Camping near National Forests in Florida

National Forests in Florida is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near National Forests in Florida, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your National Forests in Florida camping trip.

Best Camping Sites Near National Forests in Florida (328)

    1. Salt Springs Recreation Area

    57 Reviews
    Salt Springs, FL
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 685-2048

    $37 - $69 / night

    "There are no laundry facilities but if you exit park and drive left there is a laundromat, local food, dollar store, bait tackle."

    "Located in the center of the state, you’ll have near equal access to both the Atlantic Ocean to the east as well as the Gulf shores to the west."

    2. Silver Springs State Park Campground

    41 Reviews
    Ocala, FL
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 236-7148

    $24 - $110 / night

    "We rode our bikes around the campground and were amazed as almost all the sites were huge! Live oak trees with Spanish moss...this campground is truly the "Real Florida"."

    "Silver Springs Silver Springs SP Beautiful Florida campground with 60 sites, many pullthrus. The sites are huge with lots of space and privacy. Lush surroundings."

    3. Juniper Springs Rec Area - Tropical Camp Area

    45 Reviews
    Astor, FL
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 625-3147

    $37 - $60 / night

    "The spring pool is gorgeous and quite, very pretty trails to watch spring boils and turtles. Very sunny during the day and very cool at nigth."

    "The Florida Trail runs right through this spot and has a natural spring connection as well. We camped out near the facilities and am happy to report everything was maintained and clean."

    4. Rodman Campground

    27 Reviews
    Welaka, FL
    17 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. Lake Eaton Campground

    7 Reviews
    Fort Mccoy, FL
    6 miles

    $10 - $15 / night

    "Great camp with close location and easy access to Ocala trails"

    "Place is nice, lake walk, gates, toilets etc is available. Firewood is in forest :)"

    6. Gores Landing

    5 Reviews
    Fort Mccoy, FL
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 671-8560

    $10 / night

    "Great year around. See previous review"

    7. Ocklawaha Canoe Outpost & Resort

    5 Reviews
    Fort Mccoy, FL
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 236-4606

    $35 / night

    "This is old rural Florida, no glitz. We did a full day trip on the River. Lots of birds, alligators and very quiet and remote. GPS was misleading."

    "Located at the southern tip of Rodman Reservoir, which is one of the major water tributaries that you can float around the NE perimeter of the Ocala National Forest, you’ll discover that this backwater"

    8. Hopkins Prairie Campground — National Forests In Florida

    15 Reviews
    Salt Springs, FL
    16 miles

    $15 / night

    "This is a beautiful campground with proximity to the Florida Scenic Trail. Ideal for tent camping, as the forest service roads were a little rough for our RV."

    "Great view of lake and Hopkins Prairie from most of the sights. Has a large bat house. Florida trail runs thru campground. Pay at the pipe system."

    9. Lake Waldena Resort

    6 Reviews
    Ocklawaha, FL
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 625-2851

    "This is a quiet little park that sits around a lake with some woods.

    Let’s see, the Wifi is poor, but we still were able to stream our favorite show at night."

    "We found the office & lake area & it's great! The boats & kayaks are free for campers. You just have to sign one out at the office. 

     "

    10. Santos Trailhead & Campground

    17 Reviews
    Belleview, FL
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 369-2693

    $22 / night

    "Although in a populated area of Ocala, this campground is positioned in the trees and makes you feel like you are miles from civilization. The sites are spacious and most are shaded."

    "This campground is located near Ocala, FL. on the cross florida greenway. It is a small loop of only 22 sites with water and electric. Has clean restrooms with showers."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 328 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near National Forests in Florida

1203 Reviews of 328 National Forests in Florida Campgrounds


  • ENRIQUE T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Alexander Springs Recreation Area

    Wonderful Summer Spot

    Friendly and professional hostesses, clean bathrooms and sites are very spacious and private. The spring is wonderful even on busy weekends is very manageable. Just watch for coons stealing your food.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Silver Springs State Park Campground

    Awesomeness

    Let me start by saying park.is very clean and well maintained. Sites are big with gravel, fire pits, grill dining tabels and did I say clean. Silver springs is beautiful, go on the boat...

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Gateway Fish Camp

    Laid-Back Old Florida Waterfront Hideaway

    Tucked along the shores of The St. Johns River flowing southward to Lake George, Gateway Fish Camp feels like stepping back into a gentler, quieter version of Florida where fishing poles outnumber smartphones. This little slice of Old Florida charm has a down-home, relaxed atmosphere that’s equal parts rustic and welcoming. The first thing you’ll notice is the water – calm, wide-open lake views that practically beg you to sit (although as there's actually no chairs, I would encourage you to bring your own) a spell on the dock and watch the sun do its magic at either end of the day. Just follow the sandy ‘streets’ or road pathways covered in shade down to the main office.

