Awesome campground! Love the atmosphere and people! So much fun!!! No drama and everyone is so friendly!

Located in the middle of nowhere, about 15 miles south of Lake placid, FL. This LGBTQ+ campground, is quiet, relaxing, very old and worn a few permanent residents, nice pool area..no restaurant or bar, bring everything you need, no dance floor no real entertainment even on holiday weekends. There is a shack in the wooded area by the boardwalk for indiscretions.. ( the only fun or interesting thing there), are bit pricey for the cabin rentals, especially the tiny tiny ones, that you can't even turn around in.. plus a 25$ a year membership, and 10 $ day pass, that sadly end at 4 pm.. ridiculous. They really dont know how to run a business.. soo many potentialfor this place.. . You can however rent a rv or camp nearby within 5 miles and go for a day or 2. We did about 4 miles away rented a rv. And do the day pass thing. Now, for the most part.. its clicky , and not many newbies.. friendly people there, nothing to do.. the 2 guys that own it are rude and nasty as fuck.. condescending, the short old one drive around in the golf cart and watch everyone, a gestapo. Rude and nasty, very very unfriendly, and makes any newcomers uneasy and unwelcome.. you figure they would love new blood to stair some life in the place. It could be a great place. Have a little food place, a bar.. or sorts ... a dance area.. breath some life into this place.. Owners could be a bit more friendly accommodating. Don't ask them anything.. j7st ask any of the resident or you'll get you head chewed off read more

Ownership is the only Drama you will receive they will scream at you like a child. Tell you to GTFO at ant moment. New Year's Eve 2026 Owners went off on longterm perms told everyone New Year's was canceled and the Campgrounds were closed get the fuck out so 5 perms left and never returned. Even the Canadians seasonal were scrambling wtd. They may wanna rethink booking their in the future especially when they will tell you to leave at any given time. Used to be a great place to be not anymore. read more

Our first trip was this past weekend. My final thought is bleh. Could be a lot better but could also be a lot worse. Upon arrival at 9 pm, we were told that they were closed, but luckily they figured we would be arriving late. No figuring about it guys, we called and asked and let you know our eta a few days prior. "Oh sure, the gate will be open just come on down to bingo to get your key." We went to the office the next morning to officially sign in and get our keys and off we went. Later we found out, other guests received a tour. We didn't get so much as you can find this hear or that there. You should have seen us walking in the day trying to find the pool. Followed the one arrow sign that pointed us to go to the left and that was it. We just happened upon it after our second go around of the entire place. The pool was really nice, warmish and we enjoyed it. We spent most of the next day at the pool just people watching. Most of the people knew one another and were in their groups. We received and made comments randomly, but there wasn't a huge welcoming feeling. Why people feel they need to come to a public pool and play loud music is beyond me. I'm 50, not 80 so it's not that. I guess it's just manners. Most people seemed to be ok with it; we overheard a few negative comments; especially since there were speakers on the bathroom wall that were playing music. The roadways could use a bit more lighting if for nothing else than safety. If we hadn't had a flashlight we would have ended up in several large water-filled gullies. The Gentlemen's Quarters, hmmm, this is Yelp so I have to keep it G-rated, left a lot to be desired. This is south Florida. It's hot. It's humid. There are bugs. 4 stalls, only 1 with a fan attempting to move some air. Plus its way out and off of the beaten path. If we hadn't been walking around and been nosey to see what this building was, we would have never have known. So, a map and a tour would have been nice. Even a verbal tour of a map on a wall. The accommodations are very rustic, and not for high society princesses, which we are neither. We've stayed at 5-star around the world and roughed it camping. Just wish a bit more care would be given. We had the large 3-bedroom mobile home. It desperately needs some love. It's possible we'd give it another try. read more

Great people, very friendly, very secluded area, awesome fireworks, Italian luncheon, and sunset dinner on Saturday

Great location I guess I missed the glory days I heard about all the good times there, but is a bit different now. The place is shoring up a bit wish the owners would be open to suggestions. Otherwise its a quiet getaway wish they toned down the banter ans just embrace the moment read more

I have been to camp Mars twice and I am looking forward to many more! This place is great! It's big enough to go out for a beautiful walk, but small enough where you can get to know everyone at the camp. This place is a great getaway for a a couple, a quick weekend drive to leave the city, or just a great escape to spend time with friends. Make sure you make your reservations in advance !!!! read more

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Having spent three months here I can s say this has been an incredible experience from the hosts and owners Tom and Dale, to the beauty o of the campground you couldn't find a more friendly well kept, well appointed, place to spend some time in a natural friendly, accepting environment. Always something to do. The theme weekends are wonderful and everyone goes out of their way to be helpful and friendly. The facilities are well kept, the grounds are truly spectacular. read more

