Looking to get away and reconnect with nature? Cabin camping near New Smyrna Beach is the perfect choice. Find the best information on cabin camping near New Smyrna Beach, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your camping experience. From secluded to easy-to-reach, these Florida cabin rentals are perfect for any adventurer.
Located in a shady hammock near the Tomoka River, each of the park's 100 campsites has a picnic table, grill, electric hook-up and water. A dump station is located within the park. Three restrooms with hot showers, two of which have accessible facilities, are located in the campground.
$24 per night plus tax, plus a non-refundable $6.70 reservation fee. Includes water and electricity.
Florida residents who are 65 years of age or older or who hold a Social Security disability award certificate or a 100-percent disability award certificate from the federal government are permitted to receive a 50-percent discount on current base campsite fees. Proof of eligibility is required.
Well-behaved pets are allowed in the campground in accordance with our Pet Policy.
Maximum recreational vehicle (RV) length is 34 feet.
For reservations, visit the Florida State Parks reservations website or call 800-326-3521 or TDD 888-433-0287.$24 / night
Blue Spring State Park has 51 campsites (recreational vehicles up to 40 feet long) located in the sand pine scrub and are within walking distance to the spring. Each site is equipped with a picnic table, water, electricity and a grill. A dump station is available in the park. Pets are welcome in the Blue Springs camping area in accordance with our Pet Policy. ADA Accessible sites at Blue Springs State Park camping are offered on Reserve America and two new bathhouses are complete with accessible showers and bathroom stalls. Conservation measures can produce astounding results. In 1970, two years before Blue Spring State Park was established, researchers tracked 14 manatees in the spring run. By 2005, after years of park improvements and manatee protection efforts, wintering manatee numbers exceeded 200 and by 2018, that number skyrocketed to a record 485. Besides "sea cows," fish abound in the spring run, and these attract a variety of wading birds, ospreys, eagles and kingfishers. To see the park’s wonders, visitors can hike along the spring run or on the 4.5-mile Pine Island Trail. Visitors can also launch a canoe or kayak (rentals are available at the park) or take a guided river boat cruise.
$24 - $95 / night
Wekiwa Springs Camping offers slopes of gently rolling hills supporting longleaf pine among other specialty plants is the Sandhill habitat where the 60 spacious campsites are located. Each wooded site has water and electrical hook-up, a fire ring with grill and a picnic table. Some sites also have sewer hook-ups and a dump station is located at the campground. Accessible camp sites can be requested at the time of reservation. Two accessible restrooms with showers are located in the camping area. Firewood is available at the ranger station. Well behaved pets are allowed in the campground in accordance with our Pet Policy.
$24 / night
All of our spacious sites are full service and full hookup and can accommodate any size unit including pull-thrus and back-in sites. We also have 12×20 country cottages to rent. At Sugar Mill Ruins Travel Park, we offer all the amenities you need to make your stay with us a memorable one. Please, note that you must supply your own linens, sheets, pillows, towels, plates, cups, silverware. Also, no pets allowed inside or tied up outside! 30 & 50 Amp Service Available Back-in Sites Basketball Court Beautiful Landscaping Billiards Cable TV Clean Restrooms Coin Laundry Facility Convenience Store with Ice Copy & Fax Services Fishing Horseshoes Internet Access LP Gas Mail Service Military Discounts Available Monthly Rates Outdoor Games Pets Welcome Planned Activities Playground Pull-thru Sites Recreation Room Sewer Hook-ups Showers Shuffleboard Solar Heated Swimming Pool Tent Sites Pickle ball Dump Station Entertainment Rock Mining
$40 - $50 / night
Located between Orlando and Daytona, our Central Florida RV Park is surrounded by state-owned preserve land, but is still only 5 miles from Sanford, FL. The campground has a total of 817 sites, 569 of which offer full hookups, and there are plenty of over-sized RV sites to accommodate big rigs and small RVs alike. Wekiva Falls RV Resort and campground also offers tent camping at our Orlando-area campground. Some sites are equipped with picnic tables and grills, while others have fire pits, and some are located far back in the woods. Wekiva Falls is a premiere RV Resort and campground destination ideally located in beautiful Sorrento, Florida between Daytona Beach and Orlando. Before Walt Disney came to the area in the 1970’s, Orlando was a sleepy town with an economy based on citrus and cattle. Since then, Orlando has blossomed into one of our nations most sought-after destinations. That’s why the founders decided to build Wekiva Falls right up to the road, in Sorrento, Florida. The founders wanted to be close enough to all the attractions and local shops, without being disturbed by the noise, or frustrated by the stop and go traffic. Sorrento, Florida is truly one of the last peaceful reserves in Central Florida. With its near-perfect mild temperatures that last all year-round. Built on over 100 acres, you’ll find the beauty of the great outdoors stretches in every direction, as far as the eye can see. At Wekiva Falls a beautiful beach awaits, winding trails call your name, and a variety of nearby wildlife dot the picture-perfect landscape.
$40 - $73 / night
With 1,500 linear feet of Atlantic Ocean beachfront for your enjoyment, Beverly Beach Camptown RV Resort is one of the few RV resorts situated directly on a seawall along the beach. Located directly in the middle of St. Augustine, the nation’s oldest city 32 miles to the north, and Daytona Beach, 30 miles to the south, there are nearby attractions for everyone. We are truly a year-round premier camping destination.
$77 / night
Coral Sands also offers one of the few RV Parks that is directly on the beach. The Park has 33 sites in a variety of lengths to accommodate any size. Full Hook-up sites with all the amenities of the hotel which include; Oceanfront Heated Pool, Laundry Facility, and Free Wi-Fi. Please be aware all sites are 20,30 and 50 amp with water and sewer hookups on every site. Coral Sands does not provide adapters. Handicap accessible comfort station available.
Scout
Spot 25, direct view to the ocean. At the beach in seconds. Nice pool on the other side of hotel. Will be back!
