Best Campgrounds near Pomona Park, FL

Campgrounds in the Pomona Park area of Florida offer diverse camping experiences along waterways and within national forests. Locations like Salt Springs Recreation Area provide both RV hookups and primitive tent camping options, while Renegades on the River includes cabin accommodations for those seeking more comfort. The region includes several established campgrounds along the St. Johns River and its tributaries, with Welaka State Forest offering hiking trails accessible from camping areas. Many sites provide direct access to freshwater springs, lakes, and rivers for fishing, swimming, and boating activities.

The camping season runs year-round in most locations, though summer brings hot, humid conditions and increased mosquito activity. Amenities vary significantly between campgrounds, with some offering full hookups while others maintain more primitive settings. "The campsites are large, we fit 3 4+ person tents. This was one of the busier places I have camped in Florida. The facilities were clean and provided showers," noted one visitor about Alexander Springs Recreation Area. Water access points for fishing and boating represent key features at many locations, with several campgrounds offering boat ramps and fishing docks. During peak weekends and holiday periods, reservations are strongly recommended as waterfront sites fill quickly, especially at popular destinations like Anastasia State Park.

Campers consistently rate water access as a primary draw to the area, with the freshwater springs being a particular highlight. Sites near Ocala National Forest provide access to crystal-clear springs maintaining a constant 72-74 degrees year-round. One camper described Salt Springs as having "complete hookups, meaning 50amp, water and sewer. The cherry on top is that all the sites are paved!" Fishing opportunities abound throughout the region, with several locations advertising bass fishing in particular. The camping areas range from densely wooded sites offering shade and privacy to more open waterfront locations with views of lakes and rivers. While most established campgrounds provide at least basic restroom facilities, several primitive camping areas in the national forest require visitors to be self-sufficient with water and waste management.

Best Camping Sites Near Pomona Park, Florida (269)

    1. Salt Springs Recreation Area

    57 Reviews
    Salt Springs, FL
    13 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."

    2. Rodman Campground

    27 Reviews
    Welaka, FL
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (386) 326-2846

    $12 - $22 / night

    "Sites 1-39 are not near the Florida Trail but it was not a bad walk to the other side of the campground to get to the trail. Would stay again."

    "This peaceful campground provides a serene setting surrounded by towering pines and lush Florida foliage."

    3. Anastasia State Park Campground

    115 Reviews
    St. Augustine, FL
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (904) 461-2033

    $28 / night

    "You really can have it all at this campground - with its 'next door' proximity to one of the most amazing beachheads on Florida's Atlantic coastline and quick access to the country's oldest town (St."

    "Great location & in close proximity to St. Augustine. One of my favorite places to visit in Florida. If you've never been to St."

    4. Juniper Springs Rec Area - Tropical Camp Area

    45 Reviews
    Astor, FL
    23 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."

    5. Half Shell Resort

    6 Reviews
    San Mateo, FL
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (901) 230-6224

    $55 / night

    "Close to town for all your needs. It's right on the St John's river. 

    We made some awesome friends while we were their. Can't wait to get back"

    "Nice restaurants nearby. No picnic table at campsites. Everyone very friendly."

    6. Renegades on the River

    5 Reviews
    Georgetown, FL
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (386) 524-4179

    $80 - $190 / night

    "Great access to the lake."

    "Plenty of bars and restaurants within a short drive."

    7. Hopkins Prairie Campground — National Forests In Florida

    15 Reviews
    Salt Springs, FL
    17 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."

    8. Welaka State Forest

    4 Reviews
    Welaka, FL
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (386) 292-2478

    $10 - $15 / night

    "Please note there isn’t much close by, so stop at the grocery and get fuel before you turn off 17."

    "The location itself was very quiet and peaceful with good trails. There were a several other campers at the hookup sights."

    9. Davenport Landing

    7 Reviews
    Welaka, FL
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 236-0288

    "Pulled in around 9:30 pm. Big open spot. Last 100 yards driving back in were very bumpy but no problem with our van. Not sure about a larger RV. But great Tent/van spot."

    "Had no one around and nice and cool in the forest"

    10. Welaka Lodge & Resort

    2 Reviews
    Welaka, FL
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (386) 467-7171

    "OK, so maybe it’s not quite like Margaritaville (nor do I think there is any aspiration to be like Jimmy Buffet’s version of paradise), but if you’re toting an RV and looking to dock up to a lakeside marina"

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 269 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Pomona Park, FL

1283 Reviews of 269 Pomona Park 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!

  • 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...

