Tent camping near Crescent City, Florida provides access to the St. Johns River basin with elevations rarely exceeding 40 feet above sea level, creating a wetland-rich environment. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity from June through September, making spring and fall the preferred camping seasons. Winter temperatures typically range from 45-70°F, offering comfortable camping conditions with fewer insects.
What to do
Kayaking on blackwater streams: Haw Creek Preserve State Park offers outstanding paddling opportunities on dark, tannin-rich waters. Access points include a well-maintained boat launch at Russell's Landing with "fully functional his/her restroom and a single pavilion with half dozen picnic tables," according to Stuart K., who recommends "if you'd like to indulge in primitive camping...you have plenty of shelter."
Fishing for diverse catches: At Caravelle Ranch Wildlife Management Area, campers can access multiple tributaries flowing from St. Johns River. Stuart K. notes there's "a long-winding road to Little Lake George situated just due southeast of this CG with a handful of trail access points" where anglers can fish for multiple species in the Ocklawaha River system.
Stargazing away from light pollution: Cedar Creek Campground in Matanzas State Forest provides exceptional night sky viewing. Gary G. confirms, "Amazing stars—great view of incredible moon," adding it's "amazing you are 10 minutes from a major highway yet feel like you are 1000 miles from anywhere."
Wildlife observation on trails: Multiple hiking paths wind through diverse ecosystems. Taylor from Princess Place Preserve writes, "The peace and serenity that Princess Place provided was the perfect ending to this road trip" with "so many trails and winding, sandy roadways to bike or hike."
What campers like
Privacy between campsites: Princess Place Preserve - Moody Campground offers well-spaced waterfront sites. Angie A. confirms sites are "well spaced with a lot of well cared for nature park areas between" and "Moody sites are all on the water."
Immediate water access: Many Crescent City area campgrounds feature direct water access for launching small craft. Louis B. writes about Princess Place Preserve's Moody Campground: "The camp sites are huge. The tent sites are elevated which should help keep the soil dryer in case of rain" with excellent access to "Pelicer Creek...for fishing. Bring a kayak."
Shaded camping areas: Most tent sites feature extensive tree cover. At Lake Delancy East NF Campground, Daniel S. notes the "very nice Primitive campground. Great shade trees and tent spots" with "vault bathrooms that are kept pretty clean."
Rustic amenities: Basic facilities enhance the camping experience without detracting from natural surroundings. Kristin T. mentions Lake Delancy East provides "$10 nightly fee for a campsite with restrooms close by, honor system payment method (e.g. cash only)...fire rings and is nicely located with an entrance to one dirt trail."
What you should know
Water availability varies significantly: Many sites lack potable water. Louis B. advises about Moody Campground: "Keep in mind that there is no water available at the camping sites or the entire park...so you have to bring in all drinking water and water for washing dishes."
Seasonal insect considerations: Mosquitoes are prevalent in summer months. Alma H. from Lake Delancy East NF Campground recommends visiting in cooler months: "Spent the weekend after Thanksgiving here. LOVED it" when insects are less active.
Access challenges for some sites: Not all campgrounds are easily accessible. Regarding Freak Creek Dispersed Camping, Hilary G. warns the "main road in has huge deep ruts...I wouldn't risk it" without "4wd and recovery gear" as "you will be stuck until someone comes by."
Primitive facilities: Most sites feature minimal infrastructure. Stuart K. describes Caravelle Ranch's tent sites as having "just a simple picnic table and makeshift fire ring" with "substantial tree shade to block an otherwise unrelenting hot Florida sun."
Tips for camping with families
Elevated tent platforms: Princess Place Preserve features wooden framed sites that provide more comfortable sleeping. Louis B. notes "The tent sites are elevated which should help keep the soil dryer in case of rain" - particularly important when camping with children during Florida's frequent afternoon thunderstorms.
Trails suitable for children: Several preserves offer family-friendly walking paths. At Haw Creek Preserve, Stuart K. points out "a perfectly fabricated wooden plank pathway to follow" where "whatever you typically plan to HAUL to your primitive campsite, here, rest assured, you can pull with a wagon or hand-trailer."
Protected swimming areas: Look for designated swimming spots away from boat traffic. Adamm A. mentions Freak Creek Dispersed Camping has "a nice creek area where you can swim" that's "super secluded and quiet."
Educational opportunities: Several preserves feature historical sites and interpretive exhibits. Katie M. from Princess Place Preserve recommends exploring "so many trails and winding, sandy roadways" noting "the park doesn't seem like it gets busy in general, but it closes to the public at 6 pm, so that means you basically have the next three hours of daylight to roam the entire place by yourself!"
Tips from RVers
Limited RV accommodations: Most sites near Crescent City cater primarily to tent camping with few full-hookup options. B H. notes that at Princess Place Preserve, "Equestrian campsites are nice and spacious, most sites are fairly big-rig friendly" but RVers should be aware that "unfortunately my gate was off its hinges and had rusted sharp edges."
Generator restrictions: Check each campground's policy on generator use. According to the features list, generators are not permitted at Princess Place Preserve or Lake Delancy East, requiring self-contained power solutions for RVers.
Road conditions for larger vehicles: Access roads can be challenging. Haley L. shares that Cedar Creek Campground at Matanzas State Forest requires taking "some rough dirt roads to get to this campsite" but notes "the sites here are pretty large. You could fit several tents in these sites."
