The Ocala National Forest dominates the camping landscape around Ocala, Florida, with numerous campgrounds featuring natural springs that maintain a constant 72-degree temperature year-round. Silver Springs State Park Campground offers full-hookup sites for RVs and cabins within a forested setting, while Santos Trailhead & Campground provides access to over 30 miles of mountain biking trails along the Cross Florida Greenway. Tent campers find spacious sites at Alexander Springs Recreation Area, where multiple 4-person tents can fit on a single site. The region spans from developed state park facilities with modern amenities to more primitive Forest Service campgrounds with basic facilities, creating options for various camping styles within a 30-mile radius of downtown.
Reservations are essential for most established campgrounds, particularly during winter months when "snowbirds" fill many RV parks and resorts. Sandy soil conditions can affect vehicle access in some areas, especially after rain or during drought periods when roads may become soft. As one camper noted, "The road that leads to the boat ramp occasionally is forced to close due to soft sand during drought." Cell service varies significantly throughout the region, with Verizon typically providing better coverage than AT&T in forest areas. Summer brings high humidity and temperatures, while winter offers pleasant camping conditions with occasional cool nights. Wildlife considerations include raccoons and black bears, with many forest campgrounds providing lockable storage containers at each site.
Natural springs represent the defining feature of camping in this region, with many campers planning their stays around these unique water features. "The Springs stay 72 degrees year-round so no matter what time of the year the temperature is perfect," reports one visitor to Juniper Springs. Salt Springs, Alexander Springs, and Silver Springs all offer swimming, snorkeling, and paddling opportunities directly accessible from nearby campgrounds. Mountain biking trails attract many visitors to Santos, while equestrian-friendly campgrounds like Shangri-La and Fiddlers Green RV Ranch cater to those traveling with horses. Road noise affects some campgrounds, with Ross Prairie campers recommending "a site as far from the road as possible" to minimize highway sounds. Shaded sites are highly valued during warmer months, with many reviewers specifically mentioning tree cover as a key factor in site selection.
Compare 2 top campgrounds at a time to find your favorite!
Round 1 of 5
$24 - $110 / night
"We rode our bikes around the campground and were amazed as almost all the sites were huge! Live oak trees with Spanish moss...this campground is truly the "Real Florida"."
"Silver Springs Silver Springs SP Beautiful Florida campground with 60 sites, many pullthrus. The sites are huge with lots of space and privacy. Lush surroundings."
$30 / night
"I have been to quite a few campgrounds in Florida over the past 20+ years."
"The primitive camping is tucked back away from most of the RVs and has a bathhouse with very hot water/ toilets and hot hand dryers. Each site is spaced properly so not each person is too close."
$22 / night
"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."
"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."
$46 - $188 / night
"We Enjoyed the natural beauty and peaceful surroundings while listening to the Owls Hooting ~while we sat at our campfire ."
"Situated in Ocala, this park offers a wonderful get away for bicycling, horseback riding, or hiking Great trails The park itself is open with few trees but an amazing host."
$22 / night
"The positive is that the sites, especially around the outside loop, are spaced nicely and private. It’s not a bad drive to Crystal River or Ocala."
"Pluses are everything is super clean, the camp hosts are amazing, its easy to get to, great access to Ocala or Dunnellon, all sites are pullthrough, ground is small and quiet, 50 amp, and access to great"
$56 - $99 / night
"Example, we are allowed to park on the grass unless there is space in front or behind your RV. We got in trouble for driving around our RV to park on the concrete, which is fine."
"Nice campground, pool, activities, lots to see around town. Managers and staff very nice"
"Easy access to I 75 Has nice pond with wildlife , cabins to rent and all services . Friendly staff and dog park."
$18 / night
"Easy access to hiking and riding trials. Short drive into both Belview and Ocala."
"I came for a night since it was close to other parks I wanted to visit, but I do think I’ll come back and have my father in law bring his horse with next time."
$54 - $75 / night
"We will return on our trip back through Ocala!"
"Very large RV park outside The Villages of FL. A mix of transient, seasonal and full timers. Clean if not older facilities. Most sites are good sized."
"We were already living in Ocala and we wanted to remain in the area. We discovered Silver Springs RV and are so glad we did. Everyone here, especially the staff, was so welcoming and friendly."
GuideDelete night day with a nice spring. The website looks nice and clean for every size. But we have a small sprinter we didn’t need any water or electricity So we stayed in the tent area, which is much more nature. And the space in between camps are huge
TravelerSecluded campground near a boat launch. Our spot was right on a creek, and you could have had a boat right out back. Cool, quiet place
ScoutGreat small RV park. Very clean and super friendly & helpful staff. We stayed 3 nights and will definately return. Approximately 60% full-time residents.
LegendJust outside the tiny river village of Georgetown, where Road 309 bends toward Drayton Island, you will find Rivers Edge RV Park sitting exactly where its name promises, right on the banks of the St. Johns River. With roughly 50 or so sites arranged in a simple, easy to navigate loop, this campground feels intimate without being cramped and it books quickly for good reason. The setting is classic 'Old Florida' with long bearded Spanish moss draped over ancient oaks, wide river views and that slow moving, fish-filled water stretching out toward Lake George.
