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Searching for a perfect spot to car camp in Florida? Just head up to your site, then set up your tent. You're ready to go! Find Florida car camping campgrounds nearby with ease on The Dyrt.

Florida

The Best Car Camping in Florida

Searching for a perfect spot to car camp near Ocala National Forest? The Dyrt can help you find the best drive-in campsites for your next trip. With thousands of campsites to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect site for your Ocala National Forest car camping excursion.

Ocala National Forest

The Best Car Camping Near Ocala National Forest, Florida

Natural beauty, wildlife and lake view. Dock for fishing or launching a kayak. Close to town and some different springs. Lots of activities in surrounding area. 

Private Escape

Located on beautiful Lake George across from Silver Glen Springs and Juniper Springs. We are just 1 hr west of Daytona Beach and 1 1/2 hr north of Orlando. RV Site rentals with daily, weekly, & monthly rates. RV Units on sites with daily, weekly, & monthly rentals available. Boat ramp, boat slips, fuel, ice, live bait & tackle shop and bar open daily. 

Pine Island RV & Marina

We are located in a secluded area bordering The Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway in Ocala, Florida. The Santos area of the park is home to the Florida National Scenic Hiking Trail, top mountain bike trails, a 16 mile paved trail for road riding, and extensive equestrian trails. We have full RV hook-ups and furnished daily rental cabins. We're close to businesses that provide kayaking, zip lining, and horse back riding adventures.



Whimcycle Trail Resort At Santos

## Overview

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.

## Recreation

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, or canoes can be rented from the concessionaire.   
  
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.

## Facilities

The facility is divided into a day use area and campground. Campsites are arranged into three loops near the creek and springs. All sites are shaded and equipped with a picnic table, grill, campfire ring, lantern post and space for tents. There are no sites with full hookups. Other amenities include hot showers, flush toilets and dump station.   
  
A convenience store with camping supplies, beach supplies, food, drinks and ice cream is nearby. Restaurants, shopping and gas are just 10 miles from campground.

## Natural Features

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. 

## Nearby Attractions

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.

## Charges & Cancellations

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 ](https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies)

Refunds are not given for inclement weather for camping, gear rentals, or day-use fees.

Juniper Springs Rec Area

## Overview

Mill Dam Group Campground offers a fun and relaxing setting for groups of up to 150 to enjoy Ocala National Forest. Large picnic shelters and access to outdoor and water recreation make this area ideal for family reunions and other large parties.

## Recreation

The campground sits along the 168-acre Mill Dam Lake, and water activities are popular among campers and day-use visitors.   
  
Anglers come from all over to enjoy bass fishing. Campers can bring their boats, canoes and kayaks for easy access to the water via an adjacent boat ramp.   
  
A large swimming beach and picnic area are great ways to keep the kids entertained.

## Facilities

In the spring, summer and early fall, Mill Dam is a day-use area only. For the remainder of the year, it becomes a group campground and recreation area for both day-use and tent camping.   
  
Amenities include a picnic shelter, group grills, picnic tables and flush toilets. The parking lot can hold up to 70 vehicles.   
  
A boat ramp adjoins the recreation area, on a separate entrance.

## Natural Features

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 campground and recreation area sit in the shade of live oak trees overlooking Mill Dam Lake. Numerous animals make their home in the area, including alligators, turtles, deer, raccoons, black bear and many bird species. 

## Nearby Attractions

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.

## Charges & Cancellations

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 ](https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies)

**Refunds are not given for inclement weather for camping, gear rentals, or day-use fees.**

Mill Dam Group Camp

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. Recreation 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. Facilities Salt Springs is the largest campground in the Ocala National Forest and the only one with full hookups for RVs. The facility offers spacious campsites for RVs and trailers, as well as a designated tent-only area, which is a short walk from the parking area. Sites are nicely shaded and well away from the busy day-use area. The recreation area and campground are located in the community of Salt Springs, which has a gas station, grocery store, several restaurants, bait and tackle shops, a post office, laundromat and visitor center. Natural Features 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. Nearby Attractions Salt Springs is very close to Lake George, a great fishing destination. ADA Access: N

Salt Springs Recreation Area

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.

Hopkins Prairie Campground

## Overview

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.

## Recreation

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.   


## Facilities

This site is centered around a classic 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps dining hall that has been historically restored.   
  
Tent camping is most common at this facility. RVs and horse trailers are allowed, but limited to specific areas that do not offer hookups. Restrooms with flush toilets and showers are provided, as are hitching posts for horses.

## Natural Features

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. 

## Nearby Attractions

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.

Doe Lake Group Site

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.

Lake Eaton Campground

## Overview

Alexander Springs Recreation Area is located in the Ocala National Forest near the beautiful, turquoise waters of Alexander Springs. With forested scenery and abundant water, the recreation area offers camping, swimming, canoeing, scuba diving (for certified divers), hiking, birding and wildlife viewing.   
  
The Ocala National Forest, located 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.

## Recreation

Visitors can swim, snorkel and dive year-round in the crystalline waters of the spring. The spring is the only place in the Ocala National Forest where scuba diving is permitted, and a broad and naturally gently sloped spring pool becomes a natural water park where visitors can picnic, swim and play.   
  
Fishing and canoeing are popular outside the swimming area. Anglers can bring a rod and reel and head down to one of the platforms along the Timucuan Trail to drop a line in Alexander Run. Visitors can rent canoes or bring their own and paddle down Alexander Run into the Alexander Springs Wilderness.   
  
Day hikers will appreciate a short interpretive trail on a boardwalk over the spring and through the palm trees. They can also access two segments of the 1,400-mile Florida National Scenic Trail, which runs through the entire national forest.

## Facilities

The camping area contains four loops of campsites within an easy walk of the swimming and picnicking area. The sites are shaded with level parking pads for RVs and plenty of space for tents. No hookups are available. Restrooms have flush toilets and showers. Camping necessities and firewood are available at a small general store.

## Natural Features

Alexander Springs is among 27 first-magnitude springs in Florida, and is by far one of the easiest for visitors to enjoy. The water is a constant 72 degrees and extraordinarily clear with a sandy bottom.   
  
The area is subtropical, surrounded by a floodplain forest of maples, sweet gum and cabbage palms. Alligators, turtles, deer, raccoons, black bear and numerous birds make their home in the national forest. 

## Nearby Attractions

Visitors can explore the surrounding Alexander Springs Wilderness Area. A paddle down the spring run is the best option to explore the mosaic of hardwood swamp, hardwood forest and scrub habitats and spot the animals that live there.   
  
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 Alexander Springs.

## Charges & Cancellations

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.**

Alexander Springs Rec Area

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THE BEST Car CAMPING NEAROcala National Forest, Florida

Top Ocala National Forest Car Campgrounds

Private Escape

Pine Island RV & Marina

Whimcycle Trail Resort At Santos

Juniper Springs Rec Area

Mill Dam Group Camp

Salt Springs Recreation Area

Hopkins Prairie Campground

Doe Lake Group Site

Lake Eaton Campground

Alexander Springs Rec Area

About Ocala National Forest Car Camping

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