Best Campgrounds near Salt Springs, FL

Salt Springs Recreation Area in the Ocala National Forest provides the primary developed camping options near Salt Springs, Florida. The area encompasses both tent and RV sites with full hookups, as well as cabin accommodations in select locations. Several campgrounds serve the region, including the Salt Springs Recreation Area with 106 sites, Silver Springs State Park Campground approximately 20 miles away, and the primitive Davenport Landing dispersed camping area. Most established campgrounds feature paved pads, picnic tables, and fire rings, while the dispersed options offer more rustic experiences without amenities.

Camping in this region revolves around the natural springs and waterways that define central Florida's landscape. Seasonal flooding can affect access, particularly after hurricanes or heavy rainfall periods. As one visitor noted, "The springs were closed due to the rising river from hurricane Ian, but we made due with visiting nearby Palatka and Ravine Gardens State Park." Most developed campgrounds remain open year-round with full hookups, though reservations are highly recommended, especially during winter months when snowbirds increase occupancy rates. Cell service varies throughout the Ocala National Forest, with T-Mobile coverage reported as spotty in multiple reviews.

Campground experiences center on water-based recreation at the springs and nearby lakes. The natural springs maintain a constant 72-degree temperature year-round, providing swimming and wildlife viewing opportunities. "Beautiful swimming area in natural spring. RV sites are asphalt, most are level except 94-101 were on a bit of hill," commented a camper about Salt Springs. While tent campsites offer proximity to swimming areas, several reviewers mentioned limited privacy between sites. Hiking options include a 2-mile trail through native Florida habitats featuring oaks, palmettos, and magnolias. The spring areas tend to reach capacity early in peak periods, making camping on-site advantageous for access to swimming and kayaking. Weekend traffic noise from Highway 19 is noted in multiple reviews as a potential disruption to otherwise peaceful surroundings.

Best Camping Sites Near Salt Springs, Florida (316)

    1. Salt Springs Recreation Area

    58 Reviews
    Salt Springs, FL
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 685-2048

    $37 - $69 / night

    "Hiking-In the park there is a dedicated 1.5 mile trail called Bear Swamp Trail and there is a .5 mile trail to the springs. This park also has its own connector to the trail to the Florida Trail."

    "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"

    2. Juniper Springs Rec Area - Tropical Camp Area

    45 Reviews
    Astor, FL
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 625-3147

    $37 - $60 / night

    "When in Ocala National Forest, we stayed at Salt Springs, Juniper Springs and Alexander Springs. Heads up!"

    "The spring pool is gorgeous and quite, very pretty trails to watch spring boils and turtles. Very sunny during the day and very cool at nigth."

    3. Rodman Campground

    28 Reviews
    Welaka, FL
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (386) 326-2846

    $12 - $22 / night

    "Sites 1-39 are not near the Florida Trail but it was not a bad walk to the other side of the campground to get to the trail. Would stay again."

    "This peaceful campground provides a serene setting surrounded by towering pines and lush Florida foliage."

    4. Hopkins Prairie Campground — National Forests In Florida

    15 Reviews
    Salt Springs, FL
    6 miles

    $15 / night

    "This is a beautiful campground with proximity to the Florida Scenic Trail. Ideal for tent camping, as the forest service roads were a little rough for our RV."

    "Great view of lake and Hopkins Prairie from most of the sights. Has a large bat house. Florida trail runs thru campground. Pay at the pipe system."

    5. Silver Springs State Park Campground

    41 Reviews
    Ocala, FL
    21 miles
    Website
    +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."

    6. Alexander Springs Recreation Area

    35 Reviews
    Astor, FL
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 669-3522

    $37 - $60 / night

    "This was one of the busier places I have camped in Florida. The facilities were clean and provided showers."

    "This is a typical Florida spring."

