Forest camping in Crescent Lake

Fish, swim, or go for a hike at this northern Florida lake.

93% (1542 reviews)
93% (1542 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Crescent Lake

Under $50

Dog-friendly getaways

12 top forest campgrounds in Crescent Lake

92%
(108)

Camp Seminole Springs

100 sites · 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
93%
(150)

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.
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$75
 / night
98%
(188)

Hidden Gem

14 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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$40
 / night
100%
(106)

Cozy Freedom

9 sites · RVs, Tents8 acres · Ormond Beach, FL
Welcome to Cozy Freedom at Earthperks Farm, where the convenience of town meets the serenity of nature in perfect harmony amid the beauty of Florida's pine forests. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of city life, our agritourism destination offers a unique camping experience that allows you to immerse yourself in the natural splendor of the Sunshine State, yet a direct drive of just 11 miles to the Atlantic Ocean. Our camping sites are nestled within a pristine pine flatwoods ecosystem, where towering pines create a canopy overhead, dappling the forest floor with patches of sunlight. Each campsite is thoughtfully spaced to offer privacy and tranquility, allowing you to unwind and reconnect with nature. Awake to the melodic trill of songbirds greeting the dawn, and start your day with a leisurely hike in Tiger Bay State Forest nature trails directly connected behind the farm. Meander through the pine forest, pausing to admire the delicate wildflowers that carpet the forest floor and the occasional glimpse of wildlife darting among the trees. Historically, Cozy Freedom was occupied by the Timucuan Indians who hunted the forest and swamp land. Efforts to preserve and celebrate Timucuan heritage continue, as descendants and scholars work to honor the contributions of this ancient and resilient people. More recent history of the property included a plant nursery and beekeeping location. Our agritourism destination offers a journey of discovery through the cultivation of produce, blueberries, ginger, turmeric, bamboo, flowers, and more. Our guided tours provide a behind-the-scenes look at the intricate process of growing and harvesting these remarkable crops, from planting the seeds to nurturing the plants through each stage of growth. Resident bats help with the mosquitos. Wind down in the evening by walking and meditating through our 11-circuit walking labyrinth. Feel the inner peace, calm your nerves, be refreshed, celebrate! What else do you need to achieve cozy freedom?! Day trips to St. Augustine, Orlando, Cape Canaveral and Ocala.  Visit local Old Florida sites nearby, including Bulow Plantation Ruins, Tomoka State Park, and Barberville Pioneer Settlement. Take a swim at any of the crystal clear springs within less than an hour or borrow our 2 kayaks and paddle down the Tomoka River. Wintertime is peaceful and ideal for camping in Florida. We do have some nights that drop into the 30's, but most days are perfect to be outside. Summers are hot and wet and mosquitos will drive you inside from mid-June through to the end of August. Enjoy staying put on the farm or safely leaving your belongings while visiting the sights in the area.  Someone is always nearby onsite, but privacy is respected. Property is situated on a thoroughfare between Ocala and Ormond Beach with audible traffic during the day, so not ideal for individuals seeking absolute silence.
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$50
 / night
100%
(2)

Palm Jungle Beach Camp on the Trail

4 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Palm Coast, FL
Secluded End-of-Road Camp Lot, nestled just off the beaten path to Jungle Hut Beach near Florida's A1A road in the Palm Coast "Hammock" area. This tranquil spot boasts ocean breezes shady greenery, offering a peaceful retreat. It backs up to a Jungle Forrest with numerous trails and an excellent mountain bike course, with a boat launch conveniently nearby. There's a lot to explore in this hidden gem of the NE Florida coastline—a discovery you'll be delighted to stumble upon! Public showers and bathrooms are accessible within a short 15-minute walk to the beach. Alternatively, the host can provide complimentary beach cruiser bikes, reducing the journey to just 5 minutes! Power, and water hookup, WiFi & outdoor shower, are available at the host's discretion, ensuring a comfortable stay.
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$38
 / night
100%
(26)

