Best Campgrounds near Lake Mary, FL

State parks and natural springs dominate the camping landscape within 30 miles of Lake Mary, Florida. Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground offers wooded sites with access to crystal-clear spring waters, while Blue Spring State Park provides similar amenities with the added benefit of manatee viewing during winter months. The region includes a mix of county-managed facilities like Magnolia Park Campground and Lake Monroe Park alongside private RV resorts such as Wekiva Falls. Most campgrounds in the area feature water access, with swimming, kayaking, and fishing opportunities available at nearly all locations. Tent campers, RV enthusiasts, and those seeking cabin accommodations can all find suitable options within a short drive.

Reservations are essential during winter months when snowbirds and manatee-viewers converge on the area's campgrounds. Most state park campgrounds maintain consistent occupancy year-round, with weekends requiring bookings 2-3 months in advance. Summer brings intense heat and afternoon thunderstorms, making spring and fall the preferred camping seasons for many visitors. As one camper noted, "The campgrounds are nicely wooded and provide a ton of much-needed shade from the Florida sun." Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region, with one reviewer mentioning, "I brought my T-Mobile home router and had plenty of signal to work, stream, etc." Mosquitoes and no-see-ums can be problematic, particularly near water features during warmer months.

Natural springs represent the primary attraction for campers in the Lake Mary area. Several visitors highlight the 72-74 degree spring waters as perfect for swimming year-round. Clearwater Lake Campground in the nearby Ocala National Forest receives consistently high ratings for its well-shaded, private sites and excellent water visibility. Site spacing varies considerably between campgrounds, with some visitors noting proximity concerns at busier locations. According to one camper at Wekiwa Springs, "The sites did seem rather close to those around us... the group next to us was getting a little loud and it definitely made it seem less secluded." Wildlife viewing opportunities include alligators, various bird species, and occasional manatee sightings at certain springs during winter months.

Best Camping Sites Near Lake Mary, Florida (289)

    1. Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground

    64 Reviews
    Apopka, FL
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (407) 553-4383

    "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."

    2. Blue Spring State Park Campground

    45 Reviews
    Orange City, FL
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (386) 775-3663

    $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."

    3. Wekiva Falls RV Resort

    21 Reviews
    Mid Florida, FL
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 269-6839

    $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."

    4. Lake Monroe Park

    15 Reviews
    DeBary, FL
    6 miles
    Website

    $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."

    5. Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground

    129 Reviews
    Windermere, FL
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (407) 939-2267

    $56 - $201 / night

    "Big park so lots of walking if you don’t have the cart (or you can bring your own and/or bikes).  Our grandsons loved the golf cart!"

    "The best campground in Florida ! Fun beautiful and lots to do even without going to the parks Wildlife is abundant Bunnies deer turkey"

    6. Kelly Park Campground

    12 Reviews
    Apopka, FL
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (407) 254-1902

    $15 - $18 / night

    "We had a tent site near the bathhouse. The bath house is very nice and clean. The sites are all pretty much shaded."

    "There is access to the park springs area, which is the main draw for the public. This is a beautiful area so bring the camera."

    7. Magnolia Park Campground

    16 Reviews
    Clarcona, FL
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (407) 886-4231

    "While located a bit off the beaten path in a part of Florida that few find themselves in, Magnolia Park Campground, featuring 56 acres of pristine Florida wilderness, is located on an elbow curve where"

    "You can hear a small amount of highway traffic in the distance, but totally tolerable. No pull thru sites. We stayed in site #8 and could barely see the neighbor next to us thru the trees/brush."

    8. Trimble Park Campground

    20 Reviews
    Mount Dora, FL
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (407) 254-1982

    "Just a note of caution: Keep animals away from the water's edge."

    "I stayed in site 11 that was positioned so I had a magnificent view of the lake and the little gator that lived at the waters edge."

    9. Clearwater Lake Campground

    23 Reviews
    Paisley, FL
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 669-0078

    $37 / 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."

    10. Seminole State Forest Primitive Campsites

    6 Reviews
    DeBary, FL
    10 miles
    +1 (352) 360-6675

    $9 - $18 / night

    "This site is in a really pretty oak canopy, situated next to an open field. This is the only site in Seminole State Forest with a latrine."

    "This is a really nice spot situated between the spring and Blackwater Creek. The site is 100 yards down a path from where you park. It's a great spot if you want to paddle the creek."

