Sportsman's Cove: Classic Florida Charm on Orange Lake in McIntosh, FL

Sportsman's Cove Introduce

Introduction / Overview

For Florida locals seeking an authentic and serene outdoor escape, Sportsman's Cove in McIntosh offers a truly unique camping experience. Nestled on the picturesque shores of Orange Lake, this charming RV park embodies the peaceful "Old Florida" vibe, a refreshing contrast to the state's busier tourist destinations. Sportsman's Cove is more than just a place to park your RV; it's a tranquil haven where the sounds of nature, excellent fishing opportunities, and a friendly community converge. While it's an established campground, the dedicated owners are continuously working on improvements, enhancing its appeal without sacrificing its laid-back character. Whether you're an avid angler, a birdwatching enthusiast, or simply someone yearning for a quiet, pleasant place to unwind, Sportsman's Cove provides a welcoming atmosphere. It’s a perfect spot for both short-term getaways and extended stays, allowing Floridians to reconnect with the state's natural beauty and genuine hospitality.

Location and Accessibility

Sportsman's Cove is ideally located at 5423 Ave F, McIntosh, FL 32664, USA. This address places it in the quaint and historic town of McIntosh, situated in Marion County. McIntosh is celebrated for its beautiful oak-lined streets, charming Victorian homes, and a slower pace of life, offering a delightful backdrop for your camping adventure. The campground's prime position on Orange Lake, one of Florida's largest and most famous fishing lakes, provides direct access to prime fishing and boating opportunities. Accessibility to Sportsman's Cove is straightforward, with well-maintained roads suitable for all sizes of RVs, minimizing any travel stress. Located midway between Gainesville and Ocala (approximately 20-25 miles), it offers a convenient drive for many Florida residents, allowing for easy weekend trips or longer, more leisurely stays. While providing a feeling of secluded tranquility, the proximity to McIntosh means campers are never far from essential services, local antique shops, and charming places to explore, blending natural beauty with small-town convenience.

Services Offered

Full Hookup RV Sites: Sportsman's Cove offers 49 full hookup RV sites, including both 30-amp and 50-amp electrical service, water, and sewer connections. This provides essential convenience for all RV types.
Tent Camping Sites: In addition to RV sites, there are also tent camping sites available for those who prefer a more traditional camping experience.
RV Park Model and Cabin Rentals: For guests without an RV or those seeking a different type of accommodation, the campground offers a selection of 13 RV park model rentals and 1 cabin/cottage rental, providing comfortable, furnished options.
Clean Restrooms and Showers: The campground provides clean and well-maintained restroom and shower facilities. Recent reviews indicate ongoing improvements to these areas, ensuring a comfortable experience for all.
Laundry Room: An on-site laundry room with machines is available, offering a convenient amenity for campers, especially for those on longer stays. Reviews praise the cleanliness of these facilities.
Boat Ramp and Slips: With its location directly on Orange Lake, Sportsman's Cove features a private boat ramp for easy lake access. There are also both open and covered boat slips available for rent, with lighting, water, and electricity, making it ideal for boat owners.
Fishing Dock and Cleaning Station: A fishing pier and dedicated fish cleaning station are provided, catering to the needs of anglers.
Firewood for Sale: A camp host often has firewood available for purchase, making it easy to enjoy traditional campfires.
Boat and Golf Cart Rentals: The campground offers rentals for boats and golf carts, providing convenient options for exploring the lake and navigating the park.
Complimentary Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi service is available at overnight sites, supporting multiple devices, allowing guests to stay connected.
Pet-Friendly Environment: Sportsman's Cove welcomes well-behaved pets, making it a great destination for Florida residents who wish to travel with their furry companions. Pets must be kept on leashes.
Dump Station: A convenient dump station is available for guests.

Features / Highlights

Orange Lake Access and Fishing: A primary highlight is the direct and easy access to Orange Lake, a renowned fishing destination in Florida, particularly for bass and panfish. The lake also offers opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and wildlife viewing.
Quiet and Peaceful Atmosphere: Consistently praised by visitors, the campground offers a very quiet and tranquil environment, perfect for relaxation and escaping urban noise. The "romantic" neighborhood feel adds to its charm.
Friendly Owners and Staff: Reviews frequently commend the owner and workers for their exceptional hospitality, friendliness, and accommodating nature, creating a welcoming and pleasant atmosphere for all guests.
Ongoing Improvements: Despite being an older campground with "Old Florida" vibes, the current ownership is actively investing in new facilities (bathrooms, laundry room, office), demonstrating a commitment to enhancing the guest experience.
"Old Florida" Charm: For those seeking an authentic, less commercialized Florida experience, Sportsman's Cove delivers with its rustic beauty, large oak trees, and a genuine "fish camp" ambiance.
Great for Birdwatching: Situated on the Great Florida Birding Trail, the campground is an excellent spot for birdwatching, with diverse avian species found in the surrounding wetlands and forests.
Pet-Friendly Town: The nearby town of McIntosh is described as a "great little town to walk our dog," adding to the convenience and enjoyment for pet owners.
Variety of Site Types: With full hookup RV sites, tent sites, and rentals (park models/cabins), the campground caters to a wide range of camping preferences.
Beautiful Sunrises: Campers often enjoy stunning views and sunrises over Orange Lake, providing picturesque moments.
Community Feel: The park fosters a sense of community among year-round, seasonal, and short-term guests, adding to the warm and friendly atmosphere.
Proximity to Historic Towns: McIntosh and nearby Micanopy offer historical charm, antique shops, and pleasant areas for walking and biking, providing off-site exploration opportunities.

