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Mill Dam Group Campground offers a fun and relaxing setting for groups of up to 150 to enjoy Ocala National Forest. Large picnic shelters and access to outdoor and water recreation make this area ideal for family reunions and other large parties.
The campground sits along the 168-acre Mill Dam Lake, and water activities are popular among campers and day-use visitors.
Anglers come from all over to enjoy bass fishing. Campers can bring their boats, canoes and kayaks for easy access to the water via an adjacent boat ramp.
A large swimming beach and picnic area are great ways to keep the kids entertained.
In the spring, summer and early fall, Mill Dam is a day-use area only. For the remainder of the year, it becomes a group campground and recreation area for both day-use and tent camping.
Amenities include a picnic shelter, group grills, picnic tables and flush toilets. The parking lot can hold up to 70 vehicles.
A boat ramp adjoins the recreation area, on a separate entrance.
Located in north central Florida, 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 and recreation area sit in the shade of live oak trees overlooking Mill Dam Lake. Numerous animals make their home in the area, including alligators, turtles, deer, raccoons, black bear and many bird species.
The Ocala National Forest is notable for its extensive off-road trail system catering to both ATV enthusiasts and Jeeps, as well as being a traditional destination for deer hunters from around Central Florida. These opportunities are available within a short drive.
Cancelling a Reservation: Customers may cancel their reservation prior to arrival both on-line and through the call center. A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refund for a cancellation. Depending on when you cancel in relation to your arrival day, it may be considered a late cancellation.
[https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies ](https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies)
**Refunds are not given for inclement weather for camping, gear rentals, or day-use fees.**
Mill Dam is located just off of Highway 40, approximately 15 miles east of Silver Springs, Florida, and 50 miles west of Ormond Beach. From 40, look for the Mill Dam/Half Moon signs about a quarter-mile from the recreational area turnoffs.
We camped here right before the summer season opened up and it changed from a campground to a day use area. Note pets are not allowed.
The facility is immaculate and well taken care of by the camp hosts. They were extremely friendly and tidied up the restroom daily. There are no shower facilities but there is running water and with a heater that was taken care of. The beach is also nice and clean. There was noise from the nearby camp Kiwanis but was never after 10pm. As far as a group camp, it is a very nice location.
Large group campground, nice lake and beach. No electricity hook up (no sockets or anything), barely adequate pavilions. Pavilions and tables were inadequate for our group of about 70. Aside from the lake, there are no hiking or biking trails leading from this campsite.
This is a good little group camp and day use area. Pretty simple and small with a pretty mini beach. Cost is $5 to put a boat in the small Mill Dam Lake or go to the day use to swim. The water is very clear. I appreciate the small sand sculptures I found left over from the weekend visitors. :)
Our group spent 5 days at this primitive camp site that is not totally primitive. There are restrooms and potable water is also available. We are a camper group and required to keep our campers and vehicles on the pavement, yet still have use of the facilities and lake. There is a pavilion for group activities and a fire pit adjacent. Paved walkways with some marked as handicapped accessible and asking that they be honored as such. Huge majestic live oaks giving great shelter and shade are abundant in all areas except beachside. The lake is not huge, and people did use their kayaks and other small craft for recreation and fishing. Beaches for swimming were roped off. From the park, the sun setting over the water can be glorious and spectacular, which we had in our early December visit. Reservations are required except in the summer when locals are allowed day usage for swimming, etc. Pets are allowed under supervision. Be aware that there are bears in this area and you must take precautions to not entice them to visit.
This place was exactly what my family needed. The space, the privacy, it’s camping on another level. The Staff checked in on us and were very courteous to all of our guest. We really hope to make this an annual trip. Thank you so much
