Best Tent Camping near Apalachicola National Forest
Apalachicola National Forest offers numerous primitive tent campsites within its expansive Florida pine forests and along its waterways. Whitehead Landing Campground provides basic tent sites at $3 per night with pit toilets and water spigots, though reviews note the water is non-potable. Hickory Landing Campground features secluded tent sites accessible by boat, vehicle, or on foot, with fire rings and picnic tables available for campers seeking a more natural camping experience near water access.
Most tent sites throughout the forest feature dirt or sandy soil surfaces with minimal improvements. Cotton Landing and White Oak Landing campgrounds offer vault toilets, though many hunt camps and primitive sites have no facilities. Fire rings are available at select locations like Camp Mack, which also provides trash collection services. During hunting seasons, particularly deer season, several campgrounds experience increased use. Campers should pack all necessary supplies, as drinking water is scarce throughout the forest campgrounds. Sites near water access points tend to see occasional boat traffic, though most remain relatively quiet.
The tent camping experience varies significantly across the forest's diverse camping areas. Sites near river access provide opportunities for paddling and fishing, with Hickory Landing receiving positive reviews for its paddling opportunities on Owl Creek. Tent campers often enjoy considerable privacy at these forest sites, particularly during weekdays or off-season periods. According to one visitor, "The paddling is great on owl creek," while another noted, "At only $3/night, you can't beat the peace and quiet!" Most campgrounds remain open year-round, allowing tent campers to experience the forest through different seasons. Wildlife sightings are common, with alligators present in waterways and various bird species throughout the forest.
