Discover the best forest campgrounds near Dunnellon, Florida

United States
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Florida
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Dunnellon

95% (2617 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Dunnellon

Available this weekend

12 top forest campgrounds near Dunnellon

93%

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Smokey Acres

16 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Brooksville, FL

Welcome to Smokey Acres! This property has been in my family for decades. My Husband and I were married under the oaks and have had our share of campfires out there. Down a hidden gravel drive with wetlands on either side you will find a completely fenced in field surrounded by pine, oak, and swamp maple trees. There are two ponds located on the property both stocked with bass, bluegill, and sunfish. The front pond is home to many natural Florida wildlife and is a great location to bird watch. Located a few miles from Brooksville and the Suncoast Parkway, this quiet and peaceful setting is just 5 minutes from the parking area and trailhead for the Suncoast Trail and 10 miles from the famous Weeki Wachee Springs, where you can spend the day at the local park or float down the river with the manatees. Withlacoochee State Park and other natural preserves with trail access and kayaking are only a short distance away, and Dames Cave, Homosassa Springs, and Chasawiska Springs are all within a ~20-minute drive as well. Spending a day at the beach is easy with plenty of options along the Nature Coast. We’re also less than an hour from Tampa and Clearwater and two hours from Orlando. A perfect weekend get-away for anyone looking to “unplug,” Smokey Acres is also a great stop for those passing through the area. We are a close distance to many racing, livestock, boating and fishing events. We have no problem accommodating whatever you’re towing! Whether you'd like a leisurely day on the river or an adventure in the Gulf, there are plenty of boating options nearby. Be sure to make it back to the property in time to enjoy amazing sunsets that bring peace and tranquility to your experience. Our neighbors, JG Ranch, offers U- Pick Fruit and Vegetables or a great selection of local harvest at their roadside stand. This 10-acre property has been in my family for decades. My Husband and I were married under the oaks and have had our share of campfires together out there. I've recently moved back home with my own family and as much as we enjoy the land for ourselves we'd love to share it. Any profit from hosting campers will help us maintain our sustainable farm that we're hoping to expand onto Smokey Acres. Just in! Our dirt road has been repaved. So no worries about a bumpy drive in!

Camp Seminole Springs

103 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents38 acres · Fort Mc Coy, FL

