Best Campgrounds near Keystone Heights, FL

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.

Best Camping Sites Near Keystone Heights, Florida (234)

    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 Reviews near Keystone Heights, FL

1204 Reviews of 234 Keystone Heights Campgrounds


  • PIXIE B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 21, 2026

    Fore Lake Campground

    Worth the visit.

    Nice little campsite. Reasonable rate. Cars, Vans, Truck Camper, Tents, all allowed in all the sites. So there isn't just a "tent" sites.

    Campsite 5. Tmobile. Good service. I didn't even need my router to stream. Bear Aware area.

    Host very nice and helpful. There is hot water, but baths need update.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 19, 2026

    Osceola National Forest Landing Group Area

    Waterfront Bliss Amongst the Pines for Your Crew

    The Landing Group Area sits along Ocean Pond within Osceola National Forest, offering a group camp experience with a brilliant lakefront view and direct water access, where for the unbelievable price of $100 / night, you can easily pack at least a dozen (if not 20) tents along with room to roll-up 3-4 RVs with water & electric hook-ups. Like seriously, this feels like a camping tailgate party destination if ever there was one! First impressions: tall pines and cypress draped in Spanish moss line the sandy loops. You’ll see a modest private beach head, excellent sized pavilion with half a dozen picnic tables, picnic shelters and a wide-open access to the water with enough room for a half dozen fold-up chairs, 2-3 kayaks and a dozen fishing poles.

    The amenities are generous for a group area. You’ll find electric and water hookups for a few RVs (up to ~40 ft), potable water, bathhouse facilities with hot showers and flush toilets, picnic tables, fire pits, a proper large group-sized grill and a pavilion large enough for gatherings like a men’s group or a small reunion. The site accommodates up to 50 overnight guests and 75 day-users. The lodge is meant for group outings, family reunions, church retreats, or company events. The best part? You will have this place all to yourself (well, your entire group) with no other nearby sites or fellow campers to deal with.

    One of the strong draws is Ocean Pond itself (which, let's be clear, is neither a pond nor the ocean). It offers boating, canoeing, kayaking and fishing where you can cast your lines for bluegill, crappie, catfish and more from the shore or via boat launch. The private beach is a relaxing spot to wade or chill in the shallows. The surrounding forest hosts wildlife sightings where you can expect to see wading birds like herons and egrets, turtles, maybe an otter or two, and plenty of swamp and marsh edge life.

    Insider Tips? Here’s a few: (1) Reserve well ahead as this group site books quickly for weekends and special events; (2) Use the pavilion early for meals or shade as your group dinners will go smoother there versus in the wide-open where, because it’s Florida, you could encounter tropical rains at anytime; (3) Bring lots of extension cords as there’s only a few outlets in the pavilion and your hookup site, which likely is one of the 4 RV slots, may be some distance from the pavilion or where you set up your tent; (4) Launch your canoe or kayak from the sandy beach area for calm paddling early in the morning as the current picks up with small, but still formidable waves to contend with later in the day; (5) Plan meals to use the large grill and fire pits as they’re built to serve crowds and the largesse of these cooking amenities should be used to full effect and are perfect sized, considering the large group you have gathered around you; (6) Pack bug spray as mosquitoes love dusk near the pond edges; and (7) Consider arriving by daylight so you can assign your group to the best spots before dark.

    Happy Camping!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 17, 2026

    Braddock's Point Group Campground - Moses Creek Recreation Area

    Primitive Camping Solitude on the Tidal Edge of Ancient City

    Tucked deep inside the Moses Creek Conservation Area south of St. Augustine, Braddock’s Point Group Campground feels like Old Florida with its quiet pine flatwoods, oak hammocks and the briny breath of the tidal creek just beyond the trees. This seemingly hidden reservable group site sits in a wide, sandy clearing surrounded by palmettos and pines, offering a secluded, shaded and tranquil escape for tents and hammocks only. Accessible by a narrow forest road, it’s the kind of place where you unpack, exhale, and realize you haven’t heard a car in hours.

    So, with that ‘narrow forest road’ in mind, let’s get into it. When you come here – not to the first– but to the second access point to Moses Creek Conservation Area as you are driving east on 206 (from US1), when you book this campground, you’ll be granted access to the road that will take you about a mile into the Conservation Area before reaching this peaceful patch of paradise. But I’ll warn you, especially during rainy season, you want to ensure you are driving an SUV that can manage these flood-prone roads, where at least in 1 spot, we found it to be impassable, so had to unload all of our gear a good 100 yards or so from the camp. Oh, and there’s no signage, so yeah, go to https://aws.sjrwmd.com/SJRWMD/lands/recreation/Moses\_Creek\_Conservation\_Area.pdf or grab the image I have attached to this review) to download a real map of this place and just stay on what looks like is a road (no, don’t turn onto any of the bike paths – 1 tread versus 2!) and you should be fine.

    Facilities here are minimal by design with a large, oversized fire ring complete w/ 2 proper benches with seating for 3-4 each along with a log that serves as a ‘poor man’s bench,’ 2-3 scattered picnic tables with some located underneath a good-sized shelter that should cover up to about 12 people, a separate bonfire area set back amongst the live oaks draped in Spanish moss complete with 3-4 additional benches that can easily seat 2-3 people apiece along with a single standing port-a-potty that greeted you near the entrance to this group camp. There’s no potable water, electricity or trash service, so campers should come self-contained and pack out everything they bring in. There was a water pump that apparently offers up non-potable water for washing dishes, but it was not functional when we visited. Trails branch off toward Moses Creek, where you can hike or paddle through a maze of tidal inlets, spotting herons, egrets and maybe even an otter if you’re lucky. The Palmetto Trail, accessible nearby, winds through shaded hammocks and marsh overlooks perfect for nature walks or a leisurely bike ride.

