Best RV Parks & Resorts near Port Orange, FL

What I love about Ocean Grove is that it puts you smack dab due south of St. Augustine (a.k.a. Ancient City), but far enough away where you can get away from the noise, traffic and otherwise touristy area of the country’s oldest city. While the downside is that this roadside RV stand is, well, located roadside and in fact, right on the AIA, it does place you within a few minutes’ drive to some of the best beaches, like Crescent Beach, which is only 4 blocks away. Given that this is a fairly well-known attractive area known for its beaches and southern way of seaside life, there’s also no shortage of tiki bars, fish shacks and taco stands to choose from, all within walking distance. 

As for the RV Resort itself, Ocean Grove lives up to the word ‘resort’ given all the amenities that you’ll find here, especially the very well-maintained, amazingly massive heated in-ground pool, gargantuan paved patio deck (with separate area for dining) complete with patio chairs, umbrellas and lounge chaises, along with the overgrown group-sized bubbling hot tub, in addition to offering a very well-stocked market store, restaurant and bar (can anyone say “Mai Tais poolside, por favor?!”) as well as perhaps its most impressive asset, offering direct water access to the Intracoastal (along with kayak rentals, in case you forgot yours). 

Additional amenities include: basketball and bocce ball courts, coin-operated laundr-O-mat (complete with community book exchange / library), billiards and foosball tables, propane refilling station, pull-through and back-in RV slots complete with full hook-ups (30 / 50 amp electric, sewer and water), perfectly level paved RV pads to park on, picnic tables, horseshoe ring, fishing pier on the San Julian river, lagoon with turtle watching, children’s playground, doggie park with designated dog run, boat ramp, RV / boat / jet ski storage area, complimentary WiFi, large picnic pavilion, cable TV (additional charge), golf cart parking, designated dumpsters, community fire pit (the only place on the premises where fires area allowed), recreation hall with A/C and oversized wall-mounted TVs, heated and air-conditioned bath houses with showers. Extra points here for Ocean Grove providing a gated entry point with actual staff that adds additional layers of security, important given the proximity to the AIA. 

Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) IMHO the best spots here at Ocean Grove are those that are waterfront: F138–F141 next to the fishing pier or J100–J126; (2) One of the very few detractors at this place is that of the 208 RV slots available, you will notice that Ocean Grove attempts to make every square inch count, so no matter where you are parked, there won’t be a ton of privacy and your hook-ups will feel very crowded (sewage line right next to the picnic table, hmm, not very enticing to say the least!); (3) When you get tired of trying to figure out what that next meal is going to be when staring down at your mini-fridge or cooler, then check out some local haunts, like Salt Water Cowboy (where anything from the Land, Sea and Swamp section like fried Alligator is pretty amazing), World Famous Oasis Restaurant or Connolly’s Shore Grill for fresh caught seafood; and (4) If you are looking for a decent place to do some great hiking, then look no further than due southwest of Ocean Grove where you can check out Matanzas State Park, that has miles and miles of unspoiled hiking trails with virtually the entire place to yourself (save the deer and gators that you might come across). 

Happy Camping!

While just a short jaunt from I95, in under 7 minutes from 3-lane express highway traffic, you’ll find yourself sauntering south on a meandering paved entranceway with white picket fences and swear that you were driving onto the set of Dallas (for those of us that remember that Texan drama series!). Once you swing around the bend, a blockade of Ancient Oaks and Magnolias draped in an excessive amount of Spanish Moss are there to greet you to Bulow RV Resort (which is run by Encore RV Resorts). And WOW! does this place pack a lot in! 

For starters, this RV campground is MASSIVE with nearly 400 back-in and pull-through slots to choose from. Nestled on the banks of the Bulow Creek and nearby to the Intracoastal, with the famed Flagler Beach just beyond, this campground is perfect for those seeking water (of any kind). And for those that prefer land, no worries, out here, you are completely surrounded by 6+ golf courses and a ton of great hiking trails. Don’t have an RV? Cringe at the thought of setting up a tent? Absolutely not a problem here at Bulow RV Resort, where they’ll rent you 1 of 5 types of cabins / cottages (note: no pets allowed on these premises though). 

