9 campgrounds with availability next weekend
Tent campers near Lake City, Florida find several primitive options along the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail, where camps such as Woods Ferry and Adams Tract offer dedicated tent camping areas. These river-accessible sites typically feature screened sleeping platforms with fans and electricity alongside more traditional tent camping areas with shared fire pits. Many locations are boat-in or walk-in access only, providing a more secluded experience for campers seeking alternatives to developed campgrounds.
The terrain at most tent sites consists primarily of packed dirt or sand with varying amounts of shade from live oaks and pines. Most campgrounds along the Suwannee River include basic amenities like fire rings, picnic tables, and access to bathhouses with showers. Several reviews note the availability of wheelbarrows at river camps to help transport gear from water access points to camping areas. Water levels affect accessibility, with one camper noting that "at high water this ramp can be tricky to unload from in a strong current." During summer months, campers should prepare for mosquitoes and afternoon storms.
Tent camping experiences vary significantly across the region's public lands. Jennings State Forest offers more secluded walk-in tent sites along hiking trails, while the river camps provide a unique paddling-focused experience. Backcountry sites in the forests often require hiking in with all necessary supplies. A visitor commented that these river camps are "wonderfully convenient, especially in summer when afternoon rains come daily and bugs are everywhere." Most tent camping areas include fire rings and access to water, though primitive forest sites may lack facilities. Wildlife sightings are common, with several reviews mentioning nocturnal visitors including raccoons and occasional bears, making proper food storage essential for tent campers.
"This system of river camps currently is first come first served with no fee - but that could change soon and screened sleeping platforms may require reservations."
"There are carts to help you get your gear up the high 200 yard, winding ramp to get to the camp. Recent weather has taken a toll on this favorite camp of ours."
Available next weekend
"My son‘s favorite part was riding around on the provided bicycles and playing darts & cornhole by the communal fire pit. I was thoroughly impressed and will definitely be back."
Available next weekend
from $45 - $105 / night
"Tent camping is available but each camp has 5 screen sleeping pavilions as well."
Available next weekend
"Camp has trash cans. There are several areas where you can be separate which is nice. There is no cell service. Tower is open where you can climb it if you want."
"This system of river camps currently is first come first served with no fee - but that could change soon and screened sleeping platforms may require reservations."
"The platforms are amazing. Power, fire ring, and running water. Hot showers also"
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when available"This system of river camps currently is first come first served with no fee - but that could change soon and screened sleeping platforms may require reservations."
"There are five Screened in platforms that are person can simple hang a hammock or set up a tent. There is a shower house with ADA access along with one of the platforms."
Available next weekend
"This system of river camps currently is first come first served with no fee - but that could change soon and screened sleeping platforms may require reservations."
"Great little park with walk-in tent camping, all sites have power and water which is an awesome bonus! Beautiful spring for swimming featuring a limestone bridge way you can snorkel under."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $100 / night
"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."
Available next weekend
from $9 / night
from $30 / night
GuideThe 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!
Scoutwant see if I even like this site want see if I even like this site
ScoutI 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!
GuideA 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!
GuideI’ve stayed here twice in my camper van while en route in and out of Florida. The campground WAS closed for repair prior to SUMMER 2026, but is now OPEN. There’s a boat launch, clean restrooms and electric hookups, for $22/night. Caretaker on site.
TravelerExtremely run down. Not even close to being a water park. Save your money and go to Splash in Milton or if just passing through stay at The Station across the highway for a better maintained and friendlier environment.
GuideThe park is said to have had damage from a storm. It is a very nice campground but seems to need attention with the bathhouse facilities. They are cleaned but dated with some nonworking fixtures. Drought is very evident at the river. I believe this could be a high rated place with some investment.
GuideFriendly staff. Clean campground. Some pull-thrus. Not gated. We have stayed here multiple times in our 40' motorhome with slides on both sides plus our Jeep. No problems. Recommended
ScoutThe phone number listed directs you to a campsite just up the road, which actually shares the same name as this listing. However, most of the photos shown (up to around photo 22) are of a different campground than where you’ll end up if you book here.
