The best camping near Osceola National Forest
Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Osceola National Forest adventure.
100% (6 reviews)
100% (6 reviews)
Popular ways to camp
Community favorites near Osceola National Forest
Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.
Book externally
Public campgrounds in the parkBook externally
Book externally
Stay at a public campground in Osceola National Forest
Top-rated campgrounds near Osceola National Forest
Florida Georgia Line River Camp
25 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · GA
Welcome, y'all, to Blackwater Ranch, where the sun shines bright and the river flows steadily. We're nestled right on the most southern part of Georgia, on the Florida-Georgia line, where the pristine Blackwaters of the Saint Mary’s River meander through the countryside.
Conveniently located only 45 minutes from the Southside of Jacksonville and St. Augustine, it's only an hour's drive.
Blackwater Ranch spans 10 acres and boasts 1300 feet of scenic riverfront, complemented by 2 acres of open field. The rest of the property is lush woods where the pines sway in the wind and wild blueberries/huckleberries grow everywhere! We have some of the largest and oldest cultivars you can find, all-natural (organic), the way God intended, some standing over 10 feet tall! Feel free to forage during your stay; they are all edible & oh-so-tasty! We cater exclusively to private venue events, tent campers, and small camping trailers, ensuring a peaceful retreat. The property is surrounded by over 150 acres of protected Florida Sanctuary woods/wetlands, ensuring a quiet and private stay. Most guests during their stay see very few people, if any at all, on the grounds and river, so if you're into privacy, you must check us out. Also, there is no one living on the property, so you don't have to worry about us bothering you or dogs greeting you when you arrive.
Our facilities include an outhouse with lighting and a handwash sink. Additionally, we offer a spacious 70' covered pavilion, ideal for gatherings and events, available for reservation upon request.
For recreational activities, guests can enjoy our trails around the property, 8' picnic tables perfect for outdoor dining, as well as fishing, kayaking, and swimming in the river with white beach sand under your feet (please be mindful of seasonal and local weather depth changes 2'-13') and some of the best nighttime stargazing around.
We provide rental services for kayaks, canoes, and Jon boats, allowing guests to explore the Saint Mary’s River at their leisure. In the evening, gather around our firepit or have your own.
Looking ahead, we are committed to enhancing our property with amenities such as hot showers, designated tent sites, and glamping options complete with fire pits and grills. Cabins are also in development.
Join us at Blackwater Ranch for a unique outdoor experience. We are dedicated to creating memories for your exploration in a peaceful and relaxing outdoor environment.
COMMON QUESTIONS:
One question we receive all the time is... why is the river black? Great question! Well, the water is black because it is rich with tannins from the headwaters of the Okefenokee Wildlife Refuge, the largest blackwater swamp in North America, with its peat-filled freshwater. The water is actually tea-colored but appears black in water over 1' deep.
Another question we get often is whether the river is safe to swim in. Of course, it is! In fact, the water might be one of the best types of water to swim/bathe in, due to the rich tannic acid in the water that kills odor-causing bacteria and mosquito larvae. So go ahead and take a dip and let the river wash away your troubles and worries.
Is the river beach shelly/rocky/rough on the feet? It's honestly the opposite. Our property sits on an ancient oceanfront dune formed over 6,000 thousand years ago called "Trail Ridge". The property has soft white beach sand with very few sticks or branches in the water of the swimming areas. No need for swimming shoes, but feel free to bring them if you wish.
Does the river stink or have a sulfur smell? NOPE! The river has no smell if any at all.
How are the bugs? As for any wooded forested area, we highly recommend bug/tick spray. The property, in general, is not overrun by mosquitoes or bugs, but please plan accordingly.
Are there wild animals on the property? YES, they can make an appearance at any time.
Is hunting or firearms allowed? NOT AT ALL. This is a private retreat, not a hunting ground. BB guns are ok with adult supervision.
