Best Campgrounds near Palatka, FL

Camping around Palatka in Florida includes a mix of developed and basic sites for different types of campers. Palm Coast RV Park has plenty of room for RVs with full hookups if you need water and electricity. If you'd rather go without amenities, Mule Landing Campground has primitive spots with trees all around. Kids have things to do at the family-friendly campgrounds in the area. Most places have bathrooms and water available. You'll find good tree cover at many sites, which helps when the sun gets strong. Fall and spring are the best seasons to camp here since the weather is milder. The summer gets pretty hot and sticky in this part of Florida. Winter stays fairly warm, making it good for hiking and other outdoor activities. Check ahead about closures since some campgrounds shut down during certain times of year. Some campsites give you more space from neighbors with bushes and trees between spots. Most campgrounds can fit bigger RVs without problems. Palatka works well for both campers who want modern facilities and those who prefer simpler camping.

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Best Camping Sites Near Palatka, Florida (224)

    1. Rodman Campground

    27 Reviews
    Welaka, FL
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (386) 326-2846

    $12 - $22 / night

    "This was at Rodman Campground in Palatka READY FOR ANOTHER ADVENTURE

    https://vimeo.com/257606627"

    "Maybe it was that the light was falling at just the right time as I moseyed into Rodman Campground a good hour or so before dusk became official here just due south of Palatka, the Sunshine State’s ‘Unofficial"

    2. Salt Springs Recreation Area

    57 Reviews
    Salt Springs, FL
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 685-2048

    $37 - $69 / night

    "The springs were closed due to the rising river from hurricane Ian, but we made due with visiting nearby Palatka and Ravine Gardens State Park."

    "There are no laundry facilities but if you exit park and drive left there is a laundromat, local food, dollar store, bait tackle."

    3. Anastasia State Park Campground

    114 Reviews
    St. Augustine, FL
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (904) 461-2033

    $28 / night

    "You really can have it all at this campground - with its 'next door' proximity to one of the most amazing beachheads on Florida's Atlantic coastline and quick access to the country's oldest town (St."

    "Great location & in close proximity to St. Augustine. One of my favorite places to visit in Florida. If you've never been to St."

    4. Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park Campground & Cabins

    32 Reviews
    Keystone Heights, FL
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 473-4701

    $20 - $100 / night

    "The Florida State Trail passes through the park and is well marked. The ravines section is my favorite area in the park. In the greener months, it feels like a rain forest."

    "The Florida Trail is my favorite part of my visits. The cabin we stayed in was small but nice. The ravines are gorgeous. You can access it with a vehicle, but you must walk down many stairs."

    5. Half Shell Resort

    6 Reviews
    San Mateo, FL
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (901) 230-6224

    $55 / night

    "Close to town for all your needs. It's right on the St John's river. 

    We made some awesome friends while we were their. Can't wait to get back"

    "Nice restaurants nearby. No picnic table at campsites. Everyone very friendly."

    6. Davenport Landing

    7 Reviews
    Welaka, FL
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 236-0288

    "Pulled in around 9:30 pm. Big open spot. Last 100 yards driving back in were very bumpy but no problem with our van. Not sure about a larger RV. But great Tent/van spot."

    "Had no one around and nice and cool in the forest"

    7. North Beach Camp Resort

    47 Reviews
    St. Augustine, FL
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (904) 824-1806

    $67 - $245 / night

    "We stayed in number 18 and we were very close to the bathroom area (which has AC) and close to the Pool."

    "Very shady spots and plenty of space for long walks on the paths, along the river or across the street at the beach. I had 2 dogs & appreciated the doggy stations with poo bags and garbage."

    8. Hog Waller Mud Campground & ATV Resort

    2 Reviews
    Interlachen, FL
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (386) 643-8042

    "; ATV Resort that I’ve ever come across (or even heard about) in all of my travels, so if gettin’ all muddied up is your idea of a yippee-kiyah good time, then look no further than due southwest of Palatka"

    "that review by sharing additional fotos as well as providing a topline update:

    Highlights: (1) No shortage of mud-slinging fun for those ATV enthusiasts who want to spend all day long chasing trails"

    9. Crystal Cove Marina & RV Resort

    1 Review
    Palatka, FL
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (386) 328-4000

    "If you find yourself up in the northeastern corner pocket of the Sunshine State, and for some reason end-up here in Palatka (a.k.a."

