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Best Tent Camping near Apalachicola, FL

222 Reviews

Tent camping near Apalachicola, Florida provides access to several primitive campgrounds nestled within the surrounding national forest areas. Hickory Landing Campground in Bristol offers secluded tent-only sites with walk-in access options, while Cotton Landing and White Oak Landing provide additional tent camping opportunities within the region. These tent campgrounds are primarily situated in the Apalachicola National Forest, offering campers direct access to the natural waterways and forest environments characteristic of Florida's panhandle region.

Most tent campsites in the Apalachicola area feature basic amenities suited for primitive tent camping experiences. Pit toilets are available at most locations, though drinking water is limited or unavailable at sites like Hickory Landing. Fire rings and picnic tables are common at established sites, with campfires permitted at most locations. The region experiences mild winters with temperatures ranging from the 50s at night to the 70s during the day, making year-round tent camping possible. Summer brings higher humidity and temperatures, along with increased insect activity. Campers should be prepared for potential wildlife encounters and bring all necessary supplies, as services are limited in these remote areas.

The backcountry tent camping experience near Apalachicola offers genuine solitude and natural immersion. According to reviews, Hickory Landing provides "very secluded and private sites" with excellent paddling opportunities on Owl Creek. White Oak Landing features open areas that allow campers to spread out, with an everflowing water supply that, while sulfuric, is clean and cold. Camp Mack, another tent-friendly option, consists of seven small campsites situated along a river with boat launch access. Campers at Whitehead Landing NF Campground note the "spacious and quiet camping area" where even during peak times, visitors might encounter only a few other campers. Ticks and sticker bushes can be problematic in wooded areas, so gathering firewood along access roads is recommended to minimize exposure.

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Best Tent Sites Near Apalachicola, Florida (20)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Apalachicola, FL

222 Reviews of 20 Apalachicola Campgrounds

  • Vince F.
    Mar. 7, 2021

    Tate's Hell State Forest High Bluff Primitive Campsites, FL

    Secluded sites, great night sky

    We camped at Pidcock Road Campsite #49 during the 2020 Leonid meteor shower.  Nice place for dogs (req'd on leash) as no other campsites nearby.  Very quiet, no water or electricity.  Don't trust google map for road directions, you have to approach from the east or north.  Dirt roads could be an issue if wet and for larger RV-type set-ups.  Marginal cell phone coverage (AT&T).

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 12, 2022

    Tate's Hell State Forest High Bluff Primitive Campsites, FL

    Great!

    There are 3 separate High Bluff Primitive campsites, one at Dry Bridge, one at Rake Creek and one at Pidcock Road.  Each spot is so far away from each other that you feel completely secluded, which is nice.  We stayed at Pidcock Rd.  Even though nobody was around we still kept the dogs on leash because the spot is surrounded by water on 3 sides, and we didn't want to risk any alligator attacks.

    Site wasn't totally clean but definitely not the worst we've seen.  There is a fire ring, picnic table, and grill.  No toilet or garbage facilities so please pack out your waste.

    Road in was bumpy with some huge pits but easily navigable even in our 26ft class c, just watch the road and take it slow.  There was no cell service on the roads once we entered the dense forest but the spot itself was cleared of trees enough that we got service on ATT and Verizon.

    We followed the step by step directions that were in the confirmation email and not google maps' directions and we had no problems.

    Site was $9/night plus tax and fees which brought it to $16.79 for the one night.

  • irena J.
    Aug. 29, 2018

    Tate's Hell State Forest

    Tate's Hell State Forest

    Tate's Hell State Forest is a primitive dispersed camping area slightly north the Gulf of Mexico in the Florida Panhandle region. Instead of a single campground with multiple sites, Tate's Hell provides individual camps sites through out the forest, many of which are along the Carabelle River. Sites offer fire ring, picnic table and cleared tent area. All sites are accessed by dirt roads that are fairly well maintained. Many of these sites can accommodate a popup or RV, but there are no electrical, water or sewage hook ups in the state forest. If you are looking for an authentic backwoods, roughing it camping experience - this is your place!

    Sites can be reserved 1 877 879 3859. The regional ranger station is located at 290 Airport Rd, Carrabelle, FL 32322.

    More info https://www.freshfromflorida.com/Divisions-Offices/Florida-Forest-Service/Our-Forests/State-Forests/Tate-s-Hell-State-Forest

  • Amber A.
    Jul. 1, 2016

    T.H. Stone Memorial St. Joseph Peninsula State Park Campground

    Beautiful site with diverse habitat

    Lovely area, bring snorkels, kayaks, and bikes. Lots of wildlife. Really neat shorelines with sand and very tall trees, driftwood, dunes. Make sure to explore both sides of the peninsula. About 1.5 hours from Apalachicola National Forest, lots more to do in the area. Watch the sunset! Camp sites have nice privacy, some areas are wooded for shade. Some of my group stayed in the cabins and they were also nice (though sparcely stocked, call to know exactly what to expect). Very clean, great services as described.

  • Dale W.
    Jul. 10, 2021

    Womack Creek Campground — Tate's Hell State Forest

    Primitive, rustic, and deserving of its name.

