Shangrila Campgrounds

Welcome to Shangrila Campgrounds, a tranquil and uniquely positioned destination located at 12788 SW 69th Ct, Ocala, FL 34473, USA. Nestled in the heart of Florida's renowned horse country and directly bordering the expansive Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway, Shangrila Campgrounds offers a distinct outdoor experience. For Floridians seeking an escape that prioritizes natural beauty and direct access to miles of trails for horseback riding, biking, and hiking, this campground is an idyllic retreat. While it offers a more rustic "primitive" camping experience without the full array of modern hookups, it excels in providing a serene and spacious environment for true outdoor enthusiasts.

We understand that for many locals, camping is about disconnecting from the everyday and immersing oneself in nature. Shangrila Campgrounds truly delivers on this promise. It's a place where the sounds of the wilderness replace urban noise, and the vastness of the Cross Florida Greenway becomes your extended backyard. While some previous guests have noted challenges with amenities like electrical hookups and occasional pest issues, the core appeal of Shangrila lies in its quiet atmosphere, generous site sizes, and unparalleled access to extensive trails. It's particularly celebrated by the equestrian community, with features designed to accommodate horses, but it also welcomes tent campers, RVs (without hookups), and anyone looking for a peaceful base from which to explore the Ocala area's rich outdoor offerings. If you're seeking a simple, quiet, and nature-focused camping adventure with direct trail access, Shangrila Campgrounds might just be your perfect "Lost Horizon."

Shangrila Campgrounds is strategically located at 12788 SW 69th Ct, Ocala, FL 34473, USA. This address places it directly along the southern boundary of the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway, a significant advantage for campers looking to explore one of Florida's most extensive recreational corridors. For Floridians, the campground is easily accessible, situated approximately 5 miles west of I-75 via the County Road 484 exit. This excellent road access ensures a straightforward journey from various parts of the state, making it a convenient destination for a quick weekend getaway or a longer outdoor adventure.

The primary highlight of Shangrila Campgrounds' location is its direct connectivity to the Cross Florida Greenway's myriad trails. Campers, especially equestrians, can ride directly from their campsite onto 10.6 miles of dedicated equestrian trails, as well as access paved and unpaved trails for hiking and mountain biking, including connections to the internationally acclaimed Santos mountain bike trail system. This eliminates the need for transporting horses or bikes to separate trailheads daily, maximizing time spent on the trails. Beyond the greenway, the campground's setting in Ocala's horse country means it's surrounded by scenic landscapes and numerous equestrian facilities. While the campground offers a more primitive experience, nearby supply shops and restaurants are just a couple of miles away, providing essential conveniences without detracting from the natural seclusion. This blend of deep natural immersion and relative accessibility makes Shangrila Campgrounds an ideal spot for locals seeking an authentic and active outdoor experience in Central Florida.

Services Offered:

• Primitive Campsites: 24 pull-through sites designed for tents, trailers, and RVs, but without electricity or water hookups at individual sites.
• Communal Water: Potable water is available at central points within the campground.
• Bathhouse: A full bathhouse facility with restrooms and showers, including one with accessible features for handicapped individuals.
• Dump Station: Available for RV and trailer waste disposal.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table.
• Fire Rings/Grills: Metal fire rings with grills are provided at each campsite for campfires and cooking.
• Equestrian Amenities:
  • Horse Wash Racks: Dedicated facilities for washing horses.
  • Tying Poles: Some campsites feature 3-4 6x6 poles with high rings for tying off horses.
  • Portable Watering Trough: Available for horses.
• Picnic Pavilions: Two covered picnic pavilions available for communal use or gatherings.
• Camp Hosts: On-site campground hosts available 365 days a year to assist campers.
• Generator Use: Permitted, except during designated quiet hours.
• Reservations: Sites can be reserved via the Florida State Parks reservation website (ReserveAmerica) up to 11 months in advance.

Features / Highlights:

• Direct Cross Florida Greenway Access: Unparalleled access to 10.6 miles of equestrian trails, and connection to 15.5 miles of paved bike trails and extensive hiking trails (including parts of the Florida National Scenic Trail).
• Equestrian Focus: A premier destination for horseback riders, with specific amenities designed to accommodate horses and their riders.
• Quiet and Peaceful Atmosphere: Consistently reviewed as a quiet and tranquil campground, ideal for escaping noise and crowds.
• Spacious Campsites: Offers plenty of space for each campsite, preventing an overcrowded feeling.
• Clean Bathhouse: Reviews highlight the cleanliness and good condition of the restrooms and showers.
• Natural Setting: Immersed in the xeric hammock and sandhills environment of the Cross Florida Greenway, offering beautiful scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities (deer, turkey, bobcat).
• Historic Significance: Located near the historic sea-level Cross Florida Ship Canal diggings, adding a unique historical element.
• Affordable Primitive Camping: Offers an economical option for campers who prefer a more rustic experience without full hookups.
• Year-Round Operation: Open 365 days a year, allowing for camping in all seasons.
• Proximity to Ocala Horse Country: Situated in a region famous for equestrian activities and beautiful horse farms.

Contact Information:

Address: 12788 SW 69th Ct, Ocala, FL 34473, USA

Phone: (352) 347-1163

Mobile Phone: +1 352-347-1163

Website for Reservations: Florida State Parks reservation website (e.g., ReserveAmerica.com, search for Shangri-La Trailhead & Campground)

For Florida locals, Shangrila Campgrounds offers a particularly suitable and appealing option, especially for those who cherish authentic outdoor experiences and direct access to extensive trail networks. Its location in Ocala, bordering the vast Cross Florida Greenway, makes it incredibly accessible from many parts of the state, ensuring that your journey to a peaceful escape is straightforward. This ease of access encourages spontaneous weekend trips or longer, immersive stays, allowing Floridians to regularly connect with nature in their own backyard.

The campground's strong focus on equestrian facilities, including dedicated tying poles and wash racks, makes it an unparalleled choice for the large community of horse riders within Florida. The ability to ride directly from your campsite onto miles of equestrian trails is a significant convenience that truly enhances the experience for horse owners. Beyond equestrians, the extensive network of hiking and biking trails accessible directly from the campground appeals to a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts. While Shangrila offers a primitive camping experience without individual site hookups, the presence of clean bathhouses with showers, communal water, and a dump station provides essential comforts. The quiet, spacious sites, as highlighted by satisfied campers, offer a true respite from the hustle and bustle, allowing for genuine relaxation amidst nature. Despite some concerns about pest control or perceived lack of modern amenities, the core appeal of Shangrila—its natural beauty, direct trail access, and peaceful atmosphere—makes it an excellent choice for Floridians seeking a rustic, yet comfortable, base for their adventures in the heart of the Sunshine State's magnificent wilderness.

Shangrila Campgrounds

12788 SW 69th Ct, Ocala, FL 34473, USA