6 campgrounds with availability next weekend
Tent campsites around Reddick, Florida offer several primitive options within driving distance, primarily in state forests and wildlife management areas. Trout Lake Primitive Sites provides secluded tent camping with lake access, while Lake Delancy East NF Campground offers basic amenities including vault toilets and fire rings. Both locations are situated within the Ocala National Forest region, providing access to extensive hiking trails including segments of the Florida National Scenic Trail.
Most tent campgrounds near Reddick require minimal preparation as they feature basic infrastructure. Lake Delancy East has vault toilets that are "kept pretty clean" according to visitor feedback, though water access comes from hand pumps that may not always function reliably. Many sites feature fire rings and picnic tables, but campers should arrive with their own water supply. The primitive sites at Trout Lake require higher clearance vehicles, as one camper noted that access roads are "very narrow tree clearance" with "two-track about 1/4 mile through woods" leading to the campsites.
Pine forest cover provides natural shade at most tent camping areas near Reddick, creating comfortable camping conditions even during warmer months. A visitor commented that Trout Lake offers "nice secluded sites" though you should "plan on leaving with some new pinstripes" on your vehicle due to the narrow access roads. Wildlife sightings are common throughout the region, with black bears occasionally spotted at Lake Delancy East, though visitors report "no problems" from these encounters. Tent campers particularly appreciate the quiet atmosphere at these primitive sites, especially on weekdays when airboat noise from nearby waterways diminishes. Several locations connect directly to hiking trails, with the Florida Trail running approximately 200 yards from the Lake Delancy East campground, making these sites excellent basecamps for extended hiking expeditions.
"Very nice Primitive campground . Great shade trees and tent spots. Has vault bathrooms that are kept pretty clean. No running water but has a hand pump well."
"The Florida trail is close by."
from $20 - $40 / night
"Set of primitive spots near lake. Main road entry is packed dirt; smaller access road to sites is two-track about 1/4 mile through woods — very narrow tree clearance. 4WD recommended."
"Very narrow trails but really easy access, you will leave with some new pinstripes"
"This very unassuming county-run wildlife area sits on 13,000+ acres of thick wilderness and wetlands offering a number of different hiking trails, like Outhouse Hammock Loop, which is medium-grade level"
from $25 - $35 / night
"Just off the Palatka-Lake Butler Bike trail. Campgrounds are About 4 miles in on bikeable hard roads. Six Sites have picnic tables, lots of room, fire ring with grate, bbq grills, a latrine nearby."
"Located just about 20 minutes due northwest of Palatka – dubbed ‘Florida’s State Farmers Market’ where you will easily discover that this north central town is teeming with fresh agriculture every which"
from $9 / night
from $10 - $60 / night
from $9 / night
"If you’re hauling water gear or want to hike/backpack a section of the Florida Scenic Trail (FL Keys to GA state line), this is a lovely place to hang out on the small lake."
"Also they have a boat to rent and great fishing all over the lake. Literally can’t say anything negative about this place."
Available next weekend
from $79 - $999 / night
GuideA “real Florida” campground originally built by the CCC. Sites are decent size with typical Florida flora between the sites for some privacy. 30 amp/water hookups on site. Roads are hard pack sand/gravel and not real smooth. A nice family campground for smaller size rigs. A playground accessible to most sites and classic bathhouse with showers is conveniently located. Lots of hiking trails. There’s an orange tree on my site!
GuideI liked this park it is large, lots to explore. We took our dog on her first camping trip and she was fantastic. I would like to go back without her though because I think I could hike better without her. There are a number of trails, but it rained for some of our stay so we getting get away from our camp too much. It was still lovely. I think a trip back is in order because we definitely didn’t experience all we would like to have experienced. We had our kayaks but since we had the dog we didn’t go. But I can see us returning for more adventures. We did walk over the suspension bridge, that was beautiful, a nice after the rain thing to do.
GuideThis was the first park we stayed in once we got our new camper. I have an old truck that has not pulled something like this before so we wanted to be somewhat close to home. The park staff were great, the facilities were great. It is a smaller park, and close to the road. It didn’t bother us, but I imagine it could bother a tent camper. There was a family reunion or something going on the weekend we were there so it was packed and a little noisy outside of the camper. But everyone was very nice. There are some shorter hikes and the second oldest live oak in the state. I think if we had not forgotten our life vests at home I would have more to say about the paddling option, but you can also fish. We would go back.
