Tent camping near Fanning Springs, Florida centers around the Suwannee River system and its unique limestone geology. The region features multiple river access points along a 65-mile paddling route with interconnected camping facilities. Water levels fluctuate seasonally, affecting campsite access and water clarity at springs throughout the area.
What to do
Underwater exploration: Cave diving at Peacock Slough River Camp draws visitors from across the globe. The extensive submerged cave system attracts experienced divers. "The extensive submerged cave system is one of the most beautiful, attracting divers from around the world," notes a visitor. Non-divers can explore trails around the springs and sinks.
River paddling: Plan multi-day excursions between the river camps positioned approximately one day's paddle apart. A paddler who completed a 65-mile journey on the Suwannee reports, "We did a 65 mile paddle on the Suwannee River and stayed at two river camps and a campsite! We loved all the spots. These river camps are a TREAT!"
Family activities: Bowman's Landing offers diverse recreation beyond camping. "My daughter says her favorite part was fishing and swimming in the river. My son's favorite part was riding around on the provided bicycles and playing darts & cornhole by the communal fire pit," shares one family camper. The location on the Santa Fe River, upstream from Ichetucknee, provides peaceful water access.
What campers like
Screened sleeping platforms: Several river camps feature these practical structures with modern comforts. "Screened in pavilions with light/fan and outlets. Each one has a fire pit, grill and water spigot! Quite cute," reports one Peacock Slough visitor. These structures provide protection from insects and afternoon rain showers.
Camp conveniences: Adams Tract River Camp offers practical amenities that enhance the primitive camping experience. "Tent camping is available but each camp has 5 screen sleeping pavilions as well. All have electric, ceiling fans, corner tables and hooks for hammocks," notes a camper. The pavilions accommodate 6-8 people each.
Transportation assistance: Moving gear from watercraft to campsites is simplified at river camps. One camper at Peacock Slough appreciated that camps provide "wheelbarrows to wheel your stuff from the river to campsite. Amazing!" Similarly, at Lafayette Blue Springs, a motorcycle camper found the "walk-in with onsite large wheelbarrow no problem" when rain extended their stay.
What you should know
Water access conditions: River camps have variable landing conditions based on water levels. At high water, stairs to take-out areas can be difficult to access. Spring clarity also varies seasonally, with one camper advising to "call ahead or go online and check water conditions as this spring is attached to the Suwanee river and can sometimes be 'browned out' due to river levels."
Security considerations: Wildlife activity requires extra precautions with food storage and equipment. Multiple campers mention that "Always take paddles, PFD's, fishing equipment, food items and valuables to your camping area - do not leave in boats. There are raccoons and other nocturnal creatures and an occasional bear passing through."
Facilities variability: Lafayette Blue Springs State Park Campground offers "walk-in tent camping, all sites have power and water which is an awesome bonus!" However, some amenities are limited: "Super clean bathrooms and an outdoor rinsing station/shower (no indoor hot showers available unless you book a cabin)."
Tips for camping with families
Activity variety: Children enjoy multiple recreation options at riverfront sites. A family at Bowman's Landing found that "this small campground exceeded my expectations! I traveled with two children, and they had a blast the entire time! This place had everything we needed and more."
Swimming access: Natural springs provide safe, consistent swimming options for children. "Beautiful spring for swimming featuring a limestone bridge way you can snorkel under," reports a Lafayette Blue Springs camper. Spring-fed pools maintain 72-degree temperatures year-round.
Campsite selection: Wildflower Ranch offers walk-in tent sites with basic amenities including drinking water, picnic tables, fire rings, and toilets. The limited number of sites (only 2) means less crowding for families wanting more privacy during their outdoor experience.
Tips from RVers
Site hookup availability: Several campgrounds offer partial hookups for smaller RVs. Lafayette Blue Springs State Park Campground provides power and water hookups at walk-in sites, which works for campers who don't need full sewer connections during shorter stays.
Access considerations: Most river camps and primitive sites have limited RV accessibility. Road conditions vary seasonally, and boat-in sites at Adams Tract and Peacock Slough are exclusively accessible by watercraft, making them unsuitable for conventional RV camping.
Bathroom facilities: Campers with smaller RVs often utilize campground restrooms. One Lafayette visitor notes the park has "super clean bathrooms" though limited shower options, with only "an outdoor rinsing station/shower" available unless staying in a cabin.
