Mary B.
Scout
ScoutFore Lake Campground
Roads are rough, Bathrooms are clean, host seemed like a good guy. Here during off season but the beach looked like fun
Tent Camping near Keystone Heights, FL
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State forests and conservation areas surrounding Keystone Heights, Florida offer diverse options for primitive tent camping in natural Florida settings. Etoniah Creek State Forest, located about 15 miles southeast of Keystone Heights in Florahome, provides secluded tent campsites with basic amenities including fire rings with cooking grates and picnic tables. Jennings State Forest Hammock Campground, situated northwest of Keystone Heights near Middleburg, features 16 semi-private tent sites with designated tent pads. Black Creek Ravine offers walk-in tent sites accessible via a 2.4-mile hike, providing complete seclusion for tent campers seeking a more remote experience.
Most tent campgrounds in the region feature dirt or sandy surfaces with minimal grading. Campers should bring their own drinking water, as most sites offer only non-potable water or none at all. At Princess Place Preserve's Moody Campground, tent sites are elevated on wooden platforms to keep tents dry during rain. Fire rings with grill grates are standard at most locations, though firewood availability varies. Vault toilets or pit toilets are typically available, though often at some distance from campsites. Summer heat and humidity can be intense, making spring and fall the preferred seasons for tent camping in this region. Wildlife encounters, including alligators near waterfront sites, require appropriate precautions.
Tent-only sites in these areas provide excellent access to Florida's natural environments. A camper at Black Creek Ravine noted, "We liked that you have to hike in with no car access. For us there was zero competition for the single campsite." At Bayard Conservation Area, visitors reported spotting deer, otters, turkey, and wild pigs while hiking to riverside tent sites. The primitive tent camping experience at Etoniah Creek State Forest Green Camp was described by one visitor as offering "lots of room" with six sites featuring picnic tables, fire rings with grates, and nearby latrines. Fall and winter months bring cooler temperatures and fewer insects, making backcountry tent camping more comfortable for overnight stays.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Keystone Heights (39)
1. Etoniah Creek State Forest Green Camp
"Just off the Palatka-Lake Butler Bike trail. Campgrounds are About 4 miles in on bikeable hard roads. Six Sites have picnic tables, lots of room, fire ring with grate, bbq grills, a latrine nearby."
"Located just about 20 minutes due northwest of Palatka – dubbed ‘Florida’s State Farmers Market’ where you will easily discover that this north central town is teeming with fresh agriculture every which"
from $9 / night
Check Availability2. Hammock Campground - Jennings State Forest
"We hiked the beach pioneer trail and really enjoyed ourselves. The campsite is about a mile in and has a picnic table and fire ring. There is a stream nearby for water."
"With 16 campsite each being semi private you will love the sounds of t h e wind in the trees and hawks flying over. Each has tent pad, In ground grill and picnic table."
from $9 / night
Check Availability3. Camp Chowenwaw Park
"There are many different types of cabins available for rent, tent sites and 9 tree houses. Each area set up as a grouping with a bathhouse and kitchen pavilion. "
"Definitely Different and Unique for Florida. And the perfect place to review my icemulecoolers.com
Campground Review:Camp Chowenwaw is located in Green Cove Springs, FL adjacent to the St."
4. Black Creek Ravine
"We liked that you have to hike in, there is no car access."
"Great hike in filled with wildlife saw lots of deer, a bunny, and I’m pretty sure a small group of coyotes. Site is very private and quiet during the day."
5. Iron Bridge Camp Shelter (Florida National Scenic Trail)
6. Hideaway Oasis
from $10 - $60 / night
7. J.P. Hall Bayard Conservation Area
"It is a track of land that has many hiking trails that traverse through shaded pine forests, hammocks, marsh, and river areas. "
"Hiked in about 3.3 miles, but OnX user beware, trust the trail’s red marks, not the trail marked on most maps! Part of the trail was reblazed to go around a washed out section."
