Discover the best campgrounds near Lake City, Florida

United States
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Florida
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Lake City

97% (1016 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Lake City

Star Hosts in Lake City

12 top wheelchair-accessible campgrounds near Lake City

99%

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Wildflower Pond and Woodlands

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents4 acres · Alachua, FL

Welcome to a sweet and soulful little piece of the woodlands. Tucked in on 4.5 acres, this spot is a secluded, enchanting piece of old Florida. Stay in one of our three designated camping sites, tie up a hammock, gaze at the pond inhabitants, and check out what's growing in the seasonal garden. Also enjoy the many flowering plants and other special trees. Florida's gem-colored, healing spring waters are just a 20 minutes up the way and local retreat centers and yoga studios dot the area. Gator fans? Head into Gainesville for a game and to visit the University of Florida. Mostly, enjoy. We look forward to hosting you! To note for all guests: We suggest arriving before dark so as to make set up easy and comfortable. We do not require a formal check-in and encourage being self-reliable in set up of primitive campsites. (For something with more structure and a space already set up, check out our Aframe cabin.) We do have water, a composting toilet, sink, and groundtemp shower for your use and ease. ***PLEASE NOTE FARM TOURS AND ANIMAL EXPERIENCES ARE CURRENTLY PAUSED***

Glenn Farm

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents125 acres · Fort White, FL

The farm you’re camping on is one of the last family farms remaining in Columbia County and is named Glenn Farm after DV Glenn who married Hettie Lou Niblack in the 1930’s. Over the last 150 years it has been farmed by some of the county’s oldest families such as the Niblack and Ellis families. When DV Glenn came to Florida from his farm in Cairo, GA he took over the portion of the Niblack farm that was inherited by his wife Hettie Lou. At that time he was running native Florida cattle on over 6000 acres. Unfortunately, In 1951 he was killed in a hunting accident leaving his wife with the farm and 4 children (ages 4-11). In order to survive, Hettie Lou Niblack Glenn was forced to sell 5000 acres at $25 an acre. Holding a bachelors degree from Florida State College for Women, she was able to secure a job at the University of Florida as a secretary and with the money from the land sale she was able to raise her four children. Of the original farm, 600 acres remain intact and the Glenn family is trying to keep the farm as an agricultural operation. Your campsite is 1 of 4 spots (Arrowhead Sink, Dunagan’s Meadow, North Hall Pasture or Magnolia Sink). We also have a 1 bedroom Tiny home that used to be the farm office. Dunagan’s meadow is a pasture behind the old farmhouse (built in 1824), Magnolia sink and The North Hall Pasture are also on the main farm while Arrowhead Sink is on the edge of a hayfield about a mile down a dirt road. Glenn Farm is a place to come relax and experience a world that is rapidly disappearing. It is not a commercial campground.

Royal Springs Riverfront Retreat

2 sites · RVs1 acre · O'brien, FL

Relax with your feet up by the historic Suwannee River under majestic hickory trees, catch some bass from the dock or along the river bank. Walking distance to Royal Springs and boat ramp. Bring your gear to the Spring Diving capital or go spring hopping in a kayak to the many local springs in the area. Have the site to yourself, or bring your friends as there are 3 full hookups (30 amp) and one electric/water only as well as beautiful spots for tent camping. Just message me and I'll make the additional site(s) available. If you have family or friends without an RV, they can stay next door at Royal Springs River House Retreat: https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/florida-royal-springs-river-house-retreat-v1qh9wdy?adults=1&children=0

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Springhill Farm

5 sites · Tents165 acres · Live Oak, FL

This farm has been in my family since the early 60's. I purchased it from my Mom in 2011 after my Dad passed away, hoping and wanting to improve it for the enjoyment of others. It's always been a Fun Place for my family and I feel like it would be a Fun place for your family also. It is a Pine Tree farm with fish ponds, walking trail and is friendly to a lot of different kinds of activities. It's located across the street from the Spirit of Suwannee Music Park, home of several 4 day music event during the year.Learn more about this land:Planted pine-trees with Grand-daddy Live Oak Trees. Two stocked fishing ponds with and extra pond hidden under another group of old cypress and oak trees. Good walking and bike paths. Golf-carts and side-by-sides welcome. Across the street from the Spirit of Suwanee Music Park, home of the largest country music festival in the South. One mile to the banks of the Suwanee River and Suwanee Springs. State owned property within 3/4 mile with extra hiking trails. Canoe Outpost is located across the street which offers a full line of canoe excursions rentals from 4 hour trips to overnight trips and they provide all the gear (tents, canoes, and safety equipment)

