2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Rooterville Animal Sanctuary in Florida houses unique glamping options just 30 minutes from Palatka, with covered wagons illuminated by charming string lights. The sanctuary's accommodations blend rustic charm with essential comforts, allowing guests to experience farm life while enjoying modern amenities like electricity, showers, and toilets. Nearby, Connors Family Campsite offers alternative glamping campsites with yurts set on spacious sites with picnic tables and fire rings. Pine Island RV & Marina extends the glamping options with waterfront accommodations that provide stunning views of Lake George. Runaway Bay Lodge rounds out the offerings with distinctive yurt accommodations just south of the Palatka area. One guest shared, "It was so nice to get to know Elaine and help get their property on our platform. I LOVE the covered wagons and the cute lights that guide you home in the evening."
The animal sanctuary experience sets Rooterville apart from typical glamping destinations, with the property focused on ethical animal interactions. Guests must refrain from cooking meat on the property and should not bring pets, as the sanctuary prioritizes its resident animals' welfare. The glamping accommodations at these locations remain accessible year-round, with most offering drive-in access. Several properties provide outdoor recreation opportunities with hiking trails, boat access points, and wildlife viewing areas. Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, though further from Palatka, offers glamping accommodations with excellent wildlife viewing opportunities including wild horses and bison. As one visitor noted, "There are so many sweet touches, but the animals are what it's all about. Pack up the family, take a solo trip, or make this your next romantic getaway."
"The bathrooms were spotless. The tent sites were very large, adequately spaced with varying degrees of privacy. The boat ramp is well kept and there is ample trailer parking nearby."
"with 6 or so sites on either side and provides you with direct and easy access to a very well-maintained restroom and shower facility."
Available this weekend
from $12 - $22 / night
"They have entertainment on some weekends and a large fire pit near the pool for groups and cook outs. Before the COVID they had breakfast on Saturday morning. Very nice campground."
"The arrival and check-in process was easy and well organized. We arrived and were met by one of the friendly campground office staff."
"Popular Campground in great location. About a mile to beach, .5 mile to a wonderful YMCA,2 miles to Historic Old Town Saint Augustine."
"This campground is 3 miles from the historic district with tour tickets and shuttle service included with tour purchase, short walk or bike ride to the beach, restaurants within walking distance and grocery"
from $25 / night
"Silver Springs Silver Springs SP Beautiful Florida campground with 60 sites, many pullthrus. The sites are huge with lots of space and privacy. Lush surroundings."
"The spaces were relatively private, and the bathrooms were neat and tidy and there was water and trash on site. We tent camped and after enjoying the springs we went and had dinner 5 minutes away!"
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $24 - $110 / night
"Ancient City), but far enough away where you can get away from the noise, traffic and otherwise touristy area of the country’s oldest city."
"Great location along A1A, within walking distance to the beach, restaurants and shops. The facilities are clean and well maintained. Staff are awesome & helpful (especially Robin..."
from $85 - $104 / night
"You can do anything from buying an RV renting an RV a camper tent if you're not from around there bill will help you out overall great customer service"
from $164 - $210 / night
"Tucked 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"
"I mostly stayed near the softball field but I saw they had a lot of fun stuff. Zip lines and a incredibly beautiful beach.
Also there was comfy cabins"
"The tent only spots are nice and secluded. You do have to walk maybe 100-200 ft from your car to the campsite. I was in site #24. Nice and open with a lot of trees for protection."
"We stayed in site #38 it's a shaded site with water & electric. There is a picnic table & a fir pit the fire pit was a little to close to the camper to have a fire."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $18 / night
"The store is well furnished and reasonably priced and the staff is friendly. Ocean side camp sites are next to the sea wall. You are basically camping on the beach."
"But I must forewarn my tent pitching brethren – this is 100% an RV hangout (for the most part) of the concrete jungle kind."
GuideSites have full hookups which is awesome for a state park. Also picnic tables, grills and a fire pit. The sites are big and relatively private. To visit the spring you can hike or drive. Being you camping receipt to get in free. Glass bottom boat tour is $15 for adults but there is a nice walking path and you can see manatees in the spring from the shore. The restaurant was nice, good pizza!
GuideSpent two nights here again. Sept. 27th and 28th. During the day time there were a lot of Love Bugs. My camping kitty loved chasing them. At night or at sun down I was bombarded with bugs. Even if I tried to attract them to a higher light and I was in the dark, didn't help. So this time of the year, sunset = go inside.
Also, the description above is wrong.
This dispersed camping area within Ocala National Forest DOES NOT provide water hookups, restrooms, and picnic tables along with standard amenities like trash service and campfire permissions.
The campground DOES NOT maintain water availability throughout the site and DOES NOT HAVE ANY clean restroom facilities.
Other than that, I will be back.
GuideSpent two nights here again. September 27th and 28th. This is a great dispersed camping area. You only need to know your limits with soft sand. During the day there were a lot of love bugs and the water was great. As soon as the sun sets, at this time of the year the bugs were terrible. Even if you tried to attract them up in the air with a Devos light you will be bombarded. Sunset = go inside. Other than the night time bugs, it's a great place. I will be back.
