Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Ocala National Forest

This campground is in Ocala National Forest, which is always beautiful. The campsites are large, we fit 3 4+ person tents. This was one of the busier places I have camped in Florida. The facilities were clean and provided showers.

We ended up deep in the ocala national forest. Make sure you look at a map before you go. Once you reach the forest you will lose all reception on phones. Campground states free WiFi but plan to be without. No WiFi worked while we were there. Neat trails and plan to return for summer and warmer weather and will bring atvs. Pet friendly. Seen a black bear roaming at night. John the firewood guy brought wood around for $10 in evening. Nice bathhouse if you need it.

Had a great time at Seminole Springs Campground while visiting Ocala National Forest. check in was super easy and the hosts are fantastic. I will be staying here again.

Great camping beautiful facilities. Helpful Park Rangers. The Springs stay 72 degrees year-round so no matter what time of the year the temperature is perfect. Kayak Camp fish hike in the heart of the Ocala National Forest. Also close to the beach and other Parks. Words do not do Juniper Springs Justice it's one of those magical places you have to visit for yourself. Another Hidden Gem in Florida.

This campground is very clean. It has some waterfront sites all are pretty decent size. A good fishing area as well as fishing at the dam. Easy trip to the springs to cool off too. Smack in the middle of a Ocala National Forest.

We stayed in the spring, and the weather was great. So many things to do in the Ocala National Forest. This campground wasn't crowded. All sites have a drive up pad, picnic table, and firepit. Toilets, but not showers. Cheap sites, and first come first serve.

We stayed here after not being able to get into Alexander Springs due to the campground being at capacity. Clearwater campground was smaller and a lot calmer yet had access to an awesome little lake, bike/hiking path, and it was in proximity to the other parks in Ocala National Forest.

We had a wonderful time here sitting around the campfire and is its our favorite spot in Florida. You can camp with or without horses. They have a Recreation building with pingpong, games and DirectTv. The trailhead for Ocala National Forest horse is just down a dead end road. We were so close to springs for where you can go swimming, kayaking, hiking, biking and snorkeling. Less than 10mins from shopping but in a beautiful country setting. They have Villas on property if you don't have an RV.

I have been here several times. I love the run for canoeing and kayaking!!! The spring is pretty fantastic too. It appeals to young kids too because there is a ledge for jumping off into the deep spring hole. I have camped here once before and enjoyed it much. It is close to other springs too for day visits all around. The Ocala National Forest has lots of springs.

We stayed here during Spring Break as it was the only thing available in Saint Augustine when we booked. However, we really enjoyed the park. It was close to the beaches and all major attractions. The pool was nice and there was a basket ball court, corn hole and table tennis as well as a small playground. Since we booked late we were in what was considered a buddy site which was a little different since we had a neighbor facing our site who we didn’t know but still we had a great time and my kids made several new friends. The bathrooms were clean and there was a laundry area with a separate laundry for washing pet bedding. The park was almost separated into 2 sections with the sites in the back having mixed paved pads while the ones in the front were gravel. There were several trails through the campground and there was an off leash dog park as well. All in all we really enjoyed our visit and would definitely return in the future.

Rodman Campground, nestled within the Ocala National Forest, offers a delightful escape for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. This peaceful campground provides a serene setting surrounded by towering pines and lush Florida foliage.

The campground is immersed in the beauty of the Ocala National Forest, offering a tranquil environment for relaxation and exploration.  Its proximity to the Ocklawaha River and Rodman Reservoir allows campers to enjoy a variety of activities such as fishing, boating, kayaking, and wildlife viewing.  There are also several hiking and biking trails located nearby to explore the diverse ecosystems of the Ocala National Forest.

Bathrooms were clean (with hot showers) but were a bit of a hike if you camp riverfront (you can follow the road around or go through the woods up and over a pretty steep hill).  Site 61 had a picnic table, fire ring, water and electric and was right on the river with only an access road (5mph) between the campsite and riverfront.  Be advised, that you cannot access the river from the camp site, you must go to the boat ramp, there is a steep drop off and there are signs telling you there is no access.  But you can put up a camp chair and enjoy relaxing at the top of the riverbank.  We saw deer at dusk meandering through the woods.