    10. Compass RV Park

    19 Reviews
    St. Augustine, FL
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (904) 824-3574

    "The pull through sites were quite close to each other where the back in sites provided more room, this was especially true near the front of the CG."

    "You just leave the trash bag out anytime and the park staff pick it up during one of their normal rounds around the park.

    The whole park including all the sites were very well maintained."

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Recent Reviews near Palatka, FL

1115 Reviews of 224 Palatka Campgrounds


  • ENRIQUE T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Alexander Springs Recreation Area

    Wonderful Summer Spot

    Friendly and professional hostesses, clean bathrooms and sites are very spacious and private. The spring is wonderful even on busy weekends is very manageable. Just watch for coons stealing your food.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Silver Springs State Park Campground

    Awesomeness

    Let me start by saying park.is very clean and well maintained. Sites are big with gravel, fire pits, grill dining tabels and did I say clean. Silver springs is beautiful, go on the boat...

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Anastasia State Park Campground

    Great park

    Feels secluded and amazing and the shops are great they have everything you need that you may have forgot or fun stuff for you to do

  • Jerri K.
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Black Creek Ravine

    Very nice

    Was a very nice and quiet place to camp

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Gateway Fish Camp

    Laid-Back Old Florida Waterfront Hideaway

    Tucked along the shores of The St. Johns River flowing southward to Lake George, Gateway Fish Camp feels like stepping back into a gentler, quieter version of Florida where fishing poles outnumber smartphones. This little slice of Old Florida charm has a down-home, relaxed atmosphere that’s equal parts rustic and welcoming. The first thing you’ll notice is the water – calm, wide-open lake views that practically beg you to sit (although as there's actually no chairs, I would encourage you to bring your own) a spell on the dock and watch the sun do its magic at either end of the day. Just follow the sandy ‘streets’ or road pathways covered in shade down to the main office.

    The campground here is small and unpretentious (that is my kind word for it at least), offering both pull-in and back-in RV sites, although if I’m honest, there’s a handful of RVs that looked like they’ve been here for a while and have no pretensions of leaving anytime soon. Is the place a bit disheveled and in need of a fresh coat of paint and a good bit of gardening manicure?  Yes.  Expect electric hookups, basic water access, and a layout that’s easy enough to navigate without fancy maneuvering. Restrooms (albeit primitive) are serviceable and clean, and the overall vibe is one of practicality rather than polish. Pet owners will be glad to know furry friends are welcome, and the pace of life here makes it easy to wander with them. It’s not luxury camping, but it’s honest, comfortable, and refreshingly straightforward.

    What really makes Gateway shine is its direct access to Lake George, a dream come true for anglers, kayakers, and birdwatchers. You can drop a line for bass, launch a kayak from the dock, or just sit by the water and spot ospreys circling overhead. Crescent City itself is a short drive away for groceries, gas, or a diner breakfast, but the lake and surrounding marshes provide the real entertainment. This is the kind of place where the sound of boat motors mixes with bird calls and nobody seems in a hurry.

    Insider Tips? Here’s a few: (1) If you can, snag a campsite close to the water’s edge – you’ll get front-row seats to sunrise and a constant cool breeze; (2) For a memorable local meal, head over to 3 Bananas Restaurant right on Crescent Lake in Crescent City. Their blackened fish sandwich is as good as the view from the deck; (3) If you are a tent camper like me, you’ll want to take note that this place only has primitive bathrooms, so either bring your own, otherwise, you’ll be hiking to the nearest Publix or Dollar General; (4) Kayakers will love paddling out toward the lake’s eastern shoreline. And if you don’t have a kayak, fret not, the good folks here at Gateway Fish Camp will rent you 1 of the 2 that they have. Early morning trips often reward you with glimpses of herons, egrets, and even the occasional alligator – all from a safe distance, of course!; and (5) Apart from having direct access to Lake George (and nearby access to Crescent Lake), one of the very big upsides to being here at Gateway Fish Camp is the direct access to Fort Gates Ferry, which docks here and for a small fee will transport you to the other side of the St. Johns River, saving you substantial amount of time driving around this body of water.

