Updated for 2024
With 38 State Forests, Florida offers a wide selection of camping opportunities away from the crowds. While most of the State Forests are in the northern half of the State, there are luckily a few forests with camping in the warm south (much appreciated in winter)!
In this article, I cover State Forest camping in Florida. Please note – State Forest camping is NOT FREE but affordable starting at $10 per site per night.
HOWEVER – There is an online booking fee of $6.70 plus taxes meaning you pay at least $8.00 in addition to the camping fee. I think this is ridiculous and outrageous. This forces one into long-term stays (up to 14 nights) to absorb the extra fees.
Organization of Public Camping in Florida
As described in the first article of this series and the org chart above, Florida State Forests are a Division of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Several Florida State Forests are managed in cooperation with other agencies such as the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and different sets of camping rules may apply. Safety regulations during hunting season are of specific importance to State Forest visitors.
At last check, I counted 53 vehicle-accessible campgrounds available to book via the online booking service Reserve America. In 2020 as a result of COVID-19, booking options changed and online booking is the only method to reserve sites. Drive-up and pay is no longer an option.
If you do not have an account, I suggest you register with Reserve America at your earliest convenience. You will get a confirmation email with a gate lock code (if applicable). For example:
Camping Guide for each National Forest
With so many camping options available in each State Forest, I will write a separate guide for each Forest or region. In the meantime, you can locate all the campgrounds and sites on my interactive map below!
Camping Rules
Please read the rules (Rule: 5I-4.006) before camping in a Florida State Forest:
(4) Camping and Day-Use:
(a) A limited number of camping and day-use areas on managed lands may be reserved in advance.
(b) Camping within managed lands is authorized only in designated areas (ed – you cannot camp anywhere you like).
(c) No person shall remain in any day-use area during the times it is designated as closed unless a State Forest Use Permit (FDACS-11228, Rev. 07/15) has been issued by the Service by subsection 5I-4.005(2), F.A.C.
(d) The Service reserves the right to set carrying capacities on managed lands in order to protect the natural resources.
(e) Camping within managed lands, except in designated hunt camps, is limited to 14 consecutive nights to prevent any camper from taking up long-term camping at any one campsite and possibly displacing other campers. After 14 consecutive nights, the camper must leave the state forest for at least three nights before returning for a new stay. Changing the registered name of an individual or group to circumvent the 14 consecutive nights is prohibited. However, based upon medium occupancy at any campground the district or center manager has the authority to extend campsite use between 15 and 29 consecutive nights.
(f) Camping within managed lands where a fee is required is authorized upon payment of that fee.
(g) Except upon authorization by the Service and upon the Service’s determination that there will be no danger to the health, safety, and welfare of the campgrounds, no more than five persons, with a maximum number of one recreational vehicle and one tent or a maximum number of three tents, are allowed per campsite.
(h) Visitors of registered campers in developed campgrounds are allowed provided the total number of visitors or their vehicles do not create a nuisance or hazard to other campers, interfere or obstruct pedestrian or vehicular traffic, or interfere with other proper uses of the camping facility.
(i) In accordance with Section 790.15(1), F.S., it is a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in Sections 775.082 and 775.083, F.S., to knowingly discharge a firearm in a state forest, unless a person is lawfully defending life or property or performing official duties requiring the discharge of a firearm or discharging a firearm on public roads or properties expressly approved for hunting by the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) or the Florida Forest Service. State forests are public places intended and designed to be frequented or resorted to by the public. State forest camping areas and day-use areas, including, but not limited to, hunt camps and the Croom Motorcycle Area are not approved for hunting with firearms, and the discharge of a firearm in these areas is strictly prohibited. In the Croom Motorcycle Area hunting with bows, crossbows, or air guns is allowed during FWC designated game seasons. On lands designated as wildlife management areas or wildlife and environmental areas firearms may be used as outlined in FWC Administrative Rule 68A-15.004 or 68A-17.004, F.A.C. Note: A person in possession of a valid Concealed Weapon or Firearm License may carry concealed handguns on managed lands (including non-wildlife management areas, camping areas, and day-use areas) under the provisions of Section 790.06, F.S., throughout the year unless otherwise prohibited pursuant to state or federal law.
