Mary B.
Scout
ScoutFore Lake Campground
Roads are rough, Bathrooms are clean, host seemed like a good guy. Here during off season but the beach looked like fun
Camping near Ocklawaha, FL
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Several campgrounds surround Ocklawaha, Florida, making it a solid base for nature trips. Camping near Ocklawaha ranges from developed campgrounds with family amenities to sites set among tropical vegetation and spring-fed waterways. Silver Springs State Park Campground sits about 12 miles away, where campers can stay near the park's well-known glass-bottom boat tours. About 16 miles from town, Juniper Springs Recreation Area has camping among tropical vegetation with clear, swimmable springs. Lake Griffin State Park Campground works well for families, with its playground and walking paths through nature. Fall and spring bring the most comfortable camping weather to the area, while summer campers should prepare for heat and humidity. You can reach all these campgrounds on good roads, though checking for any closures beforehand is smart. The Ocala National Forest lies nearby with extra trails and wildlife watching spots. Remember to check current fire rules and get any needed permits before your trip. Making reservations is a good idea, particularly when campgrounds fill up during busy times. Following the rules and cleaning up after yourself helps keep these natural areas in good shape for future campers.
Best Campgrounds near Ocklawaha (406)
1. Silver Springs State Park Campground
"We rode our bikes around the campground and were amazed as almost all the sites were huge! Live oak trees with Spanish moss...this campground is truly the "Real Florida"."
"Silver Springs Silver Springs SP Beautiful Florida campground with 60 sites, many pullthrus. The sites are huge with lots of space and privacy. Lush surroundings."
from $24 - $110 / night
Check Availability2. Juniper Springs Campground
"The spring pool is gorgeous and quite, very pretty trails to watch spring boils and turtles. Very sunny during the day and very cool at nigth."
"The Florida Trail runs right through this spot and has a natural spring connection as well. We camped out near the facilities and am happy to report everything was maintained and clean."
from $38 - $70 / night
Check Availability3. Lake Griffin State Park Campground
"This Florida gem is really something! Campsites were cozy and private. Walking trails a plenty. Friendly, helpful staff and courteous neighbors!"
"Lake Griffin State Park in Fruitland Park, FL is a small Florida State Park and small campground as well. There are only 40 campsites."
from $18 / night
Check Availability4. Santos Trailhead & Campground
"Although in a populated area of Ocala, this campground is positioned in the trees and makes you feel like you are miles from civilization. The sites are spacious and most are shaded."
"This campground is located near Ocala, FL. on the cross florida greenway. It is a small loop of only 22 sites with water and electric. Has clean restrooms with showers."
from $22 / night
Check Availability5. Whimcycle Trail Resort At Santos
"We Enjoyed the natural beauty and peaceful surroundings while listening to the Owls Hooting ~while we sat at our campfire ."
"Situated in Ocala, this park offers a wonderful get away for bicycling, horseback riding, or hiking Great trails The park itself is open with few trees but an amazing host."
from $46 - $77 / night
Check Availability6. Salt Springs Recreation Area
"There are no laundry facilities but if you exit park and drive left there is a laundromat, local food, dollar store, bait tackle."
"Located in the center of the state, you’ll have near equal access to both the Atlantic Ocean to the east as well as the Gulf shores to the west."
from $38 - $70 / night
Check Availability7. Alexander Springs Recreation Area
"This was one of the busier places I have camped in Florida. The facilities were clean and provided showers."
"This is a typical Florida spring."
from $38 - $70 / night
Check Availability8. Southern Oaks RV Resort
9. Thousand Trails Three Flags
"Nearby shops and such are within 10 miles(gas, groceries, restaurants, flea markets, etc.). Overall, a nice park, but I wouldn't go during the rainy season in Florida."
"Nice little Thousand Trails in Florida. Had full hookups at every site."
10. Lake Waldena Resort
"This is a quiet little park that sits around a lake with some woods. Let’s see, the Wifi is poor, but we still were able to stream our favorite show at night."
"We found the office & lake area & it's great! The boats & kayaks are free for campers. You just have to sign one out at the office. "
from $35 - $65 / night
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Drive Time
- 26 min from Ocala, FL
- 30 min from Wildwood, FL
- 1 hr from Homosassa Springs, FL
- 1 hr 7 min from Deltona, FL
Recent Camping Photos near Ocklawaha, FL
401 Photos of 406 Ocklawaha Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
BROKEN SPOKE RANCH
Trout Lake Primitive SitesL
Lakeside haven rv park
Big Scrub Campground
Whimcycle Trail Resort At SantosA
Lake Waldena Resort
Santos Trailhead & Campground
Silver Springs State Park Campground
Lake Griffin State Park Campground
Lake Eaton Campground
Thousand Trails Three Flags
Juniper Springs Campground
Recent Reviews near Ocklawaha, FL
1666 Reviews of 406 Ocklawaha Campgrounds
Stacey R.
GuideSilver Springs State Park Campground
All amenities on site
Sites have full hookups which is awesome for a state park. Also picnic tables, grills and a fire pit. The sites are big and relatively private. To visit the spring you can hike or drive. Being you camping receipt to get in free. Glass bottom boat tour is $15 for adults but there is a nice walking path and you can see manatees in the spring from the shore. The restaurant was nice, good pizza!
Jesse M.ScoutThe Wekiva River Experience
Peace
It has a little of everything you would enjoy about this type of outside camp ground. Has hiking and biking trails. Of course the beautiful water that stays 72 degrees all year long.
- TTim K.Scout
Lake Point 55+ RV Park
Restrictions
Exercise caution with this reservation. The website says pet friendly but only after you reserve the site do they make you aware of pet size limit and breed restrictions. And your reservation is not refundable.