    7. Lake Delancy West Campground

    6 Reviews
    Salt Springs, FL
    6 miles

    $10 / night

    "We had gotten tired of the heat and masses of people in south Florida. We ended up being the only campers on the West side (east is currently closed) for Christmas morning."

    "Great access points for the trail heads."

    8. Lake Eaton Campground

    7 Reviews
    Fort Mccoy, FL
    10 miles

    $10 - $15 / night

    "Great camp with close location and easy access to Ocala trails"

    "Place is nice, lake walk, gates, toilets etc is available. Firewood is in forest :)"

    9. Davenport Landing

    8 Reviews
    Welaka, FL
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 236-0288

    "Pulled in around 9:30 pm. Big open spot. Last 100 yards driving back in were very bumpy but no problem with our van. Not sure about a larger RV. But great Tent/van spot."

    "Had no one around and nice and cool in the forest"

    10. Renegades on the River

    5 Reviews
    Georgetown, FL
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (386) 524-4179

    $80 - $190 / night

    "Great access to the lake."

    "Plenty of bars and restaurants within a short drive."

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Recent Reviews near Salt Springs, FL

1579 Reviews of 316 Salt Springs Campgrounds


  • Thunderroad 5.
    Oct. 25, 2025

    Salt Springs Recreation Area

    Great place to camp

    First federal park campground i stayed in that had full hookups. Nice bathhouse. Beautiful campground with nicely sized sites. Stayed during government shutdown. Since campground is managed by private company, shutdown didn't close campground. Staff and hosts were friendly and enjoyed the stay. Only drawback was lack of any cell service, but starlink worked fine.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 23, 2025

    Davenport Landing

    Cool spot, beware of bears

    I really enjoyed this spot, but I did spot a bear on my way in and scat along the road. I wouldn't recommend this spot to beginners or inexperienced outdoor enthusiasts. There is a campground nearby that charges 10bucks a night that I would recommend for families or beginners. Delancy Campground is accessible from this (FS Road 74) location

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 23, 2025

    Rodman Campground

    Florida Wildlife, Super Clean Restrooms and Camp Sites

    This was my first stay here, but I'll be back. Really nice and clean bathrooms, showers, and camp sites. It was quiet, relaxing, nice hiking trails, and plenty of wildlife.
    They offer tent camping and RV.

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

    Bennett Field Group Camp — Tiger Bay State Forest

    Where Roughing It Meets Room for the Whole Crew

    If you’ve ever thought, "I love camping, but wouldn’t it be fun to bring along 40 of my closest friends?” then Bennett Field Group Camp in Tiger Bay State Forest is your jackpot. This is no dainty, couple’s hideaway. Nope, it’s a big, open field tucked under the pines where your scout troop, church group or family reunion can spread out and see who snores loudest at night. The atmosphere here is pure 'back-to-basics,’ but with just enough orderliness to keep it from feeling like you’re re-creating 'Lord of the Flies' (and if you don't know this reference, you need to go to Amazon right now and have this book sent to you - it will open your world).

    Facilities are rustic yet practical – think of it as camping with training wheels. There are picnic tables, grills and a giant fire ring where ghost stories practically tell themselves. No water or electric hookups at the sites, so RVs and glampers might feel like they’ve been tricked into a survival challenge. But if you’re rocking tents, hammocks or an old-school camper, you’ll be just fine. Restroom facilities are on the primitive (nearly caveman) side – but trust me, it's better than a shovel and a prayer, but not spa-level, so bring your hand sanitizer and a sense of humor. Pets are welcome, but fair warning: they’ll come home smelling like pine needles and campfire.

    The real treat here is Tiger Bay’s 30,000 acres of pine needle wilderness just beyond camp. Hiking trails thread through longleaf pine, palmetto flats and hidden ponds where herons stalk like feathery ninjas. Bikers can hit the sandy forest roads and if you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of deer, turkeys or the occasional black bear giving you the ‘you don’t belong here’ side-eye. And being so close to Daytona, you can swap the forest’s symphony of crickets and symphony of frogs for NASCAR’s roar within a 20-minute drive.

