In addition to a water park, the new Camp Margaritaville Resort planned for just north of Ocala will feature a restaurant, a dog park, 430 recreational vehicle sites, and 60 cottages for individuals without RVs.
Located at 18365 NW 45th Avenue Road in Citra, the 150-acre resort is taking shape, with the developer, 8M Holdings, LLC working through final regulatory steps to open specific amenities to the general public.
That includes the Fins Up Falls Water Park, which may feature a slide as tall as 145 feet.
According to the company’s website, the resort’s 430 RV sites are designed to accommodate a wide range of travelers, offering level concrete pads and full hookups with 30/50 Amp service.
Options range from standard 75-foot back-in sites to expansive 110-foot pull-thru sites. For a more upscale experience, premium sites include their own private Tiki huts.
Guests staying at the RV sites will have access to five bathhouses, laundry facilities, and complimentary Wi-Fi, with golf cart rentals available to navigate the expansive property.
For those without recreational vehicles, the resort is also building 60 vacation cottages that will blend camping with modern comforts. Each unit features a private bathroom, a living area, and a lofted sleeping space.
The cottages also come equipped with full kitchens that include a refrigerator, microwave, and coffee maker, as well as amenities like air conditioning, high-speed internet, flat-screen televisions, and outdoor patios.
Beyond the accommodations, the resort aims to create an island-inspired atmosphere in North Central Florida. Guests and visitors will have access to Fins Bar & Chill, an on-site venue serving hand-crafted cocktails and island-inspired cuisine.
The property will also feature a Barkaritaville Dog Park and access to Orange Lake for fishing and other outdoor activities.
Recently, the developer requested a modification to the property’s planned unit development agreement to allow the sale of day passes for the water park and other facilities to residents and visitors not staying overnight. County staff reports suggest that public access would likely be prioritized during the off-season to ensure the amenities remain active year-round.
The Marion County Planning & Zoning Commission reviewed that request on Jan. 26. The final decision rests with the Marion County Board of County Commissioners, which is scheduled to vote on the proposal next month.
The resort is anticipated to open in early 2026, although a specific date has not yet been specified.
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