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123 campgrounds and RV Parks near Chiefland, FL. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
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Best campgrounds near Chiefland, FL
Southern Leisure RV Resort
Chiefland, FL (1 miles away)
$$$$$
(486 sites)
+3
Southern Leisure RV Resort
Chiefland, FL (1 miles away)
Strawberry Fields For RV'ers
Chiefland, FL (1 miles away)
$$$$$
(72 sites)
+3
Manatee Springs RV Park
Manatee Road, FL (3 miles away)
Breezy Acres RV Community
Chiefland, FL (8 miles away)
Suwannee River Hideaway
Florida (8 miles away)
$$$$$
(70 sites)
+11
Suwannee River Bend RV Park
Florida (8 miles away)
$$$$$
(73 sites)
+6
Yellow Jacket RV Campground
Florida (8 miles away)
$$$$$
(95 sites)
+11
Old Town Campground
Old Town, FL (9 miles away)
Old Town Campground N Retreat
Florida (9 miles away)
$$$$$
(46 sites)
+7
Otter Springs Resort Inc
Trenton, FL (11 miles away)
$$$$$
(110 sites)
+3
Shady Oaks Campground
Florida (13 miles away)
$$$$$
(13 sites)
Most common amenities
Pet friendly Showers Toilets Laundry Internet Tables Dump station Grills Pool Cable TV
Campgrounds near Chiefland, Florida
Chiefland sits in Florida's Nature Coast in Levy County, along the US 19/98 corridor about an hour west of Gainesville. It functions as an RV base camp for a cluster of first-magnitude springs on the Suwannee River, most notably Manatee Springs State Park, located six miles west of town on State Road 320. Manatee Spring itself is the largest single spring flowing into the Suwannee River, averaging 50 to 150 million gallons of daily flow, and the park holds a National Natural Landmark designation from 1971.
RV travellers typically split their stay between the state park campground and private resorts along US 19/98. Southern Leisure RV Resort, Strawberry Fields For RV'ers, Manatee Springs RV Park, and Suwannee River Hideaway all sit within a short drive of downtown Chiefland and the park entrance, giving full-hookup options when the state park is booked.
Cedar Key on the Gulf Coast, Fanning Springs to the north, and the Nature Coast State Trail are all within a 30 to 45 minute drive, which makes Chiefland a practical hub rather than a single-attraction stop.
Things to do near Chiefland
Manatee Springs State Park anchors most itineraries. The park has an 800-foot boardwalk through cypress swamp to the Suwannee River, more than 8.5 miles of trails, year-round canoeing and kayaking, and a swim area at the spring head. Certified cave divers can access an extensive underwater cave system, with the Catfish Hotel as a popular entry point. Manatees frequent the spring run in the cooler months, roughly November through April.
The Nature Coast State Trail is a paved rail-trail with a hub at Wilcox Junction near Fanning Springs, running about 32 miles in a T-shape linking Chiefland, Trenton, Fanning Springs, Old Town, and Cross City. The Chiefland trailhead has parking and restrooms.
Day-trip options include Fanning Springs State Park, Hart Springs County Park, the Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge, and the fishing village of Cedar Key about 30 miles southwest.
Camping spots and RV parks near Chiefland, FL
Seasonal patterns and when to visit
- spring
March - May
79° / 54°F 85 mmDriest stretch; peak bookings, sites fill months out
- summer
June - August
90° / 72°F 180 mmHot and humid; near-daily afternoon thunderstorms
- fall
September - November
79° / 57°F 95 mmHurricane peak in September; cooler and drier by November
- winter
December - February
66° / 43°F 85 mmMild and dry; prime manatee viewing at the springs
Chiefland has a humid subtropical climate with hot, wet summers and mild, drier winters. For RV travellers, the comfortable window runs roughly from mid-October through April, when highs sit in the 60s to low 80s Fahrenheit and humidity drops. This is also manatee season on the Suwannee, with the animals moving into the warmer spring run from about November through April, when Gulf water cools.
