Camping near Ocala

Some of Florida's best springs, mountain biking, and horseback riding await in Ocala.

95% (5370 reviews)
95% (5370 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Ocala

Dog-friendly getaways

Under $50

12 top campgrounds near Ocala

93%
(751)

Smokey Acres

15 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Brooksville, FL
Welcome to Smokey Acres! This property has been in my family for decades. My Husband and I were married under the oaks and have had our share of campfires out there. Down a hidden gravel drive with wetlands on either side you will find a completely fenced in field surrounded by pine, oak, and swamp maple trees. There are two ponds located on the property both stocked with bass, bluegill, and sunfish. The front pond is home to many natural Florida wildlife and is a great location to bird watch. Located a few miles from Brooksville and the Suncoast Parkway, this quiet and peaceful setting is just 5 minutes from the parking area and trailhead for the Suncoast Trail and 10 miles from the famous Weeki Wachee Springs, where you can spend the day at the local park or float down the river with the manatees. Withlacoochee State Park and other natural preserves with trail access and kayaking are only a short distance away, and Dames Cave, Homosassa Springs, and Chasawiska Springs are all within a ~20-minute drive as well. Spending a day at the beach is easy with plenty of options along the Nature Coast. We’re also less than an hour from Tampa and Clearwater and two hours from Orlando. A perfect weekend get-away for anyone looking to “unplug,” Smokey Acres is also a great stop for those passing through the area. We are a close distance to many racing, livestock, boating and fishing events. We have no problem accommodating whatever you’re towing! Whether you'd like a leisurely day on the river or an adventure in the Gulf, there are plenty of boating options nearby. Be sure to make it back to the property in time to enjoy amazing sunsets that bring peace and tranquility to your experience. Our neighbors, JG Ranch, offers U- Pick Fruit and Vegetables or a great selection of local harvest at their roadside stand. This 10-acre property has been in my family for decades. My Husband and I were married under the oaks and have had our share of campfires together out there. I've recently moved back home with my own family and as much as we enjoy the land for ourselves we'd love to share it. Any profit from hosting campers will help us maintain our sustainable farm that we're hoping to expand onto Smokey Acres. Just in! Our dirt road has been repaved. So no worries about a bumpy drive in!
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$25
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88%
(100)

SC Campgrounds

29 sites · Lodging, Tents80 acres · Astatula, FL
Welcome to SC Campgrounds, , a peaceful 80 acre homestead turned into a serene activity campground located just outside Orlando, FL. Our campground offers a wide range of accommodations, including several camp sites with power, water, restrooms and cozy campers with central A/C and Heat. But that's not all – we also offer a range of exciting extras to enhance your camping experience. On the estate there is a putt putt course, canoes, pirate ship, swimming pool, ATV trails, and much. And for a unique outdoor movie experience, we offer a projector screen with any movie of your choice - just imagine enjoying your favorite film under the stars! 🎥 Each campsite comes with electricity, a fire pit, and a picnic table. Our campgrounds are very pet friendly as long as you have friendly pets. So what are you waiting for? Come join us at the SC Campgrounds for an unforgettable camping experience filled with nature, farm animals, and plenty of extras to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable. Please note:::::: Requirement as of 2/19/24 All campers and guests must present a valid ID upon check it. Important Note: 3/19 because of our off leash dog policy children are not allowed to camp on the premises.
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$18
 / night
99%
(172)

