Within Seminole State Forest, these primitive campsites provide a backcountry experience that requires carrying gear about a quarter-mile from the parking area to the actual camping spots. The Florida Forest Service manages this drive-in campground where sites include picnic tables and fire rings, though campers must pack everything to their designated area along forest trails.
Billy A. notes the location "between the spring and Blackwater Creek" makes it "a great spot if you want to paddle the creek." The walk-in distance varies by site, with some positioned near water access points for fishing and paddling. Meghan C. describes the quarter-mile carry as manageable but recommends "waterproof hiking boots and some gaiters" since the path "can be prone to flooding" with "muddy spots or puddles" after rain.
Sites feature basic amenities including electric, water, and sewer hookups despite the primitive designation, along with campfire privileges and pet access. The forested terrain near lakes and creeks attracts anglers and hikers exploring the state forest's trail system. Mike G. emphasizes checking hunting schedules since "this is a hunting area," particularly important for trip planning.
Rates range from $9-18 per night with reservations available. The campground works best for those comfortable with gear transport and seeking creek access within a managed forest setting. For additional camping in the region, campsites near Seminole State Forest include other forest service options.
Description
The Seminole Primitive Campsites are located in the Seminole State Forest (Lake County). These primitive campsites have the following facilities: campsites with a no electricity and no water. Certain sites are designated for groups. Recreational activities featured here are: hiking, horseback riding, biking, fishing, hunting, picnicking, bird watching, wildlife viewing and photography. Two trailheads provide primary access for the campsites. The Bear Pond Trailhead is located off of State Road 46, 5.3 miles west of Interstate 4. Cassia Trailhead is located off of Brantley Branch Road, 0.1 miles east of State Road 44 in Cassia. The trailheads provide parking areas for the walk up campsites and entrance gates for the reservation campsites.
Florida Black Bears are common in the area so be Bear Aware.
Keep all food and attractants (toothpaste, bug spray, deodorant, sunscreen, coolers, garbage, etc.) in approved bear resistant containers or locked in your vehicle, and remove all food from the area after eating. Burn off food residue on outdoor grills. If you are unable to store items in your vehicle, place in bear bag and store it in a tree, 300 feet from sleeping area, 10 feet off the ground, and 4 feet from the attachment points.
These are primitive campsites with no electricity, potable water or trash receptacles. Packing in supplies and packing out all trash is required.
Canoes and boats for use on Black Water Creek must be hand launched. Gasoline powered watercraft are prohibited.
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Drought conditions continue to worsen, and numerous Florida counties have implemented burn bans. State Forest campgrounds within counties under a burn ban are subject to the same restrictions, which may affect your camping experience. Please check the Burn Ban Public Dashboard and plan accordingly before making a reservation.
For more information, please contact the state forest office at (352) 360-6675.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsSeminole State Forest Primitive Campsites is located in Florida near DeBary
Directions
Directions to Bear Pond Trailhead: GPS Info 28.81992, -81.42825. From the intersection of Interstate 4 and State Road 46, go west on State Road 46 for 5.3 miles to the Seminole State Forest Bear Pond Trailhead entrance, located at the intersection of the Wekiva River Road. Turn north (right) and continue 0.3 miles to the parking area. Directions to Cassia Trailhead: GPS Info 28.88995, -81.46168. From the intersection of State Road 44 and State Road 19, go east on State Road 44 for 14.2 miles to Brantley Branch Road. Go east (right) on Brantley Branch Road 0.1 mile to Seminole State Forest Cassia Trailhead.
Address
28500 SR44
Eustis, FL 32736
Coordinates
28.881680006146397 N
81.4261954974881 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GGood Coverage- Verizon5GGood Coverage
AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
- Verizon5GGood Coverage
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
Drive Time
- 20 min from Deltona, FL
- 33 min from Orlando, FL
- 56 min from Wildwood, FL
- 1 hr 18 min from Ocala, FL
