Mary B.
Scout
ScoutFore Lake Campground
Roads are rough, Bathrooms are clean, host seemed like a good guy. Here during off season but the beach looked like fun
Tent Camping near Florahome, FL
38 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Search destinations
Add dates
Tent campsites near Florahome, Florida range from established forest sites to primitive backcountry locations, with options for various camping styles and experiences. Etoniah Creek State Forest Green Camp offers primitive tent camping just off the Palatka-Lake Butler Bike trail, with six sites featuring picnic tables, fire rings with grates, and BBQ grills. Iron Bridge Camp Shelter, located on the Florida National Scenic Trail, provides another tent camping option within the state forest, approximately 4 miles in on bikeable hard roads.
Most tent campgrounds in the area have limited amenities, requiring campers to bring their own supplies. Primitive tent sites typically include fire rings and picnic tables, but potable water is scarce. At Etoniah Creek, latrine facilities are available near the campsites, though most areas lack modern bathrooms or showers. The terrain consists primarily of sandy soil and pine forest floor, with some sites offering shade from the abundant pine and hardwood trees. Campers should be prepared for wildlife encounters, including black bears, white-tailed deer, and eastern diamondback rattlesnakes that inhabit the region's forests and conservation areas.
The tent camping experience in this region offers unique access to natural Florida ecosystems. "Just off the Palatka-Lake Butler Bike trail, campgrounds are about 4 miles in on bikeable hard roads," noted one camper about Etoniah Creek State Forest. Sites are generally well-spaced, providing privacy and quiet for tent campers. The Florida National Scenic Trail passes through several of these areas, making them excellent base camps for hikers. Black Creek Ravine Conservation Area offers walk-in tent camping with river access about 2.4 miles from the trailhead. Visitors appreciate the solitude of these primitive tent sites, with one reviewer describing their experience as "peaceful and quiet" with opportunities to see deer, squirrels, and various bird species along the hiking trails. Seasonal considerations include higher humidity and insect activity during summer months, making spring and fall preferable for tent camping.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Florahome (38)
1. Etoniah Creek State Forest Green Camp
"Just off the Palatka-Lake Butler Bike trail. Campgrounds are About 4 miles in on bikeable hard roads. Six Sites have picnic tables, lots of room, fire ring with grate, bbq grills, a latrine nearby."
"Located just about 20 minutes due northwest of Palatka – dubbed ‘Florida’s State Farmers Market’ where you will easily discover that this north central town is teeming with fresh agriculture every which"
from $9 / night
Check Availability2. Camp Chowenwaw Park
"There are many different types of cabins available for rent, tent sites and 9 tree houses. Each area set up as a grouping with a bathhouse and kitchen pavilion. "
"Definitely Different and Unique for Florida. And the perfect place to review my icemulecoolers.com
Campground Review:Camp Chowenwaw is located in Green Cove Springs, FL adjacent to the St."
3. Caravelle Ranch Wildlife Management Area
"This very unassuming county-run wildlife area sits on 13,000+ acres of thick wilderness and wetlands offering a number of different hiking trails, like Outhouse Hammock Loop, which is medium-grade level"
4. Iron Bridge Camp Shelter (Florida National Scenic Trail)
5. Hammock Campground - Jennings State Forest
"We hiked the beach pioneer trail and really enjoyed ourselves. The campsite is about a mile in and has a picnic table and fire ring. There is a stream nearby for water."
"With 16 campsite each being semi private you will love the sounds of t h e wind in the trees and hawks flying over. Each has tent pad, In ground grill and picnic table."
from $9 / night
Check Availability6. J.P. Hall Bayard Conservation Area
"It is a track of land that has many hiking trails that traverse through shaded pine forests, hammocks, marsh, and river areas. "
"Hiked in about 3.3 miles, but OnX user beware, trust the trail’s red marks, not the trail marked on most maps! Part of the trail was reblazed to go around a washed out section."
7. Lake Delancy East NF Campground
"Very nice Primitive campground . Great shade trees and tent spots. Has vault bathrooms that are kept pretty clean. No running water but has a hand pump well."
"The Florida trail is close by."
8. Hideaway Oasis
from $10 - $60 / night
9. Black Creek Ravine
"We liked that you have to hike in, there is no car access."
