Salt Springs Recreation Area in the Ocala National Forest provides the primary developed camping options near Salt Springs, Florida. The area encompasses both tent and RV sites with full hookups, as well as cabin accommodations in select locations. Several campgrounds serve the region, including the Salt Springs Recreation Area with 106 sites, Silver Springs State Park Campground approximately 20 miles away, and the primitive Davenport Landing dispersed camping area. Most established campgrounds feature paved pads, picnic tables, and fire rings, while the dispersed options offer more rustic experiences without amenities.
Camping in this region revolves around the natural springs and waterways that define central Florida's landscape. Seasonal flooding can affect access, particularly after hurricanes or heavy rainfall periods. As one visitor noted, "The springs were closed due to the rising river from hurricane Ian, but we made due with visiting nearby Palatka and Ravine Gardens State Park." Most developed campgrounds remain open year-round with full hookups, though reservations are highly recommended, especially during winter months when snowbirds increase occupancy rates. Cell service varies throughout the Ocala National Forest, with T-Mobile coverage reported as spotty in multiple reviews.
Campground experiences center on water-based recreation at the springs and nearby lakes. The natural springs maintain a constant 72-degree temperature year-round, providing swimming and wildlife viewing opportunities. "Beautiful swimming area in natural spring. RV sites are asphalt, most are level except 94-101 were on a bit of hill," commented a camper about Salt Springs. While tent campsites offer proximity to swimming areas, several reviewers mentioned limited privacy between sites. Hiking options include a 2-mile trail through native Florida habitats featuring oaks, palmettos, and magnolias. The spring areas tend to reach capacity early in peak periods, making camping on-site advantageous for access to swimming and kayaking. Weekend traffic noise from Highway 19 is noted in multiple reviews as a potential disruption to otherwise peaceful surroundings.
$38 - $70 / night
"Hiking-In the park there is a dedicated 1.5 mile trail called Bear Swamp Trail and there is a .5 mile trail to the springs. This park also has its own connector to the trail to the Florida Trail."
"While there are many natural springs throughout north central Florida, Salt Springs is considered by many to be one of the best preserved and well-maintained springs throughout the state as well as being"
$38 - $70 / night
"When in Ocala National Forest, we stayed at Salt Springs, Juniper Springs and Alexander Springs. Heads up!"
"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."
$12 - $22 / night
"Sites 1-39 are not near the Florida Trail but it was not a bad walk to the other side of the campground to get to the trail. Would stay again."
"This peaceful campground provides a serene setting surrounded by towering pines and lush Florida foliage."
$16 / night
"This is a beautiful campground with proximity to the Florida Scenic Trail. Ideal for tent camping, as the forest service roads were a little rough for our RV."
"Great view of lake and Hopkins Prairie from most of the sights. Has a large bat house. Florida trail runs thru campground. Pay at the pipe system."
$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."
$10 / night
"There’s a real sense of forest solitude when you turn off the pavement and roll into Lake Delancy West Campground, a wooded public campground tucked beside the lake’s quiet west shore and surrounded by"
"Other reviews had suggested that this campsite was largely used by ATV and other off highway vehicle enthusiasts using the adjoining trail system and it was loud and unpleasant."
$38 - $70 / night
"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."
"Pulled in around 9:30 pm. Big open spot. Last 100 yards driving back in were very bumpy but no problem with our van. Not sure about a larger RV. But great Tent/van spot."
"Had no one around and nice and cool in the forest"
$35 / night
"Pulling into Ocklawaha Canoe Outpost near Fort McCoy feels like arriving somewhere that doesn’t rush you, where the tall trees and wide river channels invite the kind of slow, unhurried breathing that"
"Located at the southern tip of Rodman Reservoir, which is one of the major water tributaries that you can float around the NE perimeter of the Ocala National Forest, you’ll discover that this backwater"
$10 - $15 / night
"Great camp with close location and easy access to Ocala trails"
"Place is nice, lake walk, gates, toilets etc is available. Firewood is in forest :)"
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
TravelerGreat park quite and peaceful with lots of space shade and privacy between the campsites.
