Embark on a journey through the heart of Florida’s wild and untamed Ocala National Forest, home to seven unique and diverse campgrounds that invite you to immerse yourself in nature’s splendor.
From the scrubby flatwoods of Big Scrub Campground to the crystal-clear springs of Alexander Springs, each campground offers its own distinct charm and a multitude of recreational opportunities.
Discover the serene beauty of Hopkins Prairie, cast your line at Big Bass Campground, or explore the depths of Lake Eaton Sinkhole.
Unleash your inner adventurer at Lake Delancy East Campground, where off-roading trails are just steps away from your campsite.
With an array of hiking trails, scenic lakes, and abundant wildlife, there’s something for everyone in the Ocala National Forest.
Table of Contents
Read on to uncover the unique experiences awaiting you at each campground and start planning your unforgettable adventure today!
Big Scrub Campground
- 42 spacious campsites
- Accommodates RVs up to 35 feet (no hookups or dump station)
- Picnic tables, fire rings, and grills at each site
- Potable water available
- Vault toilets
- Nearby Florida Trail access
Big Scrub Campground is an ideal spot for campers who love a more secluded experience.
Being surrounded by scrubby flatwoods, this campground provides ample opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and birdwatching.
How to Reach: Big Scrub Campground is located in the southeastern part of Ocala National Forest, close to Forest Road 588. To reach the campground, take State Road 40 to Forest Road 14 (also known as 14 Mile Road), and then turn onto Forest Road.
Trails: The Florida Trail, a 66-mile stretch, is the main hiking trail near the campground. It is perfect for hikers and mountain bikers looking for a challenge. Additionally, the Yearling Trail and the Bear Swamp Trail are nearby, offering opportunities to explore more of the beautiful scrub habitat.
RV facilities at Big Scrub Campground are limited. There are no hookups or dump stations available, but the spacious campsites can accommodate RVs up to 35 feet in length. Be prepared for a more primitive RV camping experience.
Don’t forget to keep an eye out for the Florida scrub-jay and the gopher tortoise, two native species that call Big Scrub home.
Alexander Springs Campground
- 67 well-shaded campsites
- Accommodates RVs up to 35 feet (no hookups or dump station)
- Picnic tables, fire rings, and grills at each site
- Potable water available
- Flush toilets and showers
- Swimming, snorkeling, and canoeing in the springs
- Sandy beach and boardwalk
- Canoe rentals and a concession stand
Alexander Springs is a popular destination for water enthusiasts, offering visitors a chance to swim, snorkel, or canoe in its crystal-clear springs.
The campground features 67 well-shaded campsites equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, and grills.
The recreation area also includes a sandy beach and a boardwalk, making it perfect for families.
How to Reach: Situated in the eastern part of Ocala National Forest, Alexander Springs Campground can be accessed by taking State Road 40 to County Road 445. Continue on County Road 445 and turn onto Forest Road 18, following the signs to the campground.
Trails: Numerous short trails are available near the campground, including a boardwalk around the springs for a leisurely stroll and wildlife viewing.
The Timucuan Trail is another option, a 1.1-mile loop trail that winds through lush subtropical vegetation and offers interpretive signs explaining the area’s history and ecology.
This campground can accommodate RVs up to 35 feet in length, but there are no hookups or dump stations available. Campsites are equipped with picnic tables, fire rings, and grills. Potable water and restrooms with showers are available on-site.
Look for turtles, fish, and even manatees as you explore the springs.
Hopkins Prairie Campground
- 23 primitive campsites
- Limited RV accommodations (no hookups or dump station)
- Picnic tables and fire rings at each site
- Potable water available
- Vault toilets
- Prairie lake access for fishing and wildlife viewing
- Nearby Florida Trail access
Located on the shores of a beautiful prairie lake, Hopkins Prairie Campground is a peaceful retreat for those seeking serenity in nature.
The 23 campsites offer primitive camping, making it an ideal choice for tent campers.
How to Reach: Hopkins Prairie Campground is located in the northern region of Ocala National Forest.
