RIVER FOREST GROUP SITE
Deland, Florida · USDA Forest Service

Photo: Recreation.gov
About
River Forest is a shaded group camping facility on the shores of the St. Johns River in Ocala National Forest. Located just across the river from Deland, the site is popular for groups, family reunions and weddings and can accommodate up to 125 guests. 14 day stay limit in a 30 day period in ALL Ocala National Forest Campgrounds All new facilities are the highlight of the River Forest Group Site. Facilities include a screened pavilion for food preparation and cooking with your own cook stoves. A new bathhouse has also been built on site. The camping area is flat for tents with some shade provided by trees. While RVs are welcome, there are no hookups and all vehicles must remain in the designated parking area. Grills and picnic tables are provided.The Ocala National Forest spans four counties and 383,000 acres. It is the southernmost and oldest national forest east of the Mississippi River and protects the world's largest contiguous sand pine scrub forest. The campground is shaded with large live oaks with a flat, grassy patch of land that leads to the St. Johns River.The Ocala National Forest is notable for its extensive off-road trail system catering to off-road vehicle enthusiasts, as well as being a traditional destination for deer hunters from around Central Florida. Numerous lakes, rivers and natural springs surround the area and offer many water activities.This site is a great setting for groups to relax, picnic and enjoy the shade on a warm day. A large field offers ample space for activities such as softball, volleyball and horseshoe tossing. Visitors wanting to venture out of the picnic area can go for a long walk through floodplain forests and pine flatwoods on the St. Francis Trail, or head to the river to canoe, kayak or fish for bass.
Directions
From Deland, Florida, drive west on State Route 44 to the first intersection after crossing the St. Johns River. Turn right on County Road 42, and the entrance to the campground is on the right.
Location
Map tiles © OpenStreetMap.
Details
- State
- Florida
- City / area
- Deland
- Agency
- USDA Forest Service
- Parent area
- National Forests in Florida
- Campsites
- 1
- Reservable
- Yes
- Typical price
- $200 / night
- Rating
- 4.56 / 5 (9 reviews on Recreation.gov)
- Equipment
- Tent, RV, Trailer
Nearby campgrounds
- CLEARWATER LAKE REC AREA 16.4 km away
- Alexander Springs Recreation Area 19.8 km away
- LAKE DORR CABIN 22.5 km away
- Lake Dorr Campground 24.2 km away
- BUCK LAKE GROUP CAMPGROUND 27.0 km away
- BIG SCRUB CAMPGROUND 36.4 km away