Best Tent Camping near DeFuniak Springs, FL
Tent camping options in the northwest Florida panhandle near DeFuniak Springs include several primitive sites within state forest lands. Point Washington State Forest offers two tent campgrounds with Eastern Lake Campground 1 and Eastern Lake Campground 2, both providing access to lakeside camping approximately 30 minutes south of DeFuniak Springs. Additional primitive tent camping can be found in nearby Pine Log State Forest and Blackwater River State Forest, with multiple designated tent areas throughout these public lands.
Most tent sites feature gravel tent pads with limited amenities. Campers at Point Washington should note that forest roads may become difficult after rain, with numerous deep puddles making access challenging for low-clearance vehicles. Sites typically include fire rings, picnic tables, and lantern poles, but lack running water and electrical hookups. Vault toilets or pit toilets are available at most locations, though no shower facilities exist at these primitive campgrounds. Reservations are required through Reserve America for Point Washington sites, which provide a gate code for access. Primitive camping in Blackwater River State Forest allows stays up to 14 days with a pack-in, pack-out policy.
Tent campers frequently comment on the privacy and natural settings these sites provide. Eastern Lake Campground offers both lakeside views and forest seclusion depending on which site you select. Campground 1 features more secluded sites with greater distance between neighbors but limited lake access, while Campground 2 provides better lake views but has some traffic noise. Many sites offer ample shade from pine trees and opportunities for hiking on nearby trail systems. A visitor commented that "The sites were spacious and grassy. Each site had a fire pit, a picnic table and shared a water spigot. Hurricane lake surrounds the campground so every camping spot has a view of the beautiful lake."
