How much does camping cost at Big Scrub Campground?

Camping fees at Big Scrub Campground are $20 - $30/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Big Scrub Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Big Scrub Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Big Scrub Campground before I book?

Yes! Big Scrub Campground has 8 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Big Scrub Campground?

Big Scrub Campground is open January 01 to December 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Big Scrub Campground?

Yes, Big Scrub Campground has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Big Scrub Campground have?

Big Scrub Campground has 50 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Big Scrub Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Big Scrub Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Big Scrub Campground?

Big Scrub Campground offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Water Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Big Scrub Campground?

Popular activities at Big Scrub Campground include Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Big Scrub Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Big Scrub Campground?

Fire policies at Big Scrub Campground: Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

3.87

164 reviews

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

Top 22% in FLFall

CReport Card

Featured in:Swimming Camping Florida

Quick Facts

161 ft

Price

$20 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

50 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on USDA Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

161 ft

Price

$20 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

50 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on USDA Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Big Scrub Campground

$20.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

S&P Single: $20.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC: $30.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $20.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $20.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation...

Standard Site Fee$20.00

Hookup Site Fee$22.00

Get Notified When Available

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Provider

352-625-2520null

I manage this campground

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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

Nearby places

Umatilla (approx. 16 miles), Ocala (approx. 40 miles), Leesburg (approx. 40 miles)

Weather at Big Scrub Campground

Current alerts(9)

14 day stay limit
A copy of the regulations for off-road vehicle use and camping may be obtained from the camp host
Camping fee covers 2 vehicles maximum
Check-in time is 3:00 p.m. and check-out time is 11:00 a.m.

Best Time to Camp at Big Scrub Campground

Best season: fall. Fall offers the most comfortable, dry weather for exploring the Ocala Adventure Trail and the sand‑pine scrub — expect daytime highs typically in the mid‑60s to low‑80s°F and crisp mornings in the 50s. Lower humidity and fewer afternoon storms make off‑roading, hiking, and wildlife viewing at their best, while nearby springs and waterways remain pleasant for swimming and boating. Weekends can be busy with off‑road riders, but weekdays are noticeably quieter; note that some hunting seasons begin/ Peak months: November, October, March, April

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 22% in FL

Fall noted as best season: comfortable temps and ideal for exploring trails and scrub habitat.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About Big Scrub Campground

Big Scrub Campground sits in the Ocala National Forest near Umatilla, operated by the USDA Forest Service as a gateway to the Ocala Adventure Trail and sand-pine scrub habitat. This mid-sized facility offers tent, RV, and primitive camping with water hookups, showers, and flush toilets. The campground draws off-road enthusiasts and wildlife watchers exploring the surrounding forest, with direct trail access from the sites.

Big Scrub Campground accommodates tent, RV, and camper camping but does not support cabins or glamping. Sites cater to off-road vehicle enthusiasts.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the most comfortable, dry weather for exploring the Ocala Adventure Trail and the sand‑pine scrub — expect daytime highs typically in the mid‑60s to low‑80s°F and crisp mornings in the 50s. Lower humidity and fewer afternoon storms make off‑roading, hiking, and wildlife viewing at their best, while nearby springs and waterways remain pleasant for swimming and boating. Weekends can be busy with off‑road riders, but weekdays are noticeably quieter; note that some hunting seasons begin/ Peak months: November, October, March, April

Elevation161 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a slice of the world's largest contiguous sand pine scrub forest, a rare ecosystem shaped by ancient seas and sandy soils. Twisted pines grow in open, sun-soaked terrain at 161 feet elevation. Deer, coyotes, black bears, and wild boar move through the area. The lack of shade and the wide-open layout give clear sight lines for stargazing and wildlife spotting, but reviewers note there's little cover from sun or dust.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is provided; only tent and RV camping is available.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are specified.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

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 camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityAccessibility for individuals with disabilities is not clearly documented.

Site SizeSites are described as large and spacious by reviewers.

PrivacySites lack privacy and are described as being wide open without shade.

Total Campsites50 campsites

Recommended SitesTent campers should choose sites away from access roads to minimize dust. RV users should ensure 4WD due to challenging terrain.

Best CampsitesSite #40 sits farther from access roads, cutting down on dust and noise for tent campers. Sites near the bathhouses get recommended for convenience, though they're closer to foot traffic. Reviewers suggest avoiding sites on the south and east dirt roads, where sand pits and rougher access make setup harder.

Need help booking Big Scrub Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Big Scrub Campground offers essential amenities for various camping styles including tent, RV, and camper accommodations. It features showers, restrooms, and potable water. "Showers were clean and hot," according to one review. "Warm showers are available, but you have to press a button every few seconds," mentioned another. Cleanliness of facilities is highlighted, though men's bathroom lighting could be improved. Camp host services are well-regarded, but some complaints about rude hosts are evident.

Showers

Potable water

Water hookups

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Big Scrub Campground

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.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Water Sports3.0/5

Kayaking possible near Alexander Springs; campground itself is not waterfront.

Winter Activities

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Unique scrub landscapes, wildlife, and night skies create good photo opportunities.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

Fire PolicyDon't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned, though one review noted fly-dumping and litter issues during a stay.

Cell CoverageCell phone service reviews are absent.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Big Scrub Campground

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From Booking Sources

3.9

164 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

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 164 reviews.

Site #3Loved
Site #3 is praised for trail access and maintenance during some stays.
Site #40Mentioned
Site #40 is noted as ideal for tent camping.
site #013Issues noted
Reviews of site #013 and site #009 reflect dissatisfaction with noise and unkept conditions.

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...

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...

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,...

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

Outdoorithm Community

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Big Scrub Campground

$20.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

S&P Single: $20.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC: $30.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $20.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $20.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation...

Standard Site Fee$20.00

Hookup Site Fee$22.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

352-625-2520null

Nearby Campgrounds

Doe Lake Campground, Umatilla, FL 32784

Doe Lake Group Site sits in National Forests in Florida near Silver Springs, operated by the USDA Forest Service for groups seeking a lakefront gathering space. This seasonal group campground accommodates tents and RVs with water hookups, showers, and flush toilets, plus a cabin structure that reviewers praise for its beauty and event-worthy views. Fishing and wildlife viewing draw visitors to the lake, though cell service is minimal and the gate closes overnight.

Big Scrub Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Big Scrub Campground

Campground Map

Weather at Big Scrub Campground

Current alerts(9)

Best Time to Camp at Big Scrub Campground

Planning Tips

About Big Scrub Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Big Scrub Campground?

Amenities available

RV details

Things to do at Big Scrub Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Get Notified When Available

How campers graded it

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Overview

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Ask Camp Sage about Big Scrub Campground

Current alerts(9)

Best Time to Camp at Big Scrub Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Big Scrub Campground?

Amenities available

Things to do at Big Scrub Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns