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The best camping in Crescent Lake

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Named, unsurprisingly, for its mildly crescent-like shape, this large northern Florida lake is a great place for swimming and fishing, as well as hiking over four miles of walking trails. Primitive group camping and a covered picnic pavilion are available in the adjacent Haw Creek Preserve State Park, while plenty of reservable Hipcamps can also be found on the western side of the lake. Tent and RV sites with hookups are available at Faver-Dykes State Park, about a 40-minute drive from the eastern part of the lake, a portion of which is protected by the Crescent Lake Conservation Area.

96% (3.7K) 4,408 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Crescent Lake

Pennylane Farm

1. Pennylane Farm

99%
(95)
Sorrento, FL · 2 sites
Small farm atmosphere on about 6 acres. Rural setting but close to shopping and charming Mount Dora. Easy access to Disney, Universal, and Sea World. Kennedy Space Center and beaches are about 1 hour away.
Pets
Full hookups
Camp Seminole Springs

2. Camp Seminole Springs

94%
(368)
Fort Mc Coy, FL · 103 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
We have it all here at Seminole Springs. We are open for tent camping.First come, First serve. 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 hereas we do have garbage cans, we prefer that anything you bring into the property, you bring out with you. We allow campfires. 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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Serene Forested Blueberry Farm

3. Serene Forested Blueberry Farm

98%
(362)
Ft. Mc Coy, FL · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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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Campfires
Ocala National Forest

4. Ocala National Forest

83%
(64)
National forest in Florida · 635 sites
This watery wilderness is perfect for hikers, campers, and outdoor explorers.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Faver-Dykes State Park

5. Faver-Dykes State Park

100%
(5)
State park in Florida · 27 sites
Discover Faver-Dykes State Park's natural beauty and outdoor adventures.
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Campfires
True Trail Farm

6. True Trail Farm

96%
(203)
Deland, FL · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Ocala Forest ATV Basecamp

7. Ocala Forest ATV Basecamp

98%
(24)
Fort Mc Coy, FL · 1 site
🌲 RV Lot in Ocala Forest | Full Hookups + OHV Trail Access + Pet-Friendly Welcome to your private oversized RV site in the heart of the Ocala National Forest. Whether you're here to ride, relax, or reconnect with nature, this site has you covered — with direct access to OHV trails, modern amenities, and peaceful forest surroundings. 🏍️ OHV Riders Welcome! Bring your ATVs, UTVs, or dirt bikes and hit the trails directly from the campground — no need to trailer out. With miles of designated OHV routes in the forest, it's a rider’s paradise. You’ll be back to camp in minutes to recharge by the fire and lake view. 🛻 What’s Included: Full RV hookups (50 amp, water, sewer) Level concrete pad for patio setup + fire ring (DO NOT PARK ON CONCRETE) Pet-friendly site + fenced dark park Designated trailer parking Guarantee no neighbors on one side with common hammock area 🌿 Comfort Meets Wild Florida Enjoy the best of both worlds — amenities like restrooms and hot showers within the campground, plus access to hiking trails, springs, and wildlife just minutes away. 🏕️ Hosted by a HipCamp ⭐ Star Host — so you know you’re in good hands. **Campsite hosts will NOT be on property. Please "leave no trace behind". Make sure all trash is taken to the nearby dumpster.**
Pets
Full hookups
Tangerine Hideaway

8. Tangerine Hideaway

99%
(69)
Mount Dora, FL · 10 sites · Tents, RVs
6 full hookup sites, and 5 camping sites. 10 mins from downtown Mount Dora, FL We have improved access to the property for folks with the larger rigs. We are still under construction at some sites. We are upgrading the sites to provide full hookup. We are dog friendly, but must be on leash...
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
The FOLC Farm Campground

