Beach camping near Gainesville

Discover and reserve the best campgrounds, cabins, RV parks, and more.

96% (390 reviews)

United States
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Florida
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Gainesville

96% (390 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Gainesville

Community favorites near Gainesville

Public campgrounds near Gainesville

One of the cabins available at the park.

100%

(2)

Sandhill Campground

32 sites · RVs, Tents In Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park

100%

(6)

Florida Trail Primitive Campground

1 site · RV, Tent In Osceola National Forest

100%

(1)

Lake Johnson Cabins

16 sites In Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park

100%

(1)

Lakeview Campground

33 sites · RVs, Tents In Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park

Salt Springs Recreation Area and Campground

100%

(9)

Salt Springs Recreation Area and Campground

160 sites · RVs, Tents In Ocala National Forest

100%

(1)

Group Landing Campground

1 site · RV, Tent In Osceola National Forest

96%

(12)

Manatee Springs Campground

70 sites · RVs, Tents In Manatee Springs State Park

Primitive Campground

2 sites In Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park

Fanning Springs Primitive Campground

5 sites In Fanning Springs State Park

(3)

Mill Dam Group Campground

1 site · RV, Tent In Ocala National Forest

Lake Shore Group Campground

1 site · RV, Tent In Ocala National Forest

Hopkins Prairie Campground

1 site In Ocala National Forest

Stories from the community

Weekend Trip to Florida Georgia Line River Camp

Everyone was very impressed. Looked better than the pictures.

1 night at Happy Campers Rescue Ranch

Candid Review of Our One-Night RV Stay We spent one night in this RV and while there were some positive aspects, our experience overall was quite difficult — especially with a child. The good: The host was truly kind, responsive, and tried to help with the issues that arose. I genuinely appreciate his effort and communication. However, there were several serious concerns: • Safety for children: This is not a kid-friendly campsite. There’s an electric wire fence meant to keep animals inside the enclosure, but it’s easily accessible to children. Despite the warning signs, kids are naturally curious. My child accidentally touched the wire and received a painful electric shock, which was very distressing. • Cleanliness: When we arrived, the bed was made, but there was a strange white stain on the bedsheet — clearly visible once we lay down. That was uncomfortable and concerning. • Water and lighting issues: There was no running water at night or in the morning. The toilet didn’t flush properly and we had to pour water manually from a kettle. Several lights inside the RV also weren’t working. • Disturbing sight in the yard: Most shocking of all — there was a burned goat in the middle of the property, still smoking. My child saw the charred animal with the skull visible, and it was extremely traumatic. There was no warning or explanation, and it completely changed the tone of our stay. • Animal interaction not as pictured: We chose this place hoping for interaction with ani

Weekend Trip to Happy Campers Rescue Ranch

May husband and I and Yorkie had a great time..Arcadia was wonderful he is there for whatever you needed..we enjoyed the outdoor movie he set up for us ..we made a nice fire and had a cook out .also loved the animals were adorable we took a walk to see them all. The bed was so comfortable we had a great night sleep was so quiet ..yes we would stay again..

1 night at Florida Georgia Line River Camp

This has to be the best campsite we have ever been to the owner is super nice. I can’t believe how lucky we got discovering this hidden gem. The campsite had everything you need, including water, electricity, and beautiful views. The water was so refreshing on such a hot day, and it was only a short walk from our tent. We have an annual tradition of camping for our anniversary and this has become our new spot!!!

Weekend Trip to River Garden Farm

Brian and Renee are the absolute sweetest people! Highly recommend staying here

5 nights at Rural, Quiet, Homey

Had a wonderful time, nice quiet getaway. Would definitely stay again. Elinor was awesome.

Weekend Trip to Florida Georgia Line River Camp

IT WAS AMAZING! Definitely coming back!! I loved tent camping there. It was private, quiet, and so much to do. We fished, went swimming, kayaking, and made dinner & smores over the fire. We brought our 2 grandkids ages 3 & 7. They had a blast and didn't wanna leave, we didn't want to either. They played in the playground area & rode the kids atv all around. We loved the beach area too! The sand is so soft and white! There was picnic tables very close by, so we had a place to sit and eat. Loved the bridge and hammock! I would definitely recommend this site to everyone I know.

Janna

May 2025

Weekend Trip to Happy Campers Rescue Ranch

Very private and secluded. We had lots of fun. Friend watching a movie outside on the projector , roasting marshmallows by the fire , playing with the animals. A very much hip camp vibe ! We enjoyed it and will be back again !

Weekend Trip to Florida Georgia Line River Camp

Such a sweet spot!!! So many things to do and such a great place to relax. Had electric hook up spots and bathrooms were in decent condition. Would definitely recommend!!!!

Weekend Trip to Cristal camping 🏕️

Our stay at was absolutely incredible! From the moment we arrived. The campsite itself was spacious, clean, and perfectly tucked away for some real peace and quiet.

Weekend Trip to Florida Georgia Line River Camp

Pasamos un fin de semana espectacular en este camping. El lugar es muy limpio, seguro y bien cuidado. Ideal para desconectarse, hacer fogatas y relajarse en un ambiente tranquilo.. Sin duda volveremos

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

Campsite and park were nice. We would stay again. Hosts respond quickly.

Denise

April 2025

Weekend Trip to Enchanted Oaks Camp & Farm

This farm is sooo adorable! Cassie is great and welcoming, the places to stay in are very unique and decorated so boho vintage. Lots of space to walk, pet and feed animals, or even watch the stars. Easy to obtain wood, clean property. I will definitely return and stay in another unit. Very romantic space.

4 nights at River Garden Farm

We had a great time here. The location is perfect with walking distance to the Withlahoochee river. The rainbow river is also close and beautiful. We saw otters and so many birds on the Rainbow. Many places to rent kayaks or go tubing. Brian and Renee were fantastic hosts and made sure we had everything we needed.