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Recent Reviews near Lake Mary, FL

1317 Reviews of 289 Lake Mary Campgrounds


  • Tara G.
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Trimble Park Campground

    Incredible Hidden Gem

    Just returned from a 2 night stay at Trimble Park and I'm already planning my return next week!  The campground is very small and intimate, you will certainly get to know your neighbors and others staying in the park if you're going to be spending any time outside.  The park employees are zooming about on their golf carts multiple times within the hour during the day and always ready to help if needed.  The man in the office was amazing (I wish I had gotten his name) and so helpful, even swapping our spot for another with a better lake view!  Speaking of, the view is awesome!  Spots 8 and 9 are directly in front of the docks so if you mind other campers walking through your site to get to them, choose a different spot.  Even the spots that don't have a lake view are great!  Every site has a grill, separate fire ring, lantern hangers and picnic table plus electric and water hook ups.  Bathrooms are kept clean, every morning they are tended to.  My only complaint there is that the showers are very narrow.  I'm small and was feeling a bit cramped. Also the water pressure could definitely be stronger...took forever for me to rinse shampoo.  My personal issues are not enough for me to not come back though!  It's a great place to recharge and be at peace; I still can't get over how beautiful it is!

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Trout Lake Primitive Sites

    Primitive!

    So I was desperate trying to find my very first primitive camp site and started to panic and then came across the review "you might get pinstripes", well let me tell you the trail to the lake is so narrow I wasn't sure I was driving my Chevy Malibu through the forest because it was so overgrown. I started panicking and trying to find a turn around after going through a very soft sandy spot. Figured I'd never be able to get out or reverse. Then the lake appeared and someone left some firewood so I figured better pitch my tent fast before dark. I was scared to death all night alone , I had a black bear sighting that afternoon and I had no bear spray no cellphone service but all there was was whispering pines! It was soothing, and decided if I had to I could spend the night in car. It rained all night and morning. I knew I couldn't drive out or take the risk. I spent the second night. It's a beautiful lake and forest. The setting is breathtaking. I'd go back in a proper vehicle!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Youth Primitive Campground - Tomoka State Park

    Perfect Riverside Youth Group Camping Haven

    If you have hiking, canoeing, fishing, boating, picnicking, kayaking and bird watching on your mind and are looking for a great place that ticks all of these boxes and more, than you definitely want to give Tomoka State Park your due consideration. While I’ve camped here before in the main campground – which is nothing short of amazing – I just recently learned that there’s a Youth Campground that can be reserved (only by calling the main office here at Tomoka SP) for larger groups, so when I was invited to join my buddy’s boy scout group outing here, I jumped at the chance.

    What I love most about Tomoka State Park, especially as I was there to help guide a large group of teens, was all of the exploration that exists, from no shortage of flora like wild coffee bushes, tropical sage, green-fly orchids and of course, all of the live oak hammocks just dripping with Spanish moss. From a fauna standpoint, there’s white-tailed deer, otters, opossums, raccoons and even bobcats that come out closer to sunset as well as throughout the night, so you definitely want to ensure you are packing up everything before turning in. Of course, the stand-out attraction here is the immediate access to the Halifax River, where you can eyeball some coastal inhabitants like oysters, fiddler crabs and countless birds like blue herons, ospreys and eagles who prey on the ample fish that abounds here like redfish, snook, tarpon, black drum and seatrout. And if you keep your eyes open and get lucky, you may also see otters and dolphins.

    As for the campground, we had the entire place to ourselves for the weekend we went camping, so the sheer size of this place is massive – where there easily could be 3-4 different large-sized groups camping without tripping over one another. The ground was a mixture of both dirt and finely-ground sand with uneven patches of land scattered throughout the grounds. A lot of the picnic tables and benches were definitely worn and likely in need of some refurbishment (or replacement altogether) before too much longer. There were scattered concrete slabs around various areas of the campground – some with picnic tables bolted into the ground, while others were bare – the latter of which we used to organize our tent kitchen and eating area around. The CG had decent stand-up grills with adjustable levels for grilling at different heights, but we found that given we were a group, these grills were not large enough nor were there enough for us to BBQ everything we had planned on with our troop, but as we had brought additional grills ourselves, we didn’t have any issues.  Net-net, if you are here for a picnic, the grill situation is fine, but if you are here with a much larger group, then you better bring your own kitchen gear.

