Camping near Ocala National Forest

Camping near Ocala National Forest, Florida, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

• Explore the springs: The area is known for its stunning natural springs. At Alexander Springs Recreation Area, visitors can enjoy swimming and spotting wildlife. One camper mentioned, "The spring is walking distance from the campground - we saw turtles, otters, and many fish while swimming in the spring."
• Hiking and biking: Trails abound in the region. Santos Trailhead & Campground is a great spot for biking, with one reviewer stating, "Unbelievable trails for walking and biking!"
• Kayaking and canoeing: Many campgrounds, like Rodman Campground, offer access to water activities. A visitor shared, "The Rodman Reservoir offers nothing short of AMAZING kayak and canoe adventures."

What campers like:

• Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. At Silver Springs State Park Campground, one camper noted, "The bath houses are very clean and if cold out nice hot heaters."
• Privacy: Many sites provide a sense of seclusion. A reviewer at Blue Spring State Park Campground mentioned, "The individual campsites give off a vibe of privacy, intimacy and solitude."
• Friendly staff: Campers often rave about the helpfulness of campground staff. At Clearwater Lake Campground, one visitor said, "The staff were all very nice and the bathrooms were well maintained."

What you should know:

• Noise levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy, especially on weekends. A camper at Lake Griffin State Park reported, "Neighbors were loud and fighting well past midnight."
• Limited amenities: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups. For instance, Juniper Springs Recreation Area has no electric hookups, which may be a downside for some.
• Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak seasons. A visitor at Wekiva Falls RV Resort mentioned, "Be mindful of picking your site."

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose family-friendly campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. Wekiva Falls RV Resort has a lagoon area and waterslide, making it a hit with families. One parent said, "There is also a beautiful creek that's usually about knee to ankle deep that's a popular spot to bring the cooler and camp chairs."
• Plan for noise: Be prepared for potential noise from other campers. A family at Lake Griffin State Park found it challenging, stating, "The deer, yellow flies ate me alive, even with heavy-duty bug spray."
• Pack outdoor games: Bring along games for downtime. A camper at Santos Trailhead & Campground suggested, "There are plenty of trees around," which is perfect for setting up games.

Tips from RVers:

• Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Rodman Campground noted, "RV sites are huge and plentiful (30 & 50 amp) + Water."
• Look for amenities: Choose campgrounds with good facilities. At Silver Springs State Park Campground, one camper appreciated the "clean bathroom, washer/dryer, soda machine."
• Be cautious of wildlife: Keep an eye out for alligators and other wildlife. A visitor at Wekiva Falls RV Resort warned, "There ARE MOST DEFINITELY ALLIGATORS."

Camping near Ocala National Forest, Florida, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation, there's something for you in this beautiful area.