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Best Campgrounds near Keystone Heights, FL

1,181 Reviews

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.

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Best Camping Sites Near Keystone Heights, Florida (227)

    1. Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park Campground & Cabins

    32 Reviews
    Keystone Heights, FL
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 473-4701

    $20 - $100 / night

    "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."

    2. Starke-Gainesville NE KOA

    13 Reviews
    Starke, FL
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (904) 964-8484

    $34 - $58 / night

    "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."

    3. Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park Campground

    33 Reviews
    Micanopy, FL
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 466-3397

    $18 / night

    "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."

    4. Rodman Campground

    28 Reviews
    Welaka, FL
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (386) 326-2846

    $12 - $22 / night

    "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."

    5. Camp Blanding RV Park

    5 Reviews
    Starke, FL
    12 miles
    +1 (904) 682-3104

    "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"

    6. Free.To.Be- Van Site

    1 Review
    Keystone Heights, FL
    2 miles
    +1 (772) 532-0147

    $34 - $55 / night

    "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!"

    7. Connors Family Campsite

    2 Reviews
    Florahome, FL
    6 miles
    +1 (423) 777-1247

    "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"

    8. North Florida Christian Camp

    1 Review
    Keystone Heights, FL
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 247-3281

    "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"

    9. Ordway-Swisher Biological Station

    1 Review
    Keystone Heights, FL
    6 miles
    Website

    "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

    1 Review
    Florahome, FL
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 262-7313

    $164 - $210 / night

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Recent Camping Photos near Keystone Heights, FL

374 Photos of 227 Keystone Heights Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Keystone Heights, FL

1181 Reviews of 227 Keystone Heights Campgrounds

  • Brandon D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 15, 2025

    Cobb Hunt Camp

    Great spot

    We pulled in late, a lot of open spots. Other guests were camping. Definitely dispersed.

    Definitely got a little chilly tent camping.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 8, 2025

    Osceola National Forest Ocean Pond Campground

    Rustic Charm Meets Sandy Beach at Ocean Pond

    In general, I try to stay away from terms like ‘rustic,’ which honestly, usually just means ‘old’ (read: and in dire need of repair or refurbishment), but this place actually lives up to the word 'rustic' – so, take it from me, nothing needs fixin’ here. Everything is functionally sound. Maybe what you’ll discover is somewhat dated, but embrace it. Around here, it’s all good. All of the time. Ocean Pond Campground sits on the north shore of Ocean Pond, which is a striking 2-mile-wide lake within Osceola National Forest. The name is a bit of a misnomer as it’s more lake than pond, and trust me, the water that you will experience here isn't Ocean … but all of this confusion is actually part of the appeal. As you drive in, you’ll pass a fairly well-paved serpentine-like forest roadway lined by pine flatwoods and cypress wetlands. The lot layout is heavily forested and incredibly quiet, with a mix of shade and sun, and a natural, mellow campground vibe rather than resort polish.

    Ocean Pond offers a total of 67 campsites in three tiers: 19 with electric+ water hookups, 27 with water only and 20 primitive sites. That’s right, if you read between the lines, there’s no sewage hook-ups, but that’s OK, as there’s a proper sewage dump area as you exit the premises (free to registered campers; small fee for non-registered). The hookup sites are on paved spurs and rated up to about 50 feet capacity. Every site comes equipped with a picnic table, fire ring / grate, lantern post and access to restrooms, which honestly, are very well taken care of and, again, quite functional. Nothing to write home about, but it will get the job done. The campground includes flush toilets, hot showers in the electric & water sections, and more basic restroom access for primitive sites (in fact, these particular facilities were the only low point). For lake access, there’s a boat ramp, sandy beach swim area reserved for campers, fishing pier and a public boat launch. Camping is year-round, but there’s a 14-day stay limit within any 30-day span. Check-in is 2 p.m., checkout at 11 a.m.

