RV camping near Salt Springs, Florida provides access to numerous natural spring systems that maintain a constant 72-degree temperature year-round. The region sits within the Ocala National Forest at approximately 20 feet above sea level and experiences humid subtropical conditions with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F. Cell service remains inconsistent throughout much of the area, particularly for visitors relying on T-Mobile networks.
What to Do
Wildlife viewing at Lake George: Port Cove RV Resort offers excellent wildlife observation opportunities. "If your idea of a sublime slice of heaven includes being surrounded by a body of water, complete with docks to tie up your boat so that you can rise early to hook lake trout, smallmouth and largemouth bass, black crappie, brown bullhead, yellow perch, landlocked salmon, chain pickerel, pumpkinseed, rock bass, smelt and northern pike, then Port Cove RV Resort might just be the perfect place for you," notes one visitor.
Boat tours and rentals: Several locations offer boat launch access to the St. Johns River system. "Whether with a motorboat or paddling kayak and canoe, you will want to be very careful to watch the swarms of manatee that live in this lake," warns a camper at Georgetown Marina, which also offers guided experiences. "If you've never gone out to see gators at night, you really should give it a try."
Hiking nearby nature preserves: The area features several trail systems with varying difficulty levels. A visitor to Encore Bulow RV recommends: "For those that enjoy hiking, I strongly recommend heading just due south of this RV resort to Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic Park, where you can hike Bulow Creek Canoe Trail, which is quite short and basic, or head further south to Boardman Pond where there's a pretty cool observation platform for bird-watching."
What Campers Like
Waterfront access: Lake George provides prime fishing and boating opportunities. "Great very quiet RV park with a little bait shop, store, bar, boat ramp, and marina. This gives you access to Lake George and some of the most amazing sunsets ever seen," noted a reviewer at Pine Island RV & Marina.
Peaceful environment: Many campers appreciate the relative seclusion of certain parks. "Great place if you're looking for a peaceful stay in the middle of nowhere. The lake views are beautiful. Staff and owner are very friendly. Thankful we found this here!" shared another Pine Island visitor.
River proximity: The St. Johns River provides excellent recreation opportunities. One camper at Rivers Edge RV Park explained: "One thing's for certain, this camping outpost located just outside the itty bitty village of Georgetown couldn't be any closer to the mighty St. Johns River, which if you don't know, is one of the largest and most prolific fishing rivers in all of Florida."
What You Should Know
Variable site quality: Not all sites offer the same amenities or views. At Encore Southern Palms, a visitor noted: "This is a Thousand trails collection. Nice size park... One thing that separates them from the other campgrounds is the unique style they have of getting you to your spot. You follow a person to your spot and they then stretch a rope for you to back along to make sure you're at the farthest from one side to give both you and the next site all the space allotted."
Seasonal variations: Occupancy changes dramatically throughout the year. "Has by far not been my favorite. It's divided into 3 parts. We are across the road with no swimming pool or dog park. The main camp has a pool but the hot tub is broken," explained a visitor to Southern Palms.
Narrow access roads: Some locations require careful navigation. "One thing I appreciated most was that Rivers Edge RV Park offers up a distinct tent area, which places mi tent-pitchin' bredren in our own canvassed-erected environ that is actually the closest camping option to the St. Johns River here," noted a reviewer about the layout.
Tips for Camping with Families
Pool alternatives: When campground pools are unavailable or crowded, look to natural water features. At Runaway Bay Lodge, visitors recommend: "Immerse yourself in this quiet and relaxing getaway. Splurge a little and spring for the private chef meals, we heard they are amazing!! Hang out in the hot tub while looking at the lake."
Game facilities: Some parks offer recreational activities for children. "The park wasn't the best park we have been to but the surrounding area and safety and nice people make up for it. The bathroom is very nice and modernized. Laundry is more pricy than any other but they take card so it's nice not having to get cash or quarters every time," reported a visitor to Encore Southern Palms.
Pet-friendly areas: Many parks accommodate families with animals. "We stayed for about a week. Great location, clean facilities, helpful and friendly staff. Lots of things for kids to do at the campground (pool, playground, cornhole, ping pong table, fishing pond, etc)," shared a visitor at Compass RV Park.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Choose sites based on specific needs. A visitor to Cherry Blossom RV Resort advises: "When you book at Cherry Blossom, they won't guarantee you a specific site – you will only know exactly where you are staying when you arrive and are assigned a specific spot. My HUGE recommendation would be to arrive as early as you can so that you can understand what spots will become available that day."
Electrical considerations: Plan for varied electrical supply. "Sites are large and spread out with lots of shade trees but not plantings between sites," noted one visitor about the Salt Springs area, while another mentioned: "All slots come with 30/50 amp, metered electric and complimentary cable TV & WiFi."
Dump station timing: Plan dump station use strategically. "At $45/night, $225/week and $450/month along with $10 nightly dock fees this is a very affordable spot," noted a Georgetown Marina visitor, adding context about facilities including "restrooms, showers and laundry facilities (that are just passable), scattered picnic tables and grills, dockage (up to 60'), airboat rides, narrow boat launch that provides quick and EZ access to Lake George."