J & T Hideaway / Silver Springs, FL

1 site · RV1 acre · Silver Springs, FL
Beautiful high and dry corner lot with privacy hedge and full hook ups in the highly sought after Wilderness RV Resort. Our property is nestled within the tranquil Ocala National Forest, complete with tons of resort amenities! Did we mention our resort is located on a portion of the Florida Black Bear Scenic Highway! Come Explore the Local Area! The Florida freshwater springs are a natural and tropical central Florida paradise with pristine crystal clear waters. Enjoy the wide array of wildlife the Ocala National Forest and the Florida freshwater springs offer! Our property is located just minutes from Silver Springs State Park, Silver Springs, Salt Springs, Juniper Springs, and Alexander Springs! Do you love the "Lake Life?" Central Florida is known for their beautiful lakes such as Lake George and Lake Kerr! Love to canoe or kayak? There are tons of canoe runs throughout this area of central Florida. In fact, you can canoe or kayak on the Ocklawaha River with direct river access from the resort! Love mountain biking? Check out the Santos Trailhead which offers over 30 miles of mountain bike trails with three levels of difficulty! One visit to Santos Trailhead and you'll see why so many people say that these are the BEST bike trails in Florida! Explore a Bit Farther! From our property's location and with a short drive, you can easily access the following towns and/or cities: Orlando - 1.5 hour drive Daytona Beach - 1 hour drive Gainesville - 30 minute drive Crystal River - 1 hour drive The Villages - 45 minute drive Enjoy the many amenities that Wilderness RV Resort offers: * Community Pool and Hot Tub * Full Hook Up Service * Direct Access to the Ocklawaha River (canoe/kayak rentals through resort) * Direct Access to Florida Greenway Hiking Trail * Clubhouse/Lodge * On Site Restaurant * On Site Candy Shop (w/ Whoopie Pies) * Laundry Facility * Bathhouse * Recreation Room (Ping Pong, Pool, Darts) * Private Mail Box
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$48
 / night
100%
(8)

High hill

3 sites · RVs, Tents26 acres · Pomona Park, FL
26 acres of pasture oaks veggies, citrus and peachesLearn more about this land:Grassy knoll 124 feet above sea level overlooking Florida’s northernmost commercial citrus grove, with peaches and a vegetable plot. Observation tower, for wildlife viewing. Limited to one family or group at a time, so you don’t have to worry about illnesses. Roam the woods, grove or pick fresh peaches, or just hang out by the 1 acre pond and feed the massive catfish.
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$20
 / night
100%
(1)

Janes Lookout-Ocala National Forest

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Fort Mc Coy, FL
Gorgeous RV site with a view (RV not included)! Full hook-up RV site with both 30 & 50amp connections. Water and electricity are provided at no extra charge. One of the finest locations in the park, located directly across from a wide open green space, perched on the bluff overlooking the Ocklawaha River. Landscaped tip lot with brick pavers and room for two cars to park. Includes screened-in Casita equipped with a Smart TV and a front porch to enjoy quiet mornings and views of the sun setting over the lake in the evenings. Landscaped yard with a large Solo fire pit. Park amenities include a pool - (no lifeguard), sandy volleyball court, shaded and fenced dog park, lodge with kitchen and pool table, and walking trails. Access to Ocala North OHV Trail System with over 125 miles of trails. Park has quiet hours from 10 pm - 8 am M-T and 11 pm - 8 am F-Sun. Be responsible for keeping the site free of all garbage, we're in the Forest and there are bears and raccoons. The park has multiple dumpsters please take advantage of them. Please adhere to the following property rules: 1.) The casita is not to be used as a place to keep pets while you're on the trails. The flooring is wood and we don't want it to become soiled. The casita is screened from floor to ceiling, which could be torn if an animal jumps up on it. 2.) The little bit of lawn area we do have we want to keep nice, don't put hot items such as pans from the firepit onto it, which will burn the grass and possibly cause a fire. Message me before booking with any questions. You can also drive by the property anytime to check it out before booking. The address is 15991 NE 243rd Place Rd. #164 Fort McCoy, FL 32134. Disclaimer: photos show an RV on the site, the property is being rented WITHOUT an RV. If you're interested in a 29-day stay we can provide you with a discount code. Thank you for your interest in a long-term booking of Jane's Lookout on Hipcamp.com. The owner of this property (host) has specifically chosen to use the Hipcamp platform to simplify the booking process, collect payments, taxes and fees, and to minimize the risks associated with RV Site tenancy. As such, the maximum booking is 29-days. However, the 29-day "monthly" rental period can be discounted and renewed using codes and by contacting the host in advance. If you would like to book the site for multiple monthly booking periods then the host can provide you with two consecutive 29-day discount booking codes which must be paid in advance. After you have arrived you must give 45 days notice that you wish to book the site in order to receive the next discount code in the series. (EXAMPLE: Hipcamper wishes to book the site for 12 monthly booking periods [29 days x 12] beginning on MAY 1st. The host is notified and by message from the hipcamper and and sends them a discount code for the first booking periods [MAY 1-29] and second booking period [June 1 - June 30]. On May 15th the hipcamper contacts the host and let's them know that they would like to book for the third consecutive booking period July 1- 29th - etc]. The host provides them with a code for the third booking period. The Host agrees not to open the site for booking as long as the hipcamper booked at the site continues to give notice of their intent to book for the next consecutive month before the 15th of each month as indicated in the previous example. The host maintains their tight to refuse booking or to increase rates at any time.
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$70
 / night
98%
(198)

