3 campgrounds with availability next weekend
National Forest lands surrounding Carrabelle, Florida offer several primitive tent camping options with varying levels of amenities and seclusion. Camp Mack provides seven tent campsites along a river with a boat launch, while Whitehead Landing NF Campground offers spacious tent sites with basic amenities at affordable rates. Hickory Landing Campground features secluded tent sites accessible by boat, drive-in, or walk-in methods, making it ideal for tent-only camping experiences. Cotton Landing and Vilas Campsite round out the tent camping options in the area, each offering primitive sites with minimal facilities.
Most tent campgrounds in the Carrabelle region feature basic amenities suited for self-sufficient campers. Sites typically include fire rings and picnic tables, with some offering pit toilets and trash receptacles. Campers should be prepared for primitive conditions, as most locations lack potable water, showers, and electrical hookups. At Whitehead Landing, non-potable water spigots are available, but bringing your own drinking water is recommended. Surface conditions vary from packed dirt to forest floor, with minimal site preparation. During hunting season, some campgrounds experience increased traffic, and wildlife awareness is essential as alligators and snakes inhabit the area.
The backcountry tent camping experience near Carrabelle offers genuine seclusion and natural surroundings. According to reviews, Whitehead Landing remains peaceful even during peak times, with one camper noting, "At only $3/night, you can't beat the peace and quiet." Temperatures in February range from 70s during the day to low 50s at night. Hickory Landing Campground provides private tent sites with excellent paddling opportunities on Owl Creek. One visitor described it as "very secluded with fairly private sites." Camp Mack maintains a quiet atmosphere with typically low occupancy, even on weekends. Campers should be aware of ticks and sticker bushes when gathering firewood, with recommendations to collect along dirt roads rather than venturing deep into wooded areas. Cell service varies by location, with Verizon generally providing better coverage than other carriers.
"Pulled in around 3:00 on a Saturday afternoon. Only 3 other sites were being used . Felt very safe. $10 a night. With the America The Beautiful lifetime pass , we paid $8.50."
from $1 / night
"These campsites include a metal fire ring and picnic tables. There is also a pit toilet that is surprisingly clean, trash receptacles, and water spigots."
from $9 / night
GuideIt’s small park. Big rigs will have trouble getting around the drive. A huge class A did come in and park at the front though. For our rig (F150& 20’Catina it’s just fine. It’s on a very nice lake . Sites have water and electric and a dump station on the way out. Quiet, nice people and apparently good fishing.
GuideCamped here with my wife . The ground isn’t hard to get to and the space is open . When we arrived it took only 30min to an hour before a local ranger doing his patrols to greet us and give us a rundown, afterwards we were left alone. Lots of ants but they’re not a huge nuisance
GuideWe loved this campground! The sites are beautiful, with lots of vegetation. There are a ton of hiking trails and opportunities to get on the water. The town of Sopchoppy is a short drive and they have a brew pub with great pizza!
TravelerWe arrived to no available water until the next day. Then there was no dump stations anywhere at or near the park. Electric and water (once water repaired) was available at the site we reserved. The showers was 1 stall with no hot water and the water only ran while you held the know on. The swim area has dried up alot over the years. Grill was clean and there was a fire pit, picnic table and lantern pole at the site. Site had plenty of room for large rv allowing the rv patio to be let down. Lots of green space near site.
ScoutOur trip this July was wonderful staying at Carrabelle RV Resort in Florida. Full hookups, beach across the street, very clean campgrounds!
LegendWhat you see, is what you get! Campsites in this campground are close but that is the tradeoff for being on/near the water. Many campers were seasonal and very settled in. We stayed here to see the area and enjoy the great seafood and natural areas. Our site (#69) was very close to our neighbors but easy to back into. The prime sites are riverfront with nice views and a little more space. There is a small pool and a community pavilion with picnic tables. Waterfront firepits and a fishing pier are nice amenities. Campsites are crushed gravel and level. Our site backed up to another RV (which was really close) and was in full sun. Some sites are more shaded but they all looked like seasonal sites. Barking dogs seemed to be a common theme that nobody cared about but us. The site was level and the water, electric, water, and sewer were in a good location. The wifi tower was next to our campsite and worked very well and our Verizon phone and hotpot worked well. We enjoyed exploring Bald Point and Wakulla State Parks. Across the street is Angelo’s Seafood Restaurant which came highly recommended. We ate there twice and really enjoyed the food and sunset views.
ScoutWe were only here for Two 2 days, great little place to stay, fishing, boating and a little camp store with bait.
