Camping near Dunnellon with swimming

Dunnellon is your gateway to Rainbow Springs State Park and the Cross Florida Greenway.

95% (2801 reviews)
95% (2801 reviews)

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12 top campgrounds near Dunnellon with swimming

93%
(824)

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!
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$22.50
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93%
(166)

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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$39
 / night
97%
(239)

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! 🎉
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$30
 / night
98%
(236)

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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$35
 / night
100%
(18)

Wilderness VP87

1 site · RV1 acre · Silver Springs, FL
VP87 is a 1/10 acre pull through site with ~70 feet of concrete and room to park two vehicles. Pet friendly for dogs and cats (total of 2 pets only please). Water, sewer, and 30/50amp power on site. An 8X12 shed complete with full size modern WASHER and DRYER, residential size refrigerator, a utility sink and even a real porcelain toilet! The shed only has cold water... Just down the street from Ocala and Silver Springs State Park, in the Village Park portion of Wilderness RV Resort. Wilderness is a lovely community of RV lot owners and tenants with palm trees, manicured lots, and many amenities: a bath house, a gym and sauna/steam room, swimming pool and hot tub, big dog park, and a hiking trail... all nestled right on the shore of the beautiful and famous Ocklawaha River. Oh, and there is even a little candy shop and restaurant on premises that serves breakfast and lunch. Quick and easy shopping for typical requirements just down the road in Ocala or Silver Springs. Silver Springs State Park is less than 5 miles and offers glass bottom boat tours of the famous springs. If you have your own kayak/canoe you can paddle from there to Ray Wayside Park and return to your car at the state park with the shuttle service. Or you can pass Ray Wayside and paddle another .5 mile directly to Wilderness RV Resort (you'll just need a way back to retrieve your car) ... approximately 6 miles of beautiful clear water and Florida jungle with manatee, gators, birds, otters, and even monkeys! The entire trip is with the current! About 33 miles away is Rainbow Springs State Park... another famous and beautiful spring that offers walking trails, waterfalls, beautiful gardens, swimming and snorkeling, and paddling too. Last but not least, surrounding VP87 there are many other smaller springs each with their own unique attractions. Like bicycling? The Cross Florida Greenway (Santos Trail System) is about 15 miles from Wilderness and offers 32 miles of paved path for road cyclist and easily over 50 miles of world class mountain bike trails for anyone from beginner to expert skill level. E-Bikes are welcome. For the aspiring mountain bike experts and actual experts out there... the world-famous Vortex Trail is in this system. Bring your "A" game and lots of water. I recommend a fast cross-country bike for these trails. A down country or light trail bike is fine too. Ocala is the Horse Capital of the World! Florida Horse Park is in the Greenway 20 miles away and is great for polo matches and horse shows. Event schedules are online. The World Equestrian Center is in Ocala, 15 miles - also great for horse shows and has a couple nice restaurants. Grandview Clydesdales are about 30 miles away and they offer 1.5 to 2-hour educational tours of their famous Clydesdales Horses. I personally have not done this yet, but it looks awesome. Want a bit more hands on experience with a horse? Cactus Jack's Trail Rides is located at the Landbridge trail head about 21 miles from Wilderness. They rent E-Bikes too and conveniently they're located right at one of the trailheads along the forementioned paved bike path on the Florida Greenway. Try Zip Lining? Canyon's Zip Line and Adventure Park offers a number of canopy top Zip Line tours as well as horseback riding, kayaking, and gem mining tours. They are located 14 miles from Wilderness. The Appleton Museum of Art is 6.5 miles away. A nice place to go and beat the heat and enjoy a bit of culture. Don Garlits Museum of Drag Racing is 32 miles. Looks fun and they appear to be dog on leash friendly. We love the puppies! Ocala is sweet!
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$45
 / night
93%
(29)

