Best Campgrounds near Baker, FL

Blackwater River State Forest dominates the camping landscape around Baker, Florida, with several established campgrounds and primitive sites scattered throughout the 210,000-acre pine forest. Karick Lake campgrounds, both North and South, provide electric and water hookups for RVs while maintaining a natural lakeside setting. The region includes several privately operated RV parks like Eagle's Landing and River's Edge that offer full hookups, while Wilderness Landing provides free primitive camping directly on the Blackwater River. Most campgrounds in the area accommodate both tent and RV camping, with varying levels of amenities ranging from basic sites with no facilities to developed campgrounds with showers and electric hookups.

Camping availability remains consistent year-round at most locations near Baker, with Florida's mild winter climate making it popular for snowbirds. The area's sandy soil drains quickly after rain, though flooding can occasionally impact riverside campgrounds. Most developed sites require reservations, especially during winter months when northern visitors arrive. Wilderness Landing stands out as a free option with a 14-day stay limit, offering basic amenities without hookups. Roads to most campgrounds are well-maintained, though some forest service roads may require careful navigation after heavy rainfall. According to one visitor, "It's not on the big side of campgrounds but still has some of the amenities. No hookups at the campsites but there is running water in the bath house with flushing toilets."

Water access represents a significant draw throughout the region, with multiple campgrounds situated directly on lakes or the Blackwater River. The clear, sandy-bottomed Blackwater River provides swimming and paddling opportunities, while Karick Lake supports fishing when water levels are favorable. Several visitors noted the peaceful atmosphere at lakeside campgrounds, with one camper describing Karick Lake South as having "a beautiful lakefront view" that is "quiet, serene, and simply beautiful." Forest trails connect many campgrounds, including a 4-mile Karick Lake Loop Trail that is part of the Florida Forest Service's Trailwalker Program. Campground hosts maintain facilities at state forest sites, while private RV parks typically offer more amenities including WiFi, though at higher nightly rates. Most campgrounds in the region are pet-friendly with standard leash requirements.

Best Camping Sites Near Baker, Florida (121)

    1. Blackwater River State Park Campground

    33 Reviews
    Holt, FL
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (850) 983-5363

    $20 / night

    "Beautiful Setting With Nearby Trails There are a couple short trails and a swimming beach at Juniper Lake, but I can't get excited about swimming in an area that has alligator warning signs on the"

    "Yet another one of the state of Florida's fantastic state parks.  You don't need the beach when you've got the pristine white sands of the shores of Blackwater river. "

    2. Bear Lake Campground

    12 Reviews
    Baker, FL
    10 miles
    +1 (850) 957-5700

    $13 - $22 / night

    "Bear Lake Campground within Bear Lake Recreation Area - Blackwater River State Forest is off the beaten path, high in the Florida Panhandle."

    "Bear Lake Campground is a little piece of paradise! Nestled within the Blackwater River State Forest, you are surrounded by beautiful nature."

    3. North Karick Lake Campground — Blackwater River State Forest

    7 Reviews
    Baker, FL
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (850) 957-5700

    "This is a great single loop 20 site campground right on the lake mostly rvers. Individual bathroom, shower rooms, clean, and nice."

    "The campground is split up into two areas on either side of the lake (the upper and lower) and both have walking paths, camping, and lake access."

    4. Eagle's Landing RV Park

    5 Reviews
    Holt, FL
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (850) 537-9657

    $37 - $40 / night

    "Quiet, friendly Campground was exactly what we needed when attending a Baseball Tournament at NorthWest Florida State College."

    "going here for the last 4 years we love the people, they're very nice and good people, there lots are a good size, they're very reasonable with their price we're not going anywhere else when we're in Florida"

    5. River's Edge RV Campground

    7 Reviews
    Holt, FL
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (850) 537-2267

    $30 / night

    "We liked our spot because it was tucked in the woods and we had no close neighbors. The rest of the campsites were in the open, but the distance between rigs was reasonable. "

    "We arrived around 4pm and were glad we had reservations because the park had no more open spots."

    6. South Karick Lake Campground — Blackwater River State Forest

    4 Reviews
    Baker, FL
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (850) 957-5700

    $22 / night

    "The best parts of this recreation center are the 65-acre Karick Lake and the 4-mile Karick Lake Loop Trail, part of the Florida Forest Service's Trailwalker Program."

    "Single loop campground mostly RVs most of the site right next to the lake quiet, peaceful, amazing simple getaway."

    7. Wilderness Landing

    4 Reviews
    Baker, FL
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (850) 689-5790

    "Want to be away from it all - this is the place. Grass sites, some shade."

    "It is located right on the Blackwater River and has a boat launch and two pavilions with tables and barbeque grills right on the beach. The river is sand bottom and fairly clear."

    8. Krul Lake

    5 Reviews
    Baker, FL
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (850) 957-5700

    $25 / night

    "We've never camped here, but have been numerous times swimming and walking trails. The water is beautiful and nice and cool."