"Great hike in filled with wildlife saw lots of deer, a bunny, and I’m pretty sure a small group of coyotes. Site is very private and quiet during the day."
10. Princess Place Preserve
"There are multiple hiking trails, and plenty of places to fish. Dock Site 2 had water on 2 side of the site, and had a steady breeze during our whole visit."
"You’ll see from the photos (all taken from my site) that the sites are expansive and beautifully shaded."
from $20 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 29 min from Gainesville, FL
- 54 min from Ocala, FL
- 1 hr from Jacksonville, FL
- 1 hr 18 min from Wildwood, FL
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Florahome, FL
38 Photos of 38 Florahome Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Etoniah Creek State Forest Green Camp
J.P. Hall Bayard Conservation AreaN
Camp Chowenwaw Park
Black Creek RavineN
Hammock Campground - Jennings State Forest
Bootleggers Campground — Jennings State ForestM
West Jax Retreat
Cedar Creek Campground — Matanzas State Forest
Princess Place Preserve
Moody Campground - Princess Place PreserveL
Cary State Forest Group Camp
Trout Lake Primitive SitesL
Tent Camping Reviews near Florahome, FL
1080 Reviews of 38 Florahome Campgrounds
Stacey R.
GuideSilver Springs State Park Campground
All amenities on site
Sites have full hookups which is awesome for a state park. Also picnic tables, grills and a fire pit. The sites are big and relatively private. To visit the spring you can hike or drive. Being you camping receipt to get in free. Glass bottom boat tour is $15 for adults but there is a nice walking path and you can see manatees in the spring from the shore. The restaurant was nice, good pizza!
- Stacey R.Guide
Cary State Forest Campground
Private site with thoughtful amenities
The six sites available are spread out in the Cary State Forest. You can see the tops of some RV’s but they’re not close. The site has a very nice picnic table, fire pit,benches around the fire pit, a free standing grill, water, electric and a concrete pad to park on with a tent site behind the pad. Grass is freshly cut and the site is clean!
Jarrod W.ScoutGinnie Springs Outdoors
Thrown out with no warning and no refund
I organized a group camping weekend here October 2 to 4, 2026. My group booked and paid for more than a dozen campsites and approximately 40 people, all next to each other, so the people around my site were my own friends. On Saturday afternoon we were sitting in our chairs when a security officer walked up and demanded that I lower my music. Nobody refused. I was turning it down as I explained that the music was for my whole group and that the neighbors around us were all our people. I also asked who had complained. Instead of answering, he snapped,"You do what I said and turn the music down." I told him I already had. With no attempt to calm things down, he shouted that we were out of there and had 30 minutes to pack up and leave. Nobody in my group raised a voice or got hostile. We were polite and we complied, and we were still treated like criminals. When we went to the front desk to report how he had behaved, the clerk made it clear that our whole group was the issue and that they were watching us and that I had to leave. That told me this was never about one speaker or lowering the music. We were singled out while other groups were left alone. I even heard from others that were allowed to stay, that they heard Spanish music blasting at 1am AFTER QUIET HOURS! So, why were we kicked out? Discrimination! No refund was offered. They kept our money for a stay they cut short. We have held several events here over the years, about 8 visits in the last three years. There will be ZERO in the future. The springs are beautiful, but the way security and the front desk treat paying guests is not. My group is taking our events and our money somewhere else!
- PPaul S.Guide
Ocean Pond Campground
Great Overnight Stay
A fantastic spot for an overnight camping stop in Florida. Beautiful surroundings with great hiking and cycling trails to explore. Perfect for anyone who enjoys the outdoors. Well worth a visit!
- BBrian B.Guide
Faver-Dykes State Park Campground
Best state park I stayed in
This place is out nice roads getting in here as a brackish Creek great fishing boats very clean spots are spread out nicely, groomed, fire pits, and picnic tables easy access right off 95
- dd I.Guide
Silver Springs State Park Campground
Enjoyed it
Great little spot, easy access to silver springs. Glass boat tour was cool - just the right amount of cruising time before little ones breaking points! Ice cream afterwards of course and good local pizza joint.
- Stuart K.
