Discover the best private sites lakeside campgrounds in Florida

United States
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Florida

98% (286 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Florida

Under $50

/ night

100%

(61)

Monarch Manor Farm

4 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Williston, FL

Monarch Manor Farm is not a stack and pack camper on top of camper place. It is a private organic farm owned by a Homeopathic / Naturopathic doctor and biochemist who is a nature lover, lives there and enjoys sharing the peace and tranquility with others. Pets, kids and even grandparents are welcome. The property has 40 fenced acres, private, secure and a safe place campers can enjoy. RV's, Campers, Tents, Class A, B, C, Campervans, Class B Plus, Super C, fifth wheelers, Toy haulers, Travel trailers, pop-up campers and conversions, welcomed. Although the property can accommodate more than 50 sites, Rick keeps it at only 3 spacious sites around his organic spring fed pond stocked with Tilapia, Largemouth bass, Red ear and Bluegill. Those who enjoy catch and release or catch and eat are welcome. There is also an abundance of blackberries and elderberries you are welcomed to pick which usually begins mid May. Guests can also enjoy many different types of wildlife, birds, chickens and even Black Angus cows meandering around. Monarch Manor Farm is also an official Monarch Butterfly weigh station and safe respite for migrating butterflies. These beautiful pollinators have been on Earth about 175 million years from what we can gather from fossils. Beyond the splendor that would be lost from the world if monarch butterflies went extinct, there would be ripple effects in the environment. Monarchs share their habitat with many other species of insects and birds. The birds would lose a food source, and their decline is the proverbial “canary in the coal mine” for other pollinators. If other pollinators decline like monarchs, it could have impacts on the food that humans rely on. This year (2024) we hope to finally get the Monarch Butterfly put on the endangered species list and see them rebound in numbers. So when you stay here you are also making a contribution that provides a safe chemical free environment for these super pollinators to multiply once again. All three sites are right around the pond with great views. A combination of large live oaks, shade and sun All sites also have a picnic table, fire ring and grill. Site 1 has your choice of 110 and 30amp power. There is no power at site 2, 2A or 3. The bath house is equipped with 2 showers. One shower is heated by geothermal means and the other by a tankless hot water heater for evening showers. There is a foot pedal hand sink, portable-potty, and seating. All water is filtered and drinkable. There is a fish cleaning station equipped with a garden hose. Only 22 minutes from either Ocala, Fl or Gainesville, Fl. and 5min from Hwy. 75 We look forward to hosting you, your family and friends. We also offer booking larger groups of any size or all three all three sites at once. Bring your yoga, breathing, drum circle retreat or any other event you may have and we will make it happen for you. The only rules here are Peace, kindness, safety and security. See you soon nature is calling you for a much needed destressing vacation. RV's, Campers, Tents, Class A, B, C, Campervans, Class B Plus, Super C, fifth wheelers, Toy haulers, Travel trailers, pop-up campers and conversions, welcomed. Things to explore close by TWO TAILS RANCH: 18655 NE 81 St WILLISTON, FL. 32696 Have you ever seen an elephant up close and personal? If not, here's your chance! At Two Tails Ranch (All About Elephants) we offer a guided tour where we will talk about the animals and answer questions. We will also have demonstrations as well as a visit to our museum and gift shop. During the tour you will also get a chance to ride the elephants and feed them! Our ranch also includes other animals including zebras, birds, and turtles, tourfeed Don't miss out! Our ranch makes a great visit for all ages! DEVIL'S DEN SPRING 5390 NE 180th Ave Williston, FL 32696 Visit one of North America's most prehistoric places, Devil's Den Spring! This underground spring inside a dry cave has been home to many extinct animal fossils dating back to the Pleistocene Age, which are on display at The University of Florida's Museum of Natural History. 120 ft. surface diameter 72 degrees F/22.2 degrees C year round water temperature. Inverted mushroom shape below the surface. Maximum depth is 54 ft/16.45 m EQUIPMENT RENTAL: Scuba diving equipment Snorkeling equipment CEDAR LAKES WOODS AND GARDENS 4990 NE 180th Ave. Williston, FL. 32696 A beautiful botanical garden with cascading waterfalls, 50+ garden displays, koi ponds, and countless breathtaking views! BLUE GROTTO 3852 NE 172 CT, Williston FL. Florida's favorite freshwater dive for divers of all levels. Large open-water basin with depths of 40 feet. Upper cavern offers 50 foot depths with an air bell with viewing windows and breathable air pump from the surface. Lower chamber for experienced divers. RED, WHITE & BLUE FARM 3250 NE 140th Avenue, Williston, FL. Come and enjoy our beautiful, one-of-a-kind blueberry, peach, strawberry, & sunflower farm located in Central Florida. We are open on select days for our u-pick strawberry & sunflower season.

