Camping near Blue Spring State Park

100% (3 reviews)

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Blue Spring State Park adventure.

Mesmerizing manatees and crystal-clear water make Blue Spring State Park unforgettable.

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Top-rated campgrounds near Blue Spring State Park

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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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Flat Land Center

23 sites · Lodging, Tents5 acres · Christmas, FL

Tucked away in the lush, tropical countryside of East Orlando, A 20 min Equidistant drive to Orlando or to the Beach, this safe, lush and cozy 5-acre property used to function as a cedar tree farm, now The #FlatLandCenter, it is a perfect place to get away for the night and escape to the true wilderness. Born of creative ethics, this is the perfect spot for the traveling earth dweller. You really are in the middle of nowhere (and everywhere), World-famous theme Parks, cool local parks, beautiful beaches, all within a short drive of your campsite. Aromatic orange blossom scent hangs in the air during the spring months, and winters are sunny and crisp. Outdoor showers feel amazing in the summer! Extra-Hot water in colder seasons. Cows and horses are your neighbors and you'll probably see plenty of butterflies and rabbits and birds of all kinds here at PowerLand. Upgrade to one of our “Glamping” Yurt tent sites, Come pitch a tent at one of the last places you can really star-gaze ... We are more central than Central Florida! Minutes to highways 95 ,50, 408, 417, 520, 528 and i4… We also offer the following additions to your stay to make your experience extra memorable: -Large Charcuterie Board (serves 6-8) $75/ Small Charcuterie Board (serves 2) $25 -Locally Brewed LIVING VITALITEA kombucha cans for $5 each (served in glass) -100% Organic Arabica coffee by the cup $3/ Full Carafe $10 -Homegrown Organic Pine Needle tea $2.50 a cup/ $8 Full kettle -$15 precut wood bundles -$15 reservation for space heater in some listings when available (Ask about our Organic , All-Natural Clay facials and body treatments!)

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North Shore Relic Ranch

8 sites · RVs, Tents80 acres · Mount Dora, FL

This property is called relic ranch because we have actually found a ton of old relics. the campground is under an ancient canopy of oaks. so youll always have shade. the center of the property is unique to say the least but the campground is nature at its finest. there is a 2.6 mile nature trail across from the campground to explore. also there is a boat ramp for fishing about 1/8 mile away. you are welcome to roam over most of the 80 acres. We have goats, cows and chickens as well. All super friendly.

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Hidden Gem

16 sites · RVs, Tents11 acres · New Smyrna Beach, FL

Welcome to our HIDDEN GEM which is tucked away in 11 acres of beautiful oak trees. Splashed with Spanish moss this tropical paradise offers a serene experience and creates a perfect environment for the Monarch Butterfly to thrive. We offer hot outdoor showers and flushable toilets. Our sites are large and secluded. We are 10 minutes from the white sandy beaches of the Atlantic Ocean. Bring your boat if you like to fish. We are 3 minutes from the boat ramp which accommodates boats large and small to access off shore fishing at the Inlet or flats fishing at Mosquito Lagoon. If you are a motorcycle enthusiast we are 30 minutes from Daytona Speedway and NSB Speedway. Kayak and surfing with your own or rentals are available. All the popular attractions are one hour drive time from us. There are 5 Golf Courses in NSB as well as an array of fine dining, art shows and of course lots of sunshine. As lifelong campers it is a pleasure to share our Hidden Gem with you. We love animals so bring your best friends along.

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Home of Many Miniature Animals

