S W.
Scout
ScoutCamp Blanding RV Park
Been coming here for years. Absolutely love it 😀
Quiet beautiful laid back, let's keep it that way!
Best Campgrounds near Williston, FL
Camping options around Williston, Florida range from established RV resorts to state parks with primitive sites. Devil's Den Spring features tent and RV sites near a unique underwater cave system popular for snorkeling and scuba diving. Williston Crossings RV Resort offers full hookups with amenities like a heated pool and clubhouse primarily serving RV campers. Several state parks within a 30-mile radius, including Paynes Prairie Preserve and Rainbow Springs, provide additional developed camping opportunities with varying levels of facilities and natural attractions.
Many campgrounds in the Williston area require reservations, particularly during winter months when seasonal visitors increase. "The campsite was quiet with only three campers including myself. Camping rates are low so if you need a place to stop at try here," noted one visitor about Devil's Den Spring. Water access is a significant draw for many campgrounds, with springs being the main attraction. Most established sites offer electric and water hookups, while state parks typically provide additional amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and sanitary facilities. Summer temperatures and humidity can be challenging, making spring and fall ideal camping seasons with milder weather conditions.
The natural springs represent the region's primary camping draw. Reviews indicate high satisfaction with Devil's Den's unique underwater cave experience despite basic campground facilities. One camper mentioned, "Just a row of gravel sites. Not very level. Bathrooms were not the best BUT if you go to the Springs it definitely makes it worth the trip." Williston Crossings receives consistently positive feedback for its well-maintained grounds and amenities. Black Prong Equestrian Village offers specialized facilities for travelers with horses. Proximity to natural attractions like Cedar Lakes Woods & Gardens provides additional recreational opportunities. Most developed campgrounds provide showers and restrooms, though quality varies by location. Tent campers have fewer options than RV travelers in this area, with most established facilities catering primarily to recreational vehicles.
Best Camping Sites Near Williston, Florida (301)
1. Devil's Den Spring
20 ReviewsWilliston, FL6 milesWebsite+1 (352) 528-3344$20 - $75 / night
"Local weekend entertainment, pool, hot showers, and additional places to explore within walking distance. We will be back."
"The location is really convenient and close to Gainesville, so if you want to spend some time being active in the water during the day but want to chill and go see a movie in a theatre at night, you can"
2. Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park Campground
33 ReviewsMicanopy, FL14 milesWebsite+1 (352) 466-3397$18 / night
"Very close to the University of Florida. Nice campground recently renovated."
"There is a picnic table & a fir pit the fire pit was a little to close to the camper to have a fire. It is a very quiet and woodsy campground."
3. Rainbow Springs State Park Campground
45 ReviewsDunnellon, FL20 milesWebsite+1 (352) 465-8550$30 / night
"I have been to quite a few campgrounds in Florida over the past 20+ years."
"The primitive camping is tucked back away from most of the RVs and has a bathhouse with very hot water/ toilets and hot hand dryers. Each site is spaced properly so not each person is too close."
4. Williston Crossings RV Resort
5 ReviewsWilliston, FL2 milesWebsite+1 (352) 528-7100"Cedar lakes woods & gardens in williston Florida is an incredible botanical adventure. We were there for hours walking through the botanical gardens."
"Williston Crossings is just full of amenities. Full hookups with ample pull threws. Grounds really kept up. Pool and shower facilities are well kept."
5. Ocala North RV Park
9 ReviewsReddick, FL13 milesWebsite+1 (352) 591-1723"They have a little dog park, walking trails, off property is a nice bike ride, huge swimming pool, activities, laundry room and friendly people. At night the stars are amazing."
"Stopped here on the way north to get out of the Florida Keys. Stayed 2 nights and used the laundry(wash was 1.50 per load, and 25 cents per 18min for drying). It was very affordable."
6. Black Prong Equestrian Village
3 ReviewsWilliston, FL9 milesWebsite+1 (352) 486-1234$61 - $357 / night
"As an added bonus we were able to bring our horse for trail rides throughout the park. Tons of room and friendly staff. Highly recommend."
