Cabin camping near Palatka, Florida offers diverse landscapes spanning both the St. Johns River region and portions of the Ocala National Forest. Located in north-central Florida, Palatka sits at elevations generally below 100 feet and experiences a humid subtropical climate with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F. During winter months, temperatures typically range from 45-70°F, making it a popular destination for seasonal campers.
What to do
Nature trails for hiking: Salt Springs Recreation Area features a 2-mile hiking trail with excellent views of trees endemic to the Ocala National Forest. "The hiking trail offers up a nice boardwalk midway through with excellent views of trees endemic to the Ocala National Forest like the many varieties of Oaks, Big Scrub, Saw Palmetto, water-logged Palmettos and, of course, the Southern Magnolias, most of which you'll find dripping with Spanish moss," notes one visitor.
Swimming in natural springs: The springs at Salt Springs Recreation Area maintain a constant 72-degree temperature year-round. "The spring is a short walk from the campground or a quick bike ride," shares Miranda R., adding that no reservation was required to access the swimming area.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple locations offer fishing access, with Lake Oklawaha RV Park providing direct access to fishing spots. "Great access to the lake," mentions Kenneth R. about Renegades on the River, which offers riverside fishing opportunities alongside its camping amenities.
Off-roading adventures: Hog Waller Mud Campground specializes in ATV and off-road recreation. "If you either own an ATV or dream of combining 4-wheel muddin' with overnight campin' then you have hit the jackpot here with Hog Waller Mud Campground & ATV Resort," explains a reviewer, noting its 1,100 acres of trails specifically designed for off-road vehicles.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: North Beach Camp Resort offers natural screening between camping spots. "Most RV sites are extremely private with plenty of vegetation between them," reports Sarah, who stayed in a deep, wide back-in site. The campground borders both the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway.
Clean facilities: Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park maintains well-kept bathhouses. "The bathhouse was clean and well kept. Good size campsites with fire ring, picnic table, water and electricity," notes Gina E. about her family camping experience with their dog.
Variety of cabin options: Trails End Outdoors RV Park offers uniquely themed log cabins. "A small singular loop will take you around the property, first to the handful of scattered wooden cabins (cleverly named after famous cowboys like Wyatt Earp, John Wayne and Doc Holiday) that make up their own small cul-de-sac with each log cabin unit offering up a porch with rocking chairs," describes a visitor.
Outdoor social spaces: Compass RV Park provides communal gathering areas. "They have entertainment on some weekends and a large fire pit near the pool for groups and cook outs," shares Mack W., who has stayed at the campground several times.
What you should know
Reservation timing: During peak seasons, reservations should be made well in advance, especially for popular parks. For Salt Springs Recreation Area, "It is HIGHLY advisable that you make your CG reservations here at Salt Springs SP WAY in advance by calling 1-877-444-6777 or booking online at Recreation.gov."
Cell service variability: Connectivity can be inconsistent depending on location. "The cell service (for both T-Mobile and Verizon) didn't work very well, and the Wi-Fi is iffy at best," reports Daniel G. about Compass RV Park, despite its otherwise positive attributes.
Seasonal crowd differences: Spring visitation patterns impact swimming spots. "Like most natural springs, as the day progresses, the spring will get busier and busier," advises a reviewer who recommends going "either early or later in the day" at Salt Springs.
Terrain considerations: Some RV sites require significant leveling. At St. Augustine Beach KOA, "Some of the pull thru sites had a decent incline hill/drop at one end or the other. I seen some guys using fully extended leveling gear and 4-8 leveling blocks to fill the voids to get level," notes Doug E.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming opportunities: Lake Oklawaha RV Park offers a pool for children. "This is our third time staying here and plan to be back soon. Awesome trails for riding, pool for swimming and fun hiking trail!" shares Tammy P., highlighting the family-friendly amenities.
Kid-friendly activities: St. Augustine Beach KOA provides recreational rentals for families. "We never got a chance to rent the paddle boats. It was really nice sitting by the lake watching the ducks and turtles," mentions Lorilee S. about the on-site lake activities.
Family cabin options: Several parks offer cabin configurations suitable for families with children. "The cabins at Hog Waller come with 2 sets of bunk beds that sleep 4 and offer heat/air, power, inside and outside lighting," though one reviewer notes that mattresses aren't included.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park provides nature observation opportunities. "Nice hikes and birding abound! Amazing sunrises with the birds at the lakes," shares Clean Slate D., noting the park's quiet atmosphere perfect for family nature experiences.
Tips from RVers
Site privacy considerations: North Beach Camp Resort offers secluded RV spots. "The sites are good sized and private. They have foliage in between every site that makes you feel like you could be out here all alone," explains Robert, though he notes the bathhouses need updating.
Utility connections: Renegades on the River provides full hookup sites with premium surfaces. "All are paver sites, it's not a large park but is well taken care of with a store, restaurant and a large tiki bar right on the river," explains Dean G.
Park layout awareness: Some campgrounds have unclear site boundaries. At Lake Oklawaha RV Park, "There is no defined boundaries between each campsite. With poor illumination was really hard for us to tell what was available and what was not," shares Graciela T., suggesting arrivals during daylight hours.
Access considerations: Navigation to some parks requires careful planning. For Lake Oklawaha RV Park, "Don't follow GPS! We ended up deep in the Ocala national forest. Make sure you look at a map before you go. Once you reach the forest you will lose all reception on phones," warns Tammy P.