Campgrounds Near Sanford, Florida

Many Floridians pay little note of Sanford other than the bridge across the northeastern end of Lake Monroe in their trek on Interstate 4 between Orlando and Daytona Beach. However, the vista of water and wetlands available from the pinnacle of the bridge will spur campers to think of the possibilities for wilderness enjoyment. Lake Monroe itself has a section of shoreline protected by the St. Johns River Water Management, which extends southward to the conservation lands surrounding Lake Jessup. These conservation areas are only a sample of the outdoor lands available for camping around this central Florida town.

Blue Spring State Park

Blue Spring State Park, north of Sanford, is a popular destination for manatees as well as campers looking to enjoy the 2,600 acres surrounding the largest spring on the St. Johns River conserved by Blue Spring State Park. This park, along with the adjoining Hontoon Island State Park and Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park, offers outdoor enthusiasts many miles of hiking trails, waterways and bike trails. Campsites at Blue Spring State Park feature water and electric hookup for tent or RV use, while equestrian campsites can be found at Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park and primitive campsites are located at Hontoon Island State Park. In addition to scuba diving and swimming in Blue Spring, guests are accommodated with restrooms, showers and picnic areas. Rental cabins are also available.

Blue Spring State Park
2100 W. French Ave.
Orange City, FL 32763
(386) 775-3663
floridastateparks.org/bluespring

Highbanks Marina & Camp Resort

Principally an RV resort situated on the banks of the St. Johns River north of Sanford, Highbanks Marina & Camp Resort allows tent camping from late spring to early fall. While the park does offer such amenities as a pool, shuffleboard, a bath house, a playground and a club house, the principal draw of this resort is the water. Enjoyment of the St. Johns River is facilitated by the boat ramp and docks, but those lacking their own waterborne transportation may rent a boat from the marina, and anglers will find all necessary provisions at the on-site bait and tackle shop.

Highbanks Marina & Camp Resort
488 W. Highbanks
DeBary, FL 32713
(386) 668-4491
campresort.com

Wekiwa Springs State Park

White-tail deer, wild turkeys and Florida black bears inhabit the woodlands surrounding the springs and river of Wekiwa Springs State Park southwest of Sanford. A warm, humid Florida day is remedied by a refreshing swim in the cool, clear water flowing out of the limestone fissure comprising Wekiwa Springs. Kayakers can glide along the water down Wekiva River, providing excellent opportunities to view the terrestrial and aquatic wildlife of the park. Shaded, full-facility campsites with water and electric provide comfortable locations for tent or RV campers, while those with a more rugged inclination are offered primitive and equestrian campsites. Additional park amenities include hiking trails, an equestrian trail, a bike trail, picnic areas, a playground, restrooms and showers.

Wekiwa Springs State Park
1800 Wekiwa Circle
Apopka, FL 32712
(407) 884-2008
floridastateparks.org/wekiwasprings/default.cfm

Resources

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.

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