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Established Camping

Santos Trailhead & Campground

Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect

There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!

Santos Trailhead and Campground's gates closes at 5:00 p.m.Late arrivals should call the park before 5:00 p.m. local time to get the gate combination.

For everyone's enjoyment, including pets, please observe the pet camping rules found in the complete Florida State Parks Pet Policy, click here.

Pets are not allowed in any state park cabins or cabin areas.

Service animals are welcome in all areas of the park where visitors are normally allowed.

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Santos Trailhead & Campground, near Ocala, Florida, is a cozy spot that caters to both tent campers and RV enthusiasts. With shaded sites and a friendly vibe, it’s a great place to unwind after a day of adventure.

This campground is known for its clean facilities, including restrooms and showers, which visitors appreciate. Many campers have highlighted the abundance of nearby trails for hiking and biking, making it a prime location for outdoor activities. One reviewer noted, “Unbelievable trails for walking and biking!”

If you’re into mountain biking, you’re in luck. The trails right outside the campground are fantastic, and you can easily access them from your campsite. Plus, the peaceful atmosphere, with birds chirping and plenty of trees around, adds to the charm. As one happy camper put it, “It’s a really nice campground, especially if you like doing trails and biking.”

For those looking to explore, the campground is conveniently located near the Cross Florida Greenway, offering even more opportunities for hiking and biking. Whether you’re just passing through or planning a longer stay, Santos Trailhead & Campground is a solid choice for a relaxing outdoor experience.

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Location

Santos Trailhead & Campground is located in Florida

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Ocala, go south on Hwy 27/441/301, approximately 5 miles south from Ocala, turn west on SE 80th street, campground on south side of 80th street. From I-75 N. Exit 341, East 484, 2.2 Miles, left CR 475, 5.8 miles, right SE 80th St., 2.4 Miles.

Address

3080 S.E. 80th St.
Ocala, FL 34470

Coordinates

29.1030753352316 N
82.0934041658926 W

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Connectivity

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    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 13 users
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 2 users

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Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
Lake Panasoffkee

Lake Panasoffkee

26 min away

Gores Landing

Gores Landing

26 min away

Drive Time

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Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 13 users
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 2 users

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Equestrian

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Water Hookups
  • 50 Amp Hookups
  • Big Rig Friendly

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Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

17 Reviews

Reviewed Aug. 4, 2025

Van Camping

Very nice small campground. Best asset is the access to hiking and biking. Miles of trails.

Site13
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Santos Trailhead & Campground by Esther M., August 4, 2025
  • Review photo of Santos Trailhead & Campground by Esther M., August 4, 2025
  • Review photo of Santos Trailhead & Campground by Esther M., August 4, 2025
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Jun. 24, 2024

Very nice

This campground is the perfect size. Our site had shade about 95% of the day! We had the perfect size of an area behind our RV. Loved hearing all of the birds chirping. You can hear traffic since it’s right off of the highway. There are plenty of trees around. The bathroom was very clean. It’s nice and dark at night!! We did the hike to see the historical part of the Island. That was neat to read about. We also took the biking trail to say we went above i75 on the bridge. That was a round trip of 15.5 miles, if anyone is interested. It’s a really nice campground, especially if like doing trails and biking.

Site14
Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Mar. 19, 2024

Lots of trails

Few campsites, quite place to camp. Clean Showers and restaurant. Great, hiking and biking trails nearby.

Site12
Month of VisitMarch
  • Review photo of Santos Trailhead & Campground by Eric R., March 19, 2024
  • Review photo of Santos Trailhead & Campground by Eric R., March 19, 2024
Reviewed Feb. 4, 2024

Exciting

Santos is a small but great campground. Sites are roomy. Gravel sites with 50 amp and water. Many trees. Clean restroom and showers. Unbelievable trails for walking and biking!

Site18
Month of VisitJanuary
  • Review photo of Santos Trailhead & Campground by Lauren W., February 4, 2024
  • Review photo of Santos Trailhead & Campground by Lauren W., February 4, 2024
  • Review photo of Santos Trailhead & Campground by Lauren W., February 4, 2024
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Nov. 2, 2022

Pleasant last night on trail!

Stayed here on my last night of an out and back section hike on the Cross Florida Greenway. I was able to secure a reservation here as I passed through and I scoped out my preferred site for my return trip. The online reservation process was simple as always and it was good to know that my scheduled mileage would be doable. Arrived at 2:30PM, checked in, and pitched my tent. The camp host told me I didn't have to use the humongous RV pad but could camp adjacent to the wooded area at the rear of the site (#3). When I asked about food sources in the vicinity, I was told about the nearby diner that caters to cyclists. Unfortunately, it had closed a half hour before but I picked up a few snacks at the adjacent bike shop. Cooked dinner and took advantage of the shower facilities and had a thoroughly pleasant stay!

Site3
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Santos Trailhead & Campground by Charlie M., November 2, 2022
Reviewed Feb. 6, 2022

Nice

Very small but well maintained campground. Many hiking trails and known for biking! Clean restrooms and we had the HC site where we had plenty of room.

Site20
Month of VisitFebruary
  • Review photo of Santos Trailhead & Campground by Lauren W., February 6, 2022
  • Review photo of Santos Trailhead & Campground by Lauren W., February 6, 2022
  • Review photo of Santos Trailhead & Campground by Lauren W., February 6, 2022
  • (15) View All
Reviewed Feb. 2, 2021

Greta place to stay for biking and hiking.

