Are you planning a trip to National Forests in Florida with your RV? We've got you covered. Find the best information on RV campsites and dispersed camping near National Forests in Florida, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your RVing experience. These scenic and easy-to-reach National Forests in Florida campsites are perfect for RV campers.
Juniper Springs Campground is one of the most popular campgrounds in the Ocala National Forest. The location offers deeply shaded sites within walking distance of some of Florida's most beautiful natural springs. The surrounding recreation area has plenty of activities to entertain visitors, including swimming, picnicking, canoeing, snorkeling, hiking, birding and wildlife viewing. This campground was named one of Reserve America's Top 100 Family Campgrounds in the United States.
Visitors love swimming in a warm natural pool found in the day use area. Canoeing is also extremely popular year-round. The 7-mile journey down Juniper Run offers a unique perspective on the Juniper Prairie Wilderness. Private canoes can be used, but no inflatables are allowed. Back on land, campers can spend a day in the woods on a segment of the statewide Florida Trail, or walk a shorter nature trail within the facility. Interpretive programs are available during summer months.
Visitors love swimming in a warm natural pool found in the day use area. Canoeing is also extremely popular year-round. The 7-mile journey down Juniper Run offers a unique perspective on the Juniper Prairie Wilderness. Private canoes can be used, but no inflatables are allowed. Back on land, campers can spend a day in the woods on a segment of the statewide Florida Trail, or walk a shorter nature trail within the facility. Interpretive programs are available during summer months.
The natural springs are at the heart of this recreation area. Hundreds of bubbling springs emerge from crevices in the earth beneath a dense canopy of palms and oaks - an oasis within the heart of the desert-like Big Scrub ecosystem for which the national forest is known. Abundant wildlife inhabitant the area, including alligators, turtles, deer, black bear, turkey, raccoons and numerous species of birds, as well as uncommon species like the albino gray squirrel, river otters and American eels.
For facility specific information, please call (352) 625-3147.
Lake George and its many activities are just a short drive away. The Ocala National Forest is also notable for its extensive off-road trail system catering to both ATV enthusiasts and Jeeps, as well as being a traditional destination for deer hunters from around Central Florida. These opportunities are available nearby.
Cancelling a Reservation: Customers may cancel their reservation prior to arrival both on-line and through the call center. A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refund for a cancellation. Depending on when you cancel in relation to your arrival day, it may be considered a late cancellation. https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies __ Refunds are not given for inclement weather for camping, gear rentals, or day-use fees.
$60 / night
Salt Springs Recreation Area is one the recreational jewels of the Ocala National Forest, with a spectacular natural mineral spring that gives the area its name. Plenty of outdoor activities keep campers and day-use visitors busy, including swimming in the springs, fishing, snorkeling, hiking and boating. Salt Springs is located between the St. Johns and Ocklawaha Rivers, 35 miles east of Ocala, Florida. The national forest spans four counties and 383,000 acres. It is the southernmost and oldest national forest east of the Mississippi River, and protects the world's largest, contiguous sand pine scrub forest.
The natural springs, nearby Lake George and many surrounding rivers and streams provide ample opportunity for water recreation. Anglers can try a good fishing spot on Salt Springs Run, downstream of the swimming area, boat ramp and marina. Boat rentals are nearby. For those who wish to explore on land, the facility has basketball courts and a horseshoe pit. Hikers have easy access to the Bear Swamp Trail and a segment of the 1,400-mile Florida National Scenic Trail.
The natural springs, nearby Lake George and many surrounding rivers and streams provide ample opportunity for water recreation. Anglers can try a good fishing spot on Salt Springs Run, downstream of the swimming area, boat ramp and marina. Boat rentals are nearby. For those who wish to explore on land, the facility has basketball courts and a horseshoe pit. Hikers have easy access to the Bear Swamp Trail and a segment of the 1,400-mile Florida National Scenic Trail.
The semi-tropical region gives the campground a mixture of pines and palms, with lush greenery and warm temperatures. Within the recreation area, a natural spring rises from cracks deep within the earth. The presence of potassium, magnesium and sodium salts give the waters a slight salinity - hence the name Salt Springs.
Salt Springs is very close to Lake George, a great fishing destination.