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
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(2)

The Olde salt Springs Camp

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Salt Springs, FL
This rustic 2 bedroom with 1 outside bathroom cabin is on one acre in the woods. 10 mins from fishing,swimming,boating, and lots of adventures. Take a break from reality and visit this cabin. This unit is also close to a park for kids, town grocery store and restaurants. This unit has a full size refrigerator and electric cookware but no oven/stove.
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$45
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98%
(187)

IN THE FOREST AND CLOSE TO OCEAN

4 sites · RVs10 acres · Bunnell, FL
Enjoy Back to Nature. We are sharing with you a part of our Homestead. Very unique by its location, it is a piece of the nature that is close to everything. It is surrounded by acres of Pine Forest so enjoy the fresh air, listen to the birds, look at the wild life. We have about a dozen of chickens and a few roosters.The property is conveniently located 1 mile away from the Interstate 95, and 1 mile away from US1. 3 min drive to the grocery store( Publix).  Plenty of stuff to do around - fishing, canoeing and swimming- within 10-15 minutes to the River, Beaches and the Ocean; tons of natural preserves, parks and historic places. Tennis court, pickle ball courts and a play ground is across the street. 20-30 min to Daytona Beach or historic St.Augustine. A little over an hour to Orlando with Disney, Universal and other parks, Jacksonville or Cape Canaveral. Whatever your interest is - you can find it around - many of restaurants, wine tasting, fresh food market 7 days a week, NASCAR, Auditorium with performances, water sports, bike week, movie theater, and many more.  We have a water and electricity hook ups for 4 spots. Spaces for the boats are available also. No sewage disposal.There is a dog on the property. Dogs are ok but have to be cleaned after and be on the leash.Please no loud noise after the dark, no drugs or heavy drinking.Our guests love staying with us " We enjoyed our stay at Roxie’s place. Really great location close to the beach and grocery stores and restaurants, yet it is still in a quiet place just off the beaten path. Roxie is a wonderful host who met us upon arrival and departure to make sure all was going well. She even gave us some amazing fresh eggs from her chickens that roam freely on the land. (Be prepared for a lot of rooster crowing EARLY in the mornings). Our campsite was level and had water and electric. It was not too close to the other campers who were there and we had plenty of privacy. Star gazing was awesome! Highly recommend."
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$65
 / night
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(37)

The Griffin Ranch

1 site · Lodging30 acres · Fort Mc Coy , FL
One of Floridas old saw mills. Located on a 30-acre ranch minutes from the Ocala Forest and springs like Salt Springs, Juniper and Silversprings.
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$89
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Star Hosts in Crescent Lake

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Forest camping in Crescent Lake guide

Overview

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.

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.

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