Concerning the tranquil surroundings, a note of caution and something to definitely keep in mind when booking  ... IF there is an "ALL HOURS WEEKEND" at the nearby Hog Waller Campground and ATV Resort (right across the river), then the trails remain open 24 hours and you will not have any tranquility or relaxation all night.  We were there unfortunately on one of these weekends and there was loud music, dirt bikes,  ATVs and 4-Wheelers screaming through the entire night.  (24-Hour riding begins Friday 8:00am- Ends Sunday 5:00pm​... Gates and trails are open 24 hours during this period).  So be forewarned to check the schedules at Hog Waller before booking because you will hear the all night parties and roaring engines tearing up the mud pits.  This only detracts from Rodman when Hog Waller is in full swing but it's 1-2 weekends each month.  Also, if there is any type of fishing tournament going on, the boats on the river will wake you in a tent very early in the morning.  If you like getting up early and having a cup of coffee by the river and watching the bass boats go by then this is good fun, but don't think about being lazy and sleeping in (see video).

Overall, it's a really nice park in the wilds of Florida and we have already booked our next stay (but not riverfront and not during a Hog Waller 24 hour weekend).  We look forward to visiting during the week when everything is more "chill".

This little-known gem is hidden in north central Florida and is perfect for those wanting to discover one of this state’s best kept secrets – here in horse country. Whether you’re a serious rider or looking to learn from some of the best, Fiddlers Green has you covered. Their RV sites offer up the typical water, septic and electric (30 or 50 amp) hook-ups, WiFi, along with scattered BBQ grills and enough space for your own mares, in case you are towing them with you. There’s a club house, gazebo, select sized stalls, wash rack for bathing horses, recreation room (complete with ping pong, DirectTV and card table), small fishing pond, laundry room, bath house, dog play area, fire pits as well as covered and outdoor horse warming areas and a number of spots to escape and find complete solitude. With gentle rolling hills as the backdrop, this spot is perfectly situated next to Ocala National Forest with literally hundreds of different trails to explore on foot or on horseback. Insider’s tip? No matter what brought you here, I would strongly encourage you to escape to one of the most amazing natural springs in the universe (let alone in Florida) to Alexander Springs where you can enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, swimming, paddleboarding and just about anything else you can think of in this submerged natural aqua playground, especially during the months of December and January where you can swim amongst the manatee. 

Happy Camping!

Salt Springs Recreation Area is part of the Ocala National Forest. It’s the oldest national forest east of the Mississippi River and protects the world’s largest sand pine scrub forest. The Salt Springs gets its name from the magnesium, sodium and potassium levels in the water, giving it a slight salinity. We made our reservations online at www.recreation.gov you can also call 877-444-6777 the local office is(352) 685-2048. We’re a married couple in our forties traveling with two dogs and a cat in our 37 foot motorhome. We stayed at Salt Springs campground for about a week in February. It was$34 for full hookups or$23 for tent camping. American Land& Leisure does a great job managing this recreation and camping area, the staff are professional and friendly. It’s a very safe and well lit campground. Activities include spring swimming, basketball courts, horseshoe pit, fishing, snorkeling, hiking, boating and kayaking. Canoe rentals are available. Nearby in the town of Salt Springs you will find a grocery store, gas station, restaurants, post office and laundromat. Don’t expect big box stores to shop in, this is a very small town and a place to get away from the world. We stayed in a full hookup site and had lots of space to ourselves, at least 25 yards to our neighbor on either side and about 40 yards to the next loop behind us. It was a flat site and very easy to level our motorhome. Sites are fully equipped with fire ring, grill, lantern post and picnic table. The tent sites include a bear locker. We loved the recycling opportunities at each trash container. They recycle plastic, glass and aluminum. The bathhouses are a gem, extremely clean and well taken care of. For campers in tents they offer a kitchen sink area to clean your dishes. Overall we loved our stay here, we went swimming multiple times with our snorkel gear and drove down to Silver Springs on two separate days(one for the glass bottomed boats and a second day to go kayaking).

It’s not common to find a spot that you can plant your RV on and go out to hit the links for the day all in the same location, but here at Clerbrook Golf & RV Resort you can hit par on both fronts. Located right off Route 27 just due west of Lake Apopka in central Florida, Clerbrook offers nearly 300 acres of prime landscape that posits 1200+ RV slots for your parking and vacationing pleasure. Here you’ll be able to perfectly blend a golfing oasis that blends its RV offering complete with lush vegetation, interconnecting ponds and narrow canals all surrounded by ancient Oaks draped with Spanish Moss. 

