Hopkins Prairie Campground

From watching the sunrise to reading and watching the sunset, I enjoyed some peaceful moments @ Hopkins Prairie Campground in Ocala National Forest. 4x4 recommended to get there but I saw several sedans and FWD cars pass through so it’s doable. Just pay attention for deeper sand and come in from the East off of Hwy 19 NOT the west like Google maps leads you…trust me on that! 21 campsites, $11 night no/HUps.

First, follow the directions provided. While the GPS coordinates are correct, Google maps will not get you there. The road in can be a bit treacherous. Most of it is fine but the last half mile or so had some really big potholes and sandy traps. No telling what it might be like after heavy rain but if you make it to the turn for the campground, which is completely unsigned, the final stretch is fine.

Self-registration is simple enough and there is a host who sells firewood. There is a crank water faucet (not pump - crank) which is labeled as untreated, so treat/boil if drinking. Low hanging branches might be an issue depending on which loop you head to so be careful. If you have anything bigger and a truck, watch out for the loop to the west. After you turn around and head back there is an entire oak tree branch in a semicircle over the road which an RV will not fit under (see photo). Sites were clean and mostly level with moss and leaf cover. Fire ring and picnic table at nearly every site.

It was a breezy warm beautiful day at Hopkins Prairie with only about 5 campers total, all small vans and cars. It might be tight in spots though several of the sites could easily fit a medium-sized RV. The Florida Trail runs right through it for a classic forest hike. There was water in the prairie. ZERO cell signal on T-Mobile.

I found this little campground in the Ocala National Forest by accident because all other ones were fully booked. However it turn out to just what i needed. It's about 3 mile into a well maintain dirt road off US19 to 86NFR then right into 111 road sign. I arrived at late around 5pm in a Truck + a 34ft travel trailer and the camp host put me in a overflow parking off the main road, which turn out to have the best view of the prairie and water with a full day of sunshine for my solar panel. Most other sites are under the oak trees with very little sun for solar panels so some folks ran their generators during the day. We found good hiking trails right from the campground, there is a BAT HOUSE there but did not see any bats fly in or out. There are two outhouse style bathrooms only and a hand pump water well to use. If you have a large or long rig setup, i don't recommend going to far into the back as there are tight turns and low hanging tree limbs Site #19 seem the be the best for a long rigs. Plenty of day trips attraction nearby, to Silver Glen, Salt Springs, Juniper and Alexander springs recreation area. Also, there is a outdoor 100 yard shooting range if you like put in some practice time at no cost Overall it's a great spot for tent or camper at $10 a night.