Tent camping options near Chipley, Florida offer access to protected forests and waterways. Most sites require reservations through Florida's state reservation system, with Pine Log State Forest and Point Washington State Forest being the primary destinations for tent camping within 30 miles of Chipley. These areas feature sandy forest roads that can be challenging for small vehicles, especially after rainfall.
What to do
Paddling on Eastern Lake: At Eastern Lake Campground 2, campers have direct access to Eastern Lake for kayaking and canoeing. "Great place to launch a canoe or kayak. I didn't have either but now I have a kayak and I will definitely put it on the lake on my next visit," notes Dale W.
Hiking forest trails: Point Washington State Forest offers multiple trail options for hikers and bikers. "Point Washington also offers three hiking trail options on the Eastern Lake bike/hike trial. The hiker or bicyclist can travel the 3.5-, 5- or 10-mile loop," explains Dale W. These trails are part of the Florida Forest Service's Trailwalker Hiking Program.
Beach access trips: While camping at Raptor Ranch at Tyndall AFB, military members and veterans can reach coastal destinations. "A 20 minute drive will put you in Mexico Beach, a town devastated by the hurricane but well on it's way to recovery--a real gem. A bit further away is Port St. Joe, a quaint Gulf-side town with restaurants, shops, parks, and more," writes Mark J.
What campers like
Affordability and seclusion: Pine Log State Forest Primitive Campsites offers budget-friendly backcountry camping. "Private maybe one person will drive down the road but they turn around pretty fast with out a problem nice back country campground," reports Barb D.
Lakeside locations: The setting of Eastern Lake Campground 2 provides water views. "I spent two nights in campground 2 site 1. I had a beautiful view of Eastern Lake and easy access to the water where there is a small dock," says Dale W.
Proximity to recreation: Campers at Point Washington appreciate the ability to combine forest camping with beach trips. "It's not far from Destin and other popular locations, but it's a gem itself! There's plenty room to walk and explore, the trails are very well kept up and clean," notes Savannah S.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access roads at Point Washington State Forest can be challenging. "I will say that the mud holes are huge and you definitely don't want to take a small car through it, that's the only downfall," warns Savannah S. Another camper adds, "Be prepared for the forest roads. Like most forest roads, they can be rough traveling and often poorly marked."
Campground layout differences: Eastern Lake Campground is divided into two distinct areas with different characteristics. "Campground 1 Pros: can park in your site, further apart, no highway noise. Cons: only have access to a tiny part of the lake, breeze kind of blocked by trees. Campground 2 Pros: beautiful lake view and easy access to water, prettier view, more breeze. Cons: traffic noise, cannot park in your site," explains Beth B.
Wildlife awareness: Bear activity is present in the best tent camping near Chipley, Florida. "Signs for active bears but we saw none," reports Andrea S. about her stay at Point Washington. Campers should follow proper food storage protocols.
Tips for camping with families
Recreational facilities: Neals Landing Park offers family-friendly amenities and activities. "Quit, clean, remote, great fishing, picnic tables, close to Marianna Florida, and Donalsonville, Ga," states Lorie W., making it suitable for family fishing trips.
Tent pad suitability: At Eastern Lake Campground, sites include prepared tent surfaces. "Campsites provide picnic table and grill with a lantern pole and pea gravel area to set up tent," notes Derek K. This makes setting up camp easier for families.
Gate access planning: Plan your arrival timing when visiting Point Washington State Forest. "This is a quiet Forest. I stayed at camp 1, site 1. There is a code to lock on gate when you go in," explains Andrea S. Make sure you have your reservation confirmation with the gate code before arrival.
Tips from RVers
Tent site gravel challenges: Campsite surfaces at Eastern Lake can be difficult for tent stakes. "The sites are a fine gravel, which was fine, but the ground was so hard underneath we couldn't drive one of our stakes in," cautions one reviewer. Consider bringing heavy-duty stakes or alternative anchoring methods.
Site slopes: Choose your Eastern Lake site carefully if sleeping in vehicles. "Sites 1 and 2 slope down to their campsite and would be difficult to sleep in your vehicle without balancers. Sites 3 and 4 are more flat and work fine for sleeping in your vehicle," advises Jared.
Walk-in requirements: Some campgrounds require equipment transportation from parking areas to sites. "Also be aware that you walk a short distance from a parking lot to your campsite which worried me a bit since we were planning on airing up our mattress using an inverter plugged into the cigarette lighter of our car," notes one camper about Eastern Lake Campground 2.
