How much does camping cost at Doe Lake Group Site?

Camping fees at Doe Lake Group Site range from $350/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Doe Lake Group Site first-come first-served or reservation?

Doe Lake Group Site 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 Doe Lake Group Site before I book?

Yes! Doe Lake Group Site has 7 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 Doe Lake Group Site?

Doe Lake Group Site is open March 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 Doe Lake Group Site?

Yes, Doe Lake Group Site has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Can I have a campfire at Doe Lake Group Site?

Fire policies at Doe Lake Group Site: 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.

How many campsites does Doe Lake Group Site have?

Doe Lake Group Site has 1 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Doe Lake Group Site?

Pets are not allowed at Doe Lake Group Site. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Doe Lake Group Site?

Doe Lake Group Site offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Water Hookups. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Doe Lake Group Site?

Popular activities at Doe Lake Group Site include Fishing, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Doe Lake Group Site

4.35

120 reviews

Doe Lake Campground, Umatilla, FL 32784

Top 9% in FLSummer

Summer Destination

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

92 ft

Price

$350/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on USDA Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

92 ft

Price

$350/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on USDA Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Doe Lake Group Site

$350.00 - $350.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD AREA ELECTRIC: $350.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Group Site Fee$350.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

352-625-2520

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Doe Lake Campground, Umatilla, FL 32784

Doe Lake Group Site

Doe Lake Campground, Umatilla, FL 32784

Nearby places

Ocala (approx. 20 miles, 30 mins), Umatilla (approx. 10 miles, 20 mins), Silver Springs (approx. 21 miles, 35 mins)

Driving directionsFrom I-75, west of Ocala, Florida, take the exit for State Route 40 east. Continue 11 miles to Forest Corners, then turn right on County Road 314-A. After about 9 miles, pass through a blinking light at Moss Bluff. Take the next major right at an old country store. Drive for 3.6 miles, passing entrances for Sunnyhill Restoration Area on the left, and turn left on Forest Road 14, also known as Cross Road or Big Scrub Road. Continue nearly a mile and bear right, then turn right into the recreation area.

Weather at Doe Lake Group Site

Current alerts(14)

Alcohol is permitted
Bands and DJs are permitted
Check-in time is no earlier than 3:00 p.m.; check out time is no later than 11:00 a.m. We cannot accommodate early arrivals.
Click here for more information about Ocala National Forest

Best Time to Camp at Doe Lake Group Site

Best season: summer. Summer (June) is the clear best time to visit because the group site is currently open for reservations in June and the lake and facilities are at their most usable—water access, boating, and warm evenings for lakeside gatherings. Expect typical Florida summer conditions: daytime highs in the upper 80s to low 90s°F (85–92°F), high humidity, and frequent afternoon thunderstorms that cool nights into the 70s°F. Fishing and boating are at their peak, wildlife is active at dawn and dusk, and the CCC Peak months: June Avoid: January, February, March, April

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Top 9% in FL

Summer (June) noted as best for group use; site open June 1–30 (peak season).

Planning Tips

Peak Season: March 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open seasonally from June 1 to June 30, closing on June 30, 2026.

About Doe Lake Group Site

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.

Doe Lake Group Site exclusively serves groups with reservations, and is not available for individual camping. The site features tent camping facilities, areas for RVs and horse trailers without hookups, and amenities tailored for equestrian and social events. It is particularly popular for weddings and large gatherings.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer (June) is the clear best time to visit because the group site is currently open for reservations in June and the lake and facilities are at their most usable—water access, boating, and warm evenings for lakeside gatherings. Expect typical Florida summer conditions: daytime highs in the upper 80s to low 90s°F (85–92°F), high humidity, and frequent afternoon thunderstorms that cool nights into the 70s°F. Fishing and boating are at their peak, wildlife is active at dawn and dusk, and the CCC Peak months: June Avoid: January, February, March, April

Elevation92 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies ancient sand dunes within the world's largest sand pine scrub forest. Oak-pine groves surround the site, with Doe Lake providing a backdrop for boating and fishing. Elevation sits at just 92 feet. Spanish moss hangs from branches, and wading birds and deer appear along the shoreline. The sandy soil drains quickly, a relic of prehistoric seas that covered Florida millions of years ago.

