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 (301)

    1. Alexander Springs Recreation Area

    35 Reviews
    Astor, FL
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 669-3522

    $37 - $60 / 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

    45 Reviews
    Astor, FL
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 625-3147

    $37 - $60 / 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

    57 Reviews
    Salt Springs, FL
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 685-2048

    $37 - $69 / 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

    45 Reviews
    Orange City, FL
    21 miles
    Website
    +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 Reviews
    Ormond Beach, FL
    24 miles
    Website
    +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 Reviews
    Salt Springs, FL
    14 miles

    $15 / 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 Reviews
    Paisley, FL
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 669-0078

    $37 / 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 Reviews
    Pierson, FL
    8 miles
    Website
    +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."

    10. Highland Park Fish Camp

    4 Reviews
    De Leon Springs, FL
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (386) 734-2334

    $25 - $32 / night

    "Lots of permanent sites takes away from the typical campground.

    Staff member was nice and helpful. NO internet and phone service so spotty that hotspot was useless."

    "This family run location has bee in operation for over 50 years and is working on their 4th generation! They offer 50 sites with full hookups (some 50 amp), tent sites and hot showers."

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Recent Reviews near Pierson, FL

1425 Reviews of 301 Pierson Campgrounds


  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Arrowhead Campsites & Mobile Home Park

    Budget-Friendly Stay Just Off I-75 in the Horse Capital of the World

    Sitting quietly just off I-75, Arrowhead Campsites & Mobile Home Park in Ocala, Florida is located on one of the busiest thoroughfares that runs through Ocala. This place is a no frills, straightforward, budget-friendly campground where grass pads, shady trees and neighborly vibes create a cozy Old-Florida atmosphere. First impressions? This isn’t a resort, but while there is a community pool (that wasn’t working when we stopped by and TBH was incredibly cringe-worthy), it’s a practical, easygoing basecamp that gives you everything you need while keeping you close to Ocala’s natural gems ... as long as you manage your expectations before arriving here.

    Facilities are simple but sufficient (unless they aren't working at all). There are around 100 sites with full hookups (30 / 50 amp electric, water, sewer), most on grass with decent leveling. Guests have access to free Wi-Fi, cable TV, mediocre bathrooms and subpar showers, a laundry facility, picnic tables and a recreation room. Long-term residents mix with short-stay campers, so expect a lived-in, welcoming feel. The campground also features a dining hall and small community events, adding a sense of 'cringy neighborhood' to your stay.

    Ocala itself is the star attraction nearby. Known as the ‘Horse Capital of the World,’ you’re just minutes away from equestrian centers, rolling farms and the glass-clear waters of Silver Springs State Park. The Ocala National Forest offers endless hiking, kayaking and wildlife watching, while downtown Ocala brings restaurants, art galleries and Southern charm.

    Insider Tips? Here’s a smathering: (1) IMHO the best sites are the ones with grass pads near the front loops for the easiest pull-in and better spacing, especially if you’re arriving late, which is convenient as well for those that want to make an early, discreet and trouble-free exit in the morning; (2) Should you need to stock up on anything, there’s a Walmart Supercenter, Publix, Home Depot and Lowe’s all within a 10-minute drive; (3) A nearby hidden ‘easter egg’ you’ll want to explore are the lesser-visited trails at Silver Springs State Park where you’ll find quiet boardwalks and an historic pioneer village that many tourists (and even local residents) miss; (4) If you’ve come with your kayak, a great place to launch is at Silver Springs State Park where you can paddle down the Silver River. Expect to see turtles, manatees and wild rhesus (not Reese's, but sounds the same) monkeys that somehow call the riverbank home; (5) Because there are long-term residents here at Arrowhead, it’s best to request a short-term site closer to the entrance for less foot traffic and quieter evenings; and (6) When you get tired of conjuring up that next meal from the depths of your Cordova roto-molded cooler, then check on some local joints like Big Lee’s Serious About BBQ for its nationally acclaimed BBQ brisket, ribs, and sides or Ivy on the Square with its upscale comfort food in a historic downtown building and there’s also Latinos y Mas serving up fusion Latin classics with Mediterranean touches.