Really, the only downside to this entire place is the lack of privacy that you’ll encounter here – apart from being surrounded by Florida’s most amazing natural wilderness.  Once inside this RV compound, it is quite barren and therefore doesn’t offer much in the way of privacy or a sense of seclusion. So if living in an RV city, complete with road signs and attractions is your idea of paradise, then Bulow RV Resort could be ideal for you. 

As for amenities here, you won’t be disappointed – although you may be overwhelmed by the sheer amount of things to do! Starting with the basics, there are scattered picnic tables and BBQ grills and very well maintained restrooms and clean shower facilities. For RVers, all of the basic water, sewage and electric (30 / 50 amp) hook-ups are available and most of the spaces are fairly wide-open and barren, so you won’t have much privacy anywhere in this campground. In addition, there’s RV storage, ballroom/ banquet hall (because you never know when you might need to throw a big party, right?!), horseshoes, mini-golf, sand volleyball court, designated picnic / bbq areas, clubhouse / lounge, dog park and all the WiFi for your social media surfing pleasure. There’s also a fairly well-stocked market on-site, propane refill station, plenty of designated dump stations, shuffleboard, full service bar (yes, I couldn’t believe it either!) and an activities center that has a full lineup of daily events. And if that wasn’t enough, there’s also a fairly decent sized pool that has an absolutely pristine laundr-O-mat located right next to it. I know! Mai Tais, floaties and running a load of whites all-in-one! 

Insider’s Tips? Here’s a few: (1) For those that are spending just a few nights (or even a week), you’ll want to find a spot much closer to the front of the property – as the back of the property is organized more for longer-term monthly ‘residents’; (2) For those that enjoy hiking, I strongly recommend heading just due south of this RV resort to Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic Park, where you can hike Bulow Creek Canoe Trail, which is quite short and basic, or head further south to Boardman Pond where there’s a pretty cool observation platform for bird-watching; (3) For tent campers, you’ll discover that this resort has isolated a place directly in front (near those white picket fences), where you will be separated from the RV community.  Again, because there is ZERO ground coverage, you will feel a little like a ‘spider in a bathtub,’ so I would recommend if you are going to camp here, to opt for a site as far west as you can (towards those Ancient Oaks and Magnolias I first mentioned – in fact, I would just go primitive and head in that direction anyway); (4) If you’re looking to drop a kayak or canoe in the water, you can either do that directly on-site where the Bulow Creek merges with the Halifax River (nearby the swimming pool) or further afield and southernly, you can drop your watercraft in Tomoka Marsh Aquatic Preserve where you’ll enjoy much wider expanses; and (5) When you get tired of firing up the grill for each meal and want to venture out into the local area, go try out Flagler Fish Company which has been a local (funky) favorite for years or The Anchor, both of which serve up just amazing seafood done up any which way you can imagine. 

Happy Camping!

The park itself was really nice. Lots of trees. Sites were not huge, but had enough room. Lots of long term residents and regulars, so it was easy to get the local scoop.

But— and it’s a big one for those of us in the 21st century— the internet is worse than pathetic. NONE of the carriers have consistent coverage. I have ATT, and most if the time I had nothing. Sometimes I’d get 1 bar with barely enough to see if an email came in. As soon as we got on the street outside the park, text messages we had missed would start showing up. Users with other carriers said the same.

There is a paid WIFI available in the park. Talking with other residents it was good enough to stream movies, but nothing more. I work remotely (hosting zoom meetings) so I didn’t bother paying the daily rate.

If you work remotely, I’d suggest a different location. If you’re looking to get away for a bit- this is the place.

Bathroom and showers were modern and clean. Coin laundry is on site. Swimming pool was good. There’s even a bar by the pool to order drinks, ice cream cones, and hot dogs.

This is another KOA on our extended road trip around Florida. This one is a little older, and shows wear, but they are doing some construction, rebuilding some of the sites. The internet was hit or miss, mostly miss! The bathroom/showroom is dated, but adequate. It reminded me of a high school shower room. There is a small office/store with basics. Also a pool and laundry (most of the washers were out of order) Some of the roads are rough, and a few sites don’t look like they are useable. We were here in late October, between the summer family crowds and the winter Snowbirds. They do have long term rates for Snowbirds. It’s about 20 minutes from a manatee rehabilitation park, and also a manatee overlook pier. It is 30 minutes from Cape Kennedy and the NASA Space Center.

