Best Campgrounds near San Mateo, FL

The San Mateo area in Florida provides access to a variety of camping experiences within the surrounding region. Campers can find established campgrounds like Salt Springs Recreation Area in the Ocala National Forest, which offers tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations. Other nearby options include Rodman Campground near Palatka with both tent and RV sites, and North Beach Camp Resort in St. Augustine featuring oceanfront camping. The region encompasses both freshwater and coastal camping opportunities, with sites ranging from primitive to full-service. Many campgrounds in this area provide direct access to water activities on St. Johns River, Lake Crescent, and various springs. Campers browse The Dyrt when exploring the best sites near San Mateo for detailed information on amenities and availability.

"This campground is in Ocala National Forest, which is always beautiful. The campsites are large, we fit 3 4+ person tents," noted one visitor about Alexander Springs Recreation Area. Florida's climate allows for year-round camping in the San Mateo region, though summer months bring high humidity, frequent afternoon thunderstorms, and mosquitoes. Most established campgrounds require reservations, especially during winter months when snowbirds flock to the area. Water levels can affect accessibility at some locations, particularly after heavy rainfall. Cell service varies throughout the region, with better coverage near larger towns like Palatka and St. Augustine. Many campgrounds feature sandy soil typical of the region, which drains quickly after rain but can be challenging for tent stakes.

Several visitors highlight the region's natural springs as standout features. Clearwater Lake Campground receives praise for its "water conditions typically providing excellent visibility to the mostly sand-bottomed swimming area." Campers frequently mention the abundant wildlife viewing opportunities, including manatees in colder months at Salt Springs. The proximity to historic St. Augustine is another draw, with Anastasia State Park described as "magnificent" with "abundant shade and privacy" cut from the jungle. Campgrounds closer to highways like I-95 tend to be more developed with full hookups but offer less seclusion than those deeper in forested areas. Sites near water bodies fill quickly during peak seasons, with reviewers consistently recommending advance reservations for waterfront locations.

Best Camping Sites Near San Mateo, Florida (243)

    1. Salt Springs Recreation Area

    59 Reviews
    Salt Springs, FL
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 685-2048

    $38 - $70 / night

    "There are no laundry facilities but if you exit park and drive left there is a laundromat, local food, dollar store, bait tackle."

    "Located in the center of the state, you’ll have near equal access to both the Atlantic Ocean to the east as well as the Gulf shores to the west."

    2. Anastasia State Park Campground

    115 Reviews
    St. Augustine, FL
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (904) 461-2033

    $28 / night

    "You really can have it all at this campground - with its 'next door' proximity to one of the most amazing beachheads on Florida's Atlantic coastline and quick access to the country's oldest town (St."

    "Great location & in close proximity to St. Augustine. One of my favorite places to visit in Florida. If you've never been to St."

    3. Rodman Campground

    28 Reviews
    Welaka, FL
    14 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. Half Shell Resort

    6 Reviews
    San Mateo, FL
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (901) 230-6224

    $55 / night

    "Close to town for all your needs. It's right on the St John's river.  We made some awesome friends while we were their. Can't wait to get back"

    "Nice restaurants nearby. No picnic table at campsites. Everyone very friendly."

    5. Faver-Dykes State Park Campground

    21 Reviews
    Palm Coast, FL
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (904) 794-0997

    $18 / night

    "Far down a dirt road and very quiet you wouldn't know you were that close to the interstate. Only complaint would be the distance the dumpsters are from the CG"

    "Close to saint Augustine and Daytona."

    6. 4 Lakes Campground

    5 Reviews
    Hastings, FL
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (904) 692-3762

    $40 - $80 / night

    "It’s quiet and away from any tourists. St Augustine is 30 minutes away."

    "We stayed at 4 Lakes for 6 months for work and it was really nice! Staff are super friendly and helpful and make you feel like family."

    7. North Beach Camp Resort

    47 Reviews
    St. Augustine, FL
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (904) 824-1806

    $67 - $245 / night

    "We stayed in number 18 and we were very close to the bathroom area (which has AC) and close to the Pool."

    "Very shady spots and plenty of space for long walks on the paths, along the river or across the street at the beach. I had 2 dogs & appreciated the doggy stations with poo bags and garbage."

