R
Robert T.
Scout
ScoutAnastsia Island RV Pad Rental
Clean, walk to beach, Amphitheater and just a couple of miles to Old town
Friendly hosts and clean, centrally located property
Best Campgrounds near Pierson, FL
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 Camping Sites Near Pierson, Florida (314)
1. Alexander Springs Recreation Area
35 ReviewsAstor, FL13 milesWebsite+1 (352) 669-3522$38 - $70 / night
"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."
2. Juniper Springs Rec Area - Tropical Camp Area
46 ReviewsAstor, FL16 milesWebsite+1 (352) 625-3147$38 - $70 / night
"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."
3. Salt Springs Recreation Area
60 ReviewsSalt Springs, FL19 milesWebsite+1 (352) 685-2048$38 - $70 / night
"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."
4. Blue Spring State Park Campground
46 ReviewsOrange City, FL21 milesWebsite+1 (386) 775-3663$24 - $95 / night
"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."
5. Tomoka State Park Campground
55 ReviewsOrmond Beach, FL24 milesWebsite+1 (386) 676-4050$24 / night
"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."
6. Hopkins Prairie Campground — National Forests In Florida
15 ReviewsSalt Springs, FL14 miles$16 / night
"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."
7. Clearwater Lake Campground
23 ReviewsPaisley, FL19 milesWebsite+1 (352) 669-0078$38 / night
"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."
8. Pine Island RV & Marina
4 ReviewsPierson, FL8 milesWebsite+1 (386) 749-2818$55 - $85 / night
"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."
9. Buddy Martin Road Campsite
1 ReviewPierson, FL5 milesWebsite$15 / night
"Beautiful campsite right on Lake George. No bathrooms or electrical hookups. Gorgeous views and easy kayak access"
10. Parramore's Fantastic Fish Camp & Family Resort
1 ReviewAstor, FL6 milesWebsite+1 (386) 749-2721
Recent Camping Photos near Pierson, FL
336 Photos of 314 Pierson Campgrounds
Eric S.
St Johns River Campground
Morgan R.
River Road Campground — Lake George State Forest
Kennedy G.
Runaway Bay Lodge
Pine I.
Pine Island RV & Marina
Pine I.
Pine Island RV & Marina
ALEJANDRA G.
Alexander Springs Recreation Area
Brian
Bluff Landing
Andrew M.
Hopkins Prairie Campground — National Forests In Florida
Stuart K.
Juniper Springs Rec Area - Fern Hammock Springs
Stuart K.
Juniper Springs Rec Area - Sandpine
Marisol R.
Juniper Springs Rec Area - Tropical Camp Area
ENRIQUE T.
Clearwater Lake Campground
Recent Reviews near Pierson, FL
1488 Reviews of 314 Pierson Campgrounds
- NNancy L.Scout
Haines Creek RV Village (55+)
Nice Private Park
Great small RV park. Very clean and super friendly & helpful staff. We stayed 3 nights and will definately return. Approximately 60% full-time residents.
Stuart K.
LegendRivers Edge RV Park
St. Johns River Basecamp Done Right
Just outside the tiny river village of Georgetown, where Road 309 bends toward Drayton Island, you will find Rivers Edge RV Park sitting exactly where its name promises, right on the banks of the St. Johns River. With roughly 50 or so sites arranged in a simple, easy to navigate loop, this campground feels intimate without being cramped and it books quickly for good reason. The setting is classic 'Old Florida' with long bearded Spanish moss draped over ancient oaks, wide river views and that slow moving, fish-filled water stretching out toward Lake George.
Sites here cater primarily to the RV and 5th wheel crowd, offering full hookups with 30- and 50-amp electric, water & sewer, along with a mix of back-in and pull-through options, many with concrete pads and patios. There is also a designated tent area, thoughtfully placed closer to the river, which gives tent campers a front row seat to sunrise over the water. Restrooms and showers are notably clean, laundry facilities feature newer machines and there is also a propane station on-site. Add in a small dog park, trash stations, a riverside pavilion, lawn games, horseshoes and even pickleball courts and it becomes clear that this is a well-managed, well-maintained operation. Complimentary WiFi reaches most of the park, though streaming can be a bit slow at peak times.
While my review from a few years ago provides a ton of detail, I thought I would follow up that review with a topline of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS along with a smattering of new photos.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Direct access to the St. Johns River with private boat launch and guest-only slips; (2) Clean, well-kept facilities including modern laundry and shower buildings;(3) Distinct tent area positioned closest to the river; (4) Simple loop layout that makes navigation easy even for larger rigs; (5) Fishing is abundant here with local finds including: largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, shellcracker bream and striped bass; and (6) Affordable pricing compared to many waterfront parks in Florida, but for the area, this is either on par or slightly more $ for what you would typically find, however, IMHO completely worth it!