Eric K.GuideLake Dorr Dispersed
Lake Dorr Dispersed Camping
Spent two nights here again. Sept. 27th and 28th. During the day time there were a lot of Love Bugs. My camping kitty loved chasing them. At night or at sun down I was bombarded with bugs. Even if I tried to attract them to a higher light and I was in the dark, didn't help. So this time of the year, sunset = go inside.
Also, the description above is wrong.
This dispersed camping area within Ocala National Forest DOES NOT provide water hookups, restrooms, and picnic tables along with standard amenities like trash service and campfire permissions.
The campground DOES NOT maintain water availability throughout the site and DOES NOT HAVE ANY clean restroom facilities.
Other than that, I will be back.
- Eric K.Guide
Lake Dorr Dispersed
Lake Dorr Dispersed camping
Spent two nights here again. September 27th and 28th. This is a great dispersed camping area. You only need to know your limits with soft sand. During the day there were a lot of love bugs and the water was great. As soon as the sun sets, at this time of the year the bugs were terrible. Even if you tried to attract them up in the air with a Devos light you will be bombarded. Sunset = go inside. Other than the night time bugs, it's a great place. I will be back.
- LLibby H.Scout
Chassahowitzka River Campground
Great location, professionally managed, shady Old Florida
This is an excellent, quiet campground conveniently near the Chassahowitzka River Boat Ramp. It's incredibly cool and shady, so valuable in Florida. Sites are level and trees well trimmed. As newer RVers, I'd point to spots 13, 14, 15, 18, 19, and 20 as among the easiest back-in spots, as you can utilize the turn of the driveway to get straightened up better. All of these spots also are shady and private. The campground was quiet on the weekend we visited, but during high season, sites 19, 20 and 48 (pull through) are among those offering the most privacy from neighbors.
Regarding the boat ramp access: take note, the ramp is easily accessible from the campground but not "walking distance" if you are carrying a kayak. You will either need to drive your boat(s) down or rent. Parking fee is $5 vehicle only/$7 vehicle plus boat trailer, and you can access the spot before business hours and pay the fee in cash in the Honor System box on the side of the boat house. The Chassahowitzka is a gorgeous, spring-fed, clear-water river, a true gem in Florida, and just gorgeous for observing fish and birds. The place gets busy on weekends, so arrive early.
We loved our stay and this camp is on our "must return" list!
- dd I.Guide
Silver Springs State Park Campground
Enjoyed it
Great little spot, easy access to silver springs. Glass boat tour was cool - just the right amount of cruising time before little ones breaking points! Ice cream afterwards of course and good local pizza joint.
Stuart K.
LegendSt. Johns River KOA
Waterfront RV Resort Just Outside DeLand
Delivering a blend of riverside charm and campground convenience to the banks of the St. Johns River, St. Johns River KOA in DeLand, FL is a great find for those looking for everything properly arranged for a riverfront encampment with EZ access to the frackish waters. Located just off State Road 44, it's an easy exit from Orlando or Daytona, but once you're settled, it feels like a peaceful riverfront retreat. First impressions? Pull into a shaded site, breathe in the river air and instantly realize you've landed in a camper’s version of lakeside serenity.
This KOA pulls no punches on amenities. You'll find full RV hookups (30 / 50 amp electric, water, sewer), spacious back-in and pull-through sites that fit up to 80' rigs, clean bathhouses, laundry, Wi Fi, a dog park and a center pavilion. At the water’s edge, there's a marina with boat and kayak rentals, a boat ramp and even a restaurant serving riverfront fare and weekend live music. All the staff you come into contact with here are friendly locals and a relaxed yet well-maintained environment that keeps you both entertained and relaxed. The crown jewel of this place? The Tiki Bar that sits atop John’s River Grille on-site at this location comes with just one rule: don’t show up late for the Happy Hour sundowning sessions!
Where this KOA shines is on the water. The St. Johns River is full of life, so expect to see manatees, turtles, great blue herons and even gators. Kayaking or paddling right from the campground is a breeze, and guided tours offer a closer look at local wildlife and quiet stretches of river. And when you want to stretch beyond the river, historic downtown DeLand, De Leon Springs State Park and the Ocala National Forest are all within easy reach.
Insider Tips? Here’s a smattering: (1) River-view pull-through sites are prime real estate for sunrises and quick water access, so book early for the best sites; (2) Kayak or paddle launch right from the boat ramp for ideal for wildlife spotting and scenic calm; (3) Guided river cruises (available on-site) unlock insider encounters with manatees and osprey at low cost; (4) Prefer quiet? Request a site farther from the pool and marina because foot traffic can rise near those areas; (5) Bugs gather at sunset, so bring repellent for riverside evenings; and (6) Nearby dining options include Shady Oak Restaurant (you could walk to from St. Johns River KOA), Gator Bites, Emmy’s Time Out Tavern for an old school supper club menu or Hyder Head Brewery for locally brewed hops and Haggis.
Happy Camping!
Guide to Ocklawaha
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Ocklawaha, FL?
What camping is available near Ocklawaha, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, Ocklawaha, FL offers a wide range of camping options, with 406 campgrounds and RV parks near Ocklawaha, FL and 10 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Ocklawaha, FL?
Which is the most popular campground near Ocklawaha, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Ocklawaha, FL is Silver Springs State Park Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 44 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Ocklawaha, FL?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Ocklawaha, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 free dispersed camping spots near Ocklawaha, FL.
What parks are near Ocklawaha, FL?
What parks are near Ocklawaha, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 parks near Ocklawaha, FL that allow camping, notably National Forests in Florida and Ocala National Forest.
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