Best Tent Camping near Bunnell, FL
Tent campsites near Bunnell, Florida offer a mix of primitive and established options spread across wildlife management areas and state preserves. Princess Place Preserve provides waterfront tent camping with sites positioned along Moody Creek and Pellicer Creek, while Haw Creek Preserve State Park offers more secluded primitive tent camping with boat-in access. Matanzas State Forest and Lake George Conservation Area provide additional tent camping opportunities within a short drive of Bunnell.
Most tent campgrounds feature basic amenities with varying levels of accessibility. Princess Place Preserve offers wooden tent platforms with sandy perimeters at their tent sites, along with fire rings and picnic tables, but campers should note that water is non-potable throughout the park. A review mentioned that "sites are well spaced with a lot of well cared for nature park areas between." Haw Creek Preserve features a wooden plank pathway leading to primitive tent sites, making it easier to transport gear without extensive hiking. Many sites lack running water, and campers must bring all drinking water. Portable toilets are available at some locations, while others offer more developed shower facilities and flush toilets.
The tent camping experience in this region provides excellent access to natural Florida ecosystems and waterways. Ancient live oaks draped with Spanish moss create natural shade for tent sites, particularly valuable during hot summer months. According to one visitor, Matanzas State Forest offers "solitude in an unexpected place" where campers feel "1000 miles from anywhere" despite being only minutes from major highways. Many tent sites provide direct water access for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing, with Princess Place Preserve offering sites where campers can launch directly from their tent location. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with campers reporting sightings of deer, turkeys, and various bird species. Winter camping tends to be more comfortable with fewer insects and milder temperatures compared to the humid summer months.