Yankeetown's coastal location on Florida's Gulf Coast sits where the Withlacoochee River meets the Gulf of Mexico. The area maintains moderate temperatures year-round with winter lows rarely dropping below 50°F, making it suitable for camping in all seasons. Campsites near Yankeetown range from full-facility RV parks to more secluded glamping options where visitors can experience Florida's coastal wilderness.
What to do
Water activities: Crystal River area has multiple options for viewing wildlife. At Encore Crystal Isles, visitors can access boat ramps that lead to prime manatee viewing areas. One camper noted, "Close to Three Sisters Springs where you can kayak with the Manatees."
Fishing: Multiple access points for both freshwater and saltwater fishing. Fort Island Trail Beach lies just a few miles from campsites, offering both swimming and fishing opportunities. According to a review at Shell Mound Campground, "Great little campground for the money, $20 a night for a spot with electric, no water. Great historical park, trails and short pier within a 5 min walk."
Historical sites: Visit archaeological mounds from prehistoric Native American settlements. Shell Mound's archaeological site rises 28 feet above sea level and dates back thousands of years. One visitor shared, "It is believed to be the location of special gatherings for Native."
What campers like
Wildlife viewing: Regular manatee sightings during cooler months. Campers at Nature's Resort appreciate the location's proximity to wildlife areas. A reviewer mentioned, "Perfect location on the springs, right next to the famous Homosassa Springs park. The site has its own marina where you can easily rent pontoon boats."
Swimming holes: Clear spring waters for cooling off. Mutual Mine Campground in Withlacoochee State Forest features natural swimming areas. A camper noted, "It has a beautiful couple of lakes, crystal clear water. I regretted not bring a pole to fish!"
Resort amenities: Many glamping options include recreational facilities. Encore Crystal Isles provides extensive amenities according to one review: "They have a great pool, hot tub, clubhouse area... They have 1 Pool, 1 Hot Tub, Club House, Mail Room, A small pond, Alligators, Basketball, Kids play area, Ice Cream Stand."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Plan around bugs and weather. Summer months bring higher humidity and insect activity. A Shell Mound Campground reviewer warned, "Bring your industrial strength bug spray!! The campground is next to an arm of the Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge."
Site selection matters: Waterfront spots fill quickly. Many campgrounds have limited waterfront access. One camper at Manatee Springs State Park Campground advised, "Magnolia loop 1 was the best. Good bathhouse in this loop. The other two loops have narrow, bumpy dirt roads and sites not as nice."
Spacing between sites: Some glamping locations have tight spacing. Nature's Resort has limited space between sites according to one review: "The spots here are very close together. The pull thru sites they direct the short timers to are the smallest sites we've ever used."
Tips for camping with families
Water safety: Springs remain cold year-round. Springs maintain consistent temperatures around 72°F regardless of season. A Manatee Springs visitor mentioned, "The springs themselves are cold and dark and look better in pictures (at least this time of year) on a hot summer day could be refreshing."
Kid-friendly amenities: Choose campgrounds with dedicated facilities. Cedar Key RV Resort provides family-friendly amenities, with one reviewer noting, "Super clean and quiet. This campground has it all except a childrens play area. Laundry, pool, clubhouse, Pickleball courts."
Transportation options: Rental options available for exploring. Many locations offer golf cart rentals that allow families to navigate larger properties. A Nature's Resort visitor mentioned, "You can rent golf carts to drive the whole thing. Pool area and a lot of kids play space as well."
Tips from RVers
Site size considerations: Verify measurements before booking. Some sites have limited space for larger rigs and tow vehicles. An Encore Crystal Isles visitor noted, "Some RV sites are a challenge to get into, some are larger. They prioritize based on the size of your rig mostly."
Hookup quality varies: Check electrical capacity. Some campgrounds have limited amp service or unreliable connections. A reviewer cautioned, "We arrived close to closing time for the office. We were assigned a lot for our rv. When we arrived at the lot and parked, we discovered someone had melted the 30 amp connection."
Level site availability: Premium sites offer concrete pads. Cedar Key RV Resort received positive feedback for their level sites: "Level concrete pads and our site had a paver patio and picnic bench. All the hookups were well placed and maintained."
