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Camping near Apalachicola National Forest

453 Reviews

Apalachicola National Forest draws many campers with its wide-ranging outdoor options. Alligator Point has good coastal camping for anyone who likes setting up near the beach. Bald Point State Park sits just a short drive away with picnic spots and trails for hiking. The forest has specific permit rules and fire limits that all visitors need to follow. You'll likely see deer and lots of birds during your stay, so keep your food secured to avoid wildlife problems. You can book campsites online, but you'll want to do this well ahead of time during busy seasons. Throughout the forest, you can hike, fish, or take a kayak out on the water. Most people find the summer too hot and sticky, with spring and fall giving much better camping weather. Apalachicola works well for both quick weekend trips and longer camping stays.

Map showing campgrounds near Apalachicola National Forest, FloridaExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Apalachicola National Forest (131)

    1. Camel Lake Campground

    11 Reviews
    Bristol, FL
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (850) 643-2282

    $20 - $30 / night

    "The trails were nice and maintained. There is a swimming area and I was able to put my kayak in for a nice paddle. Will definitely return once the Florida sun gets tucked in for winter."

    "It is very quiet, the beach is nice (there are 2 gators that live on the other side of the lake), the bathrooms are clean, the shower was decent & the host was great!"

    2. Ochlockonee River State Park Campground

    21 Reviews
    Sopchoppy, FL
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (850) 962-2771

    $18 / night

    "I live near Ochlockonee River SP and I really enjoy it for day use and camping."

    "It’s now one of our favorites in Florida. Campground is lovely, with live oak trees providing ample shade and privacy."

    3. Porter Lake Campground

    2 Reviews
    Apalachicola National Forest, FL
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (850) 643-2282

    "We have a 23 ft class c rv and we got through the dirt road drive to get there and there was plenty of space for us an probably a bit bigger of rv could fit."

    4. Porter Lake Dispersed Camp

    2 Reviews
    Apalachicola National Forest, FL
    8 miles

    "It’s near hunting and lots of road noise from the nearby bridge but overall it’s a nice overnight getaway from the daily grind. There’s toilets and a non potable spigot to clean off personal items."

    5. Ho-Hum RV Park

    18 Reviews
    Carrabelle, FL
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (850) 697-3926

    "Dog friendly and fine for kids but be mindful that there’s not much to do except fish and walk on the small beach."

    "The Ho Hum is a great little campground right on St George Sound near Carrabelle. The sites are gravel, level, and large enough. All are full hook-ups."

    6. Vilas Campsite

    1 Review
    Apalachicola National Forest, FL
    7 miles
    Website

    7. Whitehead Landing NF Campground

    2 Reviews
    Apalachicola National Forest, FL
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (850) 643-2282

    "Only downside is that most of the fire rings seem to double as garbage cans by other campers as they are leaving, despite the nearby receptacles."

    8. Sapling Head Campsite

    1 Review
    Apalachicola National Forest, FL
    5 miles
    Website

    9. Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park Campground

    39 Reviews
    Eastpoint, FL
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (850) 927-2111

    $24 / night

    "It's a perfect location for bird or dolphin watching, fishing, sunbathing, or beach walking. The campsites are spacious, secluded, and relatively hard to come by."

    "George Island in May on Florida’s“Forgotten Coast” but the State Park on the island really stole the show. "

    10. Camp Mack

    2 Reviews
    Sopchoppy, FL
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (850) 926-3561

    $1 / night

    "Pulled in around 3:00 on a Saturday afternoon. Only 3 other sites were being used . Felt very safe. $10 a night. With the America The Beautiful lifetime pass , we paid $8.50."

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Recent Camping Photos near Apalachicola National Forest

96 Photos of 131 Apalachicola National Forest Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Apalachicola National Forest

453 Reviews of 131 Apalachicola National Forest Campgrounds

  • Bobbie S.
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Stay n Go RV Resort

    Great nights rest

    This is our second stay here. It is so easy to book online or over the phone. They have restrooms, a bathhouse and restaurant options within walking distance. I. Forgot to take pictures AGAIN. Would definitely stay here again and will try to remember to take photos 😂

  • S F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Florida Caverns RV Resort

    Nice Stay

    We stayed here for two nights/three days of a ten day trip. It was hands-down the nicest of the locations. Clean, concrete pads, excellent location and good wi-fi that was not up-charged. The pool area was nice and clean. Service and staff were excellent/friendly and they escorted us to our site upon arrival. They also have trash pickup at your site daily. We saw a security truck drive through several times and had no problems from our neighbors. The location near the water cannot be beat. We were located near the docks and I was able to launch my paddle board easily. The water was gorgeous and clear on the adjacent spring/pond. Our AT&T cell service was good. 

    My only(very minor) complaints are that there are very few trees or shaded areas at this location and it would have been nice to have the fire pits included at the site. We did not spend any time sitting outside our camper and we only did about ten minutes in the dog park because of the sun, but then again, it's Florida in July in an area that's still recovering from tornadoes and a major hurricane. And by the time we thought it had cooled off enough to enjoy s'mores in the evening, the office had long since closed so we couldn't rent a fire pit. We have family that we visit often in the area, so we will definitely stay here again! We camped at Florida Caverns RV Resort at Merritt's Mill Pond in a Travel Trailer.

  • Matthew V.
    Aug. 14, 2025

    Indian Pass Campground

    Quiet and Relaxing

    This is a very low key campground., tucked away on a dead end road. Beautiful water front sites. Campground is just a tad compact when it comes to vehicle maneuverability, but very manageable. Wonderful and helpful staff. Will be returning.

