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167 campgrounds and RV Parks near Hawthorne, 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 Hawthorne, FL
Lochloosa Harbor RV Park
Hawthorne, FL (5 miles away)
$$$$$
(10 sites)
+2
Twin Lakes Fish and Camping
Hawthorne, FL (8 miles away)
$$$$$
(20 sites)
+4
Cooper Lake RV Community
Interlachen, FL (9 miles away)
KATE'S FISH CAMP
Gainesville, FL (9 miles away)
$$$$$
Citra Royal Palm RV Park
Florida (11 miles away)
$$$$$
(14 sites)
+3
Sportman's Cove
Florida (12 miles away)
$$$$$
(36 sites)
+6
Water's Edge Oaks RV Resort
Citra, FL (13 miles away)
Citra Storage and RV Park
Florida (13 miles away)
$$$$$
(18 sites)
Fort McCoy / Lake Oklawaha KOA Holiday
Florida (13 miles away)
$$$$$
(200 sites)
+3
Puc Buggy - Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
Micanopy, FL (13 miles away)
$$$$$
(52 sites)
+7
Sun Retreats Ocala Orange Lake
Citra, FL (13 miles away)
Grand Lake RV and Golf Resort
Florida (13 miles away)
$$$$$
(423 sites)
+10
Most common amenities
Showers Pet friendly Toilets Laundry Internet Tables Dump station Pool Grills Fishing
Campgrounds near Hawthorne, Florida
Hawthorne sits in eastern Alachua County, roughly 15 miles southeast of Gainesville and about a 90-minute drive from Jacksonville or Orlando. The town is best known as a jumping-off point for Lake Lochloosa and Orange Lake, two of the largest freshwater fisheries in north-central Florida, and for the paved Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail that connects the region to Paynes Prairie Preserve.
RV renters typically choose between rustic lakefront fish camps and full-hookup RV parks. Lochloosa Harbor RV Park and KATE'S FISH CAMP put travelers directly on the water with boat ramps and bait shops on site, while Twin Lakes Fish and Camping and Cooper Lake RV Community offer quieter lake and pond settings a short drive from town. Citra Royal Palm RV Park, south along US-301 near Citra, is a more traditional RV park with paved sites and longer-stay options.
State-park camping is close by. Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park in Micanopy and Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park near Keystone Heights are both within a 30 to 40 minute drive.
Things to do near Hawthorne
Fishing drives most trips here. Lake Lochloosa is a designated Fish Management Area of about 5,700 acres, known for black crappie and largemouth bass, and it connects through Cross Creek to Orange Lake. Public ramps, boat rentals, and live bait are available at the fish camps along US-301.
The 16-mile paved Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail runs from Boulware Springs in Gainesville to Hawthorne, passing through Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park and the Lochloosa Wildlife Management Area. Visitors can spot alligators, wild horses, bison, and nearly 300 bird species from observation points and the La Chua Trail boardwalk.
Day trips from Hawthorne reach the Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park at Cross Creek, Silver Springs and its glass-bottom boats, and freshwater swimming at Mike Roess Gold Head Branch.
Camping spots and RV parks near Hawthorne, FL
When to visit Hawthorne
- spring
March - May
81° / 55°F 80 mmWarm and pleasant; lowest humidity of the year in spring
- summer
June - August
90° / 72°F 180 mmHot and humid; daily afternoon thunderstorms
- fall
September - November
81° / 63°F 90 mmCooling and drier; hurricane risk peaks in September
- winter
December - February
68° / 46°F 80 mmMild and dry; peak RV season, state parks fill early
The prime RV season runs late October through April, when humidity drops, mosquitoes ease, and daytime highs sit in a comfortable range. This is also the busiest period for Florida state parks: reservations at Paynes Prairie and Gold Head Branch routinely fill months ahead, especially around Thanksgiving, Christmas, and spring break. Wildlife viewing on Paynes Prairie peaks in these cooler months.