Lucky U Ranch

15 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents60 acres · Bushnell, FL
Authentic old Florida homestead. Beautiful Spanish moss veiled Grandfather Oak trees, rolling subtle grassy hills and Cypress filled wetlands with an abundant of bird life every day. We raise Nigerian Dairy goats and always have time for goat visits and petting. Our horses are boarded at night and roam freely during the day along with our donkeys. Hiking our land and marked trails, gives you the feeling of serenity and back to nature, clearing your mind so you can remember what nature is all about. Just minutes away are amazing places and parks like the Withlacoochee State park, Hog Island and the Withlacoochee river, where kayaking is a must. Peace and quiet and privacy as you tent, stay in one of our RV's or bring your own. Be part of our AGRITOURISM VENUE and take part in the RANCH EXPERIENCE, a guided visit to meet and pet our livestock, from baby goats to miniature horses! Get to pet one of our over 60 goats and check out our twin turkeys and many chickens.... Pigs are just begging to be scratched as well!!! As it gets warmer out.... How about renting one of our portable AC's for tent camping. Stay cool at night and enjoy the springs, rivers and forest during the day. ENJOY!
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$32
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92%
(126)

Camp Seminole Springs

103 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents38 acres · Fort Mc Coy, FL
Bring your mountain bikes, canoes, kayaks and fishing gear. We have it all here at Seminole Springs. We are open for tent camping. Limited number of campsites with Tents on them in a variety of sizes available. First come, First serve. These sites will have a slight upcharge. When you book, if you want to upgrade and reserve one of these sites, let us know and we will accommodate you. We also have 3 units inside the lodge for the people who need just a step up from glamping, but not quite the whole hotel experience. These are beautiful comfortable rooms with half baths in the rooms. The showers are located in the lodge bathhouse. WE have the Jungle themed room, the Equestrian themed room and the Honeymoon Suite. Each unit comes equipped with its own hot tub. (To book any of these units, just send us a message and we will reserve it for you. The prices for these units are different than that campsite and glamping site prices.) The Grist Mill is also available for rent too! This is a very romantic, yet rustic getaway equipped with a half bath as well. Very secluded and private overlooking the spring on one side and the water fall on the other. Sit outside on the deck and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature and at night the sound of the waterfall will lull you to sleep. The shower is located in the Lodge bathhouse. (To book this unit you must send a message to us and we will reserve it for you. The price is different than the campsites but we will go over that with you) WE ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FOR YOUR EVENT: TAKING BOOKINGS FOR WEDDINGS, CAR SHOWS, MUSIC EVENTS, ETC. LET US KNOW! NOTE: TURN AT CAMP SEMINOLE SPRINGS SIGN ON HIGHWAY 21. Your GPS may tell you to turn at the wrong St. Make sure that you are turning at 244th...Your GPS may tell you to turn at 243rd Street (where the Orange Market it) which is a dead end street. Just go a little bit further until you see the sign for Camp Seminole Spring. Bring bug spray and sun screen. If you need something, don't worry! There is a Dollar General, a gas station and a small cafe within walking distance. We have 38 acres of camping sites nature trails for hiking and mountain biking. Guests can park right on their site, or they have the option of parking and hiking into the woods to set up their site a bit more remote and off the beaten path. This is rustic camping. We have a bathhouse located at the campsites with showers. The bathhouse at the Great Lodge will be ready by Fall 2022. Whereas we do have garbage cans, we prefer that anything you bring into the property, you bring out with you. We allow campfires. Don't be surprised if you see a monkey or two in the trees... The fishing is amazing in these parts, so if you are an angler, come and visit. We have .75 miles of frontage on the Orange Creek. The creek flows into Lake Ocklawaha which just so happens to be one of the best bass fishing lakes in the USA. In fact, ten-pound bass are not uncommon from the Lake Ocklawaha River in the winter. Recently (2020), a 17.2-pound bass was caught there. The combined Ocklawaha and St. Johns drainage basin is possibly the most significant river-estuary waterway of Florida. This water system is of legendary reputation among anglers of largemouth bass who seek 10 pound plus trophy fish. Conveniently located between Ocala and Gainesville in the heart of Orange Springs, Florida, Camp Seminole Spring is perfectly located for the traveler who wants to really connect with nature. It appears to be ‘off the beaten path’, yet it is close enough to civilization so that even the most seasoned camper can make a quick run to store should he or she need something not found in nature. Camp Seminole Spring is mid-way (approx.. 22 miles) between Ocala and Gainesville, Florida, which are two thriving cities in this area of Florida. Ocala, the ‘horse capital of the world’ showcases a brand new multi-billion-dollar equestrian center which draws people from all over the world. This scenic property has an artesian spring which pushes out 1.6 million gallons of water per day rated among the top three percent of water in the world with an 8.4 natural pH. This water fills the pond and then continues on to flow into Orange Creek. Camp Seminole Springs was established in the 1940’s as a honeymoon resort and campground. The founders built a heart-shaped ‘pond-spring’ which is filled with the crystal-clear water pushed out from the spring where guests can lounge by the beach or gaze down into the bottom through the glass-like water or take a refreshing swim. At the top of the hill overlooking the heart-shaped spring, one will find the rustic Great Lodge where guests can come and mingle with each other, enjoy a relaxing conversation and a drink on the veranda or just sit and watch the activity in and around the spring.
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$39
 / night
97%
(221)