    Happy Camping!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 15, 2025

    Bass World Lodge & Marina

    Backwater Bayou Fishing Hole

    Located so close to the St. Johns River that if you were any closer to it, you’d be swimming in it! For those anglers that are looking for no frills accommodations – whether those be from the confines of your own RV or 5th Wheel… or in the event that you need to rent a place for the night – then Bass World Lodge & Marina has you covered by offering up one of the 4-5 RV slots it has or by renting you one of its basic cabin rentals (up to 10 people can be accommodated). Fishing is coveted in these parts that will place you on the northernmost tip of Lake George in the very itty bitty enclave of Georgetown, which if you want to discover what Old Florida looks like, then just stop on by here for a spell.

    Given the weather conditions in this part of Central Florida, you can check-in to Bass World Lodge & Marina year-round and within minutes of getting set up, you’ll easily have access to the St. Johns in no time by leveraging one of 2 boathouses that sit adjacent to the property here. If you’ve got angling on your mind, you’ll have no problems casting for big- and small-mouth bass, crappie, channel catfish, pickerel, bluegill, lake trout, landlocked salmon, yellow perch, bluegill, panfish, northern pike and even American eel. While on the lake, you can enjoy all sorts of watersports like waterskiing, tubing, paddleboarding, kayaking, wakeboarding, canoeing, boating and even gator hunting (permit required).

    Amenities include: 2 individual boat houses, fish cleaning stations complete with running water, boat slips for rent, non-ethanol fuel, FHU’s offering water, sewage & electric, bait & tackle, community grills, makeshift car rim fire pits, fish cleaning stations, lakefront seats & benches, fishing pier, boat docking, boat rentals, scattered card tables, assorted dock seating and on-site market with souvenirs, cold beverages, beer, ice, snacks and all the fishing gear you can swing your fishing pole at. There’s even a guide you can hire here to show you around the nearby fishing holes.

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) While brackish, somewhat darker-than-usual waters makes for just mediocre (at best) swimming accommodations, you’re in luck if coming here as nearby, there are gorgeous springs like Silver Springs, Juniper Springs and Alexander Springs, which all 3 will offer crystal-clear snorkeling and swimming options unlike you’ve ever experienced; (2) Because Georgetown is tiny, there’s barely any restaurant options, although we were able to find nearby a few really good spots like Idle Awhile for Cajun Fried Pickles & Blackened Haddock chased down by Rum Runners, Fatboy’s Saloon for Peel & Eat Shrimp, Hawg Burners with iced Tall Boys and Renegades on the River serving up Gator Tail and the best Shepherd’s Pie on the St. Johns – all within reach of a proper Tiki Bar where the Mai Tais pour freely; (3) This RV outpost on the St. Johns River has been up and running by the same family for 3 decades, so when it comes to knowledge of where to cast your line or how to get to a secluded area and away from the crowds, you can ask any one of the family here for some spartan tips and recommendations; (4) IMHO the best RV spots are those closest to the inside loop (#6 and #7), while if you are wanting to rent a cabin, I actually rate those a bit further away from the main office / riverfront, where it is quietest (#3 - #5); and (5) If you’ve come without a boat to get on the water, no worries, Bass World Lodge & Marina has you covered by offering up Pontoon and Bass Boat rentals, which at $175 - $315 per day is incredibly affordable.

    Happy Camping!

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 14, 2025

    Silver Springs State Park Campground

    Beautiful campground

    Two days before travel were able to get 2 nights in a pull thru site w full hook up. Large sites with ample separation from your neighbors. I am a native Floridian and this is the real deal. This is a quiet park w a lot of nature. Good for a slow-paced break.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 4, 2025

    Santos Trailhead & Campground

    Van Camping

    Very nice small campground. Best asset is the access to hiking and biking. Miles of trails.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 3, 2025

    Trout Lake Primitive Sites

    Great spot

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


Guide to Palatka

Camping near Palatka, Florida, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Kayaking and Canoeing: The Tomoka State Park Campground is perfect for water lovers. One reviewer mentioned, "Whether you like to get on the water in a kayak, canoe or fishing boat, you are in for a treat here." The park has a 13-mile kayak/canoe trail that is popular among visitors.

