Santos Campground

Are you a Florida outdoor enthusiast, a passionate mountain biker, a dedicated hiker, or an equestrian seeking the ultimate natural escape? Look no further than Santos Campground in Ocala, Florida. This isn't just a place to pitch your tent or park your RV; it's a vibrant gateway to some of Florida's most celebrated multi-use trails, earning an international reputation among outdoor adventurers. Despite its popularity and sometimes full occupancy, guests consistently describe it as "super quiet," offering a peaceful retreat where the sounds of nature often prevail. Santos Campground provides a perfect blend of serene camping and immediate access to thrilling outdoor activities, making it an ideal destination for anyone looking to truly immerse themselves in Florida's diverse landscapes.

Florida is renowned for its unique natural beauty, from its stunning coastlines to its expansive greenways and forests. Santos Campground sits at the epicenter of the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway, a testament to the state's commitment to preserving and providing access to its natural treasures. This strategic location means that from your campsite, you can directly access an astonishing network of trails. Whether you're a beginner cyclist eager to explore a leisurely paved path or a seasoned mountain biker craving the challenge of world-class single-track, Santos delivers. The Ocala Mountain Bike Association has poured decades of effort into shaping and maintaining these trails, ensuring there's "something for every skill level." It's a place where you can spend your days actively exploring, then return to a comfortable and welcoming campground to relax and recharge, surrounded by fellow nature lovers.

For Floridians, discovering a campground that offers such extensive and well-maintained trail access, coupled with a quiet and clean environment, is truly a treasure. Santos Campground is consistently praised for its friendly staff who are "always on the move making sure the place was kept up," reflecting a high standard of care and dedication. The convenience of having a bike shop across from the entrance, selling essentials like ice and firewood, further enhances the camping experience, ensuring you have what you need without venturing far. While it may not be part of the typical state park system in terms of management, its offerings and atmosphere rival many top-tier destinations. This focus on providing a comfortable, accessible, and activity-rich environment truly sets Santos Campground apart as a premier choice for your next Florida outdoor adventure, whether it's a short break or an extended stay to master those trails.

Santos Campground is strategically located at 3080 SE 80th St, Ocala, FL 34480, USA. This address places it directly adjacent to the renowned Santos Trailhead, which is part of the extensive Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway. The significance of this location cannot be overstated for outdoor enthusiasts, as it provides immediate and direct access to an incredible network of multi-use trails.

Accessibility to Santos Campground is highly convenient. While it offers a feeling of being immersed in nature, it's not so remote that essential services are out of reach. Reviewers note that local supermarkets and other necessary retail establishments are "within 5 miles," making it easy to pick up any forgotten supplies. The main roadway, U.S. 441, is about a quarter-mile away, providing easy access to and from the campground without significant noise intrusion, as guests report it being "super quiet." For cyclists and equestrians, the direct trail access from the campground is a major highlight. The 15-mile multi-use paved trail is perfect for road biking and leisurely rides, while the 80-plus miles of single-track mountain biking trails (designated as a Bronze Ride Center by IMBA) cater to all skill levels, from beginners to experts seeking the thrilling Vortex Freeride Area. Additionally, the Santos area has a day-use equestrian staging area adjacent to the campground, providing access to 79.4 miles of equestrian trails. This central Ocala location, combined with the unparalleled direct trail access and proximity to urban conveniences, makes Santos Campground exceptionally well-situated for exploring the diverse outdoor offerings of Central Florida.

Santos Campground provides a range of essential services designed to facilitate a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience, particularly for those focused on outdoor activities:

• RV and Tent Sites: Offers 25 sites, accommodating both RVs (with spacious back-in gravel sites) and tent campers. All sites include power and water hookups.
• Full Hookups Available: RV sites come with power (30/50 amp) and water connections, ensuring convenience. While one review mentioned no sewer at sites, a dump station is available on-site.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Pits: Each site is equipped with a picnic table and a fire pit, allowing for traditional campfire experiences and outdoor dining.
• Clean Bathhouse: The bathhouse is noted for being "clean with good hot water." It features one shower on the men's side and two on the women's side, along with toilets.
• Potable Water: Clean potable water is available at sites and within the campground.
• Bike Wash Rack: A dedicated area for cleaning down bikes with a hose, essential for mountain bikers after a day on the trails.
• Friendly and Attentive Staff: Guests consistently praise the staff for being "friendly and always on the move making sure the place was kept up."
• Bike Shop Nearby: A bike shop is conveniently located "across from the entrance" that sells ice, firewood, and offers bike rentals and repairs.
• Community Picnic Pavilions: Several small and one large pavilion are available in the day-use area, and two picnic pavilions are in the campground for registered campers.
• Accessible Amenities: The campground and adjacent trailhead are committed to accessibility, featuring accessible restrooms, paved trails, picnic pavilions, parking, campsites, and bathhouses.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are welcome at the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway, provided they are on a 6-foot leash and owners pick up after them.