Happy Campers Rescue Ranch

11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Dunnellon, FL
Welcome! 🌿 We're thrilled to have you join us for an unforgettable experience surrounded by nature and animals. 🐾 At our ranch, we're dedicated to providing a sanctuary for rescued animals and offering our guests a unique opportunity to connect with nature and support our mission of animal welfare and conservation – it's a haven where you can relax, unwind, and make memories that will last a lifetime. 🌟 During your stay, you'll have the chance to meet our furry friends, including rescued farm animals and adorable companions who call Happy Campers Rescue Ranch home. Whether you're feeding the goats, cuddling with the kittens, or exploring the beautiful surroundings, there's something for everyone to enjoy. 🐷🐱🌳 But that's not all – we also offer a range of exciting extras to enhance your experience. Rent a Kayak or Paddle Boat to explore the area and crystal-clear waters of Rainbow Springs, or choose our cooler with built-in air conditioning ❄️ to stay comfortable during hot summer days inside your tent. As a guest, you'll not only have the opportunity to relax and unwind, but you'll also be supporting our mission of animal rescue and rehabilitation. A portion of your stay goes directly towards caring for our rescued animals and maintaining our sanctuary, allowing us to continue our important work. 🤲 We can't wait to welcome you to out ranch and share our love for animals and nature with you. Whether you're looking for a weekend getaway, a family vacation, or a unique retreat, we're here to make your stay unforgettable. 🌈 ***We kindly request bookings for a maximum duration of up to 7 days. This allows us to maintain the integrity of our sanctuary and ensures that our animals receive consistent care and attention while also offering our guests the opportunity to enjoy a refreshing and rejuvenating getaway. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in this matter. Thank you for choosing our ranch – we look forward to hosting you soon! 🎉
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$30
 / night
98%
(80)

The Olive Grove Cabin Tent

19 sites · Lodging4 acres · Brookridge, FL
Glamping in The Olive Grove. Aframe Cabin Tent nestled in a 4 acre olive orchard. We are a working farm and harvest and mill our olives into high quality, extra virgin olive oil. Free range chickens and ducks and rescue dogs roam the grounds. Cabin tent side opens, queen bed, Wi-fi, heat and AC, TV, electric outlets and fire pit. Kitchenette and bathrooms are separate from the cabin tent. Kitchenette has coffee maker, toaster over/ air fryer, hot plate, pots and pans. Bathrooms have showers with hot water and flushing toilets. Located on the bike path, close to Weeki Wachee River Mermaids and the beautiful Chassahwitzka River. Relax, rest and take it all in. No pets please. Enjoy farm fresh eggs and fresh olive oil with your stay, our gift. Firewood available $1 per log. Farm Store open on weekends August thru March. Ask about our kayak and sailboat adventures.
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$65
 / night
98%
(213)