TravelerOver the summer we’ve stayed at many places along the east coast of Florida from campgrounds to privately own locations. Coral Sands was great, small clean and very friendly. Michelle is the one that takes care of the restrooms and she does a wonderful job. I really have nothing to complain about.
GuideGreat little spot, easy access to silver springs. Glass boat tour was cool - just the right amount of cruising time before little ones breaking points! Ice cream afterwards of course and good local pizza joint.
ScoutI love this campground very clean and has nice big sites.
GuideSurrounded by trees quiet and peaceful
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.
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!
Glamping options near Palatka, Florida extend beyond the immediate area, with diverse accommodations within driving distance. Lake George, the second largest lake in Florida at 46,000 acres, provides a scenic backdrop for several glamping sites. The subtropical climate maintains comfortable conditions year-round, though summer humidity requires preparation for outdoor activities.
Water activities on Lake George: Pine Island RV & Marina offers direct access to the shallow waters of Lake George. "The lake views are beautiful. Staff and owner are very friendly. Thankful we found this [place]," notes Elisa J. The marina includes boat slips, kayak rentals, and ethanol-free fuel for boaters.
Wildlife viewing at Paynes Prairie: Though requiring a 45-minute drive from Palatka, this preserve offers unique wildlife spotting. "La Chua trail was beautiful and we saw lots of gators. We did the Ranger led hike which was really nice, my 5 year old struggled to keep up with the Ranger and there are decent elevation changes," shares Lindsey H.
St. Augustine historical tours: Compass RV Park provides a shuttle service to St. Augustine attractions. "The resort has a deal with Old Town Trolley where they will pick you up from the office and take you into historic town. One thing they don't tell you is to keep your ticket stub for a cheaper rate if you go back within 5 days," advises Deb P.
Private sites with natural surroundings: Silver Springs State Park Campground provides spacious camping areas. "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," writes Jody O.
Beachfront access: Ocean Grove RV Resort offers proximity to St. Augustine Beach. "Great location, close to the beach and to St Augustine attractions. Very clean, well maintained, nice pool," states Jack B. The resort also features a fishing dock with small boat launch.
Amenities for extended stays: St. Augustine Beach KOA provides conveniences for longer visits. "The individual restrooms available at the center of the facility are great, spacious, clean, and have showers. There's a store to buy some basic groceries, ice, and wood. You place the trash on the edge of your spot, and it's picked up every morning," explains L O.
Site limitations at some locations: Ocean Grove has space constraints. "Spots are kind of to tide plus, many spots had more than one car or truck parked making the spaces more reduced still. No privacy. My neighbor sewer, electric, and water were beside my picnic table and my motorhome entrance," reports Jack B.
Environmental considerations: Camping near natural areas requires awareness. "Hot with skeeters the majority of the year, cold overnight in the winter. All kinds of little critters in the woods and access to hikes and many gators," warns Dan X. about Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park Campground.
Pet restrictions on trails: Not all area trails permit pets. "The biggest disappointment for this state park is that all of the things they advertise (and I was looking forward to) - bison, horses, wildlife - are all on trails where pets are not allowed. We did one of the only trails you can take your dog on (the Lake Trail)," notes Denise about Paynes Prairie.
Kid-friendly activities: Silver Springs State Park Campground offers engaging experiences for children. "The glass bottom boat tour is an absolute must, we had such a wonderful time and the boat captain had lots of interesting information. We have a 4 year old and a 10 year old and they both really enjoyed the boat tour also," shares Carlos R.
Recreational options at campgrounds: Compass RV Park provides numerous facilities for children. "Lots of things for kids to do at the campground (pool, playground, cornhole, ping pong table, fishing pond, etc). Had a small issue with the water hookup when we first arrived but their maintenance guys quickly rectified it," explains Daniel G.
Comfortable glamping for families: Beverly Beach Camptown RV Resort offers memorable oceanfront experiences. "You could see beach/ocean from rv! Just beautiful!! Beach was very small and slanted so hard to walk on. Small but well done. Full hookup," reports Sandy G.
Connectivity considerations: Compass RV Park has limited digital connections. "The only down side is that the cell service (for both T-Mobile and Verizon) didn't work very well, and the Wi-Fi is iffy at best," notes Daniel G. Pack offline entertainment options when staying here.
Check-out flexibility: Some campgrounds accommodate later departures. "Just like check-in, check-out was a breeze. We were a bit late getting checked-out and as a courtesy I called the main office to let them know. They were great about extending us an hour with no penalty, but if we went more than an hour there would be around a $20 late check-out fee," shares Randal F. about Compass RV Park.
Seasonal rate variations: Beverly Beach Camptown RV Resort has significant price changes. "We have stayed here many times but the price continues to go up so I can't say we will be returning. Highest I paid was $130 per night on holiday weekend but now it is way more than that," advises Christy C.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Palatka, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Palatka, FL is Rodman Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 28 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Palatka, FL?
TheDyrt.com has all 28 glamping camping locations near Palatka, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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