A
Anthony W.
Scout
ScoutPaynes Prairie Preserve State Park Campground
Campsites
I love this campground very clean and has nice big sites.
Camping near Gainesville, FL
251 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Search destinations
Add dates
SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Campgrounds for various types of camping can be found in multiple areas near Gainesville, Florida. Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park Campground, located in Micanopy just south of Gainesville, offers tent camping, RV sites with electric hookups, and hiking trails where visitors can observe wild horses and bison. O'Leno State Park, about 25 miles northwest of Gainesville, provides cabin accommodations along with traditional tent and RV camping. The region includes several springs-based recreation areas such as Ginnie Springs Outdoors and Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park, both offering water-based activities alongside camping options. These mixed-use campgrounds accommodate different camping styles from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV spaces.
Many campgrounds in the Gainesville area remain open year-round, though seasonal considerations affect the camping experience. Summer months bring high humidity and temperatures, while winter offers milder conditions ideal for outdoor activities. "Beautiful park & campground. Sites were all lovely and well spaced out. Facilities were clean. Good walking trails right from campground," noted one visitor about Paynes Prairie. Water-based campgrounds like Ginnie Springs become particularly crowded during summer weekends and holidays. Most developed campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak seasons and university events. Cell service varies throughout the region, with better coverage near Gainesville and spotty reception in more remote areas. Campers should prepare for occasional afternoon thunderstorms during summer months, and be aware that some campground roads may be narrow for larger RVs.
The natural springs represent a distinctive feature of camping in this region. Several visitors mentioned the crystal-clear 72-degree spring waters as primary attractions. "I had an amazing time snorkeling here. The location is really convenient and close to Gainesville," reported one camper about Devil's Den Spring. Campgrounds near water sources tend to fill quickly, particularly those offering swimming, kayaking, and tubing opportunities. Sites at Paynes Prairie receive high ratings for wildlife viewing, with campers reporting sightings of alligators, bison, and wild horses. Campground options range from basic sites with minimal amenities to more developed facilities with showers, laundry, and camp stores. Proximity to the University of Florida means some campgrounds experience higher occupancy during football weekends and graduation periods. The combination of natural springs, wildlife viewing, and varied terrain makes the Gainesville area distinctive for camping experiences in north-central Florida.
Best Campgrounds near Gainesville (251)
1. Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park Campground
"Good walking trails right from campground. For distance bike riders, Gainesville bike club has good group rides (just sign up for a membership to join rides)."
"Great location with plenty of dark skies. The spots are well spaced in the woods, with plenty of room. The location is great for visiting the prairie and easy access to Gainesville."
from $18 / night
Check Availability2. Dogwood Campground — O'Leno State Park
"There’s a good bit of distance between you and your neighbor which is always nice. The campsites have electricity and water and there is a dump station on-site. "
"The campsites are spacious, well shaded, and with in easy walking distance to the Bathhouse/Restrooms. The facilities are kept clean and neat."
from $18 / night
Check Availability3. Ginnie Springs Outdoors
"This is clearly one of the best natural springs in all of Florida complete with 250 wooded acres of pure Florida wilderness."
"Favorite springs in Florida and one of my favorite places to camp and spend a few days in Florida or the country in general. Awesomely maintained, plenty of sites."
from $45 - $60 / night
Check Availability4. Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park Campground & Cabins
"The Florida State Trail passes through the park and is well marked. The ravines section is my favorite area in the park. In the greener months, it feels like a rain forest."
"The Florida Trail is my favorite part of my visits. The cabin we stayed in was small but nice. The ravines are gorgeous. You can access it with a vehicle, but you must walk down many stairs."
from $20 - $100 / night
Check Availability5. Travelers Campground
"We stopped in here on our way to Stone Mountain, coming from south Florida. It is conveniently located right off of I-75N with some restaurants nearby. Pull through full hook up site with cable."
