Best Campgrounds near Starke, FL
Camping areas around Starke, Florida include both private and state-managed campgrounds, with options ranging from rustic tent sites to full-service RV accommodations and cabin rentals. Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park, located about 15 miles south of Starke, offers cabin camping and developed sites within a natural setting, while the Starke-Gainesville NE KOA provides more amenity-rich options with 135 sites directly in town. Camp Blanding RV Park on the western side of Starke serves military personnel with lakefront access. Several campgrounds in the area feature full hookups for RVs, with a mix of seasonal and year-round availability.
North central Florida's subtropical climate makes camping accessible throughout the year, though summer months bring higher humidity and occasional afternoon thunderstorms. Most developed campgrounds in the region remain open year-round, with peak season running from October through April when temperatures moderate. "We spent Christmas Eve here on our way to south Florida. A crazy storm came through and the temperature dropped drastically, but awoke in the morning and continued our trip," noted one camper at the KOA. Road access to campgrounds near Starke is generally good, with paved approaches to most developed sites. Reservations are recommended, particularly for weekend stays and during winter months when "snowbirds" from northern states frequently fill campgrounds to capacity.
Waterfront camping receives particular praise from visitors to the area, with Camp Blanding's lakeside sites highlighted for their recreational potential. "Our site was right on the lake so the kids had a great time playing in the water. We could hang our hammocks and the paved roads allowed for the kids to ride their bikes," shared one visitor. Campgrounds with full hookups typically provide amenities such as shower houses, laundry facilities, and WiFi, though quality varies between locations. Privacy between sites differs significantly among the various campgrounds, with state park locations generally offering more natural separation than private RV parks. Some developed campgrounds near Starke have recently undergone management changes, resulting in mixed reviews about staff interactions and facility maintenance, particularly at the KOA, which has experienced both positive comments about spacious sites and complaints about management practices.
