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Sportsman's Cove Campground
Overview
Sportsman’s Cove Campground offers a serene escape in the historic town of McIntosh, Florida. Nestled along the shores of Orange Lake, this park captures the essence of Old Florida with its quiet atmosphere and lush natural surroundings. Visitors often choose this location for its direct access to world-class fishing and its proximity to some of the state’s most beautiful preserved landscapes.
Location & Surroundings
The campground is situated between Ocala and Gainesville, providing a peaceful retreat while remaining close to modern conveniences. The town of McIntosh itself is a designated historic district, famous for its well-preserved 19th-century architecture and moss-draped live oak trees. The surrounding area is characterized by freshwater marshes and prairie land, making it a prime destination for those who enjoy observing local wildlife in a tranquil setting.
Amenities & Park Features
Travelers will find well-maintained sites that provide everything needed for a comfortable stay. Key features include:
- Full hookups with water, sewer, and electrical service at every site.
- A private boat ramp and slips for easy, daily access to the water.
- Clean bathhouse facilities and an on-site laundry room for guest convenience.
- A community clubhouse and high-speed wireless internet access.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Beyond the immediate fishing opportunities on the lake, visitors are just a short drive from Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park, where wild horses and bison roam freely. The nearby town of Micanopy offers charming antique shops and local cafes for a relaxing afternoon excursion. For those interested in sports or culture, the city of Gainesville is easily accessible, offering museums and a variety of vibrant dining options.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is an ideal match for avid anglers and boaters looking for easy water access and a community of like-minded outdoors enthusiasts. It is also well-suited for retirees and full-time RVers seeking a slower pace of life in a small-town setting. If you value a quiet, nature-focused environment over the high-energy activities of a commercial resort, Sportsman’s Cove provides a perfect home base for your North Central Florida travels.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Rentals
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Discounts
- Facility
- Internet
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Aidan Acebo
I've lived here for almost 4 years now. great little place on orange lake, nice folks. I've never really felt the need to lock my doors. I know all my neighbors by name, and I trust them. the town is nice too, lots of very old buildings.
Kim Rickman
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.
Sandy Longfellow
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.
Kim Rickman
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 they camp host has firewood for sale as well as boat and golf cart rental.
James Sedgwick
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.