Bring your mountain bikes, canoes, kayaks and fishing gear. We have it all here at Seminole Springs. We are open for tent camping. Limited number of campsites with Tents on them in a variety of sizes available. First come, First serve. These sites will have a slight upcharge. When you book, if you want to upgrade and reserve one of these sites, let us know and we will accommodate you. We also have 3 units inside the lodge for the people who need just a step up from glamping, but not quite the whole hotel experience. These are beautiful comfortable rooms with half baths in the rooms. The showers are located in the lodge bathhouse. WE have the Jungle themed room, the Equestrian themed room and the Honeymoon Suite. Each unit comes equipped with its own hot tub. (To book any of these units, just send us a message and we will reserve it for you. The prices for these units are different than that campsite and glamping site prices.) The Grist Mill is also available for rent too! This is a very romantic, yet rustic getaway equipped with a half bath as well. Very secluded and private overlooking the spring on one side and the water fall on the other. Sit outside on the deck and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature and at night the sound of the waterfall will lull you to sleep. The shower is located in the Lodge bathhouse. (To book this unit you must send a message to us and we will reserve it for you. The price is different than the campsites but we will go over that with you) WE ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FOR YOUR EVENT: TAKING BOOKINGS FOR WEDDINGS, CAR SHOWS, MUSIC EVENTS, ETC. LET US KNOW! NOTE: TURN AT CAMP SEMINOLE SPRINGS SIGN ON HIGHWAY 21. Your GPS may tell you to turn at the wrong St. Make sure that you are turning at 244th...Your GPS may tell you to turn at 243rd Street (where the Orange Market it) which is a dead end street. Just go a little bit further until you see the sign for Camp Seminole Spring. Bring bug spray and sun screen. If you need something, don't worry! There is a Dollar General, a gas station and a small cafe within walking distance. We have 38 acres of camping sites nature trails for hiking and mountain biking. Guests can park right on their site, or they have the option of parking and hiking into the woods to set up their site a bit more remote and off the beaten path. This is rustic camping. We have a bathhouse located at the campsites with showers. The bathhouse at the Great Lodge will be ready by Fall 2022. Whereas we do have garbage cans, we prefer that anything you bring into the property, you bring out with you. We allow campfires. Don't be surprised if you see a monkey or two in the trees... The fishing is amazing in these parts, so if you are an angler, come and visit. We have .75 miles of frontage on the Orange Creek. The creek flows into Lake Ocklawaha which just so happens to be one of the best bass fishing lakes in the USA. In fact, ten-pound bass are not uncommon from the Lake Ocklawaha River in the winter. Recently (2020), a 17.2-pound bass was caught there. The combined Ocklawaha and St. Johns drainage basin is possibly the most significant river-estuary waterway of Florida. This water system is of legendary reputation among anglers of largemouth bass who seek 10 pound plus trophy fish. Conveniently located between Ocala and Gainesville in the heart of Orange Springs, Florida, Camp Seminole Spring is perfectly located for the traveler who wants to really connect with nature. It appears to be ‘off the beaten path’, yet it is close enough to civilization so that even the most seasoned camper can make a quick run to store should he or she need something not found in nature. Camp Seminole Spring is mid-way (approx.. 22 miles) between Ocala and Gainesville, Florida, which are two thriving cities in this area of Florida. Ocala, the ‘horse capital of the world’ showcases a brand new multi-billion-dollar equestrian center which draws people from all over the world. This scenic property has an artesian spring which pushes out 1.6 million gallons of water per day rated among the top three percent of water in the world with an 8.4 natural pH. This water fills the pond and then continues on to flow into Orange Creek. Camp Seminole Springs was established in the 1940’s as a honeymoon resort and campground. The founders built a heart-shaped ‘pond-spring’ which is filled with the crystal-clear water pushed out from the spring where guests can lounge by the beach or gaze down into the bottom through the glass-like water or take a refreshing swim. At the top of the hill overlooking the heart-shaped spring, one will find the rustic Great Lodge where guests can come and mingle with each other, enjoy a relaxing conversation and a drink on the veranda or just sit and watch the activity in and around the spring.

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Pure Paradise Lebanon station

25 sites · RVs, Tents23 acres · Inglis, FL

Learn more about this land:Beautiful area with waterfalls observation Tower 23 beautiful acres to roam plenty of fishing and water sports in the area as well as other activities , tent and self-contained camping starting at $25 per night full hookup $50 per night

Happy Campers Rescue Ranch

11 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! 🎉

Higher Ground "The Barn"

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Lecanto, FL

Come get back to nature with camping at your comfort level and YES, we have A/C AND MINI HEATERS and a mini-fridge in all of our cabins. PLEASE note that there IS A PET FEE and AND WOOD FEE and it must be added when you complete booking (as Extras). Kayaks available for rent too! Whether you'd like a tent site (tents available) or a rustic cabin with lofts, we have what you're looking for. Get out of the city and get into nature. Just over an hour drive from Tampa or Orlando and you'll be laying in a hammock or making s'mores by the campfire. BUT REMEMBER, you are IN THE WOODS.. Bugs live in the woods and eliminating them all is never possible. Bring spray :) We spray weekly but there are all kinds of bugs around because you're camping! We even have Kayaks available for rent to head to Crystal River or Lake Henderson!

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Lucky U Ranch

15 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents60 acres · Bushnell, FL

A Special Alert!! We have been impacted by the flooding of the Withlacoochee River after hurricane Milton. We are happy to anounce that the water has gone doen enough for us to open our Live Oak Hammock site to RV campers. The pavilion, where the bathrooms are, is still under some water and we are not able to open the bathrooms at this time. RV campers can book Live Oak Hammock where there is full hookup and electric once again. He still have Magnolia Hill sites blocked until we can get the bathrooms up and working again. Thanks for your understanding and we hope to have Lucky U Ranch open again in the near future. Authentic old Florida homestead. Beautiful Spanish moss veiled Grandfather Oak trees, rolling subtle grassy hills and Cypress filled wetlands with an abundant of bird life every day. We raise Nigerian Dairy goats and always have time for goat visits and petting. Our horses are boarded at night and roam freely during the day along with our donkeys. Hiking our land and marked trails, gives you the feeling of serenity and back to nature, clearing your mind so you can remember what nature is all about. Just minutes away are amazing places and parks like the Withlacoochee State park, Hog Island and the Withlacoochee river, where kayaking is a must. Peace and quiet and privacy as you tent [October through June], stay in one of our RV's or bring your own. Be part of our AGRITOURISM VENUE and take part in the RANCH EXPERIENCE, a guided visit to meet and pet our livestock, from baby goats to miniature horses! Get to pet one of our over 60 goats and check out our twin turkeys and many chickens.... Pigs are just begging to be scratched as well!!! ENJOY!

