Lake Eaton Campground

Star4.05
80 reviews
Peace & QuietSummer Destination

Quick Facts

50 ft

Price

$8 - $10/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

14 campsites

Season

Open from October 1 ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens National Forests in Florida site

Official Website
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Lake Eaton Campground
$8.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Rates are $8 per night for a single site and $10 per night for a double site, paid via honor system at the entrance.
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

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What Campers Say

4.05

Satisfactory

Based on 80 reviews

79 Google reviews

Most mentioned

privacyquietfriendlywell-maintained

"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."

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Campground Map

Lake Eaton Campground

29.2533, -81.8655

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.

Best Time to Camp at Lake Eaton Campground

Experience 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.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
Not recommended

Campground closed during summer (seasonal open Oct 1–Jun 1).

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Open from Oct; comfortable weather and fewer crowds in cooler months per reviews.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Open in spring but reviews note increasing ticks/insects and warmer weather issues from March on.

Best
Winter(Dec-Feb)
4.0 / 5

Open Oct–Jun; December–February reviews report less crowding and pleasant conditions.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Not explicitly stated, but peak use occurs during weekends.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from October 1 to June 1 (seasonal access only).

About Lake Eaton 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.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Gate open 8 AM to 8 PM.
Stay Limit
14 consecutive days in a 30-day period.

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.
FishingFishing is permitted, and the lake features species like largemouth bass, crappie, and brim. A wheelchair-accessible fishing pier is available.
BoatingBoating opportunities include both motorized and non-motorized options. A boat ramp is available, accommodating kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards.
Wildlife viewingThe campground offers excellent bird-watching and wildlife viewing opportunities due to the surrounding subtropical forest and lake ecosystem.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & Alerts"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.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Lake Eaton Campground

Reviews

4.1
80 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
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 80 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...
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Based on 80 reviews

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...
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Based on 80 reviews

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....
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Based on 80 reviews

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...
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Based on 80 reviews

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...
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Based on 80 reviews

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 80 reviews

Accessibility Features

The wheelchair-accessible fishing pier and restrooms are appreciated by users. "A wheelchair-friendly fishing pier is available." - Official source.
Based on 80 reviews

Pet-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 80 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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