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The FOLC Farm Campground

Hosted by Catherine · Gainesville, Florida
9 sites · RV, Tent · 5 acres
100%
·
23 reviews
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Catherine is a Star Host
Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.
Private sites
96% of recent Hipcampers say the sites felt private.
The FOLC Farm (Florida Outdoor Learning Collective) is a homestead, outdoor learning center, and community event space in Gainesville, FL. Situated on 5 wooded acres, The FOLC Farm is only minutes from downtown Gainesville and the University of Florida by car or bike trail, and within walking distance of Payne's Prairie State Park La Chua Trail, Boulware Spring, Sweetwater Preserve trail system, and the Hawthorne bike trail. Guests are welcome at the occasional public social events held onsite (separate from the campground). At The FOLC Farm, you will find the perfect blend of nature, culture, and convenience. At the entrance of the property is a self-contained, family-friendly campground with nine non-electric sites (five tent sites and four car camping sites). You may also rent the entire campground for your private group (usually $300 on weekends, $200 on weekdays — please message to inquire). At the campground, you have access to a shared campfire, picnic tables, grill, composting toilet, sink with running water, shower with hot water, changing room, and some art supplies and games to enjoy during your stay. The host lives on the homestead and is available if you need assistance. Please note: The five tent sites are within the campground circle where no cars are allowed for camper safety. The parking area is within 150 feet (45 meters) of the various sites, and a cart is available to move your gear. Sites are 25–50 feet (8–15 meters) apart. Dogs are not allowed for the safety and comfort of other campers. If your private group is renting the whole campground, you may bring a leashed pet when it is not in your tent or van. If you are looking for a single private campsite far from town, this is not for you. However, if you would like to experience a campground on a working homestead and learning center, with the ability to interact with other guests if you wish, while still being conveniently close to downtown and trail systems, this is a great fit. This wooded 5-acre property is very close to thousands of acres of state park land and also adjacent to a rural/suburban neighborhood. Therefore, you can expect to hear both typical neighborhood sounds (cars, children) as well as wildlife such as Barred Owls, Sandhill Cranes, and occasional deer visits.

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Tent-only sites

5 sites
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B- Beautyberry

100%
(6)
Tent site · Sleeps 2
Wooded tent site that can fit one medium tent. 2 people max. Site size: 12' x 20' The parking, sink, shower, picnic tables, grill, firepit are available for use at the communal area close by, not at individual sites. Note: As with many campgrounds and state parks, the tent sites are 25-50' apart and while there is foliage in between sites, you can see other sites at the campground.
Short walk to site
No campfires
Toilet
Potable water
No pets
Showers
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C- Coyote

100%
(5)
Tent site · Sleeps 2
Tent site that can fit one medium tent or two solo tents. 2 people max. Site size: 20' x 15' The parking, sink, shower, picnic tables, grill, firepit are available for use at the communal area close by, not at individual sites. Note: As with many campgrounds and state parks, the tent sites are 25-50' apart and while there is foliage in between sites, you can see other sites at the campground.
Short walk to site
No campfires
Toilet
Potable water
No pets
Showers
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E- Elderberry

100%
(3)
Tent site · Sleeps 4
Wooded tent site on natural ground that can fit one large size tent or two small tents. 4 people max. Site size: 15' long x 25' wide. The parking, sink, shower, picnic tables, grill, firepit are available for use at the communal area close by (not at individual sites). Note: As with many campgrounds and state parks, the tent sites are 25-50' apart and while there is foliage in between sites, you can see other sites at the campground.
Short walk to site
No campfires
Toilet
Potable water
No pets
Showers
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A- Armadillo

100%
(1)
Tent site · Sleeps 4
Wooded tent site. Can fit one medium tent or 2 solo tents. 4 people max. Site size 15' x 15' The parking, sink, shower, picnic tables, grill, firepit are available for use at the communal area close by. Note: As with many campgrounds and state parks, the tent sites are 25-50' apart and while there is foliage in between sites, you can see other sites at the campground.
Short walk to site
No campfires
Toilet
Potable water
No pets
Showers
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D- Diamondback