    8. Compass RV Park

    19 Reviews
    St. Augustine, FL
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (904) 824-3574

    "The pull through sites were quite close to each other where the back in sites provided more room, this was especially true near the front of the CG."

    "You just leave the trash bag out anytime and the park staff pick it up during one of their normal rounds around the park. The whole park including all the sites were very well maintained."

    9. Davenport Landing

    9 Reviews
    Welaka, FL
    15 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. Celestial Acres

    2 Reviews
    Hastings, FL
    8 miles
    +1 (609) 992-0103

    $20 - $40 / night

    "Close to the beach, this is the perfect pitstop. Check them out and leave them some love here!"

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Recent Reviews near San Mateo, FL

1226 Reviews of 243 San Mateo Campgrounds


  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 23, 2026

    Lake Dorr

    Small and quiet campground

    I was very pleased visiting Lake Dorr campground. Very clean restrooms and water available every 20 feet. Would recommend if you enjoy peace and quiet.

  • PIXIE B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 21, 2026

    Fore Lake Campground

    Worth the visit.

    Nice little campsite. Reasonable rate. Cars, Vans, Truck Camper, Tents, all allowed in all the sites. So there isn't just a "tent" sites.

    Campsite 5. Tmobile. Good service. I didn't even need my router to stream. Bear Aware area.

    Host very nice and helpful. There is hot water, but baths need update.

  • Jack D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 19, 2026

    Riverside Camping — Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area at Flagler Beach

    Great beach access clean facilities

    Stayed near the river far end of the loop for a weekend. Sites were far enough away from each other so you didn't feel packed in. Nice fire pit and picnic table but the charcoal grill could've used a replacement if we wanted to use it. Bathrooms were very clean and water was very hot for the showers. Electric and water hookup at our site was in good working order. Dump site was near the entrance to our loop along with a large dumpster. Camp hosts had fire wood for sale. Beach access was right across the street about a 10 minute walk. Some other small nature trails in the park.

    Book ahead if you want a good spot we got lucky with a cancellation but park was very full.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 17, 2026

    Braddock's Point Group Campground - Moses Creek Recreation Area

    Primitive Camping Solitude on the Tidal Edge of Ancient City

    Tucked deep inside the Moses Creek Conservation Area south of St. Augustine, Braddock’s Point Group Campground feels like Old Florida with its quiet pine flatwoods, oak hammocks and the briny breath of the tidal creek just beyond the trees. This seemingly hidden reservable group site sits in a wide, sandy clearing surrounded by palmettos and pines, offering a secluded, shaded and tranquil escape for tents and hammocks only. Accessible by a narrow forest road, it’s the kind of place where you unpack, exhale, and realize you haven’t heard a car in hours.

    So, with that ‘narrow forest road’ in mind, let’s get into it. When you come here – not to the first– but to the second access point to Moses Creek Conservation Area as you are driving east on 206 (from US1), when you book this campground, you’ll be granted access to the road that will take you about a mile into the Conservation Area before reaching this peaceful patch of paradise. But I’ll warn you, especially during rainy season, you want to ensure you are driving an SUV that can manage these flood-prone roads, where at least in 1 spot, we found it to be impassable, so had to unload all of our gear a good 100 yards or so from the camp. Oh, and there’s no signage, so yeah, go to https://aws.sjrwmd.com/SJRWMD/lands/recreation/Moses\_Creek\_Conservation\_Area.pdf or grab the image I have attached to this review) to download a real map of this place and just stay on what looks like is a road (no, don’t turn onto any of the bike paths – 1 tread versus 2!) and you should be fine.

    Facilities here are minimal by design with a large, oversized fire ring complete w/ 2 proper benches with seating for 3-4 each along with a log that serves as a ‘poor man’s bench,’ 2-3 scattered picnic tables with some located underneath a good-sized shelter that should cover up to about 12 people, a separate bonfire area set back amongst the live oaks draped in Spanish moss complete with 3-4 additional benches that can easily seat 2-3 people apiece along with a single standing port-a-potty that greeted you near the entrance to this group camp. There’s no potable water, electricity or trash service, so campers should come self-contained and pack out everything they bring in. There was a water pump that apparently offers up non-potable water for washing dishes, but it was not functional when we visited. Trails branch off toward Moses Creek, where you can hike or paddle through a maze of tidal inlets, spotting herons, egrets and maybe even an otter if you’re lucky. The Palmetto Trail, accessible nearby, winds through shaded hammocks and marsh overlooks perfect for nature walks or a leisurely bike ride.