SandyLand Farmstay GlampingTherapy

Have had the property for 15 years, in 2021 when camp grounds started to fill up it was time to make our own. Now we have found an amazing way to share our families happy place. We love meeting the campers and hearing the stories of where they have been and where they are going.Learn more about this land:Once you get down the private winding driveway, the camp opens up to a large circle drive. In the circle is a large community fire pit, table and chairs, and propane/ charcoal large community grill. Lots of wildlife and woods to explore. Solar lights around the grill and fire pit area that gives you the most relaxing evenings you could ever ask for. Things to do: 25 mins from Bok Towers garden 35 mins from Legoland 45 mins from Solomon's Castle 10 mins from Coffee Chris magical train station 10 mins from Lake Clinch beach (great for paddle boarding and canoeing) 3 mins from Lake Buffum boat ramp 3 mins from South Lake Wales mudhole (great for ATVs) Lake Arbuckle, Clinch and Reedy all just 10 mins away with boat ramps and great fishing docks. We also love our vets and 1st responders so if thats you, ask me for the discount code 🇺🇸

100%

(5)

Loghry Chicken Farm

4 sites · RVs3 acres · Fort Meade, FL

Tucked away in the middle of beautiful natural Florida woods and surrounded by pastureland is our 3 acre paradise. Come and see our plucky little chickens and enjoy our stunning lake and sunset views. We are conveniently located between Lake Kissimmee State Park (19 miles) and Highlands Hammock State Park (23 miles). We offer a laid back family and pet friendly environment.

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Hawthorne Backwoods Sanctuary

3 sites · Lodging, RVs13 acres · FL

The lovely open woodland of Hawthorne Backwoods Sanctuary was a pasture in the 1970's. Where there are large live oaks on the property, one can imagine those trees stood in the pastures of the 1970's and provided shade for the cattle there. By the time we purchased this property in 2017, it was a young regenerating hardwood forest. The previous owners did not inhabit or pollute this land. We have found very little trash or garbage here, only charred wood when we dig down several feet. You'll have to make up your own story about that. Our aim is to keep this forest healthy, and allow it to continue to provide shelter and food for the creatures that buzz, burrow, nest, forage, browse, hunt and pass through here regularly. Hawthorne Backwoods Sanctuary has been a healthy and regenerative place for us, and we feel honored to offer guests an opportunity to rest and to feel the generous forest energy that has settled us here. Learn more about this land: A hardwood forest with a few parking spots off of the driveway in wooded areas between our homesite and the access road County Road 2082. Armadillo, Deer, Turkey, Hawks, Crows and morning cacophony of songbirds on the property. Less than a mile from the Hawthorne Gainesville Bike Trail. Less than a mile from Magnesia Springs, near Newnan's Lake, Payne's Prairie Preserve, Sweetwater Preserve, Boulware Springs Park, Devil's Millhopper State Park, LaChua Hiking Trail. And, much more. 12 miles to Gainesville, 9 miles to scenic old town Micanopy. A good jumping off point to various springs, and parks.

