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121 campgrounds and RV Parks near Starke, 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 Starke, FL
Most common amenities
Showers Pet friendly Toilets Laundry Tables Internet Dump station Grills Fishing Pool
Campgrounds near Starke, Florida
Starke sits in Bradford County in north-central Florida, roughly midway between Gainesville and Jacksonville on US-301. The location puts RV travelers within a short drive of state parks, spring-fed lakes, and the Florida National Scenic Trail, while keeping the Atlantic coast and Orlando theme parks reachable as day trips.
The area supports a mix of private RV parks and one major state park campground. Starke/Gainesville NE KOA Holiday and Waldo RV Park sit along the US-301 corridor close to town, while Gainesville RV Park serves travelers heading south toward the University of Florida. Keystone Heights RV Resort caters to the lakes region east of Starke. Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park covers roughly 2,000 acres of rolling sandhills, marshes, ravines, lakes, and scrub on the north central ridge of Florida, about six miles north of Keystone Heights on SR 21, and it anchors public camping in the region.
Most sites are pull-through or back-in with full or partial hookups, and the surrounding terrain is flat to gently rolling pine flatwoods.
Things to do near Starke
At Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park, visitors hike a 5.44-mile stretch of the Florida National Scenic Trail, view wildlife along nature trails, and swim, fish, or canoe on Little Lake Johnson. The park preserves one of the few remaining old-growth stands of longleaf pines, which makes for shaded picnics and birding.
In town, the Camp Blanding Museum and Memorial Park documents the post's World War II role as an infantry training center and later separation facility, with exhibits on the divisions that trained there in the early 1940s. The Florida International Rally and Motorsport Park, a multi-use motorsport facility adjacent to Keystone Airpark, hosts driving events and track days. Public boat ramps on Lake Sampson, Hampton Lake, Lake Santa Fe, and Lake Alto give anglers easy access to bass and panfish water.
Camping spots and RV parks near Starke, FL
When to visit Starke
- spring
March - May
81° / 55°F 75 mmWarm, dry; wildflowers in the sandhills
- summer
June - August
91° / 72°F 170 mmHot, humid; daily afternoon thunderstorms
- fall
September - November
81° / 61°F 80 mmCooling; hurricane risk peaks early fall
- winter
December - February
66° / 46°F 80 mmMild, dry; snowbird season; sites fill fast
North-central Florida has a humid subtropical climate, and the camping calendar is shaped more by heat, humidity, and rainfall than by cold. Late fall through early spring is the prime RV season. Daytime highs are mild, humidity drops, and biting insects ease off, which makes hiking and lakefront sites comfortable. Snowbird traffic peaks from January through March, so popular private parks and state-park sites fill weeks ahead.
Spring brings warming temperatures and wildflower blooms in the sandhills, with longer days and generally dry conditions through May. Summer is hot and wet, with high humidity and frequent cloud cover. Afternoon thunderstorms roll through almost daily from June through August, and lightning is a real concern at open sites and on lakes.
Fall cools gradually. September and October overlap peak Atlantic hurricane season, so RVers should monitor National Hurricane Center advisories and have a departure plan.
Top Hosts near Starke, FL
Terry17 trips - Joined Jan 2022
Absolutely great experience!! Highly recommend using him and his RV. Hopefully it’s available next year when we may need it
GREG B. - Nov 2025
Terry and his wife were awesome! They let us look at the rv before we booked it. Terry took the time to answer any questions we had. Terry and his wife went over everything before we left. Return was easy too. Definitely recommend this rv to rent plenty of room, nice and clean plus Terry is always there to answer your questions.
Ray S. - Jun 2024
Brandon9 trips - Joined Jul 2021
Great camper with lots of bedroom space and clothes hanging space. Clean, well kept and comes with just about any kitchen tool, accessory or appliance you'd need (even had toaster and air fryer). Super caring hosts who take time to ensure your satisfaction and enjoyment! Fabulous experience!!
