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Palatka, Florida serves as a hub for diverse camping experiences along the St. Johns River and surrounding forests. Established campgrounds like Rodman Campground provide tent and RV sites with electric hookups and water access, while more rustic options exist at Davenport Landing for dispersed camping. The region includes several RV resorts such as Half Shell Resort and Crystal Cove Marina & RV Resort offering riverfront accommodations. For those seeking cabin rentals, Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park and North Beach Camp Resort provide comfortable alternatives to traditional camping with full amenities.
The subtropical climate of north central Florida means camping is available year-round, though summer months bring intense heat and humidity along with occasional afternoon thunderstorms. Many campgrounds in the area feature shaded sites to provide relief from the Florida sun, with most developed sites offering electric hookups for air conditioning. Water access is a significant consideration when selecting a campground in this region, as fishing, boating, and swimming opportunities abound on the St. Johns River system. Several camping areas provide boat ramps and docks, particularly useful for anglers and water enthusiasts. As one camper noted, "There is good wildlife viewing with lots of gators and birds of all kinds. The Florida National trail goes right past here so you can also go hiking as well."
Riverfront camping receives consistently positive reviews, with St. Johns River access being a primary attraction for many visitors. Campgrounds near Palatka typically feature a mix of permanent residents and short-term campers, creating varied social atmospheres. The area's natural springs, including Salt Springs Recreation Area, provide additional recreation opportunities within driving distance. Wildlife observation remains a highlight for many campers, with alligators, birds, and aquatic species commonly spotted. Some campgrounds offer direct access to hiking trails, particularly those near Etoniah Creek State Forest, where primitive camping options exist. A reviewer described one such area as having "sites with picnic tables, lots of room, fire ring with grate, BBQ grills, a latrine nearby" and noted the beautiful creek as "a destination on its own."
"This was at Rodman Campground in Palatka READY FOR ANOTHER ADVENTURE https://vimeo.com/257606627](https://vimeo.com/257606627)"
"Sites 1-39 are not near the Florida Trail but it was not a bad walk to the other side of the campground to get to the trail. Would stay again."
from $12 - $22 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $38 - $70 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $28 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $20 - $100 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $55 / night
Check Availability"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"
"There’s a real sense of forest solitude when you turn off the pavement and roll into Lake Delancy West Campground, a wooded public campground tucked beside the lake’s quiet west shore and surrounded by"
"Other reviews had suggested that this campsite was largely used by ATV and other off highway vehicle enthusiasts using the adjoining trail system and it was loud and unpleasant."
from $10 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $67 - $245 / night
Check Availability"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"
"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."
ScoutGamble Memorial RV Park was awesome. The park is very large the scenery is beautiful. They have a butterfly garden, a walking trail and a beach and river as side they Also have river to fish in. Washers and dryers are available. As well as a bath house. They have security as well as 2 camp host. I highly recommend camping at Gamble.
ScoutNicely wooded sites. Has a boat launch, bike trail and very cool grounds with the Timucuan village site. Even a camp store.
GuideReading the reviews, people are confused. The east side of Lake Dorr is DISPERSED CAMPING. This dispersed camping area within Ocala National Forest does NOT provide water hookups, restrooms, or picnic tables and does NOT have standard amenities like trash service and campfire permissions.There are two Lake Dorr camping areas. The west side of Lake Dorr is called Lake Dorr Campground. The east side of Lake Dorr is Ocala National Forest Lake Dorr DISPERSED CAMPING. There are NO amenities here. There is soft sand ares due to the ATV use. Spent 4 nights here with no problems.
LegendThis campground is located on the grounds of the World Equestrian Center– a premier equestrian facility in the US located in Ocala. The campground is large (300 sites) campground and capable of fitting any size RV. The roads in the park are really easy to navigate and easy to back into for any size RV. All sites are back-in with 50/30A full hook-up. Sites 600-733 have more space between them and would be my preferred sites. There is really no check-in lane, you just stop on the road going into the campground and other have to go around you. The laundry is open 24-hours but be aware that people are washing horse blankets, dog beds, and other pet items, so stay away if you are allergic. Conveniently located before the campground is a fuel station (with gas and diesel). The campground is located on a venue that primarily holds equestrian events but also accommodates other sporting events. Some of the venues are quite a long walk away and parking can be difficult. Golf cart rentals are available at the campground. The camp store is nice and more of a gift shop but has a great selection of a range of items from clothes to drinks to food and RV items. They have a coffee bar and also sell alcohol. Restaurants on-site ranging from a coffee shop with pastries to fine dining and everything in between. Our site was long and level and the WIFI worked well. We had nice space between us and our neighbor and were treated to nice sunsets. Overall, we really liked this campground and would come back. We were there when equestrian events were going on and liked that we could watch them for free. Downtown Ocala is about ten minutes away and a cool town. We had lunch, walked around the square and checked out the painted horses. Lunch at the airport restaurant was great!
