About RIVER FOREST GROUP SITE
Overview River Forest is a shaded group camping facility on the shores of the St. Johns River in Ocala National Forest. Located just across the river from Deland, the site is popular for groups, family reunions and weddings and can accommodate up to 125 guests. 14 day stay limit in a 30 day period in ALL Ocala National Forest Campgrounds Recreation This site is a great setting for groups to relax, picnic and enjoy the shade on a warm day. A large field offers ample space for activities such as softball, volleyball and horseshoe tossing. Visitors wanting to venture out of the picnic area can go for a long walk through floodplain forests and pine flatwoods on the St. Francis Trail, or head to the river to canoe, kayak or fish for bass.Facilities All new facilities are the highlight of the River Forest Group Site. Facilities include a screened pavilion for food preparation and cooking with your own cook stoves. A new bathhouse has also been built on site. The camping area is flat for tents with some shade provided by trees. While RVs are welcome, there are no hookups and all vehicles must remain in the designated parking area. Grills and picnic tables are provided.Natural Features The Ocala National Forest spans four counties and 383,000 acres. It is the southernmost and oldest national forest east of the Mississippi River and protects the world's largest contiguous sand pine scrub forest. The campground is shaded with large live oaks with a flat, grassy patch of land that leads to the St. Johns River. Nearby Attractions The Ocala National Forest is notable for its extensive off-road trail system catering to off-road vehicle enthusiasts, as well as being a traditional destination for deer hunters from around Central Florida. Numerous lakes, rivers and natural springs surround the area and offer many water activities.
How to Get There
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.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to RIVER FOREST GROUP SITE
Heading to RIVER FOREST GROUP SITE? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for RIVER FOREST GROUP SITE?
No central reservation system listed for RIVER FOREST GROUP SITE. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234597) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to RIVER FOREST GROUP SITE?
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.
How do I contact RIVER FOREST GROUP SITE?
You can reach the park at phone: 352-625-2520.
References & Official Resources