Legend
One thing’s for certain, this camping outpost located just outside the itty bitty village of Georgetown couldn’t be any closer to the mighty St. Johns River, which if you don’t know, is one of the largest and most prolific fishing rivers in all of Florida. Should you find yourself in north-central Florida and / or near Lake George and looking for a spot to call ‘home for the night’ (or many as it might be) then you’ll definitely want to plan a stay here at Rivers Edge RV Park, which is a little know campground jewel in the rough, but be sure to reach out well in advance, as with only 50 or so slots, this place books up quick.
Apart from the very close proximity to St. Johns River – so close that Rivers Edge RV Park actually offers up boat launch and slips exclusively for its guests, so if you have a boat, whether with motor or not (like those of us towing canoes and kayaks), be sure to call ahead and enquire about available boat slips – this is one very pristine, well-kept and easily organized campground. There’s a decent amount of top-grade amenities including spartan-clean restrooms, shower & laundry facilities with brand new washers & dryers, propane refueling station, a pup playground, trash stations and waterfront nature walk path.
What I appreciated most was that Rivers Edge RV Park offers up a distinct tent area, which places mi tent-pitchin’ bredren in our own canvassed-erected environ that is actually the closest camping option to the St. Johns River here. As for the RV or 5th Wheel crowd, the standard hook-ups are offered here including 30 / 50 amp electric, water and sewage back-in and pull-through sites with concrete patios. Complimentary WiFi is offered everywhere and actually isn’t too bad (although our ability to stream was slow). Most sites offer up picnic tables and fire-rings and there are community offerings like a riverside pavilion (also with another set of restrooms and showers), lawn games, horseshoes, pickleball court and enough space for a good game of jarts or frisbee.
As for the campground itself, you’ll access Rivers Edge RV Park simply by following Road 309 and just as this small country road bends making way for Drayton Island, you’ll want to turn in heading westerly, wherein you’ll be greeted by the main office where you’ll check in at the office immediately on the right. The layout for the campground is a simple loop, about the size of a junior football field with sites #1-28 on the right and the other sites through #54 on the interior of the loop. Should you not have a tent or an RV, no worries, the very good folks at Rivers Edge even have a handful of cabins that they’ll rent you. Overall, I found the pricing to be VERY affordable here – no matter what type of camping you might be interested in.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) Rivers Edge RV Park offers up firewood for sale for a decent price, which I always like to flag, because if you don’t need to find additional space to haul firewood with you, it frees up space for other things, right?; (2) If you’ve got kids and need a much bigger space to let them run around, nearby this campground is a very nice kid’s playground as well as a soccer field; (3) For anyone wanting a bit of an off-the-grid adventure, just south of Rivers Edge is the Drayton Island Ferry (just take your second right after the US post office), where you can cross the channel over to Drayton Island for some decent off-the-trail biking & biking as well as zip-lining, which you can access on the far western side of the island at Grands Island Resort, which is a very cool camping outpost in its own right; and (4) Should you grow weary of trying to conjure up that next meal from the depths of your roto-molded Cordova cooler or mini-onboard fridge, you’ll only find meager options near you that include Mel’s River Pub Italian Grille & Liquor Store that offers up a very diverse menu featuring pasta, sandwiches and pizzas, The Oaks Golf Club Café serving up glorified bar fare such as burgers, po-boys, wings, fried baskets, tacos & quesadillas and southern comfort food or Renegades on the River, which is actually another campground, but offers up a super-cool restaurant featuring pizzas, wings, peel & eat shrimp and fried foodstuffs like pickles and gator bites as well as a Tiki Hut pouring some mighty strong Daquiris and Mai Tais.
Happy Camping!
Legend
Here at Sand Pine Campground inside of Blue Springs State Park, you’ll find that while this is a fairly large campground, the substantial amount of vegetation, along with the flow of how the campground is organized, the individual campsites give off a vibe of privacy, intimacy and solitude. Upon entry to this SP, you’ll meet likely some of the friendliest park rangers of any FL state park (although, honestly, the very GREAT rangers @ Rodman Campground ultimately win the battle!), who will provide you with all of the great information you need to have a great experience here.
As for the pet-friendly campground specifically, each of the 51 sites has its own picnic table, water and electric as well as fire ring, while the ground itself is laden with powdery grey sand (so leave your boots or flip flops at the door of your tent or RV). The individual slots are somewhat tight and narrow to navigate, but most RVs should be OK to back into these sites. What you will appreciate the most about Sand Pine is that just about every site offers a substantial amount of privacy with solid, thick Floridian jungle putting decent distance between you and your neighbors. The only downside is that it is a solid hike from this campground to the spring itself, which will require you to drive there or take a decent bike ride.
The amenities are pretty amazing with the two bathroom and laundry room facilities appearing to be nearly brand new and there are designated dump stations scattered throughout making disposal of trash and recyclables EZ. The restroom facilities had vending machines as well. As for the sand pine scrub nature you are surrounded by, but the real gem here of course is the fresh crystal spring that is teaming with manatees, which are best to view and swim alongside between the winter months of November and February. For my float-seeking friends, there’s a solid kayak / canoe launch and if you don’t want to get some oaring in, you can partake in a guided river boat cruise.