Enchanted Oaks Camp & Farm

6 sites · Lodging9 acres · Ocala, FL
Welcome to Enchanted Oaks Farm and Camp site. We are an 8.5 acre farm in Ocala Florida, that offers unique glamping experiences. Activities in the area include: -Rainbow River Canoe and Kayak (40 minute drive)-K.P. Hole County Park (40 minute drive)-Disney (1 hr 10 minute drive)-Ocala National Forest (30-50 minute drive)-Juniper Springs Swimming Area (1 hr drive)-Ocala Drive-in (30 minute drive)-Devil's Den Prehistoric Spring (52 minute drive)-The Canyons Zip Line and Adventure Park (29 minute drive)-Silver Springs State Park (40 mintue drive)Hi Y’all, I’m Cassie Peech. I own and operate Enchanted Oaks Farm and Cassie Peech and Company (a wedding and events company based out of Orlando, Jax, and Tampa).We are from a tiny Kentucky town (2000 people), and love to show people our southern hospitality. We originally bought the farm to host weddings but we figured we would give hosting a try and we love it!!
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$75
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93%
(92)

Cabin Glamping

3 sites · Lodging2 acres · Crystal River, FL
Check in between 2:00 and 8:00 p.m., unless prior arrangements with owners have been made. Known as the Nature Coast and one of Florida's greatest hidden secrets, this property is private, yet just minutes from civilization and manatees! The cabin is located on private property with owners and security on site, yet plenty of privacy. On site is our own Bistro Barn fully furnished with a refrigerator, gas grill, charcoal grill, silverware and all the pots and pans you may be looking for. It's a great little hang out area with bluetooth speaker setup. During the day, paddle your way to the beautiful Three Sisters Springs for a swim. You may see some manatee on your way there. Hunter Springs is a great little park with a beach area for swimming and kayak rentals too. There are also several Diving with the manatee tours available. This is all only a short drive from camp. You can enjoy swimming, fishing, scalloping, snorkeling, kayaking, pontooning just five minutes away, or just relaxing back at the camp. Heritage Village is in town filled with many hometown eateries and shoppes. It's a great way to spend the afternoon and explore Crystal River. We have a variety of great one-of-a-kind eateries with many special events and festivals throughout the year. Conveniently located at the end of the street is a Publix, DG, a Mexican restaurant, and Beef O'Brady's. We also have brochures on all kinds of other great places you'll want to experience while staying in beautiful Crystal River! Oh, and don't forget to stop by Grandma's gift shop before you leave. We look forward to your stay!
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$67.50
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98%
(136)

Manatee Delight RV Camp Site

1 site · RV7 acres · Homosassa, FL
Sandwiched between the Homosassa River and the Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, this property has unique features, including karst windows with bubbling fresh water, natural springs, and large, mature trees. Learn more about this land: Tucked along a narrow road, this unique site offers users direct access to the crystal clear waters of the south-east fork of the Homosassa River. Use our kayaks or bring your own to explore one of Florida’s Outstanding Waterways where you may meet a manatee, observe otters, find fish, or watch wildlife of all kinds. The site has direct access to Pepper Creek Trail, a 0.75-mile paved trail that is part of the Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park. While you’re there, swing into the state park to view the sparkling waters of the Homosassa head spring and meet all of the native wildlife ambassadors, including Florida panthers, black bears, endangered whooping cranes, and many other amazing animals. Interested in charter fishing, scalloping, or an ecotour? Your hosts are both professional, experienced charter captains. Avoid the crowds at the dock and step right onto the boat here! Ask for availability prior to your stay. The site is private and away from the hosts home, approximately 75-yards from the river, with electricity and water provided. There is no sewer hookup; restrooms and shower facilities are not available. If you plan on tent camping, please bring your own method to contain and dispose of solid toilet wastes. ***HURRICANE DAMAGE*** The small green building at the site sustained damage from Hurricane Idalia. We are working to repair the roof. It does not affect the campsite, however, it is unsightly and for that we apologize.
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$65
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Star Hosts in Dunnellon

Dog-friendly getaways

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping near Dunnellon with swimming 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.

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