Bennett Field Campground — Tiger Bay State Forest
Nice super spacious
Quite a bit of ticks. The camping table had a bee hive …
Campgrounds near Lake Helen, Florida provide a mix of natural springs, lakefront settings, and forested environments within a short drive of the small town. Blue Spring State Park Campground, located about 5 miles west of Lake Helen, offers tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations with access to the crystal-clear spring that maintains a constant 72-degree temperature year-round. Other nearby options include Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground, approximately 25 miles southwest, and Hontoon Island State Park Campground, accessible only by boat or ferry about 10 miles northwest of Lake Helen. The region includes several state parks and recreation areas with varying levels of development, from primitive sites to full-service RV resorts.
Florida's subtropical climate shapes the camping experience throughout the year, with most campgrounds in the Lake Helen area remaining open year-round. Summer brings hot, humid conditions with afternoon thunderstorms common from June through September. "This campground is in Ocala National Forest, which is always beautiful. The campsites are large, we fit 3 4+ person tents. This was one of the busier places I have camped in Florida," noted one visitor about nearby Alexander Springs Recreation Area. Winter months (November through March) offer milder temperatures and lower humidity, making this the peak season for camping in the region. Many campgrounds require reservations well in advance during this popular winter period, particularly for RV sites with hookups. Hurricane season officially runs from June through November, with potential for severe weather and temporary closures.
The natural springs represent the most distinctive camping feature in the Lake Helen area, with several campgrounds providing direct access to these unique ecosystems. Campers consistently highlight the crystal-clear waters and wildlife viewing opportunities as major draws. A review on The Dyrt described Wekiwa Springs State Park as having "nicely wooded sites" that "provide a ton of much-needed shade from the Florida sun." Water-based activities dominate the recreational options, with swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing available at most campgrounds. Clearwater Lake Campground, about 20 miles northwest of Lake Helen, receives particular praise for its "well-shaded, private and spaced apart" sites and "excellent visibility to the mostly sand-bottomed swimming area." Several campgrounds in the area feature full hookups for RVs, while others maintain a more natural setting with primitive tent sites and minimal amenities, allowing campers to choose their preferred balance of comfort and immersion in nature.
$24 - $95 / night
"Not a ton of hiking available here but a decent 3.5 mile one way trail through Florida scrub and oak hammock. The rare and endangered Florida Scrub Jay can be found here."
"It was still very hot and buggy in Florida so be warned If this is an issue for you. Large campsites with a picnic table, electric, and water."
$15 / night
"Had water and electric hook up and the near by walking trail was absolutely awesome. The staff could not have been more helpful. Next time I’m visiting family in Florida, I will definitely stay here"
"Small grounds, beautiful lake that allows fishing and boating. Sites are very close to each other, good for making friends, not good if you like your privacy. Drive up right next to your site."
$24 / night
"Close to home and took a drive through one day. Haven't been camping yet this year due to illness but getting ready to get on the road."
"We camp a lot during the summer but since this is Florida it's HOT regularly and sizzling during the summer months."
$40 - $73 / night
"There are beautiful walking trails, beautiful and refreshing cool springs, kayak rentals for $20. There are also some small caves there for anyone who free dives or snorkels."
"I have steps that will not allow us to close the door to the camper if there is not enough room. See second picture. If you have young ones or teenagers this place gives them lots to do."
$38 - $70 / night
"This was one of the busier places I have camped in Florida. The facilities were clean and provided showers."
"This is a typical Florida spring."
$24 / night
"From the initial encounter with the ranger at the entrance to the staff running the camp store everyone was super-chill. Campground was well maintained and our neighbors were all well behaved."
"This is my favorite Florida State Park so far. Sites are small. Some are very shallow. There is plenty of greenery between sites. Camp road and sites may be difficult to maneuver into."
$38 / night
"Clearwater Lake Recreation is one of the few National Forest Service managed campgrounds located at the southern end of Ocala National Forest. Campsites are well-shaded, private and spaced apart."
"Clearwater Lake Recreation Area was recommended to us as a backup option to nearby and popular Alexander Springs for our small group of scouts."
