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.
Ocklawaha Canoe Outpost & Resort
12 min away
Gores Landing
12 min away
$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"
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...
TravelerFeels secluded and amazing and the shops are great they have everything you need that you may have forgot or fun stuff for you to do
LegendTucked along the shores of The St. Johns River flowing southward to Lake George, Gateway Fish Camp feels like stepping back into a gentler, quieter version of Florida where fishing poles outnumber smartphones. This little slice of Old Florida charm has a down-home, relaxed atmosphere that’s equal parts rustic and welcoming. The first thing you’ll notice is the water – calm, wide-open lake views that practically beg you to sit (although as there's actually no chairs, I would encourage you to bring your own) a spell on the dock and watch the sun do its magic at either end of the day. Just follow the sandy ‘streets’ or road pathways covered in shade down to the main office.
The campground here is small and unpretentious (that is my kind word for it at least), offering both pull-in and back-in RV sites, although if I’m honest, there’s a handful of RVs that looked like they’ve been here for a while and have no pretensions of leaving anytime soon. Is the place a bit disheveled and in need of a fresh coat of paint and a good bit of gardening manicure? Yes. Expect electric hookups, basic water access, and a layout that’s easy enough to navigate without fancy maneuvering. Restrooms (albeit primitive) are serviceable and clean, and the overall vibe is one of practicality rather than polish. Pet owners will be glad to know furry friends are welcome, and the pace of life here makes it easy to wander with them. It’s not luxury camping, but it’s honest, comfortable, and refreshingly straightforward.
What really makes Gateway shine is its direct access to Lake George, a dream come true for anglers, kayakers, and birdwatchers. You can drop a line for bass, launch a kayak from the dock, or just sit by the water and spot ospreys circling overhead. Crescent City itself is a short drive away for groceries, gas, or a diner breakfast, but the lake and surrounding marshes provide the real entertainment. This is the kind of place where the sound of boat motors mixes with bird calls and nobody seems in a hurry.
Insider Tips? Here’s a few: (1) If you can, snag a campsite close to the water’s edge – you’ll get front-row seats to sunrise and a constant cool breeze; (2) For a memorable local meal, head over to 3 Bananas Restaurant right on Crescent Lake in Crescent City. Their blackened fish sandwich is as good as the view from the deck; (3) If you are a tent camper like me, you’ll want to take note that this place only has primitive bathrooms, so either bring your own, otherwise, you’ll be hiking to the nearest Publix or Dollar General; (4) Kayakers will love paddling out toward the lake’s eastern shoreline. And if you don’t have a kayak, fret not, the good folks here at Gateway Fish Camp will rent you 1 of the 2 that they have. Early morning trips often reward you with glimpses of herons, egrets, and even the occasional alligator – all from a safe distance, of course!; and (5) Apart from having direct access to Lake George (and nearby access to Crescent Lake), one of the very big upsides to being here at Gateway Fish Camp is the direct access to Fort Gates Ferry, which docks here and for a small fee will transport you to the other side of the St. Johns River, saving you substantial amount of time driving around this body of water.
Happy Camping!
LegendLocated so close to the St. Johns River that if you were any closer to it, you’d be swimming in it! For those anglers that are looking for no frills accommodations – whether those be from the confines of your own RV or 5th Wheel… or in the event that you need to rent a place for the night – then Bass World Lodge & Marina has you covered by offering up one of the 4-5 RV slots it has or by renting you one of its basic cabin rentals (up to 10 people can be accommodated). Fishing is coveted in these parts that will place you on the northernmost tip of Lake George in the very itty bitty enclave of Georgetown, which if you want to discover what Old Florida looks like, then just stop on by here for a spell.
Given the weather conditions in this part of Central Florida, you can check-in to Bass World Lodge & Marina year-round and within minutes of getting set up, you’ll easily have access to the St. Johns in no time by leveraging one of 2 boathouses that sit adjacent to the property here. If you’ve got angling on your mind, you’ll have no problems casting for big- and small-mouth bass, crappie, channel catfish, pickerel, bluegill, lake trout, landlocked salmon, yellow perch, bluegill, panfish, northern pike and even American eel. While on the lake, you can enjoy all sorts of watersports like waterskiing, tubing, paddleboarding, kayaking, wakeboarding, canoeing, boating and even gator hunting (permit required).
Amenities include: 2 individual boat houses, fish cleaning stations complete with running water, boat slips for rent, non-ethanol fuel, FHU’s offering water, sewage & electric, bait & tackle, community grills, makeshift car rim fire pits, fish cleaning stations, lakefront seats & benches, fishing pier, boat docking, boat rentals, scattered card tables, assorted dock seating and on-site market with souvenirs, cold beverages, beer, ice, snacks and all the fishing gear you can swing your fishing pole at. There’s even a guide you can hire here to show you around the nearby fishing holes.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) While brackish, somewhat darker-than-usual waters makes for just mediocre (at best) swimming accommodations, you’re in luck if coming here as nearby, there are gorgeous springs like Silver Springs, Juniper Springs and Alexander Springs, which all 3 will offer crystal-clear snorkeling and swimming options unlike you’ve ever experienced; (2) Because Georgetown is tiny, there’s barely any restaurant options, although we were able to find nearby a few really good spots like Idle Awhile for Cajun Fried Pickles & Blackened Haddock chased down by Rum Runners, Fatboy’s Saloon for Peel & Eat Shrimp, Hawg Burners with iced Tall Boys and Renegades on the River serving up Gator Tail and the best Shepherd’s Pie on the St. Johns – all within reach of a proper Tiki Bar where the Mai Tais pour freely; (3) This RV outpost on the St. Johns River has been up and running by the same family for 3 decades, so when it comes to knowledge of where to cast your line or how to get to a secluded area and away from the crowds, you can ask any one of the family here for some spartan tips and recommendations; (4) IMHO the best RV spots are those closest to the inside loop (#6 and #7), while if you are wanting to rent a cabin, I actually rate those a bit further away from the main office / riverfront, where it is quietest (#3 - #5); and (5) If you’ve come without a boat to get on the water, no worries, Bass World Lodge & Marina has you covered by offering up Pontoon and Bass Boat rentals, which at $175 - $315 per day is incredibly affordable.
Happy Camping!
TravelerTwo days before travel were able to get 2 nights in a pull thru site w full hook up. Large sites with ample separation from your neighbors. I am a native Floridian and this is the real deal. This is a quiet park w a lot of nature. Good for a slow-paced break.
TravelerVery nice small campground. Best asset is the access to hiking and biking. Miles of trails.
TravelerVery narrow trails but really easy access, you will leave with some new pinstripes
ScoutVery clean . 20 min away from Downtown
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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