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
TravelerQuite a bit of ticks. The camping table had a bee hive …
ScoutFriendly hosts and clean, centrally located property
ScoutGreat small RV park. Very clean and super friendly & helpful staff. We stayed 3 nights and will definately return. Approximately 60% full-time residents.
ScoutQuiet beautiful laid back, let's keep it that way!
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!
LegendThe cabins at Blue Spring State Park offer a rare way to experience one of Florida’s most iconic spring-fed rivers without camping by RV or tents. Tucked well away from the busy springhead and day-use crowds and surrounded instead by hardwood hammock and palmetto flats. Arriving is straightforward via Orange City, just a stone's throw from I-4, and once you’re checked in, the cabins feel intentionally removed from the main campground loops, trading generator hums and tent zippers for solid walls, screened porches along with a noticeable sense of calm once the park gates close for the evening.
Each cabin is simple but thoughtfully laid out with climate control, real beds, a small kitchen setup, picnic tables and screened outdoor space that invites slow mornings with a freshly brewed cup of Colombian coffee and unhurried evenings over a nice iced glass of Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. While these are not luxury accommodations by any stretch of the imagination, they are very clean, well maintained and ideal for families or couples who want immersion in nature without having to 'rough' it. Restrooms and showers are integrated into the cabin setup rather than shared campground facilities and nearby trails make it easy to step directly into the woods for a walk without ever starting the car.
Beyond the cabins themselves, Blue Spring’s broader amenities shine. Hiking trails wind through shaded forest and along the St. Johns River while the spring run offers some of the clearest freshwater paddling in the state. A small concession area and nearby Orange City like Fire on the Bayou, The Salted Goat and Orange Social provide tempting and hyper-local dining options, but most guests will find themselves lingering longer at the cabins, listening to owls at dusk or catching early morning river mist before the park stirs back to life.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a handful: (1) If you’re visiting during manatee season, the cabins are a ‘golden ticket’ for early and late viewing when crowds thin and the river feels most deserted and almost reverent; (2) For kayaking, launch at the Blue Spring Run canoe and kayak launch and paddle upstream early in the morning for glassy water, manatee sightings in season and wading birds like blue and grey heron, kingfishers, bald eagles and ospreys along the river banks; (3) The cabins closest to the interior trail network tend to feel the most secluded and quiet compared to those nearer service roads; (4) Plan simple meals rather than elaborate cooking, as kitchens are functional but hoestly, quite modest (read: just bare bones); and (5) If you want a true Old Florida day trip, head a short drive north to DeLeon Springs after breakfast for swimming and pancakes at the local restaurant there.
Happy Camping!
Camping near Salt Springs, Florida offers access to the expansive Ocala National Forest, with over 383,000 acres of pine scrub and hardwood ecosystems. The area features several spring-fed recreation spots maintaining consistent 72-degree temperatures throughout seasons. Most primitive camping sites in the forest require self-sufficiency with limited cellular connectivity, particularly for T-Mobile users in remote areas.
Kayaking accessible waterways: At Alexander Springs Recreation Area, the swimming area provides exceptional visibility. "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., who appreciated the spacious layout. The springs maintain constant temperatures making water activities possible year-round.
Fishing opportunities: Rodman Campground offers excellent fishing access to both the Ocklawaha River and Rodman Reservoir. Kenneth R. described it as having "Great access to the lake," while Stuart K. mentioned "fishing, boating, kayaking, and wildlife viewing" as key activities available. Mornings can be busy with fishing tournaments launching bass boats.
Hiking trails: The 5.1-mile trail section near Hopkins Prairie Campground connects to the Florida National Scenic Trail. "Lovely campground, though fairly basic. Beautiful view of the prairie, not many people," wrote Grace H. The trail offers opportunities to see wildlife and native vegetation through varied terrain.
Privacy between sites: At Juniper Springs Rec Area, campers appreciate the seclusion of certain areas. "We stayed at camp 54, the site was nice and secluded while also near the amenities," reported Garret S. The campground offers varying levels of privacy with Nicole D. noting the "beautiful trails, clean campsites" and "spring fed river meandering all through the park."
Clean facilities: Silver Springs State Park Campground maintains well-kept amenities. Carlos R. commented, "The sites are big and have plenty of space between them. The park staff we interacted with were very friendly and informative." Jody O. added, "Large sites with ample separation from your neighbors. I am a native Floridian and this is the real deal."
