Best Campgrounds near Ponce Inlet, FL

Campgrounds near Ponce Inlet, Florida primarily feature established campgrounds with a mix of RV, tent, and cabin options within short driving distance of beaches and waterways. Tomoka State Park Campground provides shaded sites with electric and water hookups just 30 minutes north, while Daytona Beach RV Resort and Nova Campground offer accommodations closer to the inlet. Most facilities in this coastal region maintain year-round operations, allowing visitors to experience the area's mild winters and access to both the Atlantic Ocean and inland waterways like the Halifax River.

Many campgrounds in the Ponce Inlet area require advance reservations, particularly during winter months when "snowbirds" arrive and during special events like Daytona Speedweek and Bike Week. Sites typically provide electric hookups, water access, and often sewer connections, with varying levels of shade depending on the facility. Tent camping options are more limited than RV accommodations throughout the region, with Blue Spring State Park offering one of the better tent camping experiences within driving distance. Cell service is generally strong throughout the area due to its proximity to developed coastal communities. A visitor noted: "This was the first RV campground we stayed at when we became Full time. We stayed an entire month and LOVED it. Super family-friendly! You're only a 10-15 min drive to the closest beaches."

Waterfront access represents a major draw for campers in the Ponce Inlet region. Coral Sands RV Resort provides direct oceanfront accommodations described by one camper as "Great old Florida Campground ON THE BEACH!" Several campgrounds offer access to freshwater springs, rivers, and lakes slightly further inland, including Blue Spring State Park and Tomoka State Park where fishing and paddling opportunities abound. Wildlife viewing, particularly manatees during cooler months, enhances these water-oriented camping experiences. Campgrounds like Daytona's Endless Summer provide amenities such as swimming pools and playgrounds, making them popular with families. Most locations throughout the region allow pets with typical restrictions, though guests should verify pet policies when making reservations as some facilities have breed or size limitations.

Best Camping Sites Near Ponce Inlet, Florida (164)

    1. Tomoka State Park Campground

    54 Reviews
    Ormond Beach, FL
    19 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."

    2. Sugar Mill Ruins Travel Park

    9 Reviews
    New Smyrna Beach, FL
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (386) 427-2284

    $40 - $50 / night

    "If you’ve landed on this review hopefully its because of a primary decision to visit one of the greatest beach communities in all of Florida – New Smyrna Beach."

    "Pool is heated, and shaped like the state of Florida. Nice playground for the kids."

    3. Gold Rock Campground

    5 Reviews
    New Smyrna Beach, FL
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (386) 424-7332

    $25 - $35 / night

    "The space is completely surrounded by trees, so when you pull in you feel like you're way off the grid, but when you pull out of the park you're right in the middle of stuff."

    4. Daytona Beach RV Resort

    5 Reviews
    Port Orange, FL
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (386) 761-2663

    "Great spot if you are looking for easy access to the beach. We were able to ride our bikes there. The bathrooms and outdoor pool were extremely nice!"

    "Laundry is a very nice space with good clean machines. easy access to stores, food and a short drive to the beaches. The price was a nice surprise for all you get."

    5. Daytona's Endless Summer Campground

    4 Reviews
    Port Orange, FL
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (386) 767-9170

    "You're only a 10-15 min drive to the closest beaches (further for the lighthouse and Ponce Inlet). It had a great pool, a playground, and a dog run. Great rates for monthly and seasonal."

    "As I rock up to this roadside campground destination, I’ve got Don Henley’s ‘Boys of Summer’ playing on the old Spotify, which is just the perfect soundtrack to this multi-faceted campground refuge."

    6. Blue Spring State Park Campground

    45 Reviews
    Orange City, FL
    27 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."

    7. Nova Campground

    4 Reviews
    Port Orange, FL
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (386) 767-0095

    "For $50 a day (and that was event pricing because we were at a music festival nearby) we had an igloo, basically a tiny cabin, AC, a bathroom very nearby, electric, AND a pool!! We were thrilled!"

