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Camping near San Mateo, FL

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    SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

    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.

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    Best Campgrounds near San Mateo (256)

    Filters    Tent onlyRVDispersedCabinGlampingPetsEquestrian

      1. Salt Springs Recreation Area

      4.4(61)19mi from San Mateo160 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "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."

      from $38 - $70 / night

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      2. Anastasia State Park Campground

      4.7(119)26mi from San Mateo120 sitesRVs, Tents

      "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."

      from $28 / night

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      3. Rodman Campground

      4.6(28)14mi from San Mateo65 sitesRVs, Tents

      "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."

      from $12 - $22 / night

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      4. Half Shell Resort

      4.0(6)2mi from San MateoRVs

      "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."

      from $55 / night

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      5. Faver-Dykes State Park Campground

      3.9(21)20mi from San Mateo27 sitesRVs, Tents

      "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."

      from $18 / night

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      6. 4 Lakes Campground

      4.4(5)11mi from San MateoRVs

      "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."

      from $40 - $80 / night

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      7. North Beach Camp Resort

      4.4(47)28mi from San MateoRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "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."

      from $67 - $245 / night

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      8. Compass RV Park

      4.5(19)22mi from San MateoRVs, Cabins, Glamping

      "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."

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      9. Davenport Landing

      3.1(9)15mi from San Mateo

      "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"

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      10. Closed

      5.0(2)8mi from San MateoRVs

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

      from $20 - $40 / night

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    Recent Camping Photos near San Mateo, FL

    309 Photos of 256 San Mateo Campgrounds

    Recent Reviews near San Mateo, FL

    1284 Reviews of 256 San Mateo Campgrounds

    • SThe Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 15, 2026

      Santos Trailhead & Campground

      We are so thankful we found this Trailhead and Campground.

      We had an awesome time here. The camp hosts were very helpful, professional, and friendly. The bathrooms and showers were exceptional and clean. If someone moved out, within 30 minutes there was someone checking their site for anything they may have left behind. The only complaint I have, is the other campers that let their dogs do their business and not pick it up. This is not a negative against the campground and their employees.

    • Stuart K.The Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 14, 2026

      Candace R. Strawn-Lake Dias Park

      Quiet Lakeside Getaway Near De Leon Springs

      Tucked away at 5320 State Road 11 in De Leon Springs, Candace R. Strawn on Lake Dias Park is a modest (read: not a whole lot here), but charming lakeside retreat for tent campers and minimalist RVers who crave calm over crowds. Twenty to thirty wooded acres cradle flat, shaded ground just steps from the peaceful waters of Lake Dias. With fewer neighbors, the sound of wind effortlessly blowing through the encircling pines, an incessant chorus of crickets and the gentle ripples emanating from Lake Dias are your evening soundtrack.  My favorite part about the layout here is that there's an interior road that you'll need to access off State Road 11 that creates a sound buffer between you and  the traffic swishing by.

      The campground is quite basic with just a community boat launch, recently upgraded playground, a few picnic pavilions equipped with standard-issued picnic tables, stand-up adjustable grills, dated, but fairly clean restrooms and RV-friendly parking. No frills, no resorts. It’s not packed with amenities like pools or clubhouses, but instead offers level ground, easy lake access - so if you have fishing on your mind, this place is AMAZING - and a sense of being tucked into nature without all the big crowds. Fishing, kayaking or launching small boats from the ramp are top draws here.

      Supplies and dining options are just a short drive away. The nearby town of De Leon Springs offers local grocery markets like Winn-Dixie in De Leon Springs or Walmart Supercenter in Deland and convenience stores on the long winding roads in between the thickly forested wooded wonderland you find yourself surrounded by and civilization. If you’re looking for a bit to eat, cupcakes and brunch await at the nearby Sugar Mill Restaurant located inside of De Leon Springs SP, which if you haven't been to an actual spring before, is DEFINITELY worth checking out. For outdoor gear or camping extras, the closest full-service hardware or sporting shop is in DeLand. And when it’s time for a meal after the campfire, you’ll find good fare at Lillian’s Dutch Bakery & Restaurant in De Leon Springs or Solid Ground Coffee Bar in DeLand for a latte and pastries.

      Insider’s tips? Here’s a handful: (1) Choose one of the lake-side sites near the boat ramp for the best morning light and serenity; (2) Launch a kayak or canoe early from the free ramp to enjoy glassy water and quiet wildlife when morning is the most ideal; (3) Bring extra insect repellent as mosquitoes and no-see-ums can be active near the water at dusk and especially during the summer and shoulder seasons; (4) Shade is generous, but if you’re arriving mid-summer, consider pitching closer to the tree line for optimal breeze and cooler temps; (5) The park is pet-friendly, so your dog can enjoy walks along the rack of pines and lakeshore - but do be sure not to tie Fido to a tree or leave him alone for any length of time otherwise he'll make an appetizing snack for the gators; and (6) Weekends may get a little busier from local boaters, so consider arriving mid-week for maximum quietude.

      Happy Camping!

    • D
      Aug. 3, 2026

      Greentree Estates

      Oak tree

      Oak tree is more of a trailer park home opposed to being a campsite but there are people who live in tents on the property

    • T
      Jul. 29, 2026

      Encore Bulow RV

      Scenic historical area near the beach

      Surrounded by trees quiet and peaceful

    • Lee W.
      Jul. 21, 2026

      Nova Campground

      Friendly and quiet!

      We love this campground. It's quiet and clean and the staff is very friendly.

    • RThe Dyrt Pro User
      Jul. 16, 2026

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

      Beautiful and Peaceful

      Gamble Memorial RV Park was awesome. The park is very large the scenery is beautiful. They have a butterfly garden, a walking trail and a beach and river as side they Also have river to fish in. Washers and dryers are available. As well as a bath house. They have security as well as 2 camp host. I highly recommend camping at Gamble.

    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 256 campgrounds and RV parks near San Mateo, FL and 11 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 61 reviews.

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

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 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.

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