Mary B.
Scout
ScoutFore Lake Campground
Roads are rough, Bathrooms are clean, host seemed like a good guy. Here during off season but the beach looked like fun
Camping near Keystone Heights, FL
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Keystone Heights, Florida provides several established campgrounds with cabins, RV sites, and tent camping areas within the surrounding natural landscapes. Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park serves as a primary destination, featuring cabins and two separate campground loops in a forested setting. Additional options include the Starke-Gainesville NE KOA, about 15 miles north of Keystone Heights, which offers cabin rentals alongside RV and tent sites. The North Florida Christian Camp also maintains cabin facilities, while several smaller private campgrounds provide specialized accommodations ranging from van sites to animal sanctuary camping experiences.
Campgrounds in the Keystone Heights area generally operate year-round due to Florida's favorable climate, though summer heat and humidity affect comfort levels. Most established sites provide water and electrical hookups, with varying levels of additional amenities. The Turkey Oak and Lakeview camping loops at Gold Head Branch State Park offer different experiences, with Turkey Oak providing more shade and privacy while Lakeview sites offer better views of the water. Reservations are recommended, particularly for cabins and during peak winter seasons when northern visitors seek warmer camping options. A visitor noted: "We camp and hike here ALL the time. Canoeing, hiking, picnicking and just plain relaxing are on the top of the list. Cleanest bathrooms and quietest camping. Ample space between."
Within the campgrounds, visitors frequently mention the ravine hiking trails as standout features, particularly at Gold Head Branch State Park where the Florida Trail passes through. The ravine section creates a unique microclimate that campers describe as jungle-like during greener months. Wildlife sightings commonly include deer, wild turkeys, birds, and turtles. Lake access for fishing, swimming, and canoeing represents another highly rated aspect of the camping experience. While most campsites provide adequate spacing, some reviews indicate variability in site quality and shade coverage. Several campers specifically recommend sites in the 20s (particularly 25 and 26) within the Turkey Oak Loop for better privacy and tree coverage, while sites 68-71 in the Lakeview Loop offer better water views. Bathroom facilities receive consistent praise for cleanliness and maintenance.
Best Campgrounds near Keystone Heights (251)
1. Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park Campground & Cabins
"The Florida State Trail passes through the park and is well marked. The ravines section is my favorite area in the park. In the greener months, it feels like a rain forest."
"The Florida Trail is my favorite part of my visits. The cabin we stayed in was small but nice. The ravines are gorgeous. You can access it with a vehicle, but you must walk down many stairs."
from $20 - $100 / night
Check Availability2. Starke-Gainesville NE KOA
"Just left STARK FLORIDA KOA. No shade but a huge amount of space between sites and set up on an angle which increased the sense of space. Sites had full hook up, elec, water, sewer."
"KOA - Stark, FL: We spent Christmas Eve here on our way to south Florida. Bill greeted us, took us to our site, guided us in. Very friendly reception."
from $34 - $58 / night
Check Availability3. Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park Campground
"Very close to the University of Florida. Nice campground recently renovated."
"There is a picnic table & a fir pit the fire pit was a little to close to the camper to have a fire. It is a very quiet and woodsy campground."
from $18 / night
Check Availability4. Camp Blanding RV Park
"The children loved the close proximity of the lake. We were approximately 10 feet away from the water. The area had two sets of swings nearby and a dock."
"Beautiful lake"
5. Rodman Campground
"Sites 1-39 are not near the Florida Trail but it was not a bad walk to the other side of the campground to get to the trail. Would stay again."
"This peaceful campground provides a serene setting surrounded by towering pines and lush Florida foliage."
from $12 - $22 / night
Check Availability6. North Florida Christian Camp
"Tucked away just outside Keystone Heights, North Florida Christian Camp feels like a place designed more for connection than convenience, where winding sandy roads lead you beneath tall pines and into"
"I mostly stayed near the softball field but I saw they had a lot of fun stuff. Zip lines and a incredibly beautiful beach.
Also there was comfy cabins"
7. Free.To.Be- Van Site
"They have a great location for vanlifers & roadtrippers to stop by when driving through Florida! Book your stay on the Dyrt and make sure to post some pictures of your stay!"
from $34 - $55 / night
Check Availability8. Connors Family Campsite
"You can do anything from buying an RV renting an RV a camper tent if you're not from around there bill will help you out overall great customer service"
9. Ordway-Swisher Biological Station
"to camp here you have to apply for one of the 3 spots available for fall term or spring term per the University of Florida school calendar. Total of 6 spots (12 people)."