LOWLIGHTS: (1) Limited availability due to the park’s small size and popularity; (2) WiFi can slow down during busy periods; (3) Fewer restaurant and retail options immediately nearby, because, well, you're completely out in 'the sticks' here in Georgetown, which is admittedly, part of the allure (as well as the downside); (4) Sites, while organized, are not heavily screened for privacy; and (5) This CG is best suited for river lovers and boaters rather than those seeking resort style amenities.
Happy Camping!
- Stuart K.Legend
Blue Spring State Park - Cabins
Old Florida Comfort Without the Tent Stakes
The cabins at Blue Spring State Park offer a rare way to experience one of Florida’s most iconic spring-fed rivers without camping by RV or tents. Tucked well away from the busy springhead and day-use crowds and surrounded instead by hardwood hammock and palmetto flats. Arriving is straightforward via Orange City, just a stone's throw from I-4, and once you’re checked in, the cabins feel intentionally removed from the main campground loops, trading generator hums and tent zippers for solid walls, screened porches along with a noticeable sense of calm once the park gates close for the evening.
Each cabin is simple but thoughtfully laid out with climate control, real beds, a small kitchen setup, picnic tables and screened outdoor space that invites slow mornings with a freshly brewed cup of Colombian coffee and unhurried evenings over a nice iced glass of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. While these are not luxury accommodations by any stretch of the imagination, they are very clean, well maintained and ideal for families or couples who want immersion in nature without having to 'rough' it. Restrooms and showers are integrated into the cabin setup rather than shared campground facilities and nearby trails make it easy to step directly into the woods for a walk without ever starting the car.
Beyond the cabins themselves, Blue Spring’s broader amenities shine. Hiking trails wind through shaded forest and along the St. Johns River while the spring run offers some of the clearest freshwater paddling in the state. A small concession area and nearby Orange City like Fire on the Bayou, The Salted Goat and Orange Social provide tempting and hyper-local dining options, but most guests will find themselves lingering longer at the cabins, listening to owls at dusk or catching early morning river mist before the park stirs back to life.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a handful: (1) If you’re visiting during manatee season, the cabins are a ‘golden ticket’ for early and late viewing when crowds thin and the river feels most deserted and almost reverent; (2) For kayaking, launch at the Blue Spring Run canoe and kayak launch and paddle upstream early in the morning for glassy water, manatee sightings in season and wading birds like blue and grey heron, kingfishers, bald eagles and ospreys along the river banks; (3) The cabins closest to the interior trail network tend to feel the most secluded and quiet compared to those nearer service roads; (4) Plan simple meals rather than elaborate cooking, as kitchens are functional but hoestly, quite modest (read: just bare bones); and (5) If you want a true Old Florida day trip, head a short drive north to DeLeon Springs after breakfast for swimming and pancakes at the local restaurant there.
Happy Camping!
- MMichael H.Scout
Bull Creek Campground
Quiet, rural, and plenty of water
Last minute getaway. 20 minutes from palm coast. We enjoyed being by the lake. You could bring your boat to this one for sure.
- CCory J.Scout
Lake Delancy West Campground
Nice spot in the trees
Awesome open spots for dispersed camping. Not too busy and camp host is a really nice dude.
Susan A.ScoutMill Dam Lake Resort
Mill Dam campground PARKING LOT
75 women campers rented the parking lot at Mill Dam used for large group camping. I believe it was $100 a night. Currently a 'burn ban' on fires but they are otherwise allowed. Most of us have dogs and cats, but must check you and you pets for ticks, they are prevalent. There is a lake with a beauriful beach. There are restrooms and changing rooms with floor drains, so if you bring your own shower you can use that. There are no power hookups or dump stations that I saw, but there are dumpsters. There is a resident black bear so MUST observe bear safety. Great place, very nice camp host, kept bathrooms clean and stocked.
Glen W.ScoutSalt Springs Recreation Area
Salt Springs is Beautiful!
The campground is clean with large sites, huge trees, shade or no shade, very clean bath houses, and extremely friendly and helpful staff. The springs themselves are perfect for a refreshing swim or snorkeling. A bit far from a real grocery store but there is a convenient mart and hardware store close by.
- RRachel T.Scout
Anastasia State Park Campground
Great shade not a lot of room
Some sites are very close together with little privacy while some have more privacy but still compact. The ground is very hard if using tent stakes. Def bring a sleeping pad. Very clean and friendly staff!
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 314 campgrounds and RV parks near Pierson, FL and 10 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 Alexander Springs Recreation Area with a 4.4-star rating from 35 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 10 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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