8. Caravelle Ranch Wildlife Management Area
"This very unassuming county-run wildlife area sits on 13,000+ acres of thick wilderness and wetlands offering a number of different hiking trails, like Outhouse Hammock Loop, which is medium-grade level"
9. Bootleggers Campground — Jennings State Forest
"Each site has a fire ring, picnic table, charcoal camp grill (probably wouldn’t use if you didn’t have to), and a sectioned off tent spot."
from $9 / night
Check Availability10. Lake Delancy East NF Campground
"Very nice Primitive campground . Great shade trees and tent spots. Has vault bathrooms that are kept pretty clean. No running water but has a hand pump well."
"The Florida trail is close by."
Drive Time
- 25 min from Gainesville, FL
- 51 min from Ocala, FL
- 55 min from Jacksonville, FL
- 1 hr 14 min from Wildwood, FL
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Keystone Heights, FL
37 Photos of 39 Keystone Heights Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Etoniah Creek State Forest Green Camp
Black Creek RavineN
Camp Chowenwaw Park
Bootleggers Campground — Jennings State ForestM
Hammock Campground - Jennings State ForestW
J.P. Hall Bayard Conservation AreaN
West Jax Retreat
Moonlit AvenueS
Cary State Forest Group Camp
Cedar Creek Campground — Matanzas State Forest
Princess Place Preserve
Moody Campground - Princess Place PreserveL
Tent Camping Reviews near Keystone Heights, FL
1045 Reviews of 39 Keystone Heights Campgrounds
Stacey R.
GuideSilver Springs State Park Campground
All amenities on site
Sites have full hookups which is awesome for a state park. Also picnic tables, grills and a fire pit. The sites are big and relatively private. To visit the spring you can hike or drive. Being you camping receipt to get in free. Glass bottom boat tour is $15 for adults but there is a nice walking path and you can see manatees in the spring from the shore. The restaurant was nice, good pizza!
- Stacey R.Guide
Cary State Forest Campground
Private site with thoughtful amenities
The six sites available are spread out in the Cary State Forest. You can see the tops of some RV’s but they’re not close. The site has a very nice picnic table, fire pit,benches around the fire pit, a free standing grill, water, electric and a concrete pad to park on with a tent site behind the pad. Grass is freshly cut and the site is clean!
Jarrod W.ScoutGinnie Springs Outdoors
Thrown out with no warning and no refund
I organized a group camping weekend here October 2 to 4, 2026. My group booked and paid for more than a dozen campsites and approximately 40 people, all next to each other, so the people around my site were my own friends. On Saturday afternoon we were sitting in our chairs when a security officer walked up and demanded that I lower my music. Nobody refused. I was turning it down as I explained that the music was for my whole group and that the neighbors around us were all our people. I also asked who had complained. Instead of answering, he snapped,"You do what I said and turn the music down." I told him I already had. With no attempt to calm things down, he shouted that we were out of there and had 30 minutes to pack up and leave. Nobody in my group raised a voice or got hostile. We were polite and we complied, and we were still treated like criminals. When we went to the front desk to report how he had behaved, the clerk made it clear that our whole group was the issue and that they were watching us and that I had to leave. That told me this was never about one speaker or lowering the music. We were singled out while other groups were left alone. I even heard from others that were allowed to stay, that they heard Spanish music blasting at 1am AFTER QUIET HOURS! So, why were we kicked out? Discrimination! No refund was offered. They kept our money for a stay they cut short. We have held several events here over the years, about 8 visits in the last three years. There will be ZERO in the future. The springs are beautiful, but the way security and the front desk treat paying guests is not. My group is taking our events and our money somewhere else!
- PPaul S.Guide
Ocean Pond Campground
Great Overnight Stay
A fantastic spot for an overnight camping stop in Florida. Beautiful surroundings with great hiking and cycling trails to explore. Perfect for anyone who enjoys the outdoors. Well worth a visit!
- BBrian B.Guide
Faver-Dykes State Park Campground
Best state park I stayed in
This place is out nice roads getting in here as a brackish Creek great fishing boats very clean spots are spread out nicely, groomed, fire pits, and picnic tables easy access right off 95
- dd I.Guide
Silver Springs State Park Campground
Enjoyed it
Great little spot, easy access to silver springs. Glass boat tour was cool - just the right amount of cruising time before little ones breaking points! Ice cream afterwards of course and good local pizza joint.