7. Manatee Springs State Park Campground
68 ReviewsChiefland, FL32 milesWebsite+1 (352) 493-6072$20 / night
"Easy access to the park and quick and painless check-in process with reservations. The main road in the campground is fine but the roads to the sites are gravel with potholes."
"Step into a world of deer, manatee, and unknown river surprises at Manatee Springs State Park."
8. Silver Springs State Park Campground
41 ReviewsOcala, FL29 milesWebsite+1 (352) 236-7148$24 - $110 / night
"We rode our bikes around the campground and were amazed as almost all the sites were huge! Live oak trees with Spanish moss...this campground is truly the "Real Florida"."
"Silver Springs Silver Springs SP Beautiful Florida campground with 60 sites, many pullthrus. The sites are huge with lots of space and privacy. Lush surroundings."
9. Sportsman's Cove Resort
5 ReviewsMicanopy, FL16 milesWebsite+1 (352) 591-1435$39 - $50 / night
"A perfect place to enjoy fishing, wildlife and the Florida Birding Trail. Clean Restrooms, friendly stuff."
"The park is in a great area Mcintosh and Micanopy are historical towns with great walk, and bike ability. Right in Orange Lake yoy can kayak. They have rentals for 10.00."
10. Grand Lake RV & Golf Resort, A Sun RV Resort
4 ReviewsReddick, FL16 milesWebsite+1 (352) 591-3474"The amenities and facilities are very clean and the lake view is awesome. Will definitely be back soon."
Recent Camping Photos near Williston, FL
367 Photos of 301 Williston Campgrounds
Tom H.
Devil's Den Spring
Annie C.
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park Campground
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Christy C.
Rainbow Springs State Park Campground
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Citra Royal Palm RV Park
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Kate’s Fish Camp
Arcadio M.
Unlisted
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Cristal Camping 🏕️ Fl
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Woodland Nesters
Recent Reviews near Williston, FL
1287 Reviews of 301 Williston Campgrounds
Stuart K.
LegendRivers Edge RV Park
St. Johns River Basecamp Done Right
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!
- KKyle L.Scout
Old Florida RV Resort and Marina
Tremendous place to camp
Great environment, a lot of marine activity in the water and boat rental was super fun.
- CCory J.Scout
Lake Delancy West Campground
Nice spot in the trees
Awesome open spots for dispersed camping. Not too busy and camp host is a really nice dude.
Susan A.ScoutMill Dam Lake Resort
Mill Dam campground PARKING LOT
75 women campers rented the parking lot at Mill Dam used for large group camping. I believe it was $100 a night. Currently a 'burn ban' on fires but they are otherwise allowed. Most of us have dogs and cats, but must check you and you pets for ticks, they are prevalent. There is a lake with a beauriful beach. There are restrooms and changing rooms with floor drains, so if you bring your own shower you can use that. There are no power hookups or dump stations that I saw, but there are dumpsters. There is a resident black bear so MUST observe bear safety. Great place, very nice camp host, kept bathrooms clean and stocked.
Glen W.ScoutSalt Springs Recreation Area
Salt Springs is Beautiful!
The campground is clean with large sites, huge trees, shade or no shade, very clean bath houses, and extremely friendly and helpful staff. The springs themselves are perfect for a refreshing swim or snorkeling. A bit far from a real grocery store but there is a convenient mart and hardware store close by.
Jonathan G.
TravelerLake Delancy West Campground
Much nicer than expected
Other reviews had suggested that this campsite was largely used by ATV and other off highway vehicle enthusiasts using the adjoining trail system and it was loud and unpleasant. On our visit, there were only three campers total in the area, which was nicely maintained and clean, with a very friendly and accommodating campground host. The campground is directly adjacent to the Florida trail, which provided great opportunities for hiking.
- Jonathan G.Traveler
Juniper Springs Rec Area - Tropical Camp Area
Very disappointed
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.
- Dallas W.
GuideThe Springs RV Resort
Florida campground for 55+
Great place to camp Close to silver springs state park and stores and shopping nearby Would recommend
Guide to Williston
Camping near Williston, Florida centers around natural spring systems, with temperatures averaging 72°F year-round. The region sits at an elevation of less than 100 feet with sandy soil conditions that drain quickly after rain. Campers should plan accordingly during summer months when temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity levels.