Shaded campsites: Lake Eaton Campground features significant tree coverage for temperature relief during hot months. "Shady and cool," described Denny S., while Kris K. reported having "the best campsite in the park.. 103." Sites with shade can provide up to 10-15 degrees of temperature difference during summer days, making afternoons more comfortable.
Primitive camping limitations: Davenport Landing represents truly primitive camping with minimal amenities. Stuart K. describes finding "no picnic tables. No fire ring. No stand-up grill. No potable (or for that matter, non-potable) water spigot. Nothing." Tim M. warns, "I wouldn't recommend this spot to beginners or inexperienced outdoor enthusiasts."
Weekend crowding: Popular springs reach capacity quickly, especially during summer months and holidays. Lisa O. advises, "AVOID SPRING & SUMMER WEEKENDS AT ALL COSTS or you will feel like you are at an amusement park waiting to get on a ride." Weekdays typically offer a more peaceful experience.
Wildlife awareness: Bears and other wildlife frequent the camping areas. Tim M. reported, "I did spot a bear on my way in and scat along the road," while camping at Davenport Landing. Several campgrounds post warnings about proper food storage to prevent wildlife encounters.
Best beginner-friendly options: Zanny M. recommends Juniper Springs as "Great place for new or experienced campers, definitely and great way to introduce someone new to camping!" The swimming areas include "deep diving areas, shallows children's areas" that accommodate various ages and swimming abilities.
Kid-friendly activities: Glass-bottom boat tours at Silver Springs State Park provide educational entertainment. Carlos R. shared, "The glass bottom boat tour is an absolute must, we had such a wonderful time and the boat captain had lots of interesting information. We have a 4 year old and a 10 year old and they both really enjoyed the boat tour."
Optimal family sites: Desirae L. at Salt Springs Recreation Area found that "The campsite was much bigger than I expected. There were other people near by, but very quiet night. The bathrooms were pretty clean and within decent walking distance."
Site selection guidance: At Salt Springs Recreation Area, Sue G. cautions that "Sites have paved pads but most are not level. Wifi very spotty." Miranda R. counters that "The campground has large spots and are easy to back into," suggesting site-specific research before arrival.
Hook-up availability: Daniel S. at Alexander Springs notes, "Would be 5 stars if they had some sites with electric hookups. Outside of that a great place for tent camping." Only certain campgrounds in the Salt Springs area offer full hookups, with most primitive sites lacking electric service.
Off-season timing: Winter months bring an influx of seasonal visitors. Larry M. found Salt Springs during off-peak times offers "Clean and well thought out rr's. We were in 51 with trees out our windows for a view. H20, elec., and sewer." Scheduling trips during shoulder seasons can provide better site availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at Salt Springs Recreation Area for campers?
Salt Springs Recreation Area offers extensive amenities with two large camping areas totaling over 150 sites. One campground provides complete hookups with 50 amp service, water, and sewer. Facilities include bath houses with showers, fire rings at campsites, and access to the natural springs for swimming (free for campers). The campground is well-maintained with both RV sites and tent camping options. For those seeking alternatives, Lake Delancy East NF Campground is nearby with more basic amenities at a lower cost ($10 nightly).
Where is Salt Springs Campground located in Florida?
Salt Springs Recreation Area is located in the Ocala National Forest in Central Florida. This campground is part of the oldest national forest east of the Mississippi River and is known for protecting the world's largest sand pine scrub forest. The springs that give the area its name contain minerals like magnesium, sodium, and potassium, making it a popular destination for visitors seeking to enjoy natural Florida.
How can I find a map of Salt Springs Campground?
Maps of Salt Springs Campground can be obtained from the campground office upon arrival or from the Ocala National Forest visitor centers. For planning ahead, the official USDA Forest Service website for Ocala National Forest offers downloadable maps of the area including Salt Springs. Visitors can also find detailed site maps when making reservations through Recreation.gov. For additional camping options in the region, Alexander Springs Recreation Area and Juniper Springs Rec Area also provide maps of their facilities within the same forest system.
Keep Exploring
