Dustin M.
Traveler
TravelerBennett Field Campground — Tiger Bay State Forest
Nice super spacious
Quite a bit of ticks. The camping table had a bee hive …
Explore Satsuma, FL Campgrounds & Camping Areas
Satsuma, Florida provides access to several campgrounds along the St. Johns River and Ocala National Forest, with options for tent camping, RV sites, and cabin rentals. Salt Springs Recreation Area and Renegades on the River feature full hookup sites and cabin accommodations, while dispersed sites like Davenport Landing offer more primitive experiences. The region's campgrounds typically maintain year-round operations, with most facilities positioned near lakes and waterways, providing opportunities for fishing, swimming, and boating activities.
Road access to campgrounds varies significantly, with some locations requiring navigation through sandy forest roads that can become challenging during dry periods. Several campgrounds in the area feature full hookups with 30/50 amp service, while others maintain a more rustic atmosphere with limited amenities. "Although in a populated area of Ocala, this campground is positioned in the trees and makes you feel like you are miles from civilization," noted one camper about a nearby site. Visitors should be aware that during summer months, insects and humidity can be intense, particularly at inland locations. Most campgrounds in the area provide at least basic amenities like picnic tables and fire rings, though some dispersed camping areas have no facilities whatsoever.
Water access represents a primary attraction for campers in the Satsuma area, with numerous campgrounds situated along lakes, springs, and rivers. The St. Johns River and Lake George provide excellent fishing opportunities, particularly for bass and panfish. Campers frequently highlight the region's crystal-clear springs, which maintain consistent 72-74 degree temperatures year-round. Satsuma camping locations offer convenient access to these natural attractions while providing a range of accommodation options from developed sites to more secluded camping experiences. "Located in the Ocala National Forest in Central Florida, this is one of the better campgrounds we have ever visited," shared one visitor about Salt Springs Recreation Area. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with many campers reporting sightings of manatees during winter months when these marine mammals seek the warmer waters of the springs. The area's combination of mature forest, freshwater springs, and river access creates a diverse camping landscape that supports various outdoor activities from hiking to paddling.
Best Camping Sites Near Satsuma, Florida (272)
1. Salt Springs Recreation Area
60 ReviewsSalt Springs, FL14 milesWebsite+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. Rodman Campground
28 ReviewsWelaka, FL9 milesWebsite+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."
3. Anastasia State Park Campground
116 ReviewsSt. Augustine, FL32 milesWebsite+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."
4. Half Shell Resort
6 ReviewsSan Mateo, FL4 milesWebsite+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. Davenport Landing
9 ReviewsWelaka, FL9 milesWebsite+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"
6. Lake Delancy West Campground
9 ReviewsSalt Springs, FL12 miles$10 / night
"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"
"Other reviews had suggested that this campsite was largely used by ATV and other off highway vehicle enthusiasts using the adjoining trail system and it was loud and unpleasant."
7. Juniper Springs Rec Area - Tropical Camp Area
46 ReviewsAstor, FL26 milesWebsite+1 (352) 625-3147$38 - $70 / night
"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."
"The Florida Trail runs right through this spot and has a natural spring connection as well. We camped out near the facilities and am happy to report everything was maintained and clean."
8. Renegades on the River
5 ReviewsGeorgetown, FL9 milesWebsite+1 (386) 524-4179$80 - $190 / night
"Great access to the lake."
"Plenty of bars and restaurants within a short drive."
9. Welaka State Forest
4 ReviewsWelaka, FL7 milesWebsite+1 (386) 292-2478$10 - $15 / night
"Please note there isn’t much close by, so stop at the grocery and get fuel before you turn off 17."
"The location itself was very quiet and peaceful with good trails. There were a several other campers at the hookup sights."
10. Welaka Lodge & Resort
2 ReviewsWelaka, FL6 milesWebsite+1 (386) 467-7171"OK, so maybe it’s not quite like Margaritaville (nor do I think there is any aspiration to be like Jimmy Buffet’s version of paradise), but if you’re toting an RV and looking to dock up to a lakeside marina"
Recent Camping Photos near Satsuma, FL
311 Photos of 272 Satsuma Campgrounds
laura H.