    At over 200,000 acres, Tate's Hell is the second largest State Forest in Florida, second only to Blackwater River State Forest in Santa Rose County. That's Hell is located off of U>S> Highway 98 in  Franklin County, between the Apalachicola and Ochlockonee rivers. Check out The Ledgend of Tate's Hell on the State Forest webpage, https://www.fdacs.gov/Forest-Wildfire/Our-Forests/State-Forests/Tate-s-Hell-State-Forest.

    For roughing it in the woods, nothing I have found beats Tate's Hell. With 36 primitive campgrounds (tent space, fire ring, and picnic table) with multiple campsites and 4 campgrounds with facilities (restrooms and some RV sites) there is plenty of room to camp and explore Tate's Hell.

    The Womack Creek campground, where I spent one night, has both RV and tent campsites and a boat ramp with access to Womack Creek. 

    Recreation opportunities include the High Bluff Coastal Hiking Trail which is part of the Forest Service's Trailwalker Program.

  • Mo F.
    Sep. 2, 2016

    Ochlockonee River State Park Campground

    White sands on the Ochlockonee River

    This is a pretty nice campground. It is flat and sandy, with lots of palms and shrubbery dividing most spaces. We tent camped, but there were hammock posts at our site, as well as the usual fire ring and picnic table, and a water spigot. Our site was very roomy. There are tons of sand squirrels here--as soon as we got in, we took to the bath house (nice); when we came back our neighbors had weighted down our food totes as those (really cute, white) squirrels (read: jerks) had already tried to get into our food. I appreciated that the tent camping sites were clumped together so there wasn't an RV right on top of us.

    The campground is right next to the river, which is part of the Ochlockonee River Paddling Trail (the lower part, map 5 I think). There is a very flat walking/biking trail with historical facts posted periodically, which goes around the small park, a swimming area in the river, a playground. Nearby there is another walking trail, for birding. There are no real strenuous activities here, I would say. There is a lot of neat flora and fauna (white deer!). There is also less neat fauna--horse flies. They bite and it hurts like heck. Cover up, with clothing or spray. No sitings of those big reptiles with teeth and dino tails.

    Sopchoppy is the nearest town. There isn't a lot to do here, it's pretty remote. There is at least one fish shack. Head into Apalachicola for oysters, craft beer, beaches, etc.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 11, 2022

    Florida River Island

    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.

  • bThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 29, 2023

    Ochlockonee River State Park Campground

    Fun Stop

    Stayed for 3 nights. The bathrooms were clean and hot water. Did see the white squirrels and deer. They had no firewood for sale so make sure to bring some. The campsites are very close if you have a inner site. We were on 17 and the other fire ring was within 5 feet. We were camped by nice people so wasn’t to bad. Closes store was 20 miles in. AT&T good service. No Wi-Fi.

  • Ronald H.
    Sep. 15, 2020

    Ochlockonee River State Park Campground

    Smaller quiet wilderness campground

    We came to this campground after staying at St George Island state oro to complete a 2 week trip. We read the reviews of the small spaces for big rigs and we confirm it as we arrived.. although it is a fact we still made it with our fifth wheel on campsite#9 designated for a 35’. If the site had the front bushes trimmed out it would make it easier since it’s a curve to back it. But at the end we just back straight and the privacy of it was worth it.. it’s just back of the river and canoeing area and although we got rained at arrival since hurricane Sally approach same day we were able to see what we came for, quiet, peace, small not crowded campsite and got to see very close the unique white squirrel. Rangers at main gate were very friendly and gave us great information and tips due to heavy rain and winds expected due to hurricane Sally approaching same night. We walk thru a couple of trials and everything was well maintained. Also used the women’s restroom and although is not new the toilet and sink areas were really cleaned and the toilet paper was actually of a great quality. ( impressive knowing this to be badly rated restrooms). The tide creek Picnic Shelter is well maintained , lots of parking and there is a lot to do if you bring the kids including swings and slides. Canoeing, fishing, fire rings and all the uniqueness of the palmetto bushes and oak trees. If you like to be alone in the woods and no heavy city population this is the park to come. Did not got to enjoy the stars because of all the rain from hurricane path. We never experimented any bad winds during this Hurricane situation and the rain went so well for our taste of resting before heading back to our 7 hour trip back home. And yes looking forward to come again but will try other better sites for our fifth wheel now I know which they are.

Guide to Apalachicola

Tent camping near Apalachicola, Florida offers a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure, perfect for those looking to escape into the wilderness.

Tent campers should check out Hickory Landing Campground

  • This campground is known for its secluded sites, providing a private atmosphere ideal for relaxation and unwinding in nature.
  • Enjoy great paddling opportunities on Owl Creek, making it a fantastic spot for water enthusiasts.
  • With fires allowed, you can cozy up under the stars while enjoying a campfire experience.

Explore local activities at Camp Mack

  • Nestled in a quiet area, Camp Mack features a river along its border, perfect for fishing and kayaking.
  • The campground is small, with only seven sites, ensuring a peaceful environment for campers seeking solitude.
  • A boat launch is available, making it easy to access the water for a day of adventure.

Tips for tent camping near Apalachicola at Raptor Ranch

  • This campground offers full hookups and amenities like showers and laundry facilities, making it convenient for longer stays.
  • Located close to Tyndall AFB, it provides easy access to various recreational activities, including kayaking and fishing.
  • The site is well-suited for both tent and RV camping, accommodating a range of camping preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Apalachicola, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Apalachicola, FL is Hickory Landing Campground with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

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