Paul L. - Dec 2025
Brandon was super friendly, professional, and communicative. The camper was clean and well equipped, and made the experience fantastic.
Elijah B. - Apr 2025
How to book campsites near Starke
Reservations at Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park can be made through the Florida State Parks reservations website or by calling 800-326-3521. Florida residents may book up to 11 months in advance of arrival, while non-residents may book up to 10 months ahead. Sites release on a rolling basis at 8 a.m. Eastern Time, so winter weekends and holidays often book within minutes of opening. Travelers should also note that effective March 2026, the Turkey Oak campground at Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park is closed for renovations, which reduces available state-park sites in the area.
Private parks, including Starke/Gainesville NE KOA Holiday, Gainesville RV Park, Waldo RV Park, and Keystone Heights RV Resort, accept direct online or phone reservations and generally hold inventory closer to the arrival date than the state park. Snowbird stays through winter often require deposits and longer minimums. For last-minute trips, weekday arrivals and shoulder-season dates offer the best chance of walk-up or short-notice availability.
What to expect
Sites in the area range from full-hookup pull-throughs at private parks to wooded back-ins at the state park. At Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park, three campgrounds sit under the trees with water and electricity provided, alongside primitive group sites and fully equipped lakefront vacation cabins, some built by the CCC in the 1930s. Sites 57 and 60-67 do not have electricity, so RVers needing hookups should filter accordingly when booking.
Cell coverage is generally reliable along US-301 and weaker in the wooded interior of the state park. Expect sandy soils, mosquitoes after rain, and warm, humid evenings outside the cool months. Wildlife sightings in the sandhills can include deer, fox, turkey, woodpeckers, and bald eagles. Grocery, fuel, and propane are available in Starke and Keystone Heights, and Gainesville offers full big-box resupply within a 30 to 40 minute drive.
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Frequently asked questions about campgrounds near Starke, FL
How much does it cost to rent an RV in Starke, FL?
RV rental in Starke is one of the most affordable ways to explore North Central Florida, with most rigs ranging from about $95 to $260 per night depending on size and season. Compact campervans and small travel trailers from local hosts sit at the lower end, while Class A and Class C motorhomes with full kitchens and slide-outs run higher. To find a cheap RV rental in Starke, book midweek, travel in the shoulder months (late spring or early fall), and look for hosts offering weekly discounts. Since Starke sits between Gainesville and Jacksonville on US-301, you can base here for less than the nightly cost of beachside RV parks in St. Augustine or Daytona.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Starke,FloridaDo I need a special license to rent an RV in Starke, Florida?
Good news: a regular driver's license is all you need to rent an RV in Starke. Florida does not require a Commercial Driver's License for recreational vehicles used for personal travel. To book on RVezy you generally need to be at least 25 years old with a valid driver's license, which RVezy verifies during booking. Visiting from another country? Bring your home license along with an International Driving Permit and you're set. Most first-time renters in Bradford County are surprised how quick the verification process is, leaving you free to plan the fun stuff like which lake to fish first.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039008774-Understanding-approved-driver-requirementsWhat protection is included with my RVezy booking in Starke?
Every RV rental in Starke booked through RVezy comes with a renter protection plan and 24/7 roadside assistance included, so you can hit US-301 with real peace of mind. The protection plan covers most damage to the vehicle and offers financial protection during your trip. During booking, you'll choose the coverage level that fits your trip, whether you're heading just to Kingsley Lake or planning a longer Florida loop. If something goes sideways on the road, like a flat tire near Camp Blanding or a battery issue at the KOA, one phone call gets help dispatched. That safety net is what helps first-time renters feel confident clicking Book.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat's the cancellation policy if my Starke trip plans change?
Flexibility is built into every RVezy booking, so you can reserve your Starke RV rental today with confidence. RVezy (not the host) sets the cancellation policy, and the full details are shown during checkout before you confirm. You can review refund windows and any exceptions before committing. The takeaway: booking early to lock in your preferred rig for the Bradford County Strawberry Festival or a Gator football weekend in Gainesville is low risk, and the policy is transparent at checkout so there are no surprises.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog on a Starke RV trip?
