Top 10 Campgrounds and RV Parks Gainesville, Florida
Located in the northern part of Florida and equidistant to cities like Tallahassee, Jacksonville, and Orlando, Gainesville is home to one of the largest universities in the country as well as many remarkable natural wonders. Gainesville is an outdoor lover’s dream with plenty of green spaces and blue water that allow you to soak in the warm Florida sun. You’re also only about an hour away from sparkling sandy beaches whether you head west or east, making the RV parks in Gainesville an ideal location to stay.
In addition to great the great outdoors, there are many activities to keep everyone in the family occupied when you stay at one of the many Gainesville campgrounds in the area. Some fun activities for the entire family include the Butterfly Rainforest at the Florida Museum of Natural Science and the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo, which has a playground and small zoo to keep your little ones happy. There are many nearby RV parks in Gainesville, and you can get started on your adventure by renting an RV right in Gainesville, Florida. Check out the top 10 RV parks and campgrounds in and around Gainesville, Florida.
Sun Retreats Ocala Orange Lake
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Situated on the shores of Orange Lake, one of the largest lakes in all of Florida, Sun Retreats Ocala Orange Lake is the place to be if spending your days out on the water is your idea of fun. You can launch your own boat there or rent one just for the day. You can also make use of the site’s nine-hole golf course, driving range and putting green to work on your game, which is another of the many reasons that this is one of the best RV parks in the Gainesville, Florida area.
Why You’ll Love Sun Retreats Ocala Orange Lake
After a day of fun in Gainesville, you and your family can grab a bite to eat at the resort’s restaurant, Eagle’s Nest Cafe, or relax and shoot pool at Georgie’s Lakeside Restaurant, which is near the entrance to the park. While here, you can take advantage of the resort’s fitness center and dog walk area. There are also cottage rentals available by the day or week.
What People Are Saying About Sun Retreats Ocala Orange Lake
“Came here for a month and ended up leasing a spot for the next few years. Very nice park — everyone very friendly. Nice golf course, pool and exercise room. Lots of activities if you are looking for that. Park is very well-maintained and clean” – Don, Google Review
Starke/Gainesville N.E. KOA
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When you set your family up at the Starke/Gainesville N.E. KOA, you’ll be staying at one of the premier campgrounds in Gainesville, Florida. You’re only about 25 miles from the heart of downtown Gainesville, which means you can camp in your RV and still take advantage of everything that Gainesville has to offer. Try relaxing at the pool, or if the family dog is traveling with you, get some special time with your four-legged friend at the on-site dog park.
Why You’ll Love Starke/Gainesville N.E. KOA
Located just southwest of Starke, the Starke/Gainesville N.E. KOA campground is close to all the amenities to make your stay feel like home. There is an IHOP just outside the entrance of the park, and a McDold’s is just a few blocks away. When it’s time to load up on supplies, there’s a Walmart Supercenter less than 1 mile away.
What People Are Saying About Starke/Gainesville N.E. KOA
“One of the best KOAs we’ve stayed at. Sites are large and spacious and pretty level. Everyone is friendly and welcoming. Very pet-friendly with walking trail and dog park. Lots to do for the kids with a nice playground and pool and planned activities for the kids every weekend. Also, there is a shopping center within walking distance.” – Rachael, Google Review
Fort McCoy/Lake Oklawaha KOA
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Situated on the shores of Lake Ocklawaha and at the edge of Ocala National Forest, the state’s largest forest area and second-largest green space behind the Everglades, Fort McCoy/Lake Oklawaha KOA is the place to go if you want to spend some time escaping day-to-day life. This campground area is loaded with amenities for swimming, boating, and hiking.
Why You’ll Love Fort McCoy/Lake Oklawaha KOA
If you and your family are looking for more fun when staying at Fort McCoy/Lake Oklawaha KOA, you have options like The Canyons Zip Line in nearby Ocala. ATV enthusiasts have several choices in the area like ATV Offroad Adventure Tours and Hog Waller Mud Bog & ATV riding
What People Are Saying About Fort McCoy/Lake Oklawaha KOA
“This campsite is so spacious and so clean. Probably the cleanest I’ve ever stayed at. The people camping there were so nice and friendly too. This was such a wonderful vacation for us. The grounds do have ants, but other than that, everything is clean and well maintained. ” – Cara, Google Review
Williston Crossings RV Resort
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Located just a few miles southwest of Gainesville, Williston Crossings RV Resort is a full-service campground that offers many amenities to keep everyone in your party active. This Gainesville camping site offers amenities like tennis courts, hiking and biking trails and a large swimming pool that is open year-round. When the weather doesn’t permit exercising outside, there’s also a well-equipped fitness center to use
Why You’ll Love Williston Crossings RV Resort
If someone in your group has a wedding coming up or you are looking to have a family reunion or other gathering, this Gainesville campsite is the place to host a party. There is a large pavilion ideal for having guests sit or mingle, and a large clubhouse and kitchen can assist you in setting up your event.
What People Are Saying About Williston Crossings RV Resort
“Great place to call home or if you’re just passing through. Beautiful grounds and friendly people everywhere!” – Linda, Google Review
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
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Just a few miles south of Gainesville, Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park is one of the most highly rated state parks in all of the south, not just Florida. In addition to being an ideal place to set up camp with your RV, it’s a terrific place to get close to nature. The park has a nature preserve for many different types of wildlife and also offers plenty of space for activities like biking, hiking, and horseback riding.