"Found this location here on Dyrt and I'm so glad we did. We were tired along our drive and needed a place to park and rest."
from $69 - $99 / night
Check Availability6. Devil's Den Spring
"The location is really convenient and close to Gainesville, so if you want to spend some time being active in the water during the day but want to chill and go see a movie in a theatre at night, you can"
"Local weekend entertainment, pool, hot showers, and additional places to explore within walking distance. We will be back."
from $20 - $75 / night
Check Availability7. Santa Fe Palms RV Resort
"Should you find yourself anywhere near the home of The Gators here in landlocked Gainesville, then the location of Santa Fe Palms RV Resort itself will be one of its greatest assets."
"Convenient to Gainesville sites. Could be considered a little high priced but discounts make it ok."
from $45 - $95 / night
Check Availability8. Kate’s Fish Camp
"Heading towards Gainesville recently, I came across Kate’s Fish Camp, very conveniently located in the the middle of nowhere, but altogether, sitting on a very nice bit of a water trail called Prairie"
from $26 / night
Check Availability9. Magnolia Campground — O'Leno State Park
"Grounds are well kept as are most Florida parks. Short drive to several other park and springs in the area. Clean bathrooms."
"There is a check in booth at the entrance. They gave us a call to let us know they will be closed when we arrive and we had to pick up our camp pass outside."
from $18 / night
Check Availability10. Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park Campground
"This spring is one of the newer State parks in Florida. The bathrooms need updating. The sites are small. The electrical boxes are limited to amp hookup. The spring is AMAZING!!!"
"While quite a few of the natural springs you’ll find here in Florida contain a Disneyworld-like level of crowds and subsequent infrastructure, here at Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park, you’ll discover"
Drive Time
- 36 min from Ocala, FL
- 1 hr from Wildwood, FL
- 1 hr 6 min from Jacksonville, FL
- 1 hr 20 min from Homosassa Springs, FL
Recent Camping Photos near Gainesville, FL
319 Photos of 251 Gainesville Campgrounds
Laura M.
Kate’s Fish Camp
Lindsey H.
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park Campground
Stuart K.
High Springs RV Resort and campground
Ashley W.
Sun Retreats Ocala Orange Lake and Golf Resort
CJ H.
Free.To.Be- Van Site
Jeanene A.
Devil's Den Spring
citra R.
Citra Royal Palm RV Park
Taira N.
Magnolia Campground — O'Leno State Park
Stuart K.
Cooper Lake RV Community
Jennifer T.
Dogwood Campground — O'Leno State Park
Savannah C.
Ruth B. Kirby Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park Campground
Lindsey H.
Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park Campground
Recent Reviews near Gainesville, FL
1108 Reviews of 251 Gainesville Campgrounds
Erin L.
GuideManatee Springs State Park Campground
Spring is lovely
Going when it’s super hot turned out to be a great idea! It was lovely to get into the cool water every afternoon and cool right off. We enjoyed paddle boarding also and seeing the alligators, fish and turtles. Had a great time!
- Theresa K.Guide
Rainbow Springs State Park Campground
Unclear new rules & condescending ranger
Site 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
Nancy W.
LegendWorld Equestrian RV Resort
Great for horse lovers
This 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!
Stuart K.LegendNorth Florida Christian Camp
Faith, Fellowship and Fresh Air
Tucked away just outside Keystone Heights, North Florida Christian Camp feels like a place designed more for connection than convenience, where winding sandy roads lead you beneath tall pines and into a peaceful, purpose driven setting that immediately feels set apart from the everyday rush. The campground sits on a large, wooded property with a mix of open gathering spaces and shaded pockets, and while it is primarily designed for organized church groups and retreats, individual campers can still find a quiet place to land among the trees. The overall vibe is relaxed, intentional, and grounded in simplicity, with nature doing most of the heavy lifting.