We think you will have a great time here. Right on Lake Talquin
ScoutGood times fishing local people come to launch their boats and are very friendly and share information about fishing and the local area freely staff is very nice and the prices are very cheap all around a great place clean bathrooms and nice people
ScoutTranquil location, pristine beaches, the sand is like white powder and the boardwalk to the beach is a peaceful walk. Plenty of nature trails, biking areas and the RV/tent sites are off in their own area which keeps traffic to a minimum. The campgrounds are extremely well kept. It is isolated so if you forgot anything, stop at the store because it’s a haul back into town. Being a beach front state park, there is very little shade. Only issue we had was concerns leaving our awnings out - you have water on both sides, so wind gusts were an issue in June when weather would roll in. The campsites are immaculate, gravel is level. Each site has a small bbq grill, small firepit and picnic table. We will definitely come back. The little town of Port Saint Joe has a cute downtown area with some great little shops.
Tent camping near Carrabelle, Florida offers budget-friendly outdoor experiences in the Apalachicola National Forest. The campsites range from $3 to $10 per night with varying levels of accessibility. During summer months, temperatures typically exceed 90°F with high humidity, while winter nights can drop into the 40s, requiring appropriate seasonal gear.
Paddling opportunities: Hickory Landing Campground provides direct access to Owl Creek with calm waters suitable for beginner paddlers. According to a visitor, "The paddling is great on owl creek," making it an excellent base for kayak and canoe day trips.
Boat fishing: Camp Mack accommodates anglers with a dedicated boat launch adjacent to the camping area. "River runs along the border of the camp there is a boat launch," notes one camper, providing convenient water access for fishing enthusiasts.
Wildlife photography: Smith Creek Landing serves as a strategic location for photographers seeking native Florida wildlife. The area surrounding most campsites contains numerous wading birds, deer, and occasionally river otters during morning hours.
Affordability: Whitehead Landing NF Campground offers some of the most budget-friendly tent camping in the region. One visitor reports, "Decent Verizon signal, no T-Mobile. Non-potable water spigot. There's a nice little boat ramp on the river," highlighting the basic amenities available despite the low cost.
Privacy between sites: Cotton Landing provides well-spaced sites that maintain privacy even during busier periods. "Loved my stay at this location... people I met there were great, no drama and bathrooms were decent," reports a camper who appreciated the peaceful atmosphere.
Safety factor: Camp Mack maintains a secure environment with regular Forest Service patrols. One camper noted, "Small campground in National Forest. 10 sites. Very quiet. We felt very safe. Pulled in around 3:00 on a Saturday afternoon. Only 3 other sites were being used. Felt very safe."
Limited facilities: Most campgrounds provide only basic amenities. At Whitehead Landing, "These campsites include a metal fire ring and picnic tables. There is also a pit toilet that is surprisingly clean, trash receptacles, and water spigots," according to a recent visitor.
Hunting season considerations: Several campgrounds serve dual purposes as hunt camps during deer season (October-January). This increases traffic and noise levels, particularly at Wood Lake Recreation Area where hunters gather before dawn.
Firewood collection challenges: When gathering firewood at Cotton Landing, stay on established paths. A camper advises, "get fire wood along the dirt road on your way in to avoid the ticks and sticker bushes."
Best beginner sites: Vilas Campsite provides level tent pads suitable for family camping with younger children. The minimal elevation changes make it accessible for those with limited mobility.
Wildlife awareness: Teach children proper food storage protocols as raccoons are common visitors to all campsites. Magnolia Landing Campground requires additional precautions due to its proximity to alligator habitat.
Weather preparedness: During summer months (May-September), afternoon thunderstorms are common in the Carrabelle area. Pack rain gear and ensure tents are properly secured with additional stakes and guy lines.
Size restrictions: Most primitive camping areas near Carrabelle have limited turning radius and narrow access roads. Camp Mack accommodates smaller RVs but restricts larger rigs. The narrow entrance road requires careful navigation for vehicles over 22 feet.
Leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven terrain at most sites by bringing extra leveling blocks. Water hookups are unavailable, so fill tanks before arrival and plan water usage accordingly.
Generator etiquette: While generators are permitted at several campgrounds, observe quiet hours typically from 10pm-7am. Bring solar options when possible to maintain campground tranquility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Carrabelle, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Carrabelle, FL is Camp Mack with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Carrabelle, FL?
TheDyrt.com has all 26 tent camping locations near Carrabelle, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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