Why You’ll Love Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park is only about five miles south of downtown Gainesville and 10 miles from Ben Hill Griffin, home of the Florida Gators football team, meaning you won’t have to go far if you’re a fan of college football or stadium tailgating. At the park, you’ll have plenty to keep you occupied on the water with options like canoeing, kayaking, boating, and fishing.
What People Are Saying About Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
“This is one of my favorite parks for riding. The trails are easily marked, the restrooms are always clean & plenty of trailer parking. Every time I go out, we’re lucky enough to see plenty of deer, turtles & armadillos.” – Karen, TripAdvisor Review
Travelers Campground
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Travelers Campground is a terrific place to stay if you want to get back to nature. In addition to all the green space you can find at the RV park and nearby, there is plenty of animal life to enjoy. The park features a small zoo that has animals being cared for like emus, donkeys, goats, horses, cows, parrots, and peacocks.
Why You’ll Love Travelers Campground
Why You’ll Love Travelers Campground The nearby city of Alachua has a quaint historic downtown district that looks like a throwback to eras gone by. There are also many historic homes to view in the area. If keeping cool is the order of the day, make a stop at the nearby Alachua Splash Park or take a dip in the park’s refreshing lap pool.
What People Are Saying About Travelers Campground
“Very nice place. We were assigned a spot but while being escorted to the site, the young man put us in another site because of puddles from recent rain. Great place and great staff.” – Daryl, Google Review
Sportsman’s Cove Campground
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Another campsite located near Lake Orange, Sportsman’s Cove Campground is a paradise for sports enthusiasts. The site itself has its own boat ramp for you to launch your vessel and even boat slips to rent for long-term visitors. If you want to get out on the water but don’t have your own equipment, you can rent a kayak.
Why You’ll Love Sportsman’s Cove Campground
If you want to spend some time away from the RV or even just a night away from the kids, consider renting one of the park’s cabins that are available. These cabins are completely furnished and have everything to get a good night’s sleep. You can rent one- or two-bedroom cottages by the day, week or month.
What People Are Saying About Sportsman’s Cove Campground
“The park has been cleaned up under the new ownership and is now a pretty place for a short or longer stay!” – Holger, Google Review
Sportsman’s Cove
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Another campsite located near Lake Orange, Sportsman’s Cove Campground is a paradise for sports enthusiasts. The site itself has its own boat ramp for you to launch your vessel and even boat slips to rent for long-term visitors. If you want to get out on the water but don’t have your own equipment, you can rent a kayak.
Why You’ll Love Sportsman’s Cove
If you want to spend some time away from the RV or even just a night away from the kids, consider renting one of the park’s cabins that are available. These cabins are completely furnished and have everything to get a good night’s sleep. You can rent one- or two-bedroom cottages by the day, week or month.
What People Are Saying About Sportsman’s Cove
“The park has been cleaned up under the new ownership and is now a pretty place for a short or longer stay!” – Holger, Google Review
High Springs Campground
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If you are a fan of antiques and quaint specialty shops, you won’t have to travel far for entertainment when you stay at High Springs Campground. The city of High Springs is a hotbed for these types of shops and is also an ideal place to get a homestyle lunch or dinner. The campgrounds themselves are adjacent to Interstate 75, which makes it easy to get to Gainesville or other nearby destinations.
Why You’ll Love High Springs Campground
Plan your stay at the right time, and you can catch the world-famous National Hot Rod Association Gatornationals drag races held at the nearby Gainesville Raceway. If you’re looking for something a bit quieter, the camp allows fire pits in certain areas, ideal for relaxing on cool evenings. There is also a playground for the kids and horseshoe pits for everyone.
What People Are Saying About High Springs Campground
“Very friendly couple that owns and runs the place. Restrooms/showers are kept very clean. Peaceful and quiet. I would camp here again!” – Robert, Google Review
October Bend RV Park
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Another park near the High Springs area, October Bend RV Park is close to several attractions like Poe Springs Park, where you and your fellow travelers can go snorkeling or canoeing, and the Mill Creek Farm, which is home to dozens of retired horses. You’re also close to fun attractions like the Kananpaha Botanical Gardens and the enclosed Butterfly Rainforest operated by the Florida Museum of Natural History.
Why You’ll Love October Bend RV Park
The park is loaded with amenities, including estate-sized parking for your RV, giving you ample room to spread out without being close to your fellow RV owners. There’s a play area for the kids as well as a wooded area ideal for walking and hiking.
What People Are Saying About October Bend RV Park
“Quiet and peaceful. Very clean handicap (ADA) bathhouse with roll-in shower.” – Hank, Google Review
In Summary
There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy nature and the open spaces that this part of Florida is known for. Most of these campgrounds are only a few miles away from Gainesville, which has cultural and entertaining attractions to satisfy everyone in your family as well as numerous places to enjoy fresh, Southern-style cuisine. The RV parks in Gainesville, Florida allow you to slow things down and enjoy life to its fullest. One of these Gainesville, Florida campgrounds is sure to make a splash when you’re taking your RV out on some of the top road trips in Florida.
Explore other Campgrounds & RV Parks near Gainesville
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to camp in Gainesville, Florida?
How much does it cost to camp in Gainesville, Florida?
The top 10 campgrounds we selected all show daily, weekly and monthly rates for you. Pricing will vary.
How much does it cost to RV park in Gainesville, Florida?
Pricing will vary. The top 10 RV Parks we selected all display daily, weekly and monthly rates for you.
How long can you stay at an RV Park in Gainesville, Florida?
Staying at an RV Park for a long period of time will vary on the campground & RV Park you choose. View our post for more information.
Are there pet friendly RV Parks & Campgrounds in Gainesville, Florida?
Yes. The majority of campgrounds we selected in this blog allow pets.