Late spring through early summer brings hotter afternoons and rising humidity, but weekday availability at private fish camps is usually easier to find. Bream and bluegill fishing on Lochloosa is strong from April through September, while black crappie peaks January through April.
Summer is the wet season, with daily thunderstorms most afternoons and the highest rainfall totals in July and August. Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30 and peaks in September; travelers should check National Hurricane Center advisories and park status before arrival, since some state parks close ahead of storms.
Top Hosts near Hawthorne, FL
Frederick16 trips - Joined Apr 2021
We enjoyed staying in this camper. It is just the basics, which is all we needed. Great communication and friendly host - thanks Frederick!
Lindsey B. - Oct 2026
Awesome and easy
David F. - Jun 2026
Adam9 trips - Joined Mar 2024
Adam is an excellent host. Quick to reply, knowledgeable and genuinely cares. We were easily able to extend our rental and adjust pick up and delivery as needed. The camper is clean and everything works perfectly. Thanks again Mike Proulx
Mike P. - Jan 2026
We had excellent communication with Adam throughout the rental. He gave clear instructions when we arrived to pickup the camper. Everything was as advertised, comfortable and fully functional. Only 1 minor issue: poor water pressure in bathroom sink compared to pressure elsewhere. A/C was great, we were very cool. I definitely recommend Adam and his camper, even for newbies like us.
Timothy G. - Apr 2025
How to book a campsite near Hawthorne
Florida state parks use a single reservation system through the Florida State Parks website. Florida residents can book sites at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park and Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park up to 11 months in advance, while non-residents can book up to 10 months ahead. Payment is collected at booking, and a non-refundable reservation fee applies. Peak-season weekends often sell out the moment the window opens at 8 a.m. Eastern, so set a calendar reminder.
Private parks around Hawthorne, including Lochloosa Harbor RV Park, Twin Lakes Fish and Camping, KATE'S FISH CAMP, Cooper Lake RV Community, and Citra Royal Palm RV Park, book directly by phone or through their own websites. Nightly, weekly, and monthly stays are common. Confirm rig length, hookup amperage (30 vs 50 amp), and pet policies at booking, especially for larger Class A motorhomes and fifth wheels.
What to expect on the ground
Expect a rural, laid-back setting. Roads around Lochloosa and Orange Lake are two-lane with limited shoulders, and cell coverage can be spotty inside state parks and along lake roads. Fuel and groceries are easiest in Gainesville or along US-301 in Hawthorne and Citra.
Sites at the fish camps are typically gravel or grass with full hookups on the more developed loops and simpler water and electric sites closer to the water. State-park loops sit under a canopy of live oaks and pines; most are back-in, and larger rigs should confirm site length before arrival.
Wildlife is part of the experience. Alligators are common in every lake and pond in the area, and pets must be leashed at all times. Bring insect repellent from spring through fall, and plan for afternoon storms in summer by setting up awnings and outdoor gear early in the day.
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 Hawthorne, FL
How much does it cost to rent an RV in Hawthorne, FL?
Good news: an RV rental in Hawthorne, FL is one of the more budget-friendly ways to explore North Central Florida. On RVezy, travel trailers in the Hawthorne area typically start around $90 to $140 per night, while Class C motorhomes generally range from $175 to $275 per night, and larger Class A coaches run $250 to $400 per night. Booking midweek and traveling in shoulder months like late April or early November can shave 15 to 25 percent off peak prices. For a cheap RV rental Hawthorne travelers love, filter by travel trailers and look for hosts offering free local delivery to nearby Lochloosa Lake or the Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail trailheads to save fuel too.
visitgainesville.com/communities/hawthorne/Do I need a special license to rent an RV in Hawthorne?
Great news for first-timers: a regular driver's license is all you need to rent an RV in Hawthorne, FL. Florida's standard Class E license covers the vast majority of motorhomes and travel trailers under 26,000 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), which includes nearly every RV on RVezy. You'll need to be 25 or older with a valid license, and RVezy verifies your ID securely through the platform during booking. Visiting from abroad? Bring your home-country license plus an International Driving Permit (IDP) and you're set. No Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and no RV-specific endorsement required for personal trips.
flhsmv.gov/driver-licenses-id-cards/What protection is included with my Hawthorne RV rental?
