Our family (infants, teenagers, and us parents) are planning on Ocala National Forest this thanksgiving. Right now, we are looking at Salt Springs campground, but are open to alternative suggestions. We will be in a motorhome and are willing to dry camp or boondock if there is somewhere better to stay.I would like to hear suggestions on campgrounds and things to do.Thanks in advance.

Silver springs state park,ocala florida. large lots, nice bathrooms.glass bottom boat rides,canoe kayaks rental. plenty of stores within a few miles

Alternatives are Alexander Springs and Juniper Springs. I think Salt Springs has the largest CG but I'm not sure of that. There are distributed (boondocking) sites in the forest but beware of the 'sugar sand' which can be a problem if you don't have 4WD. For the developed CG make your reservation right away, it could be too late but hopefully not. There are many private CG too but I'm not familiar with them.As for what is there to do, most activities will center on the three big springs. Swimming, canoeing and kayaking. Alexander is popular for newbie Scuba diving and you can snorkel in all three springs. Not too far away in Ocala you can visit Silver River State Park and Silver Springs SP. The state has taken Silver Springs back from the private contractor who was running it. They have a glass bottom boat ride. There are many other state parks, most with water: either springs or rivers within easy driving distance. The Atlantic beaches aren't that far away either. St Augustine is good for day trips too.

If you are into canoeing or kayaking; Juniper Springs is the very best. There is a National Forest Camp Ground there, but I don't know if you can fit a motor home in the sites The spring run is like being in The Garden of Eden and there is also swimming at the head spring. I have canoed and kayaked in every spring run in Florida and I like the wilderness Juniper Springs the best Alexander Springs is another that is similar.The Silver River used to be awesome, for it's entire length, but now the state has ruined half of it, and after the first several miles it is no longer clear. The Silver Springs State Park is closed to camping right nowThere is a very nice private RV park with full hookups, (Wilderness RV Resort) close to the above that is right on the Withlacoochee River near where the Silver River Enters itJack L

Watch out for the bears. We spent the 2011/2012 winter in a private campground at Half Moon Lake in Ocala Natl Forest. The bears arrived almost every night despite the campground's best efforts to keep them away. I'm talking trying to look in our windows! Sure wouldn't want to surprise one of them when taking the dog out in the evening.

The Bears will be less and less, Florida is having bear hunt for the first time in 20 years. It started this morning and will continue for 7 days. I read they only sold 360 or so licenses. Enjoy your camping trip.

Ocala Natl. Forest at Thanksgiving | Good Sam Community

rocmoc
Explorer
Oct 25, 2015
We always enjoyed Salt Springs if you can get a site with full hookups at this late date. There is always a group potluck dinner in the club house during all/most holidays. As stated there is dry camping (always many sites available) down by the boat launch. Very quiet! Verizon Cell service at Salt Springs use to be at a min.

rocmoc n AZ/Mexico
7ofus
Explorer
Oct 25, 2015
I got reservations (the last FHU site available) for most of the week. Thanks all.
JoeH
Explorer III
Oct 25, 2015
Salt Springs is very nice... roomy sites and full hook up. Grocery store nearby. If you go over to the marina they have very reasonable power boat rentals. As mentioned ,Juniper Springs is worth a trip to paddle down the run... figure on 4 hours or so.
Retired_JSO
Explorer
Oct 28, 2015
JoeH wrote:
Salt Springs is very nice... roomy sites and full hook up. Grocery store nearby. If you go over to the marina they have very reasonable power boat rentals. As mentioned ,Juniper Springs is worth a trip to paddle down the run... figure on 4 hours or so.

Salt Springs Recreation area, full hookup 50 amp, 40' sites. The IGA grocery was closed earlier this year. Dollar General took another Mom and Pop store.
2012Coleman
Explorer II
Oct 28, 2015
7ofus wrote:
I got reservations (the last FHU site available) for most of the week. Thanks all.
Where? Be sure to post some pics!
7ofus
Explorer
Oct 28, 2015
Salt Springs. I guess somebody cancelled.

Pics when we get back.
JoeH
Explorer III
Oct 29, 2015
Retired JSO wrote:
JoeH wrote:
Salt Springs is very nice... roomy sites and full hook up. Grocery store nearby. If you go over to the marina they have very reasonable power boat rentals. As mentioned ,Juniper Springs is worth a trip to paddle down the run... figure on 4 hours or so.

Salt Springs Recreation area, full hookup 50 amp, 40' sites. The IGA grocery was closed earlier this year. Dollar General took another Mom and Pop store.

That stinks---- we hadn't been there yet this year as we were out west. That store had pretty much everything you'd need. Probably head that way , St, Augustine for sure, in a few weeks.
jayco304
Explorer
Oct 29, 2015
We have been to silver spring, salt spring, and juniper spring. All are great. Juniper is really good if you want nature or to canoe.
rgstarnes
Explorer
Oct 29, 2015
Stayed at Salt Springs and found the Camp To have too many rules and too many people enforcing them. They had a meeting with the Park Ranger while I was there and it was a lot of complaining about the Land Leasing Management company that was running the park and the camp hosts that were enforcing the rules. I was warned for having a tire touch the grass and not being on the pavement by 2".
Nothing allowed that will put a hole in the ground like a flag or tent spike.
JoeH
Explorer III
Oct 31, 2015
rgstarnes wrote:
Stayed at Salt Springs and found the Camp To have too many rules and too many people enforcing them. They had a meeting with the Park Ranger while I was there and it was a lot of complaining about the Land Leasing Management company that was running the park and the camp hosts that were enforcing the rules. I was warned for having a tire touch the grass and not being on the pavement by 2".
Nothing allowed that will put a hole in the ground like a flag or tent spike.

I had heard similar complaints. I haven't been there since the new vendor took over, doesn't sound good.

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