Campgrounds and RV parks near De Leon Springs, FL

The main attraction is the state park spring itself, where visitors swim in the boil, tour historical ruins, hike, and cook their own pancakes at the table griddles at the Old Spanish Sugar Mill. A narrated eco and history boat tour of Spring Garden Lake departs from the park, and canoe and kayak rentals are available on site. Wildlife within the park ranges from turtles and alligators to manatees, otters, and the occasional bobcat or bald eagle. Anglers base themselves at Highland Park Fish Camp for access to the St. Johns River system near Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge, known for largemouth bass and panfish. From mid-November through March, hundreds of manatees congregate in the spring run at nearby Blue Spring State Park, the region's signature winter wildlife experience. Beyond the water, Ocala National Forest, downtown DeLand, and the beaches at Daytona and New Smyrna are all within a short drive.

Central Florida's peak RV season runs from late fall through early spring, when temperatures are mild and humidity is lower. Most developed sites require reservations, particularly during winter months when northern visitors seek warmer temperatures, so weekends between November and March tend to book out early. This is also when manatees are most reliably seen: from mid-November through March, hundreds of manatees gather in the spring run at Blue Spring State Park to escape colder river water. At Blue Spring, the spring run closes to all water activities from November 15 through the end of manatee season to protect the animals, so swimming, snorkeling, diving and paddling in the run are not permitted during those months. The swimming season in the run runs from April 1 through November 14. Summer is hot, humid and stormy, with near-daily afternoon thunderstorms and peak Atlantic hurricane activity from August into October. Fall shoulder season, especially late October and early November, offers a good balance of open water, thinner crowds and cooler nights.

This is old-Florida river country, not resort country. Expect gravel and grass sites, live oaks draped in Spanish moss, and limited cell coverage at some properties. Highland Park Fish Camp and the other private options lean rustic, with a focus on water access rather than amenities. Wildlife is part of the experience. Alligators, manatees, wading birds, and the occasional black bear are all in the area, so food should be secured and pets kept leashed. Summer thunderstorms roll in most afternoons, and mosquitoes are heavy near the water from late spring through fall. Groceries, fuel, and a full range of restaurants are available in DeLand, a short drive from most campgrounds.