Camping in Ocala/Marion County

​Set up camp in breathtaking Ocala/Marion County​.

Home to the Ocala National Forest, the second largest national forest in the state, Ocala/Marion County boasts some of the best camping, hiking and recreation in the entire country. Take in the sights, sounds and scents of untouched Florida on a getaway under the stars you won’t soon forget.

Campgrounds

The Ocala National Forest, located primarily in Marion County, covers more than 380,000 acres in North Central Florida and features over 600 lakes, rivers and freshwater springs. Dozens of campgrounds of every variety populate the forest, with options for primitive camping, tent camping, cabins and RV parking at numerous established campgrounds throughout the region.

A group of friends camp by a bonfire in the outdoors in Ocala.

One of the oldest and most popular sites for camping in the Ocala National Forest is Juniper Springs Recreation and Campground. While there, you’ll undoubtedly want to take an invigorating dip in the tree-lined, turquoise waters of the swimming area as you enjoy the sights and sounds of nature. Set up camp in one of 78 campsites, hike the trails and learn more about the County’s rich history as you explore the historic mill house museum. You won’t want to miss the opportunity to canoe or kayak down the seven mile long Juniper Springs Run, ranked as one of the best runs in the nation, for an up close look at plenty of Florida wildlife as you paddle this Florida treasure.

Check out a favorite the campground at Juniper Springs in this episode on Marion Insider's Guide!

RV Camping

If you want to experience the call of the wild while enjoying the comforts of electricity and modern plumbing, RV camping at Salt Springs Recreation Area lets you get the best of both worlds. It’s the largest park of all in the Ocala National Forest and it also includes more than 50 sites for tents. Like Juniper Springs, Salt Springs is a natural, freshwater spring producing thousand of liters of water daily. The water stays a comfortable 72 degrees year round, perfect for splashing into even in the crisp fall.

Cabin Camping

For something in-between tent camping and an RV, Ocala/Marion County offers numerous cabin camping options. Horseshoe Lake Park & Retreat in nearby Ft. McCoy offers lakeside, rustic cabins with all of the comforts of home, including a microwave, four-burner gas stove and a mini fridge. Horseshoe Lake is a perfect place for your family vacations, reunions and corporate events.

Camp Alongside Your Horse

It’s a widely known fact that Ocala reigns as the Horse Capital of the World®, making it an ideal destination for equine owners looking to explore a variety of camping options alongside their horse. Golden Acres Foxtrotter Ranch in Ocala offers full hookups for sleeping quarter-equipped trailers or campers can choose to sleep in their western motif cabin. Located in the middle of The Greenway Trails system, campers and their horses can enter the riding trail directly from Golden Acres.

Whether you dream of sleeping under the stars, cozying up in a woodsy cabin or relaxing in your RV, Ocala/Marion County offers a slice of authentic Florida you simply must experience. To learn more about where to stay in Ocala, click here.

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Ocala/Marion County
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Ocala/Marion County
Florida's Natural Wonder
The Ocala/Marion County Visitors and Convention Bureau is the county’s official resource for vacation and meeting planning information. We are dedicated to increasing tourism and economic growth within our beautiful county.

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