Spring is generally the driest stretch, with May seeing the most sunshine and the lowest relative humidity of the year. This is peak booking season at Manatee Springs State Park and at the private resorts along US 19/98, and sites often fill months out for weekends and holidays.
Summer brings daily highs near 90 Fahrenheit, heavy humidity, and near-daily afternoon thunderstorms. August is both the wettest and most humid month, averaging over six inches of rain. Atlantic hurricane season runs June through November, with peak activity in September; Big Bend landfalls have forced temporary state-park closures in the past, so plans should stay flexible.
Top Hosts near Chiefland, FL
Ashley104 trips - Joined Jul 2021 - Superhost
Great stay, just what we needed for a two night stay.
Crystal W. - Jun 2026
Ashley was very easy to communicate with . The camper was delivered and set up waiting our arrival! Everything was clean and in good working condition order! My husband said we literally needed to bring just our clothes! Ashley takes care of everything!! 😊 Thank you!
Gretchen M. - Mar 2026
BigJeff16 trips - Joined Jan 2022
Our first time renting an RV and we didn’t know what to expect. Delivery of the RV was prompt and Big Jeff set everything up for us. Many of the items we brought were already there for use which was really great. I’m particular about our pillows and towels so we brought those along with our toiletries but everything else was there! Fantastic experience and great service with the delivery, setup and tear down. Would highly recommend.
Derrick P. - Jan 2025
Meet all our expectations. Will definitely use Big Jeff for future needs.
Robby M. - Jul 2024
How to book campsites near Chiefland
Manatee Springs State Park reservations are handled through the Florida State Parks system online or by phone at 800-326-3521. Florida residents can book campsites up to 11 months in advance; non-residents can book up to 10 months out. New sites become available for reservation daily at 8 a.m. Eastern time, and popular winter and spring dates often go within minutes of opening.
Private resorts around Chiefland, including Southern Leisure RV Resort, Strawberry Fields For RV'ers, Manatee Springs RV Park, and Suwannee River Hideaway, take reservations directly through their own websites or by phone, and many hold monthly or seasonal inventory for snowbirds. For a January to March trip, contacting private parks several months out is prudent. Cancellation policies and pet rules vary by property, so confirm both before arrival.
What to expect on arrival
Manatee Springs State Park is a wooded, sandy campground with loops of varying quality. Sites typically include a fire ring and picnic table, and several have concrete pads. Some loops have narrow interior roads and packed-sand surfaces, so larger rigs should confirm site dimensions when booking. Cell service inside the park is limited. The park is open 8 a.m. to sundown year-round, and a per-vehicle entrance fee is collected at the gate.
Outside firewood cannot be brought into the park because of the emerald ash borer quarantine; bundles are sold at the concession stand or ranger station. Leashed, well-behaved dogs are welcome. Private resorts along US 19/98 generally offer full hookups, better cell reception, and paved or gravel pads, and are the easier option for large motorhomes.
Own an RV? Earn up to $35,319/year.
List your motorhome or travel trailer for free on RVezy.
Frequently asked questions about campgrounds near Chiefland, FL
How much does it cost to rent an RV in Chiefland, FL?
RV rental in Chiefland is one of the most affordable ways to explore Florida's Nature Coast. On RVezy, travel trailers typically start around $80 to $130 per night, campervans and Class B motorhomes range from $150 to $225, and larger Class A or Class C motorhomes generally fall between $200 and $350 per night. Because Chiefland is a small, rural town near Manatee Springs and the Suwannee River, you'll often find better nightly rates here than in Orlando or Tampa. To score a cheap RV rental in Chiefland, book midweek, travel in the shoulder months of April or October, and look for hosts offering weekly discounts on stays of 5+ nights. Bring a cooler and shop the Chiefland Farmers Flea Market for fresh produce to stretch your trip budget even further.
visitflorida.com/places-to-go/north-central/Do I need a special license to rent an RV in Chiefland, FL?
