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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.
"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 Availability"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 Availability"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 Availability"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 Availability"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 Availability"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 Availability"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 Availability"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."
"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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GuideGreat 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.
LegendDelivering 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!
ScoutWe had an awesome time here. The camp hosts were very helpful, professional, and friendly. The bathrooms and showers were exceptional and clean. If someone moved out, within 30 minutes there was someone checking their site for anything they may have left behind. The only complaint I have, is the other campers that let their dogs do their business and not pick it up. This is not a negative against the campground and their employees.
LegendTucked away at 5320 State Road 11 in De Leon Springs, Candace R. Strawn on Lake Dias Park is a modest (read: not a whole lot here), but charming lakeside retreat for tent campers and minimalist RVers who crave calm over crowds. Twenty to thirty wooded acres cradle flat, shaded ground just steps from the peaceful waters of Lake Dias. With fewer neighbors, the sound of wind effortlessly blowing through the encircling pines, an incessant chorus of crickets and the gentle ripples emanating from Lake Dias are your evening soundtrack. My favorite part about the layout here is that there's an interior road that you'll need to access off State Road 11 that creates a sound buffer between you and the traffic swishing by.
The campground is quite basic with just a community boat launch, recently upgraded playground, a few picnic pavilions equipped with standard-issued picnic tables, stand-up adjustable grills, dated, but fairly clean restrooms and RV-friendly parking. No frills, no resorts. It’s not packed with amenities like pools or clubhouses, but instead offers level ground, easy lake access - so if you have fishing on your mind, this place is AMAZING - and a sense of being tucked into nature without all the big crowds. Fishing, kayaking or launching small boats from the ramp are top draws here.
Supplies and dining options are just a short drive away. The nearby town of De Leon Springs offers local grocery markets like Winn-Dixie in De Leon Springs or Walmart Supercenter in Deland and convenience stores on the long winding roads in between the thickly forested wooded wonderland you find yourself surrounded by and civilization. If you’re looking for a bit to eat, cupcakes and brunch await at the nearby Sugar Mill Restaurant located inside of De Leon Springs SP, which if you haven't been to an actual spring before, is DEFINITELY worth checking out. For outdoor gear or camping extras, the closest full-service hardware or sporting shop is in DeLand. And when it’s time for a meal after the campfire, you’ll find good fare at Lillian’s Dutch Bakery & Restaurant in De Leon Springs or Solid Ground Coffee Bar in DeLand for a latte and pastries.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a handful: (1) Choose one of the lake-side sites near the boat ramp for the best morning light and serenity; (2) Launch a kayak or canoe early from the free ramp to enjoy glassy water and quiet wildlife when morning is the most ideal; (3) Bring extra insect repellent as mosquitoes and no-see-ums can be active near the water at dusk and especially during the summer and shoulder seasons; (4) Shade is generous, but if you’re arriving mid-summer, consider pitching closer to the tree line for optimal breeze and cooler temps; (5) The park is pet-friendly, so your dog can enjoy walks along the rack of pines and lakeshore - but do be sure not to tie Fido to a tree or leave him alone for any length of time otherwise he'll make an appetizing snack for the gators; and (6) Weekends may get a little busier from local boaters, so consider arriving mid-week for maximum quietude.
Happy Camping!
ScoutA very nice campground northwest of Orlando in Apopka. It's near a small airport that only has small planes flying in and out. It's relatively quiet here with access to the major theme parks from the nearby expressway. The staff here are very nice and friendly. I've stayed here on and off for approximately 1 month this summer and plan on coming back here again for the winter.
TravelerOak tree is more of a trailer park home opposed to being a campsite but there are people who live in tents on the property
ScoutI love this campground very clean and has nice big sites.
ScoutI visited Preservation Point in June and really enjoyed the stay. The property is a quiet with a lot of open space and natural scenery. The RV sites were clean, brand new, level, and easy to get set up on. The hookups were simple, and everything felt well laid out with plenty of room for the RV. Gail was very helpful and welcoming, which made the whole experience easy from the start. There is plenty of room to relax, enjoy the wildlife, and take in the natural setting. It is also a nice location for exploring nearby Inverness, the Withlacoochee State Trail, and other Central Florida spots. You can tell the park is still growing, but the foundation is excellent. For anyone looking for a clean, quiet, RV-only place with easy hookups and a peaceful setting, Preservation Point is definitely worth considering.
GuideNice state park. Plenty of lakes, but also plenty of gators at this time; hatching season. Wide open space, great roads. Not all sites have sewer hookups, it’s worth finding out which one before booking, if it is important for you. Even glamping tents and cabins are available, cabins are right next to the lake. Swimming area at Lake Louisa has a playground with swings and even a beach/swimming area, but that seems awfully dangerous, given the noises the gators make about 30 feet away. Unfortunately there is not a lot of things to do near the state park if one wants to do anything outside of camping, at least not a lot I could find, maybe you are better at that. Apparently it is very popular with bikers and triathletes, I have seen at least 10 today, using the great roads.
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.
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!"
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."
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!!"
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."
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?
According to TheDyrt.com, Ocklawaha, FL offers a wide range of camping options, with 400 campgrounds and RV parks near Ocklawaha, FL and 10 free dispersed camping spots.
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 43 reviews.
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?
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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