    8. Indian Mound Fish Camp

    8 Reviews
    Oak Hill, FL
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (386) 345-9845

    $68 / night

    "was pleasantly surprised to find Indian Mound Fish Camp offered all of these elements, so If you’ve got an RV, camper en tow or looking for a ready-made cabin on the water, then this particular RV location"

    "It not very big, but gives great access to good fishing and fun family times.

    This has been the rainy season this trip, but mornings until 12pm, the weather is great."

    9. Encore Rose Bay

    4 Reviews
    Port Orange, FL
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477
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Recent Reviews near Ponce Inlet, FL

805 Reviews of 164 Ponce Inlet Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Gateway Fish Camp

    Laid-Back Old Florida Waterfront Hideaway

    Tucked along the shores of The St. Johns River flowing southward to Lake George, Gateway Fish Camp feels like stepping back into a gentler, quieter version of Florida where fishing poles outnumber smartphones. This little slice of Old Florida charm has a down-home, relaxed atmosphere that’s equal parts rustic and welcoming. The first thing you’ll notice is the water – calm, wide-open lake views that practically beg you to sit (although as there's actually no chairs, I would encourage you to bring your own) a spell on the dock and watch the sun do its magic at either end of the day. Just follow the sandy ‘streets’ or road pathways covered in shade down to the main office.

    The campground here is small and unpretentious (that is my kind word for it at least), offering both pull-in and back-in RV sites, although if I’m honest, there’s a handful of RVs that looked like they’ve been here for a while and have no pretensions of leaving anytime soon. Is the place a bit disheveled and in need of a fresh coat of paint and a good bit of gardening manicure?  Yes.  Expect electric hookups, basic water access, and a layout that’s easy enough to navigate without fancy maneuvering. Restrooms (albeit primitive) are serviceable and clean, and the overall vibe is one of practicality rather than polish. Pet owners will be glad to know furry friends are welcome, and the pace of life here makes it easy to wander with them. It’s not luxury camping, but it’s honest, comfortable, and refreshingly straightforward.

    What really makes Gateway shine is its direct access to Lake George, a dream come true for anglers, kayakers, and birdwatchers. You can drop a line for bass, launch a kayak from the dock, or just sit by the water and spot ospreys circling overhead. Crescent City itself is a short drive away for groceries, gas, or a diner breakfast, but the lake and surrounding marshes provide the real entertainment. This is the kind of place where the sound of boat motors mixes with bird calls and nobody seems in a hurry.

    Insider Tips? Here’s a few: (1) If you can, snag a campsite close to the water’s edge – you’ll get front-row seats to sunrise and a constant cool breeze; (2) For a memorable local meal, head over to 3 Bananas Restaurant right on Crescent Lake in Crescent City. Their blackened fish sandwich is as good as the view from the deck; (3) If you are a tent camper like me, you’ll want to take note that this place only has primitive bathrooms, so either bring your own, otherwise, you’ll be hiking to the nearest Publix or Dollar General; (4) Kayakers will love paddling out toward the lake’s eastern shoreline. And if you don’t have a kayak, fret not, the good folks here at Gateway Fish Camp will rent you 1 of the 2 that they have. Early morning trips often reward you with glimpses of herons, egrets, and even the occasional alligator – all from a safe distance, of course!; and (5) Apart from having direct access to Lake George (and nearby access to Crescent Lake), one of the very big upsides to being here at Gateway Fish Camp is the direct access to Fort Gates Ferry, which docks here and for a small fee will transport you to the other side of the St. Johns River, saving you substantial amount of time driving around this body of water.