Weekend Trip to Florida Georgia Line River Camp

Awesome place, the river was so relaxing. We throughly enjoyed ourselves. We will definitely be back!

Weekend Trip to Florida Georgia Line River Camp

What a cool place this is to camp. Riverside canoe/kayak access, multiple fire pits, swings, and all sorts of fun stuff to play with. Easy to find, very hospitable hosts. We will definitely be back.

Weekend Trip to Happy Campers Rescue Ranch

We loved his rustic trailer… Arcadio was amazing , very accommodating and helpful! He helped source wood for us even though there was plenty of dead wood to cut for yourself. And we enjoyed a movie night followed by s'more's that he sourced for us as well! We’ll be back!

Weekend Trip to Florida Georgia Line River Camp

Absolutely stunning property with private access to the St. Mary River. 50 amp hookup was great, outhouse was well kept and there were plenty of activities to do on-site.

5 nights at Happy Campers Rescue Ranch

my family & i have been tent camping, traveling all through the state of florida w rainbow springs state park being last on our list. we came across arcadio & his property & there was a camper to rent too!? we thought PERFECT - it's just a 15 minute drive to the swimming/kayaking area! we had add ons such as eggs, firewood & a movie night. wood was there upon arrival, he walked the eggs over when we got there & the movie night was a hit w the kiddos! we were traveling w a 120lb doggy & him being off leash was an option. arcadio is such a kind, laid back dude that strives to make your stay as comfortable as possible! anytime we had an issue he was on site within a couple of minutes ready to problem solve. our site was right across from the playground, so the kids were free to come & go from there. everyday they looked forward to taking our fruit scraps to wilbur! (the piggy) beautiful sunrises & sunsets, handy outdoor shower, fire ring was perfect for our cooking needs too. thank you for having us; we hope to be back some day 10/10 recommend :)

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

Very nice site on the corner with a little deck. Nice trail in the to walk on in the woods. Nice campground we didn’t get to see it all. Wished we would have stayed longer. Close to Silver springs. We did check the little candy store out in front before we left.. make sure you don’t miss stopping there. Everyone there was friendly. Would like to come back and stay longer next time!

3 top beach campgrounds near Gainesville

96%

(303)

Happy Campers Rescue Ranch

15 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Dunnellon, FL

Welcome! 🌿 We're thrilled to have you join us for an unforgettable experience surrounded by nature and animals. 🐾 At our ranch, we're dedicated to providing a sanctuary for rescued animals and offering our guests a unique opportunity to connect with nature and support our mission of animal welfare and conservation – it's a haven where you can relax, unwind, and make memories that will last a lifetime. 🌟 During your stay, you'll have the chance to meet our furry friends, including rescued farm animals and adorable companions who call Happy Campers Rescue Ranch home. Whether you're feeding the goats, cuddling with the kittens, or exploring the beautiful surroundings, there's something for everyone to enjoy. 🐷🐱🌳 But that's not all – we also offer a range of exciting extras to enhance your experience. Rent a Kayak or Paddle Boat to explore the area and crystal-clear waters of Rainbow Springs, or choose our cooler with built-in air conditioning ❄️ to stay comfortable during hot summer days inside your tent. As a guest, you'll not only have the opportunity to relax and unwind, but you'll also be supporting our mission of animal rescue and rehabilitation. A portion of your stay goes directly towards caring for our rescued animals and maintaining our sanctuary, allowing us to continue our important work. 🤲 We can't wait to welcome you to out ranch and share our love for animals and nature with you. Whether you're looking for a weekend getaway, a family vacation, or a unique retreat, we're here to make your stay unforgettable. 🌈 ***We kindly request bookings for a maximum duration of up to 7 days. This allows us to maintain the integrity of our sanctuary and ensures that our animals receive consistent care and attention while also offering our guests the opportunity to enjoy a refreshing and rejuvenating getaway. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in this matter. Thank you for choosing our ranch – we look forward to hosting you soon! 🎉

86%

(18)

Cristal camping 🏕️

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Crystal River, FL

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

98%

(61)

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

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

83%

(6)

Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park

Keystone Heights, Florida

100%

(7)

Osceola National Forest

Glen St Mary, Florida

83%

(61)

Ocala National Forest

Silver Springs Shores, Florida

96%

(12)

Manatee Springs State Park

Manatee Road, Florida

Fanning Springs State Park

Pineland, Florida

Other options near Gainesville

Elite Resorts at Salt Springs

1 site1 acre · Salt Springs, FL

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.

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Toilets

Island Oaks RV Resort

1 site1 acre · Glen Saint Mary, FL

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.

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Potable water

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Beach camping near Gainesville guide

Overview

Gainesville sits on the edge of the Florida panhandle, about 45 minutes north of Ocala. Starke is about 30 minutes to the northeast, while state capital Tallahassee is two hours northwest. Traveling with kids? You'll want to schedule a stop at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, just 10 miles south of Gainesville. In addition to being pleasingly alliterative, this park features breathtaking wildlife. You'll see free-roaming herds of wild bison and horses here. Climb the park's 50-foot observation tower to get a bird's-eye view. This park also features water access via Lake Wauberg. RV parks are especially popular in the Florida area. Travelers Campground, located about 30 minutes northwest of Gainesville proper, makes a good spot to post up. You'll get free Wi-Fi access and full hookups here. Tent camping is also allowed. Note that this park is close to the University of Florida and can get pretty busy on Gators game days! Heat and humidity can make Gainesville summers stickily uncomfortable. High temperatures stay right around 90 degrees from May through September. The rest of the year is quite pleasant, though, with highs ranging from the high 60s to low 80s.