LegendTucked away just outside Keystone Heights, North Florida Christian Camp feels like a place designed more for connection than convenience, where winding sandy roads lead you beneath tall pines and into a peaceful, purpose driven setting that immediately feels set apart from the everyday rush. The campground sits on a large, wooded property with a mix of open gathering spaces and shaded pockets, and while it is primarily designed for organized church groups and retreats, individual campers can still find a quiet place to land among the trees. The overall vibe is relaxed, intentional, and grounded in simplicity, with nature doing most of the heavy lifting.
Facilities here are more functional than flashy, with a combination of cabins, bunkhouses, and open camping areas alongside basic bathhouses, communal gathering pavilions, and activity fields. You will not find resort style amenities, but you will find clean, usable facilities, wide open space for kids to run, and a layout that encourages group activities, campfires, and shared meals. The grounds are easy to navigate, and while RV hookups may be limited depending on where you stay, the setting works well for families who are comfortable with a more rustic, community-oriented experience.
The surrounding area offers a nice balance of quiet nature and small town convenience, with Keystone Heights just a short drive away for groceries, fuel and casual dining. Hitchcock’s Market is a reliable stop for supplies, and local favorites like Cedar River Seafood provide an easy, family friendly meal after a day outdoors. Nearby lakes and trails give you opportunities for paddling, fishing, or simply stretching your legs under the Florida sky, making it easy to build a full day without ever straying too far.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a handful: (1) The best camping areas are those set slightly deeper into the pines where you will find more shade and a bit more privacy from larger group spaces; (2) If visiting during a scheduled retreat or camp week, expect more activity and less solitude, so plan accordingly; (3) Bring bikes or scooters for kids, as the open grounds and sandy roads are perfect for riding; (4) Pack bug spray, especially in warmer months, as the wooded setting can bring out mosquitoes at dusk; and (5) If you are seeking a quieter experience, aim for midweek stays outside of peak group bookings.
Happy Camping!
ScoutI would highly recommend Champions Run. Sites are wide, clean and beautiful. Staff were friendly and helpful. Pool area is spacious, clean and beautiful. Drinks at the tiki bar were delicious.
ScoutWell maintained campsites, grounds and facilities. Rangers and hosts are great. Sites on the riverside are reasonably spaced apart and several offer a privacy on the camping side because they are adjacent to the nature. preserve or are tucked back and away. The car / motorcycle tent camping sites look really nice and cozy. I did not visit the coastal side campground.
TravelerFirst time at this State Forest campground/park and it was quiet, accessible, and had all the amenities needed for a nice weekend get away. The bathrooms are a little less modern than expected, but they do have a shower which does get hot within seconds. The iron smell is very notable in the water, however.
GuideLike the title says, this is my wife and I second campsite on our trip across America. Our stay was for 10 days from May 22 through June 1st. This site had a different vibe than the first. This park seems to be more residential folks than travelers. Grounds are well maintained with lots of activities. Activities include tennis/pickleball courts, putt-putt, playground for kids, volleyball, and a swimming pool. Conveniently located close to I95 with restaurants and shopping within 10-15 minutes. If you are beach goers, it took about 20 minutes to get to Ormond Beach by car. Also, if you are a racecar fan, the Daytona 500 Speedway is within 20 minutes. The campsite was nice and quiet during both day and night and people stayed to themselves. I will say the site's are close together and depending on how big your rig is will depend greatly on how hard or easy it will be to park. I have a 40ft Thor Challenger class A and I had to maneuver a few times before I fit. The streets are also narrow for bigger rigs. The biggest problem I ran into was when we left you have to make a U turn out of the complex to get back to I95. The big problem was I'm too big to just make a U turn anywher, if at all. I had to go a few miles out of the way to just turn around to head the right way for the freeway. Overall, I enjoyed this campsite other than the minor inconvenience of getting back to the freeway when departing.
Campgrounds near Palatka, Florida offer backcountry experiences along the Ocklawaha River and freshwater springs in addition to the St. Johns River access points. The region's elevation ranges from 6 to 25 feet above sea level with limestone formations creating natural springs throughout the area. During winter months (November through February), temperatures average 50-70°F with minimal rainfall, making it the preferred camping season for those seeking comfortable outdoor experiences.
