Camping near Paisley, Florida offers sites within the Ocala National Forest at elevations between 40-100 feet above sea level. The region features natural springs with constant 72-degree water temperatures year-round, providing cooling relief during hot summer months. Seasonal considerations affect campground accessibility, with winter months (November-February) bringing cooler temperatures and increased manatee sightings at nearby springs.
What to do
Swimming in crystal springs: Alexander Springs Recreation Area features a spacious swimming area directly at the spring head. One visitor noted, "The spring head is located right in the swimming area, it's bigger than any swim area at a spring that I have ever been too." The swimming area maintains the signature 72-degree temperature found in Florida springs.
Kayaking on spring-fed rivers: Juniper Springs Recreation Area offers kayak rentals for a downstream float on its crystal clear spring run. "Go Canoeing! The main springs are great but go explore! Watch for wildlife! If you are anywhere near here...go! You will not be disappointed! It is COLD though..be warned!" shared an enthusiastic camper. The kayak run follows a 7-mile natural course with occasional obstacles.
Hiking forest trails: Several trails traverse the Ocala Forest near Paisley camping areas. At Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground, "The park offers hiking, biking, day swimming, a food grill, a canoe/kayak launch and rental, plus tons of wildlife!" according to one visitor. Trails range from short quarter-mile loops to longer multi-mile routes.
Fishing in local lakes: Lake Dorr Campground provides direct lake access for fishing. A camper mentioned, "Very relaxing. Wonderful swimming area. Clean bathrooms. Secluded sites. Great hosts. Only issue was lack of fishing spots without a canoe or kayak." Most fishing spots require boat access rather than shore fishing.
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: Clearwater Lake Campground earns high marks for site layout. One reviewer shared, "Campground is quiet and sites are HUGE. We were able to find a very nice hammock friendly site near the water." Another noted, "Basically all sites have trees for hammocks so bring yours along!"
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the area maintain well-kept bathrooms and shower facilities. A Lake Dorr visitor commented, "Bathrooms were cleaned and hot showers. 15/20 minutes away plenty of amenities and shopping if necessary." Many campgrounds include dishwashing stations for added convenience.
Natural springs: The main attraction for many campers is access to crystal clear springs. A visitor to Alexander Springs Recreation Area noted, "The spring is spectacular! Natural open spring with lots of plant & animals to see in the water & around the park. Large grassy area for picnicking was really nice."
Wildlife viewing: Forest campgrounds offer excellent wildlife spotting opportunities. A Blue Spring visitor reported, "Kayaked the river, and even swam with manatees in the spring!!!" Wildlife commonly seen includes turtles, fish, birds, and occasionally alligators and manatees (seasonally).
What you should know
Bear country precautions: The Ocala National Forest requires special food storage practices. At Lake Dorr Campground, "There is a bear box, fire pit, grill, and pinic table at every site." Another camper advised, "It is an active area for bears so make sure not to leave any food out at night."
Limited or no hookups: Most forest campgrounds offer primitive camping with few amenities. A visitor to Alexander Springs noted, "nice and quiet. good buffers between sites. no water or electricity hookups bathrooms are ok." Campers should plan for self-sufficiency.
Water access considerations: Swimming areas can get crowded, especially on weekends. "If you go on a weekend, make sure you go EARLY! Line of car starts around 9am and park will close at capacity," warned a Wekiwa Springs visitor. Weekday visits offer more solitude.
Variable cell service: Connectivity is inconsistent throughout the forest. Campers report ranges from "just 1 to 2 bars" to completely unavailable service in more remote areas. AT&T typically has the weakest coverage in the region.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly swimming spots: Blue Spring State Park offers accessible swimming for children. A visitor shared, "Spent a weekend and had a great time. The spring pool is gorgeous and quite, very pretty trails to watch spring boils and turtles." The swimming area includes both shallow sections for younger children and deeper areas.
Wildlife education opportunities: Nature trails provide learning experiences. "I have been camping here since I was a kid. I still enjoy camping at this place. There is plenty of nature to during the day and night. The swimming area is amazing," explained a visitor to Alexander Springs.
Playground access: Lake Monroe Park includes a playground within the campground. "Small park with boat ramp, playground, and bike trails connecting to Gemini Springs," noted a camper. The playground offers children an alternative activity when not swimming.
Safety considerations: When camping with children near water, supervision is essential. A parent visiting Trimble Park Campground advised, "Keep animals away from the water's edge. We only saw baby gators right off the water's edge, but never any longer than your arm the entire time we were there."
Tips from RVers
Limited big rig access: Some forest campgrounds have size restrictions. A visitor to Juniper Springs noted, "There are several different camping areas, each with varying degrees of secludedness." Most sites accommodate smaller to mid-sized RVs under 30 feet.
Hookup availability: Trimble Park Campground offers water and electric connections. A camper shared, "50 amp power, water hookups and sewage dump is right inside the campground for easy access." Not all sites have sewer connections, but dump stations are available.
Site selection strategy: When booking RV sites, consider proximity to amenities versus privacy. A visitor to Juniper Springs advised, "I was completely steered wrong listening to a reviewer saying Tropical was the better campsites. They're not bc virtually every one is a pull thru and those are inherently less private."
Preparation for variable conditions: RVers should bring sufficient supplies. "Each site has its own picnic table, water and electric as well as fire ring, while the ground itself is laden with powdery grey sand (so leave your boots or flip flops at the door of your tent or RV)," noted a Trimble Park visitor regarding the sandy conditions that affect site setup.
