Big Scrub Campground

Star3.92
164 reviews
11990 SE NATIONALFOREST RD 588, UMATILLA, FL, 32784, USA

Quick Facts

161 ft

Price

$20 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

50 campsites

Season

Open from January 1 ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens USDA Forest Service site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

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January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Big Scrub Campground
$20.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Peak season facilities operate from Jan 1-Dec 31 with rates varying by campsite type. Standard Electric sites cost $30, Standard Non-Electric are...
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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

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Provider
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What Campers Say

3.92

Mixed Reviews

Based on 164 reviews

97 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanshowersspaciousfriendly

"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."

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Campground Map

11990 SE NATIONALFOREST RD 588, UMATILLA, FL, 32784, USA

Big Scrub Campground

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).

Best Time to Camp at Big Scrub Campground

Experience 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.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
2.5 / 5

Summers bring extreme heat, dust and busy/noisy crowds per reviews.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall noted as ideal: better weather and fewer noisy crowds.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring highlighted as ideal with pleasant weather and fewer noisy crowds.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Mild winters are comfortable but some limited accessibility and lower temps reported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: January 1 - December 31.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from January 1 to December 31. Peak season pricing applies throughout.
  • Current Alerts: OHV trails are closed due to Hurricane Milton. Some reviews mention inconsistent gate operations and unkept facilities.

About Big Scrub 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.
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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.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables

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.
HikingHiking trails exist but are less emphasized compared to off-road ATV trails. "Easy access to the Centennial trail" mentioned in a review.
FishingFishing opportunities are noted nearby in lakes and springs, though details are sparse in reviews.
SwimmingSwimming 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.
BoatingBoating options are available near Alexander Springs, catering to canoeists and kayakers.
Wildlife viewingWildlife sightings include deer, coyote, wild boar, and bears. "Tons of wildlife, including deer, coyote, wild boar, bears," one user noted.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSand 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.
Food Storage RequiredEach site includes a bear box for food storage. Users must provide their own padlocks for securing items.

Weather at Big Scrub Campground

Reviews

3.9
164 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Big Scrub Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% 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 164 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 164 reviews

Common 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...
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Based on 164 reviews

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...
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Based on 164 reviews

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 164 reviews

Camper 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,...
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Based on 164 reviews

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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Based on 164 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility-related reviews are not available.
Based on 164 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but there are no user reviews specifically addressing pet-friendly features.
Based on 164 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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