    Insider Tips? Sure, here’s a handful: (1) If you’re camping with a large group, snag the shady perimeter spots – less dew in the morning and fewer pinecones bonking you on the head; (2) For grub, head to Daytona’s Caribbean Jack’s on the marina where you'll gnosh on great seafood, fruity drinks and live music that makes you forget you’re only half-clean from the woods; (3) Kayakers should paddle the nearby Tomoka River as it’s calm, scenic and full of birdlife that will happily ignore your paddling form; and (4) Forgot half your gear? Don’t sweat it as the Bass Pro Shop over in Daytona, which is just a stone's throw from this particular CG has everything from tents to marshmallow roasters, and you’ll probably leave with three things you didn’t need but had to have; and (4) In case you need to load up on low-cost fuel, there's the Costco that's located just behind the Bass Pro Shop, so you can not only load up on supplies, but load up on cheap fuel too.

    Happy Camping!

  • Tara G.
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Trimble Park Campground

    Incredible Hidden Gem

    Just returned from a 2 night stay at Trimble Park and I'm already planning my return next week!  The campground is very small and intimate, you will certainly get to know your neighbors and others staying in the park if you're going to be spending any time outside.  The park employees are zooming about on their golf carts multiple times within the hour during the day and always ready to help if needed.  The man in the office was amazing (I wish I had gotten his name) and so helpful, even swapping our spot for another with a better lake view!  Speaking of, the view is awesome!  Spots 8 and 9 are directly in front of the docks so if you mind other campers walking through your site to get to them, choose a different spot.  Even the spots that don't have a lake view are great!  Every site has a grill, separate fire ring, lantern hangers and picnic table plus electric and water hook ups.  Bathrooms are kept clean, every morning they are tended to.  My only complaint there is that the showers are very narrow.  I'm small and was feeling a bit cramped. Also the water pressure could definitely be stronger...took forever for me to rinse shampoo.  My personal issues are not enough for me to not come back though!  It's a great place to recharge and be at peace; I still can't get over how beautiful it is!

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Trout Lake Primitive Sites

    Primitive!

    So I was desperate trying to find my very first primitive camp site and started to panic and then came across the review "you might get pinstripes", well let me tell you the trail to the lake is so narrow 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. Then the lake appeared and someone left some firewood so I figured better pitch my tent fast before dark. I was scared to death all night alone , I had a black bear sighting that afternoon and I had no bear spray no cellphone service but all there was was whispering pines! It was soothing, and decided if I had to I could spend the night in car. It rained all night and morning. I knew I couldn't drive out or take the risk. I spent the second night. It's a beautiful lake and forest. The setting is breathtaking. I'd go back in a proper vehicle!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Youth Primitive Campground - Tomoka State Park

    Perfect Riverside Youth Group Camping Haven

    If you have hiking, canoeing, fishing, boating, picnicking, kayaking and bird watching on your mind and are looking for a great place that ticks all of these boxes and more, than you definitely want to give Tomoka State Park your due consideration. While I’ve camped here before in the main campground – which is nothing short of amazing – I just recently learned that there’s a Youth Campground that can be reserved (only by calling the main office here at Tomoka SP) for larger groups, so when I was invited to join my buddy’s boy scout group outing here, I jumped at the chance.

    What I love most about Tomoka State Park, especially as I was there to help guide a large group of teens, was all of the exploration that exists, from no shortage of flora like wild coffee bushes, tropical sage, green-fly orchids and of course, all of the live oak hammocks just dripping with Spanish moss. From a fauna standpoint, there’s white-tailed deer, otters, opossums, raccoons and even bobcats that come out closer to sunset as well as throughout the night, so you definitely want to ensure you are packing up everything before turning in. Of course, the stand-out attraction here is the immediate access to the Halifax River, where you can eyeball some coastal inhabitants like oysters, fiddler crabs and countless birds like blue herons, ospreys and eagles who prey on the ample fish that abounds here like redfish, snook, tarpon, black drum and seatrout. And if you keep your eyes open and get lucky, you may also see otters and dolphins.

