River Road Campground Lake George State Forest
00 review2645 St. Johns River Road Astor, FL 32102
River Road Campground Lake George State Forest
$8.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$8.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
The reservation fee is $8 per night per site, as mentioned by users in reviews. Staying another night incurs an additional $8 fee.
About this campground
Escape to River Road Campground, where the untamed beauty of Lake George State Forest creates the perfect backdrop for authentic wilderness camping. This pristine primitive campsite invites you to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with nature, offering essential comforts like crackling fire rings for evening gatherings, sturdy picnic tables for outdoor meals, and grills for campfire cooking. Nestled along the legendary St. Johns River, this secluded haven provides the rare opportunity to experience Florida's wild heart while enjoying the peaceful solitude that only deep forest camping can provide.
The River Road Campground is exclusively a primitive camping site designed for tents. There are no facilities for RVs, cabins, or glamping.
Historical SignificanceRiver Road Campground sits at the intersection of conservation and recreation, proudly serving as a gateway to the renowned Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. As part of the Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway, this special place connects visitors to centuries of natural heritage and ongoing wildlife preservation efforts. Here, camping becomes more than recreation—it's a chance to participate in Florida's conservation story, where every visitor helps protect these precious ecosystems for future generations while experiencing the same wild landscapes that have captivated naturalists and adventurers for decades.
Weather and SeasonsExperience Florida's diverse seasonal moods at River Road, where each visit offers its own unique charm. The sweet spot for camping arrives when temperatures hover between 68-79°F, creating perfect conditions for hiking, wildlife watching, and riverside relaxation. During these golden weeks of dry, comfortable weather, the forest comes alive with activity. Summer months bring their own adventure with occasional afternoon thunderstorms that cool the forest floor, though visitors should be prepared for Florida's signature humidity. Smart campers plan their trips during the milder months to fully enjoy all the outdoor activities this natural paradise offers.
ElevationThe campground rests at Florida's characteristic low elevation, creating the perfect conditions for the diverse wetland and forest ecosystems that thrive here. This gentle topography makes the area accessible to campers of all abilities while contributing to the unique habitats that support the region's incredible biodiversity.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in 21,000 acres of pristine Florida wilderness where ancient oaks draped in Spanish moss tower over palmetto-dotted understory. The landscape shifts dramatically from dense hardwood hammocks to mysterious cypress swamps, creating a mosaic of habitats that support an incredible array of wildlife. The majestic St. Johns River, one of America's few north-flowing rivers, serves as the campground's stunning centerpiece, offering endless opportunities for paddling, fishing, and wildlife photography. Dawn mist rising from the water reveals herons stalking the shallows while osprey circle overhead, creating unforgettable moments for nature enthusiasts.
Geological RegionRiver Road Campground showcases the fascinating geology of Central Florida's lake district, where 21,000 acres of varied terrain tell the story of millennia of natural forces at work. The forest's unique combination of upland woods, wetland swamps, and natural depressions creates critical corridors for the threatened Florida black bear population, making this one of the state's most important wildlife refuges. These diverse geological features, from sandy ridges to hydric hammocks, support an extraordinary tapestry of plant and animal life found nowhere else on Earth.
Campsite details
AccessibilitySpecific accessibility features are not detailed in the source materials.
Sites SizeCampsites accommodate a maximum of 8 people and varying equipment lengths (15-21 feet).
Sites PrivacyPrivacy between campsites is described as limited, with some reviewers stating that sites are too close to each other. Specific sites, like Site 7, offer slightly more privacy due to vegetation.
Total Campsites10 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites with tree coverage provide shade and some level of privacy; Site 7 is recommended for a quieter experience. Sites closer to the gravel road may have noise disturbances.
Best CampsitesUsers have identified Site 7 as offering privacy and being bordered by vegetation on three sides.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in details are not explicitly stated.
Check-out
Check-out details are not explicitly stated.
Stay Limit
The maximum number of consecutive nights allowed is not explicitly stated.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 8 people per site.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of 10 primitive tent-only sites, laid out near a gravel road.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via ReserveAmerica, specific details about other platforms are not provided.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come-first-served availability is explicitly not supported due to the locked gate requiring reservation for access.