    Tree cover was light to non-existent in the center of the campground (so unless you want to get scorched by the unrelenting Florida sun, bring your own shade with you), but the surrounding perimeter was lush with thick jungle-like foliage of ferns and brush palms. A handful of scattered hanging Ts were provided for us to hang garbage and lanterns from and there were a number of solo standing water spigots to draw non-potable water from. The restroom and shower facility was fairly good with external showering hoses providing decent hot water and while the restroom itself was basic, it did have an actual toilet and working hot / cold water sink and paper towel dispenser - which for a primitive campsite is pretty amazing. Nearby there were a handful of covered shelters with additional picnic tables along with a sand volleyball court, which was definitely a bonus for the boys. Further afield, there’s a handful of great docks to either fish from or carefully launch a kayak or canoe from.

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) You will want to heed all of the signs that properly warn you about both alligators and snakes – they are real, abundant with this place having had a lot of issues with people not taking these warnings seriously; (2) If you are boating in these parts with an engine, you will want to take note that there’s ample manatees to steer clear of as well as be very aware that there are a number of places, particularly on the inlet of the Tomoka River that are quite shallow, depending upon the timing of the tides; (3) In the event that you need ANYTHING while visiting Tomoka SP, you should definitely make it a point to stop by the very well-appointed Tomoka Outpost and say hello to Captain Scott and his lovely wife Ashley, where here at this store, you’ll find that this place has everything from kayak, canoe and paddleboard rentals, guided boat tours, firewood, bait and ice for sale, snacks, beverages as well as beer & wine, including their very own local Tomoka EPA brew, which you can enjoy at the river dock patio overlooking the Tomoka River.

    Happy Camping!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Ponderosa Adult RV Park

    Keep On Mosey'ing Past This RV Ranch

    Maybe it was the descriptor of ‘Adult’ that grabbed my attention or the fact that along this stretch of US1, there’s not a whole lot of competition for attractions that catches one’s eye. If you find yourself pondering a stay at Ponderosa Adult RV(apart from the prerequisite check of your ID), you likely are here because you have either gotten yourself lost or it is very late in the evening and you simply need a place to‘drop anchor’ for the night.

    Whatever the reason you find yourself out in the boondocks here, I would certainly recommend taking a hard pass on this little outcrop of an RV parking lot for a myriad of reasons. First of all, this patch of land is pretty rough– almost as rough as the‘neighbors’ you will encounter if you choose to stay here. There’s a single loop that goes around this place(conveniently named Ponderosa Lane, although it should be renamed loop or circle, right?) with only about two dozen or so slots available with about half of these being of the semi-permanent varietal with the other half occupied by proper RV’ers enroute no doubt to somewhere that’s more promising. As for amenities, there’s not a whole lot apart from a pretty unshapely pebble-strewn pathway, but watch out for all of the potholes(and being from Chicago, that’s saying something)! There’s electric and water hook-ups and a dumpster at the back of the place, but that’s about it.

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) Keep driving past this RV dump and look for higher ground – within a 30 minute drive of this place you’ll be able to find MUCH better accommodations – just look at my other reviews here on TheDyrt for nearby places that offer a much better experience, such as Palm Coast RV Park, just up the road past Bunnell; (2) If you do have to stay here for some reason, get in late and leave early; (3) Looking for nearby attractions or something to do? I would recommend heading east on Marco Polo Boulevard and crossing I95 to Bulow Creek State Park where you’ll find no shortage of amazing hiking pathways as well as kayak entry points and fishing holes to cast a line in; and (4) For those hauling an ATV, due south of Ponderosa Adult RV Park is something called Florida Cracker Ranch, which is basically a big open mud pit for all your ATV mud-flinging pleasure.

    Happy Camping!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Highbanks Marina & Camp Resort

    Camelot on the River (With a Pool Nicer Than Your HOA)

    Nestled along the St. Johns River in DeBary, Highbanks Marina & Camp Resort is a 25-acre playground where RVers and boaters mingle under giant oaks and Spanish moss. Locals call it ‘Camelot on the River,’ though I’m quite sure Arthur never had 50-amp hookups or a bait shop. First impressions? Think Old Florida charm, river breezes and a place where your neighbor might offer you both a cold beer and unsolicited fishing advice.  Unfortunately, there's no primitive camping here for mi tent pitchin' bredren.

    The campground packs plenty of creature comforts. RV sites come with full hookups (30 / 50 amp electric, water, sewer), and most are shaded enough to keep your AC from begging for mercy. There’s a 30'X60' swimming pool (read: bigger than your neighbor’s backyard dream), a recreation hall, horseshoe pits, bocce ball and laundries. The camp store is less ‘convenience shop’ and more ‘bait & souvenirs,’ with everything from fishing gear to trinkets you’ll later wonder why you bought. Then there’s the 72-slip marina where your kayak can feel fancy just by association with the pontoon crowd.