    "Lake was wonderful. They have lifeguards during the summer. There’s a small hiking trail from krul to bear lake. Clean bathrooms. Camp sites were clean and decently spaced apart."

    9. Hurricane Lake North Campground

    4 Reviews
    Wing, AL
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (850) 957-5700

    $22 / night

    "a nice little campground on Hurricane Lake. the restrooms are clean. the tent sites have running water and the rv/tent sites have water and electric. very quiet expect for the frogs. a good place to fish"

    "The Hurricane Lake North Campground is located within the Hurricane Lake Recreation Area, in the Blackwater River State Forest (Okaloosa County), about 1-hour northeast of Pensacola, FL."

    10. Black Water River State Forest Primitive Camping

    5 Reviews
    Holt, FL
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (850) 957-5700

    "Black Water River State Forest is on the Florida and Alabama state line. This is all primitive camping so be sure to bring EVERYTHING you need to camp."

    "Epic free spot just outside of the Black Water Forest State Park. Camp here for up to 14 days."

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Recent Reviews near Baker, FL

745 Reviews of 121 Baker Campgrounds


  • FThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Grayton Beach State Park Campground

    Grayton is great!

    This is a hard location to get a site. Reservations have to be made far in advance. There is good privacy in the campground, with thick brush and trees separating the sites. The restrooms were immaculate. Beautiful beach, only on hiking trail in the main part, but others nearby. There are cabins too. I give it high marks.

  • Aaron D.
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore

    Perfect Beach Getaway

    We stayed at spot E40 in Loop E. Somewhat easy to back into. The spot was relatively flat and only needed slight leveling side to side. Bathrooms weren't too far away, just a short walk. It was very quiet at night with barely any lights. The cell service wasn't really great in our specific spot, the closer you got to Fort Pickens, the better it was, as was going back towards Pensacola Beach. Having easy access to all the beach spots was very nice. Langdon beach was a great place with good restrooms and was very quiet when we went. Fort Pickens itself was a great visit and a must see. Overall the campground was great, good amenities, very quiet, access to the beach, ton of other activities in Pensacola Beachas well as Gulf Breeze.

  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore

    Nice beaches but campground pretty packed

    First off, we stayed in space number E 24 and I want to caution that there is a tree over hanging the site that if you have more than 11 feet height in your RV you need to hug the driver side of the site or you’ll hit the tree. Site was nice and level. Short quarter mile hike over to the beach. Hike out to Fort Pickens was a nice trail, and the fort itself was pretty cool. We did not visit the bathrooms/showers so can’t comment on those. I would say 80 to 90% of the campsites are probably in the sun. Very few actually have trees with shade. It does cost an extra $25 or America the beautiful pass to get into the Fort Pickens national Park. We did visit the aviation museum over on the airbase which was fascinating and it was free.

  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Blackwater River State Park Campground

    Beautiful area right next to the river

    The main reason I did not get this campground five stars, which really isn’t their fault, but there’s quite a bit of air traffic noise with helicopters and planes flying overhead. I think there is an airport nearby. The campground itself is very well-maintained with nice level pads and full hook ups. Caution, if you’re coming from the east on 90 Google maps will have you turn at Cooper Lane. Continue on 90 until you get to Deaton Bridge Road. The other way will take you meandering through about 10 miles of small back roads and Deaton Bridge Road is only about 4 miles from the campground. Showers were nice and great hiking trails in the area.

  • M
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Fort Walton Beach RV Park

    great stay!

    such a great spot! The park is clean (i think new), well taken care of, and close to everything .... beaches, restaurants, and stores (but still at a great rate). The sites were easy to pull into (thank goodness, sometimes that is a challenge) and had everything we needed. The staff was friendly and hospitable. It’s a nice, quiet place to relax... park is safe feeling. Good stay overall, would come back

  • Jordan W.
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Fort Walton Beach RV Park

    Clean Park, Good Size

    This park was perfect for us, and in a great location. We were able to save money but still enjoy the awesome costal town. There is great stufff all around, and we felt very safe in the park.

    It was clean, the grass looked wonderful, the pad were wide, the picnic pads were great and we had so much fun!

  • B
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Fort Walton Beach RV Park

    Brand New RV Park!

    This RV Park was beautiful, beand new, well maintained and in a great location. We enjoyed our stay here and plan to be back next year. The community center had laundry and the wifi was fast. The picnic table was sturdy and I liked the pavered sites, it felt very clean and elevated!

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Pensacola Beach RV Resort

    Perfection!

    I'd give it 10 stars if I could! The parking spots are pristine, the showers clean, the tiki bar on the sound beach was incredible, with lots of chairs & bean bags to laze around in... The pool is beautiful & super clean, with lights all around & a fountain!


