The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Lake City. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Lake City, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Discover great camping spots near Lake City, reviewed by campers like you.
"This system of river camps currently is first come first served with no fee - but that could change soon and screened sleeping platforms may require reservations."
"There are carts to help you get your gear up the high 200 yard, winding ramp to get to the camp. Recent weather has taken a toll on this favorite camp of ours."
$45 - $105 / night
"My son‘s favorite part was riding around on the provided bicycles and playing darts & cornhole by the communal fire pit. I was thoroughly impressed and will definitely be back."
"Tent camping is available but each camp has 5 screen sleeping pavilions as well."
"Camp has trash cans. There are several areas where you can be separate which is nice. There is no cell service. Tower is open where you can climb it if you want."
"This system of river camps currently is first come first served with no fee - but that could change soon and screened sleeping platforms may require reservations."
"The platforms are amazing. Power, fire ring, and running water. Hot showers also"
"This system of river camps currently is first come first served with no fee - but that could change soon and screened sleeping platforms may require reservations."
"didn’t require reservations during our winter COVID trip time
- screened in pavilions with light/fan and outlets. Each one has a fire pit, grill and water spigot!"
$100 / night
"This system of river camps currently is first come first served with no fee - but that could change soon and screened sleeping platforms may require reservations."
"Great little park with walk-in tent camping, all sites have power and water which is an awesome bonus! Beautiful spring for swimming featuring a limestone bridge way you can snorkel under."
$9 / night
"We hiked the beach pioneer trail and really enjoyed ourselves. The campsite is about a mile in and has a picnic table and fire ring. There is a stream nearby for water."
"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."
LegendOne of 5 river camps along the Suwanee River and one of the nicest. This system of river camps currently is first come first served with no fee - but that could change soon and screened sleeping platforms may require reservations. Reservations can be made for groups and are suggested. Suwannee River camps are spaced a days paddle apart and are wonderfully convenient (especially in summer when afternoon rains come daily and bugs are everywhere).
Most of the time you will have a camp host on the property.
River camp has bath house with water and electric, grills, fire pits, tent camping area and screened sleeping platforms with electric, lighting and ceiling fans. Many units also have hooks to hang you hammocks. There are 5 sleeping pavilions typically will hold 6-8 persons and have small corner tables with small bench. Each has picnic table and fire ring. You will find a broom in each shelter - please sweep out and leave clean for next group. Camp host oftentimes has firewood available for sale.
There are trails to explore around springs and sinks. You can learn a lot about Florida's Aquifer and more staying at this and other camps. Spring fed pools around take out area are a refreshing 72 degrees year round!
Tent camping area has fire pit and picnic table to share with others
At high water access to stairs to take out and to camp can be difficult.
Note: Always take paddles, PFD's, fishing equipment, food items and valuables to your camping area - do not leave in boats. There are raccoons and other nocturnal creatures and an occasional bear passing through.
LegendOne of 5 river camps along the Suwanee River and one of the nicest. This system of river camps currently is first come first served with no fee - but that could change soon and screened sleeping platforms may require reservations. Reservations can be made for groups and are suggested. Our outfitter American Canoe Adventures makes our reservations for us. We stay here at least 2 times a year as the Suwannee River river camps are spaced a days paddle apart and are wonderfully convenient (especially in summer when afternoon rains come daily and bugs are everywhere).
Outfitters have road access to help with deliveries of gear and supplies - Road access not open to the public. Most of the time you will have a camp host on the property.
River camp has bath house with water and electric, grills, fire pits, tent camping area and screened sleeping platforms with electric, lighting and ceiling fans. Many units also have hooks to hang you hammocks. Sleeping pavilions typically will hold 6-8 persons and have small corner tables with small bench. Each has picnic table and fire ring. You will find a broom in each shelter - please sweep out and leave clean for next group. Camp host oftentimes has firewood available for sale. There are trails to explore and if you look closely you will find remains and signs of old turpentine harvesting in the area close to the camp in the forest. Chuck-will's-widow, owls and frogs will serenade you at night.
Tent camping area has fire pit and picnic table to share with others
There are canoe racks off platform visible at lower water levels or you can tie boat up under ramp. At high water you will be able to paddle up walkway to get out. - please turn boat to side of railing and secure as far up ramp as possible to leave room for others coming in to get their vessels up. There are also canoe racks at top of walkway. Always take paddles, PFD's, fishing equipment, food items and valuables to your camping area - do not leave in boats. There are raccoons and other nocturnal creatures and an occasional bear passing through.
RangerRanger Review: Wild Zora Bars and Paleo Meals to Go at Hart Springs, Fl
Not far from the city of Gainesville sits the town of Bell, Fl home of many small springs. The spring we visited was Hart Springs. Hart Springs was just the right temperature on a hot summer day and a perfect location to enjoy Wild Zora Bars.