Lodging & AccommodationsCentered around a historic dining hall, Doe Lake Group Site offers lodging in the form of group camping facilities. While RVs and horse trailers are allowed in designated areas, no hookups are provided. Users frequently praise the venue for weddings and gatherings, with one stating, "The views are breathtaking and the cabin is absolutely beautiful." Another user highlights, "Special thanks to Daryl for all his help!!!" There are no individual camping accommodations; the site is exclusively for group use.

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 7 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

250 guests maximum.

Groups

The group camping site at Doe Lake accommodates up to 250 people, making it ideal for weddings, equestrian events, and other large gatherings. "Lots of room to camp and play games," one user review notes. The lodge serves as a central feature for social events.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations available via Recreation.gov or contact center at (877) 444-6777.

AccessibilityThe site is designed to accommodate group gatherings, including weddings and equestrian events. Accessibility features such as hitching posts for horses are specifically provided, though additional details regarding ADA compliance for individuals with disabilities are not explicitly stated.

Site SizeGroup camping areas accommodate up to 250 people.

PrivacyThe site is described as spacious and open, suitable for large gatherings rather than offering secluded camping spots. User reviews highlight "lots of room to camp and play games," and "plenty of space for group activities.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesBest for groups seeking private facilities. No A/C in buildings but ample fans and windows.

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Amenities available

Doe Lake Group Site is equipped with a historic 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps dining hall that has been restored. Amenities specifically highlighted include flush toilets, showers, and hitching posts for horses. Tent camping is most common, but RVs and horse trailers are allowed in designated areas without hookups. The historic nature of the site prohibits air conditioning in the dining hall, though ceiling fans and openable windows are available for ventilation. Fire pits, grills, picnic tables, and potable water are provided, supporting a comfortable group camping experience. User reviews consistently note the cleanliness and maintenance of bathrooms and showers, though access to cell service and internet connectivity is extremely limited.

Showers

Potable water

Water hookups

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Doe Lake Group Site offers a range of recreational activities exclusively available to group reservation holders. Popular activities include equestrian camping, fishing, canoeing, and boating. Wildlife viewing in the surrounding Ocala National Forest is also frequently highlighted. The site is particularly geared toward large events, such as weddings and equestrian gatherings, rather than individual camping experiences.

Fishing

Wildlife viewing

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

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).

Trip Planning Tools

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.4

120 reviews

Recommended

Doe Lake Group Site is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User sentiment is mixed, with many praising the site for its scenic beauty, cleanliness, and suitability for large gatherings, especially weddings. Complaints often focus on the behavior of the campground staff and restrictions on entry for non-reservable visitors.

Review Summaries

Based on 120 reviews

What Campers Love

Users highlight the site's beauty, spaciousness, and suitability for events like weddings. "The views are breathtaking and the cabin is absolutely beautiful," one user notes. Clean and...

Based on 120 reviews

Common Concerns

Negative feedback includes poor experiences with staff and restrictions on access for non-reservable visitors. "Wanted to check out this place as a wedding venue...got greeted by a horrible old man...

Based on 120 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews frequently praise campsite 001 and the surrounding amenities. "Lots of room to camp and play games" and "Bathrooms are super clean and the property is well-maintained" are...

Based on 120 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users suggest being prepared for limited cell service and no internet connectivity. "Be sure to download an offline map, or know the route you need to take!" one review advises. Bringing additional...

Based on 120 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The site is frequently visited for weddings and equestrian events, particularly during warmer months. Cooler seasons may offer relief from the lack of air conditioning.

Based on 120 reviews

Camper Quotes

"My son and his beautiful bride married March 18, 2023. The views are breathtaking and the cabin is absolutely beautiful." "Come for the sunsets over the lake and stay for Smores over the Campfire."...

Based on 120 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility reviews are limited. Hitching posts for horses are available, catering to equestrian groups.

Based on 120 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are not allowed inside buildings as per official rules. User reviews do not provide additional details regarding pet-related experiences.

Based on 120 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You're planning a group event or wedding and want lakefront scenery with flush toilets, showers, and a photogenic cabin structure.

Skip if

You need cell service, 24-hour gate access, or prefer individual site reservations over group bookings.

Nearby Campgrounds

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

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.