If you were any closer to Daytona Speedway, you’d be feeling the constant swoosh! of cars racing by non-stop. This RV pitstop conveniently located just off Florida’s main interstate highway I-95 and just due north of its second most well-driven highway 4 (the gateway to Orlando), you’ll discover Daytona RV Speedway, which is just a few hundred yards walk to the reason likely you’ve come here in the first place – the Daytona 500 (or any of the other spectacles that call this car track home). And if you are just passing by, then Daytona RV Speedway offers a quick and convenient place for you to drop anchor for the night. 

Apart from its easy access and proximity to the Daytona Speedway, you’ll enjoy the flat, well-laid out pet-friendly RV park here along with all of its amenities: the typical RV hook-ups (30 / 50 amp electric, water and sewage), 80’ (max) pull-through sites, on-site mini-mart / store, WiFi& Cable, restroom & bathhouse facilities (from the 80’s but clean nonetheless), firewood and propane (for purchase), coin-operated laundry as well as scattered picnic tables and BBQ grills. As for the campus itself, the RV slots have pretty decent space between them with just OK shade (with an odd tree here and there). 

Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) If you find yourself lucky enough to be here on the weekend, you’ll want to check out Daytona Flea & Farmers Market conveniently located right across the street from Daytona RV Speedway; (2) While you couldn’t find a place more heavily trafficked in the entire state of Florida, in just a short 20 minute drive further west, you can discover Tiger Bay State Forest, which has an amazing hiking trail called Buncombe Hill Trailhead that’s a nice distraction from this otherwise concrete jungle; (3) As you’re a stone’s throw away from Daytona Beach, arguably, one of the best beaches in the state, if not the country, you’ll want to hit one of these ‘drive-on’ white sand beach destinations – but get there early!; and (4) While you are surrounded by a ton of franchise restaurant chain eateries like Cracker Barrel, BJ’s, Tijuana Flats and Waffle House, I highly recommend Double Barrel Grill, which functions as one part whiskey distillery and also operates a shooting range – who says you can’t shoot and eat your meal too?! 

Happy Camping!

While there are many natural springs throughout north central Florida, Salt Springs is considered by many to be one of the best preserved and well-maintained springs throughout the state as well as being the ‘main attraction’ here in the Ocala National Forest, where you’ll find yourself at should you choose to swing by Salt Springs. 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. What’s great about Salt Springs SP is that there’s a lot more to experience and explore here than just the springs themselves, which you can swim, fish and canoe in, but nearby, there’s Lake Kerr, which offers up some additional on-the-water adventures.

As for the CG itself, to be clear, there are (2) campgrounds here at Salt Springs SP – one exclusively for the mobile-minded, while a second for the tent-pitchin’ breed. I will isolate my comments here for the former, which features 106 back-in and pull-through slots available for those camping with RVs, 5th Wheelers and / or trailers complete with FHUs offering up 30 / 50 amp electric, water and sewage, making this the largest CG of any in the Ocala National Forest and the only one with FHUs. And while most RV-centered CGs tend to line up parking pad slots so close together you’ll wonder whether or not you are a sardine, the spaces here are actually nice and spacious although there’s not a ton of trees or brush within the center or between sites to provide campers with any sense of privacy, although the arrow tip-shaped CG is flanked around its perimeter with decent tree-line cover and thick bush. And while each of the sites appeared to be quite level and perfectly accommodating to most RV sizes, you’ll want to take note there are gently rolling hills around this CG, which features nicely paved driving pathways and cement, grass and gravel pads.

Amenities: There are (2) very well-maintained and incredibly clean restroom facilities located centrally, with shower facilities in the tent CG, recycling dumpsters located on the northern perimeter, boat launch near Salt Springs Marina, small fishing canal just due north of the tent camping area, dump station, overflow parking, horseshoes and shuffleboard on the western edge, drinking fountains, picnic tables, fire rings, standing BBQ grills, pavilion with basketball court on the southern perimeter, camp store on the far eastern edge near the springs parking area, canoe rentals (offered up on a first-come, first-served basis… so you’ll want to get yours bright and early!) additional overflow and boat parking on the eastern flank betwixt this CG and the primitive tent area and, of course, likely the entire you’ve come here in the first place, the Salt Springs itself.