100%
(1)
Tent site · Sleeps 4
Wooded tent site on natural ground that can fit one large size tent or two small tents. 4 people max. Site size: 15' long x 25' wide. The parking, sink, shower, picnic tables, grill, firepit are available for use at the communal area close by, not at individual sites. Note: As with many campgrounds and state parks, the tent sites are 25-50' apart and while there is foliage in between sites, you can see other sites in the campground.
Short walk to site
No campfires
Toilet
Potable water
No pets
Showers

RV-only sites

4 sites
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H- Hawk

100%
(4)
Vehicle site · Sleeps 4 · Vehicles under 20 ft
Car/camper van site that can fit one vehicle. 4 people max. Site size: 20' long x 25' wide. Flat, natural ground surface. No electric hookup. The parking, sink, shower, picnic tables, grill, firepit are available for use at the communal area close by, not at individual sites. Note: As with many campgrounds and state parks, the tent sites are 25-50' apart and while there is foliage in between sites, you can see other sites at the campground.
Short walk to site
No campfires
Toilet
Potable water
No pets
No electrical hookup
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F- Firefly

100%
(3)
Vehicle site · Sleeps 2 · Vehicles under 20 ft
Wooded Car/camper van site at the beginning of the property that can fit one vehicle. 2 people max. Site size: 25' long x 15' wide. Flat, natural ground surface. No electric hookup. The parking, sink, shower, picnic tables, grill, firepit are available for use at the communal area close by, not at individual sites. Note: As with many campgrounds and state parks, the tent sites are 25-50' apart and while there is foliage in between sites, you can see other sites at the campground.
Short walk to site
No campfires
Toilet
Potable water
No pets
No electrical hookup
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I- Ibis

100%
(3)
Vehicle site · Sleeps 2 · Vehicles under 20 ft
Car/camper van site on flat natural ground that can fit one vehicle. 2 people max. Site size: 20' long x 18' wide No electric hookup. The parking, sink, shower, picnic tables, grill, firepit are available for use at the communal area close by, not at individual sites. Note: As with many campgrounds and state parks, the tent sites are 25-50' apart and while there is foliage in between sites, you can see other sites at the campground.
Short walk to site
No campfires
Toilet
Potable water
No pets
No electrical hookup
  • Picture of the site
  • Picture of the site
  • Picture of the site
Instant book

G- Gopher Tortoise

Vehicle site · Sleeps 4 · Vehicles under 20 ft
Flat wooded car/camper van site that can fit one vehicle. 2 people max. Site size: 20' long x 25' wide. Flat natural ground. No electric hookup. The parking, sink, shower, picnic tables, grill, firepit are available for use at the communal area close by, not at individual sites. Note: As with many campgrounds and state parks, the tent sites are 25-50' apart and while there is foliage in between sites, you can see other sites at the campground.
Short walk to site
No campfires
Toilet
Potable water
No pets
No electrical hookup

