Lee W.
Scout
ScoutNova Campground
Friendly and quiet!
We love this campground. It's quiet and clean and the staff is very friendly.
Camping near Pierson, FL
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
The small town of Pierson, Florida sits at the gateway to Ocala National Forest, where multiple camping styles converge within a 30-mile radius. Juniper Springs Recreation Area and Salt Springs Recreation Area offer established campgrounds with varying levels of amenities, while Hopkins Prairie Campground provides a more rustic experience along a unique wet prairie. Clearwater Lake Campground, located at the southern end of Ocala National Forest, features well-shaded sites with natural buffers between them. For RV travelers, several private campgrounds like Pine Island RV & Marina and Parramore's Fish Camp provide full hookups, while tent campers have options ranging from primitive forest sites to developed campgrounds with basic facilities.
Forest Service roads throughout the region can be challenging for larger vehicles, particularly around Hopkins Prairie where tent camping is often more practical than RVing. As one camper noted, "The forest service roads were a little rough for our RV. Recommend using entrance off route 19 via forest service road 86." Summer heat and humidity make spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons. Many campgrounds in the Ocala National Forest area require advance reservations, especially during winter months when snowbirds increase demand. Precautions against wildlife are necessary, with lockable storage containers provided at many forest campgrounds to protect food from raccoons and black bears.
Natural springs represent the defining feature of camping in this region, with crystal-clear 72-74 degree water available year-round. "The water in the springs are generally crystal clear and having goggles and/or mask would make this more fun," reports one Salt Springs visitor. Shaded campsites receive consistently high ratings from summer visitors seeking relief from Florida's heat. The Florida Trail passes through or near several campgrounds, providing hiking opportunities directly from camp. Clearwater Lake offers excellent visibility to its mostly sand-bottomed swimming area, while Salt Springs features slightly mineral-tinged water. During winter months, manatee sightings become more common in the springs and runs, adding wildlife viewing opportunities to the camping experience.
Best Campgrounds near Pierson (317)
1. Juniper Springs Campground
"The spring pool is gorgeous and quite, very pretty trails to watch spring boils and turtles. Very sunny during the day and very cool at nigth."
"The Florida Trail runs right through this spot and has a natural spring connection as well. We camped out near the facilities and am happy to report everything was maintained and clean."
from $38 - $70 / night
Check Availability2. Alexander Springs Recreation Area
"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."
from $38 - $70 / night
Check Availability3. Salt Springs Recreation Area
"There are no laundry facilities but if you exit park and drive left there is a laundromat, local food, dollar store, bait tackle."
"Located in the center of the state, you’ll have near equal access to both the Atlantic Ocean to the east as well as the Gulf shores to the west."
from $38 - $70 / night
Check Availability4. Blue Spring State Park Campground
"Not a ton of hiking available here but a decent 3.5 mile one way trail through Florida scrub and oak hammock. The rare and endangered Florida Scrub Jay can be found here."
"It was still very hot and buggy in Florida so be warned If this is an issue for you. Large campsites with a picnic table, electric, and water."
from $24 - $95 / night
Check Availability5. Tomoka State Park Campground
"From the initial encounter with the ranger at the entrance to the staff running the camp store everyone was super-chill. Campground was well maintained and our neighbors were all well behaved."
"This is my favorite Florida State Park so far. Sites are small. Some are very shallow. There is plenty of greenery between sites. Camp road and sites may be difficult to maneuver into."
from $24 / night
Check Availability6. Hopkins Prairie Campground — National Forests In Florida
"This is a beautiful campground with proximity to the Florida Scenic Trail. Ideal for tent camping, as the forest service roads were a little rough for our RV."
"Great view of lake and Hopkins Prairie from most of the sights. Has a large bat house. Florida trail runs thru campground. Pay at the pipe system."
from $16 / night
Check Availability7. Clearwater Lake Campground
"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."
from $38 / night
Check Availability8. Pine Island RV & Marina
"of a magnificent campsite includes the opportunity of waking up to an endless blue horizon eclipsed by the sinking sun at dusk, then look no further than this very quaint, out-of-the-way boutique lakeside"
"This give you access to Lake George and some of the most amazing sunsets ever seen."
from $55 - $85 / night
Check Availability9. Bull Creek Campground
"viewing as much as accessing, then Bull Creek Campground, while small and quaint, has a distinct boutique RV community that will allow for simple, basic amenities, but will plant you in a pristine location"
"The lake and tributaries are beautiful and definitely describes old Florida."
from $15 - $35 / night
Check Availability10. Buddy Martin Road Campsite
"Beautiful campsite right on Lake George. No bathrooms or electrical hookups. Gorgeous views and easy kayak access"
from $15 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 41 min from Deltona, FL
- 59 min from Ocala, FL
- 1 hr 4 min from Orlando, FL
- 1 hr 11 min from Wildwood, FL
Recent Camping Photos near Pierson, FL
336 Photos of 317 Pierson Campgrounds
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Hopkins Prairie Campground — National Forests In Florida
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Clearwater Lake Campground
Recent Reviews near Pierson, FL
1520 Reviews of 317 Pierson Campgrounds
- SSheri T.Scout
Fishermans cove rv resort
Relaxing
My husband and I love spending time here and overlooking the water, the sunsets and taking our boat out spending time with our family ,everyone there is super nice and friendly 😊
- R
Robbie J.ScoutRiverside Camping — Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area at Flagler Beach
Beautiful and Peaceful
Gamble 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.
