Developers behind Camp Margaritaville Resort Orange Lake in Citra, Florida, are pursuing zoning modifications that would allow the sale of day passes to the public at the property’s water park. The changes would also permit construction of a 145-foot slide tower, a move that could bring the region its first major water attraction since Wild Waters closed nearly a decade ago. The Marion County Planning & Zoning Commission reviewed the request on Jan. 26, with the Marion County Board of County Commissioners scheduled to render a final decision next month. If approved, the changes would transform what was originally planned as a guest-only amenity into a potential destination for residents across Central Florida who have lacked a local water park option since Wild Waters permanently shuttered in Silver Springs State Park in September 2016.
The resort sits on approximately 150 acres along the shores of Orange Lake at 18365 NW 45th Avenue Road, positioned just off Interstate 75 in Central Florida’s renowned horse country. Developer 8M Holdings, LLC is currently constructing the facility, which is expected to feature 430 RV sites, 60 cottages, a resort-style pool, lazy river, bar and restaurant, live entertainment, and a Barkaritaville dog park. The property is anticipated to welcome its first guests in early 2026, according to Ocala-News.com.
The zoning petition centers on modifying the property’s Planned Unit Development agreement, which originally restricted water park amenities exclusively to overnight guests staying at RV sites and cottages. Under the proposed changes, the resort would gain authorization to sell day passes to local residents and visitors who are not registered overnight guests. According to county staff reports, the developer indicated that public access would likely be prioritized during off-season periods when RV occupancy typically declines, ensuring year-round utilization of the facilities.
The request reflects a broader trend among outdoor hospitality properties exploring amenity monetization as a revenue diversification strategy. Across the industry, premium amenities at RV parks and campgrounds have increasingly functioned as independent revenue centers rather than simply perks reserved for registered guests. Capacity management has become essential when mixing overnight guests with day visitors, with guest-to-day-visitor ratios helping prevent overcrowding while protecting the experience for guests who expect amenity access as part of their stay.
Tiered pricing structures have emerged as a common approach within the industry, with properties charging premium rates during peak seasons while offering discounted day passes during slower periods. Operational considerations for properties weighing this model include increased staffing requirements for admission management, additional liability insurance coverage, enhanced maintenance schedules due to higher facility usage, and potential parking infrastructure expansion. Digital ticketing and reservation systems have made managing day visitor access increasingly practical, with online booking platforms allowing operators to set automatic capacity limits that prevent overselling while maximizing revenue potential.
Beyond public access, the zoning petition includes a request to dramatically increase the maximum allowable height for water park structures. Current zoning restricts construction to 40 feet, but 8M Holdings is seeking permission to build up to 145 feet to accommodate a planned four-slide tower complex. The developer envisions this tower as a centerpiece attraction capable of drawing visitors from throughout the region.
Height variances of this magnitude typically require applicants to demonstrate that the increased elevation serves a specific functional purpose that cannot be achieved within existing limits. Visual impact assessments, setback considerations, and compatibility with surrounding land uses commonly factor into approval decisions for such requests.
The Camp Margaritaville zoning process illustrates the multi-step approval pathway outdoor hospitality operators must navigate when modifying existing development agreements. Within PUD frameworks, modifications typically require formal review processes similar to initial approvals. Applications are often strengthened when traffic, noise, and environmental impact concerns are proactively addressed with supporting documentation rather than waiting for planning officials to raise objections.
Relationships with county commissioners and planning board members, built through regular attendance at public meetings and community events, have proven valuable when expansion requests arise. Properties considering significant amenity additions typically factor approval timeline uncertainty into project planning, as zoning reviews can extend schedules by several months and construction financing often cannot proceed until approvals are secured.
The Marion County Planning & Zoning Commission completed its review of the Camp Margaritaville request on Monday, Jan. 26. The commission’s role involves evaluating the proposal and making recommendations, but ultimate authority over the zoning modifications rests with the Marion County Board of County Commissioners. That board is scheduled to vote on the proposal in February, a decision that will determine whether the resort can proceed with its expanded vision.
Marion County residents have sought a local water park destination for years following the closure of Wild Waters, which operated within Silver Springs State Park before permanently closing in September 2016. The potential approval of day pass sales at Camp Margaritaville would address that gap while providing the resort with an additional revenue stream during periods of lower overnight occupancy.
How Marion County handles this request may offer insights into how other jurisdictions approach similar petitions from outdoor hospitality properties seeking to monetize amenities originally approved for guest-only use. With 430 RV sites, 60 cottages, and a full amenity package under construction, Camp Margaritaville Resort Orange Lake is positioning itself as a significant player in Central Florida’s outdoor hospitality market. The February vote will determine whether that positioning includes becoming a regional water park destination open to visitors beyond its overnight guest population.