399 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds near Umatilla, Florida range from rustic forest sites to full-service RV resorts, with notable options in the Ocala National Forest just minutes from town. Alexander Springs Recreation Area and Lake Dorr Campground provide water-based recreation opportunities with tent and RV camping areas. Several private RV parks cater to long-term visitors, particularly during winter months when snowbirds migrate to central Florida. Lakefront camping represents a significant draw to the region, with Wekiwa Springs State Park offering cabin accommodations in addition to traditional camping areas.
Weather conditions remain favorable for camping throughout much of the year, though summer brings high humidity and frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Many campground options require reservations, especially during peak winter seasons when northern visitors seek warmer climates. The region's lakes, springs, and forest areas create distinct camping experiences across relatively short distances. Primitive sites in conservation areas like Sawgrass Island Preserve contrast with fully developed facilities at places such as Encore Southern Palms. A visitor to Lake Dorr Campground noted: "Lake Dorr is a super nice camp site located less than an hour away from some of Florida's natural springs. It's also in the middle of two towns, Walmart is about 20 minutes away along with other stores and restaurants!"
The presence of natural springs represents a defining feature of camping in this region. Access to Alexander Springs, Juniper Springs, and Blue Spring provides unique swimming and paddling opportunities within short drives from most camping areas. Campground reviews frequently mention proximity to water as a key consideration. Developed campgrounds typically provide standard amenities including fire rings, picnic tables, and access to restroom facilities, though amenities vary significantly between public and private options. Campers seeking solitude may prefer the forest campgrounds with more vegetation between sites. One reviewer described the experience at Ocala National Forest's Lake Dorr Campground: "Every campsite has its own little private nook. So it's up to you if you're a social butterfly or want to just be anti-social. Always depends on the mood and reasons for getting away I guess."
"This was one of the busier places I have camped in Florida. The facilities were clean and provided showers."
"This is a typical Florida spring."
from $38 - $70 / night
Check Availability"Clearwater Lake Recreation is one of the few National Forest Service managed campgrounds located at the southern end of Ocala National Forest. Campsites are well-shaded, private and spaced apart."
"Clearwater Lake Recreation Area was recommended to us as a backup option to nearby and popular Alexander Springs for our small group of scouts."
from $38 / night
Check Availability"Close to home and took a drive through one day. Haven't been camping yet this year due to illness but getting ready to get on the road."
"We camp a lot during the summer but since this is Florida it's HOT regularly and sizzling during the summer months."
from $24 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $38 - $70 / night
Check Availability"Just a note of caution: Keep animals away from the water's edge."
"I stayed in site 11 that was positioned so I had a magnificent view of the lake and the little gator that lived at the waters edge."
"Not a ton of hiking available here but a decent 3.5 mile one way trail through Florida scrub and oak hammock. The rare and endangered Florida Scrub Jay can be found here."
"It was still very hot and buggy in Florida so be warned If this is an issue for you. Large campsites with a picnic table, electric, and water."
from $24 - $95 / night
Check Availability"We stayed 2 weeks with our Thousand Trails affiliate plan. We were surrounded by empty sites which was probably due to the pandemic."
"Next to a highway so it can be noisy."
"This Florida gem is really something! Campsites were cozy and private. Walking trails a plenty. Friendly, helpful staff and courteous neighbors!"
"Lake Griffin State Park in Fruitland Park, FL is a small Florida State Park and small campground as well. There are only 40 campsites."
from $18 / night
Check Availability"Lake Dorr is a super nice camp site located less than an hour away from some of Florida’s natural springs."
"Lake Dorr, NF campground in Ocala NF, FL Some sites are pretty secluded. This is not necessarily super attractive campground to me. I don’t know why for sure."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"There are beautiful walking trails, beautiful and refreshing cool springs, kayak rentals for $20. There are also some small caves there for anyone who free dives or snorkels."