(j) The earliest check-in time for campsites is 3:00 p.m., and the latest checkout time for campsites is 1:00 p.m. unless otherwise posted.
(k) Chainsaw use in camping facilities is prohibited.
(l) Persons who are not registered campers or visitors of registered campers are not allowed to park in camping facilities or use campsites.
(m) Quiet time is 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m. Noise should not be carried beyond the visitor’s campsite during quiet time. Examples include pet noise, generator noise, music, closing car doors, setting car alarms, etc., from within the campsite.
(n) Organized groups must request reservations from the Service, and have written authorization from the Service to use managed lands, provided authorization may be given only if the proposed use will not adversely affect managed lands.
Free or Cheap Camping Map of Florida
This map shows each of the campgrounds or areas, grouped by color. For example, State Park Campgrounds (fee required) are shown as Orange, and State Forest Campgrounds (fee required) are shown in Blue.
State Forests in South Florida
On my map, you will find a few State Forest campgrounds in the south, officially known as Region 4. Here are the ones with drive-up camping (I do not list “walk-in” or backcountry “hike-to/paddle-to” campsites).
Myakka State Forest
Myakka State Forest is located in Sarasota County about 10 miles from Venice and 7 miles from Port Charlotte. The majority of the forest falls within the city limits of North Port. Access from River Road, about 11 miles south of I-75.
- Flying A Campground – (9 sites) – All RV types in Sites 1, 3, 8, and 9. Tent Sites 2, 4, 5, 6, and 7 have parking for loading and unloading only.
Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest
Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest is located about 30 miles from Fort Myers, in western Hendry and northeastern Collier counties. The forest can be accessed along County Road 832.
- Panther Campground – (16 sites) – Sites 1 – 15 are for tents. RVs can book site 16 only.
- Overflow Camp Area 1 – (6 sites) – All RV types.
- Overflow Camp area 2 – (6 sites) – All RV types but Site 4 is Tent Only.
Picayune Strand State Forest
Picayune Strand State Forest is located about 2 miles east of Naples in Collier County. The forest can be accessed via Everglades Boulevard from the north and Sabal Palm Road from the west.
- Horseshoe Campground – (6 sites) – Tents Only. RVs can book the Group Site.
State Forests in Central Florida
On my map, you will find a few State Forest campgrounds in Central Florida, officially known as Region 3. Here are the ones with drive-up camping (I do not list “walk-in” or backcountry “hike-to/paddle-to” campsites).
Tiger Bay State Forest
Tiger Bay State Forest is located in Volusia County, 7 miles west of Daytona Beach. Access points are from U.S. Highway 92 in the South and State Route 40 in the North.
- Tram Road Equestrian Campground – (4 sites) – All RV types.
- Bennett Field Campground – Sites 1 – 5 (all RV types), Site 6 (Tent Only).
Lake Wales Ridge State Forest
The Walk in Water Tract is located 2 miles east of the town of Frostproof on County Road 630. Access to the Arbuckle Tract is through the main entrance on Rucks Dairy Road from Lake Arbuckle Road.
- Walk in Water Campground – (9 sites) – Sites 1, 2, 3, and 5 (Tents Only) and 4, 6, 7, and 8 (All RV types)
- Reedy Creek Campground Sites – (8 sites) – 1 – 5 (Tents Only) and 6 – 8 (All RV types)
Withlacoochee State Forest
Withlacoochee State Forest is located in west-central Florida with headquarters located on U.S. Highway 41 seven miles north of Brooksville. It is currently the third-largest State Forest in Florida.
- Bear Head Hammock Campground – (3 sites) – All RV Types
- Buttgenbach Campground at Croom Motorcycle Area – (49 sites) – All RV Types but OHV pass required
- Crooked River Campground – (23 sites) – Tents Only
- Cypress Glen Campground – (34 sites) – All RV Types but Site 53 is Tent Only
- Hog Island Campground – (20 sites) – All RV Types
- Holder Mine Campground – (27 sites) – All RV Types
- Mutual Mine Campground – (13 sites) – All RV Types
- River Junction Campground – (20 sites) – All RV Types
- Silver Lake Campground – (23 sites) – All RV Types
- Tillis Hill Campground- (37 sites) – All RV Types
Lake George State Forest
Lake George State Forest is located in Volusia County near the towns of Barberville and Astor. To access the forest south of State Road 40 (Mary Farms and Dexter tracts), take St. Johns River Road, located 1/2 mile east of Astor.
