The San Mateo area in Florida provides access to a variety of camping experiences within the surrounding region. Campers can find established campgrounds like Salt Springs Recreation Area in the Ocala National Forest, which offers tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations. Other nearby options include Rodman Campground near Palatka with both tent and RV sites, and North Beach Camp Resort in St. Augustine featuring oceanfront camping. The region encompasses both freshwater and coastal camping opportunities, with sites ranging from primitive to full-service. Many campgrounds in this area provide direct access to water activities on St. Johns River, Lake Crescent, and various springs. Campers browse The Dyrt when exploring the best sites near San Mateo for detailed information on amenities and availability.
"This campground is in Ocala National Forest, which is always beautiful. The campsites are large, we fit 3 4+ person tents," noted one visitor about Alexander Springs Recreation Area. Florida's climate allows for year-round camping in the San Mateo region, though summer months bring high humidity, frequent afternoon thunderstorms, and mosquitoes. Most established campgrounds require reservations, especially during winter months when snowbirds flock to the area. Water levels can affect accessibility at some locations, particularly after heavy rainfall. Cell service varies throughout the region, with better coverage near larger towns like Palatka and St. Augustine. Many campgrounds feature sandy soil typical of the region, which drains quickly after rain but can be challenging for tent stakes.
Several visitors highlight the region's natural springs as standout features. Clearwater Lake Campground receives praise for its "water conditions typically providing excellent visibility to the mostly sand-bottomed swimming area." Campers frequently mention the abundant wildlife viewing opportunities, including manatees in colder months at Salt Springs. The proximity to historic St. Augustine is another draw, with Anastasia State Park described as "magnificent" with "abundant shade and privacy" cut from the jungle. Campgrounds closer to highways like I-95 tend to be more developed with full hookups but offer less seclusion than those deeper in forested areas. Sites near water bodies fill quickly during peak seasons, with reviewers consistently recommending advance reservations for waterfront locations.
$38 - $70 / night
"There are no laundry facilities but if you exit park and drive left there is a laundromat, local food, dollar store, bait tackle."
"Located in the center of the state, you’ll have near equal access to both the Atlantic Ocean to the east as well as the Gulf shores to the west."
$28 / night
"You really can have it all at this campground - with its 'next door' proximity to one of the most amazing beachheads on Florida's Atlantic coastline and quick access to the country's oldest town (St."
"Great location & in close proximity to St. Augustine. One of my favorite places to visit in Florida. If you've never been to St."
$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."
$55 / night
"Close to town for all your needs. It's right on the St John's river. We made some awesome friends while we were their. Can't wait to get back"
"Nice restaurants nearby. No picnic table at campsites. Everyone very friendly."
$18 / night
"Far down a dirt road and very quiet you wouldn't know you were that close to the interstate. Only complaint would be the distance the dumpsters are from the CG"
"Close to saint Augustine and Daytona."
$40 - $80 / night
"It’s quiet and away from any tourists. St Augustine is 30 minutes away."
"We stayed at 4 Lakes for 6 months for work and it was really nice! Staff are super friendly and helpful and make you feel like family."
$67 - $245 / night
"We stayed in number 18 and we were very close to the bathroom area (which has AC) and close to the Pool."
"Very shady spots and plenty of space for long walks on the paths, along the river or across the street at the beach. I had 2 dogs & appreciated the doggy stations with poo bags and garbage."
"The pull through sites were quite close to each other where the back in sites provided more room, this was especially true near the front of the CG."
"You just leave the trash bag out anytime and the park staff pick it up during one of their normal rounds around the park. The whole park including all the sites were very well maintained."
"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"
$20 - $40 / night
"Close to the beach, this is the perfect pitstop. Check them out and leave them some love here!"
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
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!
ScoutLast minute getaway. 20 minutes from palm coast. We enjoyed being by the lake. You could bring your boat to this one for sure.
Camping options near San Mateo, Florida span both freshwater and coastal environments within a 30-mile radius. The area sits at low elevation between 5-25 feet above sea level, creating a landscape dominated by pine flatwoods, cypress swamps, and riverfront terrain. San Mateo's central location provides access to the St. Johns River system as well as Atlantic coast beaches, with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F with high humidity from June through September.
