Dustin M.
Traveler
TravelerBennett Field Campground — Tiger Bay State Forest
Nice super spacious
Quite a bit of ticks. The camping table had a bee hive …
Best Campgrounds near Orange City, FL
Campgrounds near Orange City, Florida encompass a range of mixed-use facilities with varying amenities and natural attractions. Blue Spring State Park Campground serves as a centerpiece for the region, offering tent sites, RV spots with hookups, and cabin accommodations. This popular destination draws visitors for its crystal-clear spring and manatee viewing opportunities, particularly during winter months. Several private campgrounds complement the state park options, including Orange City RV Resort and Wekiva Falls RV Resort, both providing full hookup sites and cabin rentals approximately 5-10 miles from downtown Orange City. The area combines developed camping with natural water features, creating a distinctive camping environment.
The Florida climate significantly affects camping conditions, with summer bringing higher temperatures and humidity levels that persist through early fall. Many sites require advance reservations, especially during manatee viewing season from November through February when Blue Spring State Park experiences peak visitation. A visitor commented that "when a cool front came in, the next two days treated us to over 500 manatees," highlighting the seasonal nature of wildlife viewing. Campground access is generally straightforward with paved roads leading to most facilities, though sites can fill quickly during weekends and holidays. Cell coverage is reliable throughout the area, and most campgrounds offer standard amenities including showers, restrooms, and dump stations. Weather patterns include occasional afternoon thunderstorms during summer months and cooler, drier conditions in winter.
The primary attraction for campers centers around the natural springs and waterways. Sites near Blue Spring State Park provide opportunities to observe manatees in their natural habitat during cooler months when these marine mammals seek warmer spring waters. According to one visitor, "the sites are large and private" at Blue Spring State Park, with well-maintained facilities that enhance the camping experience. The region's campgrounds typically feature a combination of sun and shade, with varying levels of site privacy depending on vegetation density. While some campgrounds like Blue Spring offer a more natural setting with abundant wildlife viewing, others like Orange City RV Resort provide a more developed experience with resort-style amenities. Most tent and RV sites throughout the area include standard fire rings and picnic tables, though fire restrictions may apply during dry periods. Proximity to water features remains the defining characteristic of camping in this central Florida region.
Best Camping Sites Near Orange City, Florida (278)
1. Blue Spring State Park Campground
46 ReviewsOrange City, FL3 milesWebsite+1 (386) 775-3663$24 - $95 / night
"Blue Spring State Park in Orange City, FL. Visited mid-Sept 2019 middle of the week. Although the campground was mostly booked we found space, with no crowds at the spring or the river. "
"Blue Spring State Park Campground(Sand Pine Scrub), Orange City, FL: A great park for viewing manatees this time of year. There are many very nice private sites ."
2. Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground
65 ReviewsApopka, FL19 milesWebsite+1 (407) 553-4383$24 / night
"Close to home and took a drive through one day. Haven't been camping yet this year due to illness but getting ready to get on the road."
"We camp a lot during the summer but since this is Florida it's HOT regularly and sizzling during the summer months."
3. Lake Monroe Park
15 ReviewsDeBary, FL7 milesWebsite$15 / night
"Had water and electric hook up and the near by walking trail was absolutely awesome. The staff could not have been more helpful. Next time I’m visiting family in Florida, I will definitely stay here"
"Small grounds, beautiful lake that allows fishing and boating. Sites are very close to each other, good for making friends, not good if you like your privacy. Drive up right next to your site."
4. Wekiva Falls RV Resort
21 ReviewsMid Florida, FL13 milesWebsite+1 (352) 269-6839$40 - $73 / night
"There are beautiful walking trails, beautiful and refreshing cool springs, kayak rentals for $20. There are also some small caves there for anyone who free dives or snorkels."
"I have steps that will not allow us to close the door to the camper if there is not enough room. See second picture. If you have young ones or teenagers this place gives them lots to do."
5. Clearwater Lake Campground
23 ReviewsPaisley, FL16 milesWebsite+1 (352) 669-0078$38 / night
"Clearwater Lake Recreation is one of the few National Forest Service managed campgrounds located at the southern end of Ocala National Forest. Campsites are well-shaded, private and spaced apart."
"Clearwater Lake Recreation Area was recommended to us as a backup option to nearby and popular Alexander Springs for our small group of scouts."
6. Alexander Springs Recreation Area
35 ReviewsAstor, FL20 milesWebsite+1 (352) 669-3522$38 - $70 / night
"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."
7. Hontoon Island State Park Campground
5 ReviewsOrange City, FL5 milesWebsite+1 (386) 736-5309"This is really getting away from it all. The only way to reach the island is via the ferry (free, and runs all day) or bring your own boat. There are boat docking facilities."
