Marion County commissioners are scheduled to issue a final vote on a request that would allow the new Camp Margaritaville Resort at Orange Lake to open its water park and other amenities to the general public.
The request, submitted by 8M Holdings, LLC, will be considered during the Marion County Board of County Commissioners meeting on Tuesday, February 17.
Located at 18365 NW 45th Avenue Road in Citra, the 140.91-acre resort is currently under development and is expected to open later this year.
While the existing development agreement originally intended for amenities to serve only overnight guests, the developer is seeking to modify the planned unit development (PUD) to enable day-use access for non-RV users.
The proposed changes would allow residents and visitors to purchase day passes for the resort’s features, including the Fins Up Falls Water Park.
The developer noted that this public access would primarily occur during the off-season when RV occupancy is lower, supporting year-round operation of the facilities.
To accommodate these additional guests, the developer has also requested that unoccupied RV lots be permitted for use as vehicle parking for guests and employees.
County staff has recommended approval of the modification with certain conditions. Planners noted that while the water park’s slide complex was initially expected to require a height waiver, it was confirmed to be approximately 40 feet high, which fits within the existing PUD height limits.
A significant component of the approval process involves a final traffic study, which is currently nearing completion. The developer will be required to address and fund any necessary transportation improvements identified by the study to manage the increased traffic from day-use visitors.
The Marion County Planning and Zoning Commission reviewed the proposal on January 26 and voted 5-1 to recommend approval to the board.
The expansive resort features 430 RV sites and 60 vacation cottages, along with the Fins Bar & Chill restaurant and the Barkaritaville Dog Park.
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