    The setting is pure St. Johns River magic. You can paddle out and watch herons glide by, manatees surface like old river monks or gators give you side-eye. Kayakers rave about the downstream trip to Blue Spring, where you can float past manatees before your coffee gets cold. When you’re done pretending you’re an extra in a National Geographic documentary, DeBary and Deltona are just minutes away for groceries, supplies and a change of scenery.

    Insider Tips? Yeah, you know you are just jonesing for some, right? Here they are: (1) Riverfront sites are the crown jewels at this RV encampment, but book early unless you like camping by the dump station and telling people it’s ‘rustic charm.’; (2) Don’t skip the marina rentals as you’ll look cooler launching a pontoon, but the kayaks give you the better wildlife bragging rights; (3) The on-site Swamp House Grill & Tiki Bar is a must with its fried seafood, rum-fueled tiki drinks along with the chance to meet locals who definitely have fish stories longer than your RV; (4) Some sites feel more ‘neighbors with benefits’ (read: tight) than ‘sprawling privacy,’ so if this of concern for you, do yourself a ‘favor flave’ and grab a spot near the office or look towards the open loops for more elbow room; (5) If you missed it, for mi oar rowin’ bredren, kayak to Blue Spring: it’s the best free manatee show in Florida (sorry, SeaWorld!); and (6) In the event that you’ve already checked out the on-site Swamp House Grill and want to try something new, hit up Hontoon Landing Restaurant for casual riverside eats, Blue Spring Café serving up biscuits the size of your face or DeBary Hall’s nearby eateries for a dose of history and hearty Southern comfort.

    Happy Camping!

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2025

    Tomoka State Park Campground

    Mot as pretty as the pics

    Some spots are hard to back into, even with a 25ft rv. Don’t try to walk to the store on site, it’s kinda far!

  • Courtney Moriah
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Trimble Park Campground

    Gorgeous natural park

    Been here only 1 day so far. The park is beautiful! It’s like a jungle, very tucked away and private and surrounded by water. 50 amp power, water hookups and sewage dump is right inside the campground for easy access. Our site has lantern hangers and a big fire pit with benches! The sites are nicely paved and graveled and the picnic tables are like new!! 10/10 recommend.

  • Alex L.
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Tomoka State Park Campground

    Beautiful but noisy

    Stayed in site 69. Bugs were decent honestly. Temps were very warm. Bathroom closed (only found out after check in) but campground is small so not too long of a walk. Road noise is moderate and some sites are very close together but others do a good job of having a barrier. There is plenty nearby in terms of hiking and kayaking.


Guide to Lake Mary

Campgrounds surrounding Lake Mary, Florida provide varying camping experiences from tent sites to RV accommodations at county and state facilities. Most sites require reservations 45 days to 3 months in advance, especially during winter months when Florida temperatures range from 50-75°F. Campsites in this region typically cost $15-30 per night depending on hookup availability and seasonal demand.

What to do

Tube down Rock Springs: Kelly Park Campground offers a natural lazy river experience with 72-degree spring water year-round. "The park has multiple trails and the most beautiful natural lazy river. Tubbing is allowed in the River. Please note that you need to bring your own tube or there is a rental place before the park," notes one camper who visited in November 2019.

Visit local wildlife areas: Clearwater Lake Campground in Ocala National Forest serves as a base for spotting native Florida species. "The very GREAT rangers @ Rodman Campground ultimately win the battle! They will provide you with all of the great information you need to have a great experience here," reports Stuart K., highlighting staff knowledge of local ecosystems.

Kayak connecting waterways: Lake Monroe Park provides direct access to St. Johns River and multiple lakes. "This park was really nice to camp at, you got hookups for water and electricity. Hot showers in the bathrooms, each bathroom has its own sink, mirror, toilet, and hot showers the water doesn't go cold on you," mentions Chelsea R. about the convenient amenities after paddling.

Explore hiking trails: Seminole State Forest Primitive Campsites offer access to secluded paths through pine flatwoods. "This is a good place to come to see the stars! Jumper camp is a primitive area with a picnic table and a fire ring. Great for large groups or a backpacker," advises Mike G., who reminds visitors to "pay close attention to the hunting schedule!"