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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

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WFL Event Ranch

4 sites · RVs20 acres · Brooksville, FL

Branding Change! Upcoming 2025 Our facility will be growing to include more activities such as: (2025 activities: Draft Horse Driving lessons, Riding lessons, Trail Rides, Day camps for Kids, Weekend getaways for Adults, Birthday Parties and much more) Check back with us soon. Special needs activities will also be available please contact directly. Currently Available : Come camp at an off the beaten-path hidden treasure! Wild and serene wooded camping sites about 20 mins from the Weeki Wachee River! We offer 4 RV hookups during your stay or our VRBO facility Studio Apartment or 2 BR Apartment. If you need a stall for your horse please contact us. Peace and Privacy This is the REAL Florida! Beautiful Oaks, Bamboo, and a plethora of other exciting flora! We love it here and think you will too! Our sites are spacious and shaded. Wonderful winery and restaurant right down the road! The State Park is about 20 minutes away. Our neighbors are the wild deer, turkeys, and even peacocks! We may have horses, goats, chicken, or a donkey or two on-site. Enjoy the view but do not approach. Or farm is great for foraging and just disconnecting from the hustle and bustle! Ask your host about property/farm tours, river tours, and horseback riding. After contacting host to announce your arrival enter dirt drive and follow it though the oaks to the camping area signs. A spot will be assigned that you should love, enjoy the peace and quiet. RV'S are allowed in the Camp area only. A monthly rate is available upon request. RULES: Pets: pets are allowed please keep leashed at all times. Please cleanup after your pets. RV: MUST BE SELF CONTAINED UNIT Check-in: 1pm Check-out: 12pm Quiet hours: 10 PM - 8 AM No Generators (our wildlife is our main goal not to disturb) Fire Pits are allowed, must not be left unattended. No access to pastures or barn area unless you are have setup with a guide. (Please do not feed any of the animals) This is a Farm and we are not responsible for injury or damages. All Guests Must Be Registered. All Adult Guest Must Provide Photo ID Before Arriving On Property So We Know What Who To Expect.

Serene Forested Blueberry Farm

12 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Ft. Mc Coy, FL

Located on 5 acres in the Ocala National Forest, Hookie's Hideaway is the perfect place to stay for easy access to all of nature's bounty and activities. This property is easily accessible, serene and peaceful. Campsites are in a beautiful grove of pine and sycamore trees. We are surrounded by forested camping areas and close enough to drive into town to pick up groceries or get a meal. We have a "you pick them" blueberry farm when in season. We are pet friendly! If you have a pet please add the pet Extra at checkout so you will be charged a $20 pet fee ($10 for the trailers). We are close to hiking, horse trails, lakes and springs. Bocce Ball and Croquet is available to play here anytime! We are only a short distance away from amazing horse riding trails and Florida's most popular natural springs. We live on the property and are available during normal business hours. We are free to ask questions and give suggestions for surrounding activities and dining options. We will interact as little or as much as you need. Birds singing in the morning and crickets at night ensure a restful getaway here. Our property is the perfect place to escape the noise and high paced city life.

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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