If you’re looking to get away from it all and enjoy some privacy, then this is a great little campground for you to consider. And if you miss anything from the non-natural world, have no fears, a short drive into town to grab a pizza or load up on groceries is easy enough to manage. What I love most about camping here at Blue Springs SP is that during heavier tourist season, a reservation will guarantee you access to the spring, which sometimes gets full and therefore requires the rangers to stop traffic flow into the park, so if you've got a place guaranteed for the night, then, well, you need not worry about the morning rush when most will just worry about getting in the park.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) If you find yourself out-of-luck in finding an available campground site to reserve, try your luck at booking one of the 6 often overlooked cabins, which BTW, come with their own set of parking spaces; (2) When you grow weary of digging through your onboard mini-fridge or roto-molded Cordova cooler, then check out some of the local fare where nearby in town, there’s a sweet little Argentinian joint called Rincon del Sabor, classic pie palace called Blue Springs Pizza and another ethereal dive called Taste of Soul – neither of which you’ll wanna write home about, but will definitely give you a break from ‘frank & beans’ for the night. And if neither of those places do the trick for you, there is also a few other restaurants you might wanna check out like Gram’s Kitchen for low country breakfast cooked up all day, Mi Tierra Authentic Mexican as well as Fire on the Bayou for some nice, spicy Cajun; (3) Should you need to stock up on any supplies, nearby Blue Springs SP has a 'grade A' Publix as well as a Walmart nearby, so you should have no problems being stocked up while staying here; and (4) When the kiddos get restless and the pristine nature that you find yourself surrounded by isn’t enough of a distraction, then head due east to Family Fun Town, which is a family-friendly amusement center with batting cages, mini-golf, arcade games and go cart racing. Yahoo!
Happy Camping!
Scout
I asked my parents to book this RV site because it has a pool and WiFi. First things first, you have to pay for WiFi. I spent $15 on WiFi for ONE DAY for 7 people because if you make only one account it allows only 3 devices to sign it with it. Doesn’t mention anything about that on their website or on here. The plants here and the views are really pretty. The pool was okay, and the one day and night we stayed there we met some friendly people who were staying there as well. The next morning, (40 minutes before checkout time) they were already calling my mom and asking us when we were leaving. Are you serious? Put an earlier check-out time on your business if you want people to leave earlier. It sucks because I recommended this site to my parents, and they treated my mom very crummy. We won’t be back here again.
Traveler
This is an excellent place to pitch a tent and spend time in nature without traveling far. Great hiking trails and the Pelicer Creek is available for fishing. Bring a kayak.
The camp sites are huge. The tent sites are elevated which should help keep the soil dryer in case of rain.
Keep in mind that there is no water available at the camping sites or the entire park for that matter. Potable or non potable so you have to bring in all drinking water and water for washing dishes if you plan on doing some cleanup. Also, there are bathrooms but they’re pretty far. The campsites do have nearby porta potties.
GuideVisited to see Manatees from the land. Cooler temps best for manatee numbers.
Campground sites feel secluded with vegetation but can be challenging for backing up into spots.
Had electric and water but trash is upon exit along with dump station
Nice paved road around campground and short trail to main park area. Canoe and kayak rentals available.
Traveler
This campground has a split personality. The west side has nice wide concrete sites, the east side is on dirt and gravel and not so nice. When I made my reservation I missed the pick your site($30 add on?), but given the difference between the two sides, it would have been worth it. This is definitely a KOA Journey, hookups work, good for a night or two, but not a destination. I didn't think it is quite as close to the Space Center as described.
Some long term residents, many on the east side, and the roads aren't very wide. The gentleman who escorted us to our site took us off the road and out into the grass to get around a tree to make the turn workable. Most of the staff was friendly and helpful.
Oh, if you look at this campground on Google's satellite view, be aware that there is a different campground that wraps the KOA on the west, and south. If you see tennis courts, you're looking at the wrong campground.
Given the history of this area I had high expectations. If you get one of the nice new sites, then I think it's worthwhile, otherwise this is one of the few KOAs that I don't think I will recommend for more than a night maybe two.
Scout
TL/DR:*My review is primarily for families with children*
- ANYONE WITH MINOR CHILDREN– AVOID AT ALL COSTS
- THINKING ABOUT BECOMING AN ANNUAL MEMBER- RECONSIDER, HAVE A BACKUP PLAN AND KNOW YOUR RIGHTS.
- TRAVELERS- STAY AT YOUR OWN RISK– LOCK UP EVERYTHING!
My personal experience with Rose Bay RV Park dates from May 2020 to January 2024 with Jeannie Magill as the office manager.
**As of this posting, I have NOT been refunded for the prepaid days that I was not a resident.
Top things to know if considering Rose Bay RV Park:
-Advertised as an“all ages, family-friendly park” but that is NOT true. This was previously a 55+ park and that mentality remains. Children are NOT welcome and that is made obvious by the additional charges for them, the ever-growing restrictions on them, and the overall treatment by a large portion of the residents and staff.
-Children are charged an additional $5 per day, per child over the age of 11(as of the date of this posting).
-Children are not allowed in the clubhouse, to ride bikes, or to do much of anything without expecting a follow-up complaint. Their solution is to“take your children to a local park”, which is certainly not in line with being a family-friendly park. I will say again, THEY DO NOT WANT CHILDREN LIVING IN THIS PARK.
-NEVER use their address for your mail through USPS. You CAN NOT forward your mail to another address and Jeannie and Jenny personally go through every piece of mail and will use their discretion to decide if you will receive your mail, if they want to return it to sender, or if it just vanishes. They will claim that it is not allowed for mail to be delivered for someone who isn’t on the lease(ex: my children’s father provides health insurance and other needs and those papers come in his name even though I explained they are for the children). Still, several other people receive mail for individuals who are not on their lease. USPS is aware of this issue but cannot correct it since Rose Bay is considered a campground, even though it is primarily for permanent residents.
-Make sure you document everything that occurs there for your protection.
-The office staff will rarely correct any issue that you are having, whether it be a nuisance dog, safety concern, or any other issue. They will always reply with“Call the police”. I would use caution when doing so since that can be used against you and lead to your removal from the park.
-Know that you will be stripped of your freedom of speech in this park. Residents tolerate a lot of things that they shouldn’t simply because they are afraid of an eviction. Park rules are not there to help you but rather they are used as something for her to hide behind if she wants to use them against you.
-LOCK UP EVERYTHING. Your things will get stolen, especially if you are traveling and have the dates of your stay advertised in your front window.