Family Friendly? Yes, it is. We want the whole family to enjoy the great outdoors. PLEASE NOTE! No lifeguard is on duty so please keep a careful eye on your kids as the river current can be strong at times.
SWIM AT YOUR OWN RISK!
Are there any grocery or restaurants nearby? YES. There is a small county store with gas only a 2-minute drive with the cheapest priced ICE around, also a Dollar General (5 min drive), and a Walmart is only about a 10-minute drive away, and many other options for groceries and local restaurants.
IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY: DIAL 911 or go to the Florida Line Police AG Inspection Station (1-minute drive)
Hospital at Ed Fraser Memorial "159 N 3rd St, Macclenny, FL 32063"
(10 minutes)
Urgent Care at Family Care "9545 FL-228, Macclenny, FL 32063" (10 Minutes)
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from
$25
/ night
99%
(269)
Wildflower Pond
6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents4 acres · Alachua, FL
Welcome to a sweet and soulful little piece of the woodlands.
Tucked in on 4.5 acres, this spot is a secluded, enchanting piece of old Florida. Pitch a tent in one of our four designated camping sites, tie a hammock, gaze at the koi and other fish, or relax on the embankment.
Check out what's growing in the seasonal garden and if you’d like to to visit our horses, KuneKune pigs, dairy goats, birds and local mascot, Nacho the Donkey, please book a private tour with us.
Florida's gem-colored, healing spring waters are just a 20 minutes up the way and local retreat centers and yoga studios dot the area. Gator fans? Head into Gainesville for a game and to visit the University of Florida.
Mostly, enjoy. We look forward to hosting you!
To note for all guests: We suggest arriving before dark so as to make set up easy and comfortable. We do not require a formal check-in and encourage being self-reliable in set up of primitive campsites. (For something with more structure and a space already set up, check out our Aframe cabin.) We do have water, a composting toilet, sink, and groundtemp shower for your use and ease.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from
$35
/ night
99%
(36)
3 Arrows Homestead RV site
3 sites · RVs2 acres · Macclenny, FL
If you like to wake up in the morning to the cocka-doodle-do of Goliath (the rooster) a big barn for shelter from afternoon thunder storms, and watching goats frolic-this is the camp site for you! Conveniently located within 30 minutes of Jacksonville, you can enjoy the country life with all of the convenience and amenities a coastal city like Jacksonville offers! Here in macclenny, we have a grocery store and walmart only a couple minutes away. You can be at the beach in under 50 minutes, and a dozen springs within an hour as well! We look forward to hosting you!
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from
$30
/ night
97%
(15)
Free to Be Acres
1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Fort White, FL
Welcome to Free to Be Acres. An entire private acre, nestled in the beautiful N Central Florida forest. In spring country you are free to unwind and enjoy all that nature has to offer. Be greeted by a family of deer while enjoying your morning coffee or tea, listen to the barred owls talking to one another in the evenings. You will have easy access to both the Ichetucknee and Santa Fe rivers just a short 5 minute drive from your campsite. Encounter manatees, spotted gar and a multitude of different species of turtles as you float down the crystal clear Ichetucknee river. Spend the day boating or fishing on the Santa Fe or world famous Suwannee River. Just 15 minutes from well known Ginnie Springs, Gilchrist Blue Springs, Rum Island Spring, Ichetucknee Spring State Park, Peacock, Little River, Royal and more. We offer 30/50amp electric and water on site as well as a port o let that has weekly scheduled cleanings. Dumping of black and gray tanks can be done on your way out of town (within a 1/4 mile) for a nominal fee of $15.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from
$50
/ night
100%
(306)
Glenn Farm
6 sites · RVs, Tents125 acres · Fort White, FL