Wildlife photography opportunities: At Rodman Campground, visitors can capture diverse wildlife in natural settings. As one camper noted, "We saw deer at dusk meandering through the woods" while another observed "good wildlife viewing" throughout their stay.
Primitive trail hiking: The Florida National Scenic Trail passes adjacent to Rodman Campground, offering hiking routes through diverse ecosystems. "There are also several hiking and biking trails located nearby to explore the diverse ecosystems of the Ocala National Forest," notes a reviewer.
Freshwater spring swimming: The constant 72-degree water at Salt Springs Recreation Area provides year-round swimming. "The spring is a short walk from the campground or a quick bike ride," mentions one camper, while another called the springs "spectacular" after riding bikes there.
ATV adventures: For motorized recreation, Hog Waller Mud Campground & ATV Resort offers 1,100 acres of trails. A reviewer highlights that "trails are open only 9am to 5pm daily" and the venue features "several vendors who show up every weekend to provide fresh smoked BBQ, clothing, any type of soda or snack you can think of."
Riverfront campsites: Campers consistently praise water-adjacent camping spots. At Rodman Campground, a visitor described "Site 61 had a picnic table, fire ring, water and electric and was right on the river with only an access road (5mph) between the campsite and riverfront."
Spacious, private sites: Many campgrounds offer well-separated sites. At North Beach Camp Resort, "most RV sites are extremely private with plenty of vegetation between them," while another camper noted the sites are "private and quiet. Lots of shade."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms receive frequent mention. At Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park, reviewers praised "nice hikes and birding" along with "amazing sunrises with the birds at the lakes" and "the bathhouse was clean and well kept."
Nearby dining options: Several campgrounds offer walking-distance food options. North Beach Camp Resort features "two restaurants within walking distance: The Reef and Aunt Kate's. Both are great," according to one reviewer who enjoyed a "wonderful week" there.
Noise considerations: At Rodman Campground, nearby ATV activity can impact peace and quiet. A camper warns: "IF there is an 'ALL HOURS WEEKEND' at the nearby Hog Waller Campground and ATV Resort (right across the river), then the trails remain open 24 hours and you will not have any tranquility or relaxation all night."
Varying site qualities: Not all sites within the same campground offer equal experiences. At Davenport Landing, conditions can vary widely. Some report a "Big open spot" while others caution about encountering "a literal burning pit of garbage."
Weather patterns: Summer conditions bring unique challenges beyond the heat. During fishing tournaments at Rodman Campground, "the boats on the river will wake you in a tent very early in the morning" according to a reviewer who suggests enjoying "getting up early and having a cup of coffee by the river."
Internet connectivity: Cell service and WiFi vary significantly across campgrounds. At North Beach Camp Resort, a camper reported "no reliable WiFi (even in the office) nor phone reception despite that's how it's advertised," which became problematic for those needing to work remotely.
Beach access camping: For families wanting to combine camping with beach trips, several options exist. At Anastasia State Park Campground, "the beach access is spacious and pristine. Water sport equipment rental and snack shack on site," according to one visitor.
Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with built-in entertainment. Anastasia State Park offers "hiking to the Amphitheater or check out the old coquina quarry," while another camper noted their sites are "all within walking distance of the ocean."
Swimming alternatives: When beaches aren't convenient, seek campgrounds with swimming areas. At Gold Head Branch State Park, families enjoy "hiking trails, swimming area. Canoes for rental available in Park," making it "a favorite" for families with children.
Natural learning opportunities: Many campgrounds offer educational experiences. One camper at Gold Head Branch State Park mentioned "Camp staff knows much about the Native American heritage in this location," providing an educational component to the outdoor experience.
Hookup availability: Full hookup access varies by campground. At Crystal Cove Marina & RV Resort, "all sites come with full hook-ups including 30/50 electrical, water and sewage," though there are only "about 8 spots here to choose from."
Site levelness: RV sites require level ground for comfortable stays. At Salt Springs Recreation Area, "sites have paved pads but most are not level," according to one RVer, something to consider when selecting a specific site.
Access considerations: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger rigs. One RVer at Davenport Landing noted "Last 100 yards driving back in were very bumpy but no problem with our van. Not sure about a larger RV."
Resource management: Water and electrical concerns require planning. At Rodman Campground, a reviewer observed "The water faucet had a significant leak and sprayed water throughout the stay," highlighting the importance of checking hookups upon arrival.
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.
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