How much does camping cost at River Forest Group Site?

Camping fees at River Forest Group Site range from $200/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is River Forest Group Site first-come first-served or reservation?

River Forest 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 River Forest Group Site before I book?

Yes! River Forest 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 River Forest Group Site?

River Forest Group Site 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 River Forest Group Site?

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

How many campsites does River Forest Group Site have?

River Forest 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 River Forest Group Site?

Yes, pets are allowed at River Forest Group Site. 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 River Forest Group Site?

River Forest Group Site offers: Restrooms, Showers, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at River Forest Group Site?

Popular activities at River Forest Group Site include Hiking, Fishing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

River Forest Group Site

4.23

46 reviews

45700 River Forest Blvd, Deland, FL, 32720, USA

Top 18% in FLWinter

Family FriendlyScenic Views

Featured in:Group Camping Florida#2 Hidden Gem Campgrounds Florida Forest Camping Florida +8 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

36 ft

Price

$200/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on USDA Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

36 ft

Price

$200/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on USDA Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

River Forest Group Site

$200.00 - $200.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $200.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Group Site Fee$200.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

352-625-2520

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

45700 River Forest Blvd, Deland, FL, 32720, USA

River Forest Group Site

45700 River Forest Blvd, Deland, FL, 32720, USA

Nearby places

Deland (5 miles, approx. 10 minutes).

Weather at River Forest Group Site

Best Time to Camp at River Forest Group Site

Best season: winter. Winter offers the most comfortable, reliably dry weather and the lowest humidity, making riverside activities and large gatherings far more pleasant; daytime temperatures typically range from the mid-60s to mid-70s°F with cool mornings in the 40s–50s°F. Boating, fishing, paddling and long hikes under the live oaks are at their peak because water conditions are calm and insect pressure is low, and the screened pavilion and upgraded bathhouses mean group events are easy to run. Crowds are moderate Peak months: January, February, March, April

Best

Winter(Dec-Feb)

4.5 / 5

Top 18% in FL

Described as best conditions: mid-60s–70s daytime, low humidity, calm water for boating/fishing.

Planning Tips

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

About River Forest Group Site

River Forest Group Site is a USDA Forest Service campground in National Forests in Florida near Deland, designed for large gatherings along the St. Johns River. The site features a screened pavilion, new bathhouse with showers, and access to hiking trails through live oak hammocks. Groups can reserve the entire facility for multi-day events, with tent and RV options spread across a spacious, well-maintained property.

River Forest Group Site is tailored to group camping, accommodating tents and RVs. While primarily a primitive camping facility, it does offer modern amenities like a bathhouse and a screened pavilion.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: winter. Winter offers the most comfortable, reliably dry weather and the lowest humidity, making riverside activities and large gatherings far more pleasant; daytime temperatures typically range from the mid-60s to mid-70s°F with cool mornings in the 40s–50s°F. Boating, fishing, paddling and long hikes under the live oaks are at their peak because water conditions are calm and insect pressure is low, and the screened pavilion and upgraded bathhouses mean group events are easy to run. Crowds are moderate Peak months: January, February, March, April

Elevation36 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryLive oaks draped in Spanish moss shade the campground, with open grassy clearings between them leading to the St. Johns River. The site sits at 36 feet elevation in the 383,000-acre Ocala National Forest, which contains the world's largest contiguous sand pine scrub forest. Floodplain forest surrounds the immediate area, transitioning to pine flatwoods nearby. The St. Johns is one of the few north-flowing rivers in the United States.

Lodging & AccommodationsLodging options such as hotel-style accommodations are not mentioned.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 days within a 30-day period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 125 guests allowed per group site.

Groups

The group site can accommodate up to 125 guests. RVs are welcome but must use designated parking areas as there are no hookups available.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations available via Recreation.gov website, app, and contact center.

Site SizeThe group site accommodates up to 125 guests and offers spacious, flat, grassy areas suitable for large gatherings.

PrivacyThe campground is described as secluded yet not overly remote, although one user raised privacy concerns due to the behavior of a host.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesGroup site recommended for large gatherings. Pavilion provides shelter and electricity.

Best CampsitesThere's only one group site (Group Site 01), which reviewers consistently praise for its spaciousness and suitability for large gatherings. Mitchell and Diane, the hosts during several reviews, kept the grounds clean and were helpful throughout stays.

Need help booking River Forest Group Site?

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

While RVs are welcome, there are no hookups and all vehicles must remain in the designated parking area.

Showers

Flush toilets

Picnic tables

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

River Forest Group Site offers a range of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. The large field on-site supports group activities like softball, volleyball, and horseshoe tossing. Nearby attractions add to the recreational value, with access to the St. John's River and proximity to the St. Francis Trail. Reviews emphasize the area's suitability for group activities: "Great site for group camping!" noted one user.

Hiking

Fishing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

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

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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

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From Booking Sources

4.2

46 reviews

Satisfactory

River Forest Group Site is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, reviews for River Forest Group Site are highly positive. Common praises include the spaciousness of the site and its suitability for group events, the cleanliness of the facilities, and the attentive hosts. Negative comments are rare but include concerns about the limited number of restrooms and privacy issues with one host.

Review Summaries

Based on 46 reviews

What Campers Love

Users frequently praise the site's spaciousness, cleanliness, and the amenities provided, such as the new bathhouse and the screened pavilion. Hosts are often described as helpful and attentive:...

Based on 46 reviews

Common Concerns

Some reviewers mentioned the limited restroom facilities, with only two toilets for men and women each. One reviewer also raised concerns about the behavior of a campground host, citing intrusive...

Based on 46 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 01 in Loop RFGS received mixed reviews. One user praised the beauty of the site but criticized the behavior of the host, stating, "We felt we had no privacy and were very uncomfortable."

Based on 46 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own chairs and tables for events, as these are not provided. Plan for a two-night minimum stay on weekends. Consider the lack of RV hookups when planning your trip.

Based on 46 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews do not explicitly highlight seasonal differences, but the positive feedback suggests it is a comfortable destination year-round.

Based on 46 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Such a beautiful and amazing campsite along the St. John's river. The campground was so spacious, had an amazing dining pavilion with electricity and upgraded bathhouses." — Annie P.<br>"Very nice...

Based on 46 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility for individuals with disabilities is not discussed in the reviews.

Based on 46 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed at the campground, but user reviews reflect inconsistent enforcement of leash rules. One review noted, "The hosts came back over and said that all dogs have to be on leash since they...

Based on 46 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You're planning a large group gathering and want full-service amenities along the St. Johns River with dedicated space.

Skip if

You prefer solitude or want to avoid potential host oversight of group activities.

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Cayo Costa State Park Campground 3

Cayo Costa State Park

Hontoon Island State Park sits on a St. Johns River island accessible only by free park ferry or private boat, offering primitive cabins and tent sites in a quiet, wooded setting. Each cabin has bunk beds, a ceiling fan, one outlet, and a screened porch with table and chairs; outside you'll find a water faucet, picnic table, and grill. The island preserves more than 1,600 acres of floodplain forest, hardwood hammocks, and wetlands, with hiking trails, kayak and canoe rentals, a small store, and abundant wildlife viewing. Plan to book cabins and sites well in advance or join a waitlist, as this popular spot fills quickly on weekends and holidays.