The farm you’re camping on is one of the last family farms remaining in Columbia County and is named Glenn Farm after DV Glenn who married Hettie Lou Niblack in the 1930’s. Over the last 150 years it has been farmed by some of the county’s oldest families such as the Niblack and Ellis families. When DV Glenn came to Florida from his farm in Cairo, GA he took over the portion of the Niblack farm that was inherited by his wife Hettie Lou. At that time he was running native Florida cattle on over 6000 acres. Unfortunately, In 1951 he was killed in a hunting accident leaving his wife with the farm and 4 children (ages 4-11). In order to survive, Hettie Lou Niblack Glenn was forced to sell 5000 acres at $25 an acre. Holding a bachelors degree from Florida State College for Women, she was able to secure a job at the University of Florida as a secretary and with the money from the land sale she was able to raise her four children. Of the original farm, 600 acres remain intact and the Glenn family is trying to keep the farm as an agricultural operation. Your campsite is 1 of three spots (Arrowhead Sink, Dunagan’s Meadow or Magnolia Sink). Dunagan’s meadow is a pasture behind the old farmhouse (built in 1844), Magnolia sink is also on the main farm while Arrowhead Sink is on the edge of a hayfield about a mile down a dirt road. Glenn Farm is a place to come relax and experience a world that is rapidly disappearing. It is not a commercial campground.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from
$27
/ night
98%
(214)
Eden Gardens Jax
5 sites · RVs, Tents120 acres · Jacksonville, FL
At Eden Gardens Eco-Farm we are careful with nature as our name would suggest. We are a community farm dedicated to growing healthy, nutritious food that is man-made chemical free. We practice "Integrated Farming" techniques such as Aquaponics, Hydroponics, Hugelkultur and more. We believe sustainable farming is the future.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from
$35
/ night
Rustic Cabin/ATV Trail/RV Campsite
1 site · Lodging7 acres · Sanderson, FL
Off-Road Vacation Adventures aka "Camp ORVA" is located in the lush Osceola National Forest! Only 50 minutes from Jacksonville Florida!
WHAT MAKES US UNIQUE?
*Tiny Cabin & Tiny Homes Rentals (2 night minimum).
*Located inside Osceola National Forest
*7 Acres of Privately Owned
*Amenities Trailer: Ice, Laundry & Showers/RestRooms
*Host a weekend private event, family reunion, rustic retreats, ATV, Side by Side excursions.
*Additional parking for Toy Haulers, Trailers & Guest with Campers/RVs
*Immediate Access to “Legal Trails” from the property
*St. Mary Shoals ATV park near by
*Wifi connection
*TV with Netflix
*Access to Little St. Marys River (not paved, small craft only, canoe or kayak)
*Secluded & No Interstate Noise
We welcome you to our Rustic & Minimalist Slice of Heaven, with blazing campfires, trials, little river & possible WiFi connection!
We ain't the Ritz Carlton, but you can bring along the Ritz Crackers to take along the Trail!
Consider Yourself Invited to Our Neck of the Woods!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from
$95
/ night
98%
(59)
Vineyard Lake Getaway
7 sites · RVs7 acres · Jacksonville, FL
Enjoy a quite country atmosphere conveniently located minutes from I295 in Jacksonville. Bring your bathing suites, and fishing poles because this seven acres has a spring fed lake loaded with fish, and clear water ideal for swimming. The sites are spacious, and sites 1&2 have full hook ups (50 amp elect, water, and sewage).
-note- Your children do not get charged as additional guests (you pay enough for them already).
-note- Sites 3-6 do not have water hook ups, but have easy access to well water on my property.
- text or call for gate code (gate closes automatically).
-Message with any questions, I'll be happy to answer them.-
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from
$35
/ night
99%
(36)
Camp Gilchrist
1 site · Tent10 acres · Spring Ridge, FL
Camp Gilchrist is located in heart of Springs Country in North Florida. Ginnie Springs and several other local springs are just minutes away. Come visit and explore nature with us!
Pitch your tent and relax. You can enjoy beautiful sunrises, sunsets, and star gazing in an open field. Enjoy wildflowers throughout the Florida blooming seasons. Find blackberries, mushrooms, and other edible foraged goods.