Reviews

100% Recommend26 ratings · 23 reviews
Recommends
· March 2026
Tent ·
B- Beautyberry
I stayed at Catherines hipcamp for a week during a class. She is a wonderful host, everything was kept clean and accommodating! Would definitely stay here again.
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Brad T.
4 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· March 2026
Tent ·
E- Elderberry
Thank you FOLC! The fairy garden and paint supplies were an unexpected treat!
A
Andy W.
2 reviews
Recommends
· March 2026
Peaceful and easy access to trails
Tent ·
D- Diamondback
I absolutely loved my stay at the Hipcamp at the FOLC Farm. I stayed here while attending a wilderness first responder course that was held at the FOLC Farm. My tent site was great with a nearby fire pit, hot outdoor shower!, and an outhouse. The property is peaceful and within walking distance of a State park, a City natural area, and a multi-use trail. I hiked, ran, and mountain biked on the various trails without having to get in my car. Within 10 minutes you can be in downtown Gainesville. Catherine, the owner, is incredibly nice and hospitable. She has done a great job making the FOLC Farm a fun place to camp.
M
Mark R.
1 month on Hipcamp
Recommends
· March 2026
Beautiful campground!
Tent ·
A- Armadillo
I camped here for a week long course at the FOLC farm. Beautiful campground with lots of shade and sitting areas for picnics. There’s a large fire pit, a clean spacious hot shower, sink with running water, and compostable toilet right on the grounds for easy access. The area is very large and easier fit our group of 9, and I still felt like I had privacy. There’s a handful of kitchen implements and a dish rack which made everything even easier. I felt like I was in the woods and downtown Gainesville is still only a short drive away. There’s several parks and trails within walking distance as well. A very beautiful campground and our host Catherine was fabulous! I would definitely stay here again next time I’m in the area. I just wish I had time to paint on the art wall; I’ll just have to on my next visit :)
M
Michelle B.
1 month on Hipcamp
Recommends
· March 2026
Tent ·
B- Beautyberry
My stay at the FOLC Farm campsite this spring was awesome! The campground is both beautiful and inviting, and well equipped for a comfortable camping experience with a fire pit, picnic tables and chairs, amazing outdoor shower, wash station for dishes and nice clean composting toilet. The host is friendly, knowledgeable of the region and welcoming, and it was a great camping experience. Tucked away in the scenic woodlands of Gainesville, you are close to nearby hiking and cycling, great trails for wildflower viewing and birding, and also just a skip and a hop from the arts and restaurants in downtown Gainesville. You’ll hear the sounds of the breeze, birdsong and rooster crowing at dawn. A perfect little weekend getaway!
S
Sarah K.
1 month on Hipcamp
Recommends
· March 2026
16 ft car ·
H- Hawk
I loved camping at FOLC Farm. This is my third time staying there. The location to all the hiking and biking spots is fantastic as well as being close to all the activities in Gainesville. Will stay again.
Avatar
Meg R.
6 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· March 2026
Tent ·
B- Beautyberry
If you want a review, you can just look at my previous entries.
J
Jeff O.
4 reviews
Recommends
· March 2026
Tent ·
B- Beautyberry
The camp has a good feel and it's laid out really well. There are eating and socializing areas . A huge firepit. There are pots and pans for cooking, a washing station for after meals, a shower that supplies almost instant hot water, a composting toilet. The various camp spots are placed at a good distance apart. This campground seems to have all the amenities, but for the life of me I couldn't understand why I was the only camper there for the 4 nights of my stay. I suppose there are street noises, since it is very close to a neighborhood. And there are vocal frogs and barking dogs occasionally, but that didn't really bother me. There is a good coverage of trees, and supposedly there are workshops and events beyond the camping area, but I didn't see anything posted, and I wasn't sure if that was something that you signed up for, or what, so I didn't feel very comfortable venturing beyond the camping area. But honestly, I kind of enjoyed having such a cool campground to myself. Very nice stay, and thank you too the hostess.
J
Jeff O.
4 reviews
Recommends
· March 2026
Great for bicycling.
15 ft campervan ·
H- Hawk
Location is fantastic. Close to the Gainesville-Hawthorne Trail, Paynes Prairie, LaChua, Sweetwater Nature Park, and downtown Gainesville. Great for a full day or two of bicycling.
L
Leon B.
3 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· March 2026
Great spot!
Tent ·
C- Coyote
Great location, Wonderful host and amenities. Really appreciated the hot shower! Will definitely book again.
P
Phil T.
2 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· March 2026
Tent ·
E- Elderberry
Friendly people, clean camp sites, eating and gathering areas. Hot showers! Recommend!
J
Jeff O.
4 reviews
Recommends
· March 2026
An excellent choice
Tent ·
B- Beautyberry
I really loved camping at the FOLC farm. The camp site is well forested and relaxing to be in the shade. The toilet/sink/shower/tables are well maintained, very comfortable and clean. The location is wonderful for visiting Gainsville and there are extensive hiking and biking trails only a block away. Everyone was kind and helpful but at the camp site we could be alone which was great.
Avatar
Annie W.
5 reviews
Recommends
· February 2026
Cozy little place to camp
15 ft campervan ·
I- Ibis
