Camping spots near Ocala, Florida range from densely forested sites with oak hammocks to open prairie campgrounds with sandy soil conditions. The region sits at approximately 100 feet above sea level with an underlying limestone foundation that creates the area's distinctive freshwater springs. Many campgrounds offer access to interconnected trail systems that form part of the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway, spanning east to west across central Florida.
What to do
Mountain biking adventures: Santos Trailhead & Campground provides direct access to over 30 miles of world-class mountain bike trails suitable for all skill levels. "The attraction here is the biking. It's an international destination for mountain biking! While there are no mountains in Florida, there are many man made ramps and jumps and turns. It's remarkable to see," notes David G.
Kayaking and canoeing: Rainbow Springs State Park Campground offers exceptional paddling opportunities on crystal-clear water. "We rented canoes or kayaks and paddled upstream to the headspring. Such a gorgeous river," shares S L. The campground location makes water activities convenient: "Campground is good for paddling, especially for renting from the concessions (they have single and tandem kayaks, SUP, and canoes)," explains Latika Y.
Hiking trails: Access miles of forest trails directly from your campsite at several locations. "Short drive into both Belview and Ocala. Easy access to hiking and riding trials," reports AJ G. about Shangri-La Trailhead & Campground. The 3.5-mile Ross Prairie Loop combines wooded sections and prairie views, with one camper noting it "has a little bit of everything."
What campers like
Large, private sites: Silver Springs State Park Campground receives consistent praise for its spacious campsites. "Large sites with ample separation from your neighbors. I am a native Floridian and this is the real deal," writes Jody O. Another camper adds, "The sites are big and have plenty of space between them."
Wildlife viewing: Campers appreciate the abundant wildlife throughout the region. "Let me start by saying park is very clean and well maintained. Silver springs is beautiful, go on the boat..." encourages Teresa R. Another visitor mentions, "From glass bottom boat tours to kayaking to camping Wildlife. Hiking food, alligators monkeys Birds beautiful Springs and River."
Water activities: The 72-degree springs remain a consistent draw. "If you enjoy kayaking, canoeing, or just floating down river on a tube in addition to camping, this is your spot," explains one camper at Rainbow Springs. Another enthuses, "Beautiful 72° springfed river. Take a 4hour tube ride down a crystal clear spring fed river. Full of wildlife, fun, families, snorkeling, little to no paddling since your going down river."
What you should know
Reservation timing: Winter months fill quickly with seasonal visitors. "Love this campground though it can be hard to get in between the snowbirds and tubing season," notes Cristina M. about Rainbow Springs. Plan ahead, as some parks require significant advance booking: "Two days before travel were able to get 2 nights in a pull thru site w full hook up."
Road noise: Ross Prairie Campground has some sites affected by highway sounds. "The only negative is that it's not far from the road, you can hear the traffic and it's somewhat busy," warns Carmi G. Another camper suggests, "I suggest a site as far from the road as possible, 3 seemed like the best site to me."
Gate access protocols: Several campgrounds have security gates with specific access procedures. "Make sure to have your gate code at the ready, the gate is unmanned, and it's right off the main road as soon as you turn in. There is only room for one RV/travel trailer between the gate and the road, so there is nowhere to pull over to the side. Be ready," advises S L.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water activities: Whimcycle Trail Resort At Santos offers families convenient access to multiple recreation options. "We enjoyed being right next to the biking and hiking trails AND only a few minutes from grocery stores," notes Teresa B. Families particularly enjoy the glass-bottom boat tours at nearby Silver Springs: "We have a 4 year old and a 10 year old and they both really enjoyed the boat tour also."
Clean facilities: Campgrounds with good bathroom facilities make family camping easier. "The bathrooms are huge and modern and super nice," reports David G. Another camper mentions, "Bathrooms are single rooms - nice for privacy. The park has a nice selection of pullthroughs and back ins. It can accommodate even the biggest of trailers."
Nature programs: Several parks offer ranger-led activities for children. "Silver springs is beautiful, get on the boat..." recommends one visitor. Another camper shares that "the park staff we interacted with were very friendly and informative. The glass bottom boat tour is an absolute must, we had such a wonderful time and the boat captain had lots of interesting information."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: RVers recommend specific sites at certain campgrounds. "We stayed in site #3, which was tucked into the wood line and somewhat private," shares Rich S. Another camper advises, "Site 60 is definitely the most private (farthest from the lot but still a short walk in on a paved path)."
Leveling considerations: Some campgrounds require additional preparation. "Sites are of average side but have no natural buffers (bushes, etc.) between. Tube rentals and shuttles are available," notes Jeanene A. For some parks, "They also require wood to be placed under all supports, Jacks, and levelers. No plastic. Marks the ground."
Hookup access: RVers should note the hookup arrangements at different campgrounds. "Hookups are very close to the RV. Water pressure is very high so have a water regulator. We had to turn it down from 60+ lbs to around 20 flow and 40 no flow pressure," warns one camper. Another notes that some sites offer "full hookup sites w full hook up. Large sites with ample separation from your neighbors."