9. The FOLC Farm Campground

100%
(33)
Gainesville, FL · 7 sites · Tents, RVs
The FOLC Farm (Florida Outdoor Learning Collective) is a homestead, outdoor learning center, and community event space in Gainesville, FL. This is the closest camping site to Gainesville. Situated on 5 wooded acres, The FOLC Farm is only minutes from downtown Gainesville and the University of Florida by car or bike trail, and within walking distance of Payne's Prairie State Park La Chua Trail, Boulware Spring, Sweetwater Preserve trail system, and the Hawthorne bike trail. Guests are welcome at the occasional public social events held onsite (separate from the campground). At The FOLC Farm, you will find the perfect blend of nature, culture, and convenience. At the entrance of the property is a self-contained, family-friendly campground with nine non-electric sites (five tent sites and four car camping sites). You may also rent the entire campground for your private group (please message to inquire). At the campground, you have access to a shared campfire, picnic tables, grill, composting toilet, sink with running water, shower with hot water, changing room, and some art supplies and games to enjoy during your stay. The host lives on the homestead and is available if you need assistance. Please note: As with state park campgrounds, your pet must be kept leashed or in your personal tent at all times. Dogs who bark or may become aggressive with people they do not know are not allowed at The FOLC Farm as there may be other campers near you. If your dog is barking, growling, being a nuisance to others, or is off leash, you will be required to leave. The five tent sites are within the campground circle where no cars are allowed for camper safety. The parking area is within 150 feet (45 meters) of the various sites, and a cart is available to move your gear. Sites are 25–50 feet (8–15 meters) apart. This wooded 5-acre property is very close to thousands of acres of state park land and also adjacent to a rural/suburban neighborhood. Therefore, you can expect to hear both typical neighborhood sounds (cars, children) as well as wildlife such as Barred Owls, Sandhill Cranes, and occasional deer visits.
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Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park

10. Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park

100%
(9)
State park in Florida · 46 sites
This preserve has a whopping 800 types of plants and 420 varieties of vertebrate animal species.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Tomoka State Park

11. Tomoka State Park

100%
(14)
State park in Florida · 88 sites
A paradise for birdwatchers, this Florida park also has a fascinating history.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Cross Florida Greenway

12. Cross Florida Greenway

96%
(14)
State park in Florida · 117 sites
Discover Cross Florida Greenway's scenic trails and diverse activities.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Blue Spring State Park

13. Blue Spring State Park

100%
(4)
State park in Florida · 52 sites
Mesmerizing manatees and crystal-clear water make Blue Spring State Park unforgettable.
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Toilets
Campfires
Home of Many Miniature Animals

14. Home of Many Miniature Animals

97%
(309)
Mount Dora, FL · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
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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Lakeside RV Sites

15. Lakeside RV Sites

100%
(172)
New Smyrna Beach, FL · 2 sites
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 & Boombah Sportplex. Fishing from your private dock, kayaking (two kayaks available for free) or just enjoy the view! Get to know our mini zebu Doris, Bessy and Nutmeg & Paprika! Private. Between Cabbage Patch and Foxhead, famous motorcycle stops. Close to Disney, Kennedy Space Center and beautiful beaches and springs. Boombah sportplex for all kid tournaments! Motorcycles and horses, boats welcome.
Pets
Full hookups
Harmony Farm

16. Harmony Farm

98%
(99)
New Smyrna Beach, FL · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome to Harmony Farm Your stay with us is more than an overnight visit, it is an opportunity to learn, explore, connect and Find your Harmony! We are a Pollinator Sanctuary and Agritourism Farm in New Smyrna Beach, Florida A peaceful 8 acre working pollinator farm dedicated to bees, butterflies, native plants, and environmental education. Our private farm-stay campsites offer a quiet retreat surrounded by wildflowers, buzzing honeybees, birds, and beautiful Florida landscapes. Whether you’re enjoying your morning coffee while watching butterflies, strolling through our pollinator gardens, or relaxing under the stars, you’ll experience a side of Florida that most visitors never see. Harmony Farm is home to an active apiary where honeybees play an essential role in pollinating our flowers and supporting local ecosystems. During your stay, you will have the opportunity to explore our gardens, learn about pollinators, purchase farm-fresh honey and participate in farm experiences and educational programs. Our campsites are intentionally limited to provide a peaceful, uncrowded learning experience where guests can slow down, unplug, and enjoy the beauty of nature. During Your Stay You May Enjoy 🌻 U-pick flower fields (seasonal) 🐝 Working honeybee apiary 🦋 Pollinator and butterfly gardens 🥾 Educational Nature walks 📚 Educational farm experiences and workshops 🍯 Farm-fresh honey and local products 🌅 Beautiful sunsets and incredible stargazing 🦇 Nighttime pollinator exhibits. If you are looking for a unique agritourism experience, or a place to learn and reconnect with nature, we invite you to Come Find Your Harmony!
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Campfires
Camp Stella Lake Dome