Good news: a regular driver's license is all you need to rent an RV in Chiefland, Florida. The state of Florida does not require a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) or any special endorsement for personal RVs, including large Class A motorhomes and fifth wheels. On RVezy, approved drivers are generally required to be at least 25 years old with a valid driver's license, and your ID is verified securely through the platform before your trip begins. Visiting from another country? Bring your home-country license plus an International Driving Permit (IDP) and you're set. Most first-time renters in Chiefland are surprised how straightforward the process is, leaving more time to plan your Manatee Springs paddle and Cedar Key day trip.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039008774-Understanding-approved-driver-requirementsIs insurance and roadside assistance included with my Chiefland RV rental?
Every RV rental in Chiefland booked through RVezy includes a renter protection plan and 24/7 roadside assistance, so you can hit the Suwannee River backroads with confidence. RVezy offers tiered protection plans that cover damage to the RV during your trip, and you choose the level that fits your comfort at checkout. Roadside assistance is included with every protection plan, so if you get a flat on US-19 heading to Fanning Springs or need a jump at Manatee Springs State Park, one phone call dispatches help any time of day or night. You'll know exactly what's covered before you confirm the booking.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat happens if I need to cancel my Chiefland RV trip?
Booking your RV rental in Chiefland is low-risk because RVezy sets the cancellation policy centrally, not the individual host, and the exact terms are shown to you during checkout. Refunds depend on how far out you are from your trip start date, and RVezy's support team is available before, during, and after your trip to help with special circumstances like hurricanes or named tropical storms (a real consideration in Levy County during summer and early fall). If a host cancels on you, RVezy will help you rebook or provide a refund. That safety net means you can lock in your Manatee Springs weekend now without overthinking the what-ifs.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog on a pet-friendly RV rental in Chiefland?
Absolutely, and Chiefland is a fantastic destination for traveling with dogs. To find a pet-friendly RV rental in Chiefland, simply toggle the Pet-Friendly filter on RVezy and you'll see listings from hosts who welcome four-legged guests (some may charge a small pet fee, which is shown upfront). Once you're here, leashed dogs are welcome on most trails at Manatee Springs State Park, along the 32-mile Nature Coast State Trail that runs right through downtown Chiefland, and at the Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge. Pets are not allowed in the spring swimming area itself, but the shaded boardwalks and oak-lined campsites make this one of the most dog-friendly parks in north Florida.
floridastateparks.org/learn/pets-florida-state-parksCan the RV be delivered to my campground in Chiefland?
Yes, RV delivery in Chiefland is one of the best ways to skip the stress of driving a big rig if it's your first time renting an RV. Many RVezy hosts will deliver and set up the motorhome or travel trailer directly at Manatee Springs State Park, Otter Springs Park & Campground, or your private rental property, then walk you through everything from the awning to the water hookups. Use the Delivery filter when searching, and check each listing for the host's delivery radius and per-mile fee. Tip: bundling delivery with a full setup package means you can roll up to your campsite, unpack groceries, and be floating in the spring within the hour.
floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/manatee-springs-state-parkHow far can I drive from Chiefland on a typical RV rental?
Chiefland is perfectly positioned for a classic Florida RV road trip, and most hosts on RVezy include a daily mileage allowance (often 100 to 150 miles per day) with the option to pre-purchase extra miles or unlimited mileage at booking. From Chiefland you can reach Cedar Key in about 30 minutes (25 miles), Gainesville in under an hour (40 miles), Ocala National Forest in roughly 75 minutes (60 miles), Crystal River's manatee tours in about 70 minutes (58 miles), and St. Augustine's historic district in around 2.5 hours (130 miles). If you're planning a longer loop down to the Keys or up to the Panhandle, message the host before booking to lock in an unlimited mileage add-on.
fdot.gov/agencyresources/mapsWhere are the best campgrounds near Chiefland for RV camping?
You have a fantastic lineup of campgrounds for RV camping in Chiefland. Manatee Springs State Park has two loops (Magnolia 1 with full hookups and Magnolia 2 with water/electric only) just steps from the crystal-clear spring run. Otter Springs Park & Campground, about 12 miles north, offers full-hookup sites, a pool, and access to its own private spring. Hart Springs Park, around 15 miles away in Bell, is a Gilchrist County favorite with riverfront sites on the Suwannee. Manatee Springs RV Park (a private 55+ community on Young Boulevard) and Yellow Jacket RV Resort in nearby Old Town round out great options. Pro tip: reserve Manatee Springs sites the moment they open 11 months ahead, especially for winter manatee season.
floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/manatee-springs-state-parkWhen is the best time of year to plan an RV trip to Chiefland?
