De Leon Springs State Park Florida (FL) RV Rentals

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Introduction

De Leon Springs State Park is an excellent spot for RV camping due to its rich history, natural beauty, and recreational opportunities. Established in 1886, the park features a natural spring that has been a gathering place for humans for over 6,000 years. The spring produces 19 million gallons of water daily, providing a constant temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit year-round.

The park’s cultural significance dates back to the Native American tribes who first settled in the area, including the Mayaca and Timucua. The spring was also an important stop for early European explorers and settlers, who used it as a source of fresh water. Today, visitors can learn about the park’s history at the Old Spanish Sugar Mill, where they can make their own pancakes using a griddle and the spring’s water.

RVThereYet is an RV rental company, offering a diverse fleet of motorhomes, including Class A, Class B, and Class C Rentals, Travel, Trailers, and Motorhomes for unforgettable adventures in scenic RV parks and campsites in De Leon Springs State Park. Ensure early reservations for camper rentals at De Leon Springs State Park.

Transportation

De Leon Springs State Park is easily accessible by private vehicle with multiple entrances and ample parking for RVs. However there are restrictions on rig sizes with a maximum length of 50 feet and a maximum width of 8 feet. Visitors traveling by RV should also be aware of low-hanging branches and other obstacles that may require careful navigation.

Visitors to the park with RVs have several options for parking. There are designated RV parking areas throughout the park but overnight parking is only permitted in designated campsites. Camping with an RV can be a great way to explore the park and using alternative transportation methods such as biking or walking can help reduce traffic and congestion.

De Leon Springs State Park offers several options for getting around including shuttle buses and walking paths. The shuttle bus service runs regularly and is a convenient way to get from one part of the park to another. Walking paths are also available for those who prefer to explore on foot. These options make it easy to see all that the park has to offer without the need for a car.

Top Campsites in De Leon Springs State Park

Top 4 Reservation-Only Campsites Near De Leon Springs State Park

Lake Monroe Park

This popular campground located just 15 miles from De Leon Springs offers 107 sites with full hookups including electricity water and sewer. You’ll find plenty of amenities such as a boat ramp fishing pier playground and picnic areas. The park is open year-round and welcomes pets. RV and trailer sizes up to 40 feet are permitted.

Blue Spring State Park

A short 20-minute drive from De Leon Springs Blue Spring State Park boasts 51 RV and tent sites with water and electric hookups. Enjoy swimming kayaking and wildlife viewing or take a guided tour to see the manatees in the crystal-clear spring. The park is pet-friendly and open year-round with RVs and trailers up to 40 feet allowed.

Glen St. Mary Nurseries RV Park

About 25 miles from De Leon Springs this private campground caters to RVers with 100 full-hookup sites. Amenities include a pool clubhouse and laundry facilities. The park is open all year and pets are welcome. RVs and trailers up to 45 feet can be accommodated.

DeLand / St. Johns River KOA

Just a 30-minute drive from De Leon Springs this KOA offers 130 RV sites with full hookups including cable TV and Wi-Fi. Amenities include a swimming pool hot tub dog park and fishing pier. The park is open year-round and is pet-friendly with RVs and trailers up to 75 feet in length allowed.

First-Come First-Served Campgrounds Near De Leon Springs State Park

Hontoon Island State Park

Accessible only by boat or ferry this park offers 12 primitive campsites on a first-come first-served basis. The campsites include a picnic table grill and fire ring. There are no hookups but restrooms and showers are available. The park is open year-round and is pet-friendly. RVs and trailers are not permitted.

Volusia Blue Spring State Park

This park offers 11 primitive campsites on a first-come first-served basis. Amenities include restrooms showers and a picnic area. The park is open year-round and is pet-friendly. RVs and trailers are not permitted.

Alexander Springs Recreation Area

Located in the Ocala National Forest this recreation area offers 67 first-come first-served campsites including some with electric hookups. Amenities include restrooms showers and a swimming area. The park is open year-round and is pet-friendly. RVs and trailers up to 35 feet are permitted.

Alternative Camping Options Near De Leon Springs State Park

Private Campgrounds

Highbanks Marina and Camp Resort

This private campground located just 10 miles from De Leon Springs offers 92 full-hookup sites with amenities such as a pool hot tub and boat ramp. The park is open year-round and is pet-friendly with RVs and trailers up to 45 feet allowed.

Crystal Lake RV Park

Situated about 20 miles from De Leon Springs this private campground features 110 full-hookup sites with Wi-Fi cable TV and a swimming pool. The park is open year-round and is pet-friendly with RVs and trailers up to 40 feet in length permitted.

Backcountry Camping

Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge

For those looking for a more rustic experience Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge offers backcountry camping by permit only. Campers can enjoy hiking fishing and wildlife viewing in this beautiful setting just 15 miles from De Leon Springs. Pets are not permitted in the backcountry.

Swimming and Snorkeling

De Leon Springs State Park is famous for its crystal-clear waters making it an ideal spot for swimming and snorkeling. The park’s swimming area is located at the base of a natural spring that remains a constant 72 degrees Fahrenheit year-round making it the perfect place to cool off during hot summer days. Swimmers and snorkelers can explore the underwater world of the spring where they can see a variety of fish and plant life. The swimming area is located near the park’s main entrance and is easily accessible from the parking lot.

Canoeing and Kayaking

The park’s picturesque waters also make it a popular spot for canoeing and kayaking. Visitors can rent canoes and kayaks from the park’s concession stand and paddle along the spring run which winds through a lush cypress forest. Along the way paddlers can spot a variety of wildlife including birds turtles and alligators. The canoe and kayak launch is located near the swimming area.