As far as amenities goes, Clerbrook does not disappoint. Here’s just a small list of all the great amenities you’ll find: Welcome Center, Heated Swimming Pools, BBQ and Picnic tables, Planned Activities, Clubhouses, Billiard Room, Card Rooms, Post Office, Fishing Area, 18 Hole Golf Course with Pro Shop (note: first 9 holes are complimentary with a visit to the Pro Shop), Exercise & Fitness Center, Horseshoe Pits, Recreation Hall, Laundry, Shuffleboard Courts, Library, Nature Walks, Pets Welcome, Picnic Pavilion, Driving Range, Dog Park, Wood Shop, Basketball Court, Playground, Restrooms & Showers, Softball Field, Hot Tub, RV Storage, complimentary WiFi, Arts and Craft Classes as well as Live Entertainment on the weekends. Of course, for RV’ers you can expect both back-in and pull-through slots with all of the traditional water, sewage and electric (30 / 50 amp) hook-ups. 

Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) If you’ve got wine on your mind (and why wouldn’t you when on holiday?!), just meander a few miles south of Clerbrook and you’ll discover a fairly respectable winery called Lakeridge Winery & Vineyards offering tours and tastings featuring Muscadine grapes (apparently a prominent grape varietal down in these parts known for their antioxidant qualities; (2) When you get tired of fixing every meal from your mini-fridge or cooler, then you’ll have to head south to Clermont where you’ll find PeruRican Ceviche, which for these parts is pretty outstanding and if you are still longing for pizza, check out Mamma Rita’s Pizzeria for some good pies and pasta; and (3) If nature is calling and you want to get out for a good hike, then head due south to Hiawatha Preserve that has a few dog parks, playgrounds, picnic areas, hiking paths, and of course, access to Lake Hiawatha, in case you want to drop your kayak or canoe in the water. 

Happy Camping!

Clearwater Lake Recreation is one of the few National Forest Service managed campgrounds located at the southern end of Ocala National Forest. Campsites are well-shaded, private and spaced apart. As with the majority of other campgrounds within the National Forest, electric and water are not provided at each site, however there are multiple water faucets located throughout the grounds as well as restrooms and shower facilities.

Clearwater lake lives up to it's name, with water conditions typically providing excellent visibility to the mostly sand-bottomed swimming area. The lake also provides excellent canoeing and fishing opportunities.

There is a short hiking trail that surrounds the lake, with additional access to the Florida Trail, which runs through the area. The Paisley Woods mountain bike trail also exists on site, which provides a 11 mile one-way path to popular Alexander Springs.

Being within the national forest, wildlife is plentiful and precautions must be taken against raccoons and black bears, which frequent the area. Lockable storage containers are provided at each campsite. In the spring months of March and April, fireflies are abundant, which is typically an uncommon sight in Florida.

When in Ocala National Forest, we stayed at Salt Springs, Juniper Springs and Alexander Springs. Our favorite camping site was Juniper Springs.

Heads up! The different sites within the forest are operated by different concessionaires and you have to pay to use (even day use) them individually! If you’re camping, you don’t have to pay day use fee. If you want to see multiple sites and ok with moving camp, you can save a few bucks

Pros

• Our favorite spring was Alexander springs but Salt Springs is so PRETTY. At Salt Springs, we saw crabs and fish in the water...very neat!
• staff was pretty helpful :)
• dishwashing sink area

Cons

• NO privacy at sites with electric. I didn’t see primitive/ tent sites. Campsite is multiple rows of RVs with nothing between each site.
• bathrooms are fine. I didn’t use the showers but they were all running the duration of our visit. Couldn’t figure out how to turn them off!

When in Ocala National Forest, we stayed at Salt Springs, Juniper Springs and Alexander Springs. Heads up!The different sites within the forest are operated by different concessionaires and you have to pay to use (even day use) them individually! If you’re camping, you don’t have to pay day use fee. If you want to see multiple sites and ok with moving camp to save a few bucks - it’s a smart move.

Pros

• Many sites are very private - we were shaded by palmettos! We could smell the pine trees too :)
• hot showers with good pressure! They’re individual showers at the back of the bathrooms so a bit more private too.

Cons

• no canoe rental at juniper springs due to COVID. We had been looking forward to the paddling trail :/ the staff basically said there was no place that we could get canoes from to use either
• Our favorite spring was Alexander springs! Alexander Springs seemed much more natural and scenic. Juniper Springs was a a bit hotel pool like :)