Absolutely, pet-friendly RV rental in Starke is easy to find on RVezy. Just toggle the Pet-Friendly filter on the search page and you'll see hosts who welcome dogs (and sometimes cats) in their rigs. Many ask for a small pet fee or deposit, which is shown right on the listing. Starke is genuinely dog country, with leashed pups welcome at Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park near Keystone Heights, on the trails along Crosby Lake, and at most campsites at the Starke/Gainesville NE KOA. Pro tip: pack a collapsible water bowl and pick a shaded site (Florida heat is no joke for paws on hot pavement), and your pup will be the happiest camper in Bradford County.
floridastateparks.org/learn/pets-parksCan the RV be delivered to my campsite in Starke?
Yes, RV delivery in Starke is one of the most popular options on RVezy, especially for first-timers who don't want to drive a big rig themselves. Filter your search by Delivery and you'll see hosts who will tow or drive the RV directly to the Starke/Gainesville NE KOA on South Walnut Street, a site at Camp Blanding's Kingsley Lake area, or even a private property where you're staying. They'll level it, hook up water and power, walk you through every system, and pick it up when you're done. This is the easiest way to start a Starke RV trip: you arrive, the camper is ready, and you're roasting marshmallows by sunset.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Starke,FloridaHow far can I travel on an RV road trip from Starke?
Starke sits in a sweet spot for an RV road trip in any direction, and most hosts include a generous daily mileage allowance (typically 100 to 150 miles per day), with unlimited mileage available on some listings. Popular runs include St. Augustine's historic district (about 55 miles east), Jacksonville Beach (around 70 miles northeast), Gainesville and the University of Florida (about 28 miles south), Ocala National Forest (about 60 miles southwest), and the Suwannee River springs near Live Oak (roughly 75 miles west). Many travelers also loop down to Orlando's theme parks (about 130 miles south). If you're planning bigger miles, message the host before booking to confirm a mileage package that fits your route.
rvezy.com/rv-search?SearchAddress=Starke,FloridaWhere are the best campgrounds near Starke for RV camping?
You've got several excellent options for RV camping in Starke, all within a short drive of downtown. Starke/Gainesville NE KOA Holiday at 1475 South Walnut Street offers full hookups, a pool, and easy US-301 access. Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park near Keystone Heights (about 20 miles east) features 73 wooded sites among longleaf pines, with sites on Little Lake Johnson for $20 per night plus utility fee. James E. Johnson Memorial RV Park at Camp Blanding sits right on Kingsley Lake. For a quieter pick, try Santa Fe Palms RV Resort just south near Alachua. Pro tip: Gold Head Branch is a hidden gem and locals book the lakeside sites (68 through 74) fast.
floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/mike-roess-gold-head-branch-state-parkWhen is the best time of year to visit Starke in an RV?
The sweet spot for an RV trip in Starke is October through April, when temperatures sit comfortably between the upper 50s and high 70s and humidity drops to pleasant levels. This is when Florida's snowbird season hits full swing and the famous Bradford County Strawberry Festival rolls in during the first weekend of April. Summers (June through September) bring highs in the low 90s with daily afternoon thunderstorms and the official Atlantic hurricane season, so pick an RV with strong air conditioning if you visit then. Winter is genuinely mild here, with frost rare and most campgrounds open year-round. Local insider tip: book a December stay to catch the Call Street holiday festival and tree lighting in historic downtown Starke.
weather.gov/jax/I've never rented an RV before. Will I be okay driving around Starke?
You're going to do great. First time renting an RV is easier than most people expect, especially in Starke, where the roads are flat, traffic is light, and US-301 and SR-100 are wide four-lane highways with plenty of shoulder. Every RVezy host does a full walkthrough at pickup, showing you how to operate the slide-outs, generator, water system, propane, and dump valves. You can ask all the questions you want before you drive away. If you're still nervous, choose a smaller Class B campervan or Class C motorhome (under 25 feet) for easy handling, or book a host who offers delivery so you skip driving entirely. Bradford County's quiet country roads are a forgiving place to learn.
fdot.gov/safety/What happens if something breaks down during my Starke RV trip?