Half Shell Resort
Stuart K.
Welaka Lodge & Resort
Stuart K.
St Johns Campgrounds
Stuart K.
Welaka State Forest
Matthew H.
Rodman Campground
Courtney C.
Ocala National Forest Lake Delancy East
Allen C.
Dude Off Grid's Tent Sites
Maria Mercedes M.
Lake Delancy West Campground
Jen S.
Celestial Acres
Stuart K.
Salt Springs Recreation Area
Cara S.
Lake Oklawaha RV Park
Stuart K.
Etoniah Creek State Forest Green Camp
Recent Reviews near Satsuma, FL
1286 Reviews of 272 Satsuma Campgrounds
- RRobert T.
ScoutAnastsia Island RV Pad Rental
Clean, walk to beach, Amphitheater and just a couple of miles to Old town
Friendly hosts and clean, centrally located property
- NNancy L.Scout
Haines Creek RV Village (55+)
Nice Private Park
Great small RV park. Very clean and super friendly & helpful staff. We stayed 3 nights and will definately return. Approximately 60% full-time residents.
S W.ScoutCamp Blanding RV Park
Been coming here for years. Absolutely love it 😀
Quiet beautiful laid back, let's keep it that way!
Stuart K.
LegendRivers Edge RV Park
St. Johns River Basecamp Done Right
Just outside the tiny river village of Georgetown, where Road 309 bends toward Drayton Island, you will find Rivers Edge RV Park sitting exactly where its name promises, right on the banks of the St. Johns River. With roughly 50 or so sites arranged in a simple, easy to navigate loop, this campground feels intimate without being cramped and it books quickly for good reason. The setting is classic 'Old Florida' with long bearded Spanish moss draped over ancient oaks, wide river views and that slow moving, fish-filled water stretching out toward Lake George.
Sites here cater primarily to the RV and 5th wheel crowd, offering full hookups with 30- and 50-amp electric, water & sewer, along with a mix of back-in and pull-through options, many with concrete pads and patios. There is also a designated tent area, thoughtfully placed closer to the river, which gives tent campers a front row seat to sunrise over the water. Restrooms and showers are notably clean, laundry facilities feature newer machines and there is also a propane station on-site. Add in a small dog park, trash stations, a riverside pavilion, lawn games, horseshoes and even pickleball courts and it becomes clear that this is a well-managed, well-maintained operation. Complimentary WiFi reaches most of the park, though streaming can be a bit slow at peak times.
While my review from a few years ago provides a ton of detail, I thought I would follow up that review with a topline of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS along with a smattering of new photos.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Direct access to the St. Johns River with private boat launch and guest-only slips; (2) Clean, well-kept facilities including modern laundry and shower buildings;(3) Distinct tent area positioned closest to the river; (4) Simple loop layout that makes navigation easy even for larger rigs; (5) Fishing is abundant here with local finds including: largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, shellcracker bream and striped bass; and (6) Affordable pricing compared to many waterfront parks in Florida, but for the area, this is either on par or slightly more $ for what you would typically find, however, IMHO completely worth it!
LOWLIGHTS: (1) Limited availability due to the park’s small size and popularity; (2) WiFi can slow down during busy periods; (3) Fewer restaurant and retail options immediately nearby, because, well, you're completely out in 'the sticks' here in Georgetown, which is admittedly, part of the allure (as well as the downside); (4) Sites, while organized, are not heavily screened for privacy; and (5) This CG is best suited for river lovers and boaters rather than those seeking resort style amenities.
Happy Camping!
- Stuart K.Legend
Blue Spring State Park - Cabins
Old Florida Comfort Without the Tent Stakes
The cabins at Blue Spring State Park offer a rare way to experience one of Florida’s most iconic spring-fed rivers without camping by RV or tents. Tucked well away from the busy springhead and day-use crowds and surrounded instead by hardwood hammock and palmetto flats. Arriving is straightforward via Orange City, just a stone's throw from I-4, and once you’re checked in, the cabins feel intentionally removed from the main campground loops, trading generator hums and tent zippers for solid walls, screened porches along with a noticeable sense of calm once the park gates close for the evening.