What campers like

Peaceful waterfront sites: Trimble Park Campground offers lakeside camping with just 15 total sites. "We stayed in site 11 that was positioned so I had a magnificent view of the lake and the little gator that lived at the waters edge. I paddled my inflatable kayak around lake Carlton and the adjoining lake that has the boat ramp. I launched directly from my campsite," shares Ryan S.

Clean facilities: Multiple campgrounds maintain well-kept restrooms and shower facilities. "The bathrooms were newer looking and clean. However, there are only two stalls in the women's restroom, so I did have to wait to get a shower in when I went," notes Jenn B. about Blue Spring State Park Campground.

Wildlife viewing: Campers appreciate the native animal encounters throughout the region. "We had so much fun! My granddaughter didn't want to leave. She swam in the springs and loved it. Then we went to the swimming hole, and there were five manatees there. We were told not to touch them, but one brushed against her leg!" reports Lauren W. after staying at Blue Spring State Park.

What you should know

Site accessibility varies: Some campgrounds require additional planning for larger rigs. "I have steps that will not allow us to close the door to the camper if there is not enough room. See second picture," warns Grant J. about Wekiva Falls RV Resort, pointing out the importance of site dimensions.

Noise factors: Nearby roads, trains, and facilities can impact certain campgrounds. "If you go on a weekend, make sure you go EARLY! Line of car starts around 9am and park will close at capacity," advises Hannah S. about Wekiwa Springs State Park, highlighting weekend congestion.

Water quality differences: Spring water has distinct characteristics. "The spring swimming area water has a smell of sulfur, stay up wind..." recommends Calvert F. about Wekiva Falls, while many other springs in the area have crystal clear water without odor.

Tips for camping with families

Look for accessible amenities: Some sites offer family-friendly features. "We had a tent site near the bathhouse. The bath house is very nice and clean. The sites are all pretty much shaded. There are some swings and a cleared area the kids ran around/played chase right in front of the bath house. A short walk leads to a very nice playground with typical park equipment," shares Shelly R. from Kelly Park Campground.

Consider weekday visits: Most parks experience heavy weekend traffic. "Nice sites. Trails are fun. Springs are great bug crowded especially on weekends," reports Robyn L. about Wekiwa Springs State Park, highlighting the common pattern throughout the region.

Pack for weather extremes: Florida weather varies significantly even in winter. "It does get crowded and if you plan to do a day trip keep in mind that you need to get there early! If you have no floating tube there is a rental store just down the road from the park. My only regret is going when a cold front came through. The water was FREEZING!" warns Erika P.

Tips from RVers

Confirm dump station locations: Not all campgrounds offer on-site sewer hookups. "No sewer hook-up. Dump station yes," notes David W. about Magnolia Park Campground, a common situation in county parks.

Reserve early for winter stays: Premium sites book quickly during peak season. "Great place to go. Weekends during the summer are VERY busy. During the winter you may not be able to swim because of the manatees," explains Zach G. from Blue Spring State Park.

Check cell service coverage: Signal varies throughout the region. "No wifi available and with att we are getting one bar but still enough to do what we need," reports Steve M. after staying at Kelly Park, important information for remote workers camping near Lake Mary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there RV parks or camping facilities near Lake Mary?

Yes, several RV-friendly options exist near Lake Mary. Holiday Travel Park is conveniently located off I-95 and caters to fifth wheels and larger RVs. For overnight parking, Cracker Barrel — Sanford is just 25 minutes north of Orlando and provides a convenient stopping point. International RV Park & Campground is another option in the vicinity that accommodates RVs of various sizes.

How far is Lake Mary camping from Daytona Beach?

Lake Mary is approximately 45-50 miles from Daytona Beach, making it about a 45-60 minute drive depending on traffic conditions. If you're looking to enjoy both areas, Coral Sands RV Resort offers beachfront camping in Daytona Beach with vintage Florida charm, clean facilities, and an oceanfront pool. Another option for those traveling along I-95 is Cracker Barrel — Titusville, which provides convenient overnight parking for those making the journey between Lake Mary and the coast.

What campgrounds are available at Lake Mary?

While there aren't campgrounds directly on Lake Mary itself, several excellent options are available in the surrounding area. Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground offers wooded sites with plenty of shade and is relatively close to Lake Mary. For those seeking a quiet experience, Moss Park Campground provides spacious sites with fire rings set back from the camping area. Both locations offer clean facilities and make great base camps for exploring the Lake Mary region.