River Forest Group Site
Open year-round. Check-in is 3:00 PM, check-out is 11:00 AM. The hall and campsite must be rented together. Reservations available through Recreation.gov. 14-day stay limit within any 30-day period.
Flood Warning issued October 31 at 10:46AM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL
...The Flood Warning continues for the following rivers in Florida... St Johns River Near Astor affecting Volusia and Lake Counties. .Persistent northeast winds and downstream tidal effects on the St John River have slowed flow at Astor. Forecast rainfall may lead to additional rises within Moderate flood stage. For the St. Johns River...including Astor...Moderate flooding is forecast. * WHAT...Moderate flooding is occurring and is forecast. * WHERE...St Johns River near Astor. * WHEN...Until further notice. * IMPACTS...At 3.5 feet, Canals have overflowed into yards. Homes on or near Wildhog and Bonnet roads become inaccessible with several inches of water inside homes along the river and canals. Docks at Astor Bridge marina and throughout Astor are completely submerged. Bartram Rd and Holiday Circle are inaccessible with yards completely submerged. Clair Street is inaccessible. Roads flooded in South Moon Fish Camp, docks and yards at condominiums on Juno Trail and water breaches the sea wall at Blair's Jungle Den. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 9:30 AM EDT Saturday the stage was 3.5 feet. - Bankfull stage is 2.0 feet. - Recent Activity...The maximum river stage in the 24 hours ending at 9:30 AM EDT Saturday was 3.7 feet. - Forecast...Forecast rainfall may lead to additional rises within Moderate Flood Stage. - Flood stage is 2.3 feet. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
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…
Fire Restrictions in Effect for Ocala National Forest
The Ocala National Forest is 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…
About
River Forest Group Site offers a scenic group camping experience on the banks of the St. Johns River in Ocala National Forest. Shaded by towering live oaks, the facility can accommodate up to 125 guests and is popular for family reunions, weddings, and large gatherings. The site includes a screened pavilion equipped for food preparation with your own cook stoves, a bathhouse with flush toilets, grills, and picnic tables scattered throughout. The flat, grassy camping area leads down to the river, providing easy access for canoeing, kayaking, and bass fishing. A large open field offers ample space for group activities including softball, volleyball, and horseshoe tossing. Nearby, the St. Francis Trail winds through floodplain forests and pine flatwoods for those seeking a longer walk. RVs and trailers are permitted but must remain in the designated parking area, and no hookups are available. The hall and campsite must be rented together. A 14-day stay limit applies within any 30-day period across all Ocala National Forest campgrounds.
Directions
From Deland, Florida, drive west on State Route 44 to the first intersection after crossing the St. Johns River. Turn right on County Road 42, and the entrance to the campground is on the right.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | — |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $200 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (352) 625-2520 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
Community Posts
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