Santos Campground boasts an impressive array of features and highlights that make it a highly desirable destination for outdoor enthusiasts in Florida:

• Unrivaled Trail Access: This is the campground's top highlight. It offers direct access to the Cross Florida Greenway's vast network of trails, including 80-plus miles of single-track mountain biking trails (designated as a Bronze Ride Center by IMBA, and home to the "Vortex Freeride Area"), a 15-mile multi-use paved trail, and extensive equestrian trails.
• Mountain Biker's Heaven: Recognized as having "by far the best trails" for mountain biking, suitable for "every skill level," from beginners to "master, godlike men on the bike." Features include warm-up/training tracks, jumps, drops, and technical descents.
• Peaceful Atmosphere: Despite all sites being occupied, the campground remains "super quiet," offering a serene environment for relaxation.
• Spacious and Private Sites: Campers appreciate the "spacious back in" sites with good privacy, often shaded by trees.
• Well-Maintained Facilities: Bathhouse, sites, and trails are consistently noted as "very well maintained" and "clean."
• Friendly and Dedicated Staff: Staff are praised for being friendly and actively ensuring the upkeep of the campground.
• Convenient On-Site Services: A bike shop across the entrance provides essential items like ice, firewood, and bike-related services.
• Proximity to Ocala Amenities: Supermarkets and other essential stores are within a 5-mile radius, offering convenience for supplies.
• Equestrian Friendly: Adjacent equestrian staging area provides access to miles of horse trails.
• ADA Accessible Features: Committed to accessibility with accessible restrooms, paved trails, picnic pavilions, parking, campsites, and bathhouse.

Santos Campground, being part of the larger Florida State Parks system (though managed somewhat independently), has a straightforward pricing structure and potential discounts. While specific, time-limited "promotions" are not typically advertised like private RV parks, there are established benefits for certain groups:

• Affordable Nightly Rates: Sites are typically priced at $22 per night, plus a nonrefundable $6.70 reservation fee. For RV sites, there is an additional $7 nightly utility fee, which includes water, electricity, and sewer (note: one older review stated no sewer, but official park information now indicates it's included with the utility fee for RV sites).
• Florida Resident Senior Discount: Florida residents who are 65 years of age or older, or who hold a Social Security disability award certificate or a 100% disability award certificate from the federal government, are eligible for a 50% discount on the current base campsite fees. This discount, however, excludes the reservation fee and the utility fee.
• Primitive Group Camping: Available at a rate of $1 per child per night and $5 per adult per night, which is a great option for organized groups.

To take advantage of any applicable discounts or to confirm the most current rates, it is always best to make reservations directly through the Florida State Parks reservations website or by calling their central reservation line. This ensures you receive the most accurate pricing and can confirm eligibility for any senior or disability discounts.

To inquire about reservations, amenities, or any other questions you may have about Santos Campground, please use the following contact information:

Address: 3080 SE 80th St, Ocala, FL 34480, USA

Phone: (352) 369-2693

Mobile Phone: +1 352-369-2693

For reservations, it is often recommended to use the Florida State Parks reservations website or call their central reservation number (800-326-3521 or TDD 888-433-0287).

Santos Campground is an exceptionally suitable destination for locals in the Florida region, particularly those in or around Ocala, for a variety of compelling reasons. Its primary allure lies in its direct and unparalleled access to the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway's extensive trail system. For Floridians passionate about mountain biking, road cycling, hiking, or even horseback riding, this campground serves as a dream base camp, allowing them to instantly immerse themselves in world-class outdoor recreation without long commutes. The availability of varied terrain, from challenging single-track to gentle paved paths, ensures that enthusiasts of all skill levels can find their perfect adventure.

Beyond the trails, Santos Campground offers a tranquil and well-maintained environment. Despite its popularity, it consistently delivers a quiet and private camping experience, allowing locals to truly unwind and disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The clean bathhouse with hot water, spacious sites, and friendly staff further enhance the comfort of a stay. The convenience of a nearby bike shop for essentials and local supermarkets within a short drive means that while you're deep in nature, you're never far from necessities. For Florida residents seeking an active yet peaceful getaway, Santos Campground offers an unbeatable combination of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and comfortable amenities, making it a truly ideal choice for your next local outdoor adventure.