    The campground here is small and unpretentious (that is my kind word for it at least), offering both pull-in and back-in RV sites, although if I’m honest, there’s a handful of RVs that looked like they’ve been here for a while and have no pretensions of leaving anytime soon. Is the place a bit disheveled and in need of a fresh coat of paint and a good bit of gardening manicure?  Yes.  Expect electric hookups, basic water access, and a layout that’s easy enough to navigate without fancy maneuvering. Restrooms (albeit primitive) are serviceable and clean, and the overall vibe is one of practicality rather than polish. Pet owners will be glad to know furry friends are welcome, and the pace of life here makes it easy to wander with them. It’s not luxury camping, but it’s honest, comfortable, and refreshingly straightforward.

    What really makes Gateway shine is its direct access to Lake George, a dream come true for anglers, kayakers, and birdwatchers. You can drop a line for bass, launch a kayak from the dock, or just sit by the water and spot ospreys circling overhead. Crescent City itself is a short drive away for groceries, gas, or a diner breakfast, but the lake and surrounding marshes provide the real entertainment. This is the kind of place where the sound of boat motors mixes with bird calls and nobody seems in a hurry.

    Insider Tips? Here’s a few: (1) If you can, snag a campsite close to the water’s edge – you’ll get front-row seats to sunrise and a constant cool breeze; (2) For a memorable local meal, head over to 3 Bananas Restaurant right on Crescent Lake in Crescent City. Their blackened fish sandwich is as good as the view from the deck; (3) If you are a tent camper like me, you’ll want to take note that this place only has primitive bathrooms, so either bring your own, otherwise, you’ll be hiking to the nearest Publix or Dollar General; (4) Kayakers will love paddling out toward the lake’s eastern shoreline. And if you don’t have a kayak, fret not, the good folks here at Gateway Fish Camp will rent you 1 of the 2 that they have. Early morning trips often reward you with glimpses of herons, egrets, and even the occasional alligator – all from a safe distance, of course!; and (5) Apart from having direct access to Lake George (and nearby access to Crescent Lake), one of the very big upsides to being here at Gateway Fish Camp is the direct access to Fort Gates Ferry, which docks here and for a small fee will transport you to the other side of the St. Johns River, saving you substantial amount of time driving around this body of water.

    Happy Camping!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 15, 2025

    Bass World Lodge & Marina

    Backwater Bayou Fishing Hole

    Located so close to the St. Johns River that if you were any closer to it, you’d be swimming in it! For those anglers that are looking for no frills accommodations – whether those be from the confines of your own RV or 5th Wheel… or in the event that you need to rent a place for the night – then Bass World Lodge & Marina has you covered by offering up one of the 4-5 RV slots it has or by renting you one of its basic cabin rentals (up to 10 people can be accommodated). Fishing is coveted in these parts that will place you on the northernmost tip of Lake George in the very itty bitty enclave of Georgetown, which if you want to discover what Old Florida looks like, then just stop on by here for a spell.

    Given the weather conditions in this part of Central Florida, you can check-in to Bass World Lodge & Marina year-round and within minutes of getting set up, you’ll easily have access to the St. Johns in no time by leveraging one of 2 boathouses that sit adjacent to the property here. If you’ve got angling on your mind, you’ll have no problems casting for big- and small-mouth bass, crappie, channel catfish, pickerel, bluegill, lake trout, landlocked salmon, yellow perch, bluegill, panfish, northern pike and even American eel. While on the lake, you can enjoy all sorts of watersports like waterskiing, tubing, paddleboarding, kayaking, wakeboarding, canoeing, boating and even gator hunting (permit required).

    Amenities include: 2 individual boat houses, fish cleaning stations complete with running water, boat slips for rent, non-ethanol fuel, FHU’s offering water, sewage & electric, bait & tackle, community grills, makeshift car rim fire pits, fish cleaning stations, lakefront seats & benches, fishing pier, boat docking, boat rentals, scattered card tables, assorted dock seating and on-site market with souvenirs, cold beverages, beer, ice, snacks and all the fishing gear you can swing your fishing pole at. There’s even a guide you can hire here to show you around the nearby fishing holes.

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) While brackish, somewhat darker-than-usual waters makes for just mediocre (at best) swimming accommodations, you’re in luck if coming here as nearby, there are gorgeous springs like Silver Springs, Juniper Springs and Alexander Springs, which all 3 will offer crystal-clear snorkeling and swimming options unlike you’ve ever experienced; (2) Because Georgetown is tiny, there’s barely any restaurant options, although we were able to find nearby a few really good spots like Idle Awhile for Cajun Fried Pickles & Blackened Haddock chased down by Rum Runners, Fatboy’s Saloon for Peel & Eat Shrimp, Hawg Burners with iced Tall Boys and Renegades on the River serving up Gator Tail and the best Shepherd’s Pie on the St. Johns – all within reach of a proper Tiki Bar where the Mai Tais pour freely; (3) This RV outpost on the St. Johns River has been up and running by the same family for 3 decades, so when it comes to knowledge of where to cast your line or how to get to a secluded area and away from the crowds, you can ask any one of the family here for some spartan tips and recommendations; (4) IMHO the best RV spots are those closest to the inside loop (#6 and #7), while if you are wanting to rent a cabin, I actually rate those a bit further away from the main office / riverfront, where it is quietest (#3 - #5); and (5) If you’ve come without a boat to get on the water, no worries, Bass World Lodge & Marina has you covered by offering up Pontoon and Bass Boat rentals, which at $175 - $315 per day is incredibly affordable.