Off Grid River Camping

2 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · White Springs, FL

Enjoy Peacefulness on the beautiful historic Suwannee River, fish, canoe, kayak, hike, bike, view wildlife. The Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park is within 8 miles of this property and about 7 miles from the Stephen Foster Memorial State Park. Many Springs are located close by where you can swim and scuba dive. There is a Canoe Outpost close by that offers drop off and pick up with canoes. Property has many trees, cement benches around a firepit, picnic table, a large extra work table for cooking. Bring your RV, Tent, Van, Hammock or whatever you are comfortable in. Unwind, relax and enjoy the sounds and beauty of nature. I supply a map of the River and the surrounding area to help you make the most of your experience. If you need help with things I am close by. There is soo much history about the Suwannee River in North Florida! :D It is known that Indians once traveled along these banks and proof has been found from many Arrow Heads and other artifacts being found along the Suwannee River. There are many Springs along the over 240 miles of River as it empties into the Gulf of Mexico. The Suwannee River begins it's journey in the Okefenokee Swamp in South Georgia. This is also where the Suwannee River gets it's tannic color from the decaying vegetation in the swamp. More about the Suwannee River can be found at: MySuwanneeRiver.com

Camp Gilchrist

1 site · Tent10 acres · Spring Ridge, FL

Camp Gilchrist is located in heart of Springs Country in North Florida. Ginnie Springs and several other local springs are just minutes away. Come visit and explore nature with us! Pitch your tent and relax. You can enjoy beautiful sunrises, sunsets, and star gazing in an open field. Enjoy wildflowers throughout the Florida blooming seasons. Find blackberries, mushrooms, and other edible foraged goods. For optimum peace and privacy, there is currently 1 campsite on our 10 acres. There are several recreational activities in the area including hiking, swimming in natural springs, fishing, kayaking, wildlife watching, and more!

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Caceres Organic Blueberry Farms

4 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · Old Town, FL

Caceres Organic Blueberry & Turmeric Farms is nestled in the heart of the Suwannee River Water Basin, home to some some of the most beautiful freshwater springs in the world. We have been a WWOOF host since 2011. Over 500 organic volunteers from around the world have lived and worked at the farm so we are used to creating an atmosphere of community and sustainable living. We have cleared tent camping lots for Hip Campers in front of the on-property lake with easy access to swimming and fishing. There are two solar shower stalls with hot water powered by the sun. It is specifically built to overlook the main blueberry field and peach grove. Stunning views at sunset. An outhouse / composting toilet is currently under construction with the rain water collection system now complete. In the meantime a portable toilet is provided. A potable water station is available and built from re-purposed materials and wood harvested locally. We are a working farm. We supply every Lucky's Market location with fresh turmeric and a host of stores with our blueberries. We also have an active u-pick program during the blueberry and peach harvests (late March to early June) that is available to Hip Campers. There are multiple springs within 30 miles in various directions - some of them of First Magnitude volume. Ichetucknee Springs offers excellent river rafting. Ginnie Springs offers world class underwater cave diving -PADI license required. Manatee Springs and Fanning Springs consistently offer up close sightings of Manatees without the crowds of Crystal River. There is also a boat launch on the Suwannee River just minutes from the farm for boating, skiing and fishing. Bob's River Place is minutes away.The Gulf of Mexico is just 40 miles away. Scalloping season begins June 15 this year and runs to September. Oyster season lasts all winter. The Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park is 50 miles away and hosts several large music festivals from Spring to Fall including Hullaween on October 23-25.Learn more about this land:Caceres Organic Blueberry & Turmeric Farms is nestled in the heart of the Suwannee River Water Basin, home to some some of the most beautiful freshwater springs in the world. We have been a WWOOF host since 2011. Over 600 organic volunteers from around the world have lived and worked at the farm so we are used to creating an atmosphere of community and sustainable living. We have cleared tent camping lots for Hip Campers in front of the on-property lake with easy access to swimming and fishing. There are two solar shower stalls with hot water powered by the sun. It is specifically built to overlook the main blueberry field and peach grove. Stunning views at sunset. An outhouse / composting toilet is currently under construction with the rain water collection system now complete. In the meantime a portable toilet is provided. A potable water station is available and built from re-purposed materials and wood harvested locally. We are a working farm. We supply every Lucky's Market location with fresh turmeric and a host of other stores with our blueberries. We also have an active we-pick program during the blueberry and peach harvests (late March to early June) that is available to Hip Campers. There are multiple springs within 30 miles in various directions - some of them of First Magnitude volume. Ichetucknee Springs offers excellent river rafting. Ginnie Springs offers world class underwater cave diving -PADI license required. Manatee Springs and Fanning Springs consistently offer up close sightings of Manatees without the crowds of Crystal River. There is also a boat launch on the Suwannee River just minutes from the farm for boating, skiing and fishing. Bob's River Place is minutes away.The Gulf of Mexico is just 40 miles away. Scalloping season begins June 15 this year and runs to September. Oyster season lasts all winter. The Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park is 50 miles away and hosts several large music festivals from Spring to Fall including Hullaween on October 23-25.

