Blackwater River State Forest and surrounding areas offer primitive to full-service camping options with varying levels of accessibility. Located in Florida's panhandle, the region features sandy soil and longleaf pine forests with elevations ranging from 100 to 250 feet above sea level. Most campgrounds remain open year-round with July and August temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F.
What to do
Tubing on clear waters: Blackwater River flows with tea-colored water that remains cool even during summer months. According to one visitor at Blackwater River State Park Campground, "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."
Trail hiking opportunities: Several established hiking paths wind through the forest's diverse ecosystems. As one camper at North Karick Lake Campground noted, "The 4-mile Karick Lake Loop Trail, part of the Florida Forest Service's Trailwalker Program" offers scenic walking routes through pine forests. Another visitor mentions that "both campgrounds are very similar" with "half mile trail around the lake" connecting the north and south campgrounds.
Fishing access points: Lakes throughout the forest are stocked and managed for recreational fishing. A camper at Hurricane Lake North Campground explained the setup: "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."
What campers like
Peace and quiet: Many visitors specifically mention the tranquility of the campgrounds. One guest at South Karick Lake Campground described it as "Quiet, serene, and simply beautiful. The public boat ramp makes getting on the lake a breeze." Another camper called it a "beautiful lakefront view" with attentive and welcoming hosts.
Clean facilities: Despite being in a rural forest setting, bathroom cleanliness receives consistent positive mentions. A camper at Wilderness Landing noted, "Clean showers/toilet building. Pavilions and grills by the river." Another visitor mentioned the "clean restrooms" despite the campground's primitive nature.
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer good separation between sites. As one visitor to Bear Lake Campground explained: "Bear Lake was very relaxing, quiet, it offered fishing in the lake, swimming in krul lake a 2mile hike or one mile by car to swim in...I also like the fact of pull through sites which makes it easier for our 32ft trailer."
What you should know
Limited cell service: Several areas within the forest have minimal to no cellular coverage. A camper at River's Edge RV Campground mentioned, "We had good internet service for both AT&T and Verizon" but another visitor to Black Water River State Forest primitive camping noted they were "on the edge of Verizon cell coverage service."
Flooding potential: The sandy soil can drain quickly after typical rains, but heavy storms may cause issues. One camper at River's Edge RV Campground described: "We woke up the following morning to about 2-3 foot of water under our camper where the river had flooded." Another visitor experienced something similar: "The next morning, our site had literally turned into a pond."
Distance from supplies: Most campgrounds are relatively remote from major retail areas. A visitor to Hurricane Lake North Campground advised: "Make sure you take supplies, groceries trip is 20-30 minutes." Another camper noted, "Bring plenty of food as there's only a dollar general up the road unless you get on the interstate to Crestview."
Tips for camping with families
Nearby swimming options: When river conditions aren't suitable, alternative swimming locations are available. A visitor to Bear Lake Campground explained, "They offered a whole room to yourself (sink, toilet, shower all-in one room). They informed you of gators in lake, they had fishing available for campers and a 2mile hike or 1mile car ride to krul lake for swimming."
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. A family staying at Milton-Gulf Pines KOA noted, "Plenty of activities and amenities for our granddaughter. Playground, mini golf, large outdoor Connect Four game." Another visitor mentioned, "We had a lot of fun playing putt putt and swimming in the pool."
Insect considerations: The region's humidity supports healthy insect populations. One camper at Blackwater River State Forest primitive camping advised, "Beautifull place to stay in the Winter months October through May. Park open all year but late Sping and summer is insect and rainy season."
Tips from RVers
Site angle challenges: Some campgrounds have sites configured in ways that make larger RV parking difficult. A visitor to Bear Lake Campground cautioned: "Small campground with limited sites. Sites are close together but waterfront sites have extended area behind the site. Be careful when backing into the site since the exterior sites have significant slope to the parking pad. Electric and water service is 10 feet beyond the pad."
Dog-friendly facilities: Most dog friendly campgrounds near Baker provide dedicated areas for pets. An RVer at Eagle's Landing RV Park mentioned, "Great dig walk areas" while another noted the "fenced in dog yard" at Milton-Gulf Pines KOA. These amenities supplement the dog-friendly trails throughout the forest.
Hookup specifics: Some campgrounds offer advanced connections while others are more basic. A camper at Bear Lake explained, "It was 22.00$ a night w/electric/water. We stayed for nights cost 130.00, they add about 20$ more for all sorts of taxes." Another visitor at North Karick Lake mentioned the campground features "15 back-in RV sites with electricity and water, and a dumping station."