10. Rooterville Animal Sanctuary
from $164 - $210 / night
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Drive Time
- 25 min from Gainesville, FL
- 51 min from Ocala, FL
- 55 min from Jacksonville, FL
- 1 hr 14 min from Wildwood, FL
Recent Camping Photos near Keystone Heights, FL
356 Photos of 251 Keystone Heights Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Free.To.Be- Van Site
Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park Campground & Cabins
Rooterville Animal SanctuaryE
Four Littles Farm, LLCJ
Cooper Lake RV Community
Camp Blanding RV Park
Etoniah Creek State Forest Green Camp
Kate’s Fish Camp
Dude Off Grid's Tent Sites
Camp HasayaR
Lake Oklawaha RV Park
Rodman Campground
Recent Reviews near Keystone Heights, FL
1258 Reviews of 251 Keystone Heights Campgrounds
Stacey R.
GuideSilver Springs State Park Campground
All amenities on site
Sites have full hookups which is awesome for a state park. Also picnic tables, grills and a fire pit. The sites are big and relatively private. To visit the spring you can hike or drive. Being you camping receipt to get in free. Glass bottom boat tour is $15 for adults but there is a nice walking path and you can see manatees in the spring from the shore. The restaurant was nice, good pizza!
- Stacey R.Guide
Cary State Forest Campground
Private site with thoughtful amenities
The six sites available are spread out in the Cary State Forest. You can see the tops of some RV’s but they’re not close. The site has a very nice picnic table, fire pit,benches around the fire pit, a free standing grill, water, electric and a concrete pad to park on with a tent site behind the pad. Grass is freshly cut and the site is clean!
Jarrod W.ScoutGinnie Springs Outdoors
Thrown out with no warning and no refund
I organized a group camping weekend here October 2 to 4, 2026. My group booked and paid for more than a dozen campsites and approximately 40 people, all next to each other, so the people around my site were my own friends. On Saturday afternoon we were sitting in our chairs when a security officer walked up and demanded that I lower my music. Nobody refused. I was turning it down as I explained that the music was for my whole group and that the neighbors around us were all our people. I also asked who had complained. Instead of answering, he snapped,"You do what I said and turn the music down." I told him I already had. With no attempt to calm things down, he shouted that we were out of there and had 30 minutes to pack up and leave. Nobody in my group raised a voice or got hostile. We were polite and we complied, and we were still treated like criminals. When we went to the front desk to report how he had behaved, the clerk made it clear that our whole group was the issue and that they were watching us and that I had to leave. That told me this was never about one speaker or lowering the music. We were singled out while other groups were left alone. I even heard from others that were allowed to stay, that they heard Spanish music blasting at 1am AFTER QUIET HOURS! So, why were we kicked out? Discrimination! No refund was offered. They kept our money for a stay they cut short. We have held several events here over the years, about 8 visits in the last three years. There will be ZERO in the future. The springs are beautiful, but the way security and the front desk treat paying guests is not. My group is taking our events and our money somewhere else!
- PPaul S.Guide
Ocean Pond Campground
Great Overnight Stay
A fantastic spot for an overnight camping stop in Florida. Beautiful surroundings with great hiking and cycling trails to explore. Perfect for anyone who enjoys the outdoors. Well worth a visit!
- BBrian B.Guide
Faver-Dykes State Park Campground
Best state park I stayed in
This place is out nice roads getting in here as a brackish Creek great fishing boats very clean spots are spread out nicely, groomed, fire pits, and picnic tables easy access right off 95
- dd I.Guide
Silver Springs State Park Campground
Enjoyed it
Great little spot, easy access to silver springs. Glass boat tour was cool - just the right amount of cruising time before little ones breaking points! Ice cream afterwards of course and good local pizza joint.
- Stuart K.
LegendMatanzas State Forest Group Campground
Coastal Gem Hidden in the Thick Pines
Nestled within the longleaf pine flatwoods of Matanzas State Forest just south of St. Augustine, the group campground here feels like stepping into a slice of Old Florida: untamed, tranquil and blissfully simple. Managed by the Florida Forest Service, this rustic site lies within the Pellicer Creek Corridor, where the air is thick with pine and salt, and the forest floor hums with life. The drive-in sets the tone where a canopy of oaks shrouded with Spanish moss gives way to open meadows and whispering wetlands before revealing the group camping area, which I must admit, is NOT the easiest place to find, but once you do, you’ll discover a wide, sandy clearing ideal for tents, both large and small as well as, of course, hammocks, which are perfect to absorb the shade that this space offers.