"I have steps that will not allow us to close the door to the camper if there is not enough room. See second picture. If you have young ones or teenagers this place gives them lots to do."
from $40 - $73 / night
Check Availability
GuideSite 004 has a river running through it when it rains and floods the fire pit. You will have to set tent up on compacted super hard gravel surface. Fire ants around table and fire ring. The ranger has no tact whatsoever. She was grumpy and nit picking everything
LegendThis campground is located on the grounds of the World Equestrian Center– a premier equestrian facility in the US located in Ocala. The campground is large (300 sites) campground and capable of fitting any size RV. The roads in the park are really easy to navigate and easy to back into for any size RV. All sites are back-in with 50/30A full hook-up. Sites 600-733 have more space between them and would be my preferred sites. There is really no check-in lane, you just stop on the road going into the campground and other have to go around you. The laundry is open 24-hours but be aware that people are washing horse blankets, dog beds, and other pet items, so stay away if you are allergic. Conveniently located before the campground is a fuel station (with gas and diesel). The campground is located on a venue that primarily holds equestrian events but also accommodates other sporting events. Some of the venues are quite a long walk away and parking can be difficult. Golf cart rentals are available at the campground. The camp store is nice and more of a gift shop but has a great selection of a range of items from clothes to drinks to food and RV items. They have a coffee bar and also sell alcohol. Restaurants on-site ranging from a coffee shop with pastries to fine dining and everything in between. Our site was long and level and the WIFI worked well. We had nice space between us and our neighbor and were treated to nice sunsets. Overall, we really liked this campground and would come back. We were there when equestrian events were going on and liked that we could watch them for free. Downtown Ocala is about ten minutes away and a cool town. We had lunch, walked around the square and checked out the painted horses. Lunch at the airport restaurant was great!
LegendVery pretty and clean campground. Bathhouse was clean as well. Loved riding our bikes and walking the trails.
ScoutI would highly recommend Champions Run. Sites are wide, clean and beautiful. Staff were friendly and helpful. Pool area is spacious, clean and beautiful. Drinks at the tiki bar were delicious.
ScoutWell maintained campsites, grounds and facilities. Rangers and hosts are great. Sites on the riverside are reasonably spaced apart and several offer a privacy on the camping side because they are adjacent to the nature. preserve or are tucked back and away. The car / motorcycle tent camping sites look really nice and cozy. I did not visit the coastal side campground.
ScoutWARNING: DO NOT STAY HERE. Absolute Slum Conditions & Toxic Management. If I could give Lakeside Haven RV Resort negative stars, I would. Do not be fooled by the beautiful pictures they post online—those are from years ago when the park first opened. Today, this place is a neglected, hazardous dump run by a toxic, completely unprofessional management team. We moved in on December 27th, renting a lot and an 18-foot camper for $750/month. We were assured it was "move-in ready." That was a blatant lie. On our first day, I opened the fridge/freezer combo, and hundreds of German cockroaches fell out of it like Niagara Falls. It required three separate bug bombs just to make the place semi-livable. On top of that, Mario, the manager, left a whole turkey in the freezer that thawed out and leaked putrid turkey juices all over the appliance. There was also absolutely no hot water because the water heater had a massive crack in it. It leaked so severely that it saturated the floor, causing the kitchen floor to visibly sag. When they finally came to "fix" the water heater, they smashed a massive hole in the side of the camper and just left it wide open. Because of their negligence, my cat escaped, and my girlfriend and I spent three agonizing days waiting for him to return. Thankfully, he did. The windows were also broken and just covered with cardboard and tape, and the sink was completely backed up because the previous tenant had dumped a hoard of pennies down the drain. When I confronted the manager, Mario, about these biohazards and structural failures, he didn't offer to fix them immediately. Instead, he coldly offered a refund. He knew exactly what he was doing—he put us in a position where we either had to live in a roach-infested, broken camper or be homeless. We had to stay and watch them take their sweet time doing bare-minimum repairs. When anyone has a legitimate issue with the park, Mario gets incredibly rude, nasty, and aggressive. If you express how unhappy you are with the conditions, management's