LegendMatanzas State Forest Group Campground
Coastal Gem Hidden in the Thick Pines
Nestled within the longleaf pine flatwoods of Matanzas State Forest just south of St. Augustine, the group campground here feels like stepping into a slice of Old Florida: untamed, tranquil and blissfully simple. Managed by the Florida Forest Service, this rustic site lies within the Pellicer Creek Corridor, where the air is thick with pine and salt, and the forest floor hums with life. The drive-in sets the tone where a canopy of oaks shrouded with Spanish moss gives way to open meadows and whispering wetlands before revealing the group camping area, which I must admit, is NOT the easiest place to find, but once you do, you’ll discover a wide, sandy clearing ideal for tents, both large and small as well as, of course, hammocks, which are perfect to absorb the shade that this space offers.
So, insofar as getting to this location is concerned, basically, once you enter Matanzas SF on Double Gate Road from US1, you’ll essentially drive east until you have the opportunity to drive north before you wind up in the NE corner of the forest. There’s a lot of possible pathways you could take that will get you lost, but basically, you would have to be driving down non-cleared roads that have signs indicating you can’t drive on these pathways anyway. Your GPS will work out here and I would suggest you follow the roads on TheDyrt mobile app to guide you to this location as it is spot on. But when you do arrive, you’ll discover a simple parking lot with about 4 different pathways leading in opposing directions – so which one to take? That’s the greatest question you’ll find yourself asking. Here’s what you want to do – just stay in your car and keep driving north down the path that has tire marks on it and within 50 yards, it will drop you off at the Group Campground.
Facilities are modest but well-kept: there’s an oversized fire ring with foldable grill as well as single oversized, double-sided stand-up BBQ grill, about a half dozen picnic tables (with half being delapidated and the other half brand spanking new), a single port-a-potty and no potable water or source of electricity. What this spot lacks in amenities though makes up for in serenity. This is the kind of place where your morning alarm is a woodpecker’s knock and your evening entertainment is a campfire under a sky thick with stars. The surrounding trails and forest roads connect to the Pellicer Creek Aquatic Preserve and the Graham Swamp Trail System, offering plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, paddling and spotting wildlife like egrets, deer, and the occasional wild turkey.
Although secluded, the campground is only about 20 minutes from Ancient City and 10 minutes from Palm Coast, making supply runs and day trips easy. For essentials, stop by the Publix Super Market on Palm Coast Parkway, the Shell gas station at US-1 and Old Kings Road, or the nearby Tractor Supply for ice and camping odds and ends. There’s no REI or Bass Pro Shop within 10 miles, but Academy Sports+ Outdoors is the best bet for outdoor gear and fishing tackle, although that's going to be a hike (er, long drive) from here.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a handful: (1) The group site’s best tent placement is on the southern edge of the clearing where the pines provide late-day shade and natural wind protection; (2) Bring plenty of water as there’s no potable water here; (3) For kayaking or canoeing, head to the Pellicer Creek launch on nearby Old Kings Road for calm water and beautiful tidal scenery; (4) Trails in Matanzas can flood after heavy rain, so check conditions with the Forest Service before arriving; (5) Wildlife lovers should keep an eye out for gopher tortoises along the sandy roads and hawks circling above the pine canopy – on our visit, we were blessed to see an adolescent black panther; and (6) When it’s time to eat, reward yourself with a laid-back bite of a Surfin’ Cali burrito at nearby Jimmy Hula’s or an elegant dinner of steak pom frites at Le Bouchon Brasserie in the historic district of the country’s oldest city.
Happy Camping!
Thomas B.
RangerAnastasia State Park Campground
Great for Smaller Rigs
Had a short stay at Anastasia and it was a nice, shaded site that was pleasant for August. It is very busy and active and the beach is just a 5 minute walk away. I have a 50ft rig (30 ft trailer, 20 ft truck) and got caught in a really bad spot after going down the wrong road. Rig fits great it the site, just have to be very cautious. Some foliage blocked the sign I was looking for as I tried to accommodate the many cyclists. Also had the unfortunate experience of a neighbor with a highly aggressive dog. The place itself was very pleasant and much cooler than what we have been experiencing.
Guide to Florahome
Tent camping near Florahome, Florida places campers in an area dominated by sandy pine flatwoods and freshwater marshes at elevations ranging from 100-140 feet. The region typically experiences humid subtropical conditions with summer temperatures averaging 90-94°F and winter lows around 40-50°F. Most primitive camping areas require visitors to pack in all supplies including drinking water, as natural water sources may contain tannins that color the water a tea-like brown.