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The Bird Ranch

4 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · O'brien, FL

***(Lower part of the trail is still blocked by storm tree - Access to trail for tent camping is available behind the Cabin on the right at the top of the hill - 5 to 10 minute detour back down trail to your site sign. Parking is still only available at the bottom of the driveway).*** There is plenty of firewood available after 2 hurricanes this year. The Bird Ranch is 4 acres of peaceful nature. We have 3 pioneer sites (2 with fire pits), and one RV hook-up (power and water) to choose from. We never really know what wildlife is wondering around or when they might pop up. Rest assure though; there are always birds singing, crickets chirping, frogs croaking, owls hooting, and we can even hear the neighboring pigs, chickens, cows, goats and dogs from time to time. I will take all that over city noise any day of the week! The Gofer Turtles are protected wildlife here, but please do not disturb any of the animals or their homes. The property has trails, an open field for games, and plenty of day outings to do. There are 2 natural springs (Royal and Little River) off the Suwannee River that are each a 10-minute drive. Branford Springs and Troy Springs are within 20 minutes. You can float down the Ichetucknee River on an innertube (seasonal), catch a local rodeo just down Hwy 129 or take a 3 hour round trip bike ride on the Suwannee River Greenway. The Mystic Jungle Educational Facility is a quick 15 minutes up Hwy 129 where you can learn about their wild animals on a guided tour, but they are only open on Saturdays. Cedar Key is a quiet little town 1.5 hours away with cute shops and restaurants for a nice day trip ***(also very messed up from hurricanes this year, so no promises)***. They roll up the streets after sunset; but what a beautiful sunset! There are also a few horseback riding ranches within 20 minutes from the property and if you're really adventurous and want to ride a camel; Lonesome Chicken Camel Ranch is less than an hour away. Please be courteous of your fellow campers and my neighbors by adhering to a 10 pm noise maintenance.

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3 Arrows Homestead RV site

3 sites · RVs2 acres · Macclenny, FL

If you like to wake up in the morning to the cocka-doodle-do of Goliath (the rooster) a big barn for shelter from afternoon thunder storms, and watching goats frolic-this is the camp site for you! Conveniently located within 30 minutes of Jacksonville, you can enjoy the country life with all of the convenience and amenities a coastal city like Jacksonville offers! Here in macclenny, we have a grocery store and walmart only a couple minutes away. You can be at the beach in under 50 minutes, and a dozen springs within an hour as well! We look forward to hosting you!

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Almost Heaven Acres

1 site · RV10 acres · Oakleaf Plantation, FL

10 acres of open land! Horses on site, along with a 2,000 sq ft covered space perfect for getting shade on a hot day. Recommend bringing chairs. A few trees within the horse pasture and a small patch of woods line the back of the property. There's a 50 amp RV hookup and dump station on site as well!

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Sunny Meadow Farm

15 sites · RVs, Tents30 acres · Pinetta, FL

We are a 30 acre working farm in Pinetta, Florida. We have goats, sheep, cattle, pigs and chickens. We are a licensed game bird farm and have chickens, quail, pheasants, geese and peafowl! We currently offer tent camping or self contained RV/Campers. We're in the process of installing restrooms and RV hookups for guest convenience. We have U-Pick flowers, blueberries, blackberries and persimmons, which are only available when in season (fee applies). Farm tours are provided for a small extra fee. We have different options available. We are located within 1/2 mile of the Withlacoochee River, which is great fro kayaking, canoeing and fishing!

