The best private sites RV campgrounds in Crescent Lake

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.

99% (350)

Top-rated campgrounds

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.

99% (350)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Lazy Oaks Resort

86%

(7)

4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Fruitland Park, FL

Our Lakefront community is a historic fishing community on Lake Griffin with amazing sunrise and sunset views between the Villages and Orlando. There is a boat launch as well as cottages, mobile homes, and RV hookups.

2. SURFER'S PARADIZE

100%

(29)

3 sites · RVs · Flagler Beach, FL

We live on the property. It is very private but, at the same time, close to everything. Grocery store and restaurants nearby. 1 mi from the highway. 15min to Flagler Beach (top surf place in Florida!). A lot of stuff to do around - fishing, canoeing and swimming( ocean is10-15 minutes drive), natural preserves, parks and historic places. Tennis court, pickle ball courts and a play ground (5min walk). Daytona Beach and historic St.Augustine( 20-30 min drive). A little over an hour to Orlando, Jacksonville or Cape Canaveral. We have a water and electricity hook ups. 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, no loud parties. No slipping in tents allowed.

3. Lochloosa Creek Hideaway + Biking

100%

(9)

4 sites · RVs · Hawthorne, FL

Welcome to Our Private and Cozy RV Camp! This property features five RV sites—four with 30-amp power and one with 50-amp power. All sites include water hookups, and there's a wastewater dump station and trash cans for convenience. Easy Access and Secure Camping Located directly off Hwy 20, RV sites are at the front of the property, with plenty of room to navigate and clearance from overhead trees. The sites are behind double iron gates on a fenced and secure property. Surrounded by Nature and Adventure The Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail runs along the back of the property, this bike, walking, and horse trail was formerly a railroad and now connects Downtown Gainesville to Hawthorne. Enjoy the historic Lochloosa Creek, with the old train bridge still in use for the trail. Loaner bikes are available for guests to explore the trail. The camp site it's about an hour's bike ride to Gainesville or a 15-minute drive by car. Hawthorne is just six minutes away. Farm Life and Pet-Friendly Atmosphere This is an active Florida Department of Agriculture hemp farm and Homestead. Animals on-site: Outside the fenced camp area, you'll find pet cows and donkeys—all friendly and never raised for food. Feel free to feed and pet them without crossing the fence! Ducks and chickens may wander near the camping area. If you're towing horses, they are welcome to graze within the camping area. If multiple guests have horses, we’ll guide you to a larger pasture. Pets are welcome! Just keep them leashed near the other farm animals. Campfire and Late-Night Access Campfires are permitted—enjoy a cozy evening under the stars! 🔥 The gates remain locked and you'll have access to the lock code. Gainesville's restaurants and bars close at 2 AM, so you can enjoy a night out without worry. Riding the Trail The trail leads to Depot Park in Downtown Gainesville, where you’ll find restaurants, pubs, live entertainment, and the Cade Museum, there're also multiple trails, preserves and attractions along the way, the trail is part of the Paynes Prairie State Park. Electric bikes are allowed on the trail, making for an easy ride. If you need anything, we're always on the property and happy to help! 😊

Stories from the community

Kirsten

October 2025

25 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Lochloosa Creek Hideaway + Biking

Brandon's place was great - he had it all, from restroom, water fountain, fire pit, grill, smoker, picnic tables, lights, access to bike trail... the list goes on. Brandon made it easy to have an awesome weekend. Much appreciated!

C

Clint

October 2025

20 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Lazy Oaks Resort

Hi, Perfect overnight stay in my van with electricity. Very peaceful and safe. I would stay there again. Shopping and restaurants are just a couple miles away. Thanks

J

Jane

May 2025

40 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to SURFER'S PARADIZE

Loved our stay at Nick and Roxies! Perfect spot - quiet, secluded, pretty and close to anything you'd like or need to do. Will definitely be back!

Erica and Josh

April 2025

35 ft Class A

15 nights at Lazy Oaks Resort

Great spot! So quiet and peaceful! Loved our stay

M

MB

April 2025

45 ft travel trailer

4 nights at Lochloosa Creek Hideaway + Biking

OMG! Brandon was such a great host! He was there at the gate when we arrived and went above and beyond the call of duty helping us get settled in and showing us around the property he’s in the process of developing. But the most amazing thing is that the back of his property is right on one of the coolest tree covered bike trails ever for E-bikes!

M

Morgan

March 2025

14 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Lochloosa Creek Hideaway + Biking

Brandon and his wife were great and very helpful.