    As for the campground, we had the entire place to ourselves for the weekend we went camping, so the sheer size of this place is massive – where there easily could be 3-4 different large-sized groups camping without tripping over one another. The ground was a mixture of both dirt and finely-ground sand with uneven patches of land scattered throughout the grounds. A lot of the picnic tables and benches were definitely worn and likely in need of some refurbishment (or replacement altogether) before too much longer. There were scattered concrete slabs around various areas of the campground – some with picnic tables bolted into the ground, while others were bare – the latter of which we used to organize our tent kitchen and eating area around. The CG had decent stand-up grills with adjustable levels for grilling at different heights, but we found that given we were a group, these grills were not large enough nor were there enough for us to BBQ everything we had planned on with our troop, but as we had brought additional grills ourselves, we didn’t have any issues.  Net-net, if you are here for a picnic, the grill situation is fine, but if you are here with a much larger group, then you better bring your own kitchen gear.

    Tree cover was light to non-existent in the center of the campground (so unless you want to get scorched by the unrelenting Florida sun, bring your own shade with you), but the surrounding perimeter was lush with thick jungle-like foliage of ferns and brush palms. A handful of scattered hanging Ts were provided for us to hang garbage and lanterns from and there were a number of solo standing water spigots to draw non-potable water from. The restroom and shower facility was fairly good with external showering hoses providing decent hot water and while the restroom itself was basic, it did have an actual toilet and working hot / cold water sink and paper towel dispenser - which for a primitive campsite is pretty amazing. Nearby there were a handful of covered shelters with additional picnic tables along with a sand volleyball court, which was definitely a bonus for the boys. Further afield, there’s a handful of great docks to either fish from or carefully launch a kayak or canoe from.

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) You will want to heed all of the signs that properly warn you about both alligators and snakes – they are real, abundant with this place having had a lot of issues with people not taking these warnings seriously; (2) If you are boating in these parts with an engine, you will want to take note that there’s ample manatees to steer clear of as well as be very aware that there are a number of places, particularly on the inlet of the Tomoka River that are quite shallow, depending upon the timing of the tides; (3) In the event that you need ANYTHING while visiting Tomoka SP, you should definitely make it a point to stop by the very well-appointed Tomoka Outpost and say hello to Captain Scott and his lovely wife Ashley, where here at this store, you’ll find that this place has everything from kayak, canoe and paddleboard rentals, guided boat tours, firewood, bait and ice for sale, snacks, beverages as well as beer & wine, including their very own local Tomoka EPA brew, which you can enjoy at the river dock patio overlooking the Tomoka River.

    Happy Camping!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Ponderosa Adult RV Park

    Keep On Mosey'ing Past This RV Ranch

    Maybe it was the descriptor of ‘Adult’ that grabbed my attention or the fact that along this stretch of US1, there’s not a whole lot of competition for attractions that catches one’s eye. If you find yourself pondering a stay at Ponderosa Adult RV(apart from the prerequisite check of your ID), you likely are here because you have either gotten yourself lost or it is very late in the evening and you simply need a place to‘drop anchor’ for the night.

    Whatever the reason you find yourself out in the boondocks here, I would certainly recommend taking a hard pass on this little outcrop of an RV parking lot for a myriad of reasons. First of all, this patch of land is pretty rough– almost as rough as the‘neighbors’ you will encounter if you choose to stay here. There’s a single loop that goes around this place(conveniently named Ponderosa Lane, although it should be renamed loop or circle, right?) with only about two dozen or so slots available with about half of these being of the semi-permanent varietal with the other half occupied by proper RV’ers enroute no doubt to somewhere that’s more promising. As for amenities, there’s not a whole lot apart from a pretty unshapely pebble-strewn pathway, but watch out for all of the potholes(and being from Chicago, that’s saying something)! There’s electric and water hook-ups and a dumpster at the back of the place, but that’s about it.

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) Keep driving past this RV dump and look for higher ground – within a 30 minute drive of this place you’ll be able to find MUCH better accommodations – just look at my other reviews here on TheDyrt for nearby places that offer a much better experience, such as Palm Coast RV Park, just up the road past Bunnell; (2) If you do have to stay here for some reason, get in late and leave early; (3) Looking for nearby attractions or something to do? I would recommend heading east on Marco Polo Boulevard and crossing I95 to Bulow Creek State Park where you’ll find no shortage of amazing hiking pathways as well as kayak entry points and fishing holes to cast a line in; and (4) For those hauling an ATV, due south of Ponderosa Adult RV Park is something called Florida Cracker Ranch, which is basically a big open mud pit for all your ATV mud-flinging pleasure.

    Happy Camping!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Arrowhead Campsites & Mobile Home Park

    Budget-Friendly Stay Just Off I-75 in the Horse Capital of the World

    Sitting quietly just off I-75, Arrowhead Campsites & Mobile Home Park in Ocala, Florida is located on one of the busiest thoroughfares that runs through Ocala. This place is a no frills, straightforward, budget-friendly campground where grass pads, shady trees and neighborly vibes create a cozy Old-Florida atmosphere. First impressions? This isn’t a resort, but while there is a community pool (that wasn’t working when we stopped by and TBH was incredibly cringe-worthy), it’s a practical, easygoing basecamp that gives you everything you need while keeping you close to Ocala’s natural gems ... as long as you manage your expectations before arriving here.

    Facilities are simple but sufficient (unless they aren't working at all). There are around 100 sites with full hookups (30 / 50 amp electric, water, sewer), most on grass with decent leveling. Guests have access to free Wi-Fi, cable TV, mediocre bathrooms and subpar showers, a laundry facility, picnic tables and a recreation room. Long-term residents mix with short-stay campers, so expect a lived-in, welcoming feel. The campground also features a dining hall and small community events, adding a sense of 'cringy neighborhood' to your stay.

    Ocala itself is the star attraction nearby. Known as the ‘Horse Capital of the World,’ you’re just minutes away from equestrian centers, rolling farms and the glass-clear waters of Silver Springs State Park. The Ocala National Forest offers endless hiking, kayaking and wildlife watching, while downtown Ocala brings restaurants, art galleries and Southern charm.

    Insider Tips? Here’s a smathering: (1) IMHO the best sites are the ones with grass pads near the front loops for the easiest pull-in and better spacing, especially if you’re arriving late, which is convenient as well for those that want to make an early, discreet and trouble-free exit in the morning; (2) Should you need to stock up on anything, there’s a Walmart Supercenter, Publix, Home Depot and Lowe’s all within a 10-minute drive; (3) A nearby hidden ‘easter egg’ you’ll want to explore are the lesser-visited trails at Silver Springs State Park where you’ll find quiet boardwalks and an historic pioneer village that many tourists (and even local residents) miss; (4) If you’ve come with your kayak, a great place to launch is at Silver Springs State Park where you can paddle down the Silver River. Expect to see turtles, manatees and wild rhesus (not Reese's, but sounds the same) monkeys that somehow call the riverbank home; (5) Because there are long-term residents here at Arrowhead, it’s best to request a short-term site closer to the entrance for less foot traffic and quieter evenings; and (6) When you get tired of conjuring up that next meal from the depths of your Cordova roto-molded cooler, then check on some local joints like Big Lee’s Serious About BBQ for its nationally acclaimed BBQ brisket, ribs, and sides or Ivy on the Square with its upscale comfort food in a historic downtown building and there’s also Latinos y Mas serving up fusion Latin classics with Mediterranean touches.

    Happy Camping!


