Deland, FL

River Forest Group Site

Availability

Each day shows how many of this campground’s sites are open.

About this spot

Overview

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

Recreation

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.

Facilities

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.

Natural Features

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.

Nearby Attractions

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.

Typical weather

St. Johns River

Average water temperature
Average water temperature for St. Johns River, January through DecemberEach point shows the monthly average water temperature in degrees Fahrenheit.62°JJanuary: average water temperature 62°F66°FFebruary: average water temperature 66°F71°MMarch: average water temperature 71°F76°AApril: average water temperature 76°F80°MMay: average water temperature 80°F85°JJune: average water temperature 85°F86°JJuly: average water temperature 86°F85°AAugust: average water temperature 85°F83°SSeptember: average water temperature 83°F77°OOctober: average water temperature 77°F71°NNovember: average water temperature 71°F65°DDecember: average water temperature 65°F

Water: ST. JOHNS RIVER NEAR DE LAND, FL (USGS 02236000)

Nearby campgrounds