The sweet spot for a Chiefland RV trip is mid-October through April, when daytime highs sit in a comfortable 65 to 80°F range, humidity drops, and mosquitoes finally back off. November through March is peak manatee season at Manatee Springs State Park, where dozens of West Indian manatees gather in the 72°F spring water to escape the colder Suwannee River. Spring brings wildflowers and the famous Watermelon Festival on the first Saturday in June, while summers (June to September) are hot, humid, and prone to afternoon thunderstorms. If you can swing a winter or early-spring rental, you'll get the best wildlife viewing and the most comfortable hookup nights of the year.
weather.gov/jax/I've never driven an RV before. Is renting in Chiefland a good idea for first-timers?
Chiefland is honestly one of the easiest places in Florida for a first time renting an RV. The roads around town (US-19, US-27 Alt, and CR-320 to Manatee Springs) are wide, flat, lightly trafficked, and free of the city congestion you'd hit in Miami or Tampa. Every RVezy host provides a hands-on orientation at pickup, walking you through the slide-outs, generator, water system, and dump procedure before you ever leave the driveway. You can also message your host through the platform anytime during the trip with questions. Pro tip: if you're still nervous, book a smaller Class C motorhome or travel trailer for your first Chiefland RV trip and consider a delivery option so the host parks it for you.
flhsmv.gov/safety-center/What if something goes wrong with the RV during my Chiefland trip?
You're never alone on the road. Every RV rental in Chiefland through RVezy includes 24/7 roadside assistance as part of the protection plan, covering flat tires, dead batteries, lockouts, fuel delivery, and towing. If something comes up while you're parked at Manatee Springs or driving the rural stretches of CR-347 toward Cedar Key, one phone call dispatches help, and RVezy's customer support team is also available to coordinate with your host. Most issues are resolved within a couple of hours. Tip: snap a quick photo of the RV's VIN and your host's contact info at pickup so you have everything in one place if you ever need to call for help.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat are the best road trip destinations from Chiefland?
An RV road trip from Chiefland opens up some of Florida's most underrated gems. Head about 25 miles southwest to Cedar Key for Gulf-front seafood, sunset paddles, and the Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuge. Drive 40 miles east to Gainesville for college-town vibes and the Devil's Millhopper geological site. Loop south about 60 miles to Crystal River and Homosassa for swim-with-manatee tours. Go north about 50 miles to the Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center on the Suwannee River in White Springs. For a longer adventure, St. Augustine sits roughly 130 miles east and the Florida Panhandle beaches around Apalachicola are about 175 miles northwest. Cross-border travel into Mexico is not permitted on RVezy rentals, but most of Florida and the Southeast US is fair game with quick host approval.
visitflorida.com/places-to-go/north-central/What kind of fuel mileage should I expect, and how much should I budget for gas?
Realistic fuel planning makes your Chiefland RV trip stress-free. Travel trailers don't burn fuel directly but will drop your tow vehicle to about 10 to 14 MPG. Class B campervans get 18 to 22 MPG, Class C motorhomes average 8 to 12 MPG, and big Class A rigs land around 6 to 10 MPG. Florida gas prices typically run a bit below the national average, and Chiefland's Murphy USA, Circle K, and Walmart fuel stations on US-19 are convenient stops before heading to Manatee Springs. For a 4-day, 300-mile loop in a Class C, budget roughly $130 to $180 in fuel. Tip: fill up in Chiefland before driving to Cedar Key, where gas runs noticeably higher.
eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/How far in advance should I book a campground in Chiefland?