Insider’s Tips: (1) If you are looking to cast a line in nearby Lake Kerr complete with its cypress tree-lined shores, you can do so by accessing any one of the main piers and fishing docks that are scattered around this freshwater bastion of aqua marine or you can cast a line to catch bountiful small- and largemouth bass, catfish, crappie, blue gill, warmouth and shellcracker at one of the peninsulas that poke into this lake either at Lake Kerr Key to the north, Point Pleasant on the western edge or, right near Salt Springs by taking NE 247th Ct to the dead end on Juniper Street; (2) While there’s not a ton of eateries that are all that tempting in these parts, if you do decide to ‘get off the reservation’ nearby, there’s a Subway, Salt Springs Pizza, Square Meal, Hunt Brothers Pizza and Southern Buffet, that are honestly all just ‘mid,’ so for those that don’t mind a slightly longer drive, check-out Elis River Park Café, Townsend Cove, Renegades on the River, Sunset Landing and The Grill Out; (3) It is HIGHLY advisable that you make your CG reservations here at Salt Springs SP WAY in advance by calling 1-877-444-6777 or booking online at Recreation.gov; (4) There is a single 2-mile hiking trail that is at best, moderate, although the path offers up a nice boardwalk midway through with excellent views of trees endemic to the Ocala National Forest like the many varieties of Oaks (Chapman, Sand Live, Ancient, Live, Myrtle), Big Scrub, Saw Palmetto, water-logged Palmettos and, of course, the Southern Magnolias, most of which you’ll find dripping with Spanish moss; and (5) Like most natural springs, as the day progresses, the spring will get busier and busier, so I always recommend if you are camping at a spring – because this grants you automatic admission unlike those who are just visiting for the day and are therefore subject to being turned away once the spring reaches capacity – that you chose to go either early or later in the day – as the water’s temperature doesn’t change remaining constant at 72 degrees throughout the day and, in fact, all year round.

Happy Camping!

Lake Dorr, NF campground in Ocala NF, FL Some sites are pretty secluded. This is not necessarily super attractive campground to me. I don’t know why for sure. It may be because a portion of the campsites seem unattractive due to thick vine growth surrounding the sites. However, the campground right near a pretty lake. Many sites are private. The lake is not visible from the campsites.
Bathrooms are currently out of order. 11/2023 (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good

(70 yr olds in 17’ trailer with a desire for a campsite that has at least some visual privacy - after the trailer is in the spot.)

Overall Rating: 3..75 Price 2023: $ 10 w interagency pass Usage during visit: Almost empty. Site Privacy: Some very private sites Site Spacing: Good Site surface: Grass Reservations: Yes Campground Noise: Quiet Road Noise: 1/4 mi from main road - No road noise Through Traffic in campground: No reason. Electric Hookup: No Sewer Hookup: No Dump Station: No Potable Water Available: Spigots Generators: Allowed. Bathroom: OUT OF SERVICE Showers: No Pull Throughs: No Cell Service (AT&T): 1 bar Setting: Near lake shore. Many sites are surrounded by low growing vegetation Weather: Nice day Bugs: None Solar: Some Host: On-site. Rig size: Surely under 25’ Sites:1,4,5,7,,10,12,13,,19*,23,24,27,29,31 are among the best.

This was the first RV campground we stayed at when we became Full time. We stayed an entire month and LOVED it. *This review is prior to COVID so there may be changes since.

Pros

Super family-friendly! This used to be a KOA but now is privately owned and operated. 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. The location is close to grocers, shops, beaches, and more. People are kind in the camp store, and our kids were very welcomed. Also, there was cable, which is a fun plus for rainy days. Trash pickup service and Community events!

Cons:

We luckily didn't have anyone besides us for the month, but the sites are rather tight and not all have shade. Prices do fluctuate because of high volume season (snowbirds).