Sites here cater primarily to the RV and 5th wheel crowd, offering full hookups with 30- and 50-amp electric, water & sewer, along with a mix of back-in and pull-through options, many with concrete pads and patios. There is also a designated tent area, thoughtfully placed closer to the river, which gives tent campers a front row seat to sunrise over the water. Restrooms and showers are notably clean, laundry facilities feature newer machines and there is also a propane station on-site. Add in a small dog park, trash stations, a riverside pavilion, lawn games, horseshoes and even pickleball courts and it becomes clear that this is a well-managed, well-maintained operation. Complimentary WiFi reaches most of the park, though streaming can be a bit slow at peak times.
While my review from a few years ago provides a ton of detail, I thought I would follow up that review with a topline of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS along with a smattering of new photos.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Direct access to the St. Johns River with private boat launch and guest-only slips; (2) Clean, well-kept facilities including modern laundry and shower buildings;(3) Distinct tent area positioned closest to the river; (4) Simple loop layout that makes navigation easy even for larger rigs; (5) Fishing is abundant here with local finds including: largemouth bass, black crappie, bluegill, shellcracker bream and striped bass; and (6) Affordable pricing compared to many waterfront parks in Florida, but for the area, this is either on par or slightly more $ for what you would typically find, however, IMHO completely worth it!
LOWLIGHTS: (1) Limited availability due to the park’s small size and popularity; (2) WiFi can slow down during busy periods; (3) Fewer restaurant and retail options immediately nearby, because, well, you're completely out in 'the sticks' here in Georgetown, which is admittedly, part of the allure (as well as the downside); (4) Sites, while organized, are not heavily screened for privacy; and (5) This CG is best suited for river lovers and boaters rather than those seeking resort style amenities.
Happy Camping!
ScoutGreat environment, a lot of marine activity in the water and boat rental was super fun.
ScoutLast minute getaway. 20 minutes from palm coast. We enjoyed being by the lake. You could bring your boat to this one for sure.
ScoutAwesome open spots for dispersed camping. Not too busy and camp host is a really nice dude.
Scout75 women campers rented the parking lot at Mill Dam used for large group camping. I believe it was $100 a night. Currently a 'burn ban' on fires but they are otherwise allowed. Most of us have dogs and cats, but must check you and you pets for ticks, they are prevalent. There is a lake with a beauriful beach. There are restrooms and changing rooms with floor drains, so if you bring your own shower you can use that. There are no power hookups or dump stations that I saw, but there are dumpsters. There is a resident black bear so MUST observe bear safety. Great place, very nice camp host, kept bathrooms clean and stocked.
ScoutThe campground is clean with large sites, huge trees, shade or no shade, very clean bath houses, and extremely friendly and helpful staff. The springs themselves are perfect for a refreshing swim or snorkeling. A bit far from a real grocery store but there is a convenient mart and hardware store close by.
Camping spots near Ocala, Florida range from densely forested sites with oak hammocks to open prairie campgrounds with sandy soil conditions. The region sits at approximately 100 feet above sea level with an underlying limestone foundation that creates the area's distinctive freshwater springs. Many campgrounds offer access to interconnected trail systems that form part of the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway, spanning east to west across central Florida.
Mountain biking adventures: Santos Trailhead & Campground provides direct access to over 30 miles of world-class mountain bike trails suitable for all skill levels. "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," notes David G.
Kayaking and canoeing: Rainbow Springs State Park Campground offers exceptional paddling opportunities on crystal-clear water. "We rented canoes or kayaks and paddled upstream to the headspring. Such a gorgeous river," shares S L. The campground location makes water activities convenient: "Campground is good for paddling, especially for renting from the concessions (they have single and tandem kayaks, SUP, and canoes)," explains Latika Y.
Hiking trails: Access miles of forest trails directly from your campsite at several locations. "Short drive into both Belview and Ocala. Easy access to hiking and riding trials," reports AJ G. about Shangri-La Trailhead & Campground. The 3.5-mile Ross Prairie Loop combines wooded sections and prairie views, with one camper noting it "has a little bit of everything."
Large, private sites: Silver Springs State Park Campground receives consistent praise for its spacious campsites. "Large sites with ample separation from your neighbors. I am a native Floridian and this is the real deal," writes Jody O. Another camper adds, "The sites are big and have plenty of space between them."
Wildlife viewing: Campers appreciate the abundant wildlife throughout the region. "Let me start by saying park is very clean and well maintained. Silver springs is beautiful, go on the boat..." encourages Teresa R. Another visitor mentions, "From glass bottom boat tours to kayaking to camping Wildlife. Hiking food, alligators monkeys Birds beautiful Springs and River."