For Manatee Springs State Park, book the moment your dates open on the Florida State Parks reservation system, which is exactly 11 months in advance. Winter weekends (December through March) and the manatee viewing season fill up within hours of release. Otter Springs and Hart Springs are managed by their respective county park systems and typically accept reservations 6 months out, with a bit more weekend flexibility. Private parks like Manatee Springs RV Park and Yellow Jacket RV Resort can often accommodate shorter notice, especially midweek. Insider tip: if your dream Manatee Springs site is booked, check the Florida State Parks site daily for cancellations, which pop up surprisingly often two to three weeks before peak dates.
floridastateparks.org/learn/reservation-informationWhat are the local driving conditions like around Chiefland?
Driving an RV around Chiefland is refreshingly low-stress. The town sits at the junction of US-19 and US-27 Alt, both four-lane highways with generous shoulders and almost no urban traffic. The 6-mile drive to Manatee Springs State Park on CR-320 is a quiet two-lane road through oak hammocks, easy even for a 30-foot Class C. Watch for white-tailed deer at dawn and dusk along rural roads, and keep an eye on summer afternoon thunderstorms, which can drop heavy rain quickly between June and September. Hurricane season runs June through November, so check the National Hurricane Center forecast before long drives. Otherwise, expect flat terrain, no tolls, and friendly small-town drivers.
fdot.gov/travelWhat amenities and hookups can I expect at campgrounds near Chiefland?
Campgrounds around Chiefland offer a great range of amenities. Manatee Springs State Park's Magnolia 1 loop has full hookups (water, electric, sewer) with 30/50-amp service, while Magnolia 2 offers water and electric only with a centrally located dump station. Otter Springs Park & Campground provides full hookups, a swimming pool, hot showers, laundry, and Wi-Fi near the office. Hart Springs Park has full-hookup riverside sites plus a dump station. Potable water fill stations are available at all three. Cell signal can be spotty inside Manatee Springs State Park (Verizon and AT&T are best near the concession area), so download maps and reservations ahead of time. Most parks include picnic tables, fire rings, and access to clean bathhouses.
floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/manatee-springs-state-parkWhat's typically included inside a Chiefland RV rental?
Your motorhome rental in Chiefland is essentially a vacation home on wheels. Expect a fully equipped kitchen (fridge, freezer, stove, microwave, sink, cookware, and utensils), a private bathroom with toilet and shower, sleeping for 2 to 8 depending on the rig, climate control with roof-mounted A/C (essential for Florida summers), seatbelts for safe driving positions, and a dinette or sofa that converts to extra beds. Many RVezy hosts also include a generator for boondocking, an outdoor awning, camp chairs, and a TV. Wi-Fi hotspots, Bluetooth speakers, and bedding/towel packages are popular add-ons listed on each host's page. Use the Sleeps filter to match the rig to your group size before booking.
flhsmv.gov/motor-vehicles-tags-titles/recreational-vehicles/What add-ons and pickup options should I look for when I rent an RV in Chiefland?
When you rent an RV in Chiefland, hosts offer plenty of optional extras to customize your trip. Popular add-ons include delivery and setup at Manatee Springs or your home, bedding and linen packages, kitchen kits, camp chairs and tables, bike racks, kayak racks (a must for paddling the Suwannee), portable grills, and generators. Mileage policies vary by listing, with most hosts offering 100 to 150 free miles per day and unlimited mileage upgrades available. Pickup is usually from the host's home in or near Chiefland, with clear time windows shown on the listing. Pro tip: if you want a hassle-free family RV trip to Chiefland, bundle delivery + linens + a kayak rack so you arrive at your campsite ready to enjoy the spring.
floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/manatee-springs-state-parkHow does payment and the security deposit work for my Chiefland RV rental?
Payment for your campervan rental in Chiefland is handled entirely through RVezy's secure platform, so you never exchange cash or personal payment info with the host. You'll pay the rental total at booking with a credit or debit card, and a separate refundable security deposit is pre-authorized on your card before your trip begins. As long as you return the RV in the same condition, with the same fuel level, and within the agreed mileage, the deposit is released back to you shortly after the trip ends. Tip: take date-stamped photos of the interior, exterior, and odometer at both pickup and drop-off. It's the easiest way to keep your deposit return smooth and quick.
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