Each cabin is simple but thoughtfully laid out with climate control, real beds, a small kitchen setup, picnic tables and screened outdoor space that invites slow mornings with a freshly brewed cup of Colombian coffee and unhurried evenings over a nice iced glass of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. While these are not luxury accommodations by any stretch of the imagination, they are very clean, well maintained and ideal for families or couples who want immersion in nature without having to 'rough' it. Restrooms and showers are integrated into the cabin setup rather than shared campground facilities and nearby trails make it easy to step directly into the woods for a walk without ever starting the car.
Beyond the cabins themselves, Blue Spring’s broader amenities shine. Hiking trails wind through shaded forest and along the St. Johns River while the spring run offers some of the clearest freshwater paddling in the state. A small concession area and nearby Orange City like Fire on the Bayou, The Salted Goat and Orange Social provide tempting and hyper-local dining options, but most guests will find themselves lingering longer at the cabins, listening to owls at dusk or catching early morning river mist before the park stirs back to life.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a handful: (1) If you’re visiting during manatee season, the cabins are a ‘golden ticket’ for early and late viewing when crowds thin and the river feels most deserted and almost reverent; (2) For kayaking, launch at the Blue Spring Run canoe and kayak launch and paddle upstream early in the morning for glassy water, manatee sightings in season and wading birds like blue and grey heron, kingfishers, bald eagles and ospreys along the river banks; (3) The cabins closest to the interior trail network tend to feel the most secluded and quiet compared to those nearer service roads; (4) Plan simple meals rather than elaborate cooking, as kitchens are functional but hoestly, quite modest (read: just bare bones); and (5) If you want a true Old Florida day trip, head a short drive north to DeLeon Springs after breakfast for swimming and pancakes at the local restaurant there.
Happy Camping!
- MMichael H.Scout
Bull Creek Campground
Quiet, rural, and plenty of water
Last minute getaway. 20 minutes from palm coast. We enjoyed being by the lake. You could bring your boat to this one for sure.
- CCory J.Scout
Lake Delancy West Campground
Nice spot in the trees
Awesome open spots for dispersed camping. Not too busy and camp host is a really nice dude.
Susan A.ScoutMill Dam Lake Resort
Mill Dam campground PARKING LOT
75 women campers rented the parking lot at Mill Dam used for large group camping. I believe it was $100 a night. Currently a 'burn ban' on fires but they are otherwise allowed. Most of us have dogs and cats, but must check you and you pets for ticks, they are prevalent. There is a lake with a beauriful beach. There are restrooms and changing rooms with floor drains, so if you bring your own shower you can use that. There are no power hookups or dump stations that I saw, but there are dumpsters. There is a resident black bear so MUST observe bear safety. Great place, very nice camp host, kept bathrooms clean and stocked.
Guide to Satsuma
Camping near Satsuma, Florida provides access to several dispersed sites and established campgrounds within the Ocala National Forest, with many locations positioned near spring-fed water systems that maintain consistent 72-74°F temperatures year-round. Sandy forest roads leading to several camping destinations can challenge lower-clearance vehicles, particularly during dry periods when they become rutted and dusty. Campgrounds in this region see varying usage patterns, with weekday visits typically offering more solitude than weekends when ATV and boat traffic increases significantly.
What to do
River exploration by kayak or canoe: The Ocklawaha River accessed from Davenport Landing offers excellent paddling opportunities along a historic waterway. "If you are looking to catch and eat your meals, then this will certainly be an added bonus. The steps down the ravine to the river basin are somewhat steep, but for anyone towing a light-weight kayak or paddleboard, me thinks you could likely manage to bring your watercraft down here and easily access emerald-green waters," notes one visitor.
Hiking forest trails: The Florida National Scenic Trail runs adjacent to Rodman Campground, offering 5.1 miles of marked trails. "We hiked some... probably would have enjoyed more had he come," shares one camper, while another mentions "Road our bikes to the dam. We've been there four times now, and just love it there!"