"Would not recommend walking with all your camping stuff). I came here for my birthday weekend last year and it was a great choice!"
8. Orange City RV Resort, A Sun RV Resort
5 ReviewsOrange City, FL2 milesWebsite+1 (386) 775-25459. Seminole State Forest Primitive Campsites
6 ReviewsDeBary, FL9 miles+1 (352) 589-1762$9 - $18 / night
"This site is in a really pretty oak canopy, situated next to an open field. This is the only site in Seminole State Forest with a latrine."
"This is a really nice spot situated between the spring and Blackwater Creek. The site is 100 yards down a path from where you park. It's a great spot if you want to paddle the creek."
10. Highland Park Fish Camp
4 ReviewsDe Leon Springs, FL10 milesWebsite+1 (386) 734-2334$25 - $32 / night
"Lots of permanent sites takes away from the typical campground. Staff member was nice and helpful. NO internet and phone service so spotty that hotspot was useless."
"This family run location has bee in operation for over 50 years and is working on their 4th generation! They offer 50 sites with full hookups (some 50 amp), tent sites and hot showers."
Recent Camping Photos near Orange City, FL
317 Photos of 278 Orange City Campgrounds
Stuart K.
Luna Sands Resort
Christy C.
Blue Spring State Park Campground
Ellen E.
Hontoon Island State Park Campground
Silly M.
Lake Monroe Park
Jeanene A.
Black Bear Wilderness Area
Ryan O.
Ryan Oliver
Tom H.
Wekiva Falls RV Resort
Brian
Bluff Landing
Kevin D.
Clearwater Lake Campground
luis L.
King's Landing
Michele J.
Kelly Rock Springs Campground
Richard B.
Kelly Park Campground
Recent Reviews near Orange City, FL
1449 Reviews of 278 Orange City Campgrounds
- NNancy L.
ScoutHaines Creek RV Village (55+)
Nice Private Park
Great small RV park. Very clean and super friendly & helpful staff. We stayed 3 nights and will definately return. Approximately 60% full-time residents.
Stuart K.
LegendRivers Edge RV Park
St. Johns River Basecamp Done Right
Just outside the tiny river village of Georgetown, where Road 309 bends toward Drayton Island, you will find Rivers Edge RV Park sitting exactly where its name promises, right on the banks of the St. Johns River. With roughly 50 or so sites arranged in a simple, easy to navigate loop, this campground feels intimate without being cramped and it books quickly for good reason. The setting is classic 'Old Florida' with long bearded Spanish moss draped over ancient oaks, wide river views and that slow moving, fish-filled water stretching out toward Lake George.
Sites here cater primarily to the RV and 5th wheel crowd, offering full hookups with 30- and 50-amp electric, water & sewer, along with a mix of back-in and pull-through options, many with concrete pads and patios. There is also a designated tent area, thoughtfully placed closer to the river, which gives tent campers a front row seat to sunrise over the water. Restrooms and showers are notably clean, laundry facilities feature newer machines and there is also a propane station on-site. Add in a small dog park, trash stations, a riverside pavilion, lawn games, horseshoes and even pickleball courts and it becomes clear that this is a well-managed, well-maintained operation. Complimentary WiFi reaches most of the park, though streaming can be a bit slow at peak times.
While my review from a few years ago provides a ton of detail, I thought I would follow up that review with a topline of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS along with a smattering of new photos.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Direct access to the St. Johns River with private boat launch and guest-only slips; (2) Clean, well-kept facilities including modern laundry and shower buildings;(3) Distinct tent area positioned closest to the river; (4) Simple loop layout that makes navigation easy even for larger rigs; (5) Fishing is abundant here with local finds including: largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, shellcracker bream and striped bass; and (6) Affordable pricing compared to many waterfront parks in Florida, but for the area, this is either on par or slightly more $ for what you would typically find, however, IMHO completely worth it!
LOWLIGHTS: (1) Limited availability due to the park’s small size and popularity; (2) WiFi can slow down during busy periods; (3) Fewer restaurant and retail options immediately nearby, because, well, you're completely out in 'the sticks' here in Georgetown, which is admittedly, part of the allure (as well as the downside); (4) Sites, while organized, are not heavily screened for privacy; and (5) This CG is best suited for river lovers and boaters rather than those seeking resort style amenities.
Happy Camping!
- Stuart K.Legend
Blue Spring State Park - Cabins
Old Florida Comfort Without the Tent Stakes
The cabins at Blue Spring State Park offer a rare way to experience one of Florida’s most iconic spring-fed rivers without camping by RV or tents. Tucked well away from the busy springhead and day-use crowds and surrounded instead by hardwood hammock and palmetto flats. Arriving is straightforward via Orange City, just a stone's throw from I-4, and once you’re checked in, the cabins feel intentionally removed from the main campground loops, trading generator hums and tent zippers for solid walls, screened porches along with a noticeable sense of calm once the park gates close for the evening.