  • Michael L.
    Jul. 27, 2025

    Eastbank

    Lakeside view

    Very nice views of lake and shade also for the hot summers

  • B
    Jul. 15, 2025

    Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park Campground

    Beautiful location, but sooo many bugs

    This campground was really enjoyable. Sites are a decent size, close to each other but the trees and shrubbery provide enough privacy. The bathhouses were pretty nice as well. Spacious showers and hot water. The only downside to this location was the bugs— definitely recommend mosquito nets and a thermacell. We only stayed one night, but the management did spray for bugs around sunset.

    The activities on the island are amazing too. There were a couple boat ramps to launch kayaks from, lots of wildlife, a beautiful beach, and the stargazing was phenomenal.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 4, 2025

    Whitehead Landing NF Campground

    Nice quiet off grid sites

    Decent Verizon signal, no T-Mobile. Non-potable water spigot. There’s a nice little boat ramp on the river.

  • T. D.
    Jul. 1, 2025

    Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park Campground

    An itchy week

    The campground is easy to access with mostly level sites. Some sites have shade from overgrown brush/trees, enjoyed having the divide between sites. Easy access to the beach. BUT, the bathhouses need a lot more attention. Stayed a whole week, and the cleaning done was very minimal. It wasn't because campers were being destructive after a cleaning, it was clear it just wasn't being cleaned daily. My main complaint is, to no fault of the campground, was the amount of mosquitoes and other biting insects were unbearable. Insect repellent didn't work. Be careful of fire ant hills, they are everywhere. Bring all necessities because options are limited for shopping in the area and considerably more expensive than normal.

Guide to Apalachicola National Forest

Camping near Apalachicola National Forest, Florida, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor activities. With its lush landscapes and diverse wildlife, this area is perfect for families, RVers, and anyone looking to escape into nature.

What to do:

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Torreya State Park Campground said, "The bathroom and showers are impeccable."
  • Friendly Staff: Campground hosts often receive praise for their hospitality. One reviewer at Ho-Hum RV Park mentioned, "The owners are sweet people and very proud of their park."
  • Peaceful Atmosphere: Campers enjoy the tranquility of the area. A guest at High Bluff - Joe Budd WMA and Lake Talquin State Forest remarked, "It is a great quiet campground."

What you should know:

  • Site Sizes Vary: Some campgrounds have small sites that may not accommodate larger RVs. A camper at Ochlockonee River State Park Campground noted, "Camp sites are indeed close and some sites might be hard for trailers, campers, or RVs."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have grocery stores nearby. A visitor at Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park Campground mentioned, "Make sure you are stocked up on food and drinks. Very small grocery about 10 miles away."
  • Mosquitoes in Warmer Months: Be prepared for bugs, especially in summer. A reviewer at Ochlockonee River State Park Campground warned, "You will certainly experience mosquitoes and deer flies if you do go in the warmer months."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Bring Activities: Keep kids entertained with outdoor games and fishing gear. A family at Ed and Bernices Fish Camp and RV Park enjoyed, "The kids could not keep from playing by the water."
  • Plan for Meals: Since some campgrounds are remote, plan meals ahead. A camper at Torreya State Park Campground suggested, "Bring some binoculars for bird watching."
  • Check for Family-Friendly Amenities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds or open spaces. A visitor at Holiday Campground appreciated, "Everyone is so friendly and the evenings when everyone is out watching the sunset is very nice."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site before booking. A reviewer at Ho-Hum RV Park mentioned, "I had a 16 ft van... the people there did not like me camping the old ways."
  • Look for Full Hookups: Some campgrounds offer full hookups, which can make your stay more comfortable. A camper at Coe Landing Campground noted, "There was even a light pole that could be turned off at night if desired."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Connectivity: Many campgrounds have poor cell service. A visitor at Torreya State Park Campground said, "No wlan and bad mobile connection."

Camping near Apalachicola National Forest, Florida, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, but it's good to be prepared for what to expect!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best camping spots in Apalachicola National Forest?

Wright Lake Campground is highly recommended with many first-come-first-served sites and recent renovations making it a pleasant surprise for visitors. For a waterfront experience, Coe Landing Campground offers beautiful lake views and access to extensive hiking trails on adjacent property. Both provide a peaceful forest setting typical of the region. For more primitive camping options, Porter Lake Dispersed Camp offers free sites with basic facilities. When venturing slightly outside the forest boundaries, River Junction Campground provides convenient overnight accommodations for travelers heading to/from Tallahassee with boat launch access.

What activities can visitors enjoy in Apalachicola National Forest?

Apalachicola National Forest offers diverse outdoor activities for all interests. Visitors can enjoy swimming in designated areas, kayaking on lakes, and fishing in numerous waterways. The forest features extensive hiking trails through varied ecosystems. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with chances to spot native Florida species. Mountain biking is popular on designated trails, while paddlers can explore Camel Lake Campground which offers both swimming areas and kayak access. For those traveling with bikes, the area near Water's Edge RV Park provides access to a 9-mile bike path. Photography enthusiasts will appreciate spectacular sunsets and diverse landscapes throughout the forest.

What amenities are available at Apalachicola National Forest campgrounds?

Amenities vary across Apalachicola National Forest campgrounds. Torreya State Park Campground offers 29 sites with fire rings, picnic tables, and access to hiking trails. The small size creates a peaceful atmosphere. At Eastbank, campers enjoy large sites with fire rings, picnic tables, lantern poles, charcoal grills, and prep tables. Sites are either paved or gravel with several pull-through options available. Most developed campgrounds in the forest provide vault toilets at minimum, while some offer potable water. Dispersed camping areas like Porter Lake typically provide only basic facilities such as toilets. Visitors should note that laundry facilities and full hookups are limited throughout the forest, so campers should come prepared accordingly.

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