Beach Camping Near Ocala, Florida, US: 12 Best Beach Campsites 2025

Beach camping in Ocala means waking up to soft sand underfoot and the sound of water nearby—right in the heart of Florida. With over 680 beach campsites in this area, you’ll find options for every budget, from basic setups at $23 a night to more equipped sites averaging $75. Showers, pet-friendly spots, and toilets come standard at many camps, so you can focus on what matters: spotting wildlife, heading out on horseback, or casting a fishing line. Locals and seasoned campers rave about Happy Campers Rescue Ranch (243 reviews) for its relaxed vibe, J & T Hideaway / Silver Springs, FL (53 reviews) for easy access to trails, and Enchanted Oaks Camp & Farm (25 reviews) for its laid-back, shady grounds. Ocala’s beach terrain isn’t just sand and surf—it’s a gateway to Florida’s wild side and a solid base for your next outdoor escape.

95% (99)

Top-rated campgrounds

Beach camping in Ocala means waking up to soft sand underfoot and the sound of water nearby—right in the heart of Florida. With over 680 beach campsites in this area, you’ll find options for every budget, from basic setups at $23 a night to more equipped sites averaging $75. Showers, pet-friendly spots, and toilets come standard at many camps, so you can focus on what matters: spotting wildlife, heading out on horseback, or casting a fishing line. Locals and seasoned campers rave about Happy Campers Rescue Ranch (243 reviews) for its relaxed vibe, J & T Hideaway / Silver Springs, FL (53 reviews) for easy access to trails, and Enchanted Oaks Camp & Farm (25 reviews) for its laid-back, shady grounds. Ocala’s beach terrain isn’t just sand and surf—it’s a gateway to Florida’s wild side and a solid base for your next outdoor escape.

95% (99)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. J & T Hideaway / Silver Springs, FL

96%

(69)

11mi from Ocala · 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

2. Camp Declan

100%

(15)

37mi from Ocala · 1 site · Lodging · Interlachen, FL

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.

3. Cristal camping 🏕️

85%

(20)

29mi from Ocala · 1 site · Tent, RV · 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

4. My mini farm

88%

(8)

30mi from Ocala · 3 sites · RVs · Dunnellon, FL

Off the beaten path and off the grid, this working mini farm is a quiet getaway spot for naturalists. 3-5 miles to Crystal River and King's bay, within a 20 minute drive of the Rainbow river and downtown Dunnellon, beaches, and several nature preserves and parks.Learn more about this land:Enjoy the quiet solitude, the natural wooded surroundings, and the farm animals at this unique, off-the-grid, solar powered escape. About the property Trails, waterways, and the nearby Gulf Coast offer plenty to see and do during your stay. Just 10 minutes from Crystal River, enjoy the abundant hiking, swimming, kayaking, bicycling, and horseback riding the area has to offer. This is a working farm so expect to see horses, chickens, pigs, and our farm dog during your stay. Be sure to bring your farm shoes! Your Hosts live onsite and are flexible to hang out and suggest activities if requested, but also happy to just show you around and then leave you to enjoy your stay in solitude. Note that we offer three total Hipcamp sites, so you may see other travelers in common areas or in passing on the property during your stay. About the listing We welcome self-contained travelers in camper vans, trucks, trailers, and RVs up to 35 feet in length. Potable water is available. We don’t have a kitchen but you are welcome to cook on the grill over the firepit. You can also spread out during meals on the provided picnic table. Enjoy the hot outdoor shower during your stay. If you’ve never showered under the stars, this is your chance! Campfires are allowed, and some wood is provided during your stay to get you started. Please fully extinguish fires after use, and always follow county restrictions if there is a fire ban due to dry weather. Additional details to note - No WiFi is provided, but we do have good cell service onsite. - Pets are allowed, as long as they won’t mind being around our animals. - Feel free to dispose of your compost, recycling, and trash in the provided bins.

5. The River Inn RV

100%

(4)

40mi from Ocala · 1 site · RV · Homosassa, FL

Launch your boat at a nearby public ramp and dock it in the water at our property. Keep the trailer in the driveway. Kayaks are available at no extra charge and can be launched from our property. Fish from the dock for sheepshead, mullet, mangrove snapper, and blue crab. On occasion you will see dolphins and manatees in our canal. Fishing and kayaking in the Homosassa Bay is great all year long. Your space is limited to parking area, dock front, and seating area under our stilt home. You must be observant of changing tides and wind conditions when planning a trip on the water.

6. Rural, Quiet, Homey

100%

(2)

45mi from Ocala · 2 sites · RVs · San Mateo, FL

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.

Public campgrounds near Ocala

Fore Lake Campground

15mi from Ocala · 31 sites · Tents, RVs · in Ocala National Forest

Little Lake Bryant Primitive Campground

15mi from Ocala · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · in Ocala National Forest

Lake Shore Group Campground

15mi from Ocala · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Ocala National Forest

Lake Eaton Campground

18mi from Ocala · 1 site · in Ocala National Forest

0%

(3)

Mill Dam Group Campground

19mi from Ocala · 1 site · Tent, RV · in Ocala National Forest

Trout Pond Primitive Campground

21mi from Ocala · 2 sites · in Ocala National Forest

100%

(2)

Doe Lake Group Campground

22mi from Ocala · 1 site · in Ocala National Forest

Grassy Pond Campground

25mi from Ocala · 1 site · in Ocala National Forest

Big Scrub Campground

25mi from Ocala · 58 sites · Tents, RVs · in Ocala National Forest

100%

(1)

South Tower Hunt Campground

26mi from Ocala · 1 site · in Ocala National Forest

Big Bass Campground

26mi from Ocala · 19 sites · Tents, RVs · in Ocala National Forest

Juniper Springs Recreation Area and Campground

100%

(16)

Juniper Springs Recreation Area and Campground

26mi from Ocala · 78 sites · Tents, RVs · in Ocala National Forest

Stories from the community

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.