17. Camp Stella Lake Dome

100%
(11)
Crescent City, FL · 1 site
Stargazing Lakefront geodesic dome with the most amazing sunsets! Stop and take a breath! This property offers a tranquil and relaxing feeling within walking distance to downtown. Not to mention FREE boat parking.! The property is located on the back side of the main homes property. We offer privacy and seclusion from the main home with a privacy fence and private entrance with a separate waterfront area. The dome is fully furnished and has an outdoor bathroom. The bathroom has running hot water with a rainfall shower head and a flushing toilet. We’ve taken Glamping to the next level. We include complimentary snacks! The Dome has a small kitchenette area with a mini fridge/freezer and a microwave. A propane grill is provided as well as an electric griddle. The Dome has A/C and a portable heater is available upon request. Enjoy some of the most magical sunsets your eyes can withstand. The sky lights up with most vibrant colors of orange, pinks and blues. While visiting us, take a row on the lake in the complimentary kayaks. You’re a short drive to the Famous Daytona Beach and the magnificent St. Augustine and many other beaches and cool landmarks. If you like to hike, Dunns state park is a 10 minute drive and Ocala National Forest is also a short drive away. Numerous natural springs are located throughout the area, many within an hours drive. If you’re celebrating a specific occasion we can jazz up the area ahead of time for you. ** For an additional charge.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
Beachside Ormond - Shower/BBQ

18. Beachside Ormond - Shower/BBQ

100%
(2)
Ormond Beach, FL · 1 site
This property is located on a quiet residential street in Ormond-by-the-Sea, just 1,100 feet from the ocean. At the end of the street on the ocean side, you’ll find a covered beach walkover. On the opposite end, there is a viewing dock on the Halifax River, which is the perfect spot for watching the sunset. Guests may park in the driveway or the front gravel area, depending on the size of the vehicle. Your stay includes access to an outdoor shower with both hot and cold water, as well as a private back patio area featuring a pergola, seating, and a barbecue grill.
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
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Twin Cedars

19. Twin Cedars

99%
(57)
Saint Augustine, FL · 1 site · Tent, RV
St. Augustine's original Alligator Farm was located adjacent to our property. We are one mile south of the NE FL Regional Airport and it's not unusual to see a biplane practising barrel rolls for an air show. We are 30-45 minutes from Jacksonville, birthplace of the Blue Angels, and 15 minutes from downtown St. Augustine, the nation's oldest continuously occupied city. Message me for discounts on long-term stays. Learn more about this land: Bring your tent, van or small camper and share our slice of paradise! You'll have the camp site all to yourself--we sometimes need to water the garden, but otherwise avoid the camping area when it's occupied. Enjoy a variety of seating areas on our half acre lot full of fruit trees and flowers, or watch the sunset from the hot tub. Camping is easy with washer, dryer, fridge, stove, microwave, dishes, coffee pot, toaster and blender, all in an air-conditioned shed. Don't want to cook inside? Use the propane Jennair grill with gazebo and lights. Clean up is a breeze with our stainless steel triple sink and 4 gal hot water tank. We're one block off US1 and 10-15 minutes by car to beach and downtown. Hang out around our stone fire pit or sit at our 6 person table with solar powered lighted umbrella. Wifi, electric and water included. Porta potty and outdoor shower with 8 gal. hot water tank. Two large outdoor sinks, one with 4 gal. hot water tank, the other one shares the 8 gal. tank with the shower. Two locked gates in our chain link fence allow most RVs the option to pull through or back in. Water and 30A electric hookup located at corner of concrete pad, next to the Jennair gas grill. Relax on our Broyhill couch and easy chairs under the awning, and enjoy our latest addition, a fire table. Hang out in the new gazebo with mosquito netting and fabric panels on a Trex deck with a polycarbonate roof. Keep an eye out for hawks, owls, osprey and ibis. If you are extra lucky, you might spot our resident gopher tortoise! (If you do, please enjoy from a distance, they are protected.)
Electrical hookup
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Campfires
Tiny House + Marina near springs!