What to do
Wildlife viewing at Orange Lake: Sportsman's Cove Resort sits directly on Orange Lake, providing access to the Florida Birding Trail. "A perfect place to enjoy fishing, wildlife and the Florida Birding Trail. Clean Restrooms, friendly stuff," notes one visitor about this quiet lakefront campground.
Scuba and snorkeling lessons: Devil's Den Spring offers unique underwater exploration opportunities. "They have scuba lessons in pool if you have never dived. They also rent the equipment for both scuba and snorkeling. They have a covered picnic area," reports a camper who appreciated the training options.
Trail hiking: Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park Campground features extensive wildlife-viewing trails. "This park has 8 trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding. We were able to see wild horses, bisons, snakes and gators. Great for fishing and kayaking," writes one outdoor enthusiast.
What campers like
Proximity to springs: Campers value the easy access to unique water features like Devil's Den. "The spring was an amazing experience. The campground was maintained but the bathroom needed to be attended to. Overall, great experience!" notes a satisfied visitor.
Dark sky stargazing: Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park Campground offers excellent night sky viewing. "Great location with plenty of dark skies. The spots are well spaced in the woods, with plenty of room. The location is great for visiting the prairie and easy access to Gainesville," explains one reviewer.
Natural settings: Rainbow Springs State Park Campground provides a quieter camping experience with river access. "If tent camping in the tent-only walk-in sites, site 60 is definitely the most private (farthest from the lot but still a short walk in on a paved path)," advises one camper who valued seclusion.
What you should know
Reservation challenges: The most popular campgrounds book quickly, especially in winter months. At Rainbow Springs, one camper noted: "It can be hard to get in between the snowbirds and tubing season."
Site variations: Silver Springs State Park Campground offers diverse camping options. "Large sites with gravel, fire pits, grill dining tables and did I say clean. Silver springs is beautiful, go on the boat..." recommends one visitor.
Pet restrictions: Many trails prohibit dogs despite being pet-friendly campgrounds. "The biggest disappointment for this state park is that all of the things they advertise (and I was looking forward to) - bison, horses, wildlife - are all on trails where pets are not allowed," notes one Paynes Prairie visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Spring access timing: Plan visits during non-peak hours. At Devil's Den, "We loved several things about this campground. One, it's not huge and the sites are a great size... While it would have been nice to be able to just jump in and out of the spring at our leisure like at other springs, we understand it's a small space so the required appointments and time slots are necessary."
Ranger programs: Take advantage of educational offerings. "We did the Ranger led hike which was really nice, my 5 year old struggled to keep up with the Ranger and there are decent elevation changes," reports a Paynes Prairie visitor.
Kid-friendly water activities: Manatee Springs State Park Campground offers designated swimming areas. "Beautiful clear spring with swimming area, including area for kids. Two nice boardwalks. Nature trails. Great cafe at the Spring with ribs and pulled pork sandwiches."
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. At Manatee Springs, "Magnolia loop 1 was the best. Good bathhouse in this loop. The other two loops have narrow, bumpy dirt roads and sites not as nice. Most sites hard packed sand."
Amenities for longer stays: Black Prong Equestrian Village offers full-service sites. "Massive RV pad, full hookups, Golf Cart, plus privacy between you and your neighbor. As an added bonus we were able to bring our horse for trail rides throughout the park."
Connectivity options: Cell service varies widely between campgrounds. "They have an amazing campground WiFi deployment. I was getting about 15mbs down and 6mbs up. Obviously depending on when people are using it all that can change," reports an Ocala North RV Park visitor regarding internet access.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Williston, FL?
What camping is available near Williston, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, Williston, FL offers a wide range of camping options, with 301 campgrounds and RV parks near Williston, FL and 5 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Williston, FL?
Which is the most popular campground near Williston, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Williston, FL is Devil's Den Spring with a 4.1-star rating from 20 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Williston, FL?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Williston, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Williston, FL.
What parks are near Williston, FL?
What parks are near Williston, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 parks near Williston, FL that allow camping, notably National Forests in Florida and Ocala National Forest.
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