j
jerry S.
Scout
ScoutHoliday Campground
Great location
Usually I’m a boondocker, but if I need to stay at a private RV place, this place is one of the nicest.
Camping near Apalachicola National Forest
Apalachicola National Forest in Florida's panhandle provides both developed campgrounds and dispersed camping options across its pine flatwoods and cypress swamps. Campers can choose from established sites like Camel Lake Campground with its spacious tent and RV sites, or Porter Lake Dispersed Camp for more primitive experiences. The forest contains several small campgrounds that serve as hunting camps during deer season, with Porter Lake and Whitehead Landing offering basic amenities including fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets. Most camping areas are situated near lakes or along the Ochlockonee River, providing water access for fishing and paddling.
Many forest roads require careful navigation, especially during or after rainfall when conditions can deteriorate. Several campgrounds including Camel Lake require traveling 2-mile dirt roads that may challenge low-clearance vehicles. Permits are not typically required for dispersed camping, though established campgrounds charge modest fees ranging from $3-20 per night. Campsites at smaller hunt camps like Porter Lake and Whitehead Landing provide basic amenities but limited privacy. The subtropical climate means high humidity and insects during summer months, with more comfortable conditions from fall through spring. As one camper noted about Porter Lake Dispersed Camp, "This campground is at least 30 miles either way on F13 (dirt road to campground) and other routes to any type of civilization. There are a lot of logging trucks who use the road during the day and other vehicles but at night total quiet, just the wildlife."
Most campers report satisfaction with the seclusion and natural setting of forest campgrounds despite basic facilities. Waterfront access represents a key attraction, with boat ramps available at several sites including Mack Landing and Whitehead Landing. Wildlife viewing opportunities include alligators in lakes and various forest species. Campers consistently mention the peace and quiet as major advantages, particularly at smaller campgrounds. Sites with electrical hookups are limited, with only four at Camel Lake Campground. Travelers seeking more amenities might prefer state parks in the region like Ochlockonee River State Park. Vault toilets and non-potable water spigots are available at most established sites, though shower facilities are rare. Reviews frequently mention the helpfulness of campground hosts at developed sites.
Best Camping Sites Near Apalachicola National Forest (137)
1. Camel Lake Campground
12 ReviewsBristol, FL14 milesWebsite+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. Porter Lake Dispersed Camp
4 ReviewsApalachicola National Forest, FL8 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."
"Fun and laughter around a campfire. There is a boat ramp, pit toilets and water available here. Nice roads lead to this gem."
3. Ochlockonee River State Park Campground
24 ReviewsSopchoppy, FL22 milesWebsite+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."
4. Porter Lake Campground
4 ReviewsApalachicola National Forest, FL8 milesWebsite+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."
5. Ho-Hum RV Park
19 ReviewsCarrabelle, FL22 milesWebsite+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 ReviewApalachicola National Forest, FL7 milesWebsite7. Whitehead Landing NF Campground
2 ReviewsApalachicola National Forest, FL8 milesWebsite+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 ReviewApalachicola National Forest, FL5 milesWebsite9. Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park Campground
41 ReviewsEastpoint, FL30 milesWebsite+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."
"The most private site seemed at the very tip opposite of the entrance/exit. Mostly RVs and adventure vans when we were there, saw a handful of camps and hammocks. really clean, updated bathrooms."
10. Camp Mack
2 ReviewsSopchoppy, FL10 milesWebsite+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."
Recent Camping Photos near Apalachicola National Forest
104 Photos of 137 Apalachicola National Forest Campgrounds
Camp With Me
Porter Lake Campground
Travels W.
Camp Mack
Camp With Me
Hitchcock Lake Campground
Kathy D.
Camel Lake Campground
Robert G.
Wright Lake Campground
Carrie with BottleCapsAndBacon F.
Loop Road Campsite — Tate's Hell State Forest Womack Creek Primitive Campsites
Donna G.
Myron B. Hodge City Park
irena J.
Tate's Hell State Forest
thomas V.
Buckhorn Hunt Camp
Annie C.
Ochlockonee River State Park Campground
Zach L.
Tate's Hell State Forest High Bluff Primitive Campsites, FL
Juke W.