    Happy Camping!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 15, 2025

    Bass World Lodge & Marina

    Backwater Bayou Fishing Hole

    Located so close to the St. Johns River that if you were any closer to it, you’d be swimming in it! For those anglers that are looking for no frills accommodations – whether those be from the confines of your own RV or 5th Wheel… or in the event that you need to rent a place for the night – then Bass World Lodge & Marina has you covered by offering up one of the 4-5 RV slots it has or by renting you one of its basic cabin rentals (up to 10 people can be accommodated). Fishing is coveted in these parts that will place you on the northernmost tip of Lake George in the very itty bitty enclave of Georgetown, which if you want to discover what Old Florida looks like, then just stop on by here for a spell.

    Given the weather conditions in this part of Central Florida, you can check-in to Bass World Lodge & Marina year-round and within minutes of getting set up, you’ll easily have access to the St. Johns in no time by leveraging one of 2 boathouses that sit adjacent to the property here. If you’ve got angling on your mind, you’ll have no problems casting for big- and small-mouth bass, crappie, channel catfish, pickerel, bluegill, lake trout, landlocked salmon, yellow perch, bluegill, panfish, northern pike and even American eel. While on the lake, you can enjoy all sorts of watersports like waterskiing, tubing, paddleboarding, kayaking, wakeboarding, canoeing, boating and even gator hunting (permit required).

    Amenities include: 2 individual boat houses, fish cleaning stations complete with running water, boat slips for rent, non-ethanol fuel, FHU’s offering water, sewage & electric, bait & tackle, community grills, makeshift car rim fire pits, fish cleaning stations, lakefront seats & benches, fishing pier, boat docking, boat rentals, scattered card tables, assorted dock seating and on-site market with souvenirs, cold beverages, beer, ice, snacks and all the fishing gear you can swing your fishing pole at. There’s even a guide you can hire here to show you around the nearby fishing holes.

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) While brackish, somewhat darker-than-usual waters makes for just mediocre (at best) swimming accommodations, you’re in luck if coming here as nearby, there are gorgeous springs like Silver Springs, Juniper Springs and Alexander Springs, which all 3 will offer crystal-clear snorkeling and swimming options unlike you’ve ever experienced; (2) Because Georgetown is tiny, there’s barely any restaurant options, although we were able to find nearby a few really good spots like Idle Awhile for Cajun Fried Pickles & Blackened Haddock chased down by Rum Runners, Fatboy’s Saloon for Peel & Eat Shrimp, Hawg Burners with iced Tall Boys and Renegades on the River serving up Gator Tail and the best Shepherd’s Pie on the St. Johns – all within reach of a proper Tiki Bar where the Mai Tais pour freely; (3) This RV outpost on the St. Johns River has been up and running by the same family for 3 decades, so when it comes to knowledge of where to cast your line or how to get to a secluded area and away from the crowds, you can ask any one of the family here for some spartan tips and recommendations; (4) IMHO the best RV spots are those closest to the inside loop (#6 and #7), while if you are wanting to rent a cabin, I actually rate those a bit further away from the main office / riverfront, where it is quietest (#3 - #5); and (5) If you’ve come without a boat to get on the water, no worries, Bass World Lodge & Marina has you covered by offering up Pontoon and Bass Boat rentals, which at $175 - $315 per day is incredibly affordable.

    Happy Camping!

  • Silly M.
    Jul. 31, 2025

    Lake Monroe Park

    Amazing retreat

    Honestly was my first time tent camping and I enjoyed this place very much. They offered running water as well as regular electric hookups so just bring you a decent long power cord and you are set for the night. There is a huge lake right by the site and showers are decent

  • Janet Juanita C.
    Jul. 3, 2025

    Encore Sunshine Holiday Daytona

    My experience

    Park has alot of camper s been there awhile living. Alot of the sites are not paved. Mine was between to that live there, no fireplace. Small space, but shaded. Has a store.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 3, 2025

    Georgetown Marina, Lodge & RV Park

    Angler’s Paradise w/ Gorgeous Dockside Views

    If your idea of a sublime slice of heaven includes being surrounded by a body of water, complete with docks to tie up your boat so that you can rise early to hook lake trout, smallmouth and largemouth bass, black crappie, brown bullhead, yellow perch, landlocked salmon, chain pickerel, pumpkinseed, rock bass, smelt and northern pike (even though you are here in the south), then Georgetown Marina, Lodge& RV Park might just be the perfect place for you. I will add, this is a small fisherman’s town kind of place – don’t expect creature comforts here and modify your expectations that this spot is incredibly functional for those that just want to get on the water, fish and bring back trophies to carve up for dinner.