GuideMy husband and I went here for a long weekend, it was a really nice park we saw a lot of deer. There is 4+ miles of the Florida State Trail that runs through this park that we hiked. The terrain changes multiple times giving you a nice change in scenery. There is a ravine there too. The staff was great, and the facilities were clean. You can buy patches there too if you like to collect patches (or stickers) from the State Parks. And if you have the Florida State Park passport they have a stamp. It’s a good sized park and kept us busy.
LegendThis Old Florida location has a Western bent to the place with the covered wagon motif and ranch-styled main office with what looks to be a horse tie up on the porch, so whatever the theme might be, this RV enclave is a good stretch away from the I75 highway that you moseyed onto in to find this 55+ retirement one lane (OK, there’s a simple loop) cowboy retirement OK corral. You’ll access Countryside RV Park via Country Rd 489 just off of Route 470 and if you blink (you know, because of all that dust blowing off the prairie), you’d miss the turn-off, so keep your eyes peeled, pardner, and about 20 yards into the property, you’ll swing by the office on what looks to be freshly laid, small single vehicle lanes and check in with the sheriff (er, the RV manager), who will direct you to your humble piece of very flat land, which no doubt will be draped in shade provided by the scattered ancient and live oaks that are sweating Spanish moss creating a very (trust me) un-wild, wild west vibe.
There’s some basic amenities here in addition to the standard pull-through parking pads and FHUs offering 20 / 30 / 50 amp electric, water and sewage, including: sanitary dump, impeccably clean his / her restrooms and shower facilities, picnic tables, WiFi, cable TV, coin-operated laundry, horseshoes, side X side shuffle boards that are in pristine condition, recreation room with billiards, dog park, fire pit, retention pond, on-site storage, exercise equipment and gym. There’s even a proper mail room in case you plan on staying long enough that you need to receive mail here or have it forwarded (beats waiting for the Pony Express to arrive). Due to this being a semi- or full-retirement zone, Countryside offers additional diversions and activities like bingo, Karaoke, bowling, arts & crafts as well as Bible study, in addition to learning how to lasso your very own steer (OK, I made up this last one).
Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) If your ID or social security card doesn’t clearly state that you are 55+ you won’t have any luck at this hideout; (2) If you do manage to stay here, IMHO the best spots are those either on the western - but of course - side of this depot (#6 – 22) or eastern (#46–#59) perimeters; (3) Should you need to load up on anything while here, there’s not much nearby apart from a Dollar General and Kal’s Food Grocery, but if you don’t mind driving slightly further afield, there’s a Publix NE of here and a Winn-Dixie and Walmart due south of here towards Bushnell; and (4) In the event that you’d like to grab some local grub, there’s Big Apple Café and a Subway nearby in the small town here, or up on Lake Panasoffkee there’s Big Bass Grill Lakefront Restaurant & Marina, which I highly recommend.
Happy Camping!
ScoutWe are in a travel spot. Lots of highway noise. Pretty area mostly owners only
TravelerRoads are rough, Bathrooms are clean, host seemed like a good guy. Here during off season but the beach looked like fun
GuideSites have full hookups which is awesome for a state park. Also picnic tables, grills and a fire pit. The sites are big and relatively private. To visit the spring you can hike or drive. Being you camping receipt to get in free. Glass bottom boat tour is $15 for adults but there is a nice walking path and you can see manatees in the spring from the shore. The restaurant was nice, good pizza!
ScoutI organized a group camping weekend here October 2 to 4, 2026. My group booked and paid for more than a dozen campsites and approximately 40 people, all next to each other, so the people around my site were my own friends. On Saturday afternoon we were sitting in our chairs when a security officer walked up and demanded that I lower my music. Nobody refused. I was turning it down as I explained that the music was for my whole group and that the neighbors around us were all our people. I also asked who had complained. Instead of answering, he snapped,"You do what I said and turn the music down." I told him I already had. With no attempt to calm things down, he shouted that we were out of there and had 30 minutes to pack up and leave. Nobody in my group raised a voice or got hostile. We were polite and we complied, and we were still treated like criminals. When we went to the front desk to report how he had behaved, the clerk made it clear that our whole group was the issue and that they were watching us and that I had to leave. That told me this was never about one speaker or lowering the music. We were singled out while other groups were left alone. I even heard from others that were allowed to stay, that they heard Spanish music blasting at 1am AFTER QUIET HOURS! So, why were we kicked out? Discrimination! No refund was offered. They kept our money for a stay they cut short. We have held several events here over the years, about 8 visits in the last three years. There will be ZERO in the future. The springs are beautiful, but the way security and the front desk treat paying guests is not. My group is taking our events and our money somewhere else!