Bayside RV Resort & Marina LLC
Recent Reviews near Apalachicola National Forest
499 Reviews of 137 Apalachicola National Forest Campgrounds
- jjerry S.Scout
Hickory Landing Campground
Nice remote spot
Nothing special, pit toilet, great boondocking spot, $3 nightly fee
- JJulia F.Scout
Womack Creek Campground — Tate's Hell State Forest
Sites are well spaced, lovely setting, potable water questionable
Stayed in the area with campsites 28-40, I was in Campsite #38 with my 26' travel trailer. Most other campsites for tents only. Drive in was good with flat sandy roads, not too bumpy. The setting is beautiful among tall pines and saw palmetto. Only one bathroom, having a 1 toilet and sink with low water pressure and a shower. Fairly clean. Had electric at my campsite, but no water.
Website says "non-potable water available nearby", but it was not clear where. I found a two taps on the neighboring campsite, but they were not labeled if the water was potable or not.
Walking trails from the campite were not apparent, but I walked some of the many flat sandy forest service roads. Came during early spring migration for songbirds, and heard Northern Parula and resident white-eyed vireos, but the weather was not prime for fall outs. Had a few 80+ F days in late March, but otherwise beautiful weather. Loved the sound of the breeze in the trees. I would come again but with my fresh tank filled to meet my needs.
On Saturday my neighbor had their music playing a little too loud, but other than that I enjoyed a quiet stay.
- BBob B.Scout
Eastbank
Perfect for Overnight Camp
Stayed on C 31. Easy parking for my fifth wheel. Right on the water. Breezy & full sunshine, no tree shade. Beautiful sunset! Grass needed to be mowed, and park attendant warned of Argentine ants (gave me a flyer with suggestions to protect against them). I spray my contact points anyway with bug spray, and saw rigs with bluish powder sprinkled around tires. Level concrete pad. Picnic table weathered & rough. Park was 75% full.
- EEthan D.
TravelerBuckhorn Hunt Camp
Tent and sedan friendly
I travel in a toyota sedan so I was a bit worried about taking the dirt road. From the blacktop, it’s about 2 miles of bumpy dirt road. My car had no trouble playing go-cart, but wouldn’t come through here in the rain. Otherwise, will be back if I’m in Northern FL.
I stayed in a tent and had no trouble finding a flat area with good drainage. Stakes were easy to set in the ground and held well.
Camped for one night with just two other campers. Very quiet and great view of the stars.
Decent cell service for Verizon, was even able to stream.
Bring a book or plan for some quiet meditation as there’s no trails or much to explore. Great place to stop for the night before heading down to the keys.
Grab food and supplies before entering the National Forest. If you poop, bury it unless you want to lull critters to your campsite (: No trash available so plan ahead.
I heard mourning doves, Carolina wrens, and Cardinals before the sunset and fell asleep to the southern frog chorus.
- jason
GuideNewport Park Campground
Short visit, didn’t stay overnight
Was actually at the spot geocaching, but really like the look of this little campground. And I mean little.
There’s a combination of electric hook ups and non-electric hook ups. It’s all very well kept and clean and organized.
Favoring this one for potential return to actually camp at. Gave this one 4 to 5 stars which is above average for me. But I’ve earned a fifth star if it wasn’t so close to the road with road noise and had been staffed full-time, and had a few more amenities.
- jasonGuide
High Bluff Campground — Joe Budd WMA and Lake Talquin State Forest
Nice, very simple
This was a quick overnight stay for myself. I arrived a little bit after sunset and left fairly early in the morning.
Stayed at site number 18, which was Lakeside, but all campsites have decent view of lake through the trees. There is a dock and she can walk down to the water itself.
This is a very isolated place, and you have to drive down a dirt road, but very packed, which even sedans can handle no problem, unless it’s been raining that it might get a little slippery
When I stayed, it was 34° so didn’t do a whole lot but get set up in the rooftop tent and sleep. No real issues with Internet, for Verizon, but signal wasn’t super strong.
There is a toilet bathroom that is composting style, without sinks or showers.
But I booked I thought it said electrical, but after I booked, it said no electrical and when I arrived on site, there was a electrical pedestal, looked brand new, but not working. Unknown if they will soon have electricity or not ever used.
For its isolation and quietness and availability, I would definitely return. I don’t have a lot in this area to attend to, but this is a nice spot.
Star count is only down, ranked due to lack of electricity and water, as well as the slightly difficult drive in. That’s a plus for some people, but that’s how I do my star rankings.
Lesly S.TravelerRaptor Ranch at Tyndall AFB
Red Alert
While staying at FamCamp we were awakened at 4 am to sirens blasting “Code Red, Code” The war with Iran had just started and we didn’t know what to think, until we distinctly heard TRAINING DRILL. The campground itself is small and provided everything we needed for a short stay. Beautiful surroundings- but very noisy. The free air show with the Jets taking off and landing was incredible.