official response is literally: "Don't like it? Move." Management is rarely even on-site—maybe once or twice a month—but they sure know how to cause drama. They constantly spread lies around the park claiming we weren't paying our bills, which is defamation. We have every single receipt proving we have paid on time, every single month. Furthermore, the utility situation is a massive rip-off. There is only one meter for the entire park. Management leaves the lights on and the AC blasting at 68 degrees constantly in common areas, and because of the single meter, the tenants are forced to split the bill for their energy waste. You are also paying out of pocket for "amenities" like a laundry room that should be covered. The park looks like absolute shit. The boat dock is in such disrepair it will literally ruin your boat if you try to use it. Worse than the infrastructure is the total lack of safety. They will let anyone move in here, including active drug users and people with violent, dangerous criminal records. To give you an idea of how dangerous this place is, I accidentally butt-dialed the police once. When the cop arrived, he literally told me that they get so many emergency calls for this park—ranging from domestic abuse to drug issues—that they are forced to come out and physically verify everyone is okay, even for a confirmed accidental dial. The police are fully aware of how awful this place is. There is also zero confidentiality. Management acts friendly to get your money, but once you are locked in, they treat you like garbage and spread your personal business. They literally told brand-new tenants intimate, private medical details about a resident living here with cancer. It is deeply disrespectful, unethical, and disgusting behavior. They trap you, lie about you, neglect the property, and treat you like absolute shit. For the love of God, stay the hell away from Lakeside Haven RV Resort and Mario.
TravelerFirst time at this State Forest campground/park and it was quiet, accessible, and had all the amenities needed for a nice weekend get away. The bathrooms are a little less modern than expected, but they do have a shower which does get hot within seconds. The iron smell is very notable in the water, however.
GuideLike the title says, this is my wife and I second campsite on our trip across America. Our stay was for 10 days from May 22 through June 1st. This site had a different vibe than the first. This park seems to be more residential folks than travelers. Grounds are well maintained with lots of activities. Activities include tennis/pickleball courts, putt-putt, playground for kids, volleyball, and a swimming pool. Conveniently located close to I95 with restaurants and shopping within 10-15 minutes. If you are beach goers, it took about 20 minutes to get to Ormond Beach by car. Also, if you are a racecar fan, the Daytona 500 Speedway is within 20 minutes. The campsite was nice and quiet during both day and night and people stayed to themselves. I will say the site's are close together and depending on how big your rig is will depend greatly on how hard or easy it will be to park. I have a 40ft Thor Challenger class A and I had to maneuver a few times before I fit. The streets are also narrow for bigger rigs. The biggest problem I ran into was when we left you have to make a U turn out of the complex to get back to I95. The big problem was I'm too big to just make a U turn anywher, if at all. I had to go a few miles out of the way to just turn around to head the right way for the freeway. Overall, I enjoyed this campsite other than the minor inconvenience of getting back to the freeway when departing.
RangerWe also only stayed here for one night, but we really enjoyed this campground. The campsites are very large and spacious, and the surrounding trees give you a decent amount of privacy. The bathhouse was very clean, and the showers were especially nice because they were big and roomy, which made them really comfortable to use. The only small downside is that there were only two showers available, at least on the men’s side. The staff was very friendly and helpful. We would definitely recommend staying here.
Camping spots near Umatilla, Florida center around the Ocala National Forest, which encompasses over 380,000 acres of pine scrub, springs, and lakes. The region sits at elevations between 100-200 feet above sea level, creating a unique ecosystem where camping conditions remain favorable year-round except during hurricane season. Water tables fluctuate seasonally, affecting access to some primitive camping areas during summer rainy months.
Spring swimming: 72-degree refreshment: Alexander Springs Recreation Area offers one of the largest swimming areas among Florida springs. "The spring head is located right in the swimming area, it's bigger than any swim area at a spring that I have ever been too," notes Gabby C. The clear water provides ideal conditions for swimming and observing wildlife.
