Best Camping in and near Tomoka State Park

100% (11 reviews)

A paradise for birdwatchers, this Florida park also has a fascinating history.

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Community favorites near Tomoka State Park

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Tomoka State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Tomoka State Park

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(151)

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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Wooded areas in a horse pasture

10 sites · RVs, Tents8 acres · St. Augustine, FL

Campsites are on a small horse farm located just 4 miles from downtown St Augustine and 5 miles from Vilano Beach. Many hiking and water activities within 30 minutes. You select the space you where you wish to set up camp. The entrance off the dirt road is tricky for large rigs or trailers more than 35' may not have easy access. Our sites offer potable water, a shower, picnic tables, a toilet, wifi, trash disposal, space for campfires, and we are pet friendly! We can accommodate tents, RVs, and trailers. Our guests love staying here: "Camping at Gayle’s property was an amazing experience. We shared the field with 3 other campers but there was still plenty of room between sites. Land is flat and has fire pit spaces and BBQ grills. Outdoor shower was appreciated even though we didn’t use it & it was great to have the port-o-potty on site. The best part was getting to see the animals!"

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Hidden Gem

16 sites · RVs, Tents11 acres · New Smyrna Beach, FL

Welcome to our HIDDEN GEM which is tucked away in 11 acres of beautiful oak trees. Splashed with Spanish moss this tropical paradise offers a serene experience and creates a perfect environment for the Monarch Butterfly to thrive. We offer hot outdoor showers and flushable toilets. Our sites are large and secluded. We are 10 minutes from the white sandy beaches of the Atlantic Ocean. Bring your boat if you like to fish. We are 3 minutes from the boat ramp which accommodates boats large and small to access off shore fishing at the Inlet or flats fishing at Mosquito Lagoon. If you are a motorcycle enthusiast we are 30 minutes from Daytona Speedway and NSB Speedway. Kayak and surfing with your own or rentals are available. All the popular attractions are one hour drive time from us. There are 5 Golf Courses in NSB as well as an array of fine dining, art shows and of course lots of sunshine. As lifelong campers it is a pleasure to share our Hidden Gem with you. We love animals so bring your best friends along.

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(44)

True Trail Farm

4 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Deland, FL

Hi Hipcampers and Farm enthusiasts....We are a small hobby farm with many goats and chickens...When the time is right you may find yourself helping Mike milk the goats or collecting eggs...If farming isn't your thing, we are just 2 miles away from historic downtown DeLand and SkyDive DeLand another 10 minutes will get you to Either Blue Springs or DeLeon Springs...Plus we are 30 minutes to Daytona or New Smyrna Beach...The choices are endless here. Your RV site is directly in front of our goat field with your own side entrance. We have potable water and electric hook up for your RV...Sorry no dump station available at this time. Shower house and toilet ava

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Home of Many Miniature Animals

7 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Mount Dora, FL

Our farm is off the beaten path surrounded by mossy oaks and lots of shade. If you are having a rough week, load up and relax on our working farm filled with miniature horses and numerous other adorable miniature animals that will be sure to put a smile on your face. Pack your camping gear, tents, vans or RVs and find peace away from the traffic and everyday stress. There is plenty of nature and you can take a long stroll to clear your head. Mount Dora is across the main street less than 5 minutes away. Our antique town is an amazing experience to explore with lots of history and complete with quaint shops and restaurants, boating and lots of things to do. Rennigers Antique Center is located right up the street (less than 5 minutes away) for some great picking. We are conveniently close to the Central Florida Attractions and the beach on both east and west coasts within an hour drivep. A few Campers favorite places to visit are Mount Dora Bike Trail - 2.6 miles, Kelly Park - 11 miles and Kings Landing 12 miles from farm. We offer youth day camps on various dates, pony rides and a tour of our farm animals for an additional fee. Reservations required in advance due to the other activities we have going on. In 2007, we had no idea where this adventure was going to take us. Our small urban farm was sharing our miniature animals with assisted living facilities and Neulife, where we have 3 miniature horses that live on their property. Little by little we have evolved into more of a need to share with the community and help others with the relaxing qualities our farm and animals have to offer, we want to be able to share and better educate with hands on experiences, teach kindness, patience, confidence and help others to be the best they can be. Thank you for your time and if you visit, share a review! Reviews are the best way for us to better ourselves and your experience. Have a great stay!

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(159)

Old Florida Shady Hammock

15 sites · RVs, Tents80 acres · East Palatka, FL

Learn more about this land:Good Earth Farm - Relax - Enjoy - Experience.A quiet and beautiful setting on a working farm in Northeast Florida. Great place for touring Bicyclists, tent campers or glampers - less than 3 miles from the Florida Bike Trail at Hastings, Florida, with hard-surface road access. Fun farm animals and growing crops. A large barn venue with lighted sound stage - perfect for Reunions, Birthdays, Weddings and your special Event. Adjacent to large state conservation lands. Short distance to St. Johns River access and close to Historic St. Augustine and the Beach. Get up with the chickens and gather some Farm Fresh Eggs for breakfast. Good Earth Farm - an old Florida experience that you will never forget.