98%

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IN THE FOREST AND CLOSE TO OCEAN

4 sites · RVs10 acres · Bunnell, FL

Enjoy Back to Nature. We are sharing with you a part of our Homestead. Very unique by its location, it is a piece of the nature that is close to everything. It is surrounded by acres of Pine Forest so enjoy the fresh air, listen to the birds, look at the wild life. We have about a dozen of chickens and a few roosters.The property is conveniently located 1 mile away from the Interstate 95, and 1 mile away from US1. 3 min drive to the grocery store( Publix). Plenty of stuff to do around - fishing, canoeing and swimming- within 10-15 minutes to the River, Beaches and the Ocean; tons of natural preserves, parks and historic places. Tennis court, pickle ball courts and a play ground is across the street. 20-30 min to Daytona Beach or historic St.Augustine. A little over an hour to Orlando with Disney, Universal and other parks, Jacksonville or Cape Canaveral. Whatever your interest is - you can find it around - many of restaurants, wine tasting, fresh food market 7 days a week, NASCAR, Auditorium with performances, water sports, bike week, movie theater, and many more. We have a water and electricity hook ups for 4 spots. Spaces for the boats are available also. No sewage disposal.There is a dog on the property. Dogs are ok but have to be cleaned after and be on the leash.Please no loud noise after the dark, no drugs or heavy drinking.Our guests love staying with us " We enjoyed our stay at Roxie’s place. Really great location close to the beach and grocery stores and restaurants, yet it is still in a quiet place just off the beaten path. Roxie is a wonderful host who met us upon arrival and departure to make sure all was going well. She even gave us some amazing fresh eggs from her chickens that roam freely on the land. (Be prepared for a lot of rooster crowing EARLY in the mornings). Our campsite was level and had water and electric. It was not too close to the other campers who were there and we had plenty of privacy. Star gazing was awesome! Highly recommend."

4 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Williston, FL

149 sites · RVs, Tents150 acres · Lady Lake, FL

150 Acres of paradise in Central Florida Situated with 3000 feet on lake Griffin with access via a private inlet . Lazy k Campground is Surrounded with horses, cattle, wild turkey and amazing wildlife! We offer a inlet into beautiful lake Griffin. Lake Griffin is one of the biggest lakes in the harris chain of lakes Known for trophy bass fishing, largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, speckled perch, and catfish. Anglers visit from around the world to experience the trophy bass! Slip you boat or kayak in our new boat ramp in the park or fish from the waters edge! Add in amazing wildlife including osprey, bald eagle, blue heron, anhinga, ibis, and river otter lake Griffin is a majestic experience. Lazy k ranch south also offers a agricultural experience in the heart of Central Florida ! We are working hard to put together a unique stay on the ranch for the cowboy in us all . Learn what farm life is all about if you choose from our herd of zebu cows , Brahman cattle, goats , horses and a host of other farm animals all surrounded by grand live oaks. Camp under the stars in our beautiful park with boat ramp into lake griffin. A unique experience to enjoy the best of both worlds all in one trip. We are here to take you back to a simpler way of life. Lazy k ranch south will be your escape into life as it should be time and time again. Lazy K Ranch south is Close to everything from restaurants, shopping, entertainment and outdoor adventures but tucked away and surrounded by nature and privacy. Enjoy one of the horses out grazing, pet our friendly goats and mascot calf mila always ready to get bottle fed . Come spend the day or week and enjoy everything Lazy k ranch south has to offer. Bathroom with shower, kitchen, lounge area with tv and wifi located by the ranch house. Lazy k ranch south will be your go to Florida destination . We promise. Make lazy ranch south your camping destination.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Private sites lakeside camping in Florida guide

Overview

Beautiful beaches, world-famous theme parks, and tropical islands—you probably think you know all there is to know about Florida. But the Sunshine State is also a five-star destination for outdoor adventurers with natural attractions to rival its theme parks. Campers can cruise wildlife-filled wetlands, snorkel coral reefs, hike through national forests, and explore historic forts. Some of the best RV camping is found in the 175 Florida state parks, and with balmy winter temperatures, tent camping is possible year-round. Avoid heart-of-summer camping if possible, though—the heat can be extreme, and it’s hurricane season along the coast.

Where to go

Panhandle and Big Bend

White-sand beaches and laid-back beach towns fringe the Gulf of Mexico in Florida’s north-western county. Panama City, Destin, and Pensacola are gateways to the Panhandle, where you can pitch your tent right on the beach along the Gulf Islands National Seashore or check into an RV resort at one of the seaside state parks. The Apalachicola National Forest, just outside Tallahassee, is another favorite for campers, with everything from primitive tent sites to RV sites with electric hookups.