    The real bonus of camping at Braddock’s Point is its proximity to historic St. Augustine, the oldest continuously occupied city in the U.S. Just 25 minutes away, you can explore the Castillo de San Marcos, stroll the narrow brick lanes of St. George Street, or take a ghost tour beneath gas-lit balconies. For ocean views and a touch of maritime history, head to the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum, or cross over to Anastasia State Park for pristine beaches, nature trails and kayak rentals. When it’s time to restock supplies, nearby options include Publix Super Market at Moultrie Square, Shell gas station where US1 meets SR-206 and Home Depot for any gear or propane needs.

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a handful: (1) Pitch tents along the northern treeline for views of the intracoastal or on the southern perimeter for shade and wind cover, leaving the center open for group gatherings around the fire ring; (2) For kayaking or canoeing, head to the Moses Creek launch near the Palmetto Trail where you’ll discover calm, scenic water and great birdwatching; (3) The Palmetto Trail is ideal for a half-day hike, offering shade, light elevation and stunning marsh vistas; (4) Watch for white-tailed deer, ospreys and herons around dawn and dusk; (5) Mosquitoes and no-see-ums are part of the deal, so bring heavy-duty repellent and long sleeves; (6) When you’re done roughing it, reward yourself with dinner at Le Bouchon Brasserie for French coastal fare like steamed mussels or Hawaiian meets California Mexican at Jimmy Hula’s for fish tacos and beachside vibes.

    Happy Camping!

  • J
    Jan. 10, 2026

    Whimcycle Trail Resort At Santos

    Great Commimication, Large Sites

    Beth was super responsive to questions I had before arrival. Easy access to large, flat, dirt/grass sites with hookups. I usually stay at Santos State Park nearby for lower cost, but this was available with less notice and a pleasant surprise. No Verizon service, so bring Starlink or AT&T. Will def consider WhimCycle again.

  • Sherry The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 8, 2026

    Davenport Landing

    Small

    Small area, close camping so No privacy, I you are nearby the water, First come first serve spots, has walking trail in the area. Beware of Bears.

  • Sherry The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 8, 2026

    Rodman Campground

    Peaceful

    Quiet, clean, well maintained, friendly people

  • Sandra L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 8, 2026

    Dogwood Campground — O'Leno State Park

    Beautiful historic park

    After exploring the museum, enjoying the nature trails, enjoy some fishing, or bird watching along the river. See where the river sinks( ends) and look for the turtles in the water. The campsites are shaded, level and qell kept. Bathrooms are clean, handicapped accessable, and conviently located. Pets welcome, families welcome. Big rigs may find the campground roads tight, but there are multiple sites available for big rigs. Be aware there are trees along the roads, so be aware of any lower branches.

  • Maria Mercedes M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 7, 2026

    Lake Delancy West Campground

    Full-Throttle Campground Fun

    There’s a real sense of forest solitude when you turn off the pavement and roll into Lake Delancy West Campground, a wooded public campground tucked beside the lake’s quiet west shore and surrounded by massive oak and towering pine trees. This is a beautifully natural setting with EZ access to water play, fishing, hiking and woodsy exploration with the campground layout being simple and open with shaded tent sites and roomy RV spots that make you feel like you’re out in the woods rather than in a parking lot. That said, this peace doesn’t come without its lively side: the area is also a popular ride zone for off-highway vehicles (OHVs) during the day, which means you’ll often hear ATVs revving and roaring through the forest corridors nearby before things calm down at night, giving this campground an energy that’s a mix of wilderness quiet and outdoor playground bustle. The best sites are those closer to the lake’s edge where you can sit with a morning coffee and catch the light on the water before traffic stirs, although if silence is a priority you’ll want to plan your day’s adventures around the heavier daytime OHV hours. We’d recommend Lake Delancy West for families who appreciate lakeside access, plenty of outdoor recreation, and don’t mind a bit of daytime horsepower mixed in with their bird calls, but keep in mind that the lively noise from trail riders can be part of the experience if you’re here earlier in the day.

  • Maria Mercedes M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 7, 2026

    Ocklawaha Canoe Outpost & Resort

    Coastal Creek Vibes Connected to the Ocklawaha

    Pulling into Ocklawaha Canoe Outpost near Fort McCoy feels like arriving somewhere that doesn’t rush you, where the tall trees and wide river channels invite the kind of slow, unhurried breathing that only a riverside campground can. Nestled along the banks of the Ocklawaha River with direct access to the Silver River and Salt Springs Run, this place sets you up in a mix of shady tent sites and roomy RV spots that make it EZ to wake up to the sound of birds and fall asleep to nothing more than whispering water and occasional night critters exploring nearby. There’s a real sense of connection to the landscape here, with picnic spots and fishing docks near the river’s edge, canoe and kayak launches right inside the campground and the big new bathhouse and restroom facilities that strike the right balance of clean and rustic. One evening the boys and I packed some snacks, launched our canoe at the campground’s dock, and drifted out toward a bend in the river where we watched small ripples on the water as turtles bobbed up to greet us. This simple, shared moment became our favorite memory of the whole trip. From what we saw, the best sites are the ones tucked closest to the riverbank (which only tent campers can stay at) where you can hear the slow-moving river at night and step right out into the kayak without any fuss, which makes waking up here feel a bit like being handed a secret you didn’t know you were searching for. We would recommend Ocklawaha Canoe Outpost for families who enjoy water-based play, peaceful scenery and active days on a river for paddling, fishing, swimming or exploring, combined with campground facilities that feel thoughtfully placed and welcoming rather than too polished or commercial.


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.