"This is really getting away from it all. The only way to reach the island is via the ferry (free, and runs all day) or bring your own boat. There are boat docking facilities."
"Would not recommend walking with all your camping stuff). I came here for my birthday weekend last year and it was a great choice!"
$25 - $32 / night
"Lots of permanent sites takes away from the typical campground. Staff member was nice and helpful. NO internet and phone service so spotty that hotspot was useless."
"This family run location has bee in operation for over 50 years and is working on their 4th generation! They offer 50 sites with full hookups (some 50 amp), tent sites and hot showers."












Quite a bit of ticks. The camping table had a bee hive …
Great small RV park. Very clean and super friendly & helpful staff. We stayed 3 nights and will definately return. Approximately 60% full-time residents.
Just outside the tiny river village of Georgetown, where Road 309 bends toward Drayton Island, you will find Rivers Edge RV Park sitting exactly where its name promises, right on the banks of the St. Johns River. With roughly 50 or so sites arranged in a simple, easy to navigate loop, this campground feels intimate without being cramped and it books quickly for good reason. The setting is classic 'Old Florida' with long bearded Spanish moss draped over ancient oaks, wide river views and that slow moving, fish-filled water stretching out toward Lake George.
Sites here cater primarily to the RV and 5th wheel crowd, offering full hookups with 30- and 50-amp electric, water & sewer, along with a mix of back-in and pull-through options, many with concrete pads and patios. There is also a designated tent area, thoughtfully placed closer to the river, which gives tent campers a front row seat to sunrise over the water. Restrooms and showers are notably clean, laundry facilities feature newer machines and there is also a propane station on-site. Add in a small dog park, trash stations, a riverside pavilion, lawn games, horseshoes and even pickleball courts and it becomes clear that this is a well-managed, well-maintained operation. Complimentary WiFi reaches most of the park, though streaming can be a bit slow at peak times.
While my review from a few years ago provides a ton of detail, I thought I would follow up that review with a topline of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS along with a smattering of new photos.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Direct access to the St. Johns River with private boat launch and guest-only slips; (2) Clean, well-kept facilities including modern laundry and shower buildings;(3) Distinct tent area positioned closest to the river; (4) Simple loop layout that makes navigation easy even for larger rigs; (5) Fishing is abundant here with local finds including: largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, shellcracker bream and striped bass; and (6) Affordable pricing compared to many waterfront parks in Florida, but for the area, this is either on par or slightly more $ for what you would typically find, however, IMHO completely worth it!
LOWLIGHTS: (1) Limited availability due to the park’s small size and popularity; (2) WiFi can slow down during busy periods; (3) Fewer restaurant and retail options immediately nearby, because, well, you're completely out in 'the sticks' here in Georgetown, which is admittedly, part of the allure (as well as the downside); (4) Sites, while organized, are not heavily screened for privacy; and (5) This CG is best suited for river lovers and boaters rather than those seeking resort style amenities.
Happy Camping!
The cabins at Blue Spring State Park offer a rare way to experience one of Florida’s most iconic spring-fed rivers without camping by RV or tents. Tucked well away from the busy springhead and day-use crowds and surrounded instead by hardwood hammock and palmetto flats. Arriving is straightforward via Orange City, just a stone's throw from I-4, and once you’re checked in, the cabins feel intentionally removed from the main campground loops, trading generator hums and tent zippers for solid walls, screened porches along with a noticeable sense of calm once the park gates close for the evening.
Each cabin is simple but thoughtfully laid out with climate control, real beds, a small kitchen setup, picnic tables and screened outdoor space that invites slow mornings with a freshly brewed cup of Colombian coffee and unhurried evenings over a nice iced glass of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. While these are not luxury accommodations by any stretch of the imagination, they are very clean, well maintained and ideal for families or couples who want immersion in nature without having to 'rough' it. Restrooms and showers are integrated into the cabin setup rather than shared campground facilities and nearby trails make it easy to step directly into the woods for a walk without ever starting the car.