-Be aware that rules are subjective and that Jeannie will make demands or tell you to do something that she doesn’t enforce with other residents. Examples: subletting, all residents must be on lease, visitors must check-in, speeding is punishable by removal from the park, and no conducting business. The list goes on and on but if you choose to live here, you will quickly understand what I am talking about.
-If you do decide to try to move in, background/credit checks seem to be impossible to pass. There is a rather large portion of applicants who pay the fee for a background check but are suspiciously denied.
-Don’t expect the park to take care of the lot that you are residing on. Concrete pads are broken and are a tripping hazard and most lots turn to mud pits.
-BE CAREFUL WITH THE ELECTRIC and use a surge protector.
-The water is randomly shut off.
-Trash is almost always overflowing
-Be aware of your legal rights as a resident of a campground in the state of Florida. Most residents are from other areas or new to the RV lifestyle. I strongly encourage you to educate yourself and to be aware that Florida is not a tenant-friendly state, especially for those in campgrounds.
My list was much longer but I am limited to how much I can type. Stay elsewhere and you'll be much happier! Trust the other reviews that also say to not stay at Rose Bay.
Scout
We spent a week at Harris Village RV Park and the owners were very helpful and the campground was a quiet respite during my visit. I plan to return when I have the opportunity again. Thanks to Phil for going above and beyond the call of duty.
Marilyn
TravelerWe stayed in site 12 with a beach view. It was an awesome stay! The bath house isn't the cleanest, but it gets the job done.
LegendOK, granted, we were in Daytona Beach during Bike Week and had very few options to chose from, but … and I’m sure this is how every story begins while contemplating a stay at Harris Village RV Park. Once you catch a glimpse of all the roadside bars (with names like The Beaver Bar, Broken Spoke and Iron Horse Saloon) featuring free bike parking and 2-for-1 specials, from a camping standpoint, you should have several ‘red flags’ flying high. Obviously, this is literally and figuratively a ‘drive-by’ area, but when you’re in a crunch and there’s a thousand other RV’ers behind you that have the same bright idea you have and there’s scarce place to park your 30 footer, then you MIGHT consider Harris Village, but I will plead with you – make this the last possible choice to choose from.
While proximity to some amazing biker bars is a firm reality, what you will need to compromise of yourself is not really acceptable on almost any level. While we never felt at risk from a security standpoint, it took nearly two hours for us to slowly inch our long, meandering RV into this very tight space, that only accommodates about 20 slots anyway in a very short semi-circle of a loop. While there were all the typical hook-ups (30 / 50 amp electric, water and sewage), we were so tightly packed into our slot that we could hear our neighbors all night – not to mention the loud wailing of the local biker bars (and all of the bikes being revved up at every single second of the day).
Insider’s tips? Depending upon what brings you to this part of Florida to begin with, I would give you the following: (1) This is definitely not a destination, but rather a layover, so unless your dream is staying up late listening to all sorts of ruckus noise and behavior, I would encourage you to keep driving in search of nearby locations that offer more of a respite from the mayhem you’ll find here; (2) If you are looking for some pretty great local fare, I would recommend River Grill on the Tomoka, which is both an amazing feast for the eyes (as this river is legendary) as it is for the senses, wherein I highly recommend either the jambalaya or the citrus bourbon salmon, both served with grits, because, you know, that’s how we do down this way; and (3) If you come hauling your own watercraft (canoe, kayak, etc.) then I recommend Riverbend Nature Park with a great launch and easy access to the Tomoka River (where I would recommend you head north towards the state park).
Happy Camping!
Guide
This park is built on a foundation of fine sand with campsites carved out of palmettos and tall palm trees for lots of shade and visual privacy. Really liked it and would go back any time.
Couple of downers, though, particularly for those contemplating an extended stay: (1) Laundry machines only take coins, which the concession stand does not provide; have to drive several miles into town to get quarters. (2) There are no plastic bag dispensers for dog cleanup, so bring plenty of your own.
Other observations are that there is LOTS of critter wild life -- coons, mice, and ferrule cats. Shower facilities are delapitated but the water pressure is good and the water hot.
LegendWhether you like to get on the water in a kayak, canoe or fishing boat, whatever your mode of water transportation, you are in for a treat here at Tomoka State Park, which offers up more than 2,000 acres of a dynamic, diverse natural playground. This state park gem located in the center of Florida along the Atlantic Ocean east coast, Tomoka is a nature-lover’s paradise offering countless areas to launch your choice of watercraft, multiple miles of hiking trails, splendid fishing spots to cast a line from, semi-private shaded areas perfect for a secluded picnic as well as, of course, an idyllic spot to pitch a tent or park your RV camper and enjoy some outstanding experiences underneath the stars.
To begin with, what’s with that name ‘Tomoka?’ Well, this unique name heralds from the Timicuan native American tribe that once dwelled here (and can be traced as far north in Florida as Jacksonville – look for Timucuan Preserve). This indigenous tribe thrived in this area due to the abundance of fishing and hunting that abounds as well as being just a perfect spot to establish and build an Intracoastal-led community. Once you get on the water, you’ll be sure to enjoy the 13 mile kayak / canoe trail that is so popular here.
As for the campground itself, it’s a simple thin, but long and narrow 1-way loop intersected in 3 places that you will discover here at Tomoka SP that offers up some 97 spots for camping. All sites come with a picnic table (some in better condition that others), water and electric lines, wooden T-post w/ 2 hooks perfect for holding a garbage bag in one hook and recycling in the other as well as in-ground fire ring all set upon level sites with hard packed sand. There are 3 very clean and well-organized community restroom / shower facilities, which seemed like just the perfect number, given the total of sites in the campground, with each offering up coin-operated washers and driers as well as vending machines. There’s also a visitors program building that offers up educational seminars and group activities that change week-to-week. A proper dump station is also located at the front of the loop.