- Stuart K.
LegendMatanzas State Forest Group Campground
Coastal Gem Hidden in the Thick Pines
Nestled within the longleaf pine flatwoods of Matanzas State Forest just south of St. Augustine, the group campground here feels like stepping into a slice of Old Florida: untamed, tranquil and blissfully simple. Managed by the Florida Forest Service, this rustic site lies within the Pellicer Creek Corridor, where the air is thick with pine and salt, and the forest floor hums with life. The drive-in sets the tone where a canopy of oaks shrouded with Spanish moss gives way to open meadows and whispering wetlands before revealing the group camping area, which I must admit, is NOT the easiest place to find, but once you do, you’ll discover a wide, sandy clearing ideal for tents, both large and small as well as, of course, hammocks, which are perfect to absorb the shade that this space offers.
So, insofar as getting to this location is concerned, basically, once you enter Matanzas SF on Double Gate Road from US1, you’ll essentially drive east until you have the opportunity to drive north before you wind up in the NE corner of the forest. There’s a lot of possible pathways you could take that will get you lost, but basically, you would have to be driving down non-cleared roads that have signs indicating you can’t drive on these pathways anyway. Your GPS will work out here and I would suggest you follow the roads on TheDyrt mobile app to guide you to this location as it is spot on. But when you do arrive, you’ll discover a simple parking lot with about 4 different pathways leading in opposing directions – so which one to take? That’s the greatest question you’ll find yourself asking. Here’s what you want to do – just stay in your car and keep driving north down the path that has tire marks on it and within 50 yards, it will drop you off at the Group Campground.
Facilities are modest but well-kept: there’s an oversized fire ring with foldable grill as well as single oversized, double-sided stand-up BBQ grill, about a half dozen picnic tables (with half being delapidated and the other half brand spanking new), a single port-a-potty and no potable water or source of electricity. What this spot lacks in amenities though makes up for in serenity. This is the kind of place where your morning alarm is a woodpecker’s knock and your evening entertainment is a campfire under a sky thick with stars. The surrounding trails and forest roads connect to the Pellicer Creek Aquatic Preserve and the Graham Swamp Trail System, offering plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, paddling and spotting wildlife like egrets, deer, and the occasional wild turkey.
Although secluded, the campground is only about 20 minutes from Ancient City and 10 minutes from Palm Coast, making supply runs and day trips easy. For essentials, stop by the Publix Super Market on Palm Coast Parkway, the Shell gas station at US-1 and Old Kings Road, or the nearby Tractor Supply for ice and camping odds and ends. There’s no REI or Bass Pro Shop within 10 miles, but Academy Sports+ Outdoors is the best bet for outdoor gear and fishing tackle, although that's going to be a hike (er, long drive) from here.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a handful: (1) The group site’s best tent placement is on the southern edge of the clearing where the pines provide late-day shade and natural wind protection; (2) Bring plenty of water as there’s no potable water here; (3) For kayaking or canoeing, head to the Pellicer Creek launch on nearby Old Kings Road for calm water and beautiful tidal scenery; (4) Trails in Matanzas can flood after heavy rain, so check conditions with the Forest Service before arriving; (5) Wildlife lovers should keep an eye out for gopher tortoises along the sandy roads and hawks circling above the pine canopy – on our visit, we were blessed to see an adolescent black panther; and (6) When it’s time to eat, reward yourself with a laid-back bite of a Surfin’ Cali burrito at nearby Jimmy Hula’s or an elegant dinner of steak pom frites at Le Bouchon Brasserie in the historic district of the country’s oldest city.
Happy Camping!
Thomas B.
RangerAnastasia State Park Campground
Great for Smaller Rigs
Had a short stay at Anastasia and it was a nice, shaded site that was pleasant for August. It is very busy and active and the beach is just a 5 minute walk away. I have a 50ft rig (30 ft trailer, 20 ft truck) and got caught in a really bad spot after going down the wrong road. Rig fits great it the site, just have to be very cautious. Some foliage blocked the sign I was looking for as I tried to accommodate the many cyclists. Also had the unfortunate experience of a neighbor with a highly aggressive dog. The place itself was very pleasant and much cooler than what we have been experiencing.