  • Biking: At Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park, biking is a great way to explore the area. A camper shared, "Bike to the Old City or see it from the water in your kayak. A beautiful beach is just minutes away by foot or bike."

  • Fishing: The Salt Springs Recreation Area is known for its fishing spots. One visitor noted, "The springs were beautiful. The pizza place across the street was really good," highlighting the convenience of nearby amenities after a day of fishing.

What campers like

  • Privacy and Space: Campers appreciate the spacious sites at Blue Spring State Park Campground. A reviewer mentioned, "The individual campsites give off a vibe of privacy, intimacy, and solitude."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campers rave about the cleanliness of the facilities. One camper at Silver Springs State Park Campground said, "The bathhouses are very clean and if cold out nice hot heaters."
  • Natural Beauty: The scenery is a big draw. A visitor at O'Leno State Park remarked, "The park itself is absolutely lovely," emphasizing the beauty of the natural surroundings.

What you should know

  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife. At Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park, a camper warned, "A few raccoons so take necessary precautions with trash and food storage."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may have limited amenities. A visitor at Florida Salt Springs noted, "In 20-degree exterior temperatures, both campground bathhouses had windows open," indicating that some facilities may not be as comfortable as expected.
  • Access Issues: At Juniper Springs Recreation Area, a camper mentioned, "The canoe/kayak launch was closed," so check ahead for availability of activities.

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. Tomoka State Park Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities, making it a great choice for families.
  • Plan for Safety: One parent at Rainbow Springs State Park cautioned about tubing safety, saying, "There are absolutely NO park rangers patrolling the river while people are tubing to assist anyone having issues."
  • Pack Essentials: A camper at O'Leno State Park suggested, "Bring your paddleboard or kayak," highlighting the importance of bringing your own gear for family fun.

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: RVers should pay attention to site sizes. A reviewer at Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park mentioned, "This particular site is a little odd shaped," indicating that some sites may be tricky for larger rigs.
  • Be Prepared for Dust: At North Beach Camp Resort, a camper noted, "All the sites are dirt, including the roads," so expect some dust during your stay.
  • Look for Full Hookups: Many RVers prefer campgrounds with full hookups. A visitor at Tomoka State Park Campground appreciated the "full hook ups (electric/water/sewer)," making their stay more comfortable.

Camping around Palatka, Florida, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to check the specific campground details and reviews to ensure a great experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best campgrounds with cabins near Palatka, Florida?

For cabin accommodations near Palatka, Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park Campground & Cabins offers excellent options with fully furnished cabins nestled in a scenic state park setting. The park features both historic CCC-built cabins and newer vacation cabins with modern amenities. Another great option is Crescent Fish Camp, RV Resort & Marina | Outdoor Adventure Retreats, located just south of Palatka near Crescent City, which offers riverside cabin rentals with easy access to the St. Johns River for fishing and boating activities.

Where can I find tent camping sites near Palatka, Florida?

Alexander Springs Recreation Area in Ocala National Forest offers spacious tent camping sites that can accommodate multiple tents. The campground features clean facilities with showers and is situated in the beautiful surroundings of Ocala National Forest. Another excellent option is Etoniah Creek State Forest Green Camp, located just off the Palatka-Lake Butler Bike trail. This primitive campground offers six sites with picnic tables, fire rings with grates, BBQ grills, and nearby latrines. It's about 4 miles in on bikeable hard roads, making it ideal for cyclists and outdoor enthusiasts.

Are there RV parks in Palatka, Florida that offer rentals?

Crystal Cove Marina & RV Resort in Palatka offers RV rentals for visitors who don't have their own rigs. This resort provides full hookup sites along with marina access, making it convenient for those wanting to enjoy both land and water activities. Another option to consider is San Mateo Estates RV Park, located about 20 minutes from Palatka. While primarily an RV park for those with their own vehicles, they occasionally have rental units available for guests seeking temporary accommodations. Call ahead to check current rental availability at either location.