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PermOcala

8 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Ocala, FL

Jai Jungle is a natural health education center, as well as an active permaculture farm. The property was purchased in 2018 by Keith Lopez and his young son Jai with the intention of building a sustainable farm and an overall positive environment for Jai and all those who choose to work or spend time on the farm. You are warmly invited to come to Jai Jungle to enjoy the land as you please. Thank you, hope to see you soon Learn more about this land:We have a oak canopy as a campground with an outdoor shower and plenty of space at our 5 acre Permaculture retreat. 10 minutes from Private Beaches on Lake Weir such as Carney Island, Hampton Beach, and Gator Joe's Restaurant. 30 Minutes from Juniper Springs and 20 from Silver Springs. You will be able to tour a growing permaculture food forest. JAI Jungle is named after the 5 year old who lives here and loves guests to play on the trampoline or swim in our tiny pool with him. We have trails to explore and you can see the stars and hear old almost every night. We have over 10 swimming holes within the hour including 6 springs: Salt, Juniper, Alexander, Silver Glen, Rainbow, Kelly Rock, and 4 lake fed beaches: Carney Island, Hampton Beach, Mill Dam, Gator Joes (with food and sometimes music). You can also take an OGFit class while you are here: 10 minutes of world class Calisthenics. Breathe control and guided meditations also available. We have water available and an outdoor shower. We have plenty of room yet no electrical hookups and usually do not have very large rvs. Campfires (burn wood only- no plastic) and music with respect to being a bit more quiet when its dark. Please keep dogs on a lease and clean up after them. Please remove all garbage. Thank you. We also have a 16’ Canvas Tent available for an extra fee (77 total) or a 3 person 2 door tent for 40$ total, or a small pop up tent for 35$ total.

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HandS hipcamp

6 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Fort Mc Coy, FL

Learn more about this land: We are on 3 private wooded acres just minutes outside of Ocala Natl. Forest and Silver Springs State Park. Plenty of wildlife and activities in the surrounding areas along with natural hiking trails, canoe and kayak launch sites and 15 minutes from shopping stores. We offer cookouts, yard games, tents and privacy. Our property is secured with a locked gate so your vehicle and belongings are always safe. We also offer transportation to nearby venues so you don't have to find parking for your vehicle, guided nature trail hikes, meals cooked and ready for you after a day of adventure, tent rentals, firewood and much more.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

100%

(12)

Rainbow Springs State Park

Dunnellon, Florida

94%

(11)

Cross Florida Greenway

Ocala, Florida

100%

(7)

Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park

Micanopy, Florida

83%

(58)

Ocala National Forest

Silver Springs Shores, Florida

96%

(12)

Manatee Springs State Park

Manatee Road, Florida

Fanning Springs State Park

Pineland, Florida

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Forest camping near Dunnellon guide

Overview

This small Central Florida town on the confluence of the Rainbow and Withlacoochie rivers sits right next to Rainbow Springs State Park, where campers can swim and snorkel in gorgeous, deep blue spring water. Dunnellon also sits along the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway, a 110-mile-long park and trail system that bisects Florida and serves as a critical wildlife corridor for animals like the Florida black bear. Expect opportunities for kayaking, tubing, hiking, backpacking, and biking right in town, or head just 10 minutes away to Lake Rousseau, a popular boating and fishing destination where RV campers can find multiple lakeside RV sites with full hookups and wifi.

Where to go

Dunnellon Surrounds

Several tubing options sit on the Rainbow River, and a convenient shuttle service runs from Rainbow Springs State Park. Locals tend to caravan their floats the old-fashioned way, launching out of KP Hole and taking out at the Blue Run of Dunnellon Park.

Rainbow Springs State Park

Rainbow Springs State Park is not to be missed. Swimming and snorkeling are allowed at the headsprings, while campers can also rent kayaks and canoes to paddle the Rainbow River or tube down its clear waters with the help of the park’s shuttle service. The Rainbow Springs campground has both RV camping and tent camping sites with picnic tables, fire pits, and water/electric hookups.

Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway

The Cross Florida Greenway, which stretches 110 miles and connects the Gulf of Mexico to the St. Johns River, passes right through Dunnellon. The Greenway’s Dunnellon Trail section starts in town and features 2.4 miles of paved multi-use trail perfect for walking, running, biking, or rollerblading. At Lake Rousseau, the Greenway’s Ingle Lock section has miles of hiking and mountain biking trails on Inglis Island.

Additional Springs Nearby

The Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge sits about 30 minutes southwest of Dunnellon. This famous springs site and manatee sanctuary has opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking in Kings Bay. For even more spring access, head east to Ocala and Silver Springs State Park, the home of the glass-bottom boat and a colony of wild rhesus macaque monkeys.

When to go

Camping is possible in Dunnellon year-round, but many locals avoid tent camping in the hot, humid, and rainy summer season. Summer travelers may be most happy in an RV or lodging with climate control. The popular Rainbow Springs State Park campground books up well in advance for weekends, holidays, and school breaks.