Don’t have a kayak or canoe? Forget something? Need some advice on where to float your boat? Want to get some good local advice on where to go and what to do? Then look no further than Tomoka Outpost, which you’ll come across about halfway through the state park. This cantina-like river-front mini-mart has you covered with both groceries and sundries as well as kayak and canoe rentals. If ever I saw a missed opportunity for a bar / restaurant, Tomoka Outpost would be it. All you need to do is look at the Intra-coastal (or Tomoka River) waterfront real estate that this place occupies, along with its nearly exclusive ability to serve up food & drink for at least a 10 mile radius, before you begin scratching your head wondering why they haven’t set up a proper restaurant and bar. With a near 100% occupied campground space here, along with the day-trippers, it is astounding to me that this hasn’t been though of before now (and forgive me if it has, but not realized for reasons I don’t understand).
Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) When you grow tired of trying to conjure up that next meal from what remains inside your RV mini fridge or from the depths of your Cordova roto-molded cooler, then check out the few restaurants that exist for you to try out, wherein I recommend River Grille on the Tomoka for Cajun-inspired seafood or Houligan’s, which is basically glorified bar food; (2) If you don’t mind a slightly longer drive to get there, you’ll want to head to Ormond Beach where you should check out Jimmy Hula’s for arguably the best tacos in all of Florida, Lagerheads Bar & Grill, which is a neighborhood joint which is a down-to-earth seafood eatery or Lulu’s Oceanside Grill that offers up some pretty amazing live music on the weekends; (3) For the best sunset, head on over to Tomoka Outpost and have the Captain pull you a pint of their fresh draught, made especially for them, and munch on some boiled peanuts; (4) Don’t forget to stop by the northern stretch of the peninsula, where you can spy the Tomokie statue, which depicts Oleeta, an Indian war princess who is taking aim at Chief Tomokie with murderous intent as the chieftan had defied the sacrilegious prohibition of imbibing from the sacred Cup of Life, or so the legend goes; (5) As there is sand everywhere here in Tomoka SP, I highly recommend that you bring a box or matte that you can leave all your shoes and flip flops at outside of your tent or RV, otherwise, you’ll end up with sand everywhere inside; and (6) Hats off to the Ranger staff here at Tomoka SP – you are easily the best group of nature professionals I have ever had the pleasure of engaging with while camping. Keep up all your great work!
Happy Camping!
LegendBlue Spring State Park Campground(Sand Pine Scrub), Orange City, FL: A great park for viewing manatees this time of year. There are many very nice private sites . (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good
(70 yr olds in 17’ trailer with a desire for a campsite that has at least some visual privacy - after the trailer is in the spot.)
Overall Rating: 4.5 Usage during visit: Pretty full, just following Thanksgiving weekend SECURE GATE : Arriving after hours: call for the code. Site Privacy: Exceptional Site Spacing: Good Site surface: Blacktop Reservations: Yes Campground Noise: Quiet Road Noise: None, removed from even the day use access road Through Traffic in campground: None Electric Hookup: Yes Sewer Hookup: No Dump Station: Yes Potable Water Available: At sites Bathroom: Flush toilets Showers: Yes Cell Service (AT&T):Pretty good Setting: Thick low growth forest Weather: High 50s on this day, but warming up. Bugs: None Host: Yes Rig size: 40’ or so max Sites: Most sites are exceptionally private sites especially those sites found on the outside of the loop. Here are some of the better sites we would be very happy with: 1,2,3,5,6,9 - 17, 18*, 19-22, 24, 25,26,27*,34,36,38* 43,45. .
ScoutWhat a peaceful and relaxing visit to this beautiful campsite. Dog friendly! Really nice fishing spots to relax by the water. Oh but wait… if you forgot an essential, the outpost is sure to have it.
I really wish one thing! That someone would repair the Indian statue!
LegendThis is another KOA on our extended road trip around Florida. This one is a little older, and shows wear, but they are doing some construction, rebuilding some of the sites. The internet was hit or miss, mostly miss! The bathroom/showroom is dated, but adequate. It reminded me of a high school shower room. There is a small office/store with basics. Also a pool and laundry (most of the washers were out of order) Some of the roads are rough, and a few sites don’t look like they are useable. We were here in late October, between the summer family crowds and the winter Snowbirds. They do have long term rates for Snowbirds. It’s about 20 minutes from a manatee rehabilitation park, and also a manatee overlook pier. It is 30 minutes from Cape Kennedy and the NASA Space Center.
TravelerStayed here one night while traveling home from Miami. Camp sites seem very private due to vegetation and trees. Showers and restrooms are clean
Scout
We've had the pleasure of staying at both site 185 and 11, and our experience was delightful with both choices! The front office staff consistently exudes helpfulness and politeness. Each site is equipped with water hookups, electric connections, and sewage facilities. What's impressive is that these amenities are available on every site, setting them apart as the most competitively priced campground in the vicinity—my thorough research of other options confirms this. Notably, JOY RV offers the flexibility of both short-term and long-term stays, a versatility that distinguishes them from neighboring campgrounds. On top of that, they provide onsite storage options, complimentary wifi, a refreshing pool, impeccably maintained showers and restrooms, and a convenient laundry facility. For those requiring a peaceful environment to focus on tasks like schoolwork or professional assignments, the spacious and tranquil clubhouse proves to be a valuable asset—I, personally, take full advantage of this convenience. The campground enjoys a strategic location with a nearby Sam's Club for shopping convenience. Plus, its direct access to the interstate simplifies travel to Melbourne(approximately 30 minutes away), Daytona Beach(roughly an hour's drive), and even Orlando(merely 45 minutes away). It's undeniable that this location is prime. In our quest for the perfect camping spot, stumbling upon JOY RV was a stroke of luck. Without reservation, we wholeheartedly endorse it to fellow travelers seeking a phenomenal experience.