You're never on your own. Every RVezy booking includes 24/7 roadside assistance as part of the protection plan, so whether you've got a flat tire on I-10, a dead battery at the KOA, or you've locked the keys inside the rig near Kingsley Lake, one phone call gets help dispatched. For mechanical issues, your host is your first point of contact (most respond within minutes), and RVezy's customer support team is available before, during, and after your trip through the Help Center. Starke also has practical resources nearby, including auto parts stores in town and full-service RV repair shops in Gainesville (about 30 minutes south), so help is genuinely close at hand.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailCan I take my Starke RV rental across state lines?
Yes, interstate travel is welcome on most RVezy bookings, and Starke's location makes a multi-state RV road trip especially appealing. The Georgia border is just 50 miles north up US-301, putting you within easy reach of Okefenokee Swamp Park and the Golden Isles. South Carolina's Lowcountry is about 5 hours northeast, and the Florida Panhandle stretches west via I-10. One important note: travel to Mexico is not permitted on RVezy rentals because insurance coverage doesn't extend there. Always message your host before booking to confirm your planned route, especially for trips longer than a week. Most hosts are happy to say yes to a well-planned multi-state loop.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039340074-Insurance-coverage-validityWhat gas mileage should I expect and how much will fuel cost on a Starke RV trip?
Realistic fuel planning makes your trip way more relaxed. Class B campervans typically get 18 to 22 miles per gallon, Class C motorhomes average 10 to 14 MPG, and Class A motorhomes land around 7 to 10 MPG. Travel trailers depend on your tow vehicle. Florida gas prices generally run close to the national average, and there are plenty of stations along US-301 in Starke and at the I-10 interchanges to the north. Pro tip: motorhomes need diesel or regular unleaded depending on the model, so confirm with your host at pickup. The Pilot Travel Center at Lawtey (just north of Starke) and the Flying J in Lake City are the easiest big-rig friendly fuel stops in the area.
eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/How far in advance should I book a campground near Starke?
For peace of mind, book your campground as soon as you book your RV, especially for popular weekends. Florida State Parks like Mike Roess Gold Head Branch accept reservations up to 11 months ahead for Florida residents and 10 months for non-residents through reserve.floridastateparks.org or by calling 800-326-3521. Private parks like the Starke/Gainesville NE KOA can usually be booked 2 to 3 months out for regular weekends. For University of Florida home football Saturdays, Bradford County Strawberry Festival weekend (first weekend in April), and the December holiday season, plan 6+ months ahead. Local insider tip: weekday arrivals (Sunday through Wednesday) are easier to score and often cheaper than Friday-Saturday turnovers.
floridastateparks.org/learn/camping-reservationsWhat are driving conditions like in and around Starke?
Driving in Starke is refreshingly mellow compared to most of Florida. US-301 runs straight through town as a four-lane divided highway, and SR-100 and SR-16 are wide, well-maintained, and easy for big rigs. Watch for two things: log trucks and farm equipment on rural CR-18 and CR-225 (just give them space), and afternoon summer thunderstorms from June through September that can drop heavy rain fast. Florida law limits motorhomes to 45 feet in length, and the towing connection cannot exceed 15 feet, both well within the range of any RV you'll rent on RVezy. Pro tip: avoid US-301 northbound on Friday afternoons when Jacksonville commuter traffic peaks.
fdot.gov/agencyresources/commercialvehicleoperations/permits/sizeweightWhat amenities do Starke-area campgrounds offer?
