Torreya State Park Campground offers premium glamping accommodations 29 miles from Hosford, Florida, at elevations of 130 feet above the Apalachicola River. These distinctive overnight options include both a luxury yurt and the historic Cracker Cabin, providing visitors with comfortable amenities while maintaining a connection to the natural surroundings. Both structures include electricity and access to shower facilities, making them popular choices that require advance reservations.
What to do
Hiking through diverse terrain: Tate's Hell State Forest offers unique hiking experiences with notable elevation changes. "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," notes one visitor to Tate's Hell State Forest High Bluff Primitive Campsites.
Explore state forest waterways: The region's many waterways provide excellent boating and fishing opportunities. At High Bluff Campground, "You have to love the lonelyness 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. Some fishermen are using the fishing pier or the boat ramp at the end of the campground."
Visit nearby historical sites: The area contains numerous historical attractions worth exploring. At Three Rivers State Park, "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," reports a camper who appreciated the region's engineering landmarks.
What campers like
Star viewing opportunities: The region's limited light pollution creates exceptional stargazing conditions. At Newport Park Campground, visitors appreciate the natural darkness away from urban areas. "Less than 100 sites and away from the rush of humanity," notes one reviewer who found the campground's smaller size conducive to enjoying night skies.
Varied landscape features: Unlike much of Florida, this region offers uncommon topography. "A Florida State Park that reminds us of the foothills of North Carolina except for the occasional palm tree," writes a visitor to Seminole State Park Campground, highlighting the distinctive terrain that surprises many visitors expecting typical Florida flatlands.
Wildlife diversity: The region hosts numerous wildlife viewing opportunities. "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," reports a visitor to Torreya State Park who appreciated the ecological diversity.
What you should know
Limited services: Many campgrounds in the area have minimal amenities. At Tate's Hell State Forest, "No water or electricity or utilities exist here. There is a pit toilet though!" according to one camper, highlighting the need for self-sufficiency when glamping in Hosford-adjacent wilderness areas.
Weather considerations: The region experiences varied weather patterns that can impact camping experiences. "During the week of 7/19/2020 I spent 2 nights at this unique state park. After settling in I found the view out of my back dinette windows to be unlike any I had ever seen in Florida. Further exploration found even better views from the bluff over the Apalachicola River and wooded expanses. Just keep an eye open for bears and snakes as this is true Florida wilderness," advises an RVer at Torreya State Park.
Reservation requirements: Many sites require advance planning. At Goat House Farm, "I stayed with a larger group and we all had an amazing time. The owner of the farm was so welcoming and accommodating. She even gave us a tour of the farm in the morning and we were able to play with a ton of goats and chickens!" This unusual glamping option near Hosford offers a distinctive experience but has limited availability with only three sites.
Tips for camping with families
Animal encounters: Several campgrounds offer unique wildlife viewing opportunities for children. "We had such a fun time camping at the goat farm. Where you literally camp with goats. The male goats hang out right beside you and your tents. (Be sure to keep your tents closed or they will sleep with you too, ha!) The kids absolutely loved it. They cried when it was time to leave and told all the animals bye," shares a family that stayed at Goat House Farm.
Swimming opportunities: Several areas offer safe places for children to swim. "Uncrowded lakeside camping. Great for swimming, boating, fishing, and kayaking. Very quiet and peaceful. Great camp hosts. Very clean bathrooms and showers," notes a visitor to Seminole State Park Campground.
Playground facilities: Some campgrounds include facilities specifically for children. At Three Rivers State Park Campground, "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," according to a family who found the facilities particularly child-friendly.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose sites based on your specific needs. "We are very partial to this park! Beautiful views of the lake. Great for primitive camping or rv/camper. They also have cabins that you can rent. Very busy during the summer months but quiet during the fall and winter," explains an RVer at Seminole State Park who appreciated the seasonal variation.
Access considerations: Some roads may challenge larger rigs. At High Bluff Campground, "The last 3 miles are dirt road, but in good condition as long as you can stay in the middle without traffic. Our lot #5 was pretty even," notes one RVer who successfully navigated the access roads.
Hookup availability: Confirm available services before booking. At Florida Caverns RV Resort, visitors note the amenities: "Sites are all pull thru! Boat landing at the end. The water is AMAZING! You can see all the way to the bottom." This makes this campground a good option for RVers seeking luxury glamping near Hosford with full hookups.