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Riverfront Santa Fe/Ichetucknee

2 sites · RVs2 acres · Fort White, FL

Private Riverfront site on the Santa Fe river. This is NOT an RV site next to a dwelling! We offer a spacious 2 acre and private river front retreat with a covered boat dock. Located on the spring fed Santa Fe River just upstream from the crystal clear Ichetucknee River. We offer two covered RV pads with full 50/30 amp; water/sewage hook ups. Price is for one RV site. Tent camping is only allowed in addition to a RV or travel trailer as there are no bathroom facilities. Contact us for details and to reserve the second covered site for larger groups of extended family and friends. Enjoy kayaking and swimming in the river or relaxing on the covered boat dock (boat ramp 0.8 mi away). Don't have a kayak, don't worry, you can rent one of ours. Use one of three fire pits included with the space or cook a meal down by the water on the park quality in-ground charcoal grill. Access to the neighborhood parks is included. Hodor and Point park are on the Ichetucknee river for private tube runs. Access to dock may be limited during extreme high water. Bring your boat and invite your friends and family to this one-of-a-kind property! Look out for:- Deer, Manatee, Turkey, Opossums, Raccoons, Otters, Beavers, Turtles, Snakes, Alligators, Mosquitoes, Lizards, Cicadas, Flies, Frogs, Fish, Owls, Too many types of birds to count.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

Suwannee River State Park

Lee, Florida

Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park

100%

(1)

Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park

White Springs, Florida

50%

(4)

Lafayette Blue Springs State Park

Day, Florida

100%

(5)

Stephen C. Foster State Park

Fargo, Georgia

83%

(6)

Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park

Keystone Heights, Florida

Fanning Springs State Park

Pineland, Florida

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping near Lake City guide

Overview

Originally named Alligator after the indigenous Seminole settlement nearby, Lake City is a northern gateway to Florida that houses several lakes and natural springs. Campsites for RVers, tent campers, and primitive backpackers abound among forests with shady oaks, lush marshes, and the raging rapids of the Suwannee River (just 35 minutes away). Nearby parks like Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park, Big Shoals State Park, and Osceola National Forest are great base camps for recharging in nature, exploring the landscape, and attending any of the many festivals celebrating the area’s rich culture.

Where to go

Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park

Named after American composer Stephen Foster (whose song “Old Folks at Home” made the bordering Suwannee River famous), this park features a museum about his songs as well as shaded, ADA-accessible tent and RV campsites with electricity and water hookups that serve as launch points for days spent paddling and canoeing. Primitive group campsites with picnic tables and fire rings can host those attending the park’s Florida Folk Festival in late May. Hipcampers can also find riverside cabins with screened-in porches and full kitchens ready to make a delicious meal out of the fish caught (with a license) along Suwannee.

Big Shoals State Park

Boasting huge stretches of whitewater rapids among limestone bluffs rising 80 feet high, Big Shoals State Park earns a Class III Whitewater classification when the Suwannee River swells to 61 feet above sea level. For a calmer experience, trek down Woodpecker Trail connected to Little Shoals Rapids. There’s no camping in the park, but nearby Hipcamps offer RV, tent, and cabin campsites. Catch a glimpse of bald eagles, scarlet tanagers, and wading birds to flesh out life lists, or witness white-tailed deer and timber rattlesnakes in their natural habitat. Campers visiting to hunt should make sure they have the proper licenses, as hunting is permitted in the wildlife management area during certain game seasons.

Osceola National Forest

Named to honor Seminole leader, hero, and warrior Osceola, Osceola National Forest is 200,000 acres of pine flatwoods and cypress-hardwood swamps, and home to many endangered animals. Waterfront campsites are close to public boat launches and serve as hunting camps during hunting season. There are no reservations for campsites, so Hipcampers arriving early get first pick of electrical and water hookups or primitive camping sites. Fishing, boating, and water-skiing on Ocean Pond are popular activities, as is hiking along the Trampled Track Trail with historical interpretations telling Osceola’s history.

When to go

With average highs near 90°F, summer is a popular time to visit Lake City campgrounds, with lots of opportunities for water recreation like swimming, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking to cool off. The humid, subtropical climate rarely sees cold snaps, even during winter, so many campers find October through March to be the best time for backpacking, tent camping, and car camping when even the muggiest of days cool down to an average of 45°F.