Space Camp – An Incredible Airbnb Interlachen Florida That Will Blow Your Mind

Space Camp is arguably one of the most unusual places I’ve stayed in to date. I would say the “most” was it not for the fact that the following week I stayed in a Boeing CH-47 in Chonook. Space Camp is located in Interlachen, Florida, a small town between Lake Griffin and Lake Blue. This futuristic space pod sits in the middle of nowhere. Aside from the obvious “wow” factor, this self-contained eco-friendly space camp pod is so futuristic that it’s not only fascinating but also ridiculously creative. Heck, it even runs on solar power!

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About Space Camp, Interlachen, Florida

Pods, space pods, and similar modular buildings are the next generation of tiny homes. They are huge in China and are consistently advertised across all Social Media platforms.

You’ll find Space Camp in Interlachen, Florida, offering a compact, nature-focused, and exceptionally forward-thinking microspace. The inside of the pod is so well designed and functional. While small, it has a queen bed, a kitchenette, a bathroom, a balcony, and panoramic views. Outside, there is a hot tub and an outdoor fireplace. 

Lighting and large panoramic windows focus attention outward toward the trees and sky. In line with the futuristic theme, the curtains are all electric, so you simply press a button and the entire front of the pod opens up.

One of the coolest features is that the roof retracts directly above the bed, giving you a first-class stargazing view. If you are lucky, you’ll experience rain, which is a thrill inside the pod.

The screen at the front of the pod, which encloses the pod from the outdoor patio, doubles as a TV. Simply lower the screen, connect up your streaming service of choice, and you’re all set.

The pod is located in the middle of nowhere. For me, this enhances the attraction. You have total privacy.

Space Camp is a one-bedroom cabin that sleeps up to two guests. Linens provided by the host. Max occupancy is two; there are no additional bedrooms or rollaway beds listed. There’s no real “living room” as such; it’s a studio by design. However, the patio doubles as an additional seating area.

Even though the space pod runs on nothing but solar power, you still have air conditioning and heating, and both work really well.

Booking To Stay At Space Camp, Interlachen, Florida

The only way to book Space Camp is through their listings on Airbnb and VRBO. Availability and price change with the season and local events; check the calendar for real-time availability.

Cost To Stay

• Weekdays: ~ $291 per night plus taxes
• Weekends – ~$349 per night plus taxes

The cabin is suited to couples or solo travelers rather than families with children.

Now, this is not a cheap or budget stay for anyone. The real question on the cost is value. Is it worth the spend? Sadly, I can’t give you a concrete yes or no because I took The Monkey, my nephew, and at 17, he thought it was the coolest place ever. I think he would say, ” Yes, it is worth it.

I think that while the concept is wildly unusual, it’s slightly overpriced for what it actually is. And, given the reality that this is a pre-fabricated pod (aka buy as is and plant on a plot of land), it’s not exactly a labor of love. What I mean by this is, I’ve stayed in many other unusual Airbnbs where the hosts transformed a structure. I’m also aware of the “real” costs associated with importing these pods. It’s not 5K as you see on social media. On the low side, these pods will set you back at least $30K to import, then there’s land, septic, and solar.

Regardless, value is subjective, and I would have paid more to experience this. I would also consider re-visiting for someone else to experience the pod. Add to that that supply and demand dictate pricing. If you look at the calendar, there’s no shortage of bookings.

Opportunities For Improvement At Space Camp

If you’ve ever read one of my reviews before, you’ll know that I am not into bashing small businesses. I don’t particularly enjoy sharing the not-so-great about corporate companies. Regardless, I vowed to always tell you the good, the bad, and the ugly.

So let’s get started with the safety challenges:

Now let’s move on to other items that are not safety issues.

1. The hot tub: It contains well water. This should not be an issue once the right amount of chlorine is added. Sadly, the water is yellow. More importantly, it’s not heated upon arrival, and it doesn’t heat up in a single “heat” cycle. It would take a few up-and-down trips to restart the heat and get it functioning.
2. The Wi-Fi: While it’s understood you are in the middle of nowhere, it’s possible with today’s technology to provide reliable internet – you just have to spend the money for the right equipment. The Wi-FI is spotty at best. If I had planned to stay here more than one night, I would have had to check out. I need the internet to work – I work when I am on the road. I did communicate this to the host in real time and got no reply! At a minimum, I would have expected her to acknowledge it the following morning.
3. The location’s description: I love being in the middle of nowhere, on dirt roads, and in the woods! Some people do not, and most do not understand that there are dirt roads and “ungraded” dirt roads. Space Camp is located on an ungraded dirt road. What this means is that if it rains (and it rains daily in Florida), you could face challenges getting in and out. I have Four Wheel Drive, so no problem for me. Several prior guests mentioned this, and rightly so. The listing should clearly articulate this potential hazard.
4. Lack of welcome book: In the grand scheme of things, this may or may not mean anything to anyone. For me, this is the first time in my life I’ve checked into an Airbnb without a welcome book. Some of them are now sent electronically, but they exist. There is a one-page board that basically just advertises kayaking in the area.

