Kate's Fish Camp
Southeast of the city of Gainesville on the shores of Lake Newnan, Kate's Fish Camp provides guests with an undeveloped forest to seek out their own camping experience. A sponsor of the local Gainesville Paddling Club, this campground offers a number of kayaking and fishing opportunities in the surrounding waters. Extensive hiking opportunities are available at Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, while bikers can pedal the Gainesville-Hawthorne Bike Trail. Ideally situated for camping, RVs and pop-ups can also find a space with electric and water hookup.
Kate's Fish Camp
6518 S.E. Hawthorne Road
Gainesville, FL 32641
(352) 372-1026
katesfishcamp.com
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
Wild horses, American alligators, American bison and sandhill cranes are just a few examples of the 400-plus vertebrate species that you can find in the Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park's more than 20 ecosystems. Stretching southward from Gainesville's city limits to the small town of Micanopy, this park offers wooded campsites near the boat launch into Lake Wauberg, and it is not uncommon to find deer, raccoons and other wildlife around the camp. Electric and water are available at the sites, allowing both tent and RV camping. Miles of hiking trails and observation towers allow viewing of the rich biodiversity in the park. Guests are provided with amenities including showers, picnic areas, a playground and a dump station.
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
100 Savannah Blvd.
Micanopy, FL 32667
(352) 466-3397
floridastateparks.org/paynesprairie
Traveler's Campground
Fifteen miles north of Gainesville's Devils Millhopper State Park, Traveler's Campground features tent sites for campers willing to share accommodations with RVs. The tent sites do have water and electricity available, and the presence of a general store on-site makes the campground ideal for campers not willing to completely rough it. River Rise State Park, O'Leno State Park, and San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park provide additional venues for hiking and wildlife viewing. Amenities in the campground include a pool, Wi-Fi and a laundry. A number of animals are kept on the premises, but pets are not allowed at the tent sites.
Traveler's Campground
17701 April Blvd.
Alachua, FL 32615
(386) 462-2505
travelerscampground.com
Article Written By David Chandler
David Chandler has been a freelance writer since 2006 whose work has appeared in various print and online publications. A former reconnaissance Marine, he is an active hiker, diver, kayaker, sailor and angler. He has traveled extensively and holds a bachelor's degree from the University of South Florida where he was educated in international studies and microbiology.