Hiking and Nature Trails

De Leon Springs State Park has several hiking trails that offer visitors the chance to explore the park’s natural beauty. The park’s most popular trail is the four-mile Wild Persimmon Trail which winds through a variety of habitats including hardwood hammocks cypress swamps and pine flatwoods. The trail is also home to a variety of wildlife including deer turkeys and armadillos. The trailhead is located near the park’s main entrance.

Fishing

Anglers will find plenty of opportunities to catch fish in De Leon Springs State Park. The park’s spring run is home to a variety of fish including largemouth bass bluegill and catfish. Visitors can fish from the shore or rent a canoe or kayak and fish from the water. The park’s concession stand also sells bait and fishing supplies.

Biking

De Leon Springs State Park has several miles of paved and unpaved bike trails that offer visitors the chance to explore the park’s natural beauty. The park’s most popular bike trail is the three-mile Pine Island Trail which winds through a pine flatwoods forest and offers scenic views of the park’s lakes and wetlands. The trail is suitable for riders of all skill levels. The trailhead is located near the park’s main entrance.

Alternative Activities

Sightseeing and Nature Watching

De Leon Springs State Park is home to a variety of natural wonders that make it an ideal spot for sightseeing and nature watching. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the park’s gardens and see a variety of native plants and flowers including azaleas camellias and magnolias. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife including birds deer and alligators. The park’s nature center offers educational exhibits and programs that teach visitors about the park’s natural history.

Instagram-Worthy Photo Opportunities

De Leon Springs State Park offers several picturesque spots that are perfect for Instagram-worthy photo opportunities. Visitors can take a picture at the park’s historic Old Spanish Sugar Mill which dates back to the 1830s and is still used today to make pancakes and other treats. The park’s spring run also offers scenic views and opportunities for wildlife photography. The park’s nature center also has several exhibits that make for interesting photo subjects.

Picnicking

De Leon Springs State Park has several picnic areas that offer visitors the chance to enjoy a meal in a beautiful natural setting. The park’s picnic areas are equipped with tables grills and restrooms and are located near the park’s playgrounds and other amenities. The park’s concession stand also sells food and drinks for visitors who want to enjoy a picnic without the hassle of packing their own lunch.

Bird Watching

De Leon Springs State Park is a popular spot for bird watching with over 100 species of birds recorded in the park. Visitors can see a variety of birds including herons egrets and ospreys along the park’s spring run and in the surrounding wetlands. The park’s nature center offers bird watching programs and activities that teach visitors about the park’s avian residents.

Geocaching

De Leon Springs State Park is home to several geocaches which are hidden treasures that visitors can search for using GPS coordinates. Geocaching is a fun and educational activity that allows visitors to explore the park’s natural beauty while also engaging in a treasure hunt. The park’s nature center offers information and resources for visitors who want to try geocaching.

Season-specific experiences in De Leon Springs State Park

De Leon Springs State Park offers a variety of recreational activities for RV campers during the spring season. Here are five popular options

Swimming and Snorkeling

The crystal-clear waters of the spring make it a perfect spot for swimming and snorkeling. The park provides a designated swimming area and visitors can rent snorkeling gear on-site.

Hiking

The park features several hiking trails that wind through lush forests and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The Spring Garden Run Trail is a popular choice as it leads to a historic settler’s homestead.

Fishing

The spring is home to a variety of fish species including bass catfish and bluegill. Visitors can fish from the shore or rent a boat and explore the spring’s deeper waters.

Paddling

Canoes and kayaks are available for rent allowing visitors to explore the spring’s pristine waters at their own pace.

Wildlife Viewing

The park is home to a diverse array of wildlife including birds reptiles and mammals. Visitors can take a guided nature walk or explore the park’s trails on their own to spot local fauna.

During the summer months De Leon Springs State Park continues to offer a range of recreational activities for RV campers. Here are five popular options

Swimming and Tubing

The spring’s refreshing waters provide a welcome respite from the summer heat. Visitors can rent tubes and float down the spring’s natural lazy river.

Boating

The park offers boat rentals including pontoon boats and kayaks allowing visitors to explore the spring’s pristine waters at their own pace.

Picnicking

The park features several picnic areas with tables grills and shelters making it the perfect spot for a family outing.

Nature Programs

The park offers a variety of ranger-led programs including guided hikes birdwatching tours and educational talks about the local ecosystem.

Biking

The park features several biking trails that wind through scenic forests and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Autumn is a fantastic time to visit De Leon Springs State Park for RV campers. One popular activity is taking a guided tour of the Sugar Mill Ruins which offers a glimpse into the area’s history of sugar production. The tour is led by knowledgeable park rangers who share interesting anecdotes and facts about the site. Another favorite is hiking the 4.2-mile Wild Persimmon Trail which winds through lush forests and offers stunning views of the park’s natural beauty. For those who love water sports kayaking and canoeing on Spring Garden Run is a must-do. The calm waters make it an ideal spot for beginners while the more experienced can enjoy a leisurely paddle through the cypress swamp. Birdwatching is also a popular pastime during the fall with the park being home to a variety of species such as the Great Blue Heron and the White Ibis.

De Leon Springs State Park is a winter wonderland for RV campers with a variety of activities to enjoy. One of the most popular is taking a dip in the park’s natural springs which maintain a constant temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit. The spring is surrounded by lush vegetation and provides a tranquil setting for a relaxing soak. Another must-do is visiting the Old Spanish Sugar Mill Restaurant which serves delicious pancakes made from freshly ground sugar cane. Visitors can even watch the mill in action while they dine. For those who love wildlife the park offers ranger-led programs such as the Manatee Watch which provides an opportunity to observe these gentle giants in their natural habitat. Lastly hiking the 2.5-mile Nature Trail is a great way to explore the park’s diverse ecosystem from hardwood hammocks to pine flatwoods.

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