186 High Springs Campgrounds


  • Jerri K.
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Black Creek Ravine

    Very nice

    Was a very nice and quiet place to camp

  • liz S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 7, 2025

    Suwannee River Bend RV Park

    Suwannee retreat

    Great RV Park with full hookups , on the suwannee with kayak and canoe rentals. Super nice shower room witha shampoo, conditioner and body wash dispenser available for free in each stall. A salt scrub exfoliator for your hands. Private docks some with deep water access. Different rates for each lot and extremely reasonable.

  • Clean Slate D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 1, 2025

    Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park Campground & Cabins

    Wonderfully quiet State Park

    Nice hikes and birding abound! Amazing sunrises with the birds at the lakes. It's quiet, and the sites are relatively private. The volunteers are amazing, as are the Rangers that run the park. Highly recommend to get away from the city.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 21, 2025

    Long Branch Rest & Ride RV & Horse Park

    Cul-de-Sac Equestrian Camping Hidden Gem

    We were heading westward down the very long straight eastward-westward line that is Highway 10, which connects the first coast of Florida in Jacksonville to the complete opposite side of the state in Pensacola, and had no idea where we were going to ‘drop anchor’ as it was getting close to dusk. On our way to the Suwannee River to get some great kayaking in, we found ourselves looking for a spot to lay over for the night and while we were heading to this northern Florida natural treasure, we came across a small sign that was somewhat hidden from site, which lured us to Long Branch Rest & Ride RV & Horse Park. Following Highway (really, a country road) 129 towards Suwannee, we were running out of both time and options, so decided to follow the long winding country road known as 48th street until it dead-ended into a cul-de-sac.

    What I loved most about this camping outpost was that it was completely surrounded by rich pastures with lots of livestock including cattle and horses, so immediately, we felt the Old Floridian country vibe out in these parts. Located just 3 miles or so north of Live Oak, we arrived to find a yellow farm house at the fork in the road where because the place operates on an honor system, you simply have to take out the waiver that’s under the white mailbox, sign it and place it back in the mailbox along with either cash or check. I mean, just how cool is the honor system?! Especially among campers like us? Fantastic- the rest of the world should follow suit. After we left our envelope with cash (and admittedly, some coins), we moseyed on to find a suitable place to ‘hole up for the night.’

    After you complete the administrative task of checking in, then you are at liberty to basically park wherever you’d like, although drive thrus are encouraged to head to the left, along with anyone hauling their noble steeds (note: absolutely no stallions BTW) with them, as there are areas where you can let your horses out to graze while parked or leave them in the paddock for an extra$10 per night. If like us, you just have a standard RV that isn’t too large, you can head to the more scenic spots that are more heavily forested and encircle a small pond. All the RV hook-ups offer up 30 / 50 electric amp along with water and sewage. 

    Note that this place charges $50 per night for 50 amp or $40 per night for 30 amp, which I have to be honest I’ve never seen before. I mean, electricity is electricity right? Seems a little discriminatory IMHO - at least charge $30 for 30 amp if you’re going to charge $50 for 50 amp, right?! Oh, and if you want to tent camp primitive style here, good news is you can, for just $25/ night, which seemed like a great option to us.

    As far as amenities go, here’s what you’ll find in this incredibly spacious, beautiful farming landscape: super clean bathrooms and showers, fire rings, picnic tables, gazebos, hammock, silo bathroom, catch & release pond, stand-up grills, brand new horse paddocks with individual stalls, tons of hiking, biking and riding trails, free kennel accommodations for the K9s in your life, which also include a nice doggie park - but to be fair, the whole place is like one giant doggie park! One amenity that comes free of charge, apart from the simply amazing 360 degree landscape that you would be lucky to call home for the night is the magnificent shade that this place provides with its endless array of ancient and live Oaks dripping with Spanish moss so long that you’d think you were in a fairy tale where the trees have suddenly sprouted beards.

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) Although the waiver and release form was quite cumbersome as well as all of the various surcharges for things that normally one would take for granted and / or simply think that they should be included in the price of what you are paying for each individual night, we got to a point where this place definitely feels like they are ‘nickel & diming’ you for every single little thing that you don- so using the honor system, we included extra for what we thought was fair and didn’t add extra for what we believed should have been included in the price (like the fire rings - c’mon!);(2) Don’t forget to add 10% to the cost of your overall stay, which covers both 7% state and 3% county tourism taxes; (3) If you come with horses, they offer 3 different paddock sizes here, so you’ll want to look at these closely to figure out what’s right for your steeds, but we were impressed by all of the amenities horses are afforded here, from hay, wash rack, wheel-barrows for manure disposal, hitching posts, etc. This place is definitely geared to the equestrian camper!; (4) If you are looking to grab a slice of nature beyond the amazing patch of countryside you find yourself camping at here at Long Branch Rest & Ride, then head north on 129 and make your way to Suwannee Springs where there is no shortage of great paths to hike and of course, the amazing Suwannee River to drop in a kayak or canoe; (5) If you would like to see what is reminiscent of the Lion King, then head south of Live Oak to Mystic Jungle where you can see all of their amazing wild cats that normally you would only be able to see on safari;(6) Should you need anything, again, the town of Live Oak is just a 10 minute drive south of here wherein you’ll find just about everything you are looking for, including a Busy Bee for excellent bathrooms, showers and laundry facilities, Walmart Supercenter and Publix for groceries as well as just OK restaurants like Beef ‘O’ Brady’s, Zaxby’s and a Waffle House, but for actual really good food, keep on heading south where you’ll find Big Wood BBQ & Grill, The 406 or Brown Lantern.

