The Florida Panhandle camping region surrounding Altha offers a mix of elevated terrain and water recreation opportunities unlike much of the state. With elevations between 50-100 feet above sea level, this area features rare topographical diversity including sinkholes, springs, and bluffs. Camping sites near Altha, Florida range from primitive hiking access points to full-hookup RV resorts, with most locations open year-round despite seasonal humidity fluctuations.
What to do
Waterfront activities: Three Rivers State Park Campground offers excellent access to Lake Seminole for fishing and paddling. "Great small boat and kayak access right at the campgrounds. Lots of great trails for hiking. Sites are a little closer than most SPs I have visited but for the price of this one at 16 a night we will totally be back," notes a visitor.
Cave exploration: The famous limestone caverns at Florida Caverns State Park provide underground tours year-round. "The caverns are a must see in this park. Come early before they open as there is a line. The spring is closed as is the campground and some trails due to hurricane damage," advises a camper.
Hiking challenges: Torreya State Park Campground features strenuous terrain unusual for Florida. "There's a hiking loop called the Great Challenge. It's so difficult, meandering up and down in elevation for 9 miles, that you may give up. Camping is grand— so much wildlife. If you're lucky you may be able to see a panther or an indigo snake," reports a regular visitor.
What campers like
Wildlife viewing: Visitors to Torreya State Park consistently mention the diverse animal sightings. "Incredible. Park rangers were so nice. Beautiful scenery of the Apalachicola River. The steephead ravines are remarkable! Diverse flora. Rare animals seen: gopher tortoise, copperhead," writes one wildlife enthusiast.
Clean facilities: Eastbank campground earns praise for its maintenance standards despite being an older facility. "Lakefront, open, grassy campground with scattered trees that provide partial shade for many sites. Very friendly and helpful staff. Old, but clean restrooms. Nice views of lake and great sunsets," notes a recent visitor.
Budget-friendly options: Seminole State Park Campground offers waterfront sites at reasonable rates. "We had a beautiful lake view on a huge pull through site! Site was spotless, including the fire pit. Bath house was super clean and always stocked. The grounds were beautifully kept. We had fun walking the nature trail and saw signs of deer and raccoons," shares an impressed camper.
What you should know
Hurricane recovery: Several parks in the region continue rebuilding from Hurricane Michael damage. "Very nice and quiet camp ground with lots of shade and places to walk and bike ride," reports a camper at Florida Caverns, while another notes: "The caverns are a must see in this park. Come early before they open as there is a line. The spring is closed as is the campground and some trails due to hurricane damage."
Site spacing varies: Falling Waters State Park Campground and others offer varied site privacy levels. "Nice campground! They had just done a controlled burn about 2 weeks before we were there so everything looked like fall!" mentions one reviewer.
Water levels fluctuate: The namesake attraction at Falling Waters depends on recent rainfall. "I wouldn't recommend making a day of this one. It would have been very nice if not for the litter in the waterfalls. The boardwalk is nice and well maintained but I would not recommend it for anything but a nice place to stretch en route to somewhere else," advises a visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Blue Hole Campground at Florida Caverns has natural swimming areas. "Great tent campground. Lots of privacy. Water spikes and grill and picnic table on site. The bath house was pretty clean though the shower head wasnt great. They were really close to the tent sites though. There's also a swimming hole right across the street from the tent sites which was also really nice!" shares a tent camper.
Playground access: Seminole State Park features newly renovated children's facilities. "The playground close to the camping loop is nearly complete and looks super fun for the Littles. Bathhouse was brand new and showers were hot. Definitely coming back!" notes a family camper.
Educational opportunities: Torreya State Park offers historical structures alongside nature activities. "Tour the Gregory House - it's worth the couple bucks! 130 ft bluffs and great view of the Apalachicola River. Hike the many trails - we loved the 'Torreya Challenge' trail! Visit the stone bridge too. Lots of history here and lovely campground," recommends a visitor.
Tips from RVers
Premium concrete pads: Alliance Hill RV Resort provides higher-end amenities for longer stays. "Beautiful, quiet country setting. Loved it!! Saw deer, many birds and gorgeous sunsets. Spacious sites with cement pads. Full hook-ups except cable. Able to get multiple channels with antenna only. Very nice clubhouse, pool, restrooms and laundry," reports an experienced RVer.
Overnight convenience: Stay n Go RV Resort offers quick access from I-10. "New convenient campground right off I-10. Level concrete FHU pull-throughs. Bare bones with no other facilities (restrooms, showers, pool, playground or dog park). Really designed just for an overnight," notes a reviewer.
Time zone awareness: When camping at Eastbank, remember location-specific details. "Very pleasant with a lakeside view. Our site didn't have any shade but the adjoining site, with friends, had plenty. Sites were absolutely level with gravel. The gate closes at 10pm EASTERN Time. Once in the campground, your phone will go to central time, FYI," cautions a camper.