We loved the camp! It had a great outdoor shower and a composting toilet that was very clean and worked well. We enjoyed the free wood they provided for the camp fires. The host was super nice and showed us how to use everything available to us. I also got a chance to paint a hummingbird on the paint wall that was super fun! If you are a birder like we are it is very close to Sweetwater wetlands park. It’s a must if you stay here. We would definitely stay here again if in the area.
T
Terri O.
4 reviews
Recommends
· February 2026
Love it!
16 ft car ·
F- Firefly
Beautiful location, so close to downtown Gainesville yet feels so far. Clean, well maintained composting toilet, dishwashing station, hot shower!, firewood, tables, grill, even games and art supplies! Close to beautiful Paynes Prairie State Park (we saw wild bison grazing!), natural springs, and many hiking trails. Super easy in and out. Host was so responsive, kind, and non-intrusive. Can't wait to come again!
C
Cindy S.
2 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· February 2026
Tent ·
B- Beautyberry
This campground is new, quiet, and well cared for. I loved all the clean infrastructure,, and Catherine is super kind and generous. Her place also has community music and classes sometimes. Whether you want tranquil camping to yourself, walking to the nearby parks and trails, or interact with good people, this is the best spot!
P
Paikea C.
2 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· January 2026
Great group camping experience!
Tent ·
E- Elderberry
We camped out at FOLC Farm with friends and had a great experience and would highly recommend this place to anyone! The campground and amenities are very clean and the hot shower works well. Perfect place for a group with plenty of space.
M
Majd A.
3 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· January 2026
Great spot to stay
16 ft car ·
F- Firefly
Loved camping at the FOLC Farm! Spent 7 nights there during a WFR course, really enjoyed the location. The campsite is clean and private. The outdoor shower has hot water, which was really nice. There’s a lot to do in the surrounding area, with nice trails within walking distance and downtown just a couple minutes drive too. 10/10 would recommend
J
Jim S.
9 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· January 2026
The FOLC Farm, Gainesville FL
16 ft car ·
F- Firefly
The FOLC Farm was a fantastic location for camping, with clean sites and easily accessible amenities. The location's closeness to Gainesville proper and Paynes Prairie gave it a unique feeling of being somewhat out in the wilderness, while simultaneously having quick access to markets, festivals, and generally urban conveniences. 10/10 would recommend if you're looking for a nice campground that's not too far from both city and natural attractions.
S
Sierra C.
3 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· January 2026
20 ft campervan ·
I- Ibis
The site is great! Perfectly located minutes from the beautiful La Chua trail in Paynes Prairie and super close to town. The space is well equipped for a comfortable stay with hot showers, sink, composting toilet, and fire pit. The host was very communicative and helpful with directions and answering questions. We would definitely stay again!
M
Meg B.
3 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· January 2026
Tent ·
C- Coyote
I will be back. Enjoyed my stay, campfire and got to see some Sandhills Cranes in the farmer’s pasture next door. Next trip, I plan on going to Paynes Prairie to see the bison and wild horses.
Avatar
Wayne D.
4 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· January 2026
Great family, friendly campground
Tent ·
C- Coyote
Fantastic location super close to populated downtown Gainesville, great place to camp out for football or sporting events clean bathroom facility, and great hot showers would highly recommend for family camping or just a great weekend retreat also super close to Paynes, Prairie State Park, and lots of great hiking and walking areas with amazing birds/wildlife right down the road. There’s also great food in downtown Gainesville. Which as I said is only a few minutes away. The host also offers really cool first-aid classes you can sign up for through her website, which I highly recommend! 10/10 would stay here again!
D
Daniel S.
3 months on Hipcamp
Recommends
· December 2025
Cute camping place
Tent ·
C- Coyote
I loved staying at the FOLC Farm! I chose this over a state park campground because it is so close to everything in Gainesville with the added bonus of being really cute. I especially liked all the fun little decorative touches like plants and flamingo in the shower. The composting toilet smelled like fresh wood chips and the sun on my skin while using the outdoor shower was soothing. The big oak trees kept my site shady and cool. I would definitely stay here again. Next time I’d like to bring friends or family along and relax around the campfire area.
B
Brenda Z.
2 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· December 2025
Tent ·
C- Coyote
It's just across the street from the bike trail and Paynes Prairie state park. Took a nice ride out and hiked the trail, saw a bald eagle, some deer and lots of other wildlife. Downtown is just a little further down the bike trail, and I went to First Magnitude Brewery for a pint. When I got back to camp, some other campers were playing music around the fire. The spot is good, the campsite was welcoming. It's a good vibe, I would stay again
J
Joseph L.
4 months on Hipcamp

Location

Gainesville, Alachua County, Florida, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
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Hosted by Catherine J.

Joined in November 2025

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