Hopkins Prairie Campground
Open seasonally with reservations required via Recreation.gov. Gate hours are 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. from March through October, and 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. from October through March. The Ocala National Forest is under Stage 1 fire restrictions, but campfires are permitted in Forest Service-provided fire rings. Bears and raccoons are active; strict food storage is enforced.
Flood Warning issued October 11 at 10:01PM EDT until October 16 at 8:00AM EDT by NWS Tampa Bay Ruskin FL
...The Flood Warning continues for the following rivers in Florida... Withlacoochee At US 41 Dunnellon affecting Marion, Citrus and Levy Counties. Cypress Creek At SR 54 Worthington Gardens affecting Pasco County. .Due to recent heavy rainfall, water levels on Cypress Creek remain elevated and could reach minor flood stage in the next few days. Elevated water levels continue on the Withlacoochee River at Dunnellon due to a combination of excessive hydrilla growth along a 4.5 mile stretch of river between U.S. 41 and Lake Rousseau, and recent heavy rainfall. Water levels are expected to hold steady before slowly decreasing over the next several days. However, the river is forecast to remain at flood stage. * WHAT...Minor flooding is occurring and is forecast to continue. * WHERE...Withlacoochee at US 41 Dunnellon. * WHEN...Until Friday morning. * IMPACTS...At 28.2 feet, Docks and boat ramps flood along the river in Citrus and Marion counties. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 8:45 PM EDT Sunday the stage was 28.2 feet. - Bankfull stage is 28.2 feet. - Forecast...The river is expected to hold around 28.2 feet for the next few days. - Flood stage is 28.2 feet. - Flood History...This crest compares to a previous crest of 28.2 feet on 10/02/1979. - https://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
From Recreation.gov
The Ocala National Forest is currently under stage 1 fire restrictions. Exemptions include developed campsites with Forest Service provided campfire rings and grills. Dispersed campers who wish to have fires must use propane; charcoal is authorized for grilling purposes. All residents must conform to the specifics of their county's burn bans. The USFS conforms to and may enforce county burn bans as authorized under; CFR 261.5 (i) Violating any state law concerning burning fires or any state law that is for the purpose of preventing or restricting the spread of fire. USFS law enforcement can issue citations under this code.
Supervisor's Office Closed
Due to potential weather impacts from Hurricane Isaias, the Supervisor's Office will be temporarily closed Friday, October 9.
About
Hopkins Prairie Campground is a seasonal destination for campers seeking a more remote experience in Ocala National Forest. The 21 campsites are nestled in an oak hammock on a peninsula surrounded by the expansive Hopkins Prairie, where cool breezes blow when water levels are sufficient. All sites are shaded and equipped with fire rings. The campground sits directly on the Florida Trail, making it a popular base for day hikers heading in either direction or completing sections to Pat's Island Trailhead or Juniper Springs. The interface between open prairie and scrub forest creates excellent birding habitat, with songbirds active in the scrub and wading birds working the prairie ponds. Depending on water levels, campers can launch canoes or jon boats from the boat ramp ($3 launch fee) to explore deeper areas of the prairie and fish. The campground has minimal facilities, with vault toilets but no potable water. Campers should bring all water needed for their stay.
Directions
From the intersection of SR 19 and SR 40, drive 9.2 miles north on SR 19. Turn left and follow signs along unmarked, unimproved roads, turning left, right, and left to reach the campground.
Location
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $16 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov | |
| USFS Hopkins Prairie Page |
Availability
Photos
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!