Camping sites near Hosford, Florida range from rustic primitive options to equipped campgrounds across state forests, parks, and waterfront areas. The region sits at a higher elevation than much of Florida, with some areas featuring 130-foot bluffs. Summer temperatures typically exceed 90°F while winter nights can drop below 40°F, making spring and fall the preferred camping seasons when humidity levels remain tolerable.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lake Talquin offers excellent bass fishing from designated piers. "We kayaked and loved and I mean absolutely loved being on this river. Did some swimming and fishing off the side. Caught some huge brim, they were delicious," notes a visitor to Ed and Bernices Fish Camp and RV Park.
Hiking trails: Fort Braden trail network near Lake Talquin provides extensive hiking options. A camper at Coe Landing Campground reported: "Great hiking with huge trail network at Fort Braden on adjacent property but the bummer is that there was no way to connect to them from campground due to swamp and geography. As a result, had to drive about 3 miles to trailheads to walk my pups."
Wildlife viewing: The area hosts various wildlife including alligators, especially in warmer months. At High Bluff Campground, a camper observed: "Caught a beautiful sunset over the lake and saw a massive gator hanging out by the fishing pier. The gator was back in the morning as I was enjoying my cup of coffee out on the pier!"
What campers like
Waterfront views: Many campsites offer direct lake or river access with scenic vantage points. According to a visitor at Pat Thomas Park: "Lakefront sites, very clean. All in all, great place."
Quiet environment: The less-traveled nature of these campgrounds appeals to those seeking solitude. One camper at High Bluff Campground noted: "You have to love the loneliness here. On the weekend there have been three other parties with tents. From Sunday to Monday we have been the only ones. Then it becomes really lonely, dark and quiet out here."
Covered sites: Some campgrounds feature unique covered camping spots. A visitor to Ed and Bernices Fish Camp mentioned: "We stayed on the river had our own pavilion with picnic table electric water great lighting and plenty of room from the next camper." Another noted: "Nice pavilions with a picnic table and new fire rings. We had a flat spot and not needing to bust out the levelers is always a treat!"
What you should know
Access roads: Some campgrounds require travel on unpaved roads. A camper at Camel Lake Campground warned: "If your GPS sends you onto Forest Rd 121 or 105 find another route unless you are in 4WD."
Seasonal considerations: Summer brings intense heat and significant insect activity. A review of Eastbank Campground mentioned: "We happened to be there during May fly season so there were a lot of bugs."
Limited services: Many forest campgrounds have minimal facilities. As one High Bluff camper stated: "No power, no water, no WiFi, no store. T-Mobile was very good with 300+ Mbps. The last 3 miles are dirt road, but in good condition as long as you can stay in the middle without traffic."
Wildlife awareness: Several reviewers mention alligator sightings. "I don't recommend swimming in the water, it's pretty murky. Nice and shady spots and you can reserve ahead of time," advised a High Bluff Campground visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Some areas provide natural play opportunities. A visitor to Ed and Bernices noted: "Could not keep the kids from playing by the water they scooped up minnows and found crawdads. Was great to watch."
Educational experiences: Historical sites offer learning opportunities. At Torreya State Park Campground, a camper shared: "Toured the Gregory House a cotton plantation house that was moved across the river by the CCC. We made a trip into Chattahoochee, FL for lunch and a look at the Jim Woodruff Dam where The Chattahoochee, Apalachicola and Flint Rivers converge."
Site selection: Families should consider proximity to bathrooms and water. A Camel Lake Campground visitor noted: "The sites are all HUGE (the outer ring is better than the inner), they are all close to the bathroom & more than enough privacy."
Tips from RVers
Leveling considerations: Site conditions vary significantly across campgrounds. At River Landing RV Park, a visitor shared: "Joanie, the owner was packed, but she fit us in anyway she made a parking space she created a connection. She figured out how to get water to us and welcomed us with food and music."
Amenities access: Water and electrical connections aren't standardized. A Coe Landing camper noted: "Nearly every spot is lake view. The keepers and residents are all very polite. They have a well kept womens restroom and shower. And hook ups at every station."
Size restrictions: Some sites have limitations for larger rigs. As a visitor to Eastbank mentioned: "Sites are gravel and some take creative leveling of the rig. Sites 3,4,5 back up to a fence with a private residence on the other side, they are pretty noisy at times."