    Happy Camping!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Highbanks Marina & Camp Resort

    Camelot on the River (With a Pool Nicer Than Your HOA)

    Nestled along the St. Johns River in DeBary, Highbanks Marina & Camp Resort is a 25-acre playground where RVers and boaters mingle under giant oaks and Spanish moss. Locals call it ‘Camelot on the River,’ though I’m quite sure Arthur never had 50-amp hookups or a bait shop. First impressions? Think Old Florida charm, river breezes and a place where your neighbor might offer you both a cold beer and unsolicited fishing advice.  Unfortunately, there's no primitive camping here for mi tent pitchin' bredren.

    The campground packs plenty of creature comforts. RV sites come with full hookups (30 / 50 amp electric, water, sewer), and most are shaded enough to keep your AC from begging for mercy. There’s a 30'X60' swimming pool (read: bigger than your neighbor’s backyard dream), a recreation hall, horseshoe pits, bocce ball and laundries. The camp store is less ‘convenience shop’ and more ‘bait & souvenirs,’ with everything from fishing gear to trinkets you’ll later wonder why you bought. Then there’s the 72-slip marina where your kayak can feel fancy just by association with the pontoon crowd.

    The setting is pure St. Johns River magic. You can paddle out and watch herons glide by, manatees surface like old river monks or gators give you side-eye. Kayakers rave about the downstream trip to Blue Spring, where you can float past manatees before your coffee gets cold. When you’re done pretending you’re an extra in a National Geographic documentary, DeBary and Deltona are just minutes away for groceries, supplies and a change of scenery.

    Insider Tips? Yeah, you know you are just jonesing for some, right? Here they are: (1) Riverfront sites are the crown jewels at this RV encampment, but book early unless you like camping by the dump station and telling people it’s ‘rustic charm.’; (2) Don’t skip the marina rentals as you’ll look cooler launching a pontoon, but the kayaks give you the better wildlife bragging rights; (3) The on-site Swamp House Grill & Tiki Bar is a must with its fried seafood, rum-fueled tiki drinks along with the chance to meet locals who definitely have fish stories longer than your RV; (4) Some sites feel more ‘neighbors with benefits’ (read: tight) than ‘sprawling privacy,’ so if this of concern for you, do yourself a ‘favor flave’ and grab a spot near the office or look towards the open loops for more elbow room; (5) If you missed it, for mi oar rowin’ bredren, kayak to Blue Spring: it’s the best free manatee show in Florida (sorry, SeaWorld!); and (6) In the event that you’ve already checked out the on-site Swamp House Grill and want to try something new, hit up Hontoon Landing Restaurant for casual riverside eats, Blue Spring Café serving up biscuits the size of your face or DeBary Hall’s nearby eateries for a dose of history and hearty Southern comfort.

    Happy Camping!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Anastasia State Park Campground

    Sand Dunes & Sea Breezes Near Ancient City

    I’m following up on my review from over a year ago with updated insights, additional photos and a quick breakdown of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS: 

    HIGHLIGHTS: (1) 139 shaded sites nestled under live oaks dripping with Spanish moss and palmettos with water and electric hookups; (2) Quick access to 4 miles of pristine Atlantic beach; (3) Amenities include bathhouses, dump station, camp store and rental concession; (4) Nature trails and birding along salt marshes and dunes; (5) Minutes from downtown St. Augustine’s history and attractions; (6) Nearby restaurants include O’Steen’s Restaurant, which is famous for fried shrimp, Mellow Mushroom offering hippie-themed pies and Salt Life Food Shack offering up casual seafood with rooftop views. 

    LOWLIGHTS: (1) Tight sites where large RVs may struggle; (2) No sewer hookups at individual sites; (3) Reservations book up fast, especially weekends – trust me, this is one of the MOST POPULAR CAMPGROUNDS in all of Florida!; (4) Mosquitoes and no-see-ums thrive in warm months; and (5) Road noise from A1A can be noticeable. 

    Happy Camping!