$34 - $65 / night
Clearwater Lake Recreation Area offers a quiet getaway along the southeastern edge of the Ocala National Forest, just outside the community of Paisley, Florida. With a shaded campground, day use picnic area, beach and a nature trail that winds through the pine woods and scrub around Clearwater Lake, this facility has plenty of activities to keep campers occupied. The Ocala National Forest, in north central Florida, spans four counties and 383,000 acres. It is the southernmost and oldest national forest east of the Mississippi River, and protects the world's largest, contiguous sand pine scrub forest.
The abundant water in the area offers many opportunities for recreation. In addition to swimming in the lake, a 7-mile canoe trail meanders not far from Clearwater Lake. Canoe rentals are available at the campground. Campers can fish for largemouth bass, brim or catfish. Hikers have access to the Clearwater Lake Loop Trail, a 1.3-mile nature trail; a segment of the 1,400-mile Florida National Scenic Trail; and mountain bikers can ride the Paisley Woods Bicycle Trail, a 22-mile forested path. This is bear country; practice safe food storage techniques. It is also alligator country; practice caution around water.
The abundant water in the area offers many opportunities for recreation. In addition to swimming in the lake, a 7-mile canoe trail meanders not far from Clearwater Lake. Canoe rentals are available at the campground. Campers can fish for largemouth bass, brim or catfish. Hikers have access to the Clearwater Lake Loop Trail, a 1.3-mile nature trail; a segment of the 1,400-mile Florida National Scenic Trail; and mountain bikers can ride the Paisley Woods Bicycle Trail, a 22-mile forested path. This is bear country; practice safe food storage techniques. It is also alligator country; practice caution around water.
The semi-tropical region gives the campground a mixture of pines and palms, with lush greenery and warm temperatures. With ample habitat, alligators, turtles, deer, raccoons, black bear and numerous birds make their home here.
The Ocala National Forest is notable for its extensive off-road trail system catering to both ATV enthusiasts and Jeeps, as well as being a traditional destination for deer hunters from around Central Florida. These opportunities are available within a short drive of Clearwater Lake.
For facility specific information, please call (352) 669-0078.
Cancelling a Reservation: Customers may cancel their reservation prior to arrival both on-line and through the call center. A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refund for a cancellation. Depending on when you cancel in relation to your arrival day, it may be considered a late cancellation. https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies____ Refunds are not given for inclement weather for camping, gear rentals, or day-use fees.
$36 / night
There are only 21 sites at Hopkins Prairie. All are well-shaded in an oak hammock on a peninsula surrounded by the prairie, where cool breezes blow in when there is a little water in the prairie.
Depending on water levels in the prairie, you may be able to launch your canoe or jon boat to drift across the deeper spots in this vast ecosystem. Boat ramp available - $3 per vessel launch fee Hopkins Prairie is a designated camping area with minimal facilities, open seasonally. The vast expanse of Hopkins Prairie has ponds and shallows. Depending on water levels, it may be possible to fish from the bank or launch a canoe or jon boat to access the deeper areas. With a year-round trailhead providing access to the Florida Trail, Hopkins Prairie is a popular destination for day hikers to wander off in either direction along the trail, or complete a section down to the Pat's Island Trailhead or Juniper Springs. Hopkins Prairie is an excellent destination for birding, since the interface between open prairie and scrub forest is usually busy with songbirds, while wading birds pick through the ponds. Even when the campground is closed, you can meander from the Hopkins Prairie Trailhead along the Florida Trail to enjoy birding. It's also a perfect spot where you can peer out from the shade of an oak scrub forest beneath gnarled limbs to an expanse of grasslands shimmering in the sun.
Depending on water levels in the prairie, you may be able to launch your canoe or jon boat to drift across the deeper spots in this vast ecosystem. Boat ramp available - $3 per vessel launch fee Hopkins Prairie is a designated camping area with minimal facilities, open seasonally. The vast expanse of Hopkins Prairie has ponds and shallows. Depending on water levels, it may be possible to fish from the bank or launch a canoe or jon boat to access the deeper areas. With a year-round trailhead providing access to the Florida Trail, Hopkins Prairie is a popular destination for day hikers to wander off in either direction along the trail, or complete a section down to the Pat's Island Trailhead or Juniper Springs. Hopkins Prairie is an excellent destination for birding, since the interface between open prairie and scrub forest is usually busy with songbirds, while wading birds pick through the ponds. Even when the campground is closed, you can meander from the Hopkins Prairie Trailhead along the Florida Trail to enjoy birding. It's also a perfect spot where you can peer out from the shade of an oak scrub forest beneath gnarled limbs to an expanse of grasslands shimmering in the sun.