20. Tiny House + Marina near springs!

97%
(18)
Seville, FL · 1 site
Brand new waterfront tiny house with amazing sunsets and views 😍 Message me for weekly and monthly significant discounts. Bring your boat and toys as there’s so much to do in nature. Fish off the deck or from the yard, zip over to the springs in 10 minutes or head over to the St Johns river for a meal. Lawn games anre under the 5th wheel to use. There is a camp store on site for snacks, bait, drinks, ice, fire wood etc. and there are board games up there that you’re welcome to check out. We are surrounded by conservation land and we have one of the highest populations of bald eagles. We also have friendly squirrels that love to tap on the door for nuts 🥜 in the morning. Turtles, small alligators and a very diverse bird population to name a few are always around. Our internet is Starlink and isn’t the best by any stretch of the imagination, cell service is pretty good though.
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Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Crescent Lake camping guide

Where to go

Haw Creek Preserve State Park

Abutting the southern part of Crescent Lake, Haw Creek Preserve State Park surrounds a blackwater creek that attracts paddlers wanting to take in views of the surrounding Florida cypress swamp. It's also a great place for birdwatching, particularly in the winter, when migratory birds flock to the area from the cooler north.

Dunns Creek Wildlife Management Area

Encompassing over 3,000 acres on the eastern part of Duns Creek, this preserved area is full of wildlife, ranging from frogs and lizards to white-tailed deer and bobcats. Birders bring your binoculars for a chance to spot yellow-crowned night herons, barred owls, and red-shouldered hawks. There are also trails for walking, cycling, and horseback riding, and tent camping is permitted.

Ocala National Forest

Encompassing over 400,000 acres, the Ocala National Forest is a prime spot for fishing, swimming, and paddling, with hundreds of lakes to choose from (not to mention four natural springs). It's also a great place for land-based recreation, with miles of trails, many of which are mountain biker- and equestrian-friendly. Camping options range from developed campgrounds to Civilian Conservation Corps cabins.

When to go

Crescent Lake is popular year-round, though you'll find the best temperatures for swimming between late spring and early fall, when the weather is at its warmest. The rainiest months are from June through August, tapering off in September. Come in October for warm-weather camping with a lower risk of tropical storms. If you're coming to fish, your best bet is to come in late spring or early summer during the spawning season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Crescent Lake, located in the Ocala National Forest, offers fishing, swimming, paddling, walking trails, mountain biking, and equestrian-friendly trails.

Crescent Lake, situated on the eastern part of Duns Creek, is home to a variety of wildlife including frogs, lizards, white-tailed deer, and bobcats. Birders can also spot yellow-crowned night herons, barred owls, and red-shouldered hawks.

Crescent Lake offers primitive group camping, Civilian Conservation Corps cabins, and reservable Hipcamps. Additionally, Faver-Dykes State Park, about a 40-minute drive from the eastern part of the lake, provides tent and RV sites with hookups. You can also explore different options for camping near Crescent Lake on Hipcamp.

The best time to visit Crescent Lake for swimming is between late spring and early fall, when the weather is warmest. For fishing, the late spring or early summer during the spawning season is recommended.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Popular Crescent Lake trips