LegendIf you're like me and think that the most perfect campsite is the one that sits on the water's edge that provides both a simply amazing waterfront view as well as EZ access into the waters that you are just digging to try your kayak and canoe on, then welcome to what is, quite possibly, one of the best waterfront campground destinations in the whole of Florida (and given all of the access to both salt and fresh water access here in the Sunshine State, that's saying something!). Trust me, every once in a while, along comes a very special campground that upon reflection, one thinks that maybe they should just keep this little secret for myself. But then what good are secrets if they aren’t (eventually) shared, me thinks?
Well, here’s one helluva campground find that comes with pristine natural surroundings and, depending upon what type of camping you are looking for, Princess Preserve offers up just about every outdoor possibility that one could conjure up and wish for. As far as Princess Preserve itself is concerned, there are more than 1,500 square acres to explore that will offer the best of sea and land. When it comes to frackish (combo of salt and fresh H20) water, you’ll have the trifecta of salt marshes from the Matanzas River, slow-moving currents of the Moody Creek and abundant fishing of the Pellicer Creek to contend with – all three of which make for perfect kayak, canoe and paddle board exploration (just be on the watch for gators!). Back on land, there’s plenty of hiking trails that provide a bevy of well-cleared fully-functioning foot paths, while on the other hand, you will discover trails that are in dire need of some decent pruning. And if you come with your noble steeds, you'll find simply sublime trails to 'giddy up' on.
The name Princess Preserve comes from the widow Angela Cutting who remarried a Russian prince and assumed the title of princess (although there was no coronation). The entire park is managed by the very good folks from Flagler County Parks & Recreation, who enlist some great support from locals in the community who work together in passionate way to keep this beautiful natural gem in pristine condition. To begin with, Princess Preserve, complete with an endless array of live, ancient Oaks dripping with Spanish Moss every which way you look, features not just 1 single campground to choose from, but rather 5 individual, completely differentiated campgrounds– one just as unique and different from the other as the next. For this particular review, I will be focused on the Moody Campground.
If you, like me, believe that the very best campsites are those that are located waterfront and/ or at least have some view of the water, be it a silent stream, roaring river or the lapping waves of an ocean, then here at Moody Campground, you have hit the outdoor camping lottery jackpot! In addition to being very flat and well-shaded, PPP offers up spacious campsites, which I'm sure you’ll also absolutely fall in love with this very particular campground that places you so incredibly close to waterfront camping bliss that you will be able to open your tent flap door, take 10 paces and launch your kayak or canoe. Seriously, it does not get any better than this! And the view here is simply outstanding. There’s only a small handful of campsites to reserve (5 in total) and most of those sit right in front of the river, so book early and pointedly.
Camping here is fairly basic and primitive with just water spigots, fire ring and designated trash receptacles as well as a port-O-potty, but each campsite has a wooden frame (14 x 14) sandy perimeter to pitch your tent on for the night. Please note that here at Moody Campground you are located in the easternmost in all of Princess Place Preserve and the Equestrian Campground is just a very short distance from where you are (so perhaps you can convince someone over there to let you tie up your horse). Amenities include: no shortage of hiking, biking & riding trails, campfire rings, BBQ grills, canoe / kayak launch, historic sites, interpretive exhibits, picnic tables, pavilions (available for rent), restroom facilities and natural preserves. For those not coming with their own tents or trailers, there are 3 cottages (1 ADA) that are available for rent.
Insider’s tips? Sure, here’s a few: (1) Over at Moody Campground, where most of the campsites sit alongside the river, you’ll want to be aware of alligators and snakes – and one big tip I have for keeping these reptiles at bay is keeping a fire going throughout the night, or if not, when the coal and embers of the fire burn down, use your shovel or trowel to place the still warm coals in a perimeter around your tent – this small amount of warmth will keep reptiles at bay; (2) Everywhere you go the water is non-potable, so be sure to bring your own fresh water to drink; (3) If you are interested in taking advantage of the historic tours that are offered here, please note that they are offered up on a first-come, first-served, so upon arriving here, be sure to check in with a Park Ranger for availability; (4) While the kayaking here at Princess Preserve was nothing short of awesome, after a few days of paddling down the same rivers, we were given well-heeded advice to drop on over to Faver-Dykes State Park, located just due north of Princess Preserve (you can actually paddle over there from PPP, or better, drive over and launch from there); and (5) When you get tired of firing up frank & beans for dinner and don’t mind throwing on a polo shirt, head on over to 386 (only a 20 minute drive from Princess Place Preserve), where they’ll delight you with the best of surf (1 lb rock lobster, Mexican triggerfish and blue crab flounder) & turf (prime filet, pork chop with peach chutney).
Happy Camping!
Legend
Depending upon what type of camping you are looking for, Princess Preserve offers up just about every outdoor possibility that one could think of – from hike-in group camping and family-style tent compound in an open range and river-front tent pitching at its best to 5 star cabin / cottage rentals. IMHO the cabins that are for rent here at Princess Place Preserve are, without a doubt, some of the very best waterfront cabins you will ever find here in the entire state of Florida. Not that I have been everywhere, mind you, but I have been to an awful lot of campgrounds in the ‘Sunshine State’ and I have yet to find better.
Princess Place Preserve offers an endless array of live and ancient Oaks dripping with Spanish Moss every which way you look, featuring not just 1 single campground to choose from, but rather 6 individual, completely distinctive campgrounds – each one completely different and incredibly unique from one another. The individual campgrounds within Princess Place Preserve include: Group Campground, Hill Campground, The Cottages, Pellicer Campground (also referred to as Dock Sites), Equestrian Campground and Moody Campground. For this particular review, I will be focused on the The Cottages.