Facilities here are more functional than flashy, with a combination of cabins, bunkhouses, and open camping areas alongside basic bathhouses, communal gathering pavilions, and activity fields. You will not find resort style amenities, but you will find clean, usable facilities, wide open space for kids to run, and a layout that encourages group activities, campfires, and shared meals. The grounds are easy to navigate, and while RV hookups may be limited depending on where you stay, the setting works well for families who are comfortable with a more rustic, community-oriented experience.
The surrounding area offers a nice balance of quiet nature and small town convenience, with Keystone Heights just a short drive away for groceries, fuel and casual dining. Hitchcock’s Market is a reliable stop for supplies, and local favorites like Cedar River Seafood provide an easy, family friendly meal after a day outdoors. Nearby lakes and trails give you opportunities for paddling, fishing, or simply stretching your legs under the Florida sky, making it easy to build a full day without ever straying too far.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a handful: (1) The best camping areas are those set slightly deeper into the pines where you will find more shade and a bit more privacy from larger group spaces; (2) If visiting during a scheduled retreat or camp week, expect more activity and less solitude, so plan accordingly; (3) Bring bikes or scooters for kids, as the open grounds and sandy roads are perfect for riding; (4) Pack bug spray, especially in warmer months, as the wooded setting can bring out mosquitoes at dusk; and (5) If you are seeking a quieter experience, aim for midweek stays outside of peak group bookings.
Happy Camping!
- RRafa D.
TravelerWest Tower Hunt Camp
Nice spot for dispersed camping
This is a great place for dispersed camping, but it’s not as quiet as you might expect. Dogs bark all night, so it’s not the best place for those who are sensitive to noise. However, it’s a great place to experience nature, even though there are some houses nearby. Just be aware that it can get extremely hot in the summer, so if you’re planning to go, make sure you have an RV or trailer.
- CCristie L.Scout
Champions Run RV Resort
This place is fantastic!
I 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.
- JJohn H.Guide
17 Mile Hunt Camp
Beautiful
Great spot to camp, did see a baby bear and a few wood peckers. Quiet clean and beautiful. No marked camp sites no reservations and no fees.
Celeste A.TravelerIndian Lake State Forest Campground
Weekend Get-Away
First 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.
Guide to Gainesville
Campsites near Gainesville, Florida offer distinct ecological transitions between wetland preserves and natural springs. Located in north-central Florida, the region sits approximately 150 feet above sea level with a mix of limestone bedrock, sandy soil, and multiple freshwater systems. Most campgrounds remain accessible year-round with fall through spring offering more comfortable camping temperatures in the 60-80°F range, while summer brings higher humidity and frequent afternoon thunderstorms.
What to do
Hiking unique terrain: The network of trails at O'Leno State Park offers surprisingly varied terrain for Florida. "There are nice elevation changes which makes it feel like your in the Carolinas or Georgia. The river is nice to see but I wouldn't swim or canoe it. Very fast and dark," notes one camper about the distinctive topography.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Gopher tortoises, deer, and diverse bird species inhabit the region's parks. At Magnolia Campground, visitors report "tons of birds, tortoise, and deer. This is one of our favorite campgrounds." Morning hours provide optimal wildlife viewing conditions when animals are most active.
Kayaking underground river systems: The Santa Fe River at O'Leno State Park presents a geological phenomenon worth exploring. "The river goes underground but you can't kayak in this area," explains one visitor who enjoyed paddling above the disappearing river section. For beginners, guided tours range from $35-60 depending on trip length.
Spring swimming access: The 72-degree waters at Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park provide year-round swimming. One camper shares, "When you camp here you can use the spring before and after those who come for day use (there are a lot). In the evenings we had the spring to ourselves." Early morning and evening access gives campers exclusive use of the springs without day-use crowds.
What campers like
Primitive camping options: Backcountry camping requires preparation but rewards with solitude. "Backcountry camping is first come first serve— get there early to get a permit," advises one visitor to Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park.
