Best Tent Camping near Ocklawaha, FL

Primitive tent camping options around Ocklawaha, Florida include several sites within the Ocala National Forest and surrounding water management areas. Trout Lake Primitive Sites offers tent-only walk-in campsites set in a natural, undeveloped area. Farles Prairie Recreation Area in Ocala National Forest provides tent sites with picnic tables and fire rings, positioned along forest trails with access to water.

Most primitive tent sites near Ocklawaha require campers to bring their own water, as drinking water is rarely available. The tent campgrounds typically feature basic amenities like fire rings and occasionally picnic tables, but lack showers or flush toilets. Several locations have vault toilets that "are not cleaned regularly so come prepared with sanitizers," according to visitor reports. Road access varies significantly between locations, with some sites requiring hiking in from parking areas while others allow drive-up tent camping. Florida's climate makes tent camping most comfortable from late fall through early spring, when temperatures and insect activity decrease.

The backcountry tent camping experience in the Ocala National Forest region offers genuine seclusion among pine forests and near water features. Sites at Flying Eagle Preserve provide tent campers with picnic tables and fire rings in a natural setting with hiking trails. Tent-only areas at Crooked River Campground feature sites "surrounded by dense undergrowth which really added more privacy," as one visitor noted. Many primitive tent campgrounds in this region require permits or reservations, even for dispersed camping areas. Water access is a highlight at several locations, with opportunities for fishing, paddling, and wildlife viewing from tent sites positioned near lakes, rivers and wetlands.

Best Tent Sites Near Ocklawaha, Florida (52)

    1. Trout Lake Primitive Sites

    2 Reviews
    Ocklawaha, FL
    6 miles

    "Set of primitive spots near lake. Main road entry is packed dirt; smaller access road to sites is two-track about 1/4 mile through woods — very narrow tree clearance. 4WD recommended."

    "Very narrow trails but really easy access, you will leave with some new pinstripes"

    2. Sawgrass Island Preserve

    1 Review
    Grand Island, FL
    13 miles
    Website

    "I like to go across the causeway and down the Bog Button Trail and over to the Hammock Trail and along the Cactus Trail and down around the ponds and back out the Bent Pine Trail. "

    3. Lake Dorr Cabin

    3 Reviews
    Altoona, FL
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 669-3522

    $290 / night

    "Super cute secluded cabin directly on the lake. You have your own private boat slip, 100ft long dock for fishing & swimming, canoes/paddles/life jackets on site."

    "It worked out well as some family members like the cabin experience and others were able to stay in tents near the cabin. There are lots of places to sleep (bunk beds, queen, etc)."

    4. Crooked River Campground — Withlacoochee State Forest

    38 Reviews
    Nobleton, FL
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 797-4140

    "Crooked River Campground is located within the Croom Tract of Withlacoochee State Forest (Hernando County), and a short 5-mile drive from I-75."

    "Tent camping only, with a picnic table, fire ring and water faucet. You have a bath house you can get to by walking and it has hot water in the fall and winter months."

    5. Ocala National Forest Farles Prairie Recreation Area

    1 Review
    Astor, FL
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 669-3153

    "If you’re hauling water gear or want to hike/backpack a section of the Florida Scenic Trail (FL Keys to GA state line), this is a lovely place to hang out on the small lake."

    6. Potts Preserve - River Primitive Campground (North Hooty Point Road)

    6 Reviews
    Hernando, FL
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 423-1476

    "There is a designated area to leave vehicles, and the sites on the river are walk in only. The area is open, but you can no longer pull your vehicle in next to your campsite. "

    "Hands-down my new favorite camping spot in Florida. Free, primitive, private, secluded. Pet-friendly, hammock friendly, boat friendly, fire friendly, & more."

    7. Flying Eagle Preserve

    7 Reviews
    Inverness, FL
    25 miles
    Website

    "To get to the camp site:

    1. go to the Circle K linked below

    https://goo.gl/maps/qCoojcRZWhjXTjC77

    1. use google maps walking directions to get to Flying Eagle Preserve."

    "Hiking trails horse area. Fire rings and picnic tables. Bathroom needs work.."

    8. Idlewild Lodge and RV Park

    1 Review
    Lake Panasoffkee, FL
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 793-7057

    $74 - $255 / night

    "Also they have a boat to rent and great fishing all over the lake.  Literally can’t say anything negative about this place."

    10. Palm Acres

    Be the first to review!
    Anthony, FL
    12 miles
    +1 (904) 302-4078

    $20 - $40 / night

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Tent Camping Reviews near Ocklawaha, FL

1264 Reviews of 52 Ocklawaha Campgrounds



Guide to Ocklawaha

Tent camping near Ocklawaha, Florida, offers a blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure, perfect for those looking to escape into the wilderness.

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Tips for tent camping near Ocklawaha

Some prices for tent camping range from $0 to $25

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Ocklawaha, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Ocklawaha, FL is Trout Lake Primitive Sites with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Ocklawaha, FL?

TheDyrt.com has all 52 tent camping locations near Ocklawaha, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.