If you're looking for a place to pitch your tent near Ocala National Forest, look no further. Find the best information on tent campgrounds near Ocala National Forest, including sites, reviews, and tips. Each tent campsite offers quick access to one or more of Ocala National Forest's most popular destinations.
Lake area campground with 29 campsites along the eastern shore of Lake Delancy in the Big Scrub.
Lake Dorr Cabin is set along the south shore of beautiful Lake Dorr, ideal for a family getaway. The cabin is open year-round and creates a great setting for plenty of outdoor water fun. The rental includes a private boat ramp, canoes and a fishing dock. It's located just over an hour from popular amusement parks and other exciting attractions in Orlando. The cabin entrance and bathroom is accessible. A flat section on the property fits two tents if guests wish to camp outside.
Boating, skiing, jet skiing, fishing and swimming are among the most popular activities for guests. The abundance of largemouth bass, crappie and pan fish entice anglers. A private boat ramp, fishing dock, picnic table, grill and three canoes with life vests are provided.
The cabin rests on the south shores of the lake, with shady Palmetto palms and other tropical vegetation. Views of Lake Dorr, which spans 1,760 acres, are impressive from the cabin grounds. Ocala National Forest boasts more than 600 lakes, rivers and springs, including three first-magnitude springs.
Altoona lies directly south of Lake Dorr, with gas stations and conveniece stores. Umatilla is a little farther south, offering grocery stores and pharmacies. The cabin is about 50 miles from Daytona Beach to the east and the city of Orlando to the south. Both trips take just over an hour and offer many opportunities for entertainment.
This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (352) 669-3522.
$280 / night
Set along the shores of Farles Lake, this recreation area is a launch point for outdoor adventures, including boating, birding, and fishing along the lake and prairie system.
Tent Camping Only (No RV's). Tent Camping is allowed at designated campsites in the Princess Place Preserve.
Princess Place Preserve, with its rich history and 1500 pristine acres, attracts nature enthusiasts from near and far. It provides a glimpse of old Florida. Visitors can take in its splendor while on one of the many hiking trails, fishing the salt marshes along the Matanzas River and Pellicer Creek, or camping out under the stars. The preserve is a popular spot for horse enthusiasts, with an equestrian campsite and plenty of trails that make it is easy to embrace nature while enjoying a ride.
This beautiful 1,500-acre preserve is situated in the northern part of Flagler County. It was purchased by Henry Cutting in 1886 and passed on to his widow Angela Mills Cutting Worden, who eventually married Boris Scherbatoff, an exiled Russian prince. Angela assumed the title of princess and it was then that the once named "Cherokee Grove" came to be known as "Princess Place." The original lodge, built by Henry Cutting, stills stands as Flagler County's oldest intact structure. It is also home to Florida's very first in-ground swimming pool.
Hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Sunday. There are Lodge tours Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. on a first come first serve basis. There is no reservations for the tours, simply meet the Rangers at the Lodge at 2pm. Camping check-in is from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Ranger Station. For more information about camping or pavilion rentals, call Parks and Recreation at 386-313-4020.
$20 / night
This primitive camping area above 52 Landing provides three tent sites and easy access to Alexander Run.
About this property
The Lake George Conservation Area protects more than half of the eastern shore of Lake George and its associated watershed that flows into the lake. Adjacent to property purchased in partnership with Volusia County, the conservation area also protects a wildlife corridor of more than 20 miles along Lake George and the St. Johns River.
The property is primarily composed of mixed hardwood swamp and pine flatwoods and is included in the wildlife management area managed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, enhancing wetlands and upland habitats.
One of the special highlights of this property is its high concentration of eagles’ nests. When it was purchased, this area boasted the highest concentration of bald eagles outside of Alaska. Eagles made their nests primarily in large old pine trees that resided as single trees in the wetlands throughout the property. They are now nesting in trees that were planted outside the wetlands. Access
From U.S. 17, turn west on Georgetown-Denver Road (west of Crescent City); from Seville, turn west on County Road 305 (Lake George Road); north of Pierson, turn west on Nine Mile Road. Wildlife viewing
Please respect Florida’s wildlife and use caution while visiting district lands. These are wild animals. For your safety, do not approach or feed any wild animal. Species found here include Florida black bear, Sherman’s fox squirrel and southern bald eagle (one of the region’s largest concentrations). Other species include the American alligator, gopher tortoise, bobcat, hawk, heron, otter, owl, osprey and white-tailed deer. Recreational activities
Seasonal hunting, fishing, hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, primitive camping at designated sites and wildlife viewing.
Boating opportunities are available on Lake George.
Caravelle Ranch camping is available for permitted hunters at designated primitive sites. Be cautious after heavy rains as they might close to protect the roads.
This 1,137-acre site is located at the north end of Lake Yale. The major feature is a 600-acre shallow marsh. Approximately 61% of the property is comprised of forested and herbaceous wetlands (692.2 acres) with the remaining 39% consisting of uplands (444.5 acres). The upland community types found on the Preserve include unimproved pasture, shrub/brushland, mesic hammocks, xeric hammocks and pine flatwoods. Wildlife include sandhill cranes, gopher tortoises, pocket gophers, ring-neck ducks, foxes and scrub jays.