- River Road Campground – (10 sites) – Tent Only
Matanzas State Forest
Situated in St. Johns County north of Faver-Dykes State Park and south of Moses Creek Conservation Area, the forest is bounded on the west by U.S. Highway 1 and the east by the Intracoastal Waterway (Matanzas River). Access the campground from US 1 and Double Gate Road.
- Cedar Creek Campground – (4 sites) – Tents Only
State Forests in North East Florida
On my map, you will find a few State Forest campgrounds in North East Florida, officially known as Region 2. Here are the ones with drive-up camping (I do not list “walk-in” or backcountry “hike-to/paddle-to” campsites).
Cary State Forest
Cary State Forest is located in northeastern Florida near Jacksonville in Nassau and Duval counties. Access is from US 301 along Pavilion Rd.
- Cary Campground – (6 Sites) – All RV Types
Goethe State Forest
The major portion of Goethe State Forest is located in southeastern Levy County near the Gulf of Mexico.
- Tidewater Campground – (5 Sites) – Tent Only
- Black Prong Campground – (4 Sites) – Site 1 (Tent Only), Sites 2, 3 and 4 (All RV Types)
Indian Lake State Forest
Indian Lake State Forest is just north of historic Silver Springs in Marion County. The forest is named after Indian Lake, a deep sinkhole lake that drains into the aquifer.
- Indian Lake Campground – (12 sites) – Sites 1 – 5 (Tents Only), Sites 6 – 12 (All RV Types)
Jennings State Forest
Jennings State Forest is in Clay County about 10 miles southwest of Jacksonville and 5 miles southwest of Orange Park.
Access to the eastern section of the forest from Jacksonville FL, I-10 west, take exit 350, SR 23/Cecil Commerce Center. Follow SR 23 south (14 miles). Turn right onto Old Jennings Rd, and head west (3 miles). Turn right onto Live Oak Lane, heading north 2.5 miles). Turn left onto Bell Cemetery Rd, heading west ( 1.5 miles). Turn left onto Wheeler Branch Rd, heading south .25 mile campground entrance will be on the right.
Access to the western section from Jacksonville FL take I-10 west to exit 343, US HWY 301 south. Follow US HWY 301 south (4 miles). Turn left onto Normandy Blvd, head east (1 mile). Turn right onto CR 217, heading south (1 mile). Turn left onto Long Branch Rd, heading east (6 miles). Bear left at Nolan Ridge Baptist Church and follow to Bootleggers Campground entrance sign. Turn right into the campground.
- Hammock Campground – (10 Sites) – Tents Only
- Bootleggers Campground – (8 Sites) – Tents Only
John M. Bethea State Forest
John M. Bethea State Forest is located 12 miles north of Glen St. Mary in Baker County.
Take Exit 333 off I – 10, head north on County Road 125 (9.8 miles), Turn right onto County Road 127 (10.1), Turn right onto State Road 2 then immediately left back onto County Road 127 (0.4 miles), Turn right on to John Burnsed Road and follow signs to campground.
- Maple Set Campground – (4 Sites) – Tents Only
Welaka State Forest
Welaka State Forest is in northeastern Florida, 17 miles south of Palatka, off of U.S. Highway 17.
From Palatka, at the intersection of US 17 and CR 309 in Satsuma, FL turn south on CR 309. Continue south on CR 309 for 6.6 miles. You will see the Welaka State Forest Office on your left. Turn left at the forest office and follow the service road in front of the office for 0.6 miles to the equestrian area.
- Welaka Equestrian Campground – (10 Sites) – 5 Sites for All RV Types and 5 Sites for Tents Only
State Forests in the Florida Panhandle
On my map, you will find a few State Forest campgrounds in the Florida Panhandle, officially known as Region 1. Here are the ones with drive-up camping (I do not list “walk-in” or backcountry “hike-to/paddle-to” campsites).
Lake Talquin State Forest
Lake Talquin State Forest is located just west of Tallahassee. Most of the forest adjoins the Ochlockonee River and Lake Talquin, the body of water that gives the forest its name.