    The real bonus of camping at Braddock’s Point is its proximity to historic St. Augustine, the oldest continuously occupied city in the U.S. Just 25 minutes away, you can explore the Castillo de San Marcos, stroll the narrow brick lanes of St. George Street, or take a ghost tour beneath gas-lit balconies. For ocean views and a touch of maritime history, head to the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum, or cross over to Anastasia State Park for pristine beaches, nature trails and kayak rentals. When it’s time to restock supplies, nearby options include Publix Super Market at Moultrie Square, Shell gas station where US1 meets SR-206 and Home Depot for any gear or propane needs.

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a handful: (1) Pitch tents along the northern treeline for views of the intracoastal or on the southern perimeter for shade and wind cover, leaving the center open for group gatherings around the fire ring; (2) For kayaking or canoeing, head to the Moses Creek launch near the Palmetto Trail where you’ll discover calm, scenic water and great birdwatching; (3) The Palmetto Trail is ideal for a half-day hike, offering shade, light elevation and stunning marsh vistas; (4) Watch for white-tailed deer, ospreys and herons around dawn and dusk; (5) Mosquitoes and no-see-ums are part of the deal, so bring heavy-duty repellent and long sleeves; (6) When you’re done roughing it, reward yourself with dinner at Le Bouchon Brasserie for French coastal fare like steamed mussels or Hawaiian meets California Mexican at Jimmy Hula’s for fish tacos and beachside vibes.

    Happy Camping!

  • Al & Teresa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 12, 2026

    Blue Spring State Park Campground

    Know your code

    They give you a gate code when you arrive. Made sure to keep this handy, it is also the code for access to the bathhouse. There is one washer and a dryer at each of the 2 bathouses. We found a washer out of order. Camping is very close to the Spring and we got to see plenty of Manetees. We took the 1 hour boat tour and had a great time. If you do take the boats remember to let them know you are camping to get the discount. The sites are sand and stone. We stayed at 2 site and found them mostly level. There is a train that travels near the campground but not often. We did hear a gun range and were told it is used most weekends.

  • J
    Jan. 10, 2026

    Whimcycle Trail Resort At Santos

    Great Commimication, Large Sites

    Beth was super responsive to questions I had before arrival. Easy access to large, flat, dirt/grass sites with hookups. I usually stay at Santos State Park nearby for lower cost, but this was available with less notice and a pleasant surprise. No Verizon service, so bring Starlink or AT&T. Will def consider WhimCycle again.

  • Sherry The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 8, 2026

    Davenport Landing

    Small

    Small area, close camping so No privacy, I you are nearby the water, First come first serve spots, has walking trail in the area. Beware of Bears.

  • Sherry The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 8, 2026

    Rodman Campground

    Peaceful

    Quiet, clean, well maintained, friendly people

  • Maria Mercedes M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 7, 2026

    Lake Delancy West Campground

    Full-Throttle Campground Fun

    There’s a real sense of forest solitude when you turn off the pavement and roll into Lake Delancy West Campground, a wooded public campground tucked beside the lake’s quiet west shore and surrounded by massive oak and towering pine trees. This is a beautifully natural setting with EZ access to water play, fishing, hiking and woodsy exploration with the campground layout being simple and open with shaded tent sites and roomy RV spots that make you feel like you’re out in the woods rather than in a parking lot. That said, this peace doesn’t come without its lively side: the area is also a popular ride zone for off-highway vehicles (OHVs) during the day, which means you’ll often hear ATVs revving and roaring through the forest corridors nearby before things calm down at night, giving this campground an energy that’s a mix of wilderness quiet and outdoor playground bustle. The best sites are those closer to the lake’s edge where you can sit with a morning coffee and catch the light on the water before traffic stirs, although if silence is a priority you’ll want to plan your day’s adventures around the heavier daytime OHV hours. We’d recommend Lake Delancy West for families who appreciate lakeside access, plenty of outdoor recreation, and don’t mind a bit of daytime horsepower mixed in with their bird calls, but keep in mind that the lively noise from trail riders can be part of the experience if you’re here earlier in the day.


