Best Campgrounds near Carrabelle, FL
The coastal region surrounding Carrabelle, Florida features a diverse range of camping environments spanning from beachfront to dense forest settings. Tate's Hell State Forest, spanning over 200,000 acres between the Apalachicola and Ochlockonee rivers, offers primitive dispersed camping with individual sites along the Carrabelle River. Many sites include basic amenities like fire rings, picnic tables, and cleared tent areas. Nearby, St. George Island State Park provides developed camping with beach access approximately 20 miles from Carrabelle. RV-focused options include Ho-Hum RV Park directly in Carrabelle with waterfront views of St. George Sound, and Carrabelle Beach RV Resort with full hookups and amenities like swimming pools and dog parks.
Camping reservations are essential for most established sites, particularly during winter months when the region sees an influx of seasonal visitors. As one camper noted, "For roughing it in the woods, nothing beats Tate's Hell with its 36 primitive campgrounds and 4 campgrounds with facilities." Access to primitive sites in Tate's Hell requires navigating dirt roads that can be challenging after rain. Cell service varies significantly throughout the area, with stronger signals at developed campgrounds and limited to no coverage in forest interiors. Summer months bring intense heat, humidity, and insects, with locals advising against forest camping from April through September. Hurricane season (June through November) occasionally affects coastal campgrounds with temporary closures.
Water access represents a primary attraction for most campgrounds in the region. Visitors to St. George Island State Park praise the "white beaches with little commercialism" and note the campground's popularity requires booking well in advance. Fishing opportunities abound, with many campers at Ho-Hum RV Park fishing directly from the pier or launching kayaks from the small beach area. Wildlife sightings are common, including alligators, white squirrels, and numerous bird species. The Ochlockonee River State Park, about 30 minutes from Carrabelle, receives high marks for its serene river setting and trail network. Most campgrounds maintain clean facilities, though site privacy varies considerably between locations, with state parks generally offering more spacious and secluded sites than private RV parks.
