Santos Campground

For Florida residents who crave outdoor adventure, especially those with a passion for cycling, Santos Campground in Ocala is more than just a place to stay—it's a destination. Nestled within the expansive Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway, this campground offers direct access to a network of trails that are renowned not just in Florida, but internationally. If you’re looking for a peaceful camping experience combined with exhilarating opportunities for mountain biking, hiking, or even horseback riding, Santos Campground provides an ideal escape right here in our beautiful state. It's a true gem for those who appreciate well-maintained facilities and a deep connection with nature.

This detailed overview is crafted with you, the local Floridian, in mind. We understand the value of a convenient, clean, and activity-rich campground that truly stands out. Santos Campground excels in offering an unparalleled trail experience, making it a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts across Florida. Whether you’re an expert rider tackling the Vortex or a beginner enjoying a leisurely paved path, this campground is designed to be your perfect basecamp.

Santos Campground is strategically located at 3080 SE 80th St, Ocala, FL 34480, USA. This address places it just south of Ocala, conveniently situated off U.S. 441 and easily accessible from various parts of Florida. For locals, this means a manageable drive to a premier outdoor destination, allowing for quick weekend getaways or longer, immersive stays without extensive travel. The campground is part of the larger Santos Trailhead & Campground complex within the Cross Florida Greenway, making it exceptionally well-integrated with the area's main attractions.

Despite being near a "main roadway about a quarter mile away," the campground maintains a "super quiet" atmosphere, a significant advantage for those seeking tranquility. Its proximity to Ocala means that while you're immersed in nature, you're never too far from necessary conveniences. "Local supermarkets and the like were within 5 miles," ensuring that if you forget anything or need to resupply, a quick trip is all it takes. This blend of peaceful seclusion and practical accessibility makes Santos Campground an ideal choice for Floridians looking for both adventure and convenience.

Santos Campground provides a solid range of services and facilities, ensuring a comfortable and well-supported camping experience. While it focuses more on the outdoor activities rather than luxury resort amenities, the essentials are well-covered, as highlighted by satisfied guests:

• Spacious Campsites: The campground offers 23 sites, mostly "spacious back in" sites, providing good room for RVs and tents. Each site typically includes gravel pads, a picnic table, and a fire pit.
• Full Hookups: Sites are equipped with power (30/50 amp) and water hookups, ensuring convenience for RV campers. An on-site dump station is also available.
• Clean Bathhouse: The "bathhouse was clean with good hot water," a crucial amenity for any campground. While the men's side has one shower and the women's two, cleanliness and hot water are consistently praised.
• Friendly and Attentive Staff: Guests commend the staff for being "friendly and always on the move making sure the place was kept up," indicating a commitment to guest satisfaction and campground maintenance.
• Potable Water: Clean water is available at sites, though pressure might be weak at times.
• Bike Shop Access: A "bike shop across from the entrance" offers a convenient spot to purchase "ices and fire wood," as well as any bike-related supplies or repairs.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are welcome, provided they are kept on a 6-foot leash and waste is properly disposed of.
• Picnic Pavilions: Available for day-use guests and registered campers.

Santos Campground truly shines due to its unique features and highlights, particularly its direct integration with a world-class trail system:

• Unrivaled Mountain Biking Trails: This is arguably the biggest draw. The campground is literally adjacent to the Santos Trailhead, providing access to "over 80-plus miles of single-track diverse bike trails for beginners as well as expert-level trails." It's described as "mt. bike heaven" with "something for every skill level." The "Vortex Freeride area located in a former limerock quarry" offers extreme terrain, making it "one of the best mountain bike facilities in existence."
• Extensive Multi-Use Paved Trail: Beyond the mountain biking, there's a "multi use paved trail is 15 miles one way." This 16-mile paved trail is part of the Cross Florida Greenway and is perfect for road biking, walking, running, and ADA accessibility.
• Privacy and Quiet: Despite all sites being occupied, the campground remains "super quiet," and sites offer "pretty good privacy" with neighbors not being too close. This creates a serene environment for relaxation after a day on the trails.
• Well-Maintained Trails: Guests consistently note that the "bike trails were well maintained" and "seemed to go on forever," a testament to the dedication of the Ocala Mountain Bike Association (OMBA) and park staff.
• Bike-Specific Amenities: The presence of a "wash rack" to "clean your bike down with a hose" and "little warm up/training tracks right by the parking lot" demonstrates a thoughtful design catering specifically to cyclists.
• Proximity to Cross Florida Greenway: The campground's location within this vast greenway means access to 70,000+ acres and 290 miles of trails for various activities, including over 60 miles of equestrian trails.
• Santos Fat Tire Festival: Annually, in March, OMBA hosts this popular festival, drawing top MTB manufacturers and hundreds of participants, making it a vibrant time at the campground.

For direct inquiries or to make reservations at Santos Campground, you can use the following contact information. As a Florida State Park facility, reservations are typically made through the state parks reservation system.

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

Phone: (352) 369-2693

Mobile Phone: +1 352-369-2693

Reservations: Reservations for full-facility campgrounds may be made up to 11 months in advance by calling Reserve America at (800) 326-3521 or TDD (888) 433-0287, or online via the Florida State Parks reservations website.

Santos Campground is an outstanding choice for Florida locals, especially those passionate about outdoor recreation. Its most compelling feature is the direct and unparalleled access to the world-renowned Santos mountain biking trails and the extensive Cross Florida Greenway network. For cyclists, hikers, and equestrians across Florida, this campground offers an experience that is truly hard to match, providing a convenient home base for exploring vast and diverse natural landscapes.

The combination of "spacious," "quiet" sites with essential amenities like power, water, and clean bathhouses, coupled with the incredibly well-maintained and diverse trails, makes it a highly appealing destination. The fact that it feels so peaceful despite being fully occupied and near a main road speaks volumes about its thoughtful design and management. For Florida residents, Santos Campground represents an accessible opportunity to immerse yourselves in a top-tier outdoor playground, whether you're a seasoned adventurer or just starting to explore the joys of trails. It’s a place where you can easily spend days (or even weeks, respecting the 14-day limit) embracing the natural beauty and active lifestyle that our state uniquely offers. As one reviewer aptly put it, "Thanks Santos campground staff for making this an amazing stay" – a sentiment that many local Floridians are sure to echo.

Santos Campground

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