Nelson's Outdoor Resort
Over 70 years of outdoor tradition on the Ocklawaha River. RV sites, tent camping, cabin rentals, a full-service marina, and some of the best bass fishing in Florida.
Location
19400 SE Highway 42
Umatilla, FL 32784
Office Hours
Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri: 8 AM–12 PM
Sat: 9 AM–3 PM
Wed/Sun: Closed
Boat Ramp
Open daily
8:00 AM–8:00 PM
Contact
(352) 821-3474
Since the 1950s
A Florida Outdoor Tradition Since the 1950s
Nelson's Outdoor Resort, formerly known as Nelson's Fish Camp, has been welcoming anglers, campers, and outdoor enthusiasts to the banks of the Ocklawaha River since the 1950s. With more than 70 years of continuous operation, it stands as one of the most established outdoor recreation destinations in Central Florida. Located at 19400 SE Highway 42 in Umatilla, the resort sits along a stretch of the Ocklawaha River that provides direct access to Lake Griffin and the renowned Harris Chain of Lakes, one of the state's premier freshwater fishing systems.
The resort offers a range of accommodations to suit different styles of outdoor recreation. Full-hookup RV sites are available with 20, 30, and 50 amp electrical service, accommodating everything from small travel trailers to large motorhomes. Tent camping sites provide a more rustic experience for those who prefer to sleep closer to nature. For guests who want the outdoor experience without bringing their own shelter, cabin rentals offer a comfortable option with the convenience of solid walls and a roof overhead.
Fishing is at the heart of what makes Nelson's Outdoor Resort special. The Ocklawaha River and the connected Harris Chain of Lakes are known throughout Florida and beyond for outstanding largemouth bass fishing. The resort's full-service marina includes boat ramps, boat rentals, boat slips, and a well-stocked bait and tackle shop, making it easy for guests to get on the water whether they bring their own boat or not. Experienced anglers and beginners alike have been drawn to these waters for decades.
Beyond fishing and camping, the resort offers a variety of on-site amenities that make for a comfortable stay. A country store provides essentials and provisions, while the on-site restaurant serves meals so guests can take a break from campfire cooking. Pool tables, laundry facilities, and communal gathering areas round out the experience. Directly across the street, the 3,400-acre Sunnyhill Restoration Area features approximately 20 miles of trails for hiking, birdwatching, and nature photography, extending the outdoor adventure well beyond the resort's boundaries.
Resort Highlights
- •70+ years of operation on the Ocklawaha River
- •Full-hookup RV sites (20/30/50 amp service)
- •Tent camping, cabin rentals & boat slips
- •Full-service marina with boat ramps & rentals
- •Bait & tackle shop and country store
- •On-site restaurant and laundry facilities
- •Access to Harris Chain of Lakes bass fishing
- •3,400-acre Sunnyhill Restoration Area across the street
Accommodations & Rates
Tent Camping
Rustic tent camping sites along the Ocklawaha River for a traditional outdoor experience.
~$30–$40/night
RV Sites
Full-hookup sites with 20, 30, and 50 amp electrical service for all RV sizes.
~$50–$60/night
Cabin Rentals
Comfortable cabins for guests who want the outdoor experience with indoor convenience.
~$100–$138/night
Boat Slips
Marina boat slips with easy access to the Ocklawaha River and Harris Chain of Lakes.
~$30–$45/day
Fishing & Marina
Nelson's Outdoor Resort is a destination for anglers drawn to the exceptional bass fishing on the Ocklawaha River and the Harris Chain of Lakes. The Harris Chain, which includes Lake Griffin, Lake Harris, Lake Eustis, and several others, is consistently ranked among the top bass fishing destinations in Florida. Anglers come from across the state and beyond to fish these productive waters, and Nelson's has been their base camp for more than seven decades.
Marina Services
Boat ramps, boat rentals, boat slips & full-service marina
Bait & Tackle
On-site shop stocked with live bait, lures, and fishing supplies
Boat Ramp Hours
Open daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Whether you bring your own boat or rent one from the marina, the resort makes it easy to get on the water. The bait and tackle shop ensures you have everything you need, and the knowledgeable staff can point you toward the best spots for the season.
Sunnyhill Restoration Area
Directly across the street from Nelson's Outdoor Resort, the 3,400-acre Sunnyhill Restoration Area offers an additional dimension to any outdoor getaway. This public conservation area features approximately 20 miles of trails that wind through restored Florida habitat, providing excellent opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and nature photography.
The proximity of Sunnyhill to the resort means that guests can combine a day of fishing on the river with an afternoon hike through native Florida landscape without ever needing to drive. It's a unique pairing of water-based and land-based outdoor recreation that few other destinations in the region can match.
Trail Details
- ✓3,400 acres of restored Florida habitat
- ✓Approximately 20 miles of trails
- ✓Hiking, birdwatching & nature photography
- ✓Located directly across from the resort
- ✓Free public access
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Nelson's Outdoor Resort located?
Nelson's Outdoor Resort is located at 19400 SE Highway 42, Umatilla, FL 32784, on the Ocklawaha River near Lake Griffin and the Harris Chain of Lakes. It is approximately 30 miles east of Ocala.
What types of accommodations are available?
Nelson's Outdoor Resort offers full-hookup RV sites with 20, 30, and 50 amp electrical service, tent camping sites, and cabin rentals. RV sites run approximately $50-60 per night, tent sites $30-40 per night, and cabins $100-138 per night.
Is there a boat ramp at Nelson's Outdoor Resort?
Yes, Nelson's Outdoor Resort has boat ramps available for guests and visitors. The boat ramp is open daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. The resort also offers boat rentals, boat slips ($30-45/day), and a full-service marina.
What kind of fishing can I do at Nelson's?
Nelson's Outdoor Resort is known for excellent bass fishing on the Ocklawaha River and provides access to the Harris Chain of Lakes, one of Florida's premier freshwater fishing destinations. The on-site bait and tackle shop has everything you need for a day on the water.
What are the office hours at Nelson's Outdoor Resort?
The office is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and Saturday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The office is closed on Wednesday and Sunday. The boat ramp is open daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
What was Nelson's Outdoor Resort originally called?
Nelson's Outdoor Resort was formerly known as Nelson's Fish Camp. The property has been operating since the 1950s, making it one of the longest-running outdoor recreation destinations in the region, with over 70 years of history on the Ocklawaha River.
Are there hiking trails near Nelson's Outdoor Resort?
Yes, the 3,400-acre Sunnyhill Restoration Area is located directly across the street from Nelson's Outdoor Resort and features approximately 20 miles of trails for hiking, nature walks, and wildlife viewing.
What other amenities does the resort have?
Beyond camping and fishing, Nelson's Outdoor Resort features a country store, on-site restaurant, pool tables, laundry facilities, a bait and tackle shop, and a full-service marina with boat rentals and slips.
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Experience 70+ years of Florida outdoor tradition at Nelson's Outdoor Resort. Fish the Ocklawaha River, camp under the stars, and explore miles of trails.