So, insofar as getting to this location is concerned, basically, once you enter Matanzas SF on Double Gate Road from US1, you’ll essentially drive east until you have the opportunity to drive north before you wind up in the NE corner of the forest. There’s a lot of possible pathways you could take that will get you lost, but basically, you would have to be driving down non-cleared roads that have signs indicating you can’t drive on these pathways anyway. Your GPS will work out here and I would suggest you follow the roads on TheDyrt mobile app to guide you to this location as it is spot on. But when you do arrive, you’ll discover a simple parking lot with about 4 different pathways leading in opposing directions – so which one to take? That’s the greatest question you’ll find yourself asking. Here’s what you want to do – just stay in your car and keep driving north down the path that has tire marks on it and within 50 yards, it will drop you off at the Group Campground.
Facilities are modest but well-kept: there’s an oversized fire ring with foldable grill as well as single oversized, double-sided stand-up BBQ grill, about a half dozen picnic tables (with half being delapidated and the other half brand spanking new), a single port-a-potty and no potable water or source of electricity. What this spot lacks in amenities though makes up for in serenity. This is the kind of place where your morning alarm is a woodpecker’s knock and your evening entertainment is a campfire under a sky thick with stars. The surrounding trails and forest roads connect to the Pellicer Creek Aquatic Preserve and the Graham Swamp Trail System, offering plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, paddling and spotting wildlife like egrets, deer, and the occasional wild turkey.
Although secluded, the campground is only about 20 minutes from Ancient City and 10 minutes from Palm Coast, making supply runs and day trips easy. For essentials, stop by the Publix Super Market on Palm Coast Parkway, the Shell gas station at US-1 and Old Kings Road, or the nearby Tractor Supply for ice and camping odds and ends. There’s no REI or Bass Pro Shop within 10 miles, but Academy Sports+ Outdoors is the best bet for outdoor gear and fishing tackle, although that's going to be a hike (er, long drive) from here.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a handful: (1) The group site’s best tent placement is on the southern edge of the clearing where the pines provide late-day shade and natural wind protection; (2) Bring plenty of water as there’s no potable water here; (3) For kayaking or canoeing, head to the Pellicer Creek launch on nearby Old Kings Road for calm water and beautiful tidal scenery; (4) Trails in Matanzas can flood after heavy rain, so check conditions with the Forest Service before arriving; (5) Wildlife lovers should keep an eye out for gopher tortoises along the sandy roads and hawks circling above the pine canopy – on our visit, we were blessed to see an adolescent black panther; and (6) When it’s time to eat, reward yourself with a laid-back bite of a Surfin’ Cali burrito at nearby Jimmy Hula’s or an elegant dinner of steak pom frites at Le Bouchon Brasserie in the historic district of the country’s oldest city.
Happy Camping!
Thomas B.
RangerAnastasia State Park Campground
Great for Smaller Rigs
Had a short stay at Anastasia and it was a nice, shaded site that was pleasant for August. It is very busy and active and the beach is just a 5 minute walk away. I have a 50ft rig (30 ft trailer, 20 ft truck) and got caught in a really bad spot after going down the wrong road. Rig fits great it the site, just have to be very cautious. Some foliage blocked the sign I was looking for as I tried to accommodate the many cyclists. Also had the unfortunate experience of a neighbor with a highly aggressive dog. The place itself was very pleasant and much cooler than what we have been experiencing.
Guide to Keystone Heights
Florida's Keystone Heights camping area sits 200 feet above sea level in a unique region dotted with small lakes formed by sinkholes in the underlying limestone. This area maintains milder temperatures than coastal regions during winter months, with overnight lows rarely dropping below 40°F. Many campsites near Keystone Heights, Florida offer access to freshwater springs with constant 72°F water temperatures year-round.
What to do
Boating opportunities: At Rodman Campground, visitors have direct access to Rodman Reservoir for various water activities. "Rodman Reservoir offers nothing short of AMAZING kayak and canoe adventures," notes a camper, adding practical advice: "If you come hauling watercraft, you'll have no shortage of great launches here."
Wildlife viewing: The natural areas around camping spots near Keystone Heights provide excellent wildlife spotting. "We saw deer at dusk meandering through the woods," reports a Rodman Campground visitor. Another camper at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park mentioned that "La Chua trail was beautiful and we saw lots of gators."
Hiking: The trail systems offer varying difficulty levels suitable for different abilities. "Hiking trails, swimming area. Canoes for rental available in Park," notes a visitor to Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park. At Paynes Prairie, a camper shared: "We did the Ranger led hike which was really nice, my 5 year old struggled to keep up with the Ranger and there are decent elevation changes."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the spacing between sites at certain campgrounds. At Starke-Gainesville NE KOA, a visitor noted: "No shade but a huge amount of space between sites and set up on an angle which increased the sense of space." Another camper agreed: "The space was great between sites - not on top of each other."