    This RV park is a bit on the smaller side, and in all, there’s about 33 slots with FHU’s offering 20, 30 and 50 amp electric to choose from which the best of the lot being those sites (#1–#4) that are closest to the water or those sites that sit on the northern perimeter that are most isolated from the rest of this encampment thereby delivering a heavier dose of peace & quiet. Those sites that sit further back are quite crowded and offer no view, so look at this area as more of a glorified parking lot exclusively organized for RVs and 5th Wheelers. If you are a tent camper, this is not an ideal place for you, so I would recommend you look at other nearby accommodations. The gem here is the dock that will provide you with a place to house your boat enabling you again to access the lovely waters of Lake George swiftly and securely.

    From an amenities’ standpoint, this watery outpost offers up marine fuel, docks, fishing and boating guides, airboat charters, facilitated gator spotting, bait & tackle for sale, boat storage, boat lift equipment, restrooms, showers and laundry facilities (that are just passable), scattered picnic tables and grills, dockage (up to 60’), airboat rides, narrow boat launch that provides quick and EZ access to Lake George, WiFi, concrete patios, pump out, fish cleaning tables with hoses, dockside lounge chairs, access to nearby springs, designated dump stations and a small marketplace in the main office that will sell you bait, lures, ice cream, candy bars, boat supplies, ice, beer and wine as well as souvenirs. In the event that you don’t have an RV, there’s 7 small cabins that this CG will rent you that come with LR, BA, BR that sleeps 4-8 people and kitchen areas along with screened porch.

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) Whether with a motorboat or paddling kayak and canoe, you will want to be very careful to watch the swarms of manatee that live in this lake; (2) If you’ve never gone out to see gators at night, you really should give it a try and here with Captain Adam Delaney, you’ll have an excellent time as this is his specialty; (3) At $45 / night, $225 / week and $450 / month along with $10 nightly dock fees this is a very affordable spot; and (4) While there’s not a whole lot in the surrounding area of Georgetown, there is a handful of restaurants like Idle Awhile Resort that serves up an incredibly awesome breakfast with local fare like River Shrimp Hash and Banana Nut Bread French Toast, The Oaks Golf Club Café offering proper British Fish-n-Chips and other American-fare as well as Renegades of the River featuring a Tiki Bar and its own kitchen dishing out calzones, pizzas and typical bar fare like cheese curds, fried pickles and wings but the dish that steals the show is the Catfish platter.

    Happy Camping!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 22, 2025

    Trimble Park Campground

    THE Campground Oasis You’ve Been Searching For

    In all of my camping experiences, Trimble Park CG holds a very special place as one of my MOST favorites – and having camped in nearly 400 different campgrounds, that’s saying something! As my post from 3 years ago provided quite a bit of detail on this spectacular campground, I’m following up on that review by sharing additional fotos as well as providing a topline update capturing highs & lows:

    Highlights: (1) Great kayaking in nearby Lake Beauclair and Lake Carlton; (2) Supreme amount of peace & quiet as there are less than 15 total campsites; (3) Nearby restaurants and stores in picturesque Mount Dora provide a nice distraction, if the very place you find yourself in isn't enough; (4) The majority of sites (#3-#13) are waterfront with all sites being spacious, flat and nicely shaded, courtesy of all the ancient and live Oaks dripping with Spanish moss; (5) Seemingly brand new playground for the kiddos; and (6) Restrooms and shower facilities are fairly well taken care of.