Cancellation PolicyUsers must reserve via ReserveAmerica. Cancellation details are not explicitly available.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Activities you can enjoy
The campground and surrounding Lake George State Forest offer a range of outdoor activities such as hiking, bird watching, wildlife viewing, horseback riding, fishing, kayaking, and photography. The forest is part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail and is a corridor for the Florida black bear population.
Hiking
Hiking trails within the forest vary in difficulty, with some being described as easy and suitable for casual exploration.Fishing
Fishing opportunities are available by the nearby St. Johns River, where visitors have caught bass and trout.Biking
Biking is permitted on trails within the state forest.Boating
Boating and kayaking are possible, with access to the St. Johns River approximately 0.75 miles from the campground.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife sightings include turkeys, otters, and various bird species. The area is part of a wildlife trail.Winter Activities
Winter-specific activities are not detailed.Water Sports
Water sports like kayaking and canoeing are available on the nearby St. Johns River.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are permitted within designated fire rings and grills. Safety guidelines apply for preventing the spread of invasive species through firewood.
- Quiet hours are not explicitly stated, though disturbances have been noted after 11 PM in user reviews.
Hazards
General hazardsUsers have noted mosquitos, ticks, and occasional bear presence in the area. Wildlife safety guidelines recommend removing food from the area after eating.
Active alertsNo active alerts, closures, or construction are currently reported.
Weather forecast
85
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 66%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 8.4 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services include the Ranger Station at 386-384-5256. Specific details about hospitals or police stations are not provided.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season dates are not mentioned.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not mentioned; users noted littering issues in some reviews.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is approximately 20 minutes walking distance from the St. Johns River.
Common complaintsCommon complaints include the proximity of campsites, lack of privacy, noise disturbances from other campers, and trash accumulation. Reviews frequently mention recurring issues with a group of permanent campers creating disturbances.
HostA user reported being greeted by a man identifying himself as a host, but official campground hosts are not typically present at primitive sites.
Campground Map
2645 St. Johns River Road Astor, FL 32102
Driving directionsFrom the east (Ormond Beach), take Exit 268 on I-95, travel west on State Road 40 for 26.5 miles. Turn left on St. Johns River Road. Travel 2.75 miles and the campground is on the left.
The campground is accessible via paved roads. Seasonal closures or challenging terrain are not mentioned.Nearby places
Astor, FL (15 minutes southeast), Ormond Beach, FL (approximately 26.5 miles). Specific travel times to other locations are not provided.
Nearby supplies
Supplies can likely be obtained in Astor, FL (15 minutes southeast). Specific grocery, fuel, or camping supply locations are not listed.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
River Road Campground Lake George State Forest has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews of River Road Campground are mixed. Many users appreciate the quiet, natural setting and affordable rates, while others criticize the lack of privacy between sites and disturbances caused by other campers.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Positive reviews emphasize the beautiful old oak trees, proximity to outdoor activities like fishing and hiking, and the peaceful, off-grid atmosphere. 'This is one of the best campgrounds I’ve...
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Common Concerns
Complaints include limited site privacy, noise from other campers, littering, and the presence of a long-term resident group causing disturbances. One user stated, 'Campsites are right on top of each...
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Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring your own potable water and insect repellent to combat mosquitoes and ticks. Site 7 is highlighted as one of the more private options. Reviewers suggest fishing gear for bass and trout in the...
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Seasonal Insights
Winter reviews note fewer mosquitoes and cooler weather, while summer may bring higher humidity and an increase in insect activity. Users also mention off-season rates as a benefit.
Camper Quotes
1. 'Awesome place! Two-night stay turned into three.' – Jared VanNostrand
2. 'Primitive camping sites. Some shaded, some not. Each has a grill and picnic table. Very secluded. Very nice.' – Cynthia...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Site 7 is frequently mentioned as a better option for privacy. Site 2 is noted for great tree coverage and shade.
Accessibility Features
No specific accessibility-related reviews were provided.
Pet-Friendly Features
Mixed experiences with pets. While some found the campground pet-friendly, others were annoyed by unleashed dogs from neighboring sites.
Last updated August 10, 2025