Guide to Baker

The Blackwater River State Forest region near Baker, Florida sits in the northern panhandle at approximately 200 feet above sea level. The sandy soil throughout the camping areas creates well-drained campsites except after heavy rainfall events when riverfront locations may experience flooding. Winter temperatures typically range from 40-65°F, making Baker camping locations popular year-round with fewer crowds during weekdays.

What to do

Water recreation access points: Several campgrounds provide direct water access for paddling. At Blackwater River State Park Campground, visitors appreciate the pristine waterway. "You don't need the beach when you've got the pristine white sands of the shores of Blackwater river. The river and the surrounds are super quiet, peaceful and beautiful. Tubing, kayaking canoeing are all super here," notes Jim.

Fishing opportunities: Hurricane Lake offers productive fishing from shore or boat. At Hurricane Lake North Campground, anglers can fish without a boat thanks to purpose-built structures. "A good place to fish where they built a dock out in the water so if you don't have a boat you can still fish away from shore," reports L.S.

Trail systems: The Blackwater River State Forest contains several interconnected trails ranging from short loops to longer networks. "The hiking trails were quite near and the hikes were fun," says Sara S. about Blackwater River State Park, while Dale W. notes that Karick Lake features "the 4-mile Karick Lake Loop Trail, part of the Florida Forest Service's Trailwalker Program."

What campers like

Quiet atmosphere: Many campers appreciate the peaceful environment at Baker area campgrounds. At South Karick Lake Campground, Barry C. describes "a beautiful lakefront view. The Hosts were very attentive and welcoming," while Kevin L. calls it a "quiet, peaceful, amazing simple getaway."

Clean facilities: Despite their rustic nature, many campgrounds maintain clean facilities. At Krul Lake, visitors find "clean bathrooms. Camp sites were clean and decently spaced apart. Campground hosts were extremely kind and helpful," according to Marguerite L. Richard R. noticed at Blackwater River State Park that they had "clean shower houses, neat and tidy park, slept like a baby."

Privacy between sites: Site spacing varies considerably across the region's campgrounds. Bear Lake Campground tent sites provide good separation. Amanda K. recalls: "Given the season, we were the only ones on the tent side, so we were right up on the lake and I can't remember ever staying in a more beautiful site anywhere."

What you should know

Sandy terrain considerations: The forest's sandy soil affects camping experiences. For RV campers at River's Edge RV Campground, this means "the campground is mostly sand, but that is expected in Florida. Most was compact and there were no concerns of getting stuck," according to Meandering Life.

Varied bathroom facilities: Bathroom quality ranges widely across campgrounds. Wilderness Landing offers "clean restrooms, and free," reports Donna G. Karick Lake has "clean but dated restrooms with showers," notes Dale W., while at Blackwater River State Park, Donna G. found "clean restrooms with great water temperature and pressure."

Flooding potential: Proximity to waterways means some campgrounds experience periodic flooding. Haley A. experienced this firsthand: "We woke up the following morning to about 2-3 foot of water under our camper where the river had flooded. Most of the camp ground had been evacuated."

Limited cellular coverage: Service can be spotty throughout the forest. One reviewer at Blackwater River State Forest Primitive Camping notes being "on the edge of Verizon cell coverage service," while other campgrounds report limited or no connectivity.

Tips for camping with families

Swimming options: Krul Lake offers supervised swimming during summer months. "They have lifeguards during the summer. There's a small hiking trail from krul to bear lake," shares Marguerite L. This makes it popular for families with children needing more structured water activities.

Site selection for space: Some campground loops provide better family accommodations. At Bear Lake Campground, Ted H. advises that "sites are close together but waterfront sites have extended area behind the site." These extra spaces give children more room to play safely.

Noise considerations: Proximity to military installations affects some camping locations. Lisa M. notes that at Blackwater River State Park "there's quite a bit of air traffic noise with helicopters and planes flying overhead. I think there is an airport nearby," which might disrupt afternoon naps for young children.

Tips from RVers

Electric hookup variations: Amperage options differ across campgrounds. At Wilderness Landing, Stealie F. explains there are "no hookups at the campsites but there is running water (hot and cold) in the bath house with flushing toilets. Power outlets in the bath house as well."

Site access challenges: Some campgrounds present maneuvering difficulties. Laurie A. experienced this at Bear Lake: "Most of the sites are good size but there is no easy way to get in some of them especially when it is packed as it was this holiday weekend. It was made more difficult when they added the wooden posts with site numbers in less than ideal places."

Supply planning: The remote location requires planning ahead. Dawn R. advises visitors to Hurricane Lake North to "make sure you take supplies, groceries trip is 20-30 minutes." Most campgrounds near Baker are at least 15-20 minutes from substantial grocery options.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Baker, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, Baker, FL offers a wide range of camping options, with 121 campgrounds and RV parks near Baker, FL and 3 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Baker, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Baker, FL is Blackwater River State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 33 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Baker, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Baker, FL.