Big Scrub Campground
4.1764 reviews11990 SE NATIONALFOREST RD 588, UMATILLA, FL, 32784, USA
Big Scrub Campground
$20.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$22.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Peak season facilities operate from Jan 1-Dec 31 with rates varying by campsite type. Standard Electric sites cost $30, Standard Non-Electric are $20, and Tent Only Non-Electric sites are also $20. Full hookup sites (Sites A & B) total $22 per night ($12 base fee + $10 utility fee). Rates exclude taxes, discounts, and service fees.
About this campground
Welcome to Big Scrub Campground, where the roar of engines meets the whisper of ancient pines in the heart of Ocala National Forest. This haven for off-road adventurers serves as your gateway to the legendary 47-mile Ocala Adventure Trail, where sandy paths wind through pristine wilderness waiting to be explored. After a day of conquering trails, you'll find comfort in modern amenities including hot showers, clean restrooms, and fresh drinking water. Here, beneath endless blue skies and surrounded by the distinctive sand pine scrub forest, wildlife roams freely and adventure calls from every direction.
Big Scrub Campground accommodates tent, RV, and camper camping but does not support cabins or glamping. Sites cater to off-road vehicle enthusiasts.
Historical SignificanceCamp within a living piece of American history at Ocala National Forest, proudly standing as the oldest national forest east of the Mississippi River. This ecological treasure preserves the world's largest contiguous sand pine scrub forest, a rare and remarkable ecosystem found nowhere else on Earth. Generations of outdoor enthusiasts have carved memories into these sandy trails, creating a legacy of adventure that continues to draw nature lovers and thrill-seekers from across the nation.
Weather and SeasonsExperience Florida's most comfortable outdoor weather, where mild conditions create the perfect playground year-round. With temperatures gracefully dancing between crisp 51°F mornings and pleasant 67°F afternoons, you'll find ideal conditions for both trail riding and evening campfires. Winter brings crystalline skies and refreshingly cool air, while the predominantly dry climate means more days on the trails and fewer weather delays. Occasional rainfall refreshes the landscape, keeping the forest vibrant and the air clean.
ElevationThe campground rests on Florida's characteristic sandy flatlands, where the terrain's gentle nature belies the excitement it offers. This level landscape creates the perfect canvas for off-road adventures, with sandy soils that challenge your driving skills while remaining accessible to riders of all experience levels.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the extraordinary beauty of the world's largest contiguous sand pine scrub forest, where twisted pines create natural sculptures against expansive blue skies. The open landscapes stretch endlessly, offering breathtaking vistas and that rare feeling of true wilderness. Sandy paths wind through this unique ecosystem where deer bound through morning mist, coyotes sing under starlit skies, and the occasional black bear or wild boar remind you that you're sharing this magnificent space with Florida's native wildlife. Every sunrise brings new wildlife encounters and every sunset paints the sand pines in golden hues.
Geological RegionBig Scrub Campground sits within the magnificent 383,000-acre Ocala National Forest, a vast wilderness spanning four counties in central Florida. This geological wonderland showcases the planet's largest contiguous sand pine scrub forest, a rare ecosystem sculpted by ancient seas and preserved through careful stewardship. The sandy soils and open landscapes create a natural playground for off-road enthusiasts, where every hill and valley tells the story of Florida's unique geological past. This remarkable region offers endless exploration opportunities across its diverse terrain.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility for individuals with disabilities is not clearly documented.
Sites SizeSites are described as large and spacious by reviewers.
Sites PrivacySites lack privacy and are described as being wide open without shade.
Total Campsites50 campsites
Recommended CampsitesTent campers should choose sites away from access roads to minimize dust. RV users should ensure 4WD due to challenging terrain.
Best CampsitesSite #40 is praised for tent camping due to its location away from dusty conditions. Sites near bathhouses are often recommended by user reviews.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
3:00 PM
Check-out
11:00 AM
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights total at this campground within rolling 30 days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Camping fee covers up to 2 vehicles. No explicit guest count mentioned.
Groups
Group camping is not explicitly detailed.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground is described as open and spread out with minimal shade. Sites include picnic tables, fire pits, and some bear boxes.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from January 1 to December 31. Peak season pricing applies throughout.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served availability is periodically mentioned. User reviews note inconsistencies in accessibility and gate closures despite website claims of open status.