    Lowlights: (1) There are very few amenities here beyond the restrooms, picnic tables and fire rings; (2) Cyclists and those looking for trails to hike will be disappointed as there’s not much if anything here to either hike or bike on; (3) Booking a reservation on a fairly archaic website with a non-sensical process that involves booking 45 days in advance, so you have to time the precise days you want to camp here and be the first person to reserve a spot at 12:01am on the day that those spots become available … and with just 15 available sites to book, competition for this camping gem is fierce!

    Happy Camping!


Guide to Ponce Inlet

Camping near Ponce Inlet, Florida, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Explore the beach: The proximity to the beach is a big draw. Campers at North Beach Camp Resort love that it’s just a short walk away. One reviewer mentioned, "The camp is located in a great location between the beach and the river."
  • Visit the springs: Blue Spring State Park Campground is known for its stunning springs. A visitor shared, "The spring is walking distance from the campground - we saw turtles, otters, and many fish while swimming in the spring."
  • Kayaking and canoeing: Many campgrounds, like Tomoka State Park Campground, offer great spots for kayaking. One camper noted, "Whether you like to get on the water in a kayak, canoe or fishing boat, you are in for a treat here."

What campers like:

What you should know:

  • Noise levels: Some campgrounds can get noisy, especially during busy weekends. A camper at Florida Salt Springs mentioned, "Loud and rowdy campers all weekend long—day and night."
  • Limited hookups: Not all campgrounds offer electric or water hookups. A reviewer at Alexander Springs Recreation Area noted, "For the price, no electric or water hookups and the facilities were not well maintained."
  • Reservations recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. A visitor at Juniper Springs Recreation Area advised, "If you find yourself out-of-luck in finding an available campground site to reserve, try your luck at booking one of the cabins."

Tips for camping with families:

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Florida Salt Springs noted, "Our site was a really good size! We had plenty of space on all four sides."
  • Look for amenities: Choose campgrounds with good amenities. A camper at Tomoka State Park Campground appreciated the "clean and well-organized community restroom/shower facilities."
  • Be prepared for dirt roads: Some campgrounds have dirt sites. A visitor at North Beach Camp Resort mentioned, "For the price they charge, I would like to see all the sites with gravel."

Camping around Ponce Inlet, Florida, offers a variety of experiences, from beach fun to nature exploration. Whether you're in a tent or an RV, there's something for everyone!

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Ponce Inlet from Orlando for a weekend camping trip?

Ponce Inlet is approximately 70 miles northeast of Orlando, making it an ideal weekend camping getaway that typically takes about 1-1.5 hours to drive depending on traffic. For those planning this trip, Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground offers a convenient midpoint option with nicely wooded campsites providing shade from the Florida sun. Alternatively, Cracker Barrel — Sanford provides overnight parking about 25 minutes north of Orlando for those wanting to break up their journey. The relatively short distance makes Ponce Inlet perfectly manageable for a quick weekend escape from Orlando's tourist attractions to coastal tranquility.

Where can I camp in Ponce Inlet, Florida?

While Ponce Inlet itself has limited camping options, there are several excellent campgrounds in the surrounding area. Coral Sands RV Resort offers a vintage Florida camping experience right on the beach, with oceanfront pool access and clean facilities just a short drive from Ponce Inlet. For those seeking more affordable options, Holiday Travel Park is conveniently located off I-95 and provides a community atmosphere with plenty of amenities. Other nearby options include Nova Campground in Port Orange and Sugar Mill Ruins Travel Park near New Smyrna Beach, both offering full hookups and easy access to Ponce Inlet's attractions.

What camping is available near Ponce Inlet, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, Ponce Inlet, FL offers a wide range of camping options, with 164 campgrounds and RV parks near Ponce Inlet, FL and 4 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Ponce Inlet, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Ponce Inlet, FL is Tomoka State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 54 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Ponce Inlet, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Ponce Inlet, FL.