What to do
Hiking Florida's National Scenic Trail: At Jennings State Forest, hikers can access well-maintained segments of longer trail systems. "We hiked the beach pioneer trail and really enjoyed ourselves. The campsite is about a mile in and has a picnic table and fire ring. There is a stream nearby for water," notes one visitor. The forest offers approximately 30 miles of marked trails through varied terrain.
Kayaking Black Creek: Black Creek Ravine provides river access for paddlers. "It is about 30 feet through some trees to the river, so if you were clever, I'm sure you could find it from a boat," explains one camper. The camping area requires a 2.4-mile hike to reach, keeping visitor numbers low.
Wildlife observation: The conservation areas around Florahome host diverse animal species. At Caravelle Ranch Wildlife Management Area, campers can explore 13,000+ acres of wilderness and wetlands. "There's a long-winding road to Little Lake George situated just due southeast of this CG with a handful of trail access points," writes one visitor, noting the wildlife viewing opportunities in the area.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many tent camping areas near Florahome feature natural barriers between campsites. One camper at Jennings State Forest Hammock Campground notes, "The sites are close as you would normally get in an established campground but there was plenty of brush to separate each site." Another visitor adds, "With 16 campsite each being semi private you will love the sounds of the wind in the trees and hawks flying over."
Riverside camping spots: Several campgrounds offer sites near water. A visitor to Black Creek Ravine shared, "Overall a really great campsite. There's a fire ring with a grill grate on it that we were able to easily cook our food over, there was a wood picnic table, and there was a taller wooden table, more like a bar or island."
Uncrowded wilderness: The relatively undeveloped nature of camping near Florahome appeals to many. At Jennings State Forest, a camper observed, "23k acre park, some 30 miles of trails, most well marked, with fording places for canoe/kayak on two different creeks. Horseback trails, an not a lot of people."
What you should know
Limited facilities: Most tent sites require self-sufficiency. At Bayard Conservation Area, campers need to hike in several miles to reach designated sites. "The campsites are a few miles from the parking area. They include a fire ring and a picnic table," reports one visitor who enjoyed the primitive nature of the site despite "a bit of noise pollution from the surrounding area."
Water availability: Drinkable water is scarce at many locations. At Lake Delancy East, a camper noted, "We found the pitcher pump for water, but wouldn't bring up water. So come prepped with your own."
Wildlife encounters: Campers should prepare for local fauna. A Jennings State Forest visitor warned, "Many white spotted ticks," while others reported seeing deer, wild pigs, and various birds on their trips.
Tips for camping with families
Cabin alternatives: For families not ready for tent camping, Camp Chowenwaw Park offers unique accommodations. "The treehouses are very cool and sleep four people. The camp is an old Girl Scout camp but was then purchased by Clay County. The park has a swimming pool and other places to camp besides the treehouses," explains one visitor.
Short hikes with rewards: Look for trails with interesting features for children. One family that camped at Bayard Conservation Area shared, "On our way to our campsite we were able to spot many animals including: deer, otter, turkey, and wild pigs."
Swimming options: During hot weather, water access becomes important. A Camp Chowenwaw visitor noted, "There were short trails, a kayak/canoe launch, a pool, dock, fishing, and clean amenities. There are lots of mosquitoes, so beware of that and bring bug spray."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV-friendly options: Most camping near Florahome is primitive, but some sites can accommodate smaller RVs or camper vans. At Jennings State Forest, one RV user shared, "Apríl 9, 2021, Site #4, Camper Van... Picnic table, fire ring, pít toilet. Old campground deep in the woods."
Road conditions: Unpaved access roads can be challenging. As one visitor to Lake Delancy East advised, "GPS will not get you there. Go to Middleburg. Take Long Bay Rd. Left on Old Jennings Rd. Follow signs."
Generator policies: Some campgrounds restrict generator use, requiring self-contained power. Check site regulations before arrival, as many tent-oriented sites prioritize quiet natural surroundings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Florahome, FL?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Florahome, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Florahome, FL is Etoniah Creek State Forest Green Camp with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find
tent camping near
Florahome, FL?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Florahome, FL?
TheDyrt.com has all 38 tent camping locations near Florahome, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring