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 11 at 11:01AM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL
...The Flood Warning continues for the following rivers in Florida... St Johns River Near Astor affecting Lake and Volusia Counties. .The St Johns River at Astor remains in Moderate Flood Stage due to north winds forecast and repeated rounds of heavy rainfall across the basin. River levels are forecast to remain just above Moderate Flood Stage through this weekend and into next week. For the St. Johns River...including Astor...Minor flooding is forecast. * WHAT...Moderate flooding is occurring and moderate flooding is forecast. * WHERE...St Johns River near Astor. * WHEN...Until further notice. * IMPACTS...At 3.0 feet, Water approaches or may enter lowest homes on or near Wildhog Road and nearby canals. Flooding reaches the parking lot of the Juno Trail Apartments. Flooding on portions of Alligator Road and Holiday Road. Lowest lying yards along Blue Creek are flooded. Roads at Astor Landing Campground and Lake Dexter Boat Ramp begin to flood. Water enters lower homes closest to the river on McPherson Lane. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 10:30 AM EDT Sunday the stage was 3.1 feet. - Bankfull stage is 2.0 feet. - Recent Activity...The maximum river stage in the 24 hours ending at 10:30 AM EDT Sunday was 3.2 feet. - Forecast...The river is expected remain steady around 3.2ft through at least midweek. - Flood stage is 2.3 feet. - http://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
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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