Beyond the cabins themselves, Blue Spring’s broader amenities shine. Hiking trails wind through shaded forest and along the St. Johns River while the spring run offers some of the clearest freshwater paddling in the state. A small concession area and nearby Orange City like Fire on the Bayou, The Salted Goat and Orange Social provide tempting and hyper-local dining options, but most guests will find themselves lingering longer at the cabins, listening to owls at dusk or catching early morning river mist before the park stirs back to life.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a handful: (1) If you’re visiting during manatee season, the cabins are a ‘golden ticket’ for early and late viewing when crowds thin and the river feels most deserted and almost reverent; (2) For kayaking, launch at the Blue Spring Run canoe and kayak launch and paddle upstream early in the morning for glassy water, manatee sightings in season and wading birds like blue and grey heron, kingfishers, bald eagles and ospreys along the river banks; (3) The cabins closest to the interior trail network tend to feel the most secluded and quiet compared to those nearer service roads; (4) Plan simple meals rather than elaborate cooking, as kitchens are functional but hoestly, quite modest (read: just bare bones); and (5) If you want a true Old Florida day trip, head a short drive north to DeLeon Springs after breakfast for swimming and pancakes at the local restaurant there.
Happy Camping!
Looney Acres sits tucked just off US-1 in Mims and immediately feels like a throwback to truly primitive camping, with about three dozen simple sites scattered through the woods of what looks to be freshly cleared land that accommodate tents and smaller RVs, all on grass and dirt with minimal leveling. Amenities are extremely limited, with a portable toilet, a basic outdoor shower setup and very little in the way of landscaping or defined walkways, which made getting around on foot a bit tricky for the kids. The boys enjoyed a short wander through the trees and a bit of free-range exploring before we realized this spot wasn’t the best match for our family’s comfort level or setup needs. From what we saw, the quieter sites farthest from the entrance offer the best sense of seclusion, but for families wanting easier access, cleaner facilities, and a more relaxed stay, we ultimately recommend passing and heading down the road to Indian River RV Park in Titusville instead.
While exploring Florida's 'Space Coast' we decided to pull into Willow Lakes Golf & RV Resort just off US-1 in Titusville, which immediately sets you up for a comfortable and relaxed stay, with well-maintained RV sites nestled among shady tree-lined paved pathways and plenty of space between rigs that feels restful after a long travel day. The resort itself is one of the most highly polished RV communities we have ever visited with thoughtful amenities like a small swimming pool, shuffleboard and bocce ball courts, offering clean bath and shower facilities, roomy paved sites that provide shelter for even the tallest and longest of RVs along with a peaceful layout that feels safe and welcoming for families – but one huge watch out: this is a 55+ community, so while we instantly fell in love with this place, we knew the only way we could stay was if we brought one set of grandparents! One of the highlights of our visit was taking the boys down to the Space Coast to watch a satellite launch from nearby Cape Canaveral, their eyes wide as the rocket lifted into the sky. Dinner at Shilohs Steak & Seafood, a short drive away on US-1, gave us all a chance to enjoy hearty meals and fresh local fare before heading back to our rig, where we eventually found a much better, family-friendly place to stay in Manatee Hammock CG. We’d recommend Willow Lakes for 55+ RV campers who appreciate EZ access from the highway, a friendly RV vibe with clean amenities and proximity to unique local attractions like space launches and great local dining that make every day feel like a part of the adventure. My hubby and I decided this is one of the places we would consider retiring to when our boys are all grown up!
Last minute getaway. 20 minutes from palm coast. We enjoyed being by the lake. You could bring your boat to this one for sure.
Awesome open spots for dispersed camping. Not too busy and camp host is a really nice dude.
Nice old KOA but businesses built around it. If you like sirens and racing cars irs ok. It is a nice camp ground but don’t park in back near the fence. lots of street noice like garbage pickup.
Camping options around Lake Helen, Florida encompass primitive sites, boat-accessible campgrounds, and island destinations spanning the Ocala National Forest and St. Johns River basin. Most camping areas maintain year-round availability with peak visitation during winter months when temperatures range from 50-70°F. Accessibility varies significantly between locations, with some requiring ferry transportation while others offer direct road access to sites.
