Best Camping in and near Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge

Discover Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge, a haven for wildlife and adventure.

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Community favorites near Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge

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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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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

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Paradise Lake Rousseau ,Fl

7 sites · Lodging, Tents3 acres · Crystal River, FL

3 acres on beautiful Lake Rousseau. Fishing , camping , kayaking , cabin rentals. 10 miles from ThreeSisters Springs, Hunter Springs and Crystal River. Abundant wildlife. Beatiful sunrirses and sunsets. Very peaceful!

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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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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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Artists Nature Retreat

5 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Archer, FL

Learn more about this land: Nestled under the old oak forest and longleaf pines, listen for the owls and woodpeckers. Walk the path or relax in the couch swing. Quiet, secluded, close to Gainesville yet eons away. Heartwood Soundstage, downtown Gainesville, "The Swamp" - Go Gators! and UF 1/2 hour away. Blue Springs, Ginnie Springs, Poe Springs, and Ichetucknee Springs parks all within an hour's drive. Equally close to Fanning, Manatee and Rainbow Springs. If you just need a quick getaway or a base camp for vacation explorations, this is the place for you. Enclosed dog park for off leash pups. Fenced paddocks and covered stalls available at additional cost. 2 mile dirt road leads you back into the woods and away from the noise into a paradise time forgot. RTC Tiny Theater and workshop also available at an additional cost for bands, theater, circus and dance rehearsals and performances. Self-funded residencies available.

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Steinhatchee River Retreat

2 sites · RVs1 acre · Steinhatchee, FL

Our RV campsite is located on a quiet dirt road on a canal that flows into the Steinhatchee River. Beautiful pine and tall palm trees surround the area. Lime stone and rock spread throughout property for ease of travel. We have two camper hook ups with water, sewer and electricity. Bring a friend and face campers together, plenty of room for a common area in the middle. Kayak in the canal for a short trip to explore the Steinhatchee River and fish or just relax.

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Twin Pines

4 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Sugarmill Woods, FL

Welcome to your own, private campsite in the heart of Weeki Wachee surrounded by the wildlife management area, various state parks and fresh water springs! Our well-maintained campsite is a big, open area with full sun, surrounded by trees which give you plenty of shade if preferred. It is quiet and dark enough for you to hear the wildlife at night! The primitive backyard campsite rural, secluded and easy accessible, the spot is 20 feet wide so you’ll have enough space for your motorhome to pull in. We, the owners, will be your neighbors (on the same property) so we can assist you with your needs. Right now what we have available is a 20 amp extension cord and a water hose. You can also run your generator. THINGS TO DO The wildlife management area is a one minute walk from the campsite with the buford and eagle nest springs inside. There is also a distillery (NJoy Spirit) on site. Seven Sisters springs are a ten minute car ride away. You can rent a kayak or a canoe to go out and see dolphins, turtles, alligators, manatees, snakes, deer, various birds or even bears. Other springs in the area are Hunters Springs, Rogers Park and Three Sisters springs. Crystal River is a charming, historical town 25 minutes north. You’ll pass Homosassa and their State Park (the oldest Hippo Lu (65) lives here). At the waterfront restaurant ‘Crumps’ you can watch monkeys on an island! Dames Cave in Lecanto is about 17 minutes from here with multiple caves to explore. The famous Weeki Wachee Springs State park is a 15 minute drive south highway 19. Howard’s Flea Market is the largest in Citrus County, 10 minutes north from the camp site. ‚Adventure Flg X’ is a fun Zip Line park in Brooksville. Rainbow River Springs is an hour north from Twin Pines. The park has beautiful scenic trails and a water temperature of 72 degrees year round which invites you to explore the river in a tube or kayak. The Weeki Wachee preserve is another beautiful, close spot worth visiting. Disney World, Legoland and Universal Studios are within two hours. St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Tampa and Tarpon Springs are must-see cities! Beaches: Pine Island, Fort Island, Sunwest Park Beach. Further away: Madeira Beach, Honeymoon Island & Fort DeSoto. Make sure the beaches are open!

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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 your rig does not have a toilet, please bring your own method to contain and dispose of solid toilet wastes.

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Crystal River Pirate's Den

2 sites · Lodging2 acres · Crystal River, FL

Check in between 2:00 and 8:00 p.m., unless prior arrangements with owners have been made. Only five minutes from the Nature Coast's Manatee tours, this two-person cabin with one Queen bed is a great nature get-away! Somewhat primitive glamping, with an outside hot shower, charcoal grill and fire pit. Property owners on site, yet plenty of privacy. The Pirate's Den has your usual camping vibes with the comfort of a bed at the end of your day of adventure! Limited electric in the cabin. There is A/C, a lamp, an outside light, plug for chargers, an electric blanket, and an infra red light in the winter chilly months. Bedding, plates, mugs & silverware provided. Firewood Available @ $10/bundle.

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Shannon Trails bring your horses

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents6 acres · Dunnellon, FL

Come enjoy the Greenway, 70k acres of trails abut the back of the property. Just a few miles to Rainbow River, and 14 miles from WEC Whether it’s hiking, biking, bird watching, or horseback riding, (stalls are available) you will blend with nature. Camp underneath the canopy of trees or hook up to our RV sites, cabins also available, choose your level of comfort. 😊

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Peacefully Acres

3 sites · RVs2 acres · Dunnellon, FL

Manicured wooded property with koi pond, working greenhouse, and plant nursery Easy access to Rainbow Springs State Park and Rainbow river less than 2 miles. 10 miles from Crystal River Manatee tours 10 miles World Equestrian Cemter in Ocala 17 miles to Devils Den spring 20 miles to Fort island public beach on the Gulf of Mexico Fishing pier All free public access

The best camping near Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge guide

Overview

About

A Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge camping trip is like stepping into a sanctuary where nature thrives. This refuge in the Gulf of Mexico is a sprawling archipelago of 13 islands, each with its own unique charm. Originating as fish camps of First Peoples, these islands have a rich history that adds an extra layer of intrigue to your outdoor adventures. The refuge is a birdwatcher's paradise, home to a diverse array of avian species. While the numbers have dwindled from 200,000 to around 20,000, the variety is still impressive. Egrets, night herons, brown pelicans, and white ibis are just a few of the birds that have found sanctuary in the Seahorse Key rookery. In recent years, even reddish egrets and roseate spoonbills have joined the mix, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in ornithology. Camping near Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge offers more than just birdwatching. The islands are perfect for a range of water-based activities. Whether you're into kayaking, fishing, or simply enjoying the Gulf's tranquil waters, there's something for every type of outdoor enthusiast. Plus, the refuge's location in the Gulf of Mexico means you're never too far from other exciting attractions. What makes this refuge truly special is its commitment to both wildlife conservation and human recreation. It's a place where you can immerse yourself in nature while also respecting the habitat that so many species call home. So, if you're looking to experience the Gulf of Mexico in all its natural glory, Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge is the place to be.

When to go

The best time to visit Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge is during the fall, winter, and spring months, when the weather is mild and the natural beauty of the islands is at its peak. Summer visits are possible, but be prepared for higher temperatures and ensure you have plenty of sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.

Know before you go

Check the latest guidelines and updates before planning your visit to ensure a safe experience.
Be aware that some areas of the refuge are closed to the public and require a permit for entry.
Remember to practice Leave No Trace principles to help preserve the refuge's natural beauty.
Bring your own refillable water bottle to stay hydrated and reduce plastic waste.
For any inquiries or assistance, contact the refuge manager at (703) 622-3896.