Spring swimming: Natural springs throughout the region provide refreshing swimming opportunities away from summer heat. One camper at Juniper Springs Rec Area shares: "The springs/swimming area is really beautiful! Huge with room for lots of people, deep diving areas, shallows children's areas. It's really great. And cold, it's around 72 all year, so if its hot SWIM!"
What campers like
Spacious sites with water views: Many campgrounds in the area feature generous site spacing and waterfront positioning. At Salt Springs Recreation Area, a camper noted: "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. There were other people near by, but very quiet night."
Water access: Direct access to rivers, lakes, and springs ranks high among camper preferences. "Beautiful site! Full shade and very level. Water directly in front of our site. Road our bikes to the dam," shares one Rodman Campground visitor, while another notes "We saw deer at dusk meandering through the woods."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The natural settings around Satsuma provide excellent wildlife spotting. "If you're a wild nature enthusiast, you're in luck, because here at Rodman Campground, you'll easily be able to spot: bald eagle, foxes, wild turkey, white-tailed deer, hawks and owls, osprey and the American alligator," according to a visitor.
What you should know
Seasonal crowds and noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience significant noise from nearby recreation areas. At Rodman Campground, one camper warns: "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."
Variable facilities: Campground amenities vary widely throughout the region. At Lake Delancy West Campground, "Toilets only, no water. The mosquitos were pretty bad but no ticks," reports one camper, while another notes "Great place to Camp for several days and ride your atv's, OHV right out of the campground. Lots of shade trees."
Wildlife precautions: Bears and other wildlife require proper food storage. "We stayed here for 3 nights and had no trouble with ATV noise at all during the week. Fri-sun is a different story. There are bear here so be cautious with your food and animals," cautions a Lake Delancy camper.
Tips for camping with families
Choose campgrounds with dedicated swimming areas: Springs offer safe, refreshing swimming for children. "The spring is a short walk from the campground or a quick bike ride," explains one Salt Springs camper, while another mentions, "The campsite was much bigger than I expected... The bathrooms were pretty clean and within decent walking distance."
Consider campgrounds with playground access: Some sites provide recreational facilities for children. A visitor to Anastasia State Park Campground shares: "We have site 33 which is amazing to let the kids play, you can see the playground but still have some privacy from it."
Plan for insect protection: Mosquitos can be problematic, especially during warmer months. "The mosquitos were pretty bad but no ticks," reports a Lake Delancy camper, suggesting families should pack appropriate repellent and protective clothing.
Tips from RVers
Select sites with adequate shade: Florida heat requires good tree cover for comfort. At Welaka Lodge & Resort, one visitor appreciates "Hidden under the shade of Ancient Oaks, Magnolias and tropical Palms, there's few better places that I would recommend to find respite from the busy week."
Check hookup availability: Electrical capacity varies between campgrounds. At Salt Springs, "Clean and well thought out rr's. We were in 51 with trees out our windows for a view. H20,elec.,and sewer.good boat ramp for lake," reports one RVer.
Consider access road conditions: Many forest roads present challenges for larger rigs. At Davenport Landing, campers should "maneuver around divots and potholes along this narrow gravel, dusty roadway for the better part of 2 miles before arriving to a small sign on the left-hand side of the road." Another camper notes about Lake Delancy: "It's hard for the forest Dept to keep Camp host there with no electric hook up & running water."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Satsuma, FL?
What camping is available near Satsuma, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, Satsuma, FL offers a wide range of camping options, with 272 campgrounds and RV parks near Satsuma, FL and 10 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Satsuma, FL?
Which is the most popular campground near Satsuma, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Satsuma, FL is Salt Springs Recreation Area with a 4.4-star rating from 60 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Satsuma, FL?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Satsuma, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 free dispersed camping spots near Satsuma, FL.
What parks are near Satsuma, FL?
What parks are near Satsuma, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 parks near Satsuma, FL that allow camping, notably Ocala National Forest and National Forests in Florida.
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