- EElizabeth W.Scout
Tomoka State Park Campground
Great water access
Nicely wooded sites. Has a boat launch, bike trail and very cool grounds with the Timucuan village site. Even a camp store.
Eric K.
GuideLake Dorr
East side DISPERSED CAMPING
Reading 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.
Nancy W.
LegendWorld Equestrian RV Resort
Great for horse lovers
This 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!
Stuart K.LegendNorth Florida Christian Camp
Faith, Fellowship and Fresh Air
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 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!
- CCristie L.Scout
Champions Run RV Resort
This place is fantastic!
I 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.
- RRalph P.Scout
Riverside Camping — Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area at Flagler Beach
Room to Breathe and Relax
Well 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.
Guide to Pierson
Camping near Pierson, Florida offers a variety of options for outdoor enthusiasts within the boundaries of Ocala National Forest. Situated in an area with sandy soil and longleaf pine ecosystems, the terrain creates diverse camping conditions across the region. Most primitive campsites lack running water but provide ready access to the Florida Trail, which connects several campgrounds throughout the forest.
What to do
Swimming in springs year-round: Alexander Springs Recreation Area features an unusually large swimming area around the spring head. "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," notes one camper at Alexander Springs Recreation Area.
Kayaking Juniper Run: This popular 7-mile downstream paddle requires advance planning. "A gorgeous natural run, sometimes with obstacles depending on tide and fallen trees, that's one part I always enjoyed, maneuvering around new obstacles!" reports a visitor to Juniper Springs Rec Area.
Fishing at multiple locations: Lake George provides excellent fishing opportunities. "Freshwater fishing anywhere along here is just amazing! Lots of wildlife including manatee, shorebirds, bears and more can be seen," explains a regular visitor to Highland Park Fish Camp.
Hiking the Florida Trail: This long-distance trail connects multiple campgrounds. "Great trails through the trees you can hike for hours, but easily find your way out, they were well mapped out," according to a camper who stayed at Juniper Springs.
What campers like
Shaded campsites: The oak canopy at many campgrounds provides crucial relief from Florida sun. "Very nice campground, the oak canopy makes great shade in the heat," reports a visitor to Alexander Springs Recreation Area.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: From manatees to unique forest creatures. "We were surprised with an albino squirrel sighting as an added bonus," mentions a camper at Alexander Springs.
Natural privacy barriers: Many sites feature vegetation that creates seclusion. "The sites are 'semiprivate' with our neighbors being able to see right though to us but it is what it is," explains a camper from Alexander Springs.
Lake views: Some campgrounds offer views over water. "Great view of lake and Hopkins Prairie from most of the sights. Has a large bat house. Florida trail runs thru campground," notes a visitor to Hopkins Prairie Campground.
What you should know
Campground availability varies seasonally: First-come, first-served campgrounds like Hopkins Prairie fill up differently depending on season. "First come first serve, I usually arrive on a Wednesday or Thursday morning (non-holiday weekend) and a majority of sites are available," advises a regular Hopkins Prairie camper.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity is often poor or non-existent. "NO internet and phone service so spotty that hotspot was useless," warns a visitor to Highland Park Fish Camp.
Wildlife precautions needed: Bears and raccoons require proper food storage. "Just watch for coons stealing your food," cautions a camper at Clearwater Lake Campground.
Spring swimming temperature: The springs maintain constant temperatures. "It's COLD though..be warned!" notes one Juniper Springs visitor about the 72-degree spring water.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming spots for different ages: Look for springs with varied depths. "Huge with room for lots of people, deep diving areas, shallows children's areas," recommends a family that visited Juniper Springs.
Free fishing options: Some campgrounds offer no-cost 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," shares a visitor to Highland Park Fish Camp.
Bring swimming gear: Enhance spring visibility with proper equipment. "Remember to bring 2$ a pers. and goggles for the springs," suggests a Highland Park Fish Camp visitor.
Recreation activities beyond water: Many campgrounds offer additional amenities. "Our kids enjoyed basketball & swimming at the huge pool," mentions a family that visited Parramore's Fish Camp.
Tips from RVers
Waterfront sites with full hookups: Some camping spots near Pierson offer premium RV amenities with views. "Waterfront RV Sites, RV Rentals (they have 3-4 to choose from), Marina, Boat Slips, Boat Ramp, Camp Store, Bait Shop, Wine & Beer Bar," describes a camper at Pine Island RV & Marina.
Site leveling challenges: Not all RV pads are perfectly level. "Sites have paved pads but most are not level," warns an RVer who stayed at Salt Springs Recreation Area.
Site size considerations: Many RV sites offer ample space. "The site was much bigger than I expected. There were other people near by, but very quiet night," reports a Salt Springs visitor.
Power options vary: Different amperage availability exists across campgrounds. "They offer 50 sites with full hookups (some 50 amp), tent sites and hot showers," notes a visitor to Highland Park Fish Camp.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Pierson, FL?
What camping is available near Pierson, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, Pierson, FL offers a wide range of camping options, with 317 campgrounds and RV parks near Pierson, FL and 11 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Pierson, FL?
Which is the most popular campground near Pierson, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Pierson, FL is Juniper Springs Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 47 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Pierson, FL?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Pierson, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 free dispersed camping spots near Pierson, FL.
What parks are near Pierson, FL?
What parks are near Pierson, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 parks near Pierson, FL that allow camping, notably Ocala National Forest and National Forests in Florida.
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