Each cabin is simple but thoughtfully laid out with climate control, real beds, a small kitchen setup, picnic tables and screened outdoor space that invites slow mornings with a freshly brewed cup of Colombian coffee and unhurried evenings over a nice iced glass of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. While these are not luxury accommodations by any stretch of the imagination, they are very clean, well maintained and ideal for families or couples who want immersion in nature without having to 'rough' it. Restrooms and showers are integrated into the cabin setup rather than shared campground facilities and nearby trails make it easy to step directly into the woods for a walk without ever starting the car.
Beyond the cabins themselves, Blue Spring’s broader amenities shine. Hiking trails wind through shaded forest and along the St. Johns River while the spring run offers some of the clearest freshwater paddling in the state. A small concession area and nearby Orange City like Fire on the Bayou, The Salted Goat and Orange Social provide tempting and hyper-local dining options, but most guests will find themselves lingering longer at the cabins, listening to owls at dusk or catching early morning river mist before the park stirs back to life.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a handful: (1) If you’re visiting during manatee season, the cabins are a ‘golden ticket’ for early and late viewing when crowds thin and the river feels most deserted and almost reverent; (2) For kayaking, launch at the Blue Spring Run canoe and kayak launch and paddle upstream early in the morning for glassy water, manatee sightings in season and wading birds like blue and grey heron, kingfishers, bald eagles and ospreys along the river banks; (3) The cabins closest to the interior trail network tend to feel the most secluded and quiet compared to those nearer service roads; (4) Plan simple meals rather than elaborate cooking, as kitchens are functional but hoestly, quite modest (read: just bare bones); and (5) If you want a true Old Florida day trip, head a short drive north to DeLeon Springs after breakfast for swimming and pancakes at the local restaurant there.
Happy Camping!
Maria Mercedes M.LegendLooney Acres
Quiet, Rustic, and Very Bare-Bones
Looney Acres sits tucked just off US-1 in Mims and immediately feels like a throwback to truly primitive camping, with about three dozen simple sites scattered through the woods of what looks to be freshly cleared land that accommodate tents and smaller RVs, all on grass and dirt with minimal leveling. Amenities are extremely limited, with a portable toilet, a basic outdoor shower setup and very little in the way of landscaping or defined walkways, which made getting around on foot a bit tricky for the kids. The boys enjoyed a short wander through the trees and a bit of free-range exploring before we realized this spot wasn’t the best match for our family’s comfort level or setup needs. From what we saw, the quieter sites farthest from the entrance offer the best sense of seclusion, but for families wanting easier access, cleaner facilities, and a more relaxed stay, we ultimately recommend passing and heading down the road to Indian River RV Park in Titusville instead.
- Maria Mercedes M.Legend
Willow Lakes Golf & RV Resort
Where RV Living Is A Way Of Life
While exploring Florida's 'Space Coast' we decided to pull into Willow Lakes Golf & RV Resort just off US-1 in Titusville, which immediately sets you up for a comfortable and relaxed stay, with well-maintained RV sites nestled among shady tree-lined paved pathways and plenty of space between rigs that feels restful after a long travel day. The resort itself is one of the most highly polished RV communities we have ever visited with thoughtful amenities like a small swimming pool, shuffleboard and bocce ball courts, offering clean bath and shower facilities, roomy paved sites that provide shelter for even the tallest and longest of RVs along with a peaceful layout that feels safe and welcoming for families – but one huge watch out: this is a 55+ community, so while we instantly fell in love with this place, we knew the only way we could stay was if we brought one set of grandparents! One of the highlights of our visit was taking the boys down to the Space Coast to watch a satellite launch from nearby Cape Canaveral, their eyes wide as the rocket lifted into the sky. Dinner at Shilohs Steak & Seafood, a short drive away on US-1, gave us all a chance to enjoy hearty meals and fresh local fare before heading back to our rig, where we eventually found a much better, family-friendly place to stay in Manatee Hammock CG. We’d recommend Willow Lakes for 55+ RV campers who appreciate EZ access from the highway, a friendly RV vibe with clean amenities and proximity to unique local attractions like space launches and great local dining that make every day feel like a part of the adventure. My hubby and I decided this is one of the places we would consider retiring to when our boys are all grown up!
- MMichael H.Scout
Bull Creek Campground
Quiet, rural, and plenty of water
Last minute getaway. 20 minutes from palm coast. We enjoyed being by the lake. You could bring your boat to this one for sure.
- CCory J.Scout
Lake Delancy West Campground
Nice spot in the trees
Awesome open spots for dispersed camping. Not too busy and camp host is a really nice dude.