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Camp Wild Fern

4 sites · RVs, Tents6 acres · Mims, FL

Hey guys! As avid campers and adventure seekers ourselves, we know how important safe (and cost effective) space for a night or two is. That’s why we decided to offer a corner of our own rural paradise - amongst the mature oaks, blooming magnolias and palms. We have just under 7 acres with plenty of yard to share. It’s pretty basic space without a lot of amenities (yet), but we know you’d love it here. Our pricing reflects our humble start and we invite you to park your RV, pop open your tent and make yourself at home. A few things you can expect… ~Wherever you decide to set up camp, we will provide a picnic table, trash can and fire pit with wood. ~We are super pet friendly so bring your furry family members and we will ensure they’re safe and comfortable as well. ~There is access to water from the main house. ~ Electricity can be provided depending on how close you set up to the house. WiFi as well. ~ We do have a chicken coop so you can expect to hear them throughout the day. ~ We are on a dead end road in a rural residential area. Super quiet! ~ Pit potty in a super cute Outhouse. ~ If you stay during the month of March, you will adore our lightening bugs! ~ Tons of mature trees so bring your hammocks. ~ We are on site and available to you when needed. Forgot bug spray or need a band-aid? We got you! Need a board game, yard game or puzzle? We got those too! ~ Want total privacy? That’s ok too! Watch us grow and come back as our offerings grow too. This is our start, but it’s going to be great! Follow us on Instagram #campwildfern Visit nearby ~Space Center ~Playalinda Beach ~Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge ~Local blueberry picking (seasonal) ~Indian River “Mosquito Lagoon” ~White Sands Buddhist Center ~30 minutes to New Smyrna Beach ~Less than an hour from Historic Sanford ~Cocoa Village ~Daytona Speedway

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Sunset Escape Farmstead

2 sites · RVs6 acres · East Palatka, FL

Discover a peaceful farm retreat set along the banks of a serene river, enveloped by lush greenery and towering trees. As the sun sets on the river, casting a warm golden glow across the landscape, the tranquil ambiance takes hold. Nature's symphony fills the air with the soothing sounds of rustling leaves and flowing water, creating a perfect harmony that invites you to unwind and connect with the beauty of the outdoors. Immerse yourself in this idyllic setting, where each moment promises tranquility and a connection to the natural world.

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Lakeside RV site

1 site · RV3 acres · New Smyrna Beach, FL

Learn more about this land: A little slice of paradise! Lakefront RV site with electric, water and sewer. Close to new Smyrna Beaches, Daytona Beach events and theme parks. Fishing, kayaking (two kayaks available for free) or just enjoy the view! Private. Between Cabbage Patch and Foxhead, famous motorcycle stops. Close to Disney, Kennedy Space Center and beautiful beaches and springs. Motorcycles and horses, boats welcome.

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Black Horse Resort Ranch Campground

13 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Umatilla, FL

When you are here you are family. Hi, I'm Danielle. My Mom, JoAnn, founded Black Horse Ranch in 2017. "You're family here" is something she said all the time to people who came to stay, and it is truly at the heart of our ranch. Black Horse is a place to enjoy nature, camping, campfires, and good company, in a place that feels like home. The property is a beautiful campground nestled into a nook of the Ocala National Forest. We are surrounded on 3 sides by forest, and you can ride or hike straight from any of the many trailheads on property! We offer 30 and 50amp sites, there is a bath house with full bathrooms and laundry, a Community Kitchen you are welcome to use, a screened in Pavilion for meals or hanging out, a POOL! (yes you read that right!) and a Clubhouse with couches, games and all! We have a few rentals (a cabin and RV) and we are working on getting more. We do have wifi on the property, and we also offer golf cart rentals. If you have horses, you'll love coming to Black Horse. We are surrounded by countless trails through the forest with the trail heads sitting right on property, two barns for horses, many outdoor stalls and paddocks, wash racks, and an extra large riding arena. There is world class fishing nearby at the St. John's River and we are right near many beautiful springs - which, if you have never spent time in a natural spring you will absolutely want to check that out! Kayaking, tubing, swimming galore in crystal clear waters. We are a 20 minute drive from the Villages which offers shopping, dining, and activities, as well as 20 minutes to historic Mount Dora which is a beautiful artsy downtown village. We are 1 hour from Daytona & New Smyrna, 1 hour from Orlando (Disney anyone?). There is plenty to do on the ranch and nearby the ranch. You will have a blast. We'll see you by the campfire!