Guide to Keystone Heights
Primitive camping opportunities surround Keystone Heights, Florida within multiple state forests and conservation areas. The terrain consists primarily of pine forests, wetlands, and sandy soil with elevation changes limited to ravines and creek banks. Fall brings temperatures averaging 65-75°F during the day with limited rainfall, creating ideal conditions for backcountry tent camping compared to the humid summer months.
What to do
Hiking trail exploration: Etoniah Creek State Forest offers several trails including the Longleaf Pine Trail, part of the Florida National Scenic Trail. One camper reports, "Lots of hiking trails and a nice southwest access point for some great fishing at Georges Lake offers about 500 feet of lake frontage."
Fishing in natural waters: Black Creek Ravine provides river access for fishing enthusiasts. A visitor mentioned, "It is about 30 feet through some trees to the river, so if you were clever, I'm sure you could find it from a boat." The site offers solitude as "there was zero competition for the single campsite."
Wildlife observation: Conservation areas like Bayard Conservation Area host diverse wildlife. According to a camper, "On our way to our campsite we were able to spot many animals including: deer, otter, turkey, and wild pigs." Another visitor reported seeing "plenty of squirrels, osprey, an owl" during their stay.
What campers like
Secluded camping spots: The best tent camping near Keystone Heights offers privacy between sites. At Jennings State Forest Hammock Campground, campers appreciate that "the sites were close as you would normally get in an established campground but there was plenty of brush to separate each site."
Unique accommodations: Camp Chowenwaw Park features distinctive treehouse camping. A visitor described them as "screened in non electric Treehouses slept 4 in bunk beds. There were several central fire rings with a picnic table/benches throughout the unit."
Waterfront sites: Many primitive tent sites offer water access. At Bayard Conservation Area, one camper described their experience: "Great riverside campsite. Hiked in about 3.3 miles... the campsite itself was great. It's right next to the river, and includes plenty of space, a fire pit with cooking grates, and a picnic bench."
What you should know
Water availability: Most sites require carrying in your own water. At Lake Delancy East NF Campground, a camper noted "We found the pitcher pump for water, but wouldn't bring up water. So come prepped with your own."
Hunting season awareness: Several conservation areas permit hunting during designated seasons. One visitor to Lake Delancy East advises, "Be cautious around hunting season, as Delancey West appears to be where the hunters all camp with their ATVs."
Cell service limitations: Network coverage varies significantly in these remote areas. At Jennings State Forest, a camper reported, "Cell service gets spotty but if your here to have your nose in your phone, you are missing out."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Camp Chowenwaw Park offers a pool for supervised swimming. A family noted, "The pool is a nice feature, you just be over age 18 and have your license with you to swim, which is weird."
Cabin alternatives: For families not ready for primitive tent camping, some parks offer cabins. One parent shared, "We had the Squirrel Run cabin which had AC and 6 bunk beds. Which was great for our family of 6."
Wildlife encounters for kids: Conservation areas provide educational wildlife viewing opportunities. A parent camping at Bayard observed, "Tons of squirrels, osprey, an owl, and I'm sure more if you're able to hike a little quieter than myself and my 7 and 9 year old boys."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Most tent camping sites near Keystone Heights lack RV amenities. At Jennings State Forest, primitive camping is the norm with "each site having a tent pad, in ground grill and picnic table."
Access road conditions: Forest service roads to primitive sites can be challenging. A visitor to Caravelle Ranch Wildlife Management Area described "a long winding gravel road" leading to campsites, noting you need to "be careful as this place will sneak up on you if you're not looking for it."
Generator considerations: When electricity is needed at primitive sites, plan accordingly. A camper at Lake Delancy East advised, "Very Primitive grounds, No electric or running water, but not a lot of crowds. Want electric bring generator."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Keystone Heights, FL?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Keystone Heights, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Keystone Heights, FL is Etoniah Creek State Forest Green Camp with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find
tent camping near
Keystone Heights, FL?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Keystone Heights, FL?
TheDyrt.com has all 39 tent camping locations near Keystone Heights, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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