The best waterside camping near Ocala

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For a nature getaway from Gainesville or Orlando, Ocala can't be beat. Known as "the horse capital of the world," it’s a popular spot for equestrian adventure camping. But it’s also close to major natural wonders of subtropical Central Florida: crystal-clear spring waters, forests of pine and palms, cypress swamps with gators, and an incredible diversity of local and migratory birds on the Atlantic Flyway. Ocala-area waterways like Silver Springs State Park and Crystal River put campers up close with manatees, while mountain biking and hiking trails through Ocala’s hilly terrain are a welcome change from Southern Florida’s flatlands. Ocala is also an RV camping hot spot for big rigs, with many RV sites offering full hookups, restrooms, clubhouses, and wifi. 

93% (2.3K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Ocala

1. J & T Hideaway / Silver Springs, FL

97%
(73)
11mi from Ocala · 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

For a nature getaway from Gainesville or Orlando, Ocala can't be beat. Known as "the horse capital of the world," it’s a popular spot for equestrian adventure camping. But it’s also close to major natural wonders of subtropical Central Florida: crystal-clear spring waters, forests of pine and palms, cypress swamps with gators, and an incredible diversity of local and migratory birds on the Atlantic Flyway. Ocala-area waterways like Silver Springs State Park and Crystal River put campers up close with manatees, while mountain biking and hiking trails through Ocala’s hilly terrain are a welcome change from Southern Florida’s flatlands. Ocala is also an RV camping hot spot for big rigs, with many RV sites offering full hookups, restrooms, clubhouses, and wifi. 

93% (2.3K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Ocala

1. J & T Hideaway / Silver Springs, FL

97%
(73)
11mi from Ocala · 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

Public campgrounds near Ocala

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Nearby public parks

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The best waterside camping near Ocala guide

Where to go

Ocala Area

Numerous ranches offering horseback riding and beginner lessons dot Ocala and the surrounding area. But if you prefer a two-wheeled steed, Ocala has incredible Sunshine State mountain biking at Santos Trails and along the Cross Florida Greenway. Local bike rental shops can equip you to explore these forest trail systems.

Silver Springs State Park

Just six miles east of downtown Ocala lies Silver Springs State Park, one of Florida's best-known springs. Here, translucent, turquoise water bubbles up from underground limestone aquifers to form the Silver River. Campers can travel these waters by kayak or glass-bottom boat to see manatees, freshwater fish, and alligators, but don’t forget to look up for a chance to spot wild rhesus macaque monkeys in the trees. Opt for a tent site or a cabin within the park to be set near trailheads.

Crystal River

A 7-mile river west of Ocala, Crystal River is fed by water from 30 different springs. At the head of the river in certain Kings Bay areas, you can swim with the manatees—hit the town of Crystal River for snorkeling and kayaking outfitters.

Ocala National Forest

Ocala National Forest is one of the great protected swaths of wild forest in Florida, containing numerous lakes, springs, and hiking trails winding through sand pine scrub. Kayaking and canoeing tours and the Florida Trail are popular ways to explore, while public campsites in Juniper Springs Recreation Area and Salt Springs Recreation Area are solid options for spending the night.

When to go

Although Ocala is a year-round camping destination, winters are more pleasant than summers—they’re less hot, less humid, and less rainy. The tradeoff is that Ocala and its popular attractions can be more crowded during this time. Summer is doable, but high heat and humidity mean you may be more comfortable in an RV park, a cabin with air conditioning, or at a campground with a swimming pool.