Tent camping near Reddick, Florida provides access to pine-covered natural areas throughout the Ocala National Forest region. Summer temperatures typically range from 80-95°F during the day, with most primitive camping areas receiving partial shade from the longleaf pine canopy. Campsites in this region are primarily situated on sandy soil that drains well during Florida's frequent summer rain showers.
Florida Trail hiking: Etoniah Creek State Forest provides access to segments of the Florida National Scenic Trail. As one camper noted, "Etoniah Creek is a couple miles from camp but a beautiful destination on its own." The hiking trails connect to primitive campsites approximately "4 miles in on bikeable hard roads."
Kayaking and canoeing: Flying Eagle Preserve offers proximity to waterways where you can launch kayaks or canoes. The preserve connects to nearby swamps and rivers, though "the only noise pollution is from air boats on the nearby swamp river, but this dies down at maybe 10 or 11 pm ET and mostly only on weekend nights."
Wildlife observation: Caravelle Ranch Wildlife Management Area encompasses over 13,000 acres with hiking trails like Outhouse Hammock Loop, "a medium-grade level hiking trail of slightly more than 5 miles." The area provides opportunities to view local wildlife in their natural habitat while camping at primitive sites that each come with "a simple picnic table and makeshift fire ring."
Privacy and seclusion: Many campers appreciate the isolation available at dispersed sites. At Trout Lake Primitive Sites, campers enjoy "nice secluded sites" near the lake, though they caution that the "main road entry is packed dirt; smaller access road to sites is two-track about 1/4 mile through woods — very narrow tree clearance."
Affordable camping options: Several tent sites near Reddick are free or low-cost. At Lake Delancy East NF Campground, there's a "$10 nightly fee for a campsite with restrooms close by, honor system payment method (e.g. cash only)." The campground is "only a few miles from Salt Springs so if you forgot a toothbrush, you're in luck."
Natural settings: Tent campers value the authentic outdoor experience. One camper described Potts Preserve - River Primitive Campground as "Hands-down my new favorite camping spot in Florida. Free, primitive, private, secluded. Pet-friendly, hammock friendly, boat friendly, fire friendly, & more."
Access challenges: Many primitive sites require careful navigation. Potts Preserve - River Primitive Campground has changed its access system: "The large open pasture/meadow is no longer a vehicle area, same with the 5 sites within that area. There is a designated area to leave vehicles, and the sites on the river are walk in only."
Limited amenities: Most tent sites offer only basic facilities. While some locations like Lake Delancy East have vault toilets, water sources can be unreliable. One camper reported that they "found the pitcher pump for water, but wouldn't bring up water. So come prepped with your own."
Seasonal considerations: Florida's summer heat affects camping conditions. During cooler months, sites at Flying Eagle Preserve offer a reprieve, with campers noting that Florida camping offers "50 degree winter nights, not the dramatic vistas" that might be found elsewhere.
Pack extra water supplies: Reliable water sources are limited at most sites. At Lake Delancy East NF Campground, campers advise that "No running water but has a hand pump well." Another visitor recommends you "come prepped with your own" water supply.
Bring insect protection: Florida's warm climate means mosquitoes and ticks are common. A visitor to Flying Eagle Preserve warned: "Lots and lots of books (bugs) though make sure you use protection."
Consider noise factors: Airboats operate on nearby waterways at several campsites. At Flying Eagle Preserve, campers report the preserve was "clean a lot of airboat noise close to town," while others noted this noise "dies down at maybe 10 or 11 pm ET and mostly only on weekend nights."
Vehicle clearance concerns: Many primitive sites have challenging access roads. At Trout Lake Primitive Sites, one camper in a conventional vehicle reported: "I wasn't sure I was driving my Chevy Malibu through the forest because it was so overgrown. I started panicking and trying to find a turn around after going through a very soft sandy spot. Figured I'd never be able to get out or reverse."
Map navigation issues: GPS and mapping apps often provide incorrect directions to remote sites. For Flying Eagle Preserve, one camper advised: "Waze, google, and Apple Maps are all wrong" and suggested visitors "use google maps walking directions to get to Flying Eagle Preserve. Essentially just head east down Eden Dr across the bike path and keep going straight."
Limited turnaround space: Larger vehicles face challenges at narrow access points. A camper at Trout Lake advised: "4WD recommended. Just barely scraped a FWD Promaster through the trees, into a pullout just before sand started."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Reddick, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Reddick, FL is Lake Delancy East NF Campground with a 4.0-star rating from 3 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Reddick, FL?
TheDyrt.com has all 37 tent camping locations near Reddick, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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