To reach the campground, take State Road 40 to Forest Road 11 (also known as Hopkins Prairie Road) and follow it north. The entrance to the campground is on the eastern side of the road.
Trails: Hiking trails near the campground include the Florida Trail, which passes through the prairie, and several shorter trails around the lake. The Salt Springs Loop Trail, a 3.3-mile moderately trafficked loop, is also nearby and offers a variety of terrain and scenery.
Hopkins Prairie Campground is best suited for tent camping, with only a few sites able to accommodate small RVs. There are no hookups or dump stations at this primitive campground.
The picturesque surroundings attract a variety of bird species, including sandhill cranes and bald eagles. You might even spot a herd of white-tailed deer grazing nearby.
Big Bass Campground
- 14 waterfront campsites
- Accommodates RVs up to 30 feet (no hookups or dump station)
- Picnic tables, fire rings, and grills at each site
- Potable water available
- Restrooms
- Fishing access on Lake Dorr
- Picnic area and small playground
- Nearby marina with boat rentals
Big Bass Campground, nestled on the shores of Lake Dorr, offers fantastic fishing opportunities for anglers.
With 14 waterfront campsites, you can cast your line right from your campsite or rent a boat at the nearby marina.
The campground also has a picnic area, restrooms, and a small playground.
How to Reach: Big Bass Campground is situated in the western part of Ocala National Forest, near Lake Dorr. Access the campground by taking State Road 19 to Forest Road 71 (also known as Lake Dorr Road). Follow the signs to the campground entrance.
Trails: A few short trails are available near the campground, offering opportunities for leisurely walks and birdwatching.
The Lake Dorr Nature Trail, a 0.7-mile loop trail, is perfect for a quick and easy hike, while the Paisley Woods Bicycle Trail offers a 22-mile loop through diverse landscapes for hikers and bikers alike.
Big Bass Campground can accommodate RVs up to 30 feet in length. However, there are no hookups or dump stations available. Campsites come with picnic tables, fire rings, and grills, and restrooms are available on-site.
Keep an eye out for ospreys, herons, and alligators in the lake.
Clearwater Lake Campground
- 42 campsites
- Accommodates RVs up to 35 feet (no hookups, dump station nearby)
- Picnic tables, fire rings, and grills at each site
- Potable water available
- Flush toilets and showers
- Swimming, fishing, and canoeing on Clearwater Lake
- 1.3-mile interpretive trail around the lake
Clearwater Lake Campground is a picturesque spot with 42 campsites scattered around the spring-fed lake.
Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, and canoeing or hike the 1.3-mile interpretive trail surrounding the lake.
The campground offers restrooms and showers, making it a comfortable choice for campers.
How to Reach: Located in the southern region of Ocala National Forest, Clearwater Lake Campground can be reached by taking State Road 42 to Forest Road 69.
Turn onto Forest Road 69 and follow the signs to the campground.
Trails: The 1.3-mile interpretive trail around the lake is perfect for nature walks and wildlife spotting.
For a more challenging hike, venture to the nearby Clearwater Lake to Alexander Springs Trail, a 10.5-mile point-to-point trail that traverses various ecosystems within the Ocala National Forest.
Clearwater Lake Campground can accommodate RVs up to 35 feet in length. While there are no hookups available, a dump station is located nearby at the adjacent recreation area. The campground has restrooms with showers and potable water.
Watch for the playful otters, turtles, and wading birds that frequent the area.
Lake Eaton Campground
- 27 spacious campsites
- Accommodates RVs up to 30 feet (no hookups or dump station)
- Picnic tables, fire rings, and grills at each site
- Potable water available
- Restrooms
- Fishing access on Lake Eaton
- 1.8-mile Lake Eaton Sinkhole Trail loop
Lake Eaton Campground, located in the heart of Ocala National Forest, features 27 spacious campsites surrounded by pine and oak trees.
The campground is close to the Lake Eaton Sinkhole Trail, a 1.8-mile loop that leads to the impressive 80-foot-deep sinkhole.
