Point Washington State Forest offers primitive tent camping options in the Florida panhandle within a pine flatwood ecosystem at elevations ranging from 15-25 feet above sea level. The forested campsites provide access to Eastern Lake and multiple trail systems while maintaining relatively consistent temperatures compared to coastal areas. Road conditions throughout the forest vary significantly with seasonal rainfall patterns.
What to do
Lake access for paddling: Eastern Lake Campground 2 provides waterfront sites with a small dock for launching canoes and kayaks. "I had a beautiful view of Eastern Lake and easy access to the water where there is a small dock. Great place to launch a canoe or kayak," reports one camper who enjoyed the water access.
Biking forest trails: The forest contains an extensive network of flat trails ideal for mountain biking. A visitor at Point Washington State Forest notes, "I saw not much wildlife or birds. It was a foggy overcast day" while completing "the 10 mile single track flat bike route."
Fishing opportunities: Hurricane Lake South Campground provides bank fishing access right from most campsites. According to a visitor, "Boats and fishing allowed but no gas motors only trolling motors. I have been there maybe 50 times and have yet to see the first gator though."
What campers like
Lakeside views: The water proximity at certain campsites offers scenic settings. A camper at Hurricane Lake South Campground shared, "Hurricane lake surrounds the campground so every camping spot has a view of the beautiful lake. I love that the tent campers are in a separate campground from RV campers."
Quiet atmosphere: The secluded nature of these forest campgrounds creates a peaceful setting. A visitor noted about Blackwater River State Forest Primitive Camping, "Epic free spot just outside of the Black Water Forest State Park. Camp here for up to 14 days. The primitive area is really more geared for the tent camper with several nice flat spots."
Beach proximity: While camping in wooded settings, beach access remains convenient. One camper observed that the best tent camping near Freeport, Florida includes spots like "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."
What you should know
Road conditions: Forest roads can become problematic after rainfall. "I came in a day after rain and there were numerous significant deep puddles to get through. I was grateful my Sprinter had knobby tires and was a little higher," reported a camper at Point Washington State Forest.
Gate access requirements: Securing entry codes is essential for some campgrounds. A visitor advised, "Set your GPS for the Point Washington Field Office on Hwy 89. Access road 11 is across the highway. Your online reservation will include a four digit gate code, which you will need!"
Ground conditions: Some sites have challenging surfaces for tent stakes. A visitor at Eastern Lake Campground 2 noted, "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."
Primitive facilities: Most tent-focused areas have minimal infrastructure. "This is boonedocking so no services available. Pack it in and pack it out and be sure to leave no trace, so this can continue to be an option for people to enjoy," reminds a visitor to Blackwater River State Forest.
Tips for camping with families
Tent site selection: For families, choosing the right site matters. "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 a Point Washington visitor.
Wildlife awareness: While seeing wildlife is rare, precautions matter. A camper mentioned, "There are bathroom facilities although, no showers. I will definitely camp here again" while noting the spaciousness of sites at Hurricane Lake South.
Activity planning: Consider biking as a family-friendly option. "We didn't use the gravel tent space, but hung up hammocks in the nearby trees," reports a visitor who found creative ways to enjoy the camping area at Point Washington.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most primitive areas near Freeport limit RV size significantly. An experienced RVer at Raptor Ranch at Tyndall AFB noted, "Full hookups campsite with cable. Nice building with pool table, TV, games, laundry, bath and showers," making it one of the few options with RV amenities in the region.
Parking considerations: Some campgrounds separate parking from tent sites. At Eastern Lake Campground 2, "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."
Weather preparedness: RVs must navigate potentially challenging forest roads. "I would not chance the forest roads in a sedan. You might be okay if it stays dry but if it rains you will not be in good shape," warns a camper at Point Washington.