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Anastasia Island RV Pad Rental

2 sites · RVs1 acre · St. Augustine, FL

We love living on Anastasia Island. It is a small Island 2 miles wide by 15 miles long. It is walking distance to the beach, fishing pier and amphitheater. We have a small fishing lake in the back yard (unfenced). There is a national bird rookery preserve a few blocks away so the bird watching is wonderful. There is an alligator farm and a dolphin aquarium on the island., as well as a historic continuous working light house. Our pad is just across the Bridge of Lions (2 miles) from the Oldest USA city, St. Augustine, Fl. The historic Fountain of Youth is there along with many other attractions. We have two level paver RV Pads. They both have electric, black and grey water cleanout, fast high speed internet (full hookup). They each have private patios for picnics, socializing, and relaxing. Pad 1 accommodates an RV up to up to 28' in length. Pad 2 accommodates an RV up to 34' in length. Both sites have full RV hookups. We accept Class B, Class C, Small 5th Wheel, Pop-up Campers, Vans and Travel Trailers. Sorry, we can't take Class A and no tent camping is allowed. There is also a large back deck with picnic area overlooking the small fishing lake in the back yard. We enjoy meeting fellow travelers and sharing our paradise island. We are LGBTQ friendly. Our neighborhood is quiet and safe. The location has easy access to great adventures, history and wonderful memories may be made here. Pets are welcome on leash. accompanied by an adult, Each additional pet (over 1 pet) is $5. additional fee. There is an off leash park two blocks away. The beaches are also pet friendly. We adhere to CDC guidelines for safety. We wish you safe travels and happy trails.

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The LODGE @ Runaway Bay

7 sites · Lodging1 acre · Seville, FL

Runaway Bay Lodge - a place where Love and Magic Happen After the 4 mile trip through The Lake George State Forest, you will pass two small RV campgrounds of Pine Island. Runaway Bay Lodge is the first private property past The Pine Island RV Campground, on the right side of the street. OUR PROPERTY IS NOT LOCATED IN THE CAMPGROUND. We have 4 separate units on our property, including 2 cabins and 3 yurts, Each cabin and yurt is set up with only one bed, in each. We are a perfect spot for solo journeyers and couples. Larger groups can rent multiple units. We also host 3rd party retreats for up to 12 total guests. We do allow cannabis smoking on our property, in the common areas outside of the tents and cabins. We offer our exclusive Magic M Meditations, Yoga, Plant Based Vegan, Vegetarian and Non Vegetarian Meal Options, Moxibustion, Kundalini, Tantra, Energy work and other holistic well-being services, Small Group Retreats, Boat Tours and Boat Rentals. Use of a private vehicle is required. The property is on a natural 46000 acre lake that is connected to The Atlantic Ocean by The St Johns River. This location offers abundant wildlife refuge. This can be exciting, but dangerous. Please do not feed or approach the wildlife. You may see alligators, snakes, otters, manatees, as well as several species of fish and birds, including, but not limited to, american bald eagles, egret, heron, seagulls, bass, mullet, crappie, bluegill and more. Please simply use caution and do not attempt to disturb the animals or their environment.

The best camping near Tomoka State Park guide

Overview

About

Where the Halifax and Tomoka rivers meet in Ormond Beach on the Intracoastal Waterway, campers will find Tomoka State Park. This little park's lagoons and saltwater marshes are ideal for boating and paddling, as well as a great spot for birdwatchers with more than 160 species sighted, especially during spring and fall migrations. Hiking and walking trails include a short riverside nature trail that snakes through a hardwood hammock and passes through the Indigenous Timucuan village of Nocoroco, while the endangered West Indian manatee is protected throughout the park. Overnight visitors can stay at one of the Tomoka State Park Campground's 100 campsites, each with a picnic table, grill, electric hookups, and dump station access.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Reservations can be made at the Florida State Parks website or by phone. Florida residents can make campsite reservations 11 months in advance, while non-residents can make reservations 10 months in advance.
Booking in advance is recommended (especially in summer).
If you can't secure your preferred dates, keep checking. Spots open up as others' plans change.

When to go

Tomoka State Park is open and good for tent camping year-round. If you plan to visit during the summer months or during holidays, it’s a good idea to make your reservations early because they tend to fill up quickly, especially in summer and around the holidays. Late fall and winter is the best time for birdwatching, as you can see migratory birds that have headed south to escape the cold northern winters.

Know before you go

Tomoka State Park is set just 10 miles north of Daytona Beach and about an hour's drive south of St. Augustine and its historic sites.
Tomoka campsites access to restrooms and bath houses with hot showers but cannot accommodate RV camping rigs larger than 34 feet in length and 11 feet in height.
Be cautious where you step, especially in warm weather. Rattlesnakes are prevalent and well-camouflaged in grass.
Visit the Tomoka Outpost camp store for snacks and camping supplies, as well as kayak and canoe rentals. Other facilities include a boat ramp, group pavilions, and picnic areas.
All pets must be on a 6-foot leash and be attended to at all times. Pets are not allowed on the beach, wetlands, boardwalks, playground, or in any buildings.