How to reach: Lake Eaton Campground is situated in the northeastern part of Ocala National Forest.
To access the campground, take State Road 314 to Forest Road 50. Follow Forest Road 50 and turn onto Forest Road 79, following the signs to the campground entrance.
Trails: The 1.8-mile Lake Eaton Sinkhole Trail loop is the primary attraction, leading to the impressive 80-foot-deep sinkhole.
Another nearby trail is the Lake Eaton Observation Tower Trail, a 1.5-mile out-and-back trail that takes hikers to an observation tower with stunning views of the surrounding area.
RVs up to 30 feet in length can be accommodated at Lake Eaton Campground. There are no hookups or dump stations available.
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, wild turkeys, and fox squirrels.
Lake Delancy East Campground
- 29 campsites
- Accommodates RVs up to 35 feet (no hookups or dump station)
- Picnic tables, fire rings, and grills at each site
- Potable water available
- Restrooms
- Direct access to Ocala Adventure Trail for off-road enthusiasts
- Fishing access on Lake Delancy
Lake Delancy East Campground is an excellent choice for off-road enthusiasts, as it provides direct access to the Ocala Adventure Trail, a 47-mile trail system for ATVs and dirt bikes.
With 29 campsites available, the campground offers a mix of shaded and sunny spots for campers.
How to reach: Lake Delancy East Campground is located in the northwestern part of Ocala National Forest.
To reach the campground, take State Road 19 to Forest Road 66 (also known as Lake Delancy Road). Turn onto Forest Road 66 and follow the signs to the campground.
Trails: The Ocala Adventure Trail, a 47-mile trail system for ATVs and dirt bikes, is accessible directly from the campground.
For those looking for traditional hiking opportunities, the Rodman Reservoir Nature Trail is a nearby 2.4-mile out-and-back trail that offers scenic views of the reservoir and opportunities for birdwatching.
Lake Delancy East Campground can accommodate RVs up to 35 feet in length. There are no hookups or dump stations available.
Keep an eye out for the elusive Florida panther, as well as other wildlife like white-tailed deer, wild hogs, and bobcats that roam the area.
Salt Springs Campground
- 106 campsites
- Accommodates RVs up to 40 feet (some with hookups, no dump station)
- Picnic tables, fire rings, and grills at each site
- Potable water available
- Restrooms and shower facilities
- Access to swimming, fishing, and boating on Salt Springs Run
Salt Springs Campground is a popular destination for campers who enjoy water-based activities, as it offers easy access to Salt Springs Run, a freshwater spring with crystal clear waters.
The campground boasts 106 campsites, with a mix of shaded and open sites, and can accommodate RVs up to 40 feet in length.
How to reach: Salt Springs Campground is situated in the eastern part of Ocala National Forest.
To get there, take State Road 19 to Forest Road 595, which is also known as Salt Springs Highway. Turn onto Forest Road 595 and follow the signs to the campground.
Trails: The Salt Springs Loop Trail, a 4.3-mile loop trail, is accessible from the campground, providing opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife spotting.
For those interested in water-based activities, Salt Springs Run offers excellent swimming, fishing, and boating opportunities. Kayak and canoe rentals are available at the nearby Salt Springs Marina.
At Salt Springs Campground, some campsites have electric and water hookups, but there is no dump station on-site.
Wildlife enthusiasts can spot a variety of animals, including alligators, otters, and wading birds, in the surrounding area.
Juniper Springs Campground
- 79 campsites
- Accommodates tents and small RVs up to 25 feet (no hookups or dump station)
- Picnic tables, fire rings, and grills at each site
- Potable water available
- Restrooms and shower facilities
- Swimming and snorkeling at Juniper Springs
Juniper Springs Campground is perfect for campers who love to explore natural springs, as it is located near the beautiful Juniper Springs recreation area.
The campground has 79 campsites, suitable for tents and small RVs up to 25 feet in length.