Kayaking and canoeing: Salt Springs Recreation Area offers excellent water exploration opportunities. "We decided to change the primitive camping to an easier drive in and loved it. The spot and people were perfect. The natural springs and area was amazing," notes Jj R. about Salt Springs Recreation Area.
Beach activities: North Beach Camp Resort offers direct ocean access with privacy from crowds. "The campground was perfectly designed by someone who knows what campers want. Each site was separated from the neighbor by high brush and trees to make it seem really private. A river on the backside and the Atlantic Ocean on the front of the resort," explains Nicole C. about North Beach Camp Resort.
Fishing: Multiple access points for freshwater fishing exist throughout the region. One camper at Rodman Campground noted, "Great access to the lake. Pull through, back in and buddy sites are available," highlighting the convenient water access at this location.
Private campsites: Many campgrounds offer good separation between sites. At Anastasia State Park Campground, "These campsites offer a serene amount of privacy with the space the campgrounds are working with. It's not a backcountry hike, definitely a drive-up campground but the foliage and large campsites provide a lot of privacy throughout the day and night," reports Issa F.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses and grounds are frequently mentioned. According to Brandie B. at Faver-Dykes, "The camp hosts keep each site impeccable and the bath house were very clean. The sites are wide and because of the vegitation almost impossible to see your neighbors."
Waterfront options: Several campgrounds offer sites with direct water views. Lauren W. describes her experience at Rodman Campground: "Beautiful site! Full shade and very level. Water directly in front of our site. Road our bikes to the dam."
Seasonal considerations: Summer brings heat, humidity, and insects. At Faver-Dykes, Leslie B. warns, "Only problem we had were ticks! They were literally everywhere and we were constantly picking them off ourselves and our dogs."
Noise factors: Some campgrounds experience noise from unexpected sources. Jeff E. shares about 4 Lakes Campground: "IF there is an 'ALL HOURS WEEKEND' at the nearby Hog Waller Campground and ATV Resort (right across the river), then the trails remain open 24 hours and you will not have any tranquility or relaxation all night."
Internet connectivity: Cell service varies widely across the region. Daniel G. notes about Compass RV Park: "The only down side is that the cell service (for both T-Mobile and Verizon) didn't work very well, and the Wi-Fi is iffy at best."
Kid-friendly activities: Several campgrounds offer recreational amenities. Desirae L. describes Salt Springs: "We went camping here with two small kids, one of the sites closest to the springs, just a short walk. The campsite was much bigger than I expected."
Safe swimming areas: Natural springs provide consistent water temperatures for comfortable swimming year-round. One camper at Compass RV Park noted, "They have a pool and work out room. The sites were large and easy to access. Grounds are well maintained."
Space considerations: Look for campgrounds with room for kids to play. Vivian L. describes Celestial Acres as having "a huge grass area enclosed for kids and animals to play. Also, a beautiful burn pit for a campfire! Very safe place to ease your mind."
Site surface types: Different campgrounds offer various parking surfaces. According to Mike K. at Renegades on the River, "Full size RV sites with full hook up and the whole park is paved or pavers. Very nice pool and full laundry."
Utilities and services: Hookup availability varies widely. At Salt Springs, Sue G. mentions, "Sites have paved pads but most are not level. Wifi very spotty. Springs are nice."
Sizing considerations: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger rigs. Sandi A. warns about Faver-Dykes: "Road into park narrow. We could not park our rv due to narrow road. They did promise a refund."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near San Mateo, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, San Mateo, FL offers a wide range of camping options, with 251 campgrounds and RV parks near San Mateo, FL and 10 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near San Mateo, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near San Mateo, FL is Salt Springs Recreation Area with a 4.4-star rating from 61 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near San Mateo, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 free dispersed camping spots near San Mateo, FL.
What parks are near San Mateo, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 parks near San Mateo, FL that allow camping, notably Ocala National Forest and National Forests in Florida.
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