T

Terry

August 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Camp Declan

I’ve been here numerous times. Extremely relaxing. Kids loves it like they do every time we come. Plenty of room to run and play. Stayed outside almost the entire time. Dogs loved it too. I’m sure I’ll be back.

K

Kimberley

July 2025

30 ft travel trailer

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

This is a great 55+ RV community that was so welcoming and friendly!! It was our first trip out in our RV and we hadn’t anticipated the challenge of backing in the RV but a nice couple out walking helped us get the RV backed in properly so we didn’t have any issues. The hosts were very responsive to texts and calls, super helpful and accommodating! There are several lots for sale in this community but we didn’t find any others on Hipcamp. We did not use any of the amenities but it is a great option to have them available so close. The resort is only a short distance from town so you can run to Walmart, Starbucks, or Bob Evans if you need anything. You are also a short distance from several springs as well. We will definitely be back again!!

H

Heather

June 2025

26 ft travel trailer

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

This spot was so perfect for what we needed. The site is clean and level and the deck provided such a nice spot for morning coffee or relaxing at the end of the day. The pool and hot tub were a nice addition. Laundry was really fairly priced. The cafe had great breakfast and you must get a Whoopie pie from the candy store! This spot is in a park but there are other RVs. Everyone was nice and friendly. Would go back!

N

Nicholas

June 2025

36 ft fifth wheel

With pets

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

It is in a great location. The site is very nice and quiet.

D

Douglas

June 2025

39 ft fifth wheel

Group trip

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

J & T Hideaway / Silver Springs, FL was a clean, well appointed site, only a short drive from Silver Springs. The pool was nearby and open until 10pm and the Bath House had AC and clean hot showers. Tina was a welcoming and attentive host and we recommend this site to anyone visiting the area.

Stephen

May 2025

18 ft campervan

5 nights at Rural, Quiet, Homey

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

G

Gerardo

April 2025

Tent

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.

S

Shannon

April 2025

26 ft travel trailer

With pets

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

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

Jess

April 2025

20 ft campervan

With kids

2 nights at My mini farm

Coleen’s farm was the perfect place for my son and I to stay for a couple nights while exploring crystal river and the areas beaches. We loved being greeted by her dogs and cats and seeing the horses. Thanks for a great place to camp!

Terri

March 2025

32 ft Class C

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!

C

Chelsea

February 2025

Group trip

2 nights at Camp Declan

This was a phenomenal property. Absolutely perfect for our plans. We brought a ground of Young Men ages 14-17 here for a few days and they had such an incredible experience. There was something for everyone and I would highly recommend the property to anyone. I may be trying to organize another stay here specifically because of how great it was for our needs. Additionally, Declan was very responsive to our questions and requests. Top notch!

G

Gary

February 2025

24 ft travel trailer

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

Tina’s property is located in 55+mobile CB home park. The park is in a beautiful setting including many ponds, a river and all the amenities you would expect ( swimming pool/hot tub, laundry room, rest rooms with showers). Tina’s space is on a large corner lot with a level cement pad and ample room for parking your vehicle. A wood deck provides a great place to sit and relax. Fire pits are allowed but you must provide your own. The best part about this property is its proximity (4 miles) to Silver Springs State park where we spent all three days of our stay here.

L

Larry

February 2025

26 ft Class C

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

Nice park with amenities. Clean and quiet in the morning. Would stay there again.

G

Gary

February 2025

30 ft travel trailer

4 nights at The River Inn RV

It was easy access for a 30 foot travel trailer and Truck Excellent views, quiet had everything you needed Mike has a nice set up to make it easy for you Nice views of the water

M

Marina

February 2025

33 ft travel trailer

With pets

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

We really enjoyed our stay and the resort. The site was nicely decorated, spacious, well-kept, comfortable, and easy to back our RV in to. We also liked the proximity to local activities and attractions. There's also a little country store there that sells homemade Whoopie Pies. We will definitely recommend this site to anyone looking for nice place to glamp in Ocala, Fl.

E

Elizabeth

January 2025

48 ft Class A

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

Safe, clean, organized, optimal location. Nice amenities (nature trail, restaurant, candy store).

R

Ryan

January 2025

21 ft travel trailer

With pets

10 nights at Cristal camping 🏕️

I loved my stay here. The land is natural but fairly level, you can park any type of rig however you want or spread out some tents with space. The access is easy, and you don't need to do any backing in. The area is great, you feel like you are in the middle of nowhere at times but just around the corner are so many attractions and places to eat and drink. We planned like 11 days here but stayed around 5 more. Had we not had something back home to take care of we would have actually stayed longer. Joseph is a helpful host and gave us good info. We never met but I spoke to him on the phone very friendly. We liked iot so much we bought a piece of land across the dirt road from it and are doing our winters down here in the future. I don''t have a bad word to say about this place. Had a great time there.

o

olivia

January 2025

With kids

4 nights at Camp Declan

We were a group of 18, 8 adults and 10 kids and had THE BEST TIME. The kids could roam, fish, play in the dirt, just be kids. No Tv’s no screens, just nature! Highly recommend for anyone who wants a “camping” experience without actually camping! The owner was very attentive and answered any questions promptly. We believe he was on the property (in an RV far from the house) but never saw nor heard from him…but found safety in him knowing the neighbors/neighborhood, etc. We are already planning our next trip!

Bruce

December 2024

25 ft Class C

2 nights at The River Inn RV

The site was great, you're at the end of a canal and hookups are right there. Mike has kayaks for you to use. There's plenty of Pub and Grills near by. You need to visit Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park just a short drive away.