Kayaking the St. Johns River: Lake Monroe Park provides direct water access with boat ramps where the St. Johns meets Lake Monroe. "Great place to stay with water and electric hook up and the near by walking trail was absolutely awesome," notes a visitor. The park connects to additional water trails perfect for day excursions.
Swimming at natural springs: Alexander Springs Recreation Area features an unusually large swimming area directly at the spring head. "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," reports one camper. Water remains a consistent 72°F year-round.
Wildlife viewing: Hontoon Island State Park offers unique wildlife observation opportunities accessible only by boat or ferry. A visitor notes, "Plenty of gators, BIRDS, turtles, MANATEES, bountiful green scenery." The island provides trails and boardwalks for viewing wildlife in natural habitats.
Spacious, private sites: Clearwater Lake Campground consistently receives praise for site layout. "Campground is quiet and sites are HUGE. We were able to find a very nice hammock friendly site near the water," notes one camper. The campground maintains significant natural buffers between sites.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the area maintain modern restrooms despite their natural settings. At Tomoka State Park Campground, visitors appreciate that "Bathrooms were newer looking and clean" with multiple reviewers noting the frequent cleaning schedule.
Fishing opportunities: Highland Park Fish Camp provides specialized fishing amenities. "There is a free catch and release pond that is kept well stocked and a great place for the kids or beginners to learn how to fish," reports a regular visitor. Many campgrounds offer multiple fishing locations from shorelines, docks, and boat launches.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds near Lake Helen require reservations, especially during winter months (November-March). Sites with hookups typically book 3-6 months in advance during peak season.
Limited cell service: Several campgrounds have minimal connectivity. At Highland Park Fish Camp, visitors note "NO internet and phone service so spotty that hotspot was useless," making these locations better suited for disconnecting.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience ambient noise from nearby infrastructure. At Wekiva Falls RV Resort, one camper advised, "Golf carts allowed and side by sides. This mixed with drunken visitors was a bit nerve wracking," suggesting weekday visits for those seeking quiet.
Water conditions: Spring water often contains natural minerals. "The springs swimming area water has a smell of sulfur, stay up wind," advises one camper about Wekiva Falls, though the water remains safe for swimming.
Best swimming spots for children: Alexander Springs Recreation Area offers gradually sloping swimming areas. "New to Florida. Have not experienced 'real Florida' nature. 1st trip took us to Alexander springs... We were surprised with an albino squirrel sighting as an added bonus," reports a first-time visitor.
Playgrounds and recreation: Lake Monroe Park includes family-friendly amenities. "Great camp site with just what you needed... There is a huge lake right by the site and showers are decent," notes a tent camper. The park maintains a playground and dedicated recreation areas for children.
Accessibility options: Blue Spring State Park offers specialized accessibility features. One visitor with mobility limitations shared, "Jane, one of the park rangers informed us about the ramp for wheelchairs, and a lift into the water! She was so helpful."
Best hookup options: Wekiwa Springs State Park provides quality RV facilities. "Campground sites feel secluded with vegetation but can be challenging for backing up into spots. Had electric and water but trash is upon exit along with dump station," notes one RVer.
Site selection considerations: Trees and vegetation can impact setup. At Tomoka State Park, one RVer mentioned, "The only issue is our site (#2) has a large oak tree in the middle that prevents us from opening the awning."
Dump station access: Most campgrounds offer centralized dump stations rather than at individual sites. Lake Monroe Park provides "Convenient dump station" according to visitors, with multiple reporting the ease of accessing these facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Lake Helen, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, Lake Helen, FL offers a wide range of camping options, with 270 campgrounds and RV parks near Lake Helen, FL and 10 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Lake Helen, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Lake Helen, FL is Blue Spring State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 46 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Lake Helen, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 free dispersed camping spots near Lake Helen, FL.
What parks are near Lake Helen, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 parks near Lake Helen, FL that allow camping, notably Ocala National Forest and National Forests in Florida.
Keep Exploring