Serene Forested Blueberry Farm

12 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Ft. Mc Coy, FL
Located on 5 acres in the Ocala National Forest, Hookie's Hideaway is the perfect place to stay for easy access to all of nature's bounty and activities. This property is easily accessible, serene and peaceful. Campsites are in a beautiful grove of pine and sycamore trees. We are surrounded by forested camping areas and close enough to drive into town to pick up groceries or get a meal. We have a "you pick them" blueberry farm when in season. We are pet friendly! If you have a pet please add the pet Extra at checkout so you will be charged a $20 pet fee ($10 for the trailers). We are close to hiking, horse trails, lakes and springs. Bocce Ball and Croquet is available to play here anytime! We are only a short distance away from amazing horse riding trails and Florida's most popular natural springs. We live on the property and are available during normal business hours. We are free to ask questions and give suggestions for surrounding activities and dining options. We will interact as little or as much as you need. Birds singing in the morning and crickets at night ensure a restful getaway here. Our property is the perfect place to escape the noise and high paced city life.
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$35
 / night
94%
(9)

Cristal camping 🏕️

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Crystal River, FL
You just came across a very unique piece of land very close to all the springs that there is to enjoy and a beautiful small town of Inglis located in Crystal River Florida. Please come and enjoy this cold water from this beautiful springs. And don’t forget to bring the floaty’s, snorkels and goggles because you’re going to need it in order to see all the beautiful underwater scenes on this Cristal water, rivers. Come enjoy our beautiful tent space nestled in a wooded lot located at the beautiful Rainbow River, one of the largest spring fed rivers in the world , you will have a parking area. Kayak rentals available. It is a short walk to the 40-mile Withlacoochee biking/walking trail which has a large variety of birds and wildlife for your viewing pleasure. Rainbow River State park and head springs is located 4.6 miles away, a great place for swimming and snorkeling with an admission fee of $2. There is a laundromat, grocery stores, and a large selection of restaurants nearby for your dining pleasure. See you soon! PEACE
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$29
 / night
98%
(418)

North Shore Relic Ranch

8 sites · RVs, Tents80 acres · Mount Dora, FL
This property is called relic ranch because we have actually found a ton of old relics. the campground is under an ancient canopy of oaks. so youll always have shade. the center of the property is unique to say the least but the campground is nature at its finest. there is a 2.6 mile nature trail across from the campground to explore. also there is a boat ramp for fishing about 1/8 mile away. you are welcome to roam over most of the 80 acres. We have goats, cows and chickens as well. All super friendly.
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$28
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98%
(166)

Paradise Lake Rousseau ,Fl

7 sites · Lodging, Tents3 acres · Crystal River, FL
3 acres on beautiful Lake Rousseau. Fishing , camping , kayaking , cabin rentals. 10 miles from ThreeSisters Springs, Hunter Springs and Crystal River. Abundant wildlife. Beatiful sunrirses and sunsets. Very peaceful!
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$35
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100%
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Grass Campers Farm Rock the Country

30 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Reddick, FL
Come experience a true raw Florida country life paradise at our 10 acre farm and cattle pasture . Our campsite is perfectly located between Gainesville Florida and Ocala Florida with a short 15-20 minute drive to either destination. This property is Surrounded by horse farms, cattle pastures, natural springs, The World Equestrian Center, and many lakes and rivers. You will have the opportunity to truly experience all of the beautiful nature that central florida has to offer from kayaking, canoeing, horseback riding and even zip lining. There is so much to do within minutes of your camping location. You will experience total tranquility on this country dead end road yet be close enough to small food marts, local diners, and quaint shops to cater to any needs you might have during your stay. This property has wide open spaces for camping complete with a large 40x60 pole barn common area with 10 foot ceiling fans, cafe style lighting, a bar top and seating for entertaining or eating, a large fire pit with bench seating, air conditioned bathrooms, 1 RV hookup, running water and outdoor games. A great place to come alone or with a large group of friends. This farm property is a convenient 20 minutes from The World Equestrian Center, 8 minutes from Orange Lake, 10 minutes to Canyon ziplining, 20 minutes to Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, 28 minutes to Silver Springs State Park, 30 minutes to Cactus Jacks trail rides, 30 minutes to Santos Trail Head, 35 minutes to Hog Waller, 45 minutes to Rainbow River and many more exciting outdoor adventures. So come stay on our wide open pastures here at Grass Campers Farm and enjoy everything nature has to offer here in central Florida. ** sites include indoor bathrooms and an outdoor shower
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$45
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93%
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Cabin Glamping