Canoe or kayak the Wekiva River: Wekiva Falls RV Resort provides river access with equipment rentals. "Rent a canoe or kayak and explore the Wekiva River," suggests Tonia B. The river system connects to multiple waterways suitable for half-day or full-day paddling trips.
Hiking through sand pine scrub: Clearwater Lake Campground offers trail access around the lake and into surrounding forest. "There is a hiking trail that circles the lake, and the Paisley mountain bike trail head also begins at the campground entrance," explains Tom R. The varied terrain showcases Florida's unique inland ecosystems.
Privacy between sites: Lake Dorr Campground provides secluded camping spots in the national forest. "Every campsite has its own little private nook. So it's up to you if you're a social butterfly or want to just be anti-social," explains darsea. Sites are arranged to maximize separation between neighbors.
Proximity to supplies: Despite the natural setting, many camping locations offer convenient access to necessities. "It's also in the middle of two towns, Walmart is about 20 minutes away along with other stores and restaurants!" notes Jessica L. about Lake Dorr Campground.
Shaded camping areas: The region's mature oak canopy provides natural cooling. "Very nice campground, the oak canopy makes great shade in the heat," writes Nicole D. about Alexander Springs. This natural shade becomes particularly valuable during hot summer months when temperatures regularly exceed 90°F.
Swimming restrictions during manatee season: Blue Spring State Park Campground limits water access during winter months. "Weekends during the summer are VERY busy. During the winter you may not be able to swim because of the manatees," explains Zach G. Conservation efforts protect these marine mammals during cooler periods.
Early arrival recommended for springs: Popular recreation areas fill quickly, especially during weekends and summer. "If you go on a weekend, make sure you go EARLY! Line of car starts around 9am and park will close at capacity," advises Hannah S. about Wekiwa Springs State Park.
Wildlife precautions needed: Several campgrounds require proper food storage due to local wildlife. "There are very few amenities here beyond the restrooms, picnic tables and fire rings," notes Stuart K. about Trimble Park. "It is an active area for bears so make sure not to leave any food out at night," adds Kevin D. about Clearwater Lake.
Child-friendly swimming options: Juniper Springs Recreation Area provides controlled swimming environments. "The springs/swimming area is really beautiful! Huge with room for lots of people, deep diving areas, shallows children's areas," describes Zanny M. The constant spring temperature remains around 72°F year-round.
Beginner-friendly camping environment: The area offers accessible introduction to camping for first-timers. "Great place for new or experienced campers, definitely and great way to introduce someone new to camping!" advises Zanny M. about Juniper Springs. Sites often include basic amenities needed for comfortable family camping.
Playgrounds and organized activities: Several campgrounds maintain dedicated children's facilities. "A seemingly brand new playground for the kiddos," mentions Stuart K. about Trimble Park Campground. Some larger facilities like Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground offer ranger-led programs during peak seasons.
Limited utility hookups in forest campgrounds: Many natural area sites lack full connections. "No water or electric, but every couple sites there was a drinking water fill up station," reports Gabby C. about Alexander Springs. Plan accordingly for power generation and water conservation.
Tight maneuvering in some campgrounds: Several camping areas present challenges for larger rigs. "Campground sites feel secluded with vegetation but can be challenging for backing up into spots," notes Emily C. about Blue Spring State Park. Sites in Trimble Park Campground receive better reviews for accessibility.
Seasonal considerations for long-term stays: Winter months attract more long-term campers, affecting availability. "We stayed 2 weeks with our Thousand Trails affiliate plan. We were surrounded by empty sites which was probably due to the pandemic," reports Mary H. at Southern Palms. Reservations become essential during peak winter seasons when northern visitors arrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Umatilla, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, Umatilla, FL offers a wide range of camping options, with 399 campgrounds and RV parks near Umatilla, FL and 9 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Umatilla, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Umatilla, FL is Alexander Springs Recreation Area with a 4.4-star rating from 35 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Umatilla, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 free dispersed camping spots near Umatilla, FL.
What parks are near Umatilla, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 parks near Umatilla, FL that allow camping, notably Ocala National Forest and National Forests in Florida.
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