Good evening I just got here. The nightfalls and it's unique energy takes over any worries also expectations that was building intuitive and always exciting when you feel the protectors of the rural land and soundscapes from the creatures of the nigh so serene and strong the feeling of stop realizing it's 11:40PM the instructor to register into the Camp's office is off course closed without a question it's magical and welcoming enough to makes me asked permission to the spiritual entities that you simply knows they cares and protected the whole properties as shelters every living things and with a loving and friendly environment. I'll enter now quietly fell this welcoming love. Camp Mars in Venus, FL Earth. read more

Stayed here recently on gay games weekend... very friendly and fun crowd, They had done a lot of improvements from my prior visits. Pool was clean, grounds were well-maintained and campground hook ups all fully functional. I had a full hook up RV site in the older shaded area and it was very accommodating.Very nice walking/hiking trails and nature. A great place to get away from it all! read more

Camp Mars is, make no mistake about it, an all gay (not as in "merry" but that too) campground, the basic entirety of which is clothing optional. As such it requires one of those silly no questions asked memberships upon check in but only in order to keep it secluded and safe from general public intrusion or the clueless tourist who may happen upon it. So, realistically speaking, it is only a membership club in the technical sense of the term. It's located back off a two mile dirt road just outside of the little village of Mars, Florida, which is located west of Venus (locally pronounced "Venice" in order to confuse tourists as well as the likes of me). The village of Mars is itself so small it isn't even on most maps, so just look for Venus. Camp Mars has over 50 camper sites, most with electric and water hookups, 40 some acres of land, a nice big swimming pool, a few rental cabins, rental trailers, yurts, lots of trails, a not for swimming pond they call Crater Lake, cooking, shower and toilet facilities. Being the avid outdoorsy camping type but involved in an alcoholic party weekend of romping through the hinter lands Florida I happened upon it in the company of some gay acting but straight Naturists along with a group of gay but straight acting motorcyclists. That doesn't sound like it makes sense but the Naturists wanted to be there so they could run around the wild lands in the nude, as Naturists are inclined to do, and the gay bikers wanted to be there, because the place is or at least was, with the exception of those gay acting but supposedly straight Naturists, an all gay campground and, as is well known, the goings on at gay campgrounds can really be hoot. There are three things I particularly liked about Camp Mars. The first thing was the friendliness of the fellow campers. Everyone was greeted and treated by everyone else with what may best be described as real Southern hospitality coupled with distinct graciousness. For example, at sunset everyone meets in the so-called front lawn, drink in hand, with each bringing a plate of hors d'oeuvres or other cocktail treats to share while giving their thanks to the setting sun for a beautiful day. Really nice and let me tell you nobody can do hors d' oeuvres like some of these guys. Could be part of the gay thing, I don't know but what I do know is that their culinary talents would put to shame some the best restaurants of Paris. The second thing is the wonderful live oak trees, clinging with gorgeous hanging moss under which you can set up camp. One thing about camping in Florida is, especially if tent camping, it seems that you can never end up having too much shade. Then for the third thing, it's the remoteness and freedom of the place. The place is so remote and so secluded you can just sit back and sort of let it all hang out.....no pun against the nudists intended. read more

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The property has great potential but kinda run down. I rented one of their trailers on site which was a very old retro RV called the LUCY trailer. I wasn't expecting much but the trailer was very dirty and beat up. I hope that they can renovate this classic trailer but I would not rent it again in the current condition. I liked the campground very much though and there were lots of nice people there mostly who keep their rigs there all the time. read more

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Ok resort. Very cliques, and not much going on. Lots of permanent campers. Pool was clean and about the only draw

This was our 1st time camping at this campground. It was a Fun place to Camp. Pool was Refreshing after Hot day.. music, potluck dinners, bingo.. Had a Great time and we're Looking forward to going again! read more

Well I have to say that I have stayed there many times over the years. We have always enjoyed its remote location and opted for this over Vitambi Springs. With Covid its been a while but been wanting to get back to camping. Called a couple times to make reservations and the place was full, not that they have too many sites for an RV. To this end today out of the Blue when calling to make a reservation Dale told me that he no longer allowed a 43' motor home in. WOW really?? The excuses was it caused too many issues? What kind of issues? As far as I know we've never created an issue..... Obviously its annoying!! So if you have an RV over 35' this is not a place you want to go! read more

