Bennett Field Campground — Tiger Bay State Forest
Nice super spacious
Quite a bit of ticks. The camping table had a bee hive …
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.
$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."
$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."
$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."
"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."
"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."
$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."
"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!"
$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."












Quite a bit of ticks. The camping table had a bee hive …
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!
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!
Looney Acres sits tucked just off US-1 in Mims and immediately feels like a throwback to truly primitive camping, with about three dozen simple sites scattered through the woods of what looks to be freshly cleared land that accommodate tents and smaller RVs, all on grass and dirt with minimal leveling. Amenities are extremely limited, with a portable toilet, a basic outdoor shower setup and very little in the way of landscaping or defined walkways, which made getting around on foot a bit tricky for the kids. The boys enjoyed a short wander through the trees and a bit of free-range exploring before we realized this spot wasn’t the best match for our family’s comfort level or setup needs. From what we saw, the quieter sites farthest from the entrance offer the best sense of seclusion, but for families wanting easier access, cleaner facilities, and a more relaxed stay, we ultimately recommend passing and heading down the road to Indian River RV Park in Titusville instead.
While exploring Florida's 'Space Coast' we decided to pull into Willow Lakes Golf & RV Resort just off US-1 in Titusville, which immediately sets you up for a comfortable and relaxed stay, with well-maintained RV sites nestled among shady tree-lined paved pathways and plenty of space between rigs that feels restful after a long travel day. The resort itself is one of the most highly polished RV communities we have ever visited with thoughtful amenities like a small swimming pool, shuffleboard and bocce ball courts, offering clean bath and shower facilities, roomy paved sites that provide shelter for even the tallest and longest of RVs along with a peaceful layout that feels safe and welcoming for families – but one huge watch out: this is a 55+ community, so while we instantly fell in love with this place, we knew the only way we could stay was if we brought one set of grandparents! One of the highlights of our visit was taking the boys down to the Space Coast to watch a satellite launch from nearby Cape Canaveral, their eyes wide as the rocket lifted into the sky. Dinner at Shilohs Steak & Seafood, a short drive away on US-1, gave us all a chance to enjoy hearty meals and fresh local fare before heading back to our rig, where we eventually found a much better, family-friendly place to stay in Manatee Hammock CG. We’d recommend Willow Lakes for 55+ RV campers who appreciate EZ access from the highway, a friendly RV vibe with clean amenities and proximity to unique local attractions like space launches and great local dining that make every day feel like a part of the adventure. My hubby and I decided this is one of the places we would consider retiring to when our boys are all grown up!
Last minute getaway. 20 minutes from palm coast. We enjoyed being by the lake. You could bring your boat to this one for sure.
Well kept primitive camping site. No road noise, and nice bear cabinets, picnic tables, grill and fire ring.
We were very disappointed with the condition of what once was the flagship campground in Ocala National Forest. The boardwalks to both the springs adjacent to the campgrounds were in horrible and disrepair and closed, and looked like they had been for some time. The restroom on the tropical loop where we were staying was in serious need of a deep cleaning, lots of grime all over the walls. Additionally, the only dump station in the old campground was out of order and blocked off. This is one of those campgrounds where the forest service has contracted operations to a private contractor, and they are apparently falling down on the job.
Tucked just east of Orlando, Hal Scott Preserve County Park feels like stepping into an older, quieter version of Florida, where primitive camping still means earning your spot by foot and being rewarded with real peace once you arrive. This is a small, hike-in, first-come / first-served primitive campground set beneath mature oak trees that create a beautiful natural canopy, with clearly marked trails that make the walk manageable but still adventurous, especially if you are hauling gear. Amenities are intentionally minimal with cleared campsites, picnic tables, fire rings and a non-potable well pump for water, so planning ahead is essential and a folding wagon or cart is a very smart move to haul things from the very large parking lot. Our boys treated the hike-in like a mini expedition, counting steps, spotting birds along the trail and proudly helping to carry gear, which made the payoff of settling into camp under the oaks feel even sweeter. The best campsite is one slightly set back from the main trail under the thickest oak cover, as it offers the most amount of shade and a stronger sense of seclusion. We would recommend Hal Scott Preserve for families who enjoy primitive camping, hiking and wildlife watching, but it is best suited for those comfortable with basic facilities and a little extra effort in exchange for quiet and connection to nature.
The eastern Florida coastline near Ponce Inlet features multiple established campgrounds catering to diverse camping preferences. Several developed sites in the area accommodate both tent and RV campers, including Tomoka State Park, Sugar Mill Ruins Travel Park, and Daytona Beach RV Resort. Most facilities within a 20-mile radius of Ponce Inlet provide full hookups, with many offering cabin accommodations for those without camping equipment. Campgrounds like Nova Family Campground, Daytona's Endless Summer Campground, and Blue Spring State Park Campground maintain a mix of tent sites, RV pads, and rental cabins to serve various camping styles.
Campgrounds in the Ponce Inlet region generally remain open year-round due to Florida's mild winter climate, though advance reservations are strongly recommended during winter months when seasonal residents or "snowbirds" migrate south. Summer brings higher humidity and temperatures, with afternoon thunderstorms common from June through September. Most developed campgrounds in the area provide paved or gravel sites, with varying levels of shade depending on the property. Access to amenities varies between facilities, with some offering clean restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities while others have more basic services. A visitor noted, "The pool area is beautiful and well maintained. Laundry is a very nice space with good clean machines. Easy access to stores, food and a short drive to the beaches."
Many camping areas near Ponce Inlet emphasize proximity to beaches as their primary draw, with most located within a 15-minute drive of Atlantic coast beaches. Several review comments highlight Gold Rock Campground's convenient location, noting it feels secluded despite being close to shopping and beaches. Campers frequently mention pool amenities as significant attractions at multiple campgrounds, providing relief during hot summer days. Reviewers consistently note the region's campgrounds have varying site sizes and layouts, with some facilities offering spacious sites while others have more compact arrangements. One camper observed, "You're only a 10-15 minute drive to one of the most glorious drive-on beaches in all of Florida," highlighting the balance between natural surroundings and beach access that attracts visitors to the area.
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 172 campgrounds and RV parks near Ponce Inlet, FL and 6 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 4.6-star rating from 55 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Ponce Inlet, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 free dispersed camping spots near Ponce Inlet, FL.
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