Cary State Forest Group Camp

Tucked deep into the pinewoods of Cary State Forest, the Group Campground isn’t your average weekend getaway, but more like a full-blown opportunity to gather the family together for a reunion, a game of flag football and potluck under the pines. Picture this: aunts swapping recipes over the campfire, uncles arguing over who forgot the marshmallows, and about ten tents forming a perfect (if slightly lopsided) circle of chaos and laughter. If your clan believes bonding means battling mosquitoes the size of chickadees and trying to keep toddlers from feeding raccoons, then this is your kind of paradise.

This group campground site - and to be clear, there is ONLY one - is designed for tent camping only, so no RVs, trailers or plug-in (although, there's an easter egg hidden below) luxuries here. Amenities are basic but functional, including potable water, restrooms with showers, a group pavilion complete with a half dozen picnic tables and an old-fashioned crank BBQ grill (which is EASILY the greatest amenity I have ever encountered at ANY campground), which if you are familiar with this style of BBQ grilling, then educate yourself before arriving here and you will become legend around the campfire. The group campground here at Cary SF is rustic, peaceful and wrapped in tall pines that whisper 'you are somewhere far from civilization, so enjoy the silence (nod to DM).' Roads into the area are sandy and can get sloppy with the rain, but once you’re in, you’ll appreciate the sense of seclusion that makes it feel like your family owns the forest.  There is literally no one else around you here.

Wildlife sightings are part of the fun here with plenty of deer, owls and the occasional armadillos wandering close to camp (likely curious about all that bacon grease). A short walk leads you to Thomas Creek, perfect for a quick morning stroll or some quiet birdwatching along that new boardwalk that was recently cleared and built. As for the patch of land that you’re big group – whether a family reunion, scout troop outing,10-year old birthday celebration sleepover or men’s church group celebration weekend – it’s about half the size of a football field with enough space for about 20 or so medium-sized tents, 5-6 wooden benches encircling a large community firepit / bonfire and a half dozen or so stand-up BBQ grills scattered throughout the area.

The best bit about this slice of nature is that adjacent to this wide-open patch of grass is a back-in RV slot (the mysterious site #7) that has a perfect level slab of concrete along with a picnic table and access to electric outlets and running water – so even though you didn’t bring an RV here, this spot will give you those 'back-at-home' amenities that you likely thought you'd have to go without. You’ll also discover that besides the 5-story tall ranger viewing tower on the north of the site, there’s solid shade around the perimeter of this place, although little to none on the interior, so I would still encourage you to bring your own portable shade with you.

Insider Tips: (1) Set up tents before dusk as mosquitoes clock in at exactly 6:01 PM; (2) The pavilion is your best friend during Florida’s afternoon storms and spontaneous family talent shows; (3) The restrooms are incredibly clean but rustic (but for once, in the good sense of the word), but you’ll want to bring your own TP just in case; (4) Thomas Creek is great for spotting herons and otters, just keep little ones at arm’s length; (5) Cell service is limited, which is ideal if you’ve ever wanted to see teenagers panic without Wi-Fi; (6) Stock up in nearby Bryceville or along US-301 before heading in here as there’s no store for miles, and Uncle Jim will absolutely forget the coffee; and (7) In the event that you grow weary of cooking yet another meal over the open fire, nearby there's a few modest offerings like Everybody's Restaurant serving up Southern fire in a diner-like environ or Cousin Willie's Smokehouse for some very authentic Que like smoked turkey with a side of fried pickles dipped in a cup of Brunswick stew.

Happy Camping!