7 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Mount Dora, FL

Our farm is off the beaten path surrounded by mossy oaks and lots of shade. If you are having a rough week, load up and relax on our working farm filled with miniature horses and numerous other adorable miniature animals that will be sure to put a smile on your face. Pack your camping gear, tents, vans or RVs and find peace away from the traffic and everyday stress. There is plenty of nature and you can take a long stroll to clear your head. Mount Dora is across the main street less than 5 minutes away. Our antique town is an amazing experience to explore with lots of history and complete with quaint shops and restaurants, boating and lots of things to do. Rennigers Antique Center is located right up the street (less than 5 minutes away) for some great picking. We are conveniently close to the Central Florida Attractions and the beach on both east and west coasts within an hour drivep. A few Campers favorite places to visit are Mount Dora Bike Trail - 2.6 miles, Kelly Park - 11 miles and Kings Landing 12 miles from farm. We offer youth day camps on various dates, pony rides and a tour of our farm animals for an additional fee. Reservations required in advance due to the other activities we have going on. In 2007, we had no idea where this adventure was going to take us. Our small urban farm was sharing our miniature animals with assisted living facilities and Neulife, where we have 3 miniature horses that live on their property. Little by little we have evolved into more of a need to share with the community and help others with the relaxing qualities our farm and animals have to offer, we want to be able to share and better educate with hands on experiences, teach kindness, patience, confidence and help others to be the best they can be. Thank you for your time and if you visit, share a review! Reviews are the best way for us to better ourselves and your experience. Have a great stay!

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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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True Trail Farm

4 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Deland, FL

Hi Hipcampers and Farm enthusiasts....We are a small hobby farm with many goats and chickens...When the time is right you may find yourself helping Mike milk the goats or collecting eggs...If farming isn't your thing, we are just 2 miles away from historic downtown DeLand and SkyDive DeLand another 10 minutes will get you to Either Blue Springs or DeLeon Springs...Plus we are 30 minutes to Daytona or New Smyrna Beach...The choices are endless here. Your RV site is directly in front of our goat field with your own side entrance. We have potable water and electric hook up for your RV...Sorry no dump station available at this time. Shower house and toilet ava

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Beautiful Orlando-Area Lake Camping

3 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Ocoee, FL

We have 5 acres of beautiful Florida lakefront land. Sunrise views are amazing then the day unfolds with a variety of sounds and sights of local wildlife. The small and private lake provides options for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing from our dock. You'll feel like you've found the perfect country retreat and will be just 20 minutes from Universal, 30 minutes from Disney, and 10-20 minutes from all West Orange County has to offer.

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Camp Wild Fern

4 sites · RVs, Tents6 acres · Mims, FL

Hey guys! As avid campers and adventure seekers ourselves, we know how important safe (and cost effective) space for a night or two is. That’s why we decided to offer a corner of our own rural paradise - amongst the mature oaks, blooming magnolias and palms. We have just under 7 acres with plenty of yard to share. It’s pretty basic space without a lot of amenities (yet), but we know you’d love it here. Our pricing reflects our humble start and we invite you to park your RV, pop open your tent and make yourself at home. A few things you can expect… ~Wherever you decide to set up camp, we will provide a picnic table, trash can and fire pit with wood. ~We are super pet friendly so bring your furry family members and we will ensure they’re safe and comfortable as well. ~There is access to water from the main house. ~ Electricity can be provided depending on how close you set up to the house. WiFi as well. ~ We do have a chicken coop so you can expect to hear them throughout the day. ~ We are on a dead end road in a rural residential area. Super quiet! ~ Pit potty in a super cute Outhouse. ~ If you stay during the month of March, you will adore our lightening bugs! ~ Tons of mature trees so bring your hammocks. ~ We are on site and available to you when needed. Forgot bug spray or need a band-aid? We got you! Need a board game, yard game or puzzle? We got those too! ~ Want total privacy? That’s ok too! Watch us grow and come back as our offerings grow too. This is our start, but it’s going to be great! Follow us on Instagram #campwildfern Visit nearby ~Space Center ~Playalinda Beach ~Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge ~Local blueberry picking (seasonal) ~Indian River “Mosquito Lagoon” ~White Sands Buddhist Center ~30 minutes to New Smyrna Beach ~Less than an hour from Historic Sanford ~Cocoa Village ~Daytona Speedway

