Beach Camping Near Gainesville, Florida, US: 20 Best Beach Campsites 2026

Skip the crowded hotel strips—Gainesville’s beach camping scene puts you right on sandy stretches, with over 490 spots tailored for tent campers who want more than just a patch of land. Picture waking up to the sound of waves, a quick walk to the water, and a day packed with swimming, wildlife-watching, or hiking along the dunes. Campsites like Happy Campers Rescue Ranch (243 reviews), J & T Hideaway / Silver Springs, FL (53 reviews), and Enchanted Oaks Camp & Farm (25 reviews) get high marks for clean toilets, hot showers, and pet-friendly policies. Expect to pay around $75 a night, but deals dip as low as $23 if you’re flexible. If you want sand between your toes and your tent pitched steps from the shore, Gainesville’s beach campsites deliver the essentials without the fuss.

96% (131) • 62 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Gainesville

Skip the crowded hotel strips—Gainesville’s beach camping scene puts you right on sandy stretches, with over 490 spots tailored for tent campers who want more than just a patch of land. Picture waking up to the sound of waves, a quick walk to the water, and a day packed with swimming, wildlife-watching, or hiking along the dunes. Campsites like Happy Campers Rescue Ranch (243 reviews), J & T Hideaway / Silver Springs, FL (53 reviews), and Enchanted Oaks Camp & Farm (25 reviews) get high marks for clean toilets, hot showers, and pet-friendly policies. Expect to pay around $75 a night, but deals dip as low as $23 if you’re flexible. If you want sand between your toes and your tent pitched steps from the shore, Gainesville’s beach campsites deliver the essentials without the fuss.

96% (131) • 62 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Gainesville

1. Camp Declan — Lakefront Glamp

100%

(15)

28mi from Gainesville · 1 site · Lodging

Camp Declan is a rare find: a private, breezy, six-acre lakefront retreat that feels like stepping into classic “Old Florida,” where the air is clean, the nights are quiet, and nature is always part of the experience. Set under a canopy of Live Oak trees draped with Spanish moss and stretching along nearly 600 feet of freshwater shoreline, this is a place where mornings start with birdsong, afternoons drift by on the dock, and evenings end around the fire pit under open skies. Fish, paddle, swim, grill, relax — or do nothing at all while napping in one of several hammocks. The lake and floating dock are always the centerpiece of life here. The property includes three thoughtfully designed buildings: Cabin – comfortable air-conditioned sleeping quarters with private bathroom Bunkhouse – group-friendly lodging (six adult-sized bunkbed sets) with bathroom Cabana – the social hub with outdoor bar, kitchen, commercial ice machine and hangout space Together, Camp Declan comfortably hosts up to 18 overnight guests and is ideal for families, youth retreats, reunions, fishing buddies, retreat weekends, and anyone seeking a down-to-earth, unplugged getaway with real space to spread out. Outdoors, guests enjoy: • Large floating dock • Fire pit and gathering areas • Volleyball, badminton, frisbees and washer toss (think cornhole) • Canoeing, kayaking and lake swimming • Anchored swim raft • Fully fenced, private grounds Indoors and out, you’ll find: • Fully equipped kitchen • Outdoor kitchen and bar • Hot indoor and outdoor showers • Clean bathrooms in every building This is not a resort — it’s a private fish-camp-style escape where comfort meets authenticity. If you’re looking for polished luxury, this may not be your place. If you’re looking for privacy, ample outdoor space, water access for your boat or jet ski, and a true Florida lake experience, Camp Declan delivers in a way few properties can.