North Florida

Most visitors to North Florida make a beeline for the Atlantic Ocean, where the hubs of Jacksonville, St Augustine, and Daytona Beach are dotted with sandy beaches and historic monuments. Campers looking to escape the beaten track can enjoy backcountry camping along the Canaveral National Seashore or park up by the beach in Anastasia State Park. Inland, the sprawling Lakelands of the Ocala National Forest are camping nirvana, surrounded by state parks and natural springs.

Central Florida

Fun-seeking families probably have Orlando’s theme parks at the top of their Central Florida to-do list, but there are plenty of ways to get back to nature too. There’s great hiking and primitive camping in Seminole State Forest and Kissimmee State Park, both just outside the city. Other popular camping spots include the Jonathan Dickinson State Park in West Palm Beach, Lake Okeechobee, and Cayo Costa State Park, just off the coast of Fort Myers.

South Florida

The vast Everglades National Park is the star attraction of the Gulf Coast, where boating, biking, and canoeing tours will take you through the UNESCO-listed wetlands. Look out for manatees and American alligators along the way. Over on the Atlantic Coast, the buzzing beach resorts of Miami and Fort Lauderdale draw sun-seekers year-round. Intrepid campers can escape the masses in the Biscayne National Park, where the tent camping sites are reachable only by boat or kayak.

Florida Keys

If kayaking around tropical islands, and snorkeling and scuba diving along remote coral cays sounds like your idea of fun, look no further than the Florida Keys. The Overseas Highway runs all the way to Key West, and campers will find RV sites and tent camping grounds peppered around the many islands. Campgrounds in Bahia Honda State Park have boat launches and hammock camping, while the remote Dry Tortugas National Park has backcountry camping far from the crowds.

Frequently Asked Questions About Camping in Florida

Can you camp on the beach in Florida?

Yes, you can go beach camping in Florida in certain areas, typically on some BLM land and in dozens of state parks including Bahia Honda State Park in the Florida Keys, Grayton Beach State Park outside Destin, and eastern Florida’s Sebastian Inlet State Park. Campers in Florida are generally not allowed to camp in the sand unless expressly stated otherwise in the areas above. Most Florida beach campgrounds are set behind sand dunes with picnic tables, electric hookups, and toilet access. Remote, primitive, boat-in beach campsites can also be found on Elliott Key and Boca Chita Key in Biscayne National Park. Find more beach camping in Florida.

Is primitive camping allowed in Florida?

Yes, primitive camping is allowed in Florida in some state parks, national forests, state forests, and on the US Forest Service’s Florida Trail, usually for a small fee. Primitive camping, typically described as dispersed camping away from designated campgrounds without facilities, is available for backpackers and campers at more than 25 Florida state parks, including Cayo Costa State Park near Fort Myers, Wekiwa Springs State Park outside Orlando, and Jonathan Dickinson State Park near West Palm Beach. BLM land does not exist in Florida, though you can find more private, secluded camping in Florida with Hipcamp.

Where can you camp for free in Florida?

You can find free camping in Florida in its national forests: Apalachicola National Forest, Osceola National Forest, and Ocala National Forest, each of which spans thousands of acres and is made up of diverse landscapes. These campsites are generally primitive and dispersed with no facilities, so you’ll need to come prepared.

How many state parks in Florida have RV camping?

Florida has an incredible number of state parks (190 and counting!) and about 52 state parks offering RV campgrounds and campervan campsites. Myakka River State Park, Rainbow Springs State Park, Blue Springs State Park, and Silver Springs State Park are among Florida’s most popular state parks with RV camping. Find more Florida RV camping.

What is the best month to go camping in Florida?

The very best months to go camping in Florida are March and April, when the weather is best for tent camping and RV road trips with temperatures hovering between a low of 65°F and a high of 85°F. During these months, humidity is at its lowest, rain is unlikely, and ocean waters are warmest in south Florida’s Miami Beach and Key West. Hiking and backpacking are best suited for the cooler months of January and February. August, September, and October are the worst months to go camping in Florida thanks to wet weather, high humidity, and potential thunderstorms or hurricanes.