The best waterside camping near DeLand

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The region around DeLand is a haven for warm waters and local wildlife. Travel to Blue Spring State Park—it’s renowned as a winter refuge for manatees. From comfortable campgrounds within the park that have picnic tables and accessible showers, Hipcampers can observe these gentle giants in their natural habitat. The refreshing springs at De León Springs State Park invite swimmers to take a refreshing dip, maybe after savoring a delightful breakfast at the historic Old Spanish Sugar Mill Restaurant. Then, hike among ancient trees, canoe down tranquil rivers, and spot over 100 species of birds at Tomoka State Park, all steps away from the park’s pet-friendly RV campsites with full hookups.

96% (1.9K)

Top-rated campgrounds

J & T Hideaway / Silver Springs, FL

1. J & T Hideaway / Silver Springs, FL

96%
(70)
44mi from DeLand · 1 site · RV · 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
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
$58
 / night

The region around DeLand is a haven for warm waters and local wildlife. Travel to Blue Spring State Park—it’s renowned as a winter refuge for manatees. From comfortable campgrounds within the park that have picnic tables and accessible showers, Hipcampers can observe these gentle giants in their natural habitat. The refreshing springs at De León Springs State Park invite swimmers to take a refreshing dip, maybe after savoring a delightful breakfast at the historic Old Spanish Sugar Mill Restaurant. Then, hike among ancient trees, canoe down tranquil rivers, and spot over 100 species of birds at Tomoka State Park, all steps away from the park’s pet-friendly RV campsites with full hookups.

96% (1.9K)

Top-rated campgrounds

J & T Hideaway / Silver Springs, FL

1. J & T Hideaway / Silver Springs, FL

96%
(70)
44mi from DeLand · 1 site · RV · 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
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
$58
 / night

Public campgrounds near DeLand

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Nearby parks

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

The best waterside camping near DeLand guide

Where to go

Blue Spring State Park

Minutes south of DeLand, Blue Spring State Park features a crystal-clear natural spring with refreshing 72-degree water year-round. The spring serves as a winter refuge for hundreds of West Indian manatees, also known as sea cows. Popular water activities in the park include canoe and kayak rentals, snorkeling, swimming, and scuba diving. Or check out guided riverboat cruises along the historic St. Johns River instead. Walking distance from the spring, the park’s campsites accommodate RVs up to 40 feet in length, offering water and electricity hookups, bathhouses, grills, and picnic tables. Cabin rentals with central heating and cooling are available too.

De León Springs State Park

Native Mayaca people who once lived in the area referred to De León Springs State Park as Acuera, meaning “Healing Waters.” It’s best known for its crystal-clear spring waters teeming with fish. But, it’s also an excellent place to cool off during hot and humid Florida summers in a rented kayak or canoe. Explore 22,000 acres of lakes, creeks, and marshes. Or hike scenic nature trails that wind through subtropical and floodplain forests, including a 600-year-old cypress tree, with ample birdwatching and wildlife viewing opportunities near Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge. The park offers oak-shaded picnic tables and grills, accessible restrooms, and an outdoor shower station. Private RV campgrounds are nearby with full facilities as well.

Tomoka State Park

Near Ormond Beach along Florida’s Atlantic Coast, Tomoka State Park is less than an hour northeast of DeLand. The park surrounds the meandering Tomoka River and is known for its diverse ecosystems, rich history, and abundant recreational opportunities. Go fishing along the park’s rivers, streams, and lagoons to reel in black drum, sheepshead, common snook, and spotted sea trout. Each of the 100 campsites offer tent camping and can fit RVs up to 34 feet long and offer full hookups for electricity and water. Other campground amenities include hot showers, picnic tables, and a dump station.

When to go

For Hipcampers keen to observe manatees in their natural environment, the mild winters in DeLand are an excellent time of year to visit. Daytime temperatures in winter typically range between the 60s and 70s—dipping into the 40s overnight. Spring and fall provide pleasant weather as well, with mild temperatures and low humidity which are great for hiking and observing migratory birds passing through Florida.