Ocklawaha sits in north central Florida, where the landscape features a mix of pine flatwoods, cypress stands, and natural springs maintaining 72-degree temperatures year-round. The region's sandy soil quickly absorbs rainfall, making campgrounds less prone to extended flooding even during summer's frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Many campgrounds in this area remain open throughout the year, with weekday camping offering significantly more solitude than crowded weekend periods.
What to do
Kayaking scenic waterways: At Juniper Springs Rec Area, the 7-mile downstream float attracts paddlers to its crystal-clear waters. "Some of the prettiest water in central FL makes for a great one way downstream 7 mile float. Boats less than 10' greatly improves your ability to navigate tight turns," notes Rebecca E., who warns to "AVOID SPRING & SUMMER WEEKENDS AT ALL COSTS or you will feel like you are at an amusement park waiting to get on a ride."
Mountain biking trails: The Santos Trailhead & Campground provides direct access to internationally recognized mountain biking terrain. "If you love to use awesome bike trails, this is the place!" says Ray P. The campground connects to "over 30 miles of trails to explore" according to Christy C., who explains the trails have been "recently updated to be even better" with various difficulty levels.
Swimming in natural springs: The swimming area at Alexander Springs Recreation Area offers a spacious natural pool around the spring vent. "The spring head is located right in the swimming area, it's bigger than any swim area at a spring that I have ever been too," writes Gabby C. The water stays consistently cool regardless of the season, with Tessa M. adding, "It is COLD though...be warned!"
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: Campers consistently praise Silver Springs State Park Campground for its large campsites with substantial separation. "The sites are big and have plenty of space between them," Carlos R. observes. Jody O. describes the setup as "Large sites with ample separation from your neighbors" and notes "this is a quiet park w a lot of nature."
Proximity to multiple activities: Whimcycle Trail Resort At Santos earns high marks for its strategic location near various outdoor activities. Joni H. reports the "WhimCycle Trail campground location is PERFECT for accessing the Santos biking and hiking trails!" Teresa B. adds they "enjoyed being right next to the biking and hiking trails AND only a few minutes from grocery stores."
Shade from Florida heat: Mature tree canopies provide crucial relief during hot months. "The oak canopy makes great shade in the heat," Nicole D. says of Alexander Springs Recreation Area. At Lake Waldena Resort, campers appreciate the wooded sections, with Cynthia K. noting "Site 1-13 had a view of a marshy area with the lake beyond" and "We had sandhill cranes roaming around the campground who visited once in a while."
What you should know
Varying bathroom conditions: Facility quality varies significantly between campgrounds. At Lake Griffin State Park Campground, "Nice clean restrooms" are reported by Larry M., while others note some parks need maintenance. Charles B. found staff responsiveness varied, mentioning a "young lady ranger seemed a bit lacking in knowledge re: disabled veterans/persons."
Seasonal crowd patterns: Popular springs become extremely crowded during peak periods. Juniper Springs experiences heavy usage where Rebecca E. warns to "AVOID SPRING & SUMMER WEEKENDS AT ALL COSTS." At Salt Springs Recreation Area, Stuart K. advises "chose to go either early or later in the day – as the water's temperature doesn't change remaining constant at 72 degrees throughout the day."
Insect preparation: Mosquitoes and ticks require proper planning. Larry M. reminds campers visiting Lake Griffin State Park, "It is Florida's so be prepared for mosquitoes." Tina L. warns hikers on the Florida Trail near Alexander Springs to "Be careful of ticks and alligators if you have your dog!!"
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Santos Trailhead provides encounters with Florida's natural inhabitants. Rich S. notes the park "makes you feel like you are miles from civilization" despite being near populated areas. Zanny M. describes Juniper Springs as having "great trails through the trees you can hike for hours, but easily find your way out, they were well mapped out."
Water safety awareness: Spring runs often contain wildlife requiring parental supervision. Zanny M. explains Juniper Springs is "Great for new or experienced campers, definitely and great way to introduce someone new to camping!" but advises caution with "obstacles depending on tide and fallen trees."
Recreational equipment: Some campgrounds provide free equipment access. Dayanis P. highlights Lake Waldena Resort's family-friendly amenities: "free to use kayaks and water sports, my son learned how to ride a bicycle for the first time today with one of their bicycles! The lake was really a joy to swim on, the kids were in it all day."
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: RV sites vary significantly in accessibility and privacy. At Whimcycle Trail Resort, Lisa O. advises against the Tropical loop, explaining "virtually every one is a pull thru and those are inherently less private. When I biked through the Sand loop I was completely bummed bc they are huge sites with vegetation all around the sites making them awesome for RVs and privacy."
Hookup availability: Full hookup options remain limited at natural springs. At Silver Springs State Park, Bob S. reports "Full facilities" with "extensive trails" and "river access," making it worth the premium. Daniel S. notes Alexander Springs "would be 5 stars if they had some sites with electric hookups."
Seasonal booking recommendations: Campsite availability tightens dramatically during winter months. Charles F. recommends planning well ahead for Three Flags RV Campground, noting "Sites were huge!! Semi shaded with picnic tables and great full hookups" but can fill quickly during snowbird season.
