The best beach camping 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% (126)

Top-rated campgrounds near Gainesville

1. Camp Declan

100%
(15)
28mi from Gainesville · 1 site · Lodging
Camp Declan is many things rolled into one. First, it is a private six-acre hardwood forest with 400’ of shoreline on a fresh-water, all-purpose lake. The air is clean and fresh and the fish, birds and Florida wildlife teem around you. Second, are the three buildings Cabin, Cabana and Bunkhouse. Each has a bathroom and the Cabin and Bunkhouse accommodate 18 overnight guests comfortably. The Cabana serves as outdoor bar/kitchen and hangout. Larger groups can be accommodated with a little ingenuity, too. Third, the layout of the property is such that the lake and large floating dock are always the star of the show. Whether you’re playing volleyball, badminton or horse shoes, sitting around the fire pit or canoeing on the lake, the sum of its parts makes a wonderful private indoor/outdoor lodging and recreation space for fishing, swimming, boating and grilling. Learn more about this land: "Old Florida" lake cabin, deck, dock, 12-bed bunkhouse, fully-equipped indoor kitchen, outdoor kitchen/bar and hot outdoor & indoor showers. Private, fenced grounds overlooks firepit, zipline and anchored swim raft. Ideal for groups up to 18 who seek a down-to-earth "fish camp" experience.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$300
 / night

2. J & T Hideaway / Silver Springs, FL

97%
(73)
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
Pets
Full hookups
from 
$58
 / night

3. Blackwater Ranch – River Camping

100%
(40)
49mi from Gainesville · 13 sites · Tents, RVs
🌿 Welcome to Blackwater, y’all Just 35 minutes from Jacksonville, Blackwater is a secluded 10+ acre private riverfront property at Georgia’s southernmost edge right on the Florida-Georgia Line. Surrounded by protected woodland and a sweeping river bend, it offers space, quiet, and a true escape from crowded camps. Your view looks straight into Florida, across 150+ acres of undeveloped preserve, giving the property a peaceful, remote feel while remaining easy to access. 📸 Yes, you can swim or stand in two states at once for that perfect Instagram photo Situated on the St. Marys River, a rain-fed freshwater river flowing from the Okefenokee Swamp. Natural tannins from peat give the water its famous sweet-tea color, which appears darker in deeper sections and clearer along the shore. ✔️ Clean and safe for swimming ✔️ 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 one of the best natural swimming spots for cooling off on hot summer days. 🌱 Rare Southern Ecosystem: Blackwater sits where river, ancient sand dune, hardwood forest, pine uplands, and cypress wetlands all meet. Southern live 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, vanlife, families, and small or large group gatherings. A 70-foot covered riverfront pavilion with electricity, water, hammocks, and a firepit overlooks the water, 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 📍 Minutes from St. Marys Shoals Equipedal Park 📍 Close to Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge (Okefenokee Adventures) Peaceful, scenic, unforgettable, secluded riverfront camping near Jax!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$20
 / night

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
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from 
$37
 / night

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.

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% (126)

Top-rated campgrounds near Gainesville

1. Camp Declan

100%
(15)
28mi from Gainesville · 1 site · Lodging
Camp Declan is many things rolled into one. First, it is a private six-acre hardwood forest with 400’ of shoreline on a fresh-water, all-purpose lake. The air is clean and fresh and the fish, birds and Florida wildlife teem around you. Second, are the three buildings Cabin, Cabana and Bunkhouse. Each has a bathroom and the Cabin and Bunkhouse accommodate 18 overnight guests comfortably. The Cabana serves as outdoor bar/kitchen and hangout. Larger groups can be accommodated with a little ingenuity, too. Third, the layout of the property is such that the lake and large floating dock are always the star of the show. Whether you’re playing volleyball, badminton or horse shoes, sitting around the fire pit or canoeing on the lake, the sum of its parts makes a wonderful private indoor/outdoor lodging and recreation space for fishing, swimming, boating and grilling. Learn more about this land: "Old Florida" lake cabin, deck, dock, 12-bed bunkhouse, fully-equipped indoor kitchen, outdoor kitchen/bar and hot outdoor & indoor showers. Private, fenced grounds overlooks firepit, zipline and anchored swim raft. Ideal for groups up to 18 who seek a down-to-earth "fish camp" experience.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$300
 / night

2. J & T Hideaway / Silver Springs, FL

97%
(73)
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
Pets
Full hookups
from 
$58
 / night

3. Blackwater Ranch – River Camping

100%
(40)
49mi from Gainesville · 13 sites · Tents, RVs
🌿 Welcome to Blackwater, y’all Just 35 minutes from Jacksonville, Blackwater is a secluded 10+ acre private riverfront property at Georgia’s southernmost edge right on the Florida-Georgia Line. Surrounded by protected woodland and a sweeping river bend, it offers space, quiet, and a true escape from crowded camps. Your view looks straight into Florida, across 150+ acres of undeveloped preserve, giving the property a peaceful, remote feel while remaining easy to access. 📸 Yes, you can swim or stand in two states at once for that perfect Instagram photo Situated on the St. Marys River, a rain-fed freshwater river flowing from the Okefenokee Swamp. Natural tannins from peat give the water its famous sweet-tea color, which appears darker in deeper sections and clearer along the shore. ✔️ Clean and safe for swimming ✔️ 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 one of the best natural swimming spots for cooling off on hot summer days. 🌱 Rare Southern Ecosystem: Blackwater sits where river, ancient sand dune, hardwood forest, pine uplands, and cypress wetlands all meet. Southern live 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, vanlife, families, and small or large group gatherings. A 70-foot covered riverfront pavilion with electricity, water, hammocks, and a firepit overlooks the water, 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 📍 Minutes from St. Marys Shoals Equipedal Park 📍 Close to Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge (Okefenokee Adventures) Peaceful, scenic, unforgettable, secluded riverfront camping near Jax!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$20
 / night

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
Pets
Campfires
Picnic table
from 
$37
 / night

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.

Camper favorites near Gainesville

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Public campgrounds near Gainesville

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

More campsites near Gainesville

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