Review with photos of FREE camping at Sunnyhill Restoration Area managed by the St. Johns River Water Mgmt. Between The Villages and Ocala in Florida.
At A Glance
- St. Johns River Water Management District – Sunnyhill Restoration Area.
- Free – Exclusive use for Tents, Vans, or Truck Campers. No RVs or Trailers.
- Reservable campsites require a reservation and permit from the district. Campers must make a reservation at least 24 hours in advance. Reservations are accepted within 90 days (about 3 months) before arrival.
- All camping is limited to a maximum of 7 nights per visit and you may camp no more than 30 days on a property per year. Check-in time is 1 PM and check-out time is 11 AM.
- No Porta Pottis or toilets.
- Combination Locked gate – code in an email when booked.
- Location 29.04631, -81.85302
Location Map
Zoom into the area to the North East of The Villages. The campsite has a purple icon.
My Experience
Driving south of Gainesville between Ocala and The Villages, this is one of those wonderful exclusive sites I love. When you book, you have the whole area to yourself! Total privacy!
Recreational opportunities at Sunnyhill include hiking, horseback riding, bicycling, wildlife viewing, and picnicking. Bank fishing is allowed on the canal at the western edge of the property. Visitors may enjoy hiking or bicycling along 20 miles of trails throughout the two tracts that make up this property.
You enter at a locked gate. You get the combination lock code via email when you book.
Good Verizon service. There are picnic tables, a concrete pad with a roof, a fire pit, and dark well water (do not drink). Very few bugs during my stay.
When wet, the 0.7-mile grassy access road is very muddy and you may get stuck if not careful.
I walked the trails nearby and just wandered around in the forest listening to the sounds of nature. My pictures do not show the beauty and tranquility of Sunnyhills. It is a really great place to camp! Most highly recommended but it is popular so book early!
Photos
About the Florida Water Management Districts
Please read my article about the Florida Water Management Districts and the booking process BEFORE booking! It will save you time and frustration.