Davenport Landing

Star4.04
27 reviews

Quick Facts

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

RV Friendly

Opens National Forests in Florida site

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Davenport Landing
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Free
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.04

Satisfactory

Based on 27 reviews

86 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peaceful

Some mention

noise

"Reviews of Davenport Landing are mixed, with positive feedback highlighting its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere. However, multiple complaints about disruptive behavior from locals, lack of amenities, and safety concerns are noted."

Read all reviews

Fees & Passes at Davenport Landing

Free

Campsite fees

Standard Site

Basic tent/RV spot

Free

Stay Limit: Four-day stay limit.

Prices verified August 10, 2025

Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official National Forests in Florida website.


Best Time to Camp at Davenport Landing

While the floodplain location means mosquitoes are your most persistent companions (pack that repellent!), the seasonal transformations make every visit worthwhile. Spring and summer burst with vibrant wildflower displays carpeting the forest floor, while autumn's grand finale features sweetgum and red maple trees painting the canopy in brilliant crimsons and golds. Winter visitors enjoy cooler temperatures and a golden carpet of fallen leaves beneath their feet.

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.

Planning Tips

    About Davenport Landing

    Journey back in time at Davenport Landing, where the ghosts of paddlewheelers once echoed through the cypress-lined Ocklawaha River. This remote riverside retreat offers three primitive campsites nestled deep within Florida's enchanting floodplain forest, providing modern-day paddlers and adventurers with an authentic wilderness experience along one of the state's most meandering and mysterious waterways.
    Davenport Landing offers primitive camping options suitable for tents and certain motorized vehicles. The sites provide no amenities and are best suited for those seeking solitude and a rustic experience.
    Historical SignificanceHistory whispers from every corner of Davenport Landing, where ancient Timucuan shell middens tell stories of Florida's first inhabitants. The site bears witness to darker chapters too, with a Civil War-era gravesite serving as a somber reminder of the conflict that once divided the nation. Most evocative of all, the remnants of the historic steamboat landing conjure images of a bygone era when paddle-powered vessels carried passengers and cargo through these wild waters.
    Weather and SeasonsWhile the floodplain location means mosquitoes are your most persistent companions (pack that repellent!), the seasonal transformations make every visit worthwhile. Spring and summer burst with vibrant wildflower displays carpeting the forest floor, while autumn's grand finale features sweetgum and red maple trees painting the canopy in brilliant crimsons and golds. Winter visitors enjoy cooler temperatures and a golden carpet of fallen leaves beneath their feet.
    Natural Features and SceneryStep onto the trail at Davenport Landing and immerse yourself in a lush river bottom paradise where nature puts on a year-round show. Spring and summer transform the understory into a painter's palette of wildflower colors, while the towering canopy provides welcome shade. Come autumn, the sweetgum and red maple trees steal the spotlight, their leaves transitioning from green to spectacular shades of crimson and gold before creating a crunchy, colorful carpet across the forest floor.
    Geological RegionTucked away in the heart of the Ocklawaha River's extensive floodplain forest system, Davenport Landing occupies a strategic bend in one of Florida's most serpentine waterways. This former steamboat stop sits where ancient geological forces and centuries of flowing water have carved out a twisting, turning river corridor that remains largely unchanged since the days when steam-powered vessels navigated these challenging waters.
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    Campsite details

    AccessibilityThe campground is accessible by motorized vehicles; however, narrow sandy woods roads may pose difficulty for some vehicles. Visitors are advised to proceed with caution.
    Sites SizeThe campsites are small and primitive, accommodating tents and motorized vehicles.
    Sites PrivacySites offer limited privacy and are described as extended spaces off the parking section under a canopy of oak trees.
    Total Campsites3 campsites
    Recommended Campsites"Prepare for mosquitoes and pack insect repellent. Canoe launch features uneven steps down to the sandy beach."

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    Reserving a campsite

    Stay Limit
    Four-day stay limit.
    Guests Allowed Per Site
    Limit 15 people (5 per campsite).
    Groups
    No dedicated group sites are explicitly mentioned in authoritative content or user reviews.
    Tents
    Tents are allowed
    RV vehicles
    RV vehicles are allowed
    Primitive
    Primitive are allowed
    Reservable
    Reservations are not allowed

    Walk-in Availability"Expect full recreation sites during weekends. Have backup plans. Sites may close when capacity is reached."