Camp Ground Review:
The Hart Spring has one of the largest swimming area with year-round 72-degree Fahrenheit water temperatures. The spring has an over bridge and concrete steps that lead down into the springs. Plenty of shade and Pavilions with grills close to the springs, playground, bathrooms and camp store. This park also has a splash pad, volleyball and basketball court. Beautiful ½ a mile-long boardwalk along the springs and the Suwannee River. Rentals of canoes and Kayaks available and cave diving is allowed for certified cave divers. The campground is located about 1 mile away from the spring accessible by a paved walking, bicycle or golf cart trail which is shaded by cypress, oak and pine trees. Campground has 71 sites (one loop), full hookups, and bathhouse with hot shower, washer and dryer. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring (no grill). Our site was #8 this site was deep, shaded and close to the bathrooms. Nice pool with bathrooms and a big pavilion with picnic tables and two grills for cooking at the pool. No alcohol. No pets (except at the RV campground) Reservations thru Reserve America website.
Product Review:
As a ranger for The Dyrt, I get to test various products. At Hart Springs I tested two products from Wild Zora: Wild Zora Bars and Wild Zora Paleo Meals to Go.
What I thought about Wild Zora Bars and Paleo Meals to Go:
I would recommend Wild Zora bars to anyone that is looking for a snack for camping, hiking, or just an all-around healthy snack. I would recommend to anyone who likes camping, especially where space is limited, to try the Paleo Meals to go.
LegendOne of 5 river camps along the Suwanee River and one of the nicest. This system of river camps currently is first come first served with no fee - but that could change soon and screened sleeping platforms may require reservations. Reservations can be made for groups and are highly suggested.
Wintertime is fantastic here as the bugs are at bay. Springs are 72 degrees year round and are not open to swimming and you will often find large groups of divers at the various holes. The extensive submerged cave system is on eof the most beautiful attracting divers from around the world.
River camp has bath house with water and electric, grills, fire pits, tent camping area and screened sleeping platforms with electric, lighting and ceiling fans. Many units also have hooks to hang you hammocks. Sleeping pavilions typically will hold 6-8 persons and have small corner tables with small bench. Each has picnic table and fire ring. You will find a broom in each shelter - please sweep out and leave clean for next group. Tent camping area has fire pit and picnic table to share with others. As with all river camps there are stairs up to the camps and trees and racks to tie up your vessels. Nice large picnic pavilion with grills.
There is a lot of space to explore here and at the adjoining Peacock Springs State Park.There are foot and equestrian trails to explore and lots of activities for EXPERIENCED cave divers.
NOTE: Always take paddles, PFD's, fishing equipment, food items and valuables to your camping area - do not leave in boats. There are raccoons and other nocturnal creatures and an occasional bear passing through.
LegendPROS
Site 14- shady; 100% sand; moveable small wooden picnic table and metal fire ring with cooking grate; small clothes line permanently erected
Fairly new bathhouse which was very clean
Quiet except for Interstate 10, US90 and occasional train
Park security gate closes at sunset and requires code to enter
Campground Drive thrus by sheriff and park personnel
Very friendly and helpful volunteers
Lots and lots of squirrels.
Didn’t see any other wild life.
CONS
Paid transaction fee for making my own online reservation
Camping in cars permitted in FHU campsites
No privacy from other sites or campground roadway
No Park WIFI
1 bar TMOBILE
Don’t Miss
Live Oak is the next eastbound Interstate 10 exit, so 7 miles, which has Walmart with Murphy fuel, Lowe’s, Winn-Dixie and Publix
Watch local law enforcement speed surveillance on US90. Goes from 60 mph to 45 mph at the Interstate junction!
Robbie’s Cafe for some reasonably priced home cooking
O’Neal County Buffet in Madison for bodacious fried chicken
GuideWe stayed here a couple of years ago while visiting family and friends in Lake City, about 20 miles away. I was very impressed with the facilities, very clean and well kept. Site 19 is a long pull through with plenty of room for a big rig and tow vehicle. Picnic table and fire ring available. Beautiful trees with Spanish moss give the park that old Florida feel. This is Florida, so expect humidity and some bugs. Not a lot of breeze at our site but very shady. Staff was very courteous and helpful, work campers rode by occasionally and would carry off trash if needed. There is a nice museum and camp store/gift shop onsite also. Cell service was good, didn't try the tv. There is no big stores nearby, just a Dollar General in White Springs near the entrance. Definitely a thumbs up.