Water activities: The 72-degree springs remain a consistent draw. "If you enjoy kayaking, canoeing, or just floating down river on a tube in addition to camping, this is your spot," explains one camper at Rainbow Springs. Another enthuses, "Beautiful 72° springfed river. Take a 4hour tube ride down a crystal clear spring fed river. Full of wildlife, fun, families, snorkeling, little to no paddling since your going down river."
Reservation timing: Winter months fill quickly with seasonal visitors. "Love this campground though it can be hard to get in between the snowbirds and tubing season," notes Cristina M. about Rainbow Springs. Plan ahead, as some parks require significant advance booking: "Two days before travel were able to get 2 nights in a pull thru site w full hook up."
Road noise: Ross Prairie Campground has some sites affected by highway sounds. "The only negative is that it's not far from the road, you can hear the traffic and it's somewhat busy," warns Carmi G. Another camper suggests, "I suggest a site as far from the road as possible, 3 seemed like the best site to me."
Gate access protocols: Several campgrounds have security gates with specific access procedures. "Make sure to have your gate code at the ready, the gate is unmanned, and it's right off the main road as soon as you turn in. There is only room for one RV/travel trailer between the gate and the road, so there is nowhere to pull over to the side. Be ready," advises S L.
Kid-friendly water activities: Whimcycle Trail Resort At Santos offers families convenient access to multiple recreation options. "We enjoyed being right next to the biking and hiking trails AND only a few minutes from grocery stores," notes Teresa B. Families particularly enjoy the glass-bottom boat tours at nearby Silver Springs: "We have a 4 year old and a 10 year old and they both really enjoyed the boat tour also."
Clean facilities: Campgrounds with good bathroom facilities make family camping easier. "The bathrooms are huge and modern and super nice," reports David G. Another camper mentions, "Bathrooms are single rooms - nice for privacy. The park has a nice selection of pullthroughs and back ins. It can accommodate even the biggest of trailers."
Nature programs: Several parks offer ranger-led activities for children. "Silver springs is beautiful, get on the boat..." recommends one visitor. Another camper shares that "the park staff we interacted with were very friendly and informative. The glass bottom boat tour is an absolute must, we had such a wonderful time and the boat captain had lots of interesting information."
Site selection: RVers recommend specific sites at certain campgrounds. "We stayed in site #3, which was tucked into the wood line and somewhat private," shares Rich S. Another camper advises, "Site 60 is definitely the most private (farthest from the lot but still a short walk in on a paved path)."
Leveling considerations: Some campgrounds require additional preparation. "Sites are of average side but have no natural buffers (bushes, etc.) between. Tube rentals and shuttles are available," notes Jeanene A. For some parks, "They also require wood to be placed under all supports, Jacks, and levelers. No plastic. Marks the ground."
Hookup access: RVers should note the hookup arrangements at different campgrounds. "Hookups are very close to the RV. Water pressure is very high so have a water regulator. We had to turn it down from 60+ lbs to around 20 flow and 40 no flow pressure," warns one camper. Another notes that some sites offer "full hookup sites w full hook up. Large sites with ample separation from your neighbors."
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best campgrounds in Ocala, Florida?
Ocala offers several outstanding campgrounds, with Juniper Springs Rec Area standing out for its beautiful facilities, helpful rangers, and crystal-clear 72-degree springs perfect for year-round swimming and kayaking. The Ocala National Forest houses multiple top-rated options including Salt Springs Recreation Area, which features large camping areas with over 150 sites, many with full hookups including 50-amp service, water, and sewer. These campgrounds provide excellent access to hiking trails, springs, and the natural beauty that makes the Ocala area a premier camping destination.
Are there tent camping options near Ocala, FL?
Alexander Springs Recreation Area in Ocala National Forest offers excellent tent camping with large sites that can accommodate multiple tents. The campground provides clean facilities with showers and is situated in the beautiful surroundings of the forest. Another great option for tent campers is Santos Trailhead & Campground, which despite being near populated areas, provides a secluded feel with spacious, shaded sites tucked among the trees. Both campgrounds are popular with outdoor enthusiasts and offer good access to hiking and biking trails.
Are there any lakeside campgrounds near Ocala?
Clearwater Lake Campground offers excellent lakeside camping at the southern end of Ocala National Forest. The campground features well-shaded, private sites spaced apart from each other, providing a calm atmosphere with access to a beautiful lake. While most sites don't offer electric and water hookups, the natural setting compensates with tranquility and beauty. Another option is Lake Eaton Campground, which provides great lakeside camping with easy access to Ocala trails. These lakeside locations offer peaceful water views and opportunities for fishing, paddling, and swimming.
What RV parks and campgrounds are available in Ocala?
Champions Run RV Resort is a fantastic new RV park in Ocala offering reasonable prices, excellent service, and immaculate grounds. The resort features numerous amenities including a pool, hot tub, bocce ball, pickleball, shuffleboard, and an indoor recreation area. For those seeking a quieter option near trails, Ross Prairie Campground provides nicely spaced, private sites, particularly around the outside loop. This quirky little place has recently remodeled bathrooms and offers convenient access to both Crystal River and Ocala, making it ideal for RVers who want to explore the region.
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