An island of shade amid a broad, winding grassland, the Hopkins Prairie Campground is a seasonal destination for campers looking to get a bit off the beaten path. It sits right along the Florida Trail and offers opportunities for fishing and birding along miles of prairie shoreline.__
$15 / night
Camel Lake Recreation Area provides a quiet place to relax and take in the beauty of the longleaf pine forest. Camping, swimming, hiking, and boating opportunities are all available, focused on the crystal-clear waters of Camel Lake.
Above the lake's rim, the focal points of this recreation area are the well-shaded ten-site campground, suitable for RVs or tents, and the day use recreation area with its picnic tables, picnic shelter, and sandy beach for swimming. A short loop trail surrounds the lake, with longer loops possible incorporating the nearby Florida National Scenic Trail.
Above the lake's rim, the focal points of this recreation area are the well-shaded ten-site campground, suitable for RVs or tents, and the day use recreation area with its picnic tables, picnic shelter, and sandy beach for swimming. A short loop trail surrounds the lake, with longer loops possible incorporating the nearby Florida National Scenic Trail.
The Apalachicola is one of the most bio diverse places in the world, and Camel Lake places you in the middle of this natural treasure. You will be surrounded by tall longleaf pines and wiregrass, while seepage slopes in the forest create pitcher plant bogs. Rare pine savannahs are just to the south and the creeks and swamps around host a wide variety of animal life.
Nearby, several boat landings provide access to the numerous creeks that feed into the Apalachicola River. The Apalachee Savannahs Scenic Byway and the Big Bend Scenic Byway provide beautiful views of pine savannahs, and they make excellent routes for trips down to the coast, which is only about an hour south.
Refunds can not be made on site. Refunds must be processed by Recreation.gov
$30 / night
A large, shallow lake cradled by the Big Scrub, Lake Eaton offers many distinctive faces. As a seasonal access area, the Lake Eaton Campground has only 14 sites. At the end of the road, the Lake Eaton Boat Launch and Pier offers opportunities for boating and fishing.__ 14 day stay limit in a 30 day period in ALL Ocala National Forest Campgrounds For reservations or refund request please call (877) 444-6777
This location has limited staffing. Please call (352) 625-2520 for general information.
$15 / night
Perennially popular with off-road vehicle enthusiasts, Big Scrub Campground sits in the Ocala National Forest in central Florida. A trailhead within the facility offers riders campsite-to-trail access.__ 14 day stay limit in a 30 day period in ALL Ocala National Forest Campgrounds For reservations or refund request please call (877) 444-6777
Big Scrub Campground offers direct access to the 47-mile Ocala Adventure Trail. All off-road vehicle riders will enjoy exploring the Tread Lightly Four Wheel Drive Way. A permit is required for use of the trail system. Learn more about off-road vehicle use in Ocala National Forest.
Big Scrub Campground offers direct access to the 47-mile Ocala Adventure Trail. All off-road vehicle riders will enjoy exploring the Tread Lightly Four Wheel Drive Way. A permit is required for use of the trail system. Learn more about off-road vehicle use in Ocala National Forest.
The Ocala National Forest spans four counties and 383,000 acres. It is the southernmost and oldest national forest east of the Mississippi River and protects the world's largest contiguous sand pine scrub forest. Miles of trails offer plenty of open space and blue skies for off-road vehicles.
This location has limited staffing. Please call (352) 625-2520 for general information.
The warm, turquoise waters of Alexander Springs are a short drive away. Visitors can swim, canoe and dive in a natural spring-fed lake and creek.
$20 / night
Doe Lake is a group campsite with a variety of activities. Centered around a historic lodge with a large group kitchen, it's an ideal place for major outdoor gatherings of up to 250 people. The site is a favorite among equestrian groups, but can also accommodate weddings and other social events. For reservations or refund request please call (877) 444-6777
Equestrian camping, canoeing, boating and fishing are some of the popular activities around Doe Lake, and can be enjoyed exclusively by visitors with a group reservation. Campers can launch a canoe or low-powered boat and drop a line in the middle of Doe Lake for an afternoon of fishing.
