Lake Eaton Campground
4.2036 reviewsLake Eaton Campground
$8.00 - $10.00 / 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
Rates are $8 per night for a single site and $10 per night for a double site, paid via honor system at the entrance.
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About this campground
Escape to Lake Eaton Campground, where 14 secluded primitive campsites form an intimate loop beneath the ancient canopy of Ocala National Forest. This hidden gem offers direct access to the pristine 308-acre Lake Eaton, where anglers cast lines at dawn, paddlers glide through mirror-smooth waters, and wildlife enthusiasts discover Florida's incredible biodiversity in its natural habitat.
Lake Eaton Campground provides primitive camping options with 14 combined sites suitable for both tents and small RVs. The campground also offers double sites equipped with two picnic tables, grills, and fire rings.
Weather and SeasonsExperience Florida's most comfortable camping weather during the October through June season, when cool morning mists give way to warm, sun-dappled afternoons. The campground thoughtfully closes during summer months, reopening October 1st when temperatures moderate and the subtropical forest comes alive with migrating birds and active wildlife preparing for winter.
ElevationNestled at a gentle 50 feet above sea level, the campground offers level terrain perfect for pitching tents while maintaining easy access to the lake's edge and surrounding forest trails.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living postcard where the legendary Big Scrub cradles your campsite in subtropical splendor. Towering live oaks draped in Spanish moss create natural cathedral ceilings, while stately Longleaf pines whisper ancient stories in the breeze. Saw palmetto palms dot the understory, and along Lake Eaton's edges, native water plants create a thriving ecosystem that attracts herons, eagles, and countless other species to this pristine wilderness sanctuary.
Geological RegionImmerse yourself in the heart of Ocala National Forest's remarkable subtropical ecosystem, where centuries-old live oaks and towering Longleaf pines create a diverse forest tapestry. This unique geological region showcases Florida's natural heritage, with native palmetto palms thriving alongside the aquatic gardens that fringe Lake Eaton's scenic shoreline.
Campsite details
AccessibilityRestrooms are wheelchair accessible, and an accessible fishing pier is available.
Sites SizeSites are standard-sized with space for tents or small RVs.
Sites PrivacyThe dense subtropical vegetation, including large oaks, Longleaf pines, and Palmetto palms, provides excellent privacy between campsites.
Total Campsites14 campsites
Recommended CampsitesBring bug repellent due to ticks and other insects. Site 6 may be preferable for groups.
Best CampsitesSite 6 is noted as a double site, featuring two picnic tables.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Gate open 8 AM to 8 PM.
Stay Limit
14 consecutive days in a 30-day period.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Sites include picnic tables and are suitable for families or groups.
Groups
No designated group sites are available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutA single loop layout.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from October 1 to June 1 (seasonal access only).
Reservation PlatformsNot applicable.
Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
Cancellation PolicyReservations are not available; payment is managed via the honor system.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Lake Eaton Campground offers various recreational activities, including boating, fishing, wildlife viewing, and star gazing. The lake is a central feature, providing opportunities for anglers and birders alike. While there are no designated swimming areas or hiking trails, the campground offers easy access to the lake for kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding.
Fishing
Fishing is permitted, and the lake features species like largemouth bass, crappie, and brim. A wheelchair-accessible fishing pier is available.Boating
Boating opportunities include both motorized and non-motorized options. A boat ramp is available, accommodating kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards.Wildlife viewing
The campground offers excellent bird-watching and wildlife viewing opportunities due to the surrounding subtropical forest and lake ecosystem.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not applicable due to the campground's seasonal closure from June 2 to September 30.Water Sports
The lake supports non-motorized water sports such as kayaking and paddleboarding, but water skiing is not allowed.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fire rings and grills are available at each site.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM.
Hazards
General hazards"This is bear country; practice safe food storage technique," and "It is also alligator country; practice caution around water especially with small dogs." Several user reviews also mention ticks and assassin bugs.
Weather forecast
80
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 86%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 3.9 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
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
Local hospitals, police stations, and ranger stations are not explicitly mentioned.
Good to know
Peak season datesNot explicitly stated, but peak use occurs during weekends.
Trash and recyclingThe campground provides wildlife-safe trash receptacles for disposal and recycling.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is near Lake Eaton, a 308-acre shallow lake featuring a fishing pier and boat ramp.
Common complaintsTicks are a recurring issue, as mentioned by several reviewers. Challenges with road access are also noted, with descriptions of potholes and rough dirt roads.
HostReviews consistently praise the campground hosts as friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable.
Campground Map
Driving directionsIn Salt Springs, FL, at the intersection of County Rt. 314 and State Rt. 19, take Rt. 314 10.8 miles to campground sign. Turn left at sign onto Rt. 314A and go 2.6 miles to another campground sign. Turn left onto Forest Rt. 44 (dirt) and go 0.2 miles to a "Y" intersection. Bear left and go 0.9 miles to campground.
"Easy to drive to in a truck, even without 4-wheel drive," according to user reviews. However, other reviewers noted challenges: "The road coming in is in terrible shape!" and "Beware on that road there’s a couple of reallyyy deep ‘potholes’ on the dirt road."Nearby places
Ocala (15 miles, ~15 minutes)
Nearby supplies
"There is a Winn Dixie and CVS just down the road," as noted in user reviews.
Camper Reviews
4.2
36 reviews
Lake Eaton Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Lake Eaton Campground highlight its serene and secluded environment, clean vault toilets, and proximity to the lake. Positive mentions often focus on the privacy of sites, the friendly campground hosts, and the opportunity for wildlife viewing. However, concerns include the prevalence of ticks, the shallow nature of the lake affecting fishing, and the rough condition of the access roads.
Review Summaries
Based on 36 reviews
What Campers Love
1. "Quiet and secluded" environment. 2. "Well-maintained vault toilets." 3. "Friendly and helpful campground hosts." 4. "Excellent privacy between sites due to dense vegetation." 5. Opportunities for...
Based on 36 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
1. Presence of ticks and other insects. 2. Rough and poorly maintained access roads. 3. Limited fishing success from the pier. 4. Lack of potable water and RV hookups. 5. Seasonal closures and...
Based on 36 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
1. Bring adequate bug repellent due to ticks and insects. 2. Carry your own potable water and other essentials, as facilities are primitive. 3. Use the nearby boat ramp for better fishing access. 4....
Based on 36 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Reviews indicate that the campground is less crowded on weekdays and during the cooler months of operation (October to February). Ticks and insects are more problematic in the warmer months (March to...
Based on 36 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. "It is a beautiful camping ground; you feel like you are 100's of miles from society but only 15 minutes away from town." - User review (2019-01-21). 2. "This campground is a hidden gem. The spots...
Based on 36 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 6 is a double site and includes two picnic tables, which users found to be an excellent option for groups. Sites are generally described as private, with ample space between them.
Based on 36 reviewsAccessibility Features
The wheelchair-accessible fishing pier and restrooms are appreciated by users. "A wheelchair-friendly fishing pier is available." - Official source.
Based on 36 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash not exceeding six feet in length. Users have noted the need for caution due to ticks and other wildlife hazards.
Based on 36 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025