From I-10 take exit 181 (Fl. 267) and proceed south .4 mile to Spooner Rd.; turn left,
Take Spooner Road 2.5 miles to Old Federal Highway. turn left.
Take Old Federal Hwy 2.3 miles and turn right on State Highway 268/High Bridge Rd.
Take 268 – 4.3 miles, and turn right onto Peters Rd.
Take Peters Rd – 1.1 miles until it becomes High Bluff Landing Rd.
Continue 2.6 miles on a dirt road to the campground.
- High Bluff Campground – (19 Sites) – All RV Types
Pine Log State Forest
Pine Log State Forest is near Ebro, Florida, in Bay and Washington counties. The forest is 14 miles north of Panama City Beach, on State Road 79.
From I-10 take Exit 112 for FL-79 S toward Panama City Beach
Head South on FL-79 for 29.8 miles
Turn right onto Environmental Road and proceed for 0.4 miles
Turn right onto Longleaf Road for Sand Pond Campground, or left onto Longleaf Road for the Pine Log Sites.
- Sand Pond Campground – (20 Sites) – All RV Types
- Pine Log Primitive Sites – (3 Sites) – Tents Only
Point Washington State Forest
Point Washington State Forest is located in Walton County. The forest is 9 miles south of the town of Freeport on U.S. Highway 98.
- Eastern Lake Campground 1 – (4 Sites) – Tents Only
- Eastern Lake Campground 2 – (4 Sites) – Tents Only
Blackwater River State Forest
Blackwater River State Forest is located northeast of Pensacola. The forest borders the Conecuh National Forest to the north and extends southward toward Eglin Air Force Base.
- Karick Lake South Campground – (15 Sites) – All RV Types
- Karick Lake North Campground – (15 Sites) – All RV Types
- Hurricane Lake South Campground – (18 Sites) – Tents Only
- Hurricane Lake North Campground – (18 Sites) – All RV Types
- Bear Lake Campground – (40 Sites) – 32 Sites (All RV Types), 8 Sites (Tents Only)
- Krul Campground – (45 Sites) – All RV Types
- Clear Creek OHV Campground – (4 Sites) – All RV Types
- Coldwater Equestrian Campground – (56 Sites) – 55 Sites (All RV Types), 1 Site (Tents Only)
Tate’s Hell State Forest
Tate’s Hell State Forest is in Franklin County, between the Apalachicola and Ochlockonee rivers. The forest extends into the southeast corner of Liberty County, south of the Apalachicola National Forest and 1.5 miles northwest of the town of Carrabelle.
Camping in Tate’s Hell is challenging because there are many campsites, navigation is a challenge (do not rely on GPS directions), the distances on dirt roads are long, and many sites are closed from mid-November to the first week in February for hunting. The tracks on my map below should help with navigation!
The sites are numbered from 1 to 67 but grouped by area. For example, using the table below, if you want to book site 16, you must search for TATE’S HELL STATE FOREST JUNIPER CREEK PRIMITIVE CAMPSITES on the Reserve America website.
- Sumatra Primitive Campsite – (1 Site) – 1 (All RV Types)
- New River Primitive Campsites – (8 Sites) – 2-9 (All RV Types)
- Picketts Bay Primitive Campsites – (2 Sites) – 10 (Tent), 11 (All RV Types)
- Juniper Creek Primitive Campsites – (8 Sites) – 12-18 (All RV Types)
- OHV Campground – (3 Sites) – 19-21 (All RV Types)
- Womack Creek Primitive Campsites – (6 Sites) – 23-28 (All RV Types)
- Womack Creek Campground – (12 Sites) – 29-33 (Tents Only), 34-40 (All RV Types)
- Rock Landing Campground – (3 Sites) – 41-43 (All RV Types)
- Crooked River Primitive Campsites – (2 Sites) – 44-45 (All RV Types)
- Picketts Bay Primitive Campsites – (3 Sites) – 46-48 (All RV Types)
- High Bluff Primitive Campsites – (3 Sites) – 49-51 (All RV Types)
- Deep Creek Primitive Campsites – (3 Sites) – 52-54 (All RV Types)
- Cash Creek Campground – (13 Sites) – 55-67 (All RV Types)
End of Article
In Part 7, I write about Water Management Districts in Florida and FREE camping opportunities.
Florida State Forests have this signage:
