Ross Prairie Primitive Backpacking Campsite

Star4.45
245 reviews
6675 NE 40th Ave Rd, Ocala, Florida, 34479, United States

Quick Facts

95 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

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Ross Prairie Primitive Backpacking Campsite
$30.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Exact fee details are unclear, but a user review explicitly mentioned being charged $30 for tent camping. This fee structure may vary by site type or...
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Standard Site Fee$30.00
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

4.45

Recommended

Based on 245 reviews

302 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanfriendly

Some mention

noiseroad noise

"User reviews are highly polarized. Many appreciate the clean facilities, friendly hosts, and access to hiking trails, while others criticize the lack of privacy, noise from the highway, and the absence of shade."

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Campground Map

6675 NE 40th Ave Rd, Ocala, Florida, 34479, United States

Ross Prairie Primitive Backpacking Campsite

6675 NE 40th Ave Rd, Ocala, Florida, 34479, United States

Driving directionsFrom Ocala (I-75)- Head west on SR 200 for 10.5 miles. Ross Prairie State Forest is located on the south side of SR 200. Parking for this campsite directly off of SR 200 at the Ross Prairie State Forest Trail Head. From Crystal River (US 19/98)-Head east on FL 44, then left onto County Rd 486/West Norvell Bryant Highway. Next, turn left on FL 200 for 5.8 miles. Ross Prairie State Forest is located on the south side of SR 200. Parking for this campsite directly off of SR 200 at the Ross Prairie State Forest Trail Head.
Road access is directly off a major highway (SR 200), making it convenient to locate. However, being near a highway means noise is common. The campsite is accessible year-round, but no specific details on seasonal closures or terrain challenges were provided.
Nearby places
Ocala (15 minutes southwest). Crystal River (approx. 30 minutes southeast).
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are located in Ocala (15 minutes away), offering access to groceries, camping essentials, and fuel.

Best Time to Camp at Ross Prairie Primitive Backpacking Campsite

Experience Florida's distinct seasonal rhythms at Ross Prairie, where summer brings sultry days wrapped in humidity and the symphony of cicadas, while winter offers crisp, dry air perfect for extended hikes. The changing seasons paint the landscape in different moods—from the lush, rain-soaked vibrancy of summer to the golden, sun-drenched clarity of winter mornings. Campers should note that the distant hum of nearby highways occasionally drifts through the forest, a gentle reminder of the world beyond the trees.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
2.5 / 5

Summer is hot and humid; lack of shade and cicadas lower comfort despite open trails.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Milder weather improves comfort, but hunting seasons may affect usability and require precautions.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Trails and seasonal marsh are attractive in spring; pleasant conditions though not explicitly detailed.

Best
Winter(Dec-Feb)
4.0 / 5

Winter offers crisp, dry air ideal for extended trips and comfortable hiking.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: No specific peak season dates mentioned.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round. Hunting seasons may affect usability; visitors are advised to wear blaze orange during hunting periods.
  • Current Alerts: Advisory for hunting seasons. Campers should wear blaze orange.

About Ross Prairie Primitive Backpacking Campsite

Deep within the untamed wilderness of Ross Prairie State Forest, this primitive backpacking campsite offers adventurers a true escape into Florida's natural heartland. Accessible only by foot, this secluded retreat strips away modern conveniences—no electricity or running water—inviting visitors to reconnect with nature in its purest form. Whether you're traversing the trails on foot or horseback, stalking game during hunting season, or capturing the perfect photograph of native wildlife, Ross Prairie rewards those who seek authentic outdoor experiences in Marion County's 3,000-acre wilderness sanctuary.
This campsite is strictly primitive with no amenities such as water or electric hookups. It is a hike-in, backcountry-oriented site designed for minimalistic camping experiences.
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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
Limited to a maximum of 14 days.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Activities at Ross Prairie include hiking, horseback riding, hunting, bird watching, wildlife viewing, and outdoor photography. The area connects to the Holly Hammock Hiking Trail and features recreational trails for multiple uses.
HikingThe campsite is adjacent to the Holly Hammock Hiking Trail. Trails are marked and noted for their beauty, with options for both easy hiking and extended trail systems through the state forest.
BikingThe site offers access to biking trails through the Cross Florida Greenway Santos-Belleview Trail system.
Wildlife viewingThe forest supports bird watching and wildlife photography. Open marshes and live oak hammocks provide unique habitats.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsProximity to SR 200 means consistent noise from vehicles. Wildlife such as bears has been noted in the area, though garbage bins are locked to prevent bear access.
Active AlertsAdvisory for hunting seasons. Campers should wear blaze orange.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Ross Prairie Primitive Backpacking Campsite

Reviews

4.5
245 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Ross Prairie Primitive Backpacking Campsite is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are highly polarized. Many appreciate the clean facilities, friendly hosts, and access to hiking trails, while others criticize the lack of privacy, noise from the highway, and the absence of shade.
Review Summaries
Based on 245 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive feedback includes 'clean bathrooms,' 'marked trails,' 'friendly camp hosts,' and 'peaceful environment.' One review highlights that the campsite is 'centrally located to local attractions.'
Based on 245 reviews

Common Concerns

Major complaints include the lack of shade, privacy between campsites, and noise from the nearby highway. Tent campers particularly note the lack of separation from RV sites.
Based on 245 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend choosing sites located in outer loops for privacy and shade. Long extension cords are advised for tent campers who may require electric connections.
Based on 245 reviews

Seasonal Insights

During peak seasons, the campground is described as busy with minimal availability. The heat and lack of shade in summer may lower comfort levels for campers.
Based on 245 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'If you like walking trails, large campsites and clean bathrooms with large showers check this place out.' 2. 'The highway next to the camp ground is very noisy and you'll hear it all day and...
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Based on 245 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #16 is noted for its lack of privacy as it is 'sandwiched between other campsites.' Site #2 has great shade but is on an incline. Site #5 is praised for its location but is noisy due to...
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Based on 245 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically addressing accessibility features.
Based on 245 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No pet-specific reviews are mentioned.
Based on 245 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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