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2025

    Tomoka State Park Campground

    Mot as pretty as the pics

    Some spots are hard to back into, even with a 25ft rv. Don’t try to walk to the store on site, it’s kinda far!

  • Courtney Moriah
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Trimble Park Campground

    Gorgeous natural park

    Been here only 1 day so far. The park is beautiful! It’s like a jungle, very tucked away and private and surrounded by water. 50 amp power, water hookups and sewage dump is right inside the campground for easy access. Our site has lantern hangers and a big fire pit with benches! The sites are nicely paved and graveled and the picnic tables are like new!! 10/10 recommend.

  • Alex L.
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Tomoka State Park Campground

    Beautiful but noisy

    Stayed in site 69. Bugs were decent honestly. Temps were very warm. Bathroom closed (only found out after check in) but campground is small so not too long of a walk. Road noise is moderate and some sites are very close together but others do a good job of having a barrier. There is plenty nearby in terms of hiking and kayaking.

  • ENRIQUE T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Alexander Springs Recreation Area

    Wonderful Summer Spot

    Friendly and professional hostesses, clean bathrooms and sites are very spacious and private. The spring is wonderful even on busy weekends is very manageable. Just watch for coons stealing your food.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Silver Springs State Park Campground

    Awesomeness

    Let me start by saying park.is very clean and well maintained. Sites are big with gravel, fire pits, grill dining tabels and did I say clean. Silver springs is beautiful, go on the boat...


Guide to Pierson

Camping near Pierson, Florida, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a family getaway or a peaceful retreat, there are several campgrounds that cater to different needs.

What to do

  • Kayaking and Canoeing: The Silver Springs State Park Campground is perfect for paddling. One visitor mentioned, "We had our own kayaks so we put in at the head springs and paddled down to the campground." It's a scenic trip that showcases the area's natural beauty.
  • Hiking: Many campgrounds, like Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground, have trails that let you explore the local flora and fauna. A reviewer noted, "The trails are absolutely gorgeous. Natural palms growing among tall pines."
  • Wildlife Watching: At Blue Spring State Park Campground, you can see manatees, especially during the cooler months. One camper shared, "This beautiful state park has a secluded old Florida feel."

What campers like

  • Privacy: Campers appreciate the spacious sites at places like Tomoka State Park Campground. A visitor said, "The campsites are carved out of palmettos and tall palm trees for lots of shade and visual privacy."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campers rave about the cleanliness of the bathhouses. At Anastasia State Park Campground, one reviewer mentioned, "Super clean bathhouse. A few raccoons so take necessary precautions with trash and food storage."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of the staff. At Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, a visitor noted, "Constant ground crews, sanitation work, and transportation options."

What you should know

  • Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. A camper at Florida Salt Springs advised, "A camp host came to our site immediately after we unhitched to advise that our one tow vehicle tire on the grass will get us a $250 fine."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Juniper Springs Recreation Area, may have limited amenities. A reviewer mentioned, "The level of cleanliness seems typical of concessionaire run campgrounds. Poor."
  • Noise Levels: Be prepared for noise, especially on weekends. A visitor at Florida Salt Springs said, "Loud and rowdy campers all weekend long—day and night."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. At North Beach Camp Resort, one family enjoyed, "The camp is located in a great location between the beach and the river."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities to keep everyone entertained. A camper at Anastasia State Park Campground mentioned, "Beach is beautiful. Lots to do in the area."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having snacks on hand can make a big difference. A visitor at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground noted, "Pools, restaurants, shops, and fun activities going on all the time."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground said, "The site backs up to an area of low grasses, bushes, and palms with tall pines nearby."
  • Use Dump Stations: Familiarize yourself with the location of dump stations. At Silver Springs State Park Campground, a camper mentioned, "There is a dump station."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Some campgrounds may not have stores nearby. A visitor at Florida Salt Springs noted, "Not much in the area, but it did have gas stations and a few places to eat close."

Camping near Pierson, Florida, has something for everyone, whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin. Enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Pierson, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, Pierson, FL offers a wide range of camping options, with 301 campgrounds and RV parks near Pierson, FL and 8 free dispersed camping spots.

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?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 free dispersed camping spots 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.