You're covered from the moment you hit the road. Every RV rental in Hawthorne booked through RVezy includes a renter protection plan plus 24/7 roadside assistance, so you can focus on Lochloosa Lake sunsets instead of worst-case scenarios. The protection plan covers eligible damage to the RV and gives you real financial peace of mind. During checkout you'll choose from different protection tiers based on how much coverage you'd like, so you decide your comfort level. Hosts don't pick your protection plan, you do, which keeps the choice fully in your hands.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat if I need to cancel my Hawthorne RV trip?
Booking is low-risk, so you can lock in your dates with confidence. RVezy sets its own cancellation policy across all listings (hosts don't set this), and it includes a money-back grace period after you book so you have breathing room if plans change. Refund eligibility after that depends on how far out you cancel and on special circumstances like hurricane warnings, which matter in Hawthorne since the Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30. If a tropical storm threatens your trip, contact RVezy support right away. Full policy details are on the RVezy Help Center, and customer support is available before, during, and after every booking.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog on my Hawthorne RV rental?
Absolutely, Hawthorne is wonderfully dog-friendly. Many hosts offer a pet-friendly RV rental Hawthorne travelers can book directly by using the Pet-Friendly filter on RVezy. Once you're here, your pup will love sniffing through Little Orange Creek Nature Park and trotting the leash-friendly Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail, a 16-mile rail-trail that connects Hawthorne to Boulware Springs in Gainesville. Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, about 20 minutes west, allows leashed pets in the campground and on most designated trails (some boardwalks and observation areas are off-limits due to wildlife). Pro tip: message the host before booking to confirm pet fees and bring a tie-out for shaded oak-tree relaxing at camp.
floridastateparks.org/learn/pet-policyCan the RV be delivered to my campsite in Hawthorne?
Yes, and it's the easiest way to start a Hawthorne RV trip. Many RVezy hosts offer RV delivery Hawthorne renters love, where the host drives the rig to your campsite, levels it, hooks up power, water, and sewer, and walks you through every system before handing over the keys. Popular delivery destinations from local hosts include Kelly's RV Park in Hawthorne, Sportsman's Cove on Orange Lake, and Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park about 20 miles west. Use the Delivery filter when browsing listings, then message hosts for a delivery quote based on mileage. It's perfect if it's your first time renting an RV and you'd rather skip driving.
visitgainesville.com/communities/hawthorne/How far can I drive on a Hawthorne RV rental, and what about mileage limits?
You've got plenty of room to roam. Most Hawthorne hosts include 100 to 150 free miles per night, and some offer an RV rental with unlimited mileage for a flat add-on fee, which is ideal for longer routes. From Hawthorne you're within easy reach of St. Augustine (about 70 miles east), Ocala National Forest's Salt Springs (about 30 miles), Silver Springs State Park (about 25 miles), Cedar Key on the Gulf (about 90 miles), and Orlando theme parks (about 110 miles). Each listing shows the exact mileage allowance up front. Pro tip: estimate your total round-trip miles before booking and ask the host about pre-purchasing extra miles, which is usually cheaper than the overage rate.
fdot.gov/agencyresources/mapsWhere are the best campgrounds near Hawthorne, FL?
You're spoiled for choice with some of the best campgrounds near Hawthorne tucked into lakes, springs, and pine forests. Top picks include Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park (50 full-hookup sites about 20 miles west, famous for wild bison and prairie sunsets), Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park (about 35 miles northeast in Keystone Heights with ravine swimming and electric sites), Kelly's RV Park right in Hawthorne for full hookups close to town, Lochloosa Harbor RV Park on Lochloosa Lake (great for anglers), and Salt Springs Recreation Area in Ocala National Forest (about 30 miles east) where the 72-degree spring runs year-round. Book Florida State Parks up to 10 months ahead at the official reservation site.
floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/paynes-prairie-preserve-state-parkWhen is the best time of year to rent an RV in Hawthorne, FL?