2. J & T Hideaway / Silver Springs, FL

96%

(74)

39mi from Gainesville · 1 site · RV

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

3. Blackwater Ranch – River Camping

100%

(48)

49mi from Gainesville · 13 sites · Tents, RVs

🌿 Welcome to Blackwater, y’all Just 35 minutes outside Jacksonville, Blackwater is a secluded 10+ acre private riverfront property at Georgia’s southernmost tip right on the Florida-Georgia Line. Surrounded by protected preserve and a river bend, our property offers "old Florida" vibes, nature, country, and a true escape from crowded camps if you seek privacy. Your campsite views across the river are of Florida, with 150+ acres of preserve, giving the property a peaceful and remote feel while remaining close to town for all essentials. Situated on the St. Marys River, a rain-fed river flowing from the Okefenokee Swamp. Natural tannins from peat give the water its famous sweet-tea color, which appears black in deeper water and "sweet-tea" in the shallows. ✔️ Clean, refreshing, and safe for swimming (no gators!) ✔️ Naturally antibacterial ✔️ No pollutants or runoff ✔️ No smell, mud, or rocks ✔️ Soft white sugar-sand bottom The property sits on an ancient 10,000+ year-old beach dune (Trail Ridge), creating a unique natural sugar-sand beach area and swimming spot perfect for cooling off on hot summer days. 🌱 Rare Southern Ecosystem: Blackwater sits where river, ancient dune, hardwood forest, pine uplands, and cypress wetlands all meet. Southern oaks, saw palmettos, wax myrtle, and wild huckleberry-blueberries fill the landscape, an ecosystem rarely found on a single property. 🏕️ Camping, Families, and Groups: Well-spaced sites across open wooded areas provide room to spread out without the packed feel of state parks. Ideal for tent camping, van life, families, and small or large group gatherings that want to connect with nature and each other. A large 70-foot covered riverfront pavilion with electricity, water, hammocks, and a firepit overlooks the river, perfect for meals, shade, and gathering out of the summer rainstorms. 🔎 Quick Camp Details: 🏕️ Spacious sites on a 10+ acre property 🚗 Easy vehicle access 🔥 Firepits and grills throughout 🌌 Dark, quiet nights for stargazing 🐕 Dog-friendly - FREE 📶 Cell service is spotty (great for unplugging) 🚣 Things To Do: Swim • Fish • Kayak • Canoe • Paddleboard • Explore 📍 Minutes from St. Marys Shoals Equipedal Park 📍 Close to Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge (Okefenokee Adventures)

4. Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park

83%

(6)

83 sites · Keystone Heights, Florida

What a name. Betcha can't say that three times fast?

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

5. Fanning Springs State Park

5 sites · Pineland, Florida

Discover Fanning Springs State Park's crystal waters and lush landscapes.

Pets

Toilets

Showers

6. Island Oaks RV Resort

42mi from Gainesville · 371 sites · RVs, Lodging

Experience the ultimate getaway at Island Oaks RV Resort – where every weekend brings a new theme, live music fills the air, and fun is always in season. From unique cabins and full-hookup RV sites to our swim lake, resort-style pool, food trucks, and full bar, Island Oaks is built for memory-making. Enjoy pickleball, basketball, fishing, karaoke nights, and a packed schedule of events for all ages. Whether you’re staying for a night or a month, Island Oaks is your go-to destination for non-stop entertainment and lakeside relaxation. Book your RV site or cabin today – daily, weekly, and monthly stays available!

7. Rural, Quiet, Homey

100%

(2)

47mi from Gainesville · 2 sites · RVs

Learn more about this land: Three acres shaded by beautiful water oaks, or open grassy areas. The site is located in northeast Florida, short distance from St. Augustine, Daytona Beach. Orlando, Gainesville, Jacksonville are within a 2 hour drive. The St. John's river flows nearby, and Florida's natural springs provide campers plenty of recreational activities. Palatka is an historical river town, with its own brewery, nice seafood restaurants, and unique shopping.

8. Cristal camping 🏕️

85%

(20)

50mi from Gainesville · 1 site · Tent, RV

You just came across a very unique piece of land very close to all the springs that there is to enjoy and a beautiful small town of Inglis located in Crystal River Florida. Please come and enjoy this cold water from this beautiful springs. And don’t forget to bring the floaty’s, snorkels and goggles because you’re going to need it in order to see all the beautiful underwater scenes on this Cristal water, rivers. Come enjoy our beautiful tent space nestled in a wooded lot located at the beautiful Rainbow River, one of the largest spring fed rivers in the world , you will have a parking area. Kayak rentals available. It is a short walk to the 40-mile Withlacoochee biking/walking trail which has a large variety of birds and wildlife for your viewing pleasure. Rainbow River State park and head springs is located 4.6 miles away, a great place for swimming and snorkeling with an admission fee of $2. There is a laundromat, grocery stores, and a large selection of restaurants nearby for your dining pleasure. See you soon! PEACE

9. Elite Resorts at Salt Springs

40mi from Gainesville · 10 sites

Elite Resorts at Salt Springs stands out as a hidden gem in North Central Florida, offering a unique blend of stunning natural beauty, small-town charm, and a delightful climate. Surrounded by majestic 100-year-old oak trees, this resort provides a serene and picturesque setting that immerses guests in nature. Guests can choose from charming two-bedroom cottages nestled within the forest or opt for unique full hookup RV sites, ensuring a comfortable stay for everyone. The resort features a refreshing resort-style pool and an expansive patio, perfect for relaxation. Evenings can be spent enjoying the breathtaking views and engaging in activities at the lakefront lodge. Whether you're swimming in the crystal-clear waters of Little Lake Kerr, exploring the wilderness of the Ocala National Forest, or taking advantage of the numerous amenities and activities available, you're sure to have an unforgettable experience. On-site, there’s no shortage of fun, but for those looking to venture out, a variety of activities await, including fishing, canoeing, ATV riding, hiking, biking, and wildlife watching. With so much to offer, Elite Resorts at Salt Springs is the perfect destination for your next getaway.

10. Osceola National Forest

100%

(7)

78 sites · Glen St Mary, Florida

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!

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

11. Ocala National Forest

83%

(61)

635 sites · Silver Springs Shores, Florida

This watery wilderness is perfect for hikers, campers, and outdoor explorers.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

12. Manatee Springs State Park

96%

(12)

70 sites · Manatee Road, Florida

Enjoy a wealth of recreation at one of Florida’s largest springs.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

13. Island Oaks RV Resort

42mi from Gainesville · 34 sites

Island Oaks RV Resort stands out as a unique destination in Glen St. Mary, Florida, often referred to as a “cruise ship on land.” Spanning 121 acres, this resort offers a blend of tranquility and adventure, featuring miles of scenic walking paths that meander through its expansive waterways. Whether you seek a peaceful retreat or prefer to be in the midst of vibrant activities, Island Oaks has the perfect spot for you. Experience the serene pleasures of the 3-acre fishing lake, the fun of the 2.5-acre swimming pond, and the calming presence of the rolling river and ponds that flow throughout the property. Guests can enjoy a diverse array of amenities, including a state-of-the-art clubhouse, an amphitheater, a swimming pool, a beach area, a restaurant, and a tiki bar. With live music and various activities available, there’s something for everyone. Located just 30 minutes from Jacksonville and in close proximity to a variety of state parks and enchanting swimming holes, Island Oaks RV Resort is the ideal home base for your Florida vacation.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

M

Martha

1 week ago

Tent

1 night at Blackwater Ranch – River Camping

Beautiful, serene setting. It was perfect. I felt very safe staying alone at this location.

M

Mike

1 week ago

19 ft campervan

With pets

Weekend Trip to Blackwater Ranch – River Camping

Really liked the layout and Space. The Dogs able to free run and play is great. Will definitely plan another stop and more than a quick over night an hit the rd early.

G

Gordon

1 week ago

19 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Blackwater Ranch – River Camping

Great spot on the river. Campsites are well spread out and all have great river access.

S

Steve

1 week ago

Tent

1 night at Blackwater Ranch – River Camping

Friendly host, great camp spot with a white-sand river and beautiful woods. The grounds were full of amenities like fire rings, hammocks, and chairs. There were even extras such as a trampoline and various yard games. The gated site made the whole place feel safe and secluded. We were only one of two groups there during our stay. By far, these were some of the best outhouses I’ve encountered—complete with working lights and a hand-washing sink between the two stalls. Definitely a place worth staying!

A

Ariel

2 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Blackwater Ranch – River Camping

We had an amazing stay at Blackwater Ranch! From the very beginning, the owner was wonderful to work with and communicated clearly and promptly, which made everything so easy and stress-free. The property itself was beautiful, peaceful, and exactly what we were hoping for. Everything was clean and well maintained, and the bathrooms were spotless, which is always a big plus for our family. We truly enjoyed our time here and couldn’t have asked for a better place to relax and unwind. We will definitely be recommending Blackwater Ranch to friends and family and look forward to staying again in the future!