J

Jennifer

March 2025

25 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Lochloosa Creek Hideaway + Biking

Brandon was a wonderful and accommodating host. The camp site sat right next to the Rail trails for biking. He also had chickens donkeys and cows that were very friendly. The location is perfect for people who want to go into Gainesville, but still wanna stay out of the city.

Alfred

March 2025

45 ft Class A

5 nights at Lochloosa Creek Hideaway + Biking

Awesome host! Brandon was very accommodating. Even had wood for outdoor fire ready each night!

Alfred

March 2025

45 ft Class A

5 nights at Lochloosa Creek Hideaway + Biking

Brandon was great host ,went above and beyond to accommodate . Had 2 Motorhome’s and trailer . He set and helped hook back up when we left . Had firewood available and checked on us everyday . Making improvements based on needs . Would stay again

G

Gregory

March 2025

50 ft fifth wheel

With kids

Weekend Trip to Lochloosa Creek Hideaway + Biking

We had a wonderful time camping here! The space was accommodating, and the host was very attentive. The campfire space was very nice with string lights, picnic tables, and a grill. The cows, donkeys, and chickens on the property were friendly, and we enjoyed feeding and petting them. Thank you for having us!

D

Debra

March 2025

30 ft toy hauler

Weekend Trip to SURFER'S PARADIZE

Everything about our stay was absolutely perfect. We couldn't ask for a nicer host. Nick and his wife are so kind, they even offered us eggs. Next year, when we come down again for bike week, we are definitely hoping to stay again and bring our friends. The area is absolutely beautiful and very quiet. I give Nick 5 stars. xxoo

Jessica

February 2025

22 ft Class C

Weekend Trip to SURFER'S PARADIZE

We absolutely loved Surfers Paradize! Nick was a great host. He was friendly, available when needed but also gave us our privacy. The site was spacious and we really enjoyed the fire pit. Water, electricity and even a trash bin was provided. It was the perfect spot to stay for the race weekend at the speedway. Can’t wait to return!

D

Dominic

February 2025

43 ft fifth wheel

With pets

5 nights at Lazy Oaks Resort

Decent spot with full hookups. A little tight for bigger rigs but the nice folks across the street were kind enough to move their vehicles so I could back in my 43’ fifth wheel.

P

Peter

February 2025

19 ft travel trailer

2 nights at Lochloosa Creek Hideaway + Biking

Luv’d the Gainesville-Hawthorne bike trail right onsite! Goes right thru Payne Prairie & into Gainesville. Great utilities, fire ring, free wood. Host was super helpful. Lots of local history & advice for places to visit. We’ll be back👍

K

Kathy

February 2025

30 ft Class A

3 nights at Lazy Oaks Resort

Plenty of space on the lot for 30ft RV with 2' pop out + truck and boat. Hookups work and are well maintained. Quiet little neighborhood, within sight of the lake. Will use again next time we are back in the area!

K

Kelly

January 2025

23 ft Class C

Weekend Trip to SURFER'S PARADIZE

This was a nice spot to RV camp. Had that country quiet feel, but close to town. Wished we could have stayed awhile longer. Nick was responsive and helped use find the our spot.

Jill

January 2025

23 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to SURFER'S PARADIZE

My husband and I and our four pups really enjoyed camping at Nicks property. This is the 2nd time we've camped here. He and his wife Roxi have an amazing and beautiful property. They are so kind and caring and Rixi even brought us fresh eggs..so delicious for our morning breakfasts. Our camp site was spacious, private, had electric, water, and a wonderful view of nature all around. They have fire pits and tables and chairs for your use too. This camp is close to amenities like groceries, gas, and some delicious restaurants. It is also close to all outdoor adventures and most of all the BEACH. We love this hip camp and you will too. Thanks again you guys for sharing your beautiful property with us.

M

Michael

January 2025

38 ft fifth wheel

5 nights at SURFER'S PARADIZE

Beautiful, peaceful, quiet, wonderful hosts. We stayed here for a couple of weeks. Hosts are great. The space is huge, spread out. Plenty of grass and trees. Lots of wildlife.

M

Michael

January 2025

38 ft fifth wheel

6 nights at SURFER'S PARADIZE

Fantastic host, beautiful property, tons of privacy. This is a gem near the coast.

D

David

December 2024

20 ft travel trailer

4 nights at SURFER'S PARADIZE

The hosts communicated well and the site was spacious and private. Our 2 dogs had room to stretch their legs.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best private sites RV camping in Crescent Lake 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.