Guide to Salt Springs

Camping near Salt Springs, Florida, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities. Whether you're looking to relax by the springs or explore the surrounding forests, there’s something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Swimming and Snorkeling: The springs are a big draw. Many campers enjoy swimming in the crystal-clear waters. One visitor mentioned, “The spring is walking distance from the campground - we saw turtles, otters, and many fish while swimming in the spring,” at Alexander Springs Recreation Area.
  • Kayaking and Canoeing: Rent a kayak or canoe to explore the waterways. A reviewer at Silver Springs State Park Campground said, “We had our own kayaks so we put in at the head springs and paddled down to the campground.”
  • Hiking: There are several trails to hike. One camper noted, “Great trails and walking” at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park Campground.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Rodman Campground said, “Bathrooms are so clean you could literally eat off the floors.”
  • Wildlife Viewing: Many enjoy spotting wildlife. One camper at Juniper Springs Recreation Area shared, “Quiet little campground with plenty of wildlife and trails.”
  • Privacy: Campers often mention the privacy of the sites. A reviewer at Blue Spring State Park Campground said, “The individual campsites give off a vibe of privacy, intimacy and solitude.”

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can get noisy. A visitor at Lake Griffin State Park Campground reported, “Neighbors were loud and fighting well past midnight.”
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have electric hookups or water at the sites. A camper at Clearwater Lake Campground mentioned, “Only drawback for me is no electric hookups.”
  • Reservation Requirements: Many campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak seasons. A reviewer at Salt Springs Recreation Area noted, “$8 fee to make online reservations.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds that offer activities for kids. One parent at Blue Spring State Park Campground said, “The kids enjoyed the boat tour.”
  • Pack Bug Spray: Bugs can be a nuisance, especially in warmer months. A visitor at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park Campground advised, “BRING BUG SPRAY.”
  • Plan for Quiet Hours: Some campgrounds have quiet hours that aren’t enforced. A camper at Salt Springs Recreation Area mentioned, “Loud and rowdy campers all weekend long—day and night.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Rodman Campground said, “Rv sites are huge and plentiful.”
  • Look for Full Hookups: If you need full hookups, check the campground details. A visitor at Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park noted, “Only 5-10 minutes to the supermarket.”
  • Explore Nearby Attractions: Don’t forget to check out local restaurants and attractions. A camper at Clearwater Lake Campground mentioned, “The staff were all very nice and the bathrooms were well maintained.”

Camping near Salt Springs, Florida, is a great way to enjoy nature and spend time with family and friends. Whether you’re in an RV or tent, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Salt Springs Recreation Area for campers?

Salt Springs Recreation Area offers extensive amenities with two large camping areas totaling over 150 sites. One campground provides complete hookups with 50 amp service, water, and sewer. Facilities include bath houses with showers, fire rings at campsites, and access to the natural springs for swimming (free for campers). The campground is well-maintained with both RV sites and tent camping options. For those seeking alternatives, Lake Delancy East NF Campground is nearby with more basic amenities at a lower cost ($10 nightly).

Where is Salt Springs Campground located in Florida?

Salt Springs Recreation Area is located in the Ocala National Forest in Central Florida. This campground is part of the oldest national forest east of the Mississippi River and is known for protecting the world's largest sand pine scrub forest. The springs that give the area its name contain minerals like magnesium, sodium, and potassium, making it a popular destination for visitors seeking to enjoy natural Florida.

How can I find a map of Salt Springs Campground?

Maps of Salt Springs Campground can be obtained from the campground office upon arrival or from the Ocala National Forest visitor centers. For planning ahead, the official USDA Forest Service website for Ocala National Forest offers downloadable maps of the area including Salt Springs. Visitors can also find detailed site maps when making reservations through Recreation.gov. For additional camping options in the region, Alexander Springs Recreation Area and Juniper Springs Rec Area also provide maps of their facilities within the same forest system.