Lucky for you, Hawthorne's RV-friendly weather runs much longer than most of the country. The sweet spot is October through April, when daytime highs sit in the comfortable 65 to 80 degree range with low humidity and almost no mosquitoes, perfect for hiking the Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail. Winter nights occasionally dip into the 40s, so RVs with propane heat are a nice plus. Summers (June through September) bring 90-degree heat, high humidity, and afternoon thunderstorms, plus Atlantic hurricane season; if you go in summer, look for rigs with reliable air conditioning. Spring wildflowers at Paynes Prairie in March are an insider favorite.
weather.gov/jax/climateI've never rented an RV before. Will I be okay driving one around Hawthorne?
You'll do great, and Hawthorne is a forgiving place to learn. Rural North Central Florida roads like US-301, FL-20, and FL-26 are flat, wide, and have light traffic compared to South Florida or the I-4 corridor. Every RVezy host gives you a full walkthrough at pickup, covering driving, hookups, slide-outs, the propane system, and the dump procedure, so you're never left guessing. If you'd rather not drive at all, book a travel trailer or motorhome with delivery and the host handles all the towing and setup. Pro tip: do your first loop around the quiet roads of Hawthorne and Melrose before tackling I-75 toward Gainesville.
fdot.gov/safety/What happens if I have an issue with the RV during my trip?
You're never alone on the road. Every Hawthorne RV trip booked through RVezy includes 24/7 roadside assistance as part of the protection package, covering things like flat tires, dead batteries, lockouts, and towing. If a system inside the RV acts up (think AC, fridge, or water pump), your host is just a message away through the RVezy app and usually responds quickly because they know their rig best. RVezy customer support is also available before, during, and after your trip. Pro tip: save the roadside assistance number to your phone before you leave and snap a photo of the RV's VIN sticker so help arrives faster if you're out near Ocala National Forest with spotty service.
fdot.gov/agencyresources/floridahighwaypatrolWhat are some great RV road trip ideas from Hawthorne?
You're sitting in a perfect launchpad for a Florida RV road trip from Hawthorne. Popular routes include: Hawthorne to St. Augustine (about 70 miles, 1.5 hours) for the nation's oldest city and Anastasia State Park; Hawthorne to Cedar Key (about 90 miles, 2 hours) for Gulf sunsets and seafood shacks; Hawthorne to Ocala National Forest and Salt Springs (about 30 miles, 45 minutes) for crystal-clear swimming holes; Hawthorne to the Florida Keys (about 400 miles, around 7 hours) for an unforgettable bucket-list run down US-1; and Hawthorne to Crystal River (about 75 miles) for manatee season November through March. Travel to Mexico isn't allowed on RVezy rentals, but cross-state Florida adventures are encouraged.
visitflorida.com/places-to-go/What should I budget for fuel on a Hawthorne RV trip?
Fuel is easier to plan than most renters expect. Around Hawthorne and Gainesville, regular gas typically runs close to the Florida state average, which has hovered between $2.90 and $3.40 per gallon recently and is usually a bit cheaper than the U.S. average. Realistic fuel economy is 7 to 10 mpg for Class A motorhomes, 10 to 14 mpg for Class C, and 12 to 18 mpg for trucks towing travel trailers. For a 300-mile loop (think Hawthorne to St. Augustine and back with side trips), budget roughly $90 to $130 in gas for a midsize Class C. Pro tip: the Pilot at I-75 Exit 374 in Gainesville usually has the best diesel and big-rig pull-through access nearby.
eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/How far in advance should I book a campground near Hawthorne?
