Discover the best coastal campgrounds near High Springs, Florida

Outdoor immersion awaits near High Springs in North Central Florida. Set up a tent, hang a hammock, or park an RV at O’Leno State Park. Find a spacious campsite surrounded by towering trees include amenities like in-ground grills, picnic tables, and access to the Santa Fe River for fishing and canoeing. Then, explore the 120-foot-deep sinkhole at Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park, or camp along the banks of Ichetucknee River, where riverside campsites lead to tubing adventures. Or venture out and observe wild-roaming bison and horses across the vast Paynes Prairie Preserve, and set up on an RV site with 30-amp or 50-amp electrical service, hot showers, and fire rings.

Where to go

O'Leno State Park & River Rise

A few miles north of High Springs, O’Leno State Park offers excellent fishing along the Santa Fe River, challenging anglers to reel in large-mouth bass and sunfish. The park’s 11 miles of hiking and biking trails connect with the River Rise Preserve State Park trail system, providing chances to spot wildlife like deer, turkey, and wild rabbits. The park has both primitive and well-appointed RV campsites with electrical hookups in a pet-friendly setting. It also hosts festivals year-round with live music, food vendors, and activities for the whole family.

Ichetucknee Springs State Park

Enjoy tubing down the Ichetucknee River year-round at Ichetucknee Springs State Park. Tubers can bring their own inflatables or rent them within the park. Float from Midpoint Launch to Dampier’s Landing, then use the concession tram service or hiking trail to return to the parking lot. Or, paddle down the river in canoes and kayaks, spotting wading birds, river otters, and manatees in their natural wetland habitat. Experienced swimmers will enjoy snorkeling and scuba diving at Blue Hole Spring, exploring underwater caves among warm cyan waters shared by turtles and fish.

Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park

With diverse wildlife and scenic landscapes, Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park offers terrific opportunities to reconnect with nature. Wild horses and bison freely roam expansive prairies, while hundreds of bird species fill the trees and skies. Follow the LaChua Trail to the 50-foot observation tower for panoramic views of wet prairie and marsh habitats. Then set up at one of the park’s back-in RV sites with 30-amp electric hookups. Most can accommodate RVs up to 58 feet in length. The well-shaded campground also houses tents and provides accessible hot showers, restrooms, and ranger-led campfire programs from November to February.

When to go

Florida summers near High Springs can be hot and humid, with temperatures rising well into the 90s. Spring and fall are enjoyable times of the year to go camping—not just for the milder weather. Migratory birds like swallow-tailed kites with their impressive aerial acrobatics nest in the area during spring. Bass, bluegill, and crappie tend to be more active during spring and fall too, making for excellent fishing opportunities.