Blackwater River State Forest and nearby areas offer diverse camping options near Crestview, Florida. The region sits at elevations between 50-250 feet above sea level with sandy soil and longleaf pine forests dominating the landscape. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity, while winter nights can drop into the 30s, creating variable camping conditions throughout the year.
What to do
Kayaking and canoeing on Blackwater River: Access points available at multiple locations with calm, clear water ideal for beginners. At Blackwater River State Park Campground, visitors praise the water activities: "The river is awesome! If you love trees especially pines....this is the spot. Also GREAT tubing and canoeing!" according to Tessa M.
Fishing at Bear Lake: 103-acre lake stocked with bass, accessible via boat ramp or shoreline. "The lake is so gorgeous, I kept saying to my husband that I felt like I was in a jigsaw puzzle picture," writes Amanda K. at Bear Lake Campground. The campground offers electric motor-only boating and a fishing dock.
Hiking forest trails: Several interconnected paths through pine forests provide wildlife viewing. "The 4-mile Karick Lake Loop Trail, part of the Florida Forest Service's Trailwalker Program" offers scenic views according to Dale W. who visited South Karick Lake. The Sweetwater trail travels around portions of Bear Lake and connects to other forest paths.
What campers like
Private, secluded sites: Many campgrounds feature well-spaced areas with natural barriers. At Henderson Beach State Park Campground, "The sites are huge and shaded. The campgrounds are clean. You can walk to one of the best beaches in the United States," reports Frances F. The park maintains vegetative buffers between sites.
Clean facilities: Consistently well-maintained bathhouses across most campgrounds. "The bathhouse was very clean with plenty of hot water. Never though I would feel it necessary to comment 'the most astounding gravel driveway,'" notes Richard R. at Blackwater River State Park. Many campgrounds feature individual bathroom/shower rooms rather than communal facilities.
Beach access: Several campgrounds provide direct or nearby routes to shorelines. "White sand beaches for $30 a night you can't beat it!" shares Molley T. about Henderson Beach State Park. The pristine beaches feature sugar-white sand characteristic of Florida's Emerald Coast region.
What you should know
Weather considerations: Summer heat and humidity can be intense, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. A camper at Fred Gannon noted, "The only downside is the hot and humid weather but this is sort of unavoidable unless you go in the winter months." Winter camping offers milder temperatures but occasional cold snaps.
Flooding potential: Low-lying areas may experience water issues after heavy rains. "We woke up the following morning to about 2-3 foot of water under our camper where the river had flooded. Most of the camp ground had been evacuated," warns Haley A. from River's Edge RV Campground. Check weather forecasts before arrival.
Reservation requirements: Many popular campgrounds fill months in advance, especially during peak seasons. "Reservations here are extremely hard to get, especially on short notice," explains Tony C. about Henderson Beach State Park. Off-season weekdays offer the best availability for last-minute trips.
Tips for camping with families
Beach day trips: Access to Gulf beaches within 30-45 minutes of most forest campgrounds. At Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Campground, "Either ride your bike or take the tram the mile to the boardwalk and beach," suggests John O. The park offers both natural beaches and freshwater lakes.
Kid-friendly site selection: Look for sites with open space for play areas. "We stayed with two small tents in T6, which had some shade but was also adjacent to an open field area, which would be great for kiddos who want room to spread out and play games," shares Latika Y. about Topsail Hill's tent camping area.
Wildlife education opportunities: Many parks offer ranger programs or interpretive trails. "Located just a few miles north of Henderson Beach State Park, Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park is a luscious green counterpoint to the sugar white beaches on the coast line," notes Dale W. The trails include informational signage about local ecosystems.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions and access: Select sites based on vehicle size and maneuverability. At Eagle's Landing RV Park, "Gravel level lots. 30/50 amp at each. Nice shower, bath rooms. Hard to get reservations, some full timers, but no complaints," reports Brenda O. The park features pull-through sites preferred by larger rigs.
Winter stays: The region offers comfortable RV camping during colder months. "Very nice campground. Secluded & not many campers when we went (February). Bathrooms were clean & warm," mentions Dani M. about Blackwater River State Park. Most campgrounds remain open year-round with fewer crowds during winter.
Free camping option: For budget-conscious travelers, primitive sites without hookups. "Good spot for free. Clean showers/toilet building. Pavilions and grills by the river," says Salvador G. about Wilderness Landing. This pet-friendly camping near Crestview allows stays up to 14 days at no charge.