Clean facilities: Cleanliness is consistently mentioned as a positive. "The bathhouse was clean and well kept," reports a Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park visitor. At Rodman Campground, a camper was impressed that "Bathrooms are so clean you could literally eat of the floors."
Lake access: The water features near campsites around Keystone Heights receive high marks. "Beautiful lake, spread out camp sites, fire pit, grill and full hookups. All water sports, including fishing, boat launch, Jet skis, etc.. plenty of room to swim," wrote a visitor to Camp Blanding RV Park.
What you should know
Seasonal crowds: Winter brings more visitors seeking warmer camping options. "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," notes a Rodman Campground visitor, highlighting the diverse camping populations.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds may experience noise from neighboring properties. A Rodman Campground visitor warned: "IF there is an 'ALL HOURS WEEKEND' at the nearby Hog Waller Campground and ATV Resort (right across the river), then the trails remain open 24 hours and you will not have any tranquility or relaxation all night."
Site selection strategy: Different camping loops offer varied experiences. At Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, a camper advised: "If you are looking for a REAL camping experience... there are options! Within a 30 minute drive of here, I would recommend Mike Roess Gold Head Brand State Park."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water access: Look for campsites with easy lake access for children. "Our site was right on the lake so the kids had a great time playing in the water for something to to. We could hang our hammocks and the paved roads allowed for the kids to ride their bikes," shares a Camp Blanding visitor.
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds offer learning experiences for children. "Had a great visit. Got 2 sites and had more family start camping with us. Kids loved the scenery for hiking and pictures," notes a Mike Roess Gold Head Branch visitor.
First-time camping: North Florida Christian Camp offers structured facilities good for novice campers. "I saw they had a lot of fun stuff. Zip lines and a incredibly beautiful beach. Also there was comfy cabins," reports a visitor, highlighting amenities that help ease first-time family campers into the outdoor experience.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Many RV sites require minimal adjustment. At Starke-Gainesville NE KOA, an RVer noted: "Our rig is 42' w/ 4 slides and had lots of space. Escorted to our site." Another camper mentioned that sites are "set up on an angle which increased the sense of space."
Internet access: Connectivity varies significantly between campgrounds. "Would have given 5 stars if internet was decent but it was awful," reports a KOA visitor. At Rodman Campground, an RVer shared a specific limitation: "The only downside for me is I use Starlink for my internet and there's only one site in the park that would work for it (Site 1)."
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a map available for Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park in Keystone Heights?
Is there a map available for Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park in Keystone Heights?
Yes, maps are available for Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park through several sources. You can obtain a physical map at the park entrance station when you check in, or download a digital version from the Florida State Parks official website. The map shows all hiking trails, campground loops, facilities, and the park's notable features including Little Lake Johnson and Sheeler Lake. For a more interactive experience, The Dyrt app also provides campground maps with user-submitted photos and reviews to help you navigate the park's amenities and six camping areas.
What RV parks and resorts are available in Keystone Heights, Florida?
What RV parks and resorts are available in Keystone Heights, Florida?
Keystone Heights and the surrounding area offer several RV accommodations. Lynch's Landing RV Park is located just south of Palatka with convenient access to St. Johns River for boating and fishing. Lake Crescent Estates provides spots for RVs between Pamona Park and Crescent Lake. Starke-Gainesville NE KOA near Starke offers full amenities including water, toilets, and big-rig-friendly sites. Most parks in this area require reservations, especially during peak winter months when snowbirds flock to Florida.
Can visitors swim at Keystone Beach in Florida?
Can visitors swim at Keystone Beach in Florida?
Yes, visitors can swim at Keystone Beach in Florida when conditions permit. The beach features a designated swimming area on the sandy shores of Lake Geneva with seasonal lifeguard supervision during summer months. Water quality is regularly monitored, and swimming may occasionally be restricted based on conditions. The beach area includes amenities such as picnic pavilions, restrooms, and a playground. For alternative swimming options in the region, Anastasia State Park offers excellent Atlantic Ocean swimming, while Kate's Fish Camp provides access to freshwater swimming opportunities.
What camping options are available near Keystone Heights?
What camping options are available near Keystone Heights?
Keystone Heights offers diverse camping options for all preferences. Lake Delancy East NF Campground provides a serene forest setting with access to the Florida Trail and unique features like pitcher plants. Salt Springs Recreation Area in Ocala National Forest offers over 150 sites with full hookups. For those seeking a more rustic experience, Hopkins Prairie Campground provides a primitive camping environment. Additionally, Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park near Micanopy features drive-in sites with water and big-rig accessibility.
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