TROPIGAY Found! (in the middle of Florida!) We discovered this charming remote gay campground 3+ years ago, when my husband, black lab and I rented one of the 3 yurts for a long weekend, over Thanksgiving, and have been coming down ever since. It was the community of existing "perms" (permanent) campers, weekenders, and eventually northern snowbirds -- who all contribute to the success of this evolving camp ground (and dare I say play-ground?) Orange groves, herds of cattle, and scrub palmetto's line the road to Venus Florida -- however when you drive through the central part of Camp Mars a canopy of live oak shade your site (and maybe just a few bare chests and the occasional bare ass (only at the pool, they insist!). It just doesn't get any closer to nature. There's few bugs, a friendly atmosphere, invitations to wine & cheese parties, or after-hours campfires. We were surprised that this campground (100 sites?) had so much to offer -- heated pool with pop music, large rec hall with a commercial grade kitchen open to all tenters, campers, alike, movies under the stars, sat eve themed dance parties, bingo on Friday, mexican train most nites, pot lucks on saturday for dinner, tent camping along the shared fenceline with cows, Pedro's trail for the nature lover/man lover and of course the newly expanded Gentleman's Club -- open all day, all nite, when you're a little restless. Let's be honest though...it's the friends you meet here, that make the difference. The ones who invite you to taste their homemade bbq rub, or the ones who help you "doll up" for your first drag attempt, or those who ask you to help out in fixing an adult mac 'n cheese for the pot-luck, that rub your shoulders as you sit poolside with a rum & coke. It's those connections, locating kindred spirits that make Camp Mars so alluring -- without all the drama. Only 2 hours from Tampa Bay (and similarly from Miami/Ft. La Di Da, it's an escape to Florida's mid-section -- there's a little bit here for everyone -- except if you're looking for a hilton -- in which case, this wouldn't be for your A&F lifestyle or boy toy. Here you'll find a place to unwind, a place to share your adventures, and maybe experience one or two more! Don, Roger & Rogue (the black lab) read more

I'm here to speak on behalf of my very close leather brotheren. Bias and prejudices are typically based on lack of knowledge and misknowledge. It's sad when you become the very thing you fight against. Even more, as a business, you should have better manners and attitude on the phone with customers. Here's the review: To those that know me, I don't generally rant but after what happened today I feel I need to. I am not going to Vaguebook it. I am calling out Camp Mars, in Venus Florida right here and right now... Hold on to your hats this is going to be a long one. And begin #Rant The background: About a month ago my leather family (a group of close friends whom feel close to one another) talked about taking a "family vacation". It was just to be the group of us, to a gay campground, within a day's drive from our locations. I spoke with Mars. I explained the group of us wanted to come camping and asked if having a female come would be a problem. The person I spoke to at the time said that they are predominately gay male campground, however women would be welcome as long as they understood this, and were respectful. With that we began planning our trip. Today: The woman in our group called Mars to begin making our reservation. She was fine until she said the word "family". With that the person who identified himself as an owner took the phone, from the lady helping her, and explained it was a not a "family" resort. That they did not allow kids (under 21) and that it was a gay campground. We explained who we are and that we were not THAT type of family. To that the gentleman explained that it was not for "swinger" and that heterosexuals would not be welcomed. First, we had been told at originally we would ALL be welcomed and then, told that STRAIGHTS need not come. We want to be treated equality yet we think its ok to be discriminate? I called this guy myself to explain and see what could be done. He basically told me the same thing. He didn't want any "swinging straight people" at HIS campground. He was quite rude about it too. When I tried to explain, very calmly, the above about the female, he told me they had a campground rule about "attitudes" and he did not need to be told anything about her. To my friends that are thinking about ever going to Camp Mars...Don't bother; we do not need to spend our money at a place that discriminates and has such poor customer service To my friends going there, I ask you to think again. read more

I went to Camp Mars for the first time a few wks ago with a friend. Although this was my first time ever tent camping, I was well prepared. It was a relatively slow weekend. There weren't tons of people at the property but it was great just the same. The staff and other campers were all very friendly and inclusive. It's a very rustic setting. It's nice to walk around the grounds and enjoy nature al fresco. There are always events going on to keep anyone entertained. read more

So happy we decided to spend part of February and March at camp Mars ! Friendly people, nice relaxing surroundings and Harley acceptance made it the perfect place to kickoff my retirement. We miss the Friday night bingo parties , cocktail get togethers and afternoons at the pool. Thanks guys ! Jim and Dallas read more

This is the place were I met my friends for a lifetime. A place where you truly can relax, have a lot of fun, and most importantly, be yourself at your own pace. You make it what you want it to be. read more

Spent Friday-Monday at Camp Mars for the first time. I was so in need of a place to relax and chill and get rid of my stress and that's exactly what happened. Met some very nice people and had a great time without having to leave my cottage. While my friend disappeared from time to time, I was just there to unwind. The cottage was very comfortable and the bedrooms were ok but could use a make over. I only had one issue there and when I spoke to the owner it was resolved very quickly. All in all, I enjoyed myself. read more