You'll be well taken care of at campgrounds near Starke. The Starke/Gainesville NE KOA has full hookups (water, 30/50 amp electric, sewer), a pool, laundry, WiFi, a camp store, and a dump station. Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park offers water and electric at most sites, with a centralized dump station and clean bathhouses with hot showers. James E. Johnson Memorial RV Park at Camp Blanding has full hookups on Kingsley Lake with picnic tables and fire rings. To refill fresh water, every full-hookup site has a spigot at your pad. For dumping, all three campgrounds offer a dump station for incoming and outgoing rigs. Pro tip: confirm shore power amperage (30 vs 50) with your host so you arrive ready to plug in.
floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/mike-roess-gold-head-branch-state-park/experiences-amenitiesWhat's actually inside a typical Starke RV rental?
You'll be living comfortably. Most motorhome rentals in Starke come fully equipped with a queen or king bed, convertible dinette and sofa beds (sleeping 4 to 8 total), a kitchen with fridge, freezer, microwave, propane stove, sink, and cookware, a bathroom with shower and toilet, climate control with air conditioning (essential in Florida) and furnace, and seatbelts for every passenger. Many include a generator for boondocking, a TV with DVD player, and outdoor awnings with chairs. WiFi depends on the host. Campervan rentals in Starke are more compact but still cover the essentials. Each RVezy listing spells out exactly what's included, and you can message the host to confirm anything specific like a coffee maker or extra bedding.
flhsmv.gov/motor-vehicles-tags-titles/recreational-vehicles/What add-ons can I get with my Starke RV rental?
Plenty of extras can level up your Starke RV trip, and each host sets their own list of add-ons and prices right on the listing. Common options include bedding and linen packages ($30 to $75), kitchen kits with pots and dishes ($25 to $50), camping chairs and outdoor tables, bikes, kayaks (perfect for Crosby Lake or Little Lake Johnson), portable generators for off-grid stays, propane tank refills, and Wi-Fi hotspots. Many hosts also offer delivery and setup as a flat fee. Pickup is typically at the host's home address in or near Starke, with most hosts offering flexible afternoon pickup and morning return windows. Pro tip: bundle bedding and kitchen kits up front so you can drive straight from pickup to your campsite without a Walmart stop.
flhsmv.gov/motor-vehicles-tags-titles/recreational-vehicles/How does payment and the security deposit work on an RVezy booking?
Payment is straightforward and secure: you pay through the RVezy platform when you book (no cash to the host required). The total covers your nightly rate, any add-ons you select, the protection plan you choose, and applicable taxes. A refundable security deposit is handled separately from your booking payment, and the amount is shown clearly on the listing before you confirm. As long as you return the rig on time, clean, with the fuel and tanks as agreed, the deposit is released back to you after the trip. Pro tip: take a quick video walkthrough of the RV at pickup and return (inside and out), so any questions about condition can be answered in seconds.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-worksWhat's a great first RV itinerary from Starke for a long weekend?
Here's a perfect 3-night Starke RV trip loop that shows off the area: Night 1, pick up your rig and head 20 minutes east to Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park for a quiet lakeside site under longleaf pines and a sunset hike on the Ridge Trail. Night 2, drive 28 miles south to Santa Fe Palms RV Resort near Gainesville, spend the day at Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park or catching a Gators game. Night 3, loop back via Keystone Heights to the Starke/Gainesville NE KOA for a poolside evening before returning the RV. Local insider tip: stop in downtown Starke for breakfast at Grannie's Country Cookin' on Call Street, where locals fuel up before fishing on Crosby Lake.
visitflorida.com/travel-ideas/articles/bradford-county-florida/Nearby cities with campgrounds
Tampa, FLGainesville, FLJacksonville, FLTallahassee, FLBranford, FLConway, FLGoldenrod, FLSt. Petersburg, FLFruit Cove, FLDunedin, FLOdessa, FLGreater Carrollwood, FLBell, FLRio Pinar, FLCelebration, FLYulee, FLBelleview, FLDeBary, FLMinneola, FLOak Ridge, FLLongwood, FLKathleen, FLSilver Springs, FLOcala, FL