For optimum peace and privacy, there is currently 1 campsite on our 10 acres.
There are several recreational activities in the area including hiking, swimming in natural springs, fishing, kayaking, wildlife watching, and more!
Pets
Campfires
Trash
from
$15
/ night
88%
(4)
The Bird Ranch
4 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · O'brien, FL
The Bird Ranch is 4 acres of peaceful nature. We have 3 pioneer sites (2 with fire pits), one RV hook-up (power and water), and a cabin to choose from. We never really know what wildlife is wondering around or when they might pop up. Rest assure though; there are always birds singing, crickets chirping, frogs croaking, owls hooting, and we can even hear the neighboring pigs, chickens, cows, goats and dogs carry on. I will take all that over city noise any day of the week!
The property has trails, an open field for games, and plenty of day outings to do. There are 2 natural springs (Royal and Little River) off the Suwannee River that are within a 10-minute drive. Branford Springs and Troy Springs are within 20 minutes. You can float down the Ichetucknee River on an innertube, catch a local rodeo just down Hwy 129 or take a 3 hour round trip bike ride. Cedar Key is a quiet little town with cute shops and restaurants. They roll up the streets after sunset; but what a beautiful sunset! There are also a few horseback riding ranches within 20 minutes from the property and if you're really adventurous and want to ride a camel; Lonesome Chicken Camel Ranch is less than an hour away.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from
$25
/ night
94%
(16)
Our Place Rental Property
5 sites · RVs1 acre · Lake City, FL
Do you have a RV? We have 2 - 50amp 230-volt connections for motor homes with Waste & water hook up on site! if you need 115 power, we suggest bringing your 230v to 115v power adapters.
We are 20 minutes to anything fun or shopping but secluded in the country, The area is a no outlet area 1 way in 1 way out. We are just starting out renting space and are in the process of making property improvements every month to our place property for RV owners and campers to enjoy.
We also have a 2bed 2 bath trailer completely renovated and ready to rent. visit Airbnb and look for our place in lake city Florida We also have Picnic tables BBQ Grills and Fire pits on Property and more coming soon. Please call me 15 minutes prior to arrival for instructions. Check is between 2pm and before the sun goes down. we do not allow campers to come after dark to check in.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from
$23
/ night
96%
(25)
Tranquility Woods
5 sites · Tents4 acres · Fort White, FL
Discover serenity on this enchanting 4-acre property tucked away at the end of a tranquil road, offering a peaceful and rejuvenating escape. Embrace the beauty of nature as you observe the graceful deer that freely roam the grounds. Surrounding this haven are stunning springs for refreshing swims, and an array of hiking and biking trails beckon adventure enthusiasts.
For those seeking a night under the stars, we provide four tent sites, each situated on mostly flat ground, perfect for camper vans to park and set up camp. To enhance your comfort, amenities include a convenient porta potty and a refreshing shower, ensuring that your stay is both delightful and revitalizing. Welcome to your haven of tranquility, where nature's beauty awaits at every turn.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from
$22
/ night
The best camping near Osceola National Forest guide
Overview
About
Osceola National Forest is 200,000 acres of exploration with your name on it! In the northeastern Floridian forest, pine flatwoods and cypress-hardwood swamps surround, with diverse wildlife abound. In this leafy paradise lives gopher tortoises (they act like gophers, but are tortoises!), alligators, black bears, and the skunk ape, also known as the “stink ape,” which bears an uncanny resemblance to bigfoot. Areas of recreation include Ocean Pond--a fave place for boaters, skiiers, and campers, and Olustee Beach for swimming, fishing, and picnicking. The park is also open to hunters and fishermen with permits. With so much land to explore in this National Forest, we wouldn’t be surprised if bigfoot was hiding in there!
Top cities near Osceola National Forest
- Osceola National Forest
Safety at Hipcamp
Hipcamp is created with ❤️ and hope for our future.