Florida's northern region near Live Oak features a diverse ecosystem with abundant natural springs and limestone geology. The average elevation is only about 90 feet above sea level, creating a unique landscape where the Suwannee River has carved shallow valleys through the countryside. Camping options near Live Oak span from rustic tent sites to full-service RV parks with varying levels of privacy and amenities.
What to do
Natural springs exploration: Hart Springs Park offers a half-mile boardwalk along the springs and Suwannee River where visitors can spot diverse wildlife. According to one camper, "We came in the winter and it was a bit cold to swim, but there are plenty of boardwalks around the rec side of the park to tour the sights. A short boardwalk walk at the springs takes you out to the shores of Suwannee river."
Horseback riding trails: Long Branch Rest & Ride RV & Horse Park provides extensive riding options for equestrian campers. A reviewer notes, "This place is definitely geared to the equestrian camper... with hay, wash rack, wheel-barrows for manure disposal, hitching posts, etc. There are tons of hiking, biking and riding trails."
Golfing access: Madison RV Resort and Golf Course features a 9-hole course with options for extended stays. A visitor mentioned, "Our nightly rate was based on the monthly rate and included a golf cart and golfing on their well maintained 9 hole course."
River tubing: Nearby Ichetucknee State Park offers tubing opportunities just a short drive from local campgrounds. One camper at Moonshine Acres RV Park shared, "This campground is located 5 mins from the gates of Ichetucknee State Park... float down the river."
What campers like
Privacy and space: Camping out in Country provides secluded camping options with minimal crowding. A visitor reported, "Sites are large, shaded, and spread out. There is a duck pond and animals, dogs roam free, but are friendly and well behaved. This is a rustic, working, old Florida farmette and horse ranch."
Clean facilities: Multiple rv parks in Live Oak, Florida and surrounding areas maintain well-kept bath facilities. One Hart Springs Park visitor noted, "The bathrooms are new and very well kept. The center sites seem more level than the outer ring of sites."
Natural shade: Moonshine Acres RV Park offers some wooded sites with natural canopies. A camper mentioned, "The trees are beautiful here with the Spanish moss," while another noted that certain sites have "great privacy and view of woods."
Outdoor recreation areas: Several campgrounds feature outdoor recreation spaces beyond standard amenities. A Lake City RV Resort visitor described, "Fun outdoor games including human foosball. Heavily shaded under tall pines. Fully equipped clubhouse complete with shuffleboard."
What you should know
Seasonal availability: Northern Florida campgrounds typically operate year-round, though swimming options may be limited in winter months. A Hart Springs visitor reported, "We came in the winter and it was a bit cold to swim, but there are plenty of boardwalks around the rec side of the park to tour the sights."
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds located near major highways experience road noise. A Lake Park Campground reviewer noted, "Sits by a camping world so if you need anything it's here! Everyone was super friendly. It's near the highway so there is a little traffic noise but that doesn't bother us."
Bathhouse limitations: Green Acres RV Park Florida LLC lacks certain facilities. One camper observed, "It's quiet, peaceful. Sites are large, fire rings, picnic tables, grass! Not well lit, no bath house, no propane, no pool. They have plenty of ideas though."
Site levelness: Some campgrounds have inconsistent site leveling. A Lake Park Campground visitor mentioned, "Site was unlevel and took three boards to fix side to side, disconnected from TV to fix fore/aft."
Tips for camping with families
Water features: Multiple campgrounds offer water recreation options for children. At Moonshine Acres RV Park, a visitor shared, "The spring was a mile away. Plan to arrive early at the springs. Busiest day is Saturday."
Playground access: Some rv parks near Live Oak have limited play equipment. A camper at Moonshine Acres reported, "Would've been better if playground was a bit more present for littles. Very tiny setup."
Pool availability: Several campgrounds have pools with seasonal hours. A visitor noted, "The pool closes when the office closes, which sucks because in the summer there is still 3 hrs of daylight left (a little disheartening)."
Kid-friendly facilities: Hart Springs Park offers family amenities beyond standard camping facilities. According to a visitor, "This park also has a splash pad, volleyball and basketball court."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Request specific sites based on rig size and hook-up needs. A Madison RV Resort visitor mentioned, "The CG has a nice mix of back-in and pull-thru sites. Our buddy site was spacious, but would rate the other sites as 'nearby.'"
Electrical needs: Green Acres RV Park Florida charges differently based on electrical service. A Long Branch Rest & Ride visitor noted, "This place charges $50 per night for 50 amp or $40 per night for 30 amp, which I have to be honest I've never seen before."
Access considerations: Some campgrounds have specific navigation challenges. One Lake Park Campground reviewer warned, "Be aware that some of the outer ring sites in the wooded area on the far side are pull-in sites, not pull-thru or back-in, which could make it challenging if you want to drop your trailer and leave."
Utility locations: Check the placement of hookups before selecting a site. A camper observed, "Concrete pad was all the way forward on the site while connections were over midway back making it so we couldn't use both easily."