Nearby Attractions in Interlachen, Florida

This is an example of what I would expect to see in a welcome book or manual.

Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park

One of the most fascinating nearby spots is Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic State Park, located just a short drive from Interlachen. This preserved homestead, the Pulitzer Prize–winning author of The Yearling, offers a rare look at old Florida life in the 1930s. The property feels almost frozen in time, with original furnishings, orange groves, and farm structures still intact. Visitors can tour the house, walk the grounds, and even interact with costumed interpreters who bring the history to life. It is especially interesting for those who appreciate literature, Florida history, or simply a quiet, atmospheric setting that feels worlds away from modern development.

Etoniah Creek State Forest

Another must-see is Etoniah Creek State Forest, a lesser-known natural area that offers a more rugged and untouched experience than many state parks. The forest features sandy trails, pine flatwoods, and seasonal wetlands that attract wildlife like deer, turkey, and even black bears. What makes it particularly interesting is its sense of isolation and the opportunity for true off-the-beaten-path exploration. It is ideal for hiking, horseback riding, or simply immersing yourself in a quieter side of Florida’s landscape that most visitors never see.

Ravine Gardens State Park

For something visually striking, Ravine Gardens State Park stands out as one of the region’s most unique landscapes. Unlike the flat terrain typical of Florida, this park features steep ravines up to 120 feet deep, formed over thousands of years. Suspension bridges cross the ravines, offering dramatic views, and in spring, the gardens come alive with vibrant azaleas. The park blends natural beauty with historic New Deal-era structures, making it both scenic and historically significant.

Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park

A truly hidden gem is Mike Roess Gold Head Branch State Park, which offers a diverse mix of ecosystems, including rolling sandhills, marshes, and shaded ravines. It is one of Florida’s oldest state parks and has a more varied terrain than most areas in the region. Visitors can hike miles of trails, paddle on Little Lake Johnson, or climb to overlooks offering surprisingly elevated views of North Florida. Its combination of history, elevation changes, and natural beauty makes it one of the most rewarding outdoor destinations nearby.

For a classic Florida water experience, Rodman Reservoir is a standout destination. Known for its submerged timber and wild, almost primeval appearance, it is considered one of the top bass fishing lakes in the country. Even for non-anglers, the scenery is compelling, with cypress trees rising out of the water and a sense of raw, untamed wilderness. Boating on the reservoir feels like stepping into a different era of Florida, offering a striking contrast to the more manicured parks in the area.

Springs Near Space Camp, Interlachen, Florida

Everyone knows that I am addicted to springs! It’s one of the main reasons I live to roam around Florida. I love exploring new state parks and springs. Here are the closest ones:

Interlachen Spring (Putnam County – Public Spring Water)

One of the closest and most unique springs to Interlachen is Putnam County – Public Spring Water, often simply called the Interlachen spring by locals. This is a small, roadside spring that flows continuously and is widely used by residents to collect natural spring water. It is not a swimming destination, but it is fascinating for its accessibility and local culture—people regularly bring jugs to fill up, and it has become a quiet community gathering spot. Its simplicity and authenticity make it one of the most interesting “hidden” springs in the area.

Silver Glen Springs

A short drive away in the Ocala National Forest, Silver Glen Springs is one of the most beautiful and underrated springs near Interlachen. The water is exceptionally clear with a pale blue-green color, and the sandy bottom gives it a tropical look. It is also historically significant, as artifacts from early Native American cultures have been found in the area. The spring forms a wide swimming basin before flowing into Lake George, making it ideal for both relaxing swims and snorkeling in calm, shallow water.

Juniper Springs Recreation Area

Another standout is Juniper Springs Recreation Area, which feels more like a lush oasis than a typical Florida spring. Surrounded by dense forest and palm-lined pathways, it has a slightly more enclosed, jungle-like atmosphere. The spring run here is famous for kayaking and canoeing, and it winds through one of the most scenic waterways in Florida. The swimming area itself is smaller but incredibly picturesque, with crystal-clear water emerging from multiple bubbling vents.

De León Springs State Park

For something larger and more developed, De León Springs State Park offers a mix of history and natural beauty. The spring has been a gathering place for centuries and was once believed to be connected to the legend of the Fountain of Youth. Today, visitors can swim in the spring, explore old sugar mill ruins, and even cook pancakes at the historic Old Spanish Sugar Mill restaurant. It is one of the most well-rounded spring experiences near Interlachen, combining recreation, history, and unique activities in one place.

Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park

Finally, although it is a bit farther out, Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park is absolutely worth the drive and is considered one of the clearest and most vibrant springs in Florida. The water maintains a constant temperature of about 72 degrees year-round and features a wide, sandy swimming area that is ideal for floating or snorkeling. What makes it especially appealing is the combination of a large main spring and smaller connected springs along the Santa Fe River, giving visitors multiple spots to explore within one park.

Frequently Asked Questions

Closing Thoughts

Space Camp is definetly the one of the most unique rentals in Florida. Yes, it’s pricy; it commands it. If you want an off-grid-feeling stay that’s 100% solar-powered and still easy to book and enjoy, Space Camp delivers a cozy, well-equipped base for exploring Interlachen.

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