Educational opportunities: Rangers provide insight into local ecosystems and history. "We did the Ranger led hike which was really nice, my 5 year old struggled to keep up with the Ranger and there are decent elevation changes," notes a family visiting Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park.
Historical structures: The CCC-era buildings at O'Leno State Park provide historical context. "All CCC construction. There is a picnic area, a pavilion, a lodge, a museum, several other structures," explains one visitor appreciating the preserved architecture from the 1930s.
Spring water clarity: Devil's Den Spring offers unique underwater views for snorkelers. "Beautiful campground with nice bathrooms. They have scuba lessons in pool if you have never dived. They also rent the equipment for both scuba and snorkeling," writes one camper who appreciated the facility's diving resources.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Connection varies widely across the region. At Kate's Fish Camp, one camper reported, "I tried Verizon, T mobile and AT&T for Internet all sucked. My starlink mini was slow and dropped often they have a lot of shade."
Campsite type variations: Primitive sites may cost the same as developed ones at some parks. "Not their fault (the state sets pricing) but primitive campsites are the same price as reserved ones with hookups, $18," notes a visitor to Paynes Prairie.
Spring visitation patterns: Popular springs become extremely crowded, especially on weekends. "Ginnie Springs is an absolute blast! The float is gorgeous and the springs are clear and the perfect temperature all year round. My only advice would be do not bring small children to Ginnie. It is more like a huge party with plenty of drunken antics all day and all night," warns a camper about Ginnie Springs Outdoors.
Wildlife precautions: Hiking paths may harbor ticks and other pests. "Tried going on a little family hike and all ended up with ticks so make sure you spray really good if this is on your agenda," cautions a visitor to O'Leno State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Spring selection: Choose family-friendly water access points. "There are family friendly campgrounds on the springs nearby, but Ginnie is more adult," suggests one experienced visitor differentiating between the various spring options in the region.
Activity scheduling: Plan spring visits early. One Gilchrist Blue camper advises, "The proximity to the spring is what did it for me! We stayed in site 1 and it could see the spring from our RV." Morning access before day visitors arrive creates a more relaxed experience.
Educational trails: Select appropriate hiking distances for children. "The park has 8 trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding. We were able to see wild horses, bisons, snakes and gators," shares a Paynes Prairie visitor about the educational opportunities available.
Pest management: Apply insect repellent liberally before activities. "It's Florida, the summer, and unless you weren't already aware of it, you're landlocked here in the middle of the state, so what does that mean? Mosquitos and bugs," reminds a Kate's Fish Camp visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Travelers Campground offers convenient overnight accommodations. "The staff checks you in and then brings you to your location via a golf cart. Probably one of the best hospitality perks after a long day of driving," notes one RV camper appreciating the guided site placement.
Hookup variations: Water hookups may require extra equipment. "Site 1 in particular requires a looooooong hose. The hookups are all over the place and we couldn't even use water because of that," advises a camper at Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park.
Space limitations: Assess site dimensions carefully before booking. "The Magnolia loop is better suited for larger campers. We are 35' and are in the Magnolia loop but nearly hit a tree backing in," warns an RVer about navigating O'Leno State Park's campground loops.
Amenity differences: State parks offer varying levels of hookups. "The park doesn't have much in the way of amenities no septic nor washer or dryer," notes a visitor to O'Leno State Park, highlighting the need to plan for limited services.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Gainesville, FL?
What camping is available near Gainesville, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, Gainesville, FL offers a wide range of camping options, with 251 campgrounds and RV parks near Gainesville, FL and 7 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Gainesville, FL?
Which is the most popular campground near Gainesville, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Gainesville, FL is Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 35 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Gainesville, FL?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Gainesville, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 free dispersed camping spots near Gainesville, FL.
What parks are near Gainesville, FL?
What parks are near Gainesville, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 parks near Gainesville, FL that allow camping, notably National Forests in Florida and Osceola National Forest.
Keep Exploring