What makes these cabins outstanding? Here are the top 5 reasons: (1) There are only 3 cabins to choose from, making them quite the exclusive offering for those that don’t want to pitch a tent for the night in arguably one of the most beautiful slices of nature in northern Florida; (2) Each of these cabins sit waterfront overlooking the delectable Princess Place Preserve marshes and just beyond, the expansive Pellicer River, which ultimately feeds into the Matanzas River – it’s a ‘frackish’ water wonderland at your door step! And if you have a kayak or canoe, you’re also in luck, as all 3 of these cabins have their very own river access point for easy launching; (3) From the moment you rock up to these ‘cabins’ you will be shocked to realize that these are more outfitted like fairly newly constructed houses, complete with A/C, WiFi, satellite dish, backyard screened-in porches complete with 4 wooden rocking chairs and inside you’ll discover that all of the comforts of home have been provided with each cottage offering 2 bedrooms (each with a queen bed), 2 ensuite bathrooms, separate living room (with an additional sleeper sofa) and dining room (dining table and 6 chairs) along with a fully-functioning kitchen and all of the typical items you would expect to find: dishes, glassware, silver, utensils, pots and pans, etc.; (4) At $125 per night (plus applicable taxes as well as refundable security deposit), the price is simply outstanding, considering the fact that the cabins are basically new, waterfront and places you smack dab in some of the most opulent natural settings in the state of Florida; and (5) Perhaps my most favorite thing about these cabins is that if you still want to pitch a tent outside (some of us are just die-hard campers afterall!), there’s plenty of space to do that, as well as the outdoor amenities, which include a picnic table, stand-up grill and fire ring (just like every other camping option here at Princess Place Preserve) – the huge difference here of course, is that in just a few steps, you can leave mother nature at any moment, cook up a meal like you were at home, recline in a comfy sofa, watch TV or surf the internet and enjoy a hot shower if you would like to.
As far as Princess Place Preserve itself is concerned, there are more than 1,500 square acres to explore that will offer the best of both surf (well, actually, 3 conjoining rivers) and turf (which is simply fantastic marsh). On the surf front, you’ll have the trifecta of salt marshes from the Matanzas River, slow-moving currents of the Moody Creek and abundant fishing of the Pellicer Creek to contend with – all three of which make for perfect kayak, canoe and paddle board exploration (just be on the watch for alligators!). Back on land, there’s plenty of hiking trails that provide a bevy of well-cleared fully-functioning foot paths … while on the other hand, you will discover trails that are in dire need of some decent pruning as well as those, due to recent rainfall, will be either flooded or too muddy to trudge through.
The name Princess Preserve comes from the widow Angela Cutting who remarried a Russian prince and assumed the title of princess (although there was no coronation). The entire park is managed by Flagler County Parks & Recreation, which I have to say, apart from the bathroom / shower facilities, have done an amazing job at not just preserving this amazing nature destination, but the county is in overdrive in its restoration efforts of the place, as you will see with the main lodge and nearby buildings and horse stable that have recently received a very nice refurbishment.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) If you are interested in booking one of these 3 cottages, you will want to book WAY AHEAD OF TIME, so plan with plenty of advance timing in mind; (2) These cottages come with linens and towels, microwave, refrigerator, but note that there are no dishwashers; (3) Interested in taking advantage of the historic tours that are offered here? Just a short walk from your cabin you will meet up at the Lodge (just past the Stables) where tours are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, so upon arriving here, be sure to ask a Park Ranger for first availability; (4) If you are a biker, like I am, you will definitely want to bring your bicycles here, where all of the main roads and even most of the trails are simply perfect for riding on and the expansive nature of Princess Place Preserve will give you miles and miles to explore without biking on the same trail twice!; and (5) With a full kitchen at your disposal, I can’t imagine why you would want to go out to eat, but if you do, I highly suggest 386 over in Hammock Beach, where they have Wine Down Wednesday (offering 50% off bottles of wine of which I recommend the Bertani Amarone from Veneto), where you can order an expertly cut Tomahawk Ribeye Steak or the Mexican Triggerfish to wash it all down with.
Happy Camping!
ScoutLove it it prefect
Scout
They changed there RV rates and cancellation policy on July 1, 2023 but didn’t inform customers about the change. Before if you canceled your reservation they charged you $50 but now you lose your entire deposit of $250 the customer always gets screwed over. Don’t waste your time with this place find something else because they just want your money, customer service doesn’t exist here!
Guide
This private campground is Florida Springs at its best! We took our RV (class A) for a weekend trip here. We paid the extra fee to get an Elite site which was totally worth it! We had perfect view of the spring Fountain and water slide. We were right by the store and bathrooms which was very convenient. The park offers a clubhouse with daily events, a tiki bar, playground etc. The staff was very helpful. It’s a pretty large campground so be mindful of picking your site. Loved it to say the least. Will definitely return!
Legend
One of the few crown gems you’ll discover along Beverly Beach, Camptown RV Resort & Campers Village is MASSIVE! But I must forewarn my tent pitching brethren – this is 100% an RV hangout (for the most part) of the concrete jungle kind. That said, if you’re looking for a spot to park your mobile living room for the night (or the month) and want to be able to either quickly access, or better yet, have amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean with simply outstanding beaches, then look no further than Camptown!
From an amenities standpoint, all slots are either vertical or diagonal (facing directly towards the ocean or across the street towards the Intracoastal) with both sides offering full hook-ups (water, sewer and 50 amp electrical service - Camptown offers 30 amp adapters free of charge) as well as complimentary cable and WiFi for all your social media surfing needs. Don’t have an RV? Not a problem, Camptown has you covered with their cabin rentals (but there’s only about a half dozen, so make a reservation early if you want these). Onsite you’ll discover a fairly full-service market with gifts and souvenirs, fishing gear, beach items, snacks and soda, booze and mixers as well as all the RV camping supplies you might need while here.