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The LODGE @ Runaway Bay

7 sites · Lodging1 acre · Seville, FL

Runaway Bay Lodge - a place where Love and Magic Happen After the 4 mile trip through The Lake George State Forest, you will pass two small RV campgrounds of Pine Island. Runaway Bay Lodge is the first private property past The Pine Island RV Campground, on the right side of the street. OUR PROPERTY IS NOT LOCATED IN THE CAMPGROUND. We have 4 separate units on our property, including 2 cabins and 3 yurts, Each cabin and yurt is set up with only one bed, in each. We are a perfect spot for solo journeyers and couples. Larger groups can rent multiple units. We also host 3rd party retreats for up to 12 total guests. We do allow cannabis smoking on our property, in the common areas outside of the tents and cabins. We offer our exclusive Magic M Meditations, Yoga, Plant Based Vegan, Vegetarian and Non Vegetarian Meal Options, Moxibustion, Kundalini, Tantra, Energy work and other holistic well-being services, Small Group Retreats, Boat Tours and Boat Rentals. Use of a private vehicle is required. The property is on a natural 46000 acre lake that is connected to The Atlantic Ocean by The St Johns River. This location offers abundant wildlife refuge. This can be exciting, but dangerous. Please do not feed or approach the wildlife. You may see alligators, snakes, otters, manatees, as well as several species of fish and birds, including, but not limited to, american bald eagles, egret, heron, seagulls, bass, mullet, crappie, bluegill and more. Please simply use caution and do not attempt to disturb the animals or their environment.

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Black Horse Resort Ranch Campground

13 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Umatilla, FL

When you are here you are family. Hi, I'm Danielle. My Mom, JoAnn, founded Black Horse Ranch in 2017. "You're family here" is something she said all the time to people who came to stay, and it is truly at the heart of our ranch. Black Horse is a place to enjoy nature, camping, campfires, and good company, in a place that feels like home. The property is a beautiful campground nestled into a nook of the Ocala National Forest. We are surrounded on 3 sides by forest, and you can ride or hike straight from any of the many trailheads on property! We offer 30 and 50amp sites, there is a bath house with full bathrooms and laundry, a Community Kitchen you are welcome to use, a screened in Pavilion for meals or hanging out, a POOL! (yes you read that right!) and a Clubhouse with couches, games and all! We have a few rentals (a cabin and RV) and we are working on getting more. We do have wifi on the property, and we also offer golf cart rentals. If you have horses, you'll love coming to Black Horse. We are surrounded by countless trails through the forest with the trail heads sitting right on property, two barns for horses, many outdoor stalls and paddocks, wash racks, and an extra large riding arena. There is world class fishing nearby at the St. John's River and we are right near many beautiful springs - which, if you have never spent time in a natural spring you will absolutely want to check that out! Kayaking, tubing, swimming galore in crystal clear waters. We are a 20 minute drive from the Villages which offers shopping, dining, and activities, as well as 20 minutes to historic Mount Dora which is a beautiful artsy downtown village. We are 1 hour from Daytona & New Smyrna, 1 hour from Orlando (Disney anyone?). There is plenty to do on the ranch and nearby the ranch. You will have a blast. We'll see you by the campfire!

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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!

The best camping near Blue Spring State Park guide

Overview

About

At Blue Spring State Park, 72-degree, spring water bubbles up from limestone aquifers to feed the St. Johns River. Each winter, this warm water draws hundreds of West Indian manatee and plenty of campers, who head to the observation decks and boardwalks to stand over these creatures as they torpedo their way through the Blue Spring Run. Once they leave their winter home come summer, swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, and inner tubing are allowed in the waters, as well as boat tours and on-site kayak and canoe rentals. The park’s sole Blue Spring Campground features six cabins, and dozens of tent camping and RV camping sites with electric hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Blue Spring Campground reservations are available 11 months in advance for Florida residents, or 10 months in advance for non-residents.
Same-day reservations can be made before 1pm ET. After that, open sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Spring break season in March and April can be especially busy, so book early for trips during this time.

When to go

Blue Spring State Park is open year-round. Manatee season is typically November to March, with the swimming season running from April to October, only once the manatees are gone. As in other parts of Central Florida, expect cooler winters and hot, humid, and rainy summers.

Know before you go

The park’s gift shop and concessions are near the main manatee viewing deck. Food and groceries can be purchased during your road trip in nearby Orange City and DeLand.
Just 35 miles from Orlando, Blue Spring State Park makes for a fun day trip—but day-use access is limited during swimming season, when the park can fill up early. Overnight campers gain access to the water and hiking trails regardless.
The Save The Manatee Club runs a live webcam of Blue Spring, so you can check for their presence before your trip.
Other attractions at Blue Spring State Park include hiking the 3.6-mile (each way) Pine Island Trail and the historic Thursby House.