- JJim P.Scout
Orlando/Kissimmee KOA
location location
Nice old KOA but businesses built around it. If you like sirens and racing cars irs ok. It is a nice camp ground but don’t park in back near the fence. lots of street noice like garbage pickup.
Guide to Orange City
Campgrounds near Orange City, Florida offer a range of options for outdoor enthusiasts seeking freshwater springs and riverside camping experiences. The area sits along the St. Johns River watershed with an elevation ranging from 25-36 feet above sea level. Winter temperatures average 60-70°F during the day, creating prime conditions for wildlife viewing, especially manatees seeking warmer spring waters.
What to do
Kayaking at Alexander Springs: The swimming area features a large spring head with exceptionally clear water. A visitor noted, "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." The site also offers kayak rentals for exploring the spring run.
Hiking at Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground: The park provides extensive trail systems suitable for both day hikes and overnight backpacking. "We camped for three nights and loved it! Such a nice view of the sunset from where we were. Saw lots of animals. Everyone was very nice!" The park maintains over 13 miles of hiking trails through diverse ecosystems.
Fishing at Highland Park Fish Camp: Located on the St. Johns River system, this camp provides excellent freshwater fishing opportunities. "There is a free catch and release pond that is kept well stocked and a great place for the kids or beginners to learn how to fish." The camp offers boat rentals for $5 to launch personal kayaks or canoes.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: At Blue Spring State Park Campground, the vegetation creates natural barriers between camping areas. According to one camper, "The individual campsites give off a vibe of privacy, intimacy and solitude. Upon entry to this SP, you'll meet likely some of the friendliest park rangers of any FL state park."
Clean facilities: Clearwater Lake Campground maintains exceptionally clean restrooms and amenities. A camper reported, "Restrooms and showers were great along with the dishwashing station. It is an active area for bears so make sure not to leave any food out at night." The campground provides bear-proof storage boxes for food safety.
Accessible water features: Lake Monroe Park offers direct access to the St. Johns River system. A visitor shared, "Great site, took grandson on his first camping trip. He thought it was great. He was planning on future visits here. Noise wasn't bad, just background noise that you forget is even there."
What you should know
Reservations essential during manatee season: Winter months (November-February) bring significantly higher visitor numbers to spring-fed parks. Weekends require advance booking at least 2-3 months ahead.
Environmental considerations: Bear activity requires proper food storage. One camper at Clearwater Lake Campground advised, "It is an active area for bears so make sure not to leave any food out at night. The campground does have a bear proof box to store some stuff in at night."
Urban noise factors: Some campgrounds experience ambient noise from nearby infrastructure. At Lake Monroe Park, a reviewer noted, "It's close to a power plant and railroad so you hear a lot of noise at night but was perfect for a one nighter."
Water quality variations: Certain springs have natural mineral content. At Wekiva Falls RV Resort, campers mention, "The springs swimming area water has a smell of sulfur, stay up wind." The water remains safe for swimming despite the odor.
Tips for camping with families
Best swimming options: Alexander Springs provides an expansive swimming area ideal for children. "The spring is wonderful even on busy weekends is very manageable," one visitor commented about the gently sloping spring basin with clear visibility.
Fishing for beginners: Highland Park Fish Camp offers a stocked pond specifically for novice anglers. "You will often see yellow labs strolling or lounging by the office Ruger and Copper - they are super mellow and love getting a scratch or pet," making it particularly welcoming for children.
Avoiding crowds: For the Hontoon Island State Park Campground, timing matters significantly. A regular visitor advised, "Avoid weekends if possible for a more peaceful & solitary experience." The ferry service to this island campground runs continuously during daylight hours.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Blue Spring State Park offers electric and water hookups with varying site dimensions. A camper noted, "The individual slots are somewhat tight and narrow to navigate, but most RVs should be OK to back into these sites."
Hookup availability: Most campgrounds in the area offer water and electric, but not all include sewer connections. Lake Monroe Park provides full hookups according to one RVer who mentioned, "Lots of permanent sites takes away from the typical campground. Staff member was nice and helpful."
Accessibility concerns: Navigating to some natural areas requires planning. At Hontoon Island, "The campsites are about a half mile from the docks and they even have a van to take your stuff to your site if you can't take it yourself." This ferry-access-only campground requires different preparation than drive-up sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Orange City, FL?
What camping is available near Orange City, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, Orange City, FL offers a wide range of camping options, with 278 campgrounds and RV parks near Orange City, FL and 10 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Orange City, FL?
Which is the most popular campground near Orange City, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Orange City, FL is Blue Spring State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 46 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Orange City, FL?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Orange City, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 free dispersed camping spots near Orange City, FL.
What parks are near Orange City, FL?
What parks are near Orange City, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 parks near Orange City, FL that allow camping, notably Ocala National Forest and National Forests in Florida.
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