Equestrian camping, canoeing, boating and fishing are some of the popular activities around Doe Lake, and can be enjoyed exclusively by visitors with a group reservation. Campers can launch a canoe or low-powered boat and drop a line in the middle of Doe Lake for an afternoon of fishing.
Located in north central Florida, the Ocala National Forest spans four counties and 383,000 acres. It is the southernmost and oldest national forest east of the Mississippi River and protects the world's largest contiguous sand pine scrub forest. The camping area sits beneath a shady grove of oaks and pines overlooking Doe Lake, and the dining hall sits atop a grassy hill with a view of the water.
The Ocala National Forest is notable for its extensive off-road trail system catering to both ATV enthusiasts and Jeeps, as well as being a traditional destination for deer hunters. These opportunities are available in designated areas throughout the forest.
$350 / night
Wright Lake is located approximately 25 miles from the Gulf of Mexico in an area known as the Forgotten Coast. Wright Lake and nearby Hickory Landing provide easy access to the Apalachicola River, known for its sport fishing, boating and paddling. You will never run out of things to do!
Wright Lake is a quiet scenic lakefront recreation area that offers a host of amenities and activities for campers and day-trippers. The area around the clear, spring-fed lake offers both a day-use area for swimming, picnicking, and hiking, and a campground in a beautiful forest setting along one portion of the lakeshore. It is perfect for fishing and boating. The campground bathhouse includes flush toilets and hot showers. Picnic tables and grills are scattered among trees with views of the lake. Hikers can enjoy a 4.6-mile trail that winds through several different ecosystems in the area, and there is a short 0.2 mile loop that circles the lake. Nearby Hickory Landing offers boating access to Owl Creek and the Apalachicola River.
Wright Lake is a quiet scenic lakefront recreation area that offers a host of amenities and activities for campers and day-trippers. The area around the clear, spring-fed lake offers both a day-use area for swimming, picnicking, and hiking, and a campground in a beautiful forest setting along one portion of the lakeshore. It is perfect for fishing and boating. The campground bathhouse includes flush toilets and hot showers. Picnic tables and grills are scattered among trees with views of the lake. Hikers can enjoy a 4.6-mile trail that winds through several different ecosystems in the area, and there is a short 0.2 mile loop that circles the lake. Nearby Hickory Landing offers boating access to Owl Creek and the Apalachicola River.
You will find peace and quiet on a ridge in the Apalachicola Savannahs. The longleaf pine dominates this open landscape where wiregrass, or sometimes palmetto, covers the forest floor. Swamps and savannahs are commonly interspersed with the longleaf community.
The Apalachee Savannahs Scenic Byway is part of a nationwide program to provide viewing opportunities of well-managed and pleasing forest landscapes. This scenic drive is an excellent way to see the forest, as it showcases grassy, open savannahs sporting the most diverse collection of wildflowers in Florida's Panhandle.Nearby, historic Prospect Bluff played an important role in Florida history. Located along the Apalachicola River, this interpretive area offers detailed information about the site and its history along with trails, river access, and a picnic area. Detailed interpretive information in the form of kiosks and signage lead you through the site of both forts and the cemetery where the victims from 1816 are buried.
Refunds can not be processed on site. All refunds must go through Recreation.gov.
$30 / night
In the stillness of the morning fog, a red-shouldered hawk calls out with an echo across Fore Lake. Bounded by marshes, this lake in a scrub ecosystem is an excellent spot for birding from the shores of Fore Lake Recreation Area, where visitors can picnic and swim, or make a night of it in one of the 31 campsites tucked away between the saw palmetto and oak trees. Bring your fishing gear to make full use of the pier and canoe launch area.__ 14 day stay limit in a 30 day period in ALL Ocala National Forest Campgrounds For reservations or refund request please call (877) 444-6777
This location has limited staffing. Please call (352) 625-2520 for general information.
$36 / night
Camping near National Forests in Florida offers a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, you can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with nature.
Exploring the campgrounds near National Forests in Florida can lead to unforgettable adventures and cherished memories.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular RV campsite near National Forests in Florida?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular RV campground near National Forests in Florida is Juniper Springs Rec Area - Tropical Camp Area with a 4.6-star rating from 43 reviews.
What is the best site to find RV camping near National Forests in Florida?
TheDyrt.com has all 17 RV camping locations near National Forests in Florida, with real photos and reviews from campers.