S

Samuel

3 weeks ago

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Blackwater Ranch – River Camping

The tent camping with electric hookup was exactly what we expected and the area was spacious. Property was well maintained and we enjoyed our stay thoroughly. We will definitely be coming back to visit! Highly recommend renting the entire property with friends which we plan on doing next year!

Kerry

December 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Blackwater Ranch – River Camping

The campsite was clean and spacious. Even though other campers were present, we felt like we had the whole place to ourselves. The water features were unique and felt safe to swim and play around. We had a fun time stargazing. We even got lucky and witnessed several hours of meteor showers.

c

chuck

December 2025

17 ft travel trailer

With pets

1 night at J & T Hideaway / Silver Springs, FL

Great location, nice community, easy to back into

c

chuck

December 2025

17 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to J & T Hideaway / Silver Springs, FL

Great location, easy to back trailor in. Great community, resteraunt on premise , great food. Actually thinking about buying a lot there

K

Kate

November 2025

13 ft travel trailer

With pets

2 nights at J & T Hideaway / Silver Springs, FL

A beautiful place to camp! The restaurant on property is amazing and I was literally a kid in the candy shop!

Eliza

November 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Blackwater Ranch – River Camping

One of the BEST sites I’ve found through Hipcamp!!!! There was no shortage of things to do on the property itself, but as other reviews have mentioned, there are plenty of nature activities all within short driving distance. Host was great, facilities had everything I needed and in working order. I will definitely be back.

S

Sara

November 2025

34 ft Class C

With pets

1 night at J & T Hideaway / Silver Springs, FL

Easy parking! Convenient location. Quiet park. Fun restaurant on site! We needed it as a stop for the night but look forward to coming back for a long stay! Highly recommend a golf cart!

J

Joe

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Blackwater Ranch – River Camping

Stayed 2 nights. Camping with tents. At the time of this review, there was a drought, so the river was extremely low. Property was very well kept, clean, and a great central location if you don’t want to be too far away from everything. Hopefully next time the rain has raised the river so we could do the full runs, up and down stream. The water was nice and cool, great for the warmer days we had in November. We will definitely be returning. Great site.

C

Crystal

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Blackwater Ranch – River Camping

Very private, very remote, lovely waterfront property

E

Eric M.

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Blackwater Ranch – River Camping

This is a great place for children and rv camping. Lots of toys, cars, and trucks for the kids to play with. The St. Mary's river borders the property and is accessible for wading, swimming, and fishing. The property itself is very nice with some secluded spots if you want to do some primitive tent camping. There are port-o-let style toilets with a sink and access to potable water.

E

Edward

November 2025

23 ft travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to Blackwater Ranch – River Camping

Great location for a weekend camp. We were in a 23' TT and used the 30 amp service and water with no problems. CG is clean and stocked with toys to keep the grandkids busy. St Mary's was VERY low water. No paddling this weekend. Will definitely be back. Great job M ! Happy Campers

R

Russell

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Blackwater Ranch – River Camping

This place was awesome, Host was super nice and very helpful.

C

Carlos

September 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Blackwater Ranch – River Camping

We had an amazing weekend at Blackwater Ranch! It’s one of the best spots near Jacksonville, peaceful, beautiful, and perfect for spending quality time with family. Highly recommend for anyone looking to relax and enjoy the outdoors

K

Kristen

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Blackwater Ranch – River Camping

This spot is a jewel! Right off the road but tucked away. Lovely river access with sweet white sugar sand beaches. Great for kids with fun stuff to keep them occupied. A really cool cypress glade with knees galore if you are willing to explore. Our night was shared with a large group of folks gathering for fun, and we still felt we had privacy. We would go back in a heartbeat and recommend that you check it out!

S

Sarita

September 2025

25 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to J & T Hideaway / Silver Springs, FL

Quiet and very nice community. Everyone was friendly. Nice spot for the camper. We enjoyed ourselves. The only drawback about this community is there is no Wi-Fi.