What I love most about Camptown is that it puts you SMACK DAB in front of one of the most beautiful beach shorelines on Florida’s Atlantic Coast. One warning I would give, having stayed shortly after Hurricane Nicole hit, is that a decent amount of the coastline has been demolished and there are several oceanfront businesses and access-ways that are now defunct and under construction. Additionally, Camptown is midway between 2 great locations – St. Augustine (aka ‘Ancient City') to the north and Daytona Beach to the south. Both offer additional great beaches (but you should have no problem on this front here at Beverly Beach) as well as a ton of nightlife, culinary, cultural and entertainment options.
Inside tips? Here’s a few: (1) While boasting about being ‘pet-friendly,’ if you are thinking about renting a cabin here at Camptown, think again – no four-legged friends are allowed; (2) As you are this close to paradise, I have to make ‘treasure-seekers’ aware that if you are on the hunt for shark teeth, you are nearby one of the world’s most famous beaches for discovering the dental remains of 20 or so different Selachimorpha (and some prehistoric, if you are lucky enough); (3) When you get tired of trying to figure out what’s on the menu for your next meal, I highly recommend grabbing an oceanside brunch at Java Joint with the Country Benedict (the sausage gravy is outstanding!), ordering a pair of crab cakes at Turtle Shack Café or pursuing fresh fried conch fritters at Break Awayz; and (4) If you want to drop your kayak in some ‘frakish’ (sea and fresh water) waters, then stop by Si Como No Inn (can’t miss this vibrant oceanside hostel) that has access to the Matanzas River/ Intracoastal.
Happy Camping!
Legend
Located within a stone’s throw (or two) of I95 – Florida’s major highway artery running due north and south – you’ll come across Sunshine Holiday Daytona just due west of the main exit to Daytona Beach and the Daytona Speedway. Here you will discover a massive RV depot that has 2 distinct campuses to choose from with altogether 602 individual RV, tent camping, cottage and cabin spots to choose from. If you think this sounds like an overcrowded, RV parking lot too close to a major highway interstate with all of the fast food restaurants you can throw a rock at all within walking distance (and a Harley Davidson dealer to boot) then you would be correct!
About Sunshine Holiday Daytona specifically, you’ll find that this RV campground is basically two very large concentric circles separated by a canal, with Circle A, the first encircled campground space that you will come to upon entry, where the main lodge, shower / restrooms, laundr-O-mat, market and swimming pool is located in the center, is organized by sites #1– 100, and on the outer periphery, you’ll find a dozen and a half or so sites designated for tent campers, but as a fellow tent-pitcher, I wouldn’t recommend this. For those that don’t have an RV or a tent, no problem, as there’s also a handful of scattered cottages and cabins that you can rent for the night.
The second concentric circle, located just due west of the first large circle, which you’ll come to after first crossing a small canal, is organized in the same fashion as the first circle with a basic hub-like structure in the center with restrooms / showers (but no market or swimming pool here). Both circles have 4 - 5 expanding rings all with intersecting lanes that surround the center, so obviously, the outer rings provide the most amount of shelter and privacy, although you should note that the southernmost part of each external ring is closest to the 4-lane US1 highway from whence you came, so if possible, for Circle A, you’ll want to be on the northern or eastern side and for Circle B, you’ll want to be on the northern or western side.
Amenities: Clubhouse / lounge, swimming pool, near Daytona’s beaches (biggest upside), pet-friendly, horseshoe pits, bocce ball, WiFi, dog park, playground, restroom / shower facilities, market / store, RV and boat storage, mini golf, badminton, shuffle board, tennis, basketball, bingo / card playing, activities center, volleyball, laundr-O-mat, designated dump station, propane refueling station, as well as full hook-ups for RV (30/ 50 electric amp, sewage, water).
Insider’s tips? Here’s a few:(1) If you love watching canines battle it out for who’s the fastest, then head on over to Daytona Beach Kennel Club for a good half day at the races along with some hefty pints of Guinness being poured; (2) If fast food isn’t your thing (and you’re not alone here), then check out Colt’s Pig Stand for some pretty great (not excellent) BBQ or if in need of a decent and quick no frills breakfast, then check out Honey Bee Café – both are located just down the street on US1 towards I95; (3) While en route to your destination and find yourself hauling some ATVs or 4X4’s, then you may have hit the jackpot as just down the road from Sunshine Holiday Daytona, you’ll come across Florida Cracker Ranch (and you just have to love that name, right?!), where for some small change, you too can get your off-roading muddin’ driving pleasures realized and if that’s not really your thing, they also have hiking, biking, horseback riding, skeet shooting and many other activities that will keep you out enjoying nature for as long as possible; and (4) When looking for some great trails to hike or ravines to navigate, head on over to Bulow Creek State Park, where you’ll have no shortage of Ancient Oak trees and submerged lands to navigate, complete with a pretty amazing primitive running trail and isolated campground. Further afield, you’ll discover Tomoka SP, which is one of my favorite little hidden gems in all of Florida, so be sure to give them both a look.
Happy Camping!
TravelerBooking was easy, all staff members are ready to assist you with all your needs, and what’s best than feeling the sand between your toes every time you walk outside. One of the best RV camps around if is not the best.
Traveler
Stayed at site 019 for 5 nights at the end of April in a 30’ travel trailer. The site backs up to an area of low grasses, bushes and palms with tall pines nearby. There is a ranger trail the runs behind the site as well but we never saw any riding past. There is a road not far away but it’s in a suburban area and I didn’t find it to be a problem. We were usually out hiking and swimming during the day and the nights just had a low hum of far off traffic. You could still hear nature all around. The trails are absolutely gorgeous. Natural palms growing among tall pines. We saw so many deer I lost count and we could hear the males in the distance. Also spotted a young alligator walking on a trail near the spring. The gopher tortoises are out in full force in the mid afternoon. Didn’t spot a bear though. We didn’t want to leave at the end of our trip. And would’ve stayed longer if our schedules allowed. Would highly recommend.
Frequently Asked Questions
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