Camper submitted image from Florida River Island - 1
View All
Camper submitted image from Florida River Island - 2
Roads
Camper submitted image from Florida River Island - 3
Facilities
Camper submitted image from Florida River Island - 4
People
Camper submitted image from Florida River Island - 5
Animals

Free Camping Collection

Established Camping

Florida River Island

Review Campground Win Gear

Do you own or manage this property?

Claim Your Listing

Florida River Island offers camping near the Apalachicola River, surrounded by flat terrain and dense forest. Temperatures range from 40°F in winter to 90°F in summer. Nearby, visitors can explore the Apalachicola National Forest and the Gulf of Mexico's beaches.

Description

Utility

Florida River Island is an approximately 5,800-acre island in the Apalachicola River floodplain which is accessible during normal-to-low water conditions by crossing the Florida River bridge at the west end of Forest Road 188, off Highway 379. Two improved roads are open to vehicles and a number of mowed management roads are open to pedestrian use. During and after high-water events, the gate at the Florida River Island bridge is closed to prevent vehicle access due to unsafe conditions on the island. Pedestrian access is allowed at those times. On the east end of the Florida River Island bridge is a recreation area with a day-use picnic area, boat ramp, and 10 overnight campsites that are available by reservation only. This recreation area offers two picnic pavilions, pedestal grills, fire rings and a composting toilet. Each campsite can hold a maximum of eight people and two vehicles. Campsites 1 through 6 are for use by campers with tents only, while campsites 7 through 10 may be used by campers with all types of camping equipment, including RVs, trailers and vans. The campsites do not have power, water or waste disposal hookups. The day-use area is open daily from dawn to dusk and launching and retrieval of boats is permitted at all times.

Suggest an Edit

Location

Florida River Island is located in Florida

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

30.18559992 N
85.0850004 W

Open in Google Maps

The Dyrt Alerts

Get reservations at sold-out campgrounds.

Learn More

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Good
  • Verizon
    Available
  • AT&T
    Good
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

FREE established camping

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Florida River Island needs a permit.


Reviews

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

67%
34%
0%
0%
0%

4.5

out of 5

3 Reviews

Reviewed Mar. 24, 2024

Great peaceful

Quiet camping , clean and not crowded. No cell signal, peaceful near the river.

Sitesite 7
Month of VisitMarch
  • Review photo of Florida River Island by Pam G., March 24, 2024
Reviewed Feb. 11, 2022

Free! Reservations Required.

There are about 10 sites total at this free campground.  There is a tent-only side with about 4 sites, with a pit toilet.  The tent sites are much nicer than the RV sites.  They are among the trees, they are more spread out, and on the water.  The RV sites are all lined up in a row in an open field with no shade.  The RV sites have a concrete pad as well as a fire pit and a grill and a picnic table.

We were here over a weekend and it was really, really quiet.  There was only one other RV camper here besides us and no hooligans coming through, surprisingly.

Good cell service with ATT and Verizon.  There are garbage bins (no recycling).

Not a fancy place but great for free.  You need to make reservations in advance with the Northwest Florida Water Management District.

Site8
Month of VisitFebruary
  • site #1, on the water
    Play button icon
  • Play button icon
  • site #2
    Play button icon
  • (12) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the elevation of Florida River Island?

    Florida River Island is located at 27 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Florida River Island?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Florida River Island, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Florida River Island?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is available, AT&T is good, and T-Mobile is unknown.