Looking for the best campgrounds near Salt Springs, FL? Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Salt Springs campgrounds just for you. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Florida camping adventure.
$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"
$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."
$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."
$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."
$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."
$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."
$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."
$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 :)"
$80 - $190 / night
"Great access to the lake."
"Plenty of bars and restaurants within a short drive."
"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"
LegendSitting 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!
LegendNestled along the St. Johns River in DeBary, Highbanks Marina & Camp Resort is a 25-acre playground where RVers and boaters mingle under giant oaks and Spanish moss. Locals call it ‘Camelot on the River,’ though I’m quite sure Arthur never had 50-amp hookups or a bait shop. First impressions? Think Old Florida charm, river breezes and a place where your neighbor might offer you both a cold beer and unsolicited fishing advice. Unfortunately, there's no primitive camping here for mi tent pitchin' bredren.
The campground packs plenty of creature comforts. RV sites come with full hookups (30 / 50 amp electric, water, sewer), and most are shaded enough to keep your AC from begging for mercy. There’s a 30'X60' swimming pool (read: bigger than your neighbor’s backyard dream), a recreation hall, horseshoe pits, bocce ball and laundries. The camp store is less ‘convenience shop’ and more ‘bait & souvenirs,’ with everything from fishing gear to trinkets you’ll later wonder why you bought. Then there’s the 72-slip marina where your kayak can feel fancy just by association with the pontoon crowd.
The setting is pure St. Johns River magic. You can paddle out and watch herons glide by, manatees surface like old river monks or gators give you side-eye. Kayakers rave about the downstream trip to Blue Spring, where you can float past manatees before your coffee gets cold. When you’re done pretending you’re an extra in a National Geographic documentary, DeBary and Deltona are just minutes away for groceries, supplies and a change of scenery.
Insider Tips? Yeah, you know you are just jonesing for some, right? Here they are: (1) Riverfront sites are the crown jewels at this RV encampment, but book early unless you like camping by the dump station and telling people it’s ‘rustic charm.’; (2) Don’t skip the marina rentals as you’ll look cooler launching a pontoon, but the kayaks give you the better wildlife bragging rights; (3) The on-site Swamp House Grill & Tiki Bar is a must with its fried seafood, rum-fueled tiki drinks along with the chance to meet locals who definitely have fish stories longer than your RV; (4) Some sites feel more ‘neighbors with benefits’ (read: tight) than ‘sprawling privacy,’ so if this of concern for you, do yourself a ‘favor flave’ and grab a spot near the office or look towards the open loops for more elbow room; (5) If you missed it, for mi oar rowin’ bredren, kayak to Blue Spring: it’s the best free manatee show in Florida (sorry, SeaWorld!); and (6) In the event that you’ve already checked out the on-site Swamp House Grill and want to try something new, hit up Hontoon Landing Restaurant for casual riverside eats, Blue Spring Café serving up biscuits the size of your face or DeBary Hall’s nearby eateries for a dose of history and hearty Southern comfort.
Happy Camping!
LegendI’m following up on my review from over a year ago with updated insights, additional photos and a quick breakdown of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS:
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) 139 shaded sites nestled under live oaks dripping with Spanish moss and palmettos with water and electric hookups; (2) Quick access to 4 miles of pristine Atlantic beach; (3) Amenities include bathhouses, dump station, camp store and rental concession; (4) Nature trails and birding along salt marshes and dunes; (5) Minutes from downtown St. Augustine’s history and attractions; (6) Nearby restaurants include O’Steen’s Restaurant, which is famous for fried shrimp, Mellow Mushroom offering hippie-themed pies and Salt Life Food Shack offering up casual seafood with rooftop views.
LOWLIGHTS: (1) Tight sites where large RVs may struggle; (2) No sewer hookups at individual sites; (3) Reservations book up fast, especially weekends – trust me, this is one of the MOST POPULAR CAMPGROUNDS in all of Florida!; (4) Mosquitoes and no-see-ums thrive in warm months; and (5) Road noise from A1A can be noticeable.
Happy Camping!
ScoutSome spots are hard to back into, even with a 25ft rv. Don’t try to walk to the store on site, it’s kinda far!
TravelerBeen here only 1 day so far. The park is beautiful! It’s like a jungle, very tucked away and private and surrounded by water. 50 amp power, water hookups and sewage dump is right inside the campground for easy access. Our site has lantern hangers and a big fire pit with benches! The sites are nicely paved and graveled and the picnic tables are like new!! 10/10 recommend.
TravelerStayed in site 69. Bugs were decent honestly. Temps were very warm. Bathroom closed (only found out after check in) but campground is small so not too long of a walk. Road noise is moderate and some sites are very close together but others do a good job of having a barrier. There is plenty nearby in terms of hiking and kayaking.
TravelerGreat time in the wilderness. Only a week stay but we'll rejuvenated sfter.
TravelerFriendly and professional hostesses, clean bathrooms and sites are very spacious and private. The spring is wonderful even on busy weekends is very manageable. Just watch for coons stealing your food.
ScoutLet me start by saying park.is very clean and well maintained. Sites are big with gravel, fire pits, grill dining tabels and did I say clean. Silver springs is beautiful, go on the boat...
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.
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.
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