The earlier the better, but you've still got options if you're planning last minute. Florida State Parks like Paynes Prairie and Gold Head Branch are bookable up to 10 months in advance for non-Florida residents and 11 months ahead for residents through the official Florida State Parks reservation site (the system opens new sites daily at 8 a.m. Eastern). Winter weekends (December to March) book up the fastest because of snowbird season. Private RV parks around Lochloosa Lake and Hawthorne usually have more flexibility and can often accommodate within 2 to 4 weeks. Pro tip: set a reminder for exactly 10 months before your arrival date and log in at 7:55 a.m. Eastern to snag prime sites.
floridastateparks.org/reservation-informationWhat are local driving conditions like around Hawthorne?
Driving an RV around Hawthorne is genuinely relaxing. The town sits along US-301 and FL-20 with flat terrain, no mountain grades, and almost no urban congestion, so motorhomes and trailers handle beautifully. Watch for the occasional logging truck on rural stretches, deer at dawn and dusk near Lochloosa Wildlife Management Area, and afternoon summer thunderstorms that can drop heavy rain fast (pull over if visibility drops). The drive into Gainesville on FL-20 is RV-friendly, but avoid downtown Gainesville's brick streets near the University of Florida campus with anything over 25 feet. Pro tip: check FL511 (Florida's official traffic info service) before heading toward I-75 or I-95, especially on weekends.
fl511.com/What amenities can I expect at campgrounds near Hawthorne?
You'll find a comfortable mix of full-service and rustic options for RV camping Hawthorne style. Most private parks like Kelly's RV Park and Lochloosa Harbor offer full hookups (30/50 amp electric, water, and sewer at the site) plus laundry and Wi-Fi. Florida State Parks such as Paynes Prairie and Gold Head Branch provide water and electric at each site (30 amp, some 50 amp), centralized hot showers, restrooms, and a centralized dump station rather than sewer at each site. Potable water fills are available at the entrance of most state parks. Pro tip: bring a 25-foot fresh water hose and a 90-degree sewer elbow; the live oak trees mean hookups aren't always right next to your rig.
floridastateparks.org/stay-nightWhat features and amenities come with a typical Hawthorne RV rental?
You'll feel right at home from minute one. Most motorhome rental Hawthorne listings come fully equipped: a queen or king bed, fold-out dinette or bunks (sleeps 4 to 8 depending on size), a galley kitchen with stove, microwave, fridge, and freezer, a wet or dry bath with hot shower and toilet, roof air conditioning, propane furnace, awning, and seatbelted seating for travel. Many include a generator, outdoor speakers, smart TVs, Wi-Fi hotspots, and outdoor camp chairs. Smaller campervan rental Hawthorne options are perfect for couples wanting nimble Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail access. Pro tip: each RVezy listing has a full amenities checklist, so filter by what matters most (generator, pet-friendly, sleeps 6+) before you book.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Hawthorne%2C%20FloridaWhat add-ons and pickup options are available with Hawthorne RV rentals?
You can customize your rental to make life easier. Common host add-ons include generator hours, propane top-offs, linen and towel kits, kitchen packages, outdoor camping kits (chairs, table, hammock), bike racks, kayaks, and even portable grills, each with transparent fees shown at checkout. Pickup is usually at the host's home in Hawthorne, Melrose, or nearby Gainesville, and many hosts offer delivery to local campgrounds like Paynes Prairie or even directly to Gainesville Regional Airport (GNV) about 20 miles west. Mileage policies, pet rules, and festival approvals (think Gator football weekends in Gainesville) are all set per host. Look for the Instant Book filter to lock in your trip without waiting for approval.
flygainesville.com/How does payment and the security deposit work for a Hawthorne RV rental?
Payment is simple and fully handled inside the RVezy platform, so you're never exchanging cash or wiring funds directly to a host. You'll pay your rental total securely with a credit or debit card when you book, and the host releases the RV at pickup. A refundable security deposit is held separately from your booking payment (typically $500 to $1,500 depending on the rig) and released back to your card after the trip once the host confirms the RV came back in good shape. To avoid surprises, document the RV's condition with photos and a quick video at pickup and drop-off, and review the host's mileage, generator, and cleaning policies before you sign. Pro tip: filter for Instant Book listings for the fastest, smoothest checkout.
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