- RRichard A.Guide
Eastbank
Great campground, 2nd visit.
This is the second time we have visited Eastbank, the park is beautiful, staff very helpful and friendly, and bathhouses are clean.
We stayed for a week on site A-01 which is waterfront and loved it. During both our visits the park was not at capacity but was peaceful. The sunsets are not to be missed.
Should you forget anything there are a couple of options within a short drive to Chattahoochee (FL.).
Note that both bathhouses are in loop B, and while not too far are a bit of a walk from the other loops. Also, did not see any playground for the younger campers but all appeared to be having a wonderful time anyway.
Overall, quiet, beautiful, and relaxing.
Guide to Apalachicola National Forest
Apalachicola National Forest spans over 630,000 acres with diverse camping opportunities throughout its longleaf pine forests and cypress wetlands. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity, while winter nights can drop below 40°F. Most forest service roads become challenging after heavy rainfall, with standing water common in low-lying camping areas.
What to do
Fishing from established docks: At Camel Lake Campground, campers access multiple fishing spots. "Clean restroom, great host, and good fishing," notes one visitor. The lake supports various freshwater species throughout the year.
Night sky viewing: Light pollution is minimal at more remote sites. "At night total quiet, just the wildlife," reports a camper at Porter Lake Dispersed Camp. Clear winter nights offer excellent stargazing opportunities from December through March.
Trail hiking: Several campgrounds connect to forest trail systems. "The lake has a hiking trail encircling it," mentions a Camel Lake visitor. Most trails are flat, with loop options ranging from 1-5 miles in length, suitable for novice hikers.
What campers like
Lake swimming access: Designated swimming areas provide relief during hot months. "Swimming area as well," reports a camper at Camel Lake, while another notes, "there is a swimming area and I was able to put my kayak in for a nice paddle."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The forest hosts diverse wildlife year-round. One camper at Ochlockonee River State Park mentioned, "While I didn't see any gators, there were signs warning about them. I did see several deer, a raccoon, and some lizards." The park is also known for its unique white squirrels.
Boat launching facilities: Several camping areas provide direct water access. "The river is beautiful to boat or kayak and fish," writes a Porter Lake visitor. Mack Landing offers additional boat ramp access to the Ochlockonee River for larger watercraft.
What you should know
Variable water availability: Not all sites offer potable water. At Porter Lake Dispersed Camp, "There is a boat ramp, pit toilets and water available here," but another camper notes "They say non potable but there are no signs." Always bring drinking water or purification methods.
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies widely across the forest. At Whitehead Landing NF Campground, campers report "Decent Verizon signal, no T-Mobile." Many remote areas have no service regardless of carrier.
Weather-dependent road conditions: Forest roads deteriorate quickly during rain. "Nice roads lead to this gem," says one Porter Lake visitor, but conditions can change rapidly. Many campgrounds require traveling dirt roads that may become impassable for low-clearance vehicles after heavy rainfall.
Tips for camping with families
Insect preparation: Biting insects are prevalent year-round. At St. George Island State Park, visitors warn "Nats and mosquitos really bad, take bug spray and fans," and another notes "the bugs—definitely recommend mosquito nets and a thermacell."
Beach alternatives: For coastal camping with children, consider parks with managed beaches. "The sand is sugar white and clean, minus some seaweed. We saw a few dolphins from a distance and collected some neat shells," reports a St. George Island camper.
Site privacy considerations: Campground layouts vary in privacy. At Ochlockonee River State Park, "Set back in palms and live oak, the campground is private with some sites very private and others not at all. The best sites seemed to be #7-9 and #18-21."
Tips from RVers
Site size limitations: Large rigs face challenges at most forest campgrounds. At Ho-Hum RV Park, "Nice park. All pull through sites except for waterfront," while at Porter Lake Hunt Camp, one RVer notes "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."
Utility access considerations: Hookups are limited in national forest camping areas. "Only four of the spots have electrical," reports a Camel Lake visitor. Most primitive sites offer no hookups, while established campgrounds typically provide water and electric at designated sites.
Leveling challenges: Many forest campsites require leveling equipment. At Ochlockonee River State Park, "The road among the sites and the sites are all dirt but level to the eye. Only the handicap space has a concrete pad (#23)."
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best camping spots in Apalachicola National Forest?
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?
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?
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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