How to reach: Juniper Springs Campground is located in the central part of Ocala National Forest.
From State Road 40, turn onto Forest Road 88 (also known as Juniper Springs Road) and follow the signs to the campground.
Trails: The Florida National Scenic Trail passes through the campground, providing hikers with access to miles of scenic trails.
Juniper Springs is a popular spot for swimming and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters. The Juniper Springs Recreation Area also features a historic millhouse and a canoe run.
Juniper Springs Campground does not offer hookups or dump stations for RVs.
The surrounding area is home to a variety of wildlife, such as deer, raccoons, and various bird species.
Wildcat Lake Campground
- 20 campsites
- Accommodates tents and small RVs up to 25 feet (no hookups or dump station)
- Picnic tables, fire rings, and grills at each site
- Potable water available
- Vault toilets
Access to Wildcat Lake for swimming, fishing, and canoeing
Wildcat Lake Campground offers a serene and intimate camping experience, with 20 campsites located near the peaceful Wildcat Lake.
The campground can accommodate tents and small RVs up to 25 feet in length.
How to reach: Wildcat Lake Campground is situated in the western part of Ocala National Forest.
Take State Road 19 to Forest Road 573 (also known as Wildcat Lake Road) and follow the signs to the campground.
Trails: The Wildcat Lake Nature Trail, a 1.5-mile loop trail, is accessible from the campground, providing opportunities for hiking and wildlife observation.
Wildcat Lake is an excellent spot for swimming, fishing, and canoeing in a peaceful, natural setting.
Wildcat Lake Campground does not offer hookups or dump stations for RVs, but potable water is available at the campground.
Wildlife enthusiasts can spot a variety of animals, such as turtles, ospreys, and great blue herons in the surrounding area.
Additionally, the campground is known for its stargazing opportunities due to its remote location and lack of light pollution.
Ocala’s Amazing Wildlife Encounters
One of the most rewarding aspects of camping in Ocala National Forest is the chance to observe the incredible variety of wildlife that inhabits the area.
Here are some of the memorable encounters we experienced during our visits to these campgrounds:
Florida Scrub-Jay: This striking blue and gray bird can be found in the scrub habitat around Big Scrub Campground. As one of the most endangered birds in the United States, spotting a scrub-jay is a special treat for birdwatchers.
Gopher Tortoise: These gentle reptiles dig deep burrows in the sandy soil, providing shelter for more than 350 other species. We were lucky enough to observe one at Big Scrub Campground, slowly making its way through the underbrush.
West Indian Manatee: While snorkeling in the clear waters of Alexander Springs, we were thrilled to encounter a gentle manatee grazing on the aquatic plants. These gentle giants are truly a sight to behold.
Sandhill Crane: The tall, elegant sandhill crane can often be seen around Hopkins Prairie Campground. We watched in awe as a pair of cranes performed a graceful courtship dance in the shallow waters of the prairie lake.
American Alligator: Big Bass and Clearwater Lake Campgrounds both provided opportunities to observe these impressive reptiles from a safe distance. It’s fascinating to watch them bask in the sun or stealthily glide through the water in search of prey.
River Otter: A family of playful river otters entertained us as we canoed through the peaceful waters of Clearwater Lake. These agile swimmers are a joy to watch as they frolic and dive.
Black Bear: Ocala National Forest is home to the largest population of black bears in Florida. While hiking near Lake Eaton Campground, we were fortunate enough to spot one from a distance, foraging for berries in the forest.
Conclusion
Ocala National Forest offers a captivating tapestry of experiences, from serene waterfront settings to thrilling off-road adventures.
With seven exceptional campgrounds to choose from, there is something for every nature enthusiast, whether you’re seeking tranquility or adrenaline-pumping activities.
Breathtaking landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and abundant wildlife make each campground a unique and unforgettable experience, providing the perfect backdrop for lasting memories with family and friends.
So pack your bags, gear up, and embark on an extraordinary journey that will leave you in awe of the magic and beauty of Florida’s Ocala National Forest.
