Nestled in the rolling hills of North Central Florida, the hidden gem of Newberry awaits. This small city, located in Alachua County, is known for its small-town charm, rural atmosphere, and friendly community. Newberry's history runs deep, dating back to the early 1890s when it was founded to serve the needs of the phosphate mining industry in the area.
Today, with a population of around 7,300, Newberry offers visitors and residents a chance to step back in time and explore its rich history. The city is surrounded by natural beauty, from the lush forests to the rolling hills, making it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Hikers, bikers, and birdwatchers will love the trails and scenery, while the nearby Santa Fe River is a popular spot for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing.
But Newberry isn't just about history and nature. It also boasts a vibrant community. Throughout the year, the city celebrates its heritage with events like the annual Newberry Watermelon Festival and the Christmas in Newberry parade. And, for those who enjoy the great outdoors, there are plenty of parks and recreational facilities to explore, like the Newberry Sports Complex and the Newberry Nature Park.
Campground Near Newberry, Florida
Williston Crossings RV Resort is a true oasis for RVers and campers. Just 25 minutes away from Newberry, the resort offers a wide array of accommodations, including spacious sites for an impressive 450 RVs. Fun is always on the menu at Williston Crossings, whether you're lounging by the heated pool or relaxing in the hot tubs. The dog park ensures that your furry enjoys the experience like everyone else. And with free Wi-Fi throughout the resort, you'll always stay connected.
Strategically located 50 miles away from Newberry via the I-75 S is the Grand Lake RV & Golf Resort. This stunning resort features a picturesque 9-hole golf course, perfect for a game with friends. Relax and rejuvenate by the sparkling lake or take a dip in the heated pool. The resort also offers a wide range of activities such as fishing, hiking, and organized events, and it also has facilities like a fitness center and laundry facilities.
Last but not least is the Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, which is not only a nature lover's paradise but also a camper's dream come true. With its full-facility campground that features electrical and water hookups for RVs, you'll have all the comforts of home while immersing yourself in the park's beautiful natural habitat.
State Parks Near Newberry, Florida
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park is a 22,000-acre hidden treasure in the heart of Florida, waiting to be explored. Step into the wild and discover nearly 300 species of birds and an array of other animals like bison, wild horses, and alligators that call this place home. RVers can hike or bike through the wetlands, prairies, and forests, taking in the stunning vistas and spotting wildlife in their natural habitats. The Bolen Bluff Trail, one of the most popular trails in the park, is an absolute must-do for nature enthusiasts. It's around three miles long and offers an immersive experience of the park's beauty and diverse wildlife.
Manatee Springs State Park is a beautiful state park situated about 30 minutes from the beautiful Newberry. The park features a spring that flows at a rate of 100 million gallons of water per day, and visitors can swim, snorkel, and dive in the spring to view the diverse aquatic life. The park also offers a boat ramp that provides access to the Suwannee River, where visitors can engage in various water activities such as boating, fishing, and canoeing. Camping facilities are also available at the park with both tent and RV options and offer amenities such as a picnic area, playground, and campground store.
Rainbow Springs State Park is another popular destination with RVers passing through Newberry. The park's main attraction is the Rainbow River, known for its crystal clear water and vibrant colors. Visitors can swim, snorkel, and even scuba dive in the river. For those who prefer to stay on dry land, several hiking trails wind through the park's lush subtropical landscape. For camping, the park has a full-facility campground with electrical and water hookups and a group tent camping area. The campground is open year-round and can accommodate RVs and tents.
National Sites Near Newberry, Florida
The Castillo de San Marcos National Monument is a site of incredible historical importance and grandeur. Located in St. Augustine, Florida, the monument is the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States. Constructed in 1672 by the Spanish, the Castillo was used to guard the entrance to St. Augustine harbor and protect the city against pirates, foreign powers, and Native American intrusions. Today, the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument is open for visitors wishing to explore the site. The monument offers daily tours, living history demonstrations, and a variety of special events throughout the year. Visitors can explore the grounds, learn about the fort's history, and even climb the stairs to the parapet for a stunning view of the St. Augustine harbor.
Fort Caroline National Memorial is located in Jacksonville, Florida, along the St. Johns River, approximately 2-hours away from Newberry. Declared a national monument in 1953, the memorial is dedicated to providing an educational experience for visitors about the French Huguenot settlers who founded the area in the 1500s. The memorial includes a visitor center where visitors can learn more about the history of the fort, the French Huguenot settlers, and the Timucua people that were indigenous to the area. Visitors can also explore the fort itself, which is in the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve. The site contains a replica of the fort, as the original deteriorated over time.
The stunning and historically significant Fort Matanzas National Monument is the perfect destination for RVers who want to explore the history and culture of northern Florida. The two-story Spanish colonial fort was built to defend the Matanzas River, a major supply route for St. Augustine, the Spanish capital of Florida at the time. The fort is one of the oldest surviving fortifications in the United States and is a testament to the Spanish colonial era in Florida. It is now a National Historic Landmark, and visitors are welcome to explore the historic grounds and learn about the area's military history. Ranger-led tours are available, but visitors can also take a self-guided tour and explore the museum, barracks, and fort on their own.
National Forests Near Newberry, Florida
Located about 50 miles from Newberry via US Hwy 41N, Osceola National Forest is a fantastic way to experience the outdoors of the Sunshine State. From camping and fishing to hiking and mountain biking, the forest provides plenty of exploration opportunities. There are several trails within the park, ranging from easy to strenuous. The Florida Trail, for example, is a 20-mile trail that takes visitors through various habitats, ranging from cypress swamps to pine Flatwoods. The Ocean Pond Campground is one of the most popular campgrounds in the Forest. The campground boasts 67 campsites, 19 with water and electric hookups, 28 with water hookups, and 20 primitive sites.
Ocala National Forest, located in the north-central region of Florida, is the second-largest national forest in Florida. Whether you're an avid hiker, a bird lover, or simply enjoying the great outdoors, Ocala National Forest is sure to captivate you. For those interested in hiking, there are plenty of trails to explore. From leisurely strolls along the shores of Lake Dorr to challenging treks through the Juniper Prairie Wilderness, you'll find plenty of ways to get your blood pumping. There are also plenty of opportunities for spotting wildlife, including birds and deer.
The Apalachicola National Forest, in northwest Florida, is about 3-hours away from Newberry. It covers an area of 574,000 acres, making it the largest national forest in the state. The terrain of the National Forest varies from flat coastal plains and wetlands to rolling hills and steep ravines. There are numerous rivers, tannin-stained blackwater streams, and over 600 small lakes, ponds, and creeks. The forest is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna and contains some of the finest examples of longleaf pines in the world. The Apalachicola National Forest is a popular RVing destination, offering numerous opportunities for visitors.
