Lake Eaton Campground
The campground is currently closed despite being within its normal October 1 through June 1 operating season. The reservation system shows no availability through at least late May 2026.
Flood Warning issued October 11 at 10:09AM EDT by NWS Tampa Bay Ruskin FL
...The Flood Warning continues for the following rivers in Florida... Cypress Creek At SR 54 Worthington Gardens affecting Pasco County. Withlacoochee At US 41 Dunnellon affecting Marion, Citrus and Levy Counties. .Due to recent heavy rainfall, water levels on Cypress Creek remain elevated. With additional heavy rainfall forecast, water levels are expected to continue rising, 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 in flood stage. * WHAT...Minor flooding is occurring and minor flooding is forecast. * WHERE...Withlacoochee at US 41 Dunnellon. * WHEN...Until further notice. * IMPACTS...At 28.2 feet, Docks and boat ramps flood along the river in Citrus and Marion counties. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 9:45 AM EDT Sunday the stage was 28.2 feet. - Bankfull stage is 28.2 feet. - Recent Activity...The maximum river stage in the 24 hours ending at 9:45 AM EDT Sunday was 28.3 feet. - Forecast...The river is expected to remain steady at flood stage. - 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
Supervisor's Office Closed
Due to potential weather impacts from Hurricane Isaias, the Supervisor's Office will be temporarily closed Friday, October 9.
Travel Management & Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Program
The U.S. Department of Agriculture and Forest Service are reviewing the Executive Order, entitled "Removing Unnecessary and Counterproductive Restrictions on Access to Federal Lands" issued May 29, 2026, that may affect travel management on National Forest System lands. Any changes to public…
About
Lake Eaton Campground sits on the edge of Lake Eaton, a 308-acre shallow lake cradled by the Big Scrub region of Ocala National Forest. This seasonal campground operates from October 1 through June 1 and offers 14 primitive campsites suitable for tents and smaller RVs. Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring, and lantern pole under natural shade cover. The campground provides vault toilets but no potable water, showers, or hookups. The location is ideal for anglers and boaters, with the Lake Eaton Boat Ramp and Pier at the end of the road offering convenient lake access. The surrounding Big Scrub habitat supports excellent wildlife viewing and birding opportunities along the lake's extensive shoreline. An interpretive nature trail is also available for exploring the unique Florida scrub ecosystem. Camping is limited to 14 consecutive days in a 30-day period. The main gate operates from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., with check-in at 3 p.m. and check-out at 11 a.m. Reservations are available through Recreation.gov. Pets are allowed but must be leashed at all times.
Directions
From I-75 in Ocala, drive east on State Route 40 for about 12 miles, then turn north on County Road 314 and proceed for 18 miles. Turn north on State Highway 19 and drive about 0.5 mile to the recreation area entrance on the right.
Nearby Campgrounds
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 | $15 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (352) 625-2520 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| View on Recreation.gov | |
| USFS - Lake Eaton Campground |
Availability
Photos
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