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Anastasia State Park Campground

    Great park

    Feels secluded and amazing and the shops are great they have everything you need that you may have forgot or fun stuff for you to do


Guide to Pomona Park

The camping spots near Pomona Park, Florida sit within the northernmost section of the Ocala National Forest, where the St. Johns River widens as it flows northward. Winter temperatures typically range from 40-70°F, making November through March the most comfortable camping season. During summer months, temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with humidity levels above 80%, creating challenging conditions for tent campers without proper ventilation.

What to do

Kayaking Juniper Springs Run: This 7-mile downstream paddle at Juniper Springs Recreation Area provides a challenging adventure through a narrow, winding waterway. "The creek makes for a great one way downstream 7 mile float. Boats less than 10' greatly improves your ability to navigate tight turns," advises Rebecca E. Plan for potential obstacles depending on water levels and fallen trees.

Hiking the Florida Trail: Multiple access points exist where the Florida National Scenic Trail passes through the region. Hopkins Prairie Campground provides direct trail access with "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 Southern Magnolias," according to one hiker.

Fishing at Rodman Reservoir: The 9,000-acre Rodman Preserve offers prime freshwater fishing opportunities. "The Rodman Reservoir offers nothing short of amazing kayak and canoe adventures," notes Stuart K. Local anglers report consistently good catches of bass, particularly during early morning hours. Fishing licenses required.

What campers like

Natural springs access: Salt Springs Recreation Area stands out for its spacious campsites near the main spring. "The spring is a short walk from the campground or a quick bike ride," notes Miranda R. The springs maintain a consistent 72-degree temperature year-round, providing refreshing swimming opportunities regardless of season.

Riverfront camping views: Welaka Lodge & Resort offers premium waterfront sites. "Hidden under the shade of Ancient Oaks, Magnolias and tropical Palms," describes Stuart K., making it ideal for wildlife viewing directly from your campsite. The resort includes "a proper heated swimming pool and jacuzzi here with an adjacent community bar."

Private tent sites: For those seeking more seclusion, Hopkins Prairie Campground provides "pretty much all of the sites are shady and most have good privacy between them, especially the sites that face out onto the prairie," according to Jaime G. First-come, first-served sites typically fill quickly on weekends but often remain available midweek.

What you should know

Primitive camping limitations: Davenport Landing offers free dispersed camping but comes with minimal facilities. "No picnic tables. No fire ring. No stand-up grill. No potable (or for that matter, non-potable) water spigot," explains Stuart K. Access requires navigating "a winding gravel road" with "divots and potholes" that may challenge lower-clearance vehicles.

Reservation requirements: Most established campgrounds in the area require advance booking, especially during winter months. At Salt Springs, "it is highly advisable that you make your campground reservations way in advance by calling 1-877-444-6777 or booking online at Recreation.gov," notes one camper.

Weekend noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience significant noise during peak weekends. At Rodman Campground, "if there is an 'All Hours Weekend' at the nearby Hog Waller Campground and ATV Resort (right across the river), then the trails remain open 24 hours and you will not have any tranquility or relaxation all night," warns Jeff E.

Tips for camping with families

Best campgrounds for children: Anastasia State Park offers family-friendly amenities including "water sport equipment rental and snack shack on site," according to Kim A. Sites near the playground provide convenient supervision while maintaining some privacy.

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds offer structured wildlife observation areas. "We saw deer at dusk meandering through the woods," reports Jeff E. at Rodman Campground. Bird watchers can spot osprey, bald eagles, and wading birds throughout the region, particularly during early morning hours.

Swimming safety precautions: Natural springs provide safer swimming options than river locations where alligators may be present. "The springs/swimming area is really beautiful! Huge with room for lots of people, deep diving areas, shallows children's areas," describes Zanny M. about Juniper Springs, making it ideal for families with mixed swimming abilities.

Tips from RVers

Hookup availability: Renegades on the River offers premium RV sites with full connections. "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," notes Dean G. The campground includes both back-in and pull-through options to accommodate various RV sizes.

Site leveling considerations: Some campgrounds require extra effort for leveling. At Salt Springs Recreation Area, "Sites have paved pads but most are not level," according to Sue G. Bringing additional leveling blocks is recommended, particularly for larger rigs.

Internet connectivity limitations: Most campgrounds in this rural area have limited or no reliable internet. One RVer at Rodman Campground notes that "I use Starlink for my internet and there's only one site in the park that would work for it (Site 1)." Plan to disconnect or bring your own connectivity solutions if remote work is necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Pomona Park, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, Pomona Park, FL offers a wide range of camping options, with 269 campgrounds and RV parks near Pomona Park, FL and 8 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Pomona Park, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Pomona Park, FL is Salt Springs Recreation Area with a 4.4-star rating from 57 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Pomona Park, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 free dispersed camping spots near Pomona Park, FL.

What parks are near Pomona Park, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 parks near Pomona Park, FL that allow camping, notably Ocala National Forest and National Forests in Florida.