Guide to San Mateo

Camping options near San Mateo, Florida span both freshwater and coastal environments within a 30-mile radius. The area sits at low elevation between 5-25 feet above sea level, creating a landscape dominated by pine flatwoods, cypress swamps, and riverfront terrain. San Mateo's central location provides access to the St. Johns River system as well as Atlantic coast beaches, with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F with high humidity from June through September.

What to Do

Kayaking and canoeing: Salt Springs Recreation Area offers excellent water exploration opportunities. "We decided to change the primitive camping to an easier drive in and loved it. The spot and people were perfect. The natural springs and area was amazing," notes Jj R. about Salt Springs Recreation Area.

Beach activities: North Beach Camp Resort offers direct ocean access with privacy from crowds. "The campground was perfectly designed by someone who knows what campers want. Each site was separated from the neighbor by high brush and trees to make it seem really private. A river on the backside and the Atlantic Ocean on the front of the resort," explains Nicole C. about North Beach Camp Resort.

Fishing: Multiple access points for freshwater fishing exist throughout the region. One camper at Rodman Campground noted, "Great access to the lake. Pull through, back in and buddy sites are available," highlighting the convenient water access at this location.

What Campers Like

Private campsites: Many campgrounds offer good separation between sites. At Anastasia State Park Campground, "These campsites offer a serene amount of privacy with the space the campgrounds are working with. It's not a backcountry hike, definitely a drive-up campground but the foliage and large campsites provide a lot of privacy throughout the day and night," reports Issa F.

Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses and grounds are frequently mentioned. According to Brandie B. at Faver-Dykes, "The camp hosts keep each site impeccable and the bath house were very clean. The sites are wide and because of the vegitation almost impossible to see your neighbors."

Waterfront options: Several campgrounds offer sites with direct water views. Lauren W. describes her experience at Rodman Campground: "Beautiful site! Full shade and very level. Water directly in front of our site. Road our bikes to the dam."

What You Should Know

Seasonal considerations: Summer brings heat, humidity, and insects. At Faver-Dykes, Leslie B. warns, "Only problem we had were ticks! They were literally everywhere and we were constantly picking them off ourselves and our dogs."

Noise factors: Some campgrounds experience noise from unexpected sources. Jeff E. shares about 4 Lakes Campground: "IF there is an 'ALL HOURS WEEKEND' at the nearby Hog Waller Campground and ATV Resort (right across the river), then the trails remain open 24 hours and you will not have any tranquility or relaxation all night."

Internet connectivity: Cell service varies widely across the region. Daniel G. notes about Compass RV Park: "The only down side is that the cell service (for both T-Mobile and Verizon) didn't work very well, and the Wi-Fi is iffy at best."

Tips for Camping with Families

Kid-friendly activities: Several campgrounds offer recreational amenities. Desirae L. describes Salt Springs: "We went camping here with two small kids, one of the sites closest to the springs, just a short walk. The campsite was much bigger than I expected."

Safe swimming areas: Natural springs provide consistent water temperatures for comfortable swimming year-round. One camper at Compass RV Park noted, "They have a pool and work out room. The sites were large and easy to access. Grounds are well maintained."

Space considerations: Look for campgrounds with room for kids to play. Vivian L. describes Celestial Acres as having "a huge grass area enclosed for kids and animals to play. Also, a beautiful burn pit for a campfire! Very safe place to ease your mind."

Tips from RVers

Site surface types: Different campgrounds offer various parking surfaces. According to Mike K. at Renegades on the River, "Full size RV sites with full hook up and the whole park is paved or pavers. Very nice pool and full laundry."

Utilities and services: Hookup availability varies widely. At Salt Springs, Sue G. mentions, "Sites have paved pads but most are not level. Wifi very spotty. Springs are nice."

Sizing considerations: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger rigs. Sandi A. warns about Faver-Dykes: "Road into park narrow. We could not park our rv due to narrow road. They did promise a refund."

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near San Mateo, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, San Mateo, FL offers a wide range of camping options, with 243 campgrounds and RV parks near San Mateo, FL and 8 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near San Mateo, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near San Mateo, FL is Salt Springs Recreation Area with a 4.4-star rating from 59 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near San Mateo, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 free dispersed camping spots near San Mateo, FL.

What parks are near San Mateo, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 parks near San Mateo, FL that allow camping, notably Ocala National Forest and National Forests in Florida.