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.
