Ocala National Forest Camping

My family and I travel to Florida every winter. The Ocala National Forest is one of the most popular camping destinations in the state of Florida. The forest has many campgrounds to choose from in a variety of different areas.

We travel to Florida during the winter time with our camper and love exploring all the beautiful campgrounds that the state has to offer.

Florida is more than just beautiful beaches. Ocala National Forest camping is a different side of Florida that not many people get to experience. There are hundreds of ponds and lakes and several natural springs in this area.

The natural beauty in the Ocala National Forest is unique and is a must see for anybody traveling in and through Florida. Camping in Ocala National Forest is sure to be an epic adventure!

Ocala National Forest camping

Ocala National Forest is a large area of public land, so there are many places where you can camp. However, there are also some areas that do not allow camping and will be clearly marked as such. 

If you plan on spending time in Ocala National Forest and would like to know more about what types of camping are available for your group size or type of vehicle, please visit the Forest Service website.

When you embark on your Ocala National Forest camping adventure you will discover variety of campgrounds, ranging from primitive, water/electric hookups only, and full hookups. 

Salt Springs Campground

The crystal-clear waters of Salt Springs gushes year-round and flows about five miles before emptying into Lake George.

Salt Springs Recreation Area is a great place to birdwatch. The campground is home to a variety of birds, including woodpeckers, owls, and hawks. Salt Springs Recreation Area is also a great place to fish.

Salt Springs Campground is the largest in the Ocala National Forest and the only one with full hookups for RVs. To reserve a site you need to go through the National Recreation Website.

This Ocala Florida Springs campground is also a great place to view other wildlife. The campground is home to a variety of animals, including deer, bears, and alligators.

Rodman Campground

Rodman Campground is a State run campground located in Putnam County, Florida. It is situated on the Rodman Reservoir, which is a man-made lake created by the Rodman Dam. 

The campground is open year-round and offers a variety of campsites, including primitive campsites and water/electric only RV sites.

This campground located on the outskirts of Ocala National Forest is also a great place to view wildlife. Rodman is a great place to go for freshwater fishing!

Camping in Ocala National Forest is great and I have a special place in my heart for the Florida State Parks. Reservations are made on the Florida State Park Website.

Primitive Campgrounds in Ocala National Forest

Alexander Springs Campground

Alexander Springs Campground is a great place to enjoy the natural beauty of the “Real Florida”. This Ocala National Forest campground is located in a beautiful setting, with plenty of trees and wildlife. 

This is a more shady campground that has an easy walk to the springs swimming and picnic area. This 67-unit campground can accommodate tents and recreation vehicles up to 35 feet long, however these are primitive campsites.

Juniper Springs Campground

Juniper Springs Campground is a popular campground located in the Ocala National Forest in Florida. The campground is open year-round and offers a variety of campsites, all primitive. 

Juniper Springs Campground is a great place to enjoy the outdoors. The campground is located in a beautiful setting, with plenty of trees and wildlife. 

The dense, jungle-like forests surrounding Juniper Springs are home to wildlife that you might not commonly see elsewhere.Juniper Springs Campground is a great place to camp, hike, swim, fish, and enjoy the outdoors.

Juniper Springs Campground is also a great place to view wildlife. The campground is home to a variety of animals, including deer, bears, and alligators.

Lake Delancy Campground

If you’re looking for a place to enjoy the outdoors, Lake Delancy Campground is a great option. The campground is located in a beautiful setting and offers a variety of activities to enjoy.

This campground is primitive camping only. For RV’s this means that there are no hookups and you will be boondocking.

This beautiful Ocala Forest campground is a great place to birdwatch.

Hopkins Prairie Campground

Hopkins Prairie Campground has 21 primitive camping sites. Every site has a picnic table and a fire pit. 

This campground has minimal facilities and is not open year round. 

You can enjoy shade at your campsite or go for a hike on the Florida Trail as you stay here. A trail head starts at this campground making this a very popular spot for day hikers.

Big Bass Campground

Big Bass Campground is a seasonal campground in the southern part of the Ocala National Forest, not far from Doe Lake Recreation Area.

To go Ocala National Forest Camping here at Big Bass, you must be prepared for it being fully booked. This is a first come first served campground.

What is the Florida Trail

The Florida Trail is a long-distance hiking trail that runs from Big Cypress National Preserve in the south to Gulf Islands National Seashore in the north. It is one of eleven National Scenic Trails in the United States. 

The Florida Trail is currently about 1,500 miles long, and is still under development. The trail is open to hikers, bikers, and horseback riders.

The Florida Trail passes through a variety of landscapes, including forests, swamps, and beaches. The trail is a great way to experience the natural beauty of Florida. It is also a challenging trail, and hikers should be prepared for a variety of terrain and weather conditions.

Where Can You Camp for Free in Ocala National Forest?

There are areas throughout the Ocala National Forest where you can camp for free (otherwise known as “dispersed camping”). Make sure you understand the rules and only set up camp in an established dispersed camping sites or areas that will not damage vegetation. 

There are different rules during different hunting seasons as well.  If you have any questions or concerns do not hesitate to reach out to a ranger.

Download the apps iOverlander or Campendium to locate camp sites or overnight free parking off of the beaten path.

The areas below allow for free or dispersed camping:

• Alexander Springs Wilderness
• Billie Bay Wilderness
• Davenport Landing
• Davenport Landing Trail
• Juniper Prairie Wilderness
• Little Lake George Wilderness
• St. Francis Trailhead

What are the best campgrounds in Florida?

This all depends on what type of experience you want to have. Do you enjoy “roughing” it? Then maybe primitive camping in the National Forests are for you. Do you enjoy some amenities? Then try out the Florida State Park campgrounds that offer water/electric sites. If you are looking for full hookups and the amenities of home, then check out private campgrounds that offer this.

The Florida National Forests are great places to camp.

There are a number of places to camp in the Florida National Forests. The Ocala National Forest has many options. If you’re looking for something more remote, there’s also an extensive network of backcountry campsites that allow you to get away from it all.

The Apalachicola National Forest offers many developed campgrounds with modern amenities–like showers, electricity and dump stations–and several primitive sites for those who want to rough it out in the woods (but still have access to running water).

The Osceola National Forest has a few developed campgrounds with full hookups for RVs and many primitive camping as well. 

So there you have it, a quick guide to camping in Ocala National Forest. Whether you are looking for all the amenities of home, or are excited about roughing it in the woods, you can find something that will suit your specific needs.

I hope this article has helped you decide whether or not to make your next trip an adventure in the great outdoors!

More Resources:

Things to do near Tampa

Fort De Soto Campground Review

Henderson Beach State Park Campground Review

Best Campgrounds in Florida

Camping in Silver Springs Florida

Ocala Florida Springs | Which one to visit?

Closest beach to Ocala FL