This is the perfect place for you to get away from it all in a gay friendly atmosphere. it is an older crowd which if you don't mind as me and my group didn't you will have a great time. The property itself is great , lots of greenery , trails to walk, and like I said very secluded! - I proposed to my other half in one of those trails, he didn't expected it at all. You can camp in tents, but they also have rv sites and rent camping units (yurts, rv's etc) as well. They have a nice pool, to hang around LITERALLY ;-) and have a relax day. There is really nothing close to them so bring everything you need unless you want to go 30 mins to the nearest thing to get essentials. Above all I love it and go as often as I can. Very friendly laid back atmosphere to enjoy it all... read more

this camp ground has no interenet and only 4 tv stations i was told they have internet and was lied to they ask me on my way out i left a day early have i ever been to a cmp dround i said yes every camp ground in the world has internet and phone service they were so rude after they lied to me on the phone they had enough internet service to run my credit card very read more

After years of coming here, I felt like I Thankfully owed and Thankfully needed to give my review. My lover and I of 25 years first started coming here in 2003, from Delray Beach, FL. The owners and the delightful staff were always accommodating and friendly. From the pot-lucks, to the crazy Duck Blow water games, water volleyball, egg tosses, and gay golf were all just too amazing and fun in a family atmosphere. I used to bring CDs and play club music at the pool, where many stories can be told all day long and into the night. This place is Truly a relaxed and Fun place to meet down to earth people. Lots of twinkle lights along the paths at night and a Great vibe. This is Not the Ritz, but the vibe exceeds anything you have experienced, We always stayed in the 1 bed/1 bath trailer and loved it. The screened-in patio is Amazing at night, and in the lull of the morning. The abundance of ferns and trees are just So awesome. We would drive to the Publix about 20 mins away, stock up, load the fridge/cabinets, take our watches off, make a huge cocktail and forget time altogether then meet some Great new friends in the pool, day or late afternoon. This is The Best campground to relax, be yourself. Whether you are short/tall/thin/bearish/old/young/divas/butch/single/married......it All works and Everyone mingles well. So Peaceful and FUN!!! Don't hesitate!!! Participate!!!! Bring your pool ring, cocktail cruiser and jump in!!! You just might make some Great memories!!! read more

Camp Mars is in serious trouble,the place is run down,unkempt, garbage overflowing from containers.Actually it's nothing more than a mud hole!You really never know what you have paid for as you don't get a detailed receipt.There are other much nicer places to be don't waste your money here on a cold dirty pool and the most ridiculous weekend parties.Dale needs to either give it up or start investing some money in the place before it literally rots. read more

We have camped at Mars several times. It is a very welcoming community of campers. Whether you are looking for a party weekend or just to get away from it all, this is as great place for it. Still kept rustic with the natural beauty it it's a pleasurable camping experience. read more

A bit of a drive from most cities but well worth it. Nice and remote and secluded. Nicely wooded with lots of paths and trails. Everyone is very friendly and warm. If you just want to hang out by the pool and guy watch there is plenty of eye candy. If your more adventureous there are trails and a couple little "fun" houses along the way. I'll be back, just a bunch of nice non pushy people. read more

We have stored our trailer here and attended many weekend events but this last one was spectacular! I was at Camp Mars over the Chinese New Year weekend. I checked in on Friday early evening and Dale assisted me in parking my 32' trailer in its spot for the weekend. After eating dinner I went to Friday Night bingo and met some great men and had a lot of fun. Then was the mix and mingle party which again was exciting as I saw all the kimonos come in. Saturday I went for a stroll around the trail and found some beautiful scenes back in the woods reminding me of my youth. Coming back to the rec hall I found a group playing Dominoes so I watched and learned, I also found out that they play Dominoes every morning starting about 10 am. I let them know I would be interested in playing the next day and they were all happy to oblige me. During the day I sat by the pool and enjoyed the cool breeze, relaxing in the sun until it was time for the potluck (fortunately I had something to bring that I could share), while the group was small the food was once again excellent as it always is and also very plentiful. Then came time for the kimono party , not many came to that so some of my fellow campers played Junga with a set made out of 2x4's; it was fun to watch and finally they talked me into playing and I won a few rounds, enjoying every minute of it. Sunday morning I was at the dominoes table bright and early but it too the others some time to arrive so I just sat and relaxed watching the birds. Overall the weekend was just what I expected it to be, relaxing and lots of fun. I will be going back again and again as I enjoyed myself so much. read more