    Happy Camping!

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 14, 2025

    Silver Springs State Park Campground

    Beautiful campground

    Two days before travel were able to get 2 nights in a pull thru site w full hook up. Large sites with ample separation from your neighbors. I am a native Floridian and this is the real deal. This is a quiet park w a lot of nature. Good for a slow-paced break.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 4, 2025

    Santos Trailhead & Campground

    Van Camping

    Very nice small campground. Best asset is the access to hiking and biking. Miles of trails.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 3, 2025

    Trout Lake Primitive Sites

    Great spot

    Very narrow trails but really easy access, you will leave with some new pinstripes

  • Clean Slate D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 1, 2025

    Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park Campground & Cabins

    Wonderfully quiet State Park

    Nice hikes and birding abound! Amazing sunrises with the birds at the lakes. It's quiet, and the sites are relatively private. The volunteers are amazing, as are the Rangers that run the park. Highly recommend to get away from the city.


Guide to National Forests in Florida

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.

What to do:

  • Kayaking and Canoeing: Experience the stunning waterways at Rodman Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "The Rodman Reservoir offers nothing short of AMAZING kayak and canoe adventures." This is a great way to explore the local wildlife and enjoy the serene environment.
  • Hiking: Check out the trails at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park Campground. A camper shared, "Great trails and walking. BRING BUG SPRAY." This park is known for its diverse wildlife, including wild horses and bison.
  • Swimming: Visit the beautiful springs at Alexander Springs Recreation Area. One visitor noted, "Beautiful spring with lifeguards on duty, a lot of nature," making it a safe and enjoyable spot for families.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms at Silver Springs State Park Campground. A reviewer stated, "The bath houses are very clean and if cold out nice hot heaters." Clean facilities can make a big difference in your camping experience.
  • Spacious Campsites: Many enjoy the roomy sites at Lake Griffin State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "The sites are very large and very well spaced," which allows for a more comfortable stay.
  • Wildlife Viewing: Campers love the chance to see wildlife at Juniper Springs Recreation Area. A visitor shared, "You will see wildlife and enjoy being in a remote spot in nature," highlighting the area's natural beauty.

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Be prepared for some noise at Salt Springs Recreation Area. One review noted, "Loud and rowdy campers all weekend long—day and night." If you're looking for peace and quiet, consider visiting during the week.
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Clearwater Lake Campground, do not offer electric hookups. A camper mentioned, "Only draw back for me is no electric hook ups," so plan accordingly.
  • Reservation Fees: Be aware of additional fees for reservations at places like Rainbow Springs State Park Campground. One visitor pointed out, "In 8 days never saw a USFD vehicle drive thru the campground," indicating that the park may not have as much oversight as others.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots like Alexander Springs Recreation Area, where a reviewer said, "Nice spring, large camp sites, clean and super friendly people here." Friendly staff can enhance your family's experience.
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities, like swimming or hiking, to keep everyone entertained. A camper at Juniper Springs Recreation Area mentioned, "There are many trails and the boardwalk which are temporarily closed," so check ahead for availability.
  • Pack Bug Spray: Bugs can be a nuisance, especially in warmer months. One camper at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park Campground advised, "BRING BUG SPRAY," to ensure a more comfortable stay.

Tips from RVers:

  • Look for Big Rig Friendly Sites: Many campgrounds, like Silver Springs State Park Campground, are big rig friendly. A reviewer noted, "Big rig friendly, several pull thru spots," making it easier for larger RVs to navigate.
  • Check for Amenities: Before booking, check what amenities are available. A camper at Rodman Campground mentioned, "The amenities are pretty top notch," which can make your stay more enjoyable.
  • Plan for Dump Stations: Ensure your chosen campground has a dump station, like Lake Griffin State Park Campground, where one camper said, "Bathrooms are so clean you could literally eat off the floors." Clean facilities can make a big difference for RVers.

Exploring the campgrounds near National Forests in Florida can lead to unforgettable adventures and cherished memories.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near National Forests in Florida?

According to TheDyrt.com, National Forests in Florida offers a wide range of camping options, with 328 campgrounds and RV parks near National Forests in Florida and 8 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near National Forests in Florida?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near National Forests in Florida is Salt Springs Recreation Area with a 4.4-star rating from 57 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near National Forests in Florida?