Cancellation Policy$10 cancellation fee applies. Late cancellations (1 calendar day before arrival) result in forfeiting the first night's camping fee. No-shows incur a $20 penalty and loss of fees for the first night.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Water hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Big Scrub Campground is primarily known for off-road vehicle recreation, though other activities include picnicking, wildlife viewing, and camping. "Direct access to the 47-mile Ocala Adventure Trail" is a highlight for ATV enthusiasts. Stargazing is noted due to open skies, though some reviews complain about noise and lack of peace at night.
Hiking
Hiking trails exist but are less emphasized compared to off-road ATV trails. "Easy access to the Centennial trail" mentioned in a review.Fishing
Fishing opportunities are noted nearby in lakes and springs, though details are sparse in reviews.Swimming
Swimming is possible in nearby Alexander Springs. "Visitors can swim, canoe, and dive in a natural spring-fed lake and creek," according to the official description.Boating
Boating options are available near Alexander Springs, catering to canoeists and kayakers.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife sightings include deer, coyote, wild boar, and bears. "Tons of wildlife, including deer, coyote, wild boar, bears," one user noted.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not described.Water Sports
Kayaking and canoeing are possible in nearby Alexander Springs, a natural spring-fed lake.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are permitted. Firewood must be obtained locally to prevent spread of pests.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM - 6:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsSand pits and rough roads pose challenges for vehicle access. Wildlife such as black bears may be present. Narrow and overgrown trails raise safety concerns for off-road users.
Active alertsOHV trails are closed due to Hurricane Milton. Some reviews mention inconsistent gate operations and unkept facilities.
Weather forecast
83
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 76%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 8.1 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
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
Hospital: AdventHealth Waterman (approx. 25 miles); Police: Marion County Sheriff's Office (approx. 24 miles); Ranger Station: Ocala National Forest Ranger Office (approx. 10 miles).
Good to know
Peak season datesJanuary 1 - December 31.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned, though one review noted fly-dumping and litter issues during a stay.
Proximity to water featuresAlexander Springs, a nearby attraction, offers opportunities for swimming, canoeing, and diving in turquoise spring-fed waters.
Common complaintsFrequent complaints include rough access roads, lack of enforcement of quiet hours, unkept facilities, and overcrowding during peak ATV usage times.
HostCampground hosts are frequently described as friendly and helpful, with some exceptions noted in user reviews.
Campground Map
11990 SE NATIONALFOREST RD 588, UMATILLA, FL, 32784, USA
Driving directionsFrom I-75 east, travel on State Route 40 to Forest Road 588. Turn south on 588 and go approximately 8 miles. The campground is on the west side of the road.
The campground is accessed via dirt roads which vary in quality. Roads are described as sandy, washboarded, and rough by user reviews. Approaching from the NORTH or WEST is recommended for better access, as EAST and SOUTH have sand pits. The roads are challenging for RVs and trailers without 4WD.Nearby places
Umatilla (approx. 16 miles), Ocala (approx. 40 miles), Leesburg (approx. 40 miles)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available in Umatilla (approx. 16 miles).
Camper Reviews
4.2
64 reviews
Big Scrub Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews of Big Scrub Campground are mixed. Enthusiasts praise the off-road trails and clean amenities, while others express dissatisfaction with noisy conditions, unkept facilities, and inconsistent enforcement of rules.
Review Summaries
Based on 64 reviews
What Campers Love
Clean and warm showers, friendly camp hosts during some stays, direct access to off-road trails, spacious campsites, and opportunities for stargazing and wildlife observation.
Based on 64 reviewsCommon Concerns
Noise from ATVs and late-night activities, lack of shade, unmaintained trails, difficulty with access roads, and occasional rude staff. "The campground is completely unkept," one user stated. Another...
Based on 64 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring supplies for remote camping, avoid the south and east dirt roads due to sand pits, and opt for sites far from access roads to minimize dust exposure. "Approach from the north or west; much...
Based on 64 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Spring and fall appear to be ideal, with improved weather and fewer noisy crowds. Summers bring extreme heat and dust, while winters may have lower temperatures and limited accessibility.
Based on 64 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Showers were clean and hot." "OHV trails are connected to this campground." "Bathrooms were very clean and well stocked." "Bring all supplies that you need." "If you're looking for peace and quiet,...
Based on 64 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #3 is praised for trail access and maintenance during some stays. Site #40 is noted as ideal for tent camping. Reviews of site #013 and site #009 reflect dissatisfaction with noise and unkept...
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Accessibility Features
Accessibility-related reviews are not available.
Based on 64 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but there are no user reviews specifically addressing pet-friendly features.
Based on 64 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025