LegendThis place is such a hidden gem! There’s around 10-12 spots overall, all varying in size. No water or electricity but has a very clean pit toilet (was checked twice daily by the host). Half of the spots have picnic tables and there’s plenty of trash cans throughout. The host here is SO KIND and gave me so much advice on where to shower and get free water! Lake city is an easy 25 minute drive away and Jacksonville is 45 minutes away. Half of the spots are lake views and get some sun during the day. The other spots are pretty shaded so not good for solar. Fee is $10/night and I had full ATT LTE service, never happens! Boat ramp is located here so daily traffic is high but very quiet at night time and felt safe. Doggy loved all of the forest surrounding us on our hikes! Definitely would stay again.
LegendLocated in the town of Trenton, Florida is this gem of a spot loved by the locals and tourists alike. They offer Lodge Rentals, RV Sites, Tent Camping & Cabins, Heated Pool & Great access to Otter Springs and the Suwannee River. There is a day use area, canoe & kayak rentals, basketball and volleyball court, and canoe rentals available. You can fish in the spring run or on the Suwannee River. We chose to camp in site with water and electric so we were in an RV spot but they have a designated tent camping area with water access and no electric.
We enjoyed exploring the over 600 acres, river, springs, nature trails and loved getting ice cream in the store after! The camp store has just about all you might run out of. Be prepared with insect repellent at dawn and dusk. Sites are spacious enough - not too close together but not much privacy either. If you do not like noise choose a sight away from the pool! RV sites have Full hookup: Electric (30& 50 amp.), water, and sewer. Good Sams memberships are accepted.
This is a great place to host a local event and they are VERY Veteran Friendly offering 15% off on daily and weekly camping. There is Wifi is available in the Pool Pavilion.
Though this place is not brand new and shows some age, it has a wonderful, welcoming feeling. We really enjoyed our stay!
LegendThis hike-in only campground is but one of two such campgrounds that you’ll find here at Phillips Branch Crossing in Jennings State Forest. To reach Mule Landing Campground, you’ll have to first park in the Phillips Branch Crossing parking lot and from there, you’ll just want to follow the Dunns Farm Trail, passing the first campground (Dunn Farms) after about 1/3 of a mile in, where you’ll need to keep hiking for another mile until you reach the banks of the slow-moving Black Creek. You’ll wind around and ascend a slight incline before reaching Mule Landing, but trust me, if you are looking for one of the best private hike-in campgrounds, you’ve just arrived.
Like every primitive campground I’ve ever experienced, this one is no different and offers very little in the way of amenities, but what this place lacks in accoutrement, it more than makes up for by the simply pristine slice of nature that you’ll find yourself surrounded by. There’s enough room here for 2, maybe 3 small-to-medium sized tents with fairly level ground that is softened by all the downed leaves. There’s a single fire ring with a fold-over grill grate and a handful of logs to use for firewood. You’ll discover that there’s also this really cool bartop table with a matching bench that is perfect for whipping up a cocktail or eating dinner from. You’ll discover what looks to be like a trail heading west and away from the campground, but when I took it, this deadends, which might make me think this was created as a latrine of sorts. There was also a large 10 gallon blue Lowe’s plastic bucket that had been strategically left behind in case you wanted to bring some water from the nearby creek up to cook with or even drink (providing of course that you treat the water first). Oh, and there’s this simply sterling wooden bench (that I think our friends at TheDyrt planted here) overlooking the Black Creek at a place called Osteen Overlook that offers a great vantage point, which reads: “Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few are Dirt.”
Insider’s tips? There’s just a few here:(1) You really want to stay on the trails at all times as there are both deer ticks and rattlesnakes in these parts that, trust me, you don’t want to come into contact with; (2) While you might be thinking about biking on this long trail to make quicker time getting to Mule Campground, you can’t bike on any of the hiking trails here – but even if you could, take my word for it, you wouldn’t want to as the terrain is tough with decent inclines and declines, on top of what can be some rough footing on account of the tree roots; and (3) From this CG to Black Creek is only about 60 or so yards that you’ll have to navigate a set of handcrafted stairs and while we couldn’t find a decent place for a kayak or canoe to land here, I’m sure that there’s a spot nearby if you looked close enough – so rather than hiking in, you might be able to simply float your way here, but I would definitely call the FL State Ranger and inquire about this.
Happy Camping!
Tent camping near Lake City, Florida offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying well-equipped sites along the scenic Suwannee River. With a variety of campgrounds featuring unique amenities, there's something for every outdoor enthusiast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Lake City, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Lake City, FL is Woods Ferry River Camp — Suwannee River Wilderness Trail with a 5-star rating from 4 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Lake City, FL?
TheDyrt.com has all 20 tent camping locations near Lake City, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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