    Activities you can enjoy

    Visitors to Davenport Landing can enjoy boating, fishing, hiking, and exploring interpretive areas rich in historical significance. Activities are centered around the natural and historical features of the Ocklawaha River floodplain.
    Hiking
    The Davenport Landing Trail is a 0.6-mile interpretive walk leading to the historic steamboat landing and includes middens from the Timucuan period as well as a Civil War-era gravesite. The trail is within the floodplain area and heavily populated with mosquitoes, requiring preparation and appropriate attire.
    Fishing
    Fishing is permitted along the Ocklawaha River. Visitors are cautioned about the presence of alligators in the vicinity. A Florida state fishing license is required.
    Boating
    Boating activities include paddling a canoe or kayak across the Ocklawaha River. The waterway allows small motorized boats, requiring caution for paddlers.
    Winter Activities
    No winter-specific activities are mentioned.
    Water Sports
    Paddling activities such as canoeing and kayaking are available.
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    Campground rules

    • Pets are not allowed

    Hazards

    General hazards"High concentration of mosquitoes within the floodplain area. Alligators are present near the river."

    Weather at Davenport Landing

    66
    °F
    Dec 7
    Sunday
    Overcast
    Precipitation: 0%

    Moderate wind, may affect light items

    Humidity: 95%

    High humidity, may feel muggy

    Wind: 5.3 mph

    Moderate wind, may affect light items

    Overcast

    Weather History
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    Good to know

    Trash and recyclingVisitors are required to follow the 'pack it in, pack it out' rule as no trash or recycling facilities are available.
    Proximity to water features"Deep in the floodplain forest along the Ocklawaha River."
    Common complaintsUser reviews have reported disruptions from noise and local intoxicated individuals, especially at night.

    Campground Map

    "Sandy and narrow woods roads may make navigation difficult or impossible for some vehicles. Visitors should treat these roads with cautious respect."

    Reviews from booking and map sources

    4.0
    27 reviews
    Satisfactory
    Satisfactory
    Davenport Landing is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
    Reviews of Davenport Landing are mixed, with positive feedback highlighting its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere. However, multiple complaints about disruptive behavior from locals, lack of amenities, and safety concerns are noted.
    Review Summaries
    Based on 27 reviews

    What Campers Love

    Visitors appreciated the scenic beauty, proximity to the Ocklawaha River, and the historical significance of the area. Comments include, 'Peaceful and pretty spot on the river!' and 'Great place for...
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    Based on 27 reviews

    Common Concerns

    Concerns raised include disruptive behavior by locals, lack of privacy, absence of amenities, and difficult access due to bumpy roads. One review states, 'There was a camp of people living at the end...
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    Based on 27 reviews

    Pro Tips & Recommendations

    Bring mosquito repellent and prepare for buggy conditions. Pack out all trash as no facilities are available. Exercise caution on the sandy, narrow roads and be aware of local wildlife, including...
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    Based on 27 reviews

    Seasonal Insights

    Buggy conditions are prevalent year-round due to the floodplain environment. Spring and summer months feature colorful wildflowers, while late fall and winter months showcase vibrant foliage from...
    Show more
    Based on 27 reviews

    Camper Quotes

    'Great place for camping, fishing, and canoe launching.' - Haven Skye 'Bring mosquito spray.' - Michael Cemer 'Pack it in, pack it out!' - Haven Skye 'The road was very bumpy.' - Charlotte “Torch”...
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    Based on 27 reviews

    Site-Specific Reviews

    Specific reviews mention extended spaces off the parking lot under oak canopies as campsites. Gregory Cameron called it a 'great place for camping fun,' while others like Jesse Graham highlighted...
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    Based on 27 reviews

    Accessibility Features

    Narrow, sandy woods roads make some campsites difficult to access, particularly for vehicles not suited for such terrain. Visitors are advised to proceed with caution.
    Based on 27 reviews

    Pet-Friendly Features

    No explicit mentions of pet policies or pet-related features are found in authoritative sources or user reviews.
    Based on 27 reviews

    Camper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers

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    0 review
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    Last updated August 10, 2025
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