    The real star here is Ocean Pond itself. It’s a playground for anglers, boaters, swimmers and paddlers. Expect to fish for largemouth bass, speckled perch, crappie and catfish. The Florida National Scenic Trail passes through here and you can take a 3-mile out-and-back hike from the campground along forest roads and a boardwalk for swamp views. Wildlife is abundant: expect herons, egrets, turtles, occasional alligators, birds in the wetlands and forest edge, where all around you, you’ll encounter the quiet hum of frogs and chorus of insects at dusk. Nearby, you’ll find Olustee Battlefield State Park just 4 miles away, an historic site with ties to the Civil War, plus various springs, state parks and rural roads to explore.

    Insider Tips? Yup, let’s do that: (1) Arrive early to snag one of the few electric + water sites as they’re HOT and in high demand and, well, because this place is ‘first-come, first-served’ let’s just say that ‘the early bird gets the worm’ here; (2) If you want more shade, pick a site tucked under the pines away from the beach; (3) Launch your kayak or boat in the early morning when the lake is calm and the mist lingers over the water; (4) Use bug spray especially near dusk and in the swampier sections; (5) Hike sections of the Florida Trail nearby with the swamp boardwalk segments being especially scenic; (6) While Ocean Pond CG is definitely pet-friendly, you’ll need to keep your domesticated furry friend on a leash at all times and not bring it swimming with you – and please do everyone a favor and don’t leave your pet tied up to a tree as this basically amounts to a ‘gator snack’; (7) Effectively there’s 3 loops here at Ocean Pond CG that I’ll refer to as Lakefront (Sites#1-19), Mosquito Hell (Sites#20-45) and Primitive Back-Country (Sites#46-67) and they are all priced ($30,$20 and $12 respectively) and preferred in that order, so IMHO the best spots are: #10, 12, 13, 16-19; and (8) Please say ‘hello’ to Katie who is absolutely one of the most amazing SP campground managers who helms the front gate with a big smile and an incredibly warm welcome.

    Happy Camping!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 8, 2025

    Cary State Forest Group Camp

    Where Family Reunions Meet Mosquitos

    Tucked deep into the pinewoods of Cary State Forest, the Group Campground isn’t your average weekend getaway, but more like a full-blown opportunity to gather the family together for a reunion, a game of flag football and potluck under the pines. Picture this: aunts swapping recipes over the campfire, uncles arguing over who forgot the marshmallows, and about ten tents forming a perfect (if slightly lopsided) circle of chaos and laughter. If your clan believes bonding means battling mosquitoes the size of chickadees and trying to keep toddlers from feeding raccoons, then this is your kind of paradise.

    This group campground site - and to be clear, there is ONLY one - is designed for tent camping only, so no RVs, trailers or plug-in (although, there's an easter egg hidden below) luxuries here. Amenities are basic but functional, including potable water, restrooms with showers, a group pavilion complete with a half dozen picnic tables and an old-fashioned crank BBQ grill (which is EASILY the greatest amenity I have ever encountered at ANY campground), which if you are familiar with this style of BBQ grilling, then educate yourself before arriving here and you will become legend around the campfire. The group campground here at Cary SF is rustic, peaceful and wrapped in tall pines that whisper 'you are somewhere far from civilization, so enjoy the silence (nod to DM).' Roads into the area are sandy and can get sloppy with the rain, but once you’re in, you’ll appreciate the sense of seclusion that makes it feel like your family owns the forest.  There is literally no one else around you here.

    Wildlife sightings are part of the fun here with plenty of deer, owls and the occasional armadillos wandering close to camp (likely curious about all that bacon grease). A short walk leads you to Thomas Creek, perfect for a quick morning stroll or some quiet birdwatching along that new boardwalk that was recently cleared and built. As for the patch of land that you’re big group – whether a family reunion, scout troop outing,10-year old birthday celebration sleepover or men’s church group celebration weekend – it’s about half the size of a football field with enough space for about 20 or so medium-sized tents, 5-6 wooden benches encircling a large community firepit / bonfire and a half dozen or so stand-up BBQ grills scattered throughout the area.

    The best bit about this slice of nature is that adjacent to this wide-open patch of grass is a back-in RV slot (the mysterious site #7) that has a perfect level slab of concrete along with a picnic table and access to electric outlets and running water – so even though you didn’t bring an RV here, this spot will give you those 'back-at-home' amenities that you likely thought you'd have to go without. You’ll also discover that besides the 5-story tall ranger viewing tower on the north of the site, there’s solid shade around the perimeter of this place, although little to none on the interior, so I would still encourage you to bring your own portable shade with you.

    Insider Tips: (1) Set up tents before dusk as mosquitoes clock in at exactly 6:01 PM; (2) The pavilion is your best friend during Florida’s afternoon storms and spontaneous family talent shows; (3) The restrooms are incredibly clean but rustic (but for once, in the good sense of the word), but you’ll want to bring your own TP just in case; (4) Thomas Creek is great for spotting herons and otters, just keep little ones at arm’s length; (5) Cell service is limited, which is ideal if you’ve ever wanted to see teenagers panic without Wi-Fi; (6) Stock up in nearby Bryceville or along US-301 before heading in here as there’s no store for miles, and Uncle Jim will absolutely forget the coffee; and (7) In the event that you grow weary of cooking yet another meal over the open fire, nearby there's a few modest offerings like Everybody's Restaurant serving up Southern fire in a diner-like environ or Cousin Willie's Smokehouse for some very authentic Que like smoked turkey with a side of fried pickles dipped in a cup of Brunswick stew.

    Happy Camping!

  • Tisch B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 6, 2025

    Osceola National Forest Ocean Pond Campground

    Great camphosts Friendly and helpful

    Im a road biker and there is almost no traffic on the roads outside of the campground. You can go for miles and miles.
    Campground quiet. Beautiful sunrise and sunsets and the full moon was amazing

  • Curtis D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 5, 2025

    Osceola National Forest Ocean Pond Campground

    My go-to campground.

    Ocean Pond really took a turn for the better. The campground host, Kate, is truly a wonderful person. The campground itself has been updated to 5 stars. The people doing the work have done an outstanding job. Thank you all. When I first got here, there were deep potholes in the primitive camping area(gravel road). The worker came in with a milling attachment attached to a skid loader and fixed every hole. Thank you for that, sir. I could go on and on, but come stay here and find out.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 4, 2025

    Princess Place Preserve - Moody Campground

    Beautiful Campground

    This campground is quiet and the sites are spread out. I'm here during the week, I'm not sure how the weekend would be. The Grounds are well kept and a lot of history here. The site i have is right on the water. It's big enough for two families. I would come back!

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 4, 2025

    Salt Springs Recreation Area

    3 night primitive (tent car camping)

    Awesome Very well kept, many trails nearby, staff, hosts and campers all very nice. Springs are great for a swim to see some of the local fish, crabs and maybe a manatee.

  • Jennifer M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 2, 2025

    West Tower Hunt Camp

    Spacious dispersed scrub / shady forest area

    We weren't sure what to expect considering the ride in past some shacks and few and far-between homes but the forest itself is incredibly spacious and shady with the campsites pretty far apart from each other (at least 4 sites that we saw) and each able to accommodate 5+ tents plus cars or trucks. Our site had three full-size picnic tables plus a fire grate on the ground if you chose to grill. It seemed like each site had an animal-proof trash bin, which was really handy. There were two porta-potties at the entrance to the camp area. This site was easily found on Google maps.

    It was a half-moon so scattered moonlight but otherwise, no light pollution. There were a pack of dogs barking throughout the night, but not too loud or close to keep us awake. We saw them being picked up in the morning (at least 5 or 6) and loaded into a truck.

  • Thunderroad 5.
    Oct. 25, 2025

    Salt Springs Recreation Area

    Great place to camp

    First federal park campground i stayed in that had full hookups. Nice bathhouse. Beautiful campground with nicely sized sites. Stayed during government shutdown. Since campground is managed by private company, shutdown didn't close campground. Staff and hosts were friendly and enjoyed the stay. Only drawback was lack of any cell service, but starlink worked fine.

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?

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?

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?

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?

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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