3 sites · Lodging2 acres · Crystal River, FL
Known as the Nature Coast and one of Florida's greatest hidden secrets, this property is private, yet just minutes from civilization and manatees! The cabin is located on private property with owners and security on site, yet plenty of privacy. During the day, paddle your way to the beautiful Three Sisters Springs for a swim. You may see some manatee on your way there. Hunter Springs is a great little park with a beach area for swimming and kayak rentals too. There are also several Diving with the manatee tours available. This is all only a short drive from camp. You can enjoy swimming, fishing, scalloping, snorkeling, kayaking, pontooning or just relaxing back at the camp. Heritage Village is in town and a great way to spend an afternoon too. Great one-of-a-kind eateries with many special events throughout the year. Conveniently located at the end of the street is a Publix, DG, a Mexican restaurant, and Beef O'Brady's. We also have brochures on all kinds of other great places you'll want to experience while staying in beautiful Crystal River! Oh, and don't forget to stop by Grandma's gift shop before you leave. We look forward to your stay!
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$75
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Star Hosts in Ocala

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Camping near Ocala guide

Overview

For a nature getaway from Gainesville or Orlando, Ocala can't be beat. Known as "the horse capital of the world," it’s a popular spot for equestrian adventure camping. But it’s also close to major natural wonders of subtropical Central Florida: crystal-clear spring waters, forests of pine and palms, cypress swamps with gators, and an incredible diversity of local and migratory birds on the Atlantic Flyway. Ocala-area waterways like Silver Springs State Park and Crystal River put campers up close with manatees, while mountain biking and hiking trails through Ocala’s hilly terrain are a welcome change from Southern Florida’s flatlands. Ocala is also an RV camping hot spot for big rigs, with many RV sites offering full hookups, restrooms, clubhouses, and wifi. 

Where to go

Ocala Area

Numerous ranches offering horseback riding and beginner lessons dot Ocala and the surrounding area. But if you prefer a two-wheeled steed, Ocala has incredible Sunshine State mountain biking at Santos Trails and along the Cross Florida Greenway. Local bike rental shops can equip you to explore these forest trail systems.

Silver Springs State Park

Just six miles east of downtown Ocala lies Silver Springs State Park, one of Florida's best-known springs. Here, translucent, turquoise water bubbles up from underground limestone aquifers to form the Silver River. Campers can travel these waters by kayak or glass-bottom boat to see manatees, freshwater fish, and alligators, but don’t forget to look up for a chance to spot wild rhesus macaque monkeys in the trees. Opt for a tent site or a cabin within the park to be set near trailheads.

Crystal River

A 7-mile river west of Ocala, Crystal River is fed by water from 30 different springs. At the head of the river in certain Kings Bay areas, you can swim with the manatees—hit the town of Crystal River for snorkeling and kayaking outfitters.

Ocala National Forest

Ocala National Forest is one of the great protected swaths of wild forest in Florida, containing numerous lakes, springs, and hiking trails winding through sand pine scrub. Kayaking and canoeing tours and the Florida Trail are popular ways to explore, while public campsites in Juniper Springs Recreation Area and Salt Springs Recreation Area are solid options for spending the night.

When to go

Although Ocala is a year-round camping destination, winters are more pleasant than summers—they’re less hot, less humid, and less rainy. The tradeoff is that Ocala and its popular attractions can be more crowded during this time. Summer is doable, but high heat and humidity mean you may be more comfortable in an RV park, a cabin with air conditioning, or at a campground with a swimming pool.

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