Hiking, biking or horseback riding on the Sawgrass Island Preserve allows the visitor an opportunity to experience a natural area far away from the urbanized environment. There are two primitive camping sites located on the Hammock Trial. They consist of a fire ring, picnic table and a post to hang your lantern. There is no water source, so water must be carried in. Camping is available by permit only.
Legend
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).
Guide
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.
GuideWhen 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
Cons
Guide
Closely gathered tent camp sites, without water or electric at the site. Water is stationed within walking distance, tastes weird. Nonpotable?Clean sites. Bath house with hot water, boat ramp for large and small boats. Current is very fast for kayaking. Go tot he dam instead which offers World renowned fishing. Lots of alligators. Go to Rodman damn for the fishing and quiet waters to kayak in. A minagerie of wildlife is available to view. No phone service. Dog friendly camping. Isolated. Bring what you need.
RangerFantastic campground and recreation area. Over 150 campsites, one area full hookups with all amenities and other area for tent camping. Sites have lots of space and majority have shade trees with moss flowing in the breeze. All sites have picnic table, lantern pole, grill, and fire ring. We have 2 golden retrievers and had plenty of space to spare. Beautiful stars out at night. Bathhouses are large, clean, hot showers. Trailer sites were full and only a few tent campers this time of year. Tent sites are complete with Bear boxes at each site. Camp hosts and management were very friendly and helpful.
Saw manatees kayaking in the spring and river on premises. Spring area has a boardwalk around it. People swam with them too. Saw bald eagle catching fish, lots of birds, some fish, etc. Has a small boat launch and marina. Can tent kayaks. Great place for bikes. A few hiking trails were well maintained.
Convenient location to lots of springs to visit and things to do. Visited Silver Springs, Blue Springs, Juniper Spring to name a few. All within 1 hr drive.
Not sure how summer time is, but this late February time was Awesome. 40-50 at night and 60s in the day! This is a must stay place.
Scout
I called and was told they don’t allow any tent camping. Just an FYI. Was advised only the state parks in the area allow tent camping.
Guide
Great camping off the ocklawaha river. Beside the ocala national Forest. Cheap camping but a true beauty. A little known nook for fishing. Camping. Off the grid. Get a taste of the Ocala national Forest.
Traveler
Not good for tent camping. Clean park. Friendly staff.
Guide
This is a beautiful campground with proximity to the Florida Scenic Trail. Ideal for tent camping, as the forest service roads were a little rough for our RV. Campground is along a beautiful and unique wet prairie. No cell service, no electric or water hookups. Worth a stay in a tent! Recommend using entrance off route 19 via forest service road 86.
RangerLocated in Ocala National Forest in central Florida, this park is great for fishing, canoeing and snorkeling. This was a wedding trip for us so we had to keep the exploration to a minimum, I did however get a chance to take a dip in the springs and had a blast, can't wait to go back with better camera and video equipment.
Scout
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.
Scout
I have been a camper here since I was 10 years old. The upgrades have been great. My kids & grandkids camp there often. It's a beautiful campground in the Ocala National forest.
Guide
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.
LegendClose to a nice spring (not the most beautiful of the area). Tent site are fine. Very friendly staff.
ScoutCan flood but there is dry ground to camp on. Sulfur water in the outdoor showers, great tent sites right off river.
RangerOne of our favorite places to visit. The springs are amazing. Camping facilities are nice. Would be 5 stars if they had some sites with electric hookups. Outside of that a great place for tent camping.
TravelerThis 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.
Traveler
Blike trails, from rv. to tent camping, year round enjoyment. Was there with 4 children 2 adults during a freezing cold snap. Didn't lower our enjoyment, the challenging cold 20°F, made it all the more fun!
GuideWe 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.
GuideNice spots for tent camping. Got surprisingly cold when I visited. Would’ve been 5 stars if it weren’t for obnoxiously loud and rude neighbors that were yelling/screaming until midnight. If you camp here, expect to hear lots of partying.
Ranger
I enjoy going to Blue Springs. Many activities for the family. Biking, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, boating, and watching nature. There is cabins or areas that allow RV or tent camping. There is even areas that you can go fishing.
Legend
Great park for tent camping and small motorhomes. We are 37 feet and only 5 sites were able to accommodate us mainly due to tree branches and large overhanging limbs. It's quiet and there's a large amount of vegetation between sites.
Guide
We tent camped for 1 night on our East Coast bike tour. There was an open field w a fun artisric tree stump, fire pit, picnic tables, and water. We charged phones in the bathroom. Nice warm showers. Would stay again!
TravelerWe 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.
ScoutThe kids had a blast swimming in the spring and kayaking in the lake. Tent campsites weren’t spread out and zero privacy
ScoutThe facilities at this camp ground are nearly immaculate. The beach access is spacious and pristine. Water sport equipment rental and snack shack on site. Highly recommended to the beach enthusiast. Caution: concerts at the amphitheater can be heard from some sites if you're tent camping.
GuideRodman campground was very clean and well maintained. The bathrooms were spotless. The tent sites were very large, adequately spaced with varying degrees of privacy. The boat ramp is well kept and there is ample trailer parking nearby.
Tent camping near Ocala National Forest in Florida offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature, with a variety of campgrounds that cater to outdoor enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Ocala National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Ocala National Forest is Lake Delancy East NF Campground with a 4-star rating from 3 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Ocala National Forest?
TheDyrt.com has all 37 tent camping locations near Ocala National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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