New RV campground to open at Southeastern Livestock Pavilion

[Parks and Recreation]

Visitors at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion can soon stay overnight in the brand-new, 66-site RV campground.

The new campground is expected to open soon and will bring more visitors than ever to the Pavilion for multi-day events. A groundbreaking ceremony for the site will take place on Wednesday at 9 a.m.

The project cost a total of $2.9 million, $1 million of which was paid for with grant funding from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, said Sara Lambert, community engagement coordinator for the Marion County Parks and Recreation department.

“The campground is located in the NE corner of the site, adjacent to the North Arena. There is a designated entrance off of NE Jacksonville Rd.,” Lambert said.

Construction is complete, and the Parks and Recreation department anticipates it will begin to take reservations soon. A definite opening date has not been decided yet, Lambert said.

“Nightly rates begin at $60 and go up depending on site style (Premium vs Standard) and length of stay,” Lambert said. “Weekly rates will be offered in tandem with nightly rates.”

The campground is expected to generate more than $1.1 million in revenue by its fifth year in operation, according to a press release.

“This project is certainly a long time coming,” said Pavilion Manager Christen Milligan in the press release “The additional spaces will bring in more events with larger participation, which in turn allows the events to garner larger sponsorships.”