Lake Shore Group Camp
38 mi southeast · USDA Forest Service
Lake Shore Group Campground sits on the north shore of Fore Lake in Ocala National Forest. It is a favorite for scout, church and civic groups, as well as large families and reunions.
Outdoors
Picnic spots near Gainesville
Day-use and picnic areas near Gainesville on public land, from quick drives to full-day outings.
7picnic areas
38 mito the closest
October–Maybest months
Good to know: Group picnic sites can often be reserved; fire rules change with the season, so check before bringing a grill.
Closest picks
Ocean Pond Campground
39 mi north · USDA Forest Service
Situated in Baker County, Florida, this campground includes 64 campsites and is open 24 hours/day. All sites are available at recreation.gov. There's something here for everyone in this lakeside campground.
Big Scrub Campground
56 mi southeast · USDA Forest Service
Perennially popular with off-road vehicle enthusiasts, Big Scrub Campground sits in the Ocala National Forest in central Florida. A trailhead within the facility offers riders campsite-to-trail access.
Map of all 7 places
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30 to 75 miles (7)
Lake Shore Group Camp
Lake Shore Group Campground sits on the north shore of Fore Lake in Ocala National Forest. It is a favorite for scout, church and civic groups, as well as large families and reunions.
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Picnicking
Ocean Pond Campground
Situated in Baker County, Florida, this campground includes 64 campsites and is open 24 hours/day. All sites are available at recreation.gov. There's something here for everyone in this lakeside campground.
- Accessible Swimming
- Backpacking
- Biking
- Birding
- Boating
- Camping
- Canoeing
- Fishing
Big Scrub Campground
Perennially popular with off-road vehicle enthusiasts, Big Scrub Campground sits in the Ocala National Forest in central Florida. A trailhead within the facility offers riders campsite-to-trail access.
- Camping
- Picnicking
- Wildlife viewing
Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge
Chassahowitzka NWR was established in 1943 for waterfowl conservation. The refuge protects saltwater bays, estuaries, brackish marshes, and hardwood swamps in Homosassa, FL.
- Birding
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Paddling
- Photography
Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge
Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1983, is the only refuge created specifically for the protection of the threatened Florida manatee, a subspecies of the West Indian manatee.
- Birding
- Boating
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Non-Motorized Boating
- Photography
- Picnicking
- Ranger programs
Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge
The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1937 as a "refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife.” The refuge conserves the unique features of the Okefenokee Swamp,the headwaters of the Suwannee and…
- Boating
- Camping
- Educational Programs
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Hunting
- Motor Boat
- Non-Motorized Boating
Timucuan Ecological & Historic Preserve
Visit one of the last unspoiled coastal wetlands on the Atlantic Coast. Discover 6,000 years of human history and experience the beauty of salt marshes, coastal dunes, and hardwood hammocks.
- Boating
- Hiking
- History
- Paddling
- Picnicking
- Wildlife viewing
Distances are straight-line miles from downtown Gainesville. Listings come from Recreation.gov’s federal recreation database; check each official page for hours, fees, fire restrictions and closures before you go.
Get outside around Gainesville
A WALK AROUND TOWN
Downtown Gainesville Florida Walking Tour
A recorded downtown Gainesville walk, passing University Avenue, storefront blocks and the clock-tower area. Shared by Florida Streaming; the creator’s closing graphics are part of the original film.
Watch on YouTube ↗
A WALK AROUND TOWN
A Relaxing Walking Tour Downtown Gainesville, Florida | City Walk USA
A short recorded walk along downtown Gainesville’s palm-lined streets and pedestrian areas, including The Promenade. Shared by City Walk USA.
Watch on YouTube ↗More outdoors near Gainesville
Questions
Where is the closest place for picnic spots near Gainesville?
Lake Shore Group Camp (USDA Forest Service), about 38 miles southeast of Gainesville as the crow flies. Next are Ocean Pond Campground (39 mi) and Big Scrub Campground (56 mi).
When is the best time for picnic spots near Gainesville?
Based on Gainesville’s average highs, October–May. Conditions at higher elevations can be much cooler.
Who manages these places?
Federal agencies including USDA Forest Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.