Amazing mountain biking right out gate of the campground. The bathrooms are clean and sterilized every day. Two big private showers but only one small sink and small mirror for drying my hair after the shower. Ole nut of space and privacy between campsites. We stayed in #6. Checking in was wierd because of you show up late the gate is locked and I have no idea how a person is supposed to get in if they come in late

  • Review photo of Santos Trailhead & Campground by Penny M., February 2, 2021
  • Review photo of Santos Trailhead & Campground by Penny M., February 2, 2021
  • Review photo of Santos Trailhead & Campground by Penny M., February 2, 2021
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Sep. 8, 2020

Our home away from home!

We are avid mountain bikers, so Santos is a perfect place to stay. The campsites are a minute away from the trail, and a hiking trail access is right on site. The sites on the outer perimeter are shaded well and the lime rock ground makes from relatively level sites. We stay multiple times a year (just came home from spending Labor Day). Highly recommend!

Reviewed Aug. 13, 2020

Perfectly Lovely

Great little spot for sleeping over in our van after the Ocala drive-in. Owners gave us the code to lock the gates since they close them at 7:30pm. Great biking in the morning. Rented from Santos Bike Shop, which you can get to from campsite by trail.

Reviewed May. 30, 2020

Nice

Lots of hiking, biking and riding trails.

Reviewed Oct. 31, 2019

Trails!

Nice campground. Not very shady at all. If you love to use awesome bike trails, this is the place! Extremely noisy with trains running through all night, of course, blowing their whistles!

  • Review photo of Santos Trailhead & Campground by Lauren W., October 31, 2019
Reviewed Jun. 20, 2019

Biking paradise

Ended up at this campground since we couldn’t find anything else open at the time. Sure glad we went. The campground is one loop in a field. With camping along the edge in the woods and also in the field with some trees. Lots of open tent camping also. The bathrooms are huge and modern and super nice.
The attraction here is the biking. It’s an international destination for mountain biking! While there are no mountains in Florida, there are many man made ramps and jumps and turns. It’s remarkable to see. There is also a wonderful cross Florida trail that is paved, is super smooth and it meanders through old plantations, woods, and horse farms. It’s gorgeous. It was a great place to visit.

  • Review photo of Santos Trailhead & Campground by David G., June 20, 2019
  • Review photo of Santos Trailhead & Campground by David G., June 20, 2019
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Reviewed Sep. 25, 2018

Perfect Little Spot for a Getaway

Although in a populated area of Ocala, this campground is positioned in the trees and makes you feel like you are miles from civilization. The sites are spacious and most are shaded. We stayed in site #3, which was tucked into the wood line and somewhat private. Easy access to all the mountain bike trails, the paved Greenway trail, and the Florida Trail. All the trails and paths are located within the park. Restrooms were fairly clean, and the showers had hot water. We would come back here in a heartbeat.

  • Review photo of Santos Trailhead & Campground by Rich S., September 25, 2018
  • Review photo of Santos Trailhead & Campground by Rich S., September 25, 2018
  • Review photo of Santos Trailhead & Campground by Rich S., September 25, 2018
Reviewed Jul. 18, 2016

Mountain biker paradise

This campground is located near Ocala, FL. on the cross florida greenway. It is a small loop of only 22 sites with water and electric. Has clean restrooms with showers. The main reasons for going here is either hiking or mountain biking. The trails are close and have been recently updated to be even better since we last visited 5 years ago. Over 30 miles of trails to explore. Some sites are shaded but ours was full sun as well as those around us. Very peaceful surroundings.

  • Review photo of Santos Trailhead & Campground by Christy C., July 18, 2016
  • Review photo of Santos Trailhead & Campground by Christy C., July 18, 2016
  • Review photo of Santos Trailhead & Campground by Christy C., July 18, 2016
  • (6) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there detailed maps available of Santos Campground and its trail system?

Yes, detailed maps of Santos Campground and its extensive trail system are available. The campground is part of the larger Cross Florida Greenway, which has documented trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Maps typically show the campground layout with its 22-site loop as well as connections to the various trails. For the most current and detailed trail maps, check with the campground office upon arrival or visit the official Florida State Parks website before your trip. The trail system is well-marked, making navigation straightforward even for first-time visitors.

What amenities and facilities are offered at Santos Trailhead Campground?

Santos Trailhead Campground features 22 sites with water and electric hookups arranged in a single loop. The campground offers clean, modern restrooms with showers that are sterilized daily. Sites vary in terms of shade, with outer perimeter spots generally being more shaded and secluded. The lime rock ground provides relatively level camping areas. Many sites are spacious, particularly the handicap-accessible site. The campground has a secured gate (closed at 7:30 pm) and provides convenient access to hiking and biking trails. There's also a restaurant nearby. While the campground is small, it's well-maintained and designed to accommodate both RVs (with 50-amp service available) and tent campers.

What mountain biking trails can I access from Santos Trailhead and Campground?

Santos Trailhead & Campground offers direct access to an extensive network of mountain biking trails, making it a paradise for cyclists. The trails are literally a minute away from the campground, with access right through the gate. The area is known for its recently updated and well-maintained trail system. Santos features miles of diverse biking terrain suitable for different skill levels. Many visitors stay at the campground specifically for the mountain biking opportunities. There's also a Santos Bike Shop nearby that offers rentals, which can be accessed directly from the campsite via trail.

Where is Santos Campground located near Ocala, Florida?

Santos Trailhead & Campground is located near Ocala, Florida on the Cross Florida Greenway. Despite being in a populated area of Ocala, the campground is nestled among trees, creating a sense of seclusion that makes visitors feel far from civilization. The campground is situated right off the highway, making it easily accessible, yet the abundant trees provide a natural setting. Its strategic location on the Greenway makes it a perfect base for outdoor activities, especially for those looking to access the area's extensive trail system.