Contact Information

Address: 5423 Ave F, McIntosh, FL 32664, USA

Phone: (352) 591-1435

Mobile Phone: +1 352-591-1435 (This is the primary contact number for the campground.)

Email: cove@campground.world (An email address is also provided for inquiries.)

Website: cove.campground.world (The official website for direct information and online reservations.)

For reservations, current rates, specific site availability, or any detailed questions, it is highly recommended to call or visit the official website for Sportsman's Cove directly. They often offer daily, weekly, seasonal, and annual rates, so direct contact will ensure you get the best information for your intended stay.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Florida locals, Sportsman's Cove in McIntosh presents an exceptionally suitable and appealing choice for a tranquil outdoor getaway. Its prime location on Orange Lake, nestled within the charming town of McIntosh, offers convenient accessibility from many parts of the state, ensuring that your escape into nature is both easy to reach and genuinely relaxing. This isn't a bustling resort, but rather a peaceful haven that embodies the true spirit of "Old Florida," making it perfect for those who cherish quiet evenings, stellar fishing opportunities, and a friendly, unpretentious atmosphere. The ongoing improvements, including new restrooms and laundry facilities, demonstrate the owners' dedication to guest comfort while maintaining the park's authentic charm. With full hookup RV sites, tent camping options, and even rentals, Sportsman's Cove caters to various camping styles, ensuring everyone can find their ideal spot. For residents looking to enjoy superb fishing, immerse themselves in birdwatching, or simply unwind in a serene natural setting with the convenience of a small town nearby, Sportsman's Cove offers an unparalleled experience. It's a local gem where genuine hospitality and the timeless beauty of Florida's freshwater lakes combine to create memorable and restorative stays, beckoning you to return time and again.

Sportsman's Cove Photos

Sportsman's Cove Location

Sportsman's Cove

Florida Marion County McIntosh Avenue F

5423 Ave F, McIntosh, FL 32664, USA

Sportsman's Cove Reviews

We've been parked at Sportsmans Cove from late Winter to early Spring. We absolutely love it!! The area is quite and very pleasant. The neighborhood is romantic.Great fishing in the lake and in the cove. Showers, Laundry room and machines are very clean.The owner and workers are all very hospitable. Definitely our favorite place.
May 03, 2025 · Sandy Longfellow
This is a quiet and peaceful campground. It's an older campground, but the owner is working on improving it. New bathrooms, laundry room, and office are in the process of being built, which will improve the resort. Friendly staff, great little town to walk our dog and the camp host has firewood for sale as well as boat and golf cart rental.
May 25, 2025 · Kim Rickman
Relatively small but clean RV park. All sites are dirt or grass, no concrete pads, and there are a few small but old park model units. Great location on Orange Lake. Very quiet. Situated on the Great American Bird Trail and a great place to kayak out to see a good variety of birds. Boat docks are new, one with open slips and the other with covered slips and have lighting, water and electricity…with a fish cleaning station at one end and a custom built picnic table at the opposite end…very well done. There is a boat ramp with a canal that leads out onto Orange Lake. Unfortunately much of the canal is clogged with hydrilla. They have a machine to remove a lot of it only it has not been working for the past month or so. They also rent kayaks for a small fee and have a unique kayak loading ramp for easy entry and egress from the water. They had just built a wonderful viewing platform at the lake’s edge. To get there you must drive down Ave F in MacIntosh which is lined with beautiful old oak trees with a number of old Florida homes along the way…very quaint and picturesque.
Dec 05, 2024 · James Sedgwick
Loved staying here. The owner and staff are friendly. The campground is absolutely beautiful. It's pretty rustic, so don't expect 5 star amenities. The beauty of the place and it's surrounding town make up for that though. It's got old Florida fish camp vibes. Stunning views of the lake and sunrises over it. We can't wait to go back!!
Nov 01, 2024 · Travis
Sportsmans Cove - where old campers, hopes & dreams go to die. Very sketchy campers & owners living there full time for what appears to be many years.Canal is long, shallow and full of grasses/weeds that would make it very difficult to get into orange lake to fish.Owner kept way too much of our two day deposit when we left after first night.
Nov 28, 2024 · Kathleen Myers