    Happy Camping!

  • A
    May. 13, 2025

    Travelers Campground

    Get location great amenities

    I love being at this park, it’s such a family atmosphere, playing with the animals is a therapeutic part of the park. And I love how the pool is heated during the colder temperatures! Overall great park to stop and visit. A true hidden gem

  • S
    Apr. 27, 2025

    Jennings State Forest Hammock Campground

    Primitive camping

    With 16 campsite each being semi private you will love the sounds of t h e wind in the trees and hawks flying over. Each has tent pad, In ground grill and picnic table.

  • Linda S.
    Apr. 25, 2025

    Starke-Gainesville NE KOA

    Starke KOA

    This was our favorite campground to spend the winter months until new owner and managers took over in 2023. Jon has anger issues and no respectful communication skills. If he doesn’t like you, he trumps up an excuse to evict you. We have seen this many times. It’s like walking on egg shells all winter. Jon and Vickie are not consistent on their new rules, which change all the time. And, they don’t follow through with new improvements. They advertise a heated pool. However, it was inoperable one whole winter season with them saying,“it will be fixed in a few days”. The following winter season it worked but was not warm when it was getting nice to swim. The workers have no respect for campers and their personal property when they are mowing or blowing leaves. Snowbirds can no longer secure a reservation on their preferred site for the following season upon departure. Now we are put on a waiting list until November with the hopes we’ll get a phone call saying our preferred site is available. November is too late in the season to try to secure a site at another campground in the event a space isn’t available. How is this a respectable way to treat loyal, recurring snowbirds?!?! This new policy has caused them to lose multiple recurring guests. Sadly, a former beautifully maintained and friendly campground in a nice town is going downhill fast. Too bad there isn’t an option for negative star ratings.

  • Rob V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 3, 2025

    Goethe Trailhead Ranch Campground

    Beautiful view with peace and quiet

    The stay here was amazing. We called the phone to reserve a spot and was told to pick a spot that was available. We picked a spot overlooking the back horse field and what an amazing view! The morning sunrise is beautiful and the evening the sky disappears into the earth. One thing to remember is you can pay by mailing a check or paying cash on site. Also a very quiet community here so you can rest with windows open with no problem.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 23, 2025

    Sportsman's Cove Resort

    Beautiful place to stay

    Great place to stay. Layed back atmosphere. Small campground right on a lake. The lake is natural and undisturbed.


Guide to High Springs

High Springs, Florida camping sites surround a natural spring system that maintains 72-degree water temperatures year-round. The region features a combination of sandy soil and oak-pine forests, creating distinctive camping environments within a 30-mile radius. Weather patterns include afternoon thunderstorms from June through September, with low humidity and mild temperatures from October through May.

What to do

Spring swimming and snorkeling: At Ginnie Springs Outdoors, clear waters provide visibility up to 100 feet. "The clearest water I have ever swam in. So beautiful, words can't describe just have to visit!" notes Becky J. The springs remain at 72 degrees year-round.

Wildlife observation: Many campgrounds feature diverse wildlife viewing. At Dogwood Campground — O'Leno State Park, campers report seeing numerous species. "There are tons of birds, tortoise, and deer," reports Jenn B., who visited the Magnolia loop section.

Underground river exploration: The Santa Fe River disappears underground at O'Leno State Park and resurfaces 3 miles away. "The river goes underground but you can't kayak in this area. The river has a small rapids area, for Florida," explains Sean B., highlighting the unique geological features.

Fishing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds provide access to the Santa Fe River for fishing. Anglers catch bass, bream, and catfish year-round. "You can fish on the Santa Fe River," notes Noah R., mentioning the variety of activities available.

What campers like

Uncrowded early morning springs: While High Springs area becomes busy during peak times, early risers enjoy solitude. "If you get to the spring EARLY in the morning you can have it mostly to yourself and that includes the spring run and river too!" advises Perry J. about Ginnie Springs.

Hiking trails with elevation changes: Unlike much of Florida, the High Springs area offers trails with noticeable hills. "Very rustic with awesome trails. Lots of trees with changing leaf color and dropping. There are nice elevation changes which makes it feel like your in the Carolinas or Georgia," notes Mandy R.

Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds offer sufficient space between camping spots. At Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park Campground, the layout provides decent separation. "We stayed in site 1 and it could see the spring from our RV. The staff was friendly and the park host was so full of information," reports Ashlee R.

Historic structures: CCC-era buildings add historical interest to the camping experience. "There is a picnic area, a pavilion, a lodge, a museum, several other structures and a swimming area. All CCC construction," describes one reviewer about O'Leno State Park.

What you should know

Parking logistics: Plan to arrive early during peak season as parking fills quickly at springs. "Be prepared it almost rains every day in Florida, so if tent camping be prepared for rain," advises Ashley about Ichetucknee Family Canoe and Cabins.

Site conditions: Most campgrounds have sand-based sites rather than gravel or concrete pads. "Camping loops and pads are hard sand. Sites vary in size and level. Separation between sits is not bad but suffered in hurricane damage," reports Chris A. about O'Leno State Park.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near High Springs, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, High Springs, FL offers a wide range of camping options, with 186 campgrounds and RV parks near High Springs, FL and 4 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near High Springs, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near High Springs, FL is Ginnie Springs Outdoors with a 4.2-star rating from 55 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near High Springs, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near High Springs, FL.