If you follow the booking details, you’ll be taken to a more open RV-style site with many long-term renters, and it does not match the photos provided. The area itself is still nice, and there’s a convenience store nearby with basic supplies.
If you’re specifically looking for the campground shown in the photos, make sure to search for Ichetucknee Springs Campground on Google to find the correct location.
Tent camping near Lake City, Florida centers around several wilderness sites connected by the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail. The region features sandy riverbanks with limestone outcroppings and natural springs maintaining a constant 72-degree temperature year-round. Water levels fluctuate seasonally, affecting campsite accessibility and river navigation conditions between November and April.
Swimming at springs: Lafayette Blue Springs State Park offers a limestone bridge you can snorkel under. "Beautiful spring for swimming featuring a limestone bridge way you can snorkel under. If you're into diving they also have an underwater cave, just make sure to check in with the ranger station 2 miles north before diving," notes a visitor to Lafayette Blue Springs State Park.
River paddling: Plan multi-day paddling trips between river camps spaced approximately one day's paddle apart. "We did a 65 mile paddle on the Suwanee River and stayed at two river camps and a campsite! We loved all the spots. These river camps are a TREAT! WOW!" shares a camper at Peacock Slough River Camp.
Forest exploration: Hike through pine forests and alongside creeks in lesser-known areas. "23k acre park, some 30 miles of trails, most well marked, with fording places for canoe/kayak on two different creeks. Horseback trails, an not a lot of people. Trails are kept decently, mostly soft sand, or grass," reports a visitor at Jennings State Forest.
Screened sleeping platforms: Many river camps offer elevated platforms with amenities. "The platforms are amazing. Power, fire ring, and running water. Hot showers also," according to a camper at Holton Creek River Camp.
Convenient gear transport: River camps provide solutions for moving equipment from boats. "Wheelbarrows to wheel your stuff from the river to campsite. Amazing!" notes a visitor to Peacock Slough River Camp, who also mentioned "screened in pavilions with light/fan and outlets. Each one has a fire pit, grill and water spigot!"
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds offer natural separation between camping spots. "The sites were close as you would normally get in an established campground but there was plenty of brush to separate each site," reports a camper at Jennings State Forest. Another camper adds that it has "16 campsite each being semi private you will love the sounds of the wind in the trees and hawks flying over."
River-only access: Some camps can't be reached by vehicle. "Would have been great to know this is NOT accessible via a vehicle," warns a camper at Woods Ferry River Camp.
Seasonal considerations: Water levels and insects vary throughout the year. "Wintertime is fantastic here as the bugs are at bay. Springs are 72 degrees year round and are not open to swimming," notes a visitor to Peacock Slough.
Limited facilities: Many sites offer basic amenities only. "Picnic table, fire ring, pit toilet. Old campground deep in the woods. Many white spotted ticks," describes a camper at Jennings State Forest.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies widely across the region. "Cell service gets spotty but if your here to have your nose in your phone, you are missing out," mentions a camper at Jennings State Forest.
Biking opportunities: Some campgrounds offer recreational equipment for children. "My son's favorite part was riding around on the provided bicycles and playing darts & cornhole by the communal fire pit," shares a visitor to Bowman's Landing.
Swimming spots: Natural springs provide safe swimming areas for children. "My daughter says her favorite part was fishing and swimming in the river," notes a camper at Bowman's Landing.
Educational opportunities: Learn about Florida's natural systems. "There are trails to explore around springs and sinks. You can learn a lot about Florida's Aquifer and more staying at this and other camps," explains a camper at Lafayette Blue Springs State Park.
Wildlife watching: Observe native species in their natural habitat. "You will find remains and signs of old turpentine harvesting in the area close to the camp in the forest. Chuck-will's-widow, owls and frogs will serenade you at night," details a camper at Woods Ferry River Camp.
Limited RV access: Most river camps aren't suitable for RVs. "Nice and secluded, great for overlanders. Only downfall is the mosquitos," explains a camper at Big Camp Hunt Camp.
Storage considerations: Plan for securing gear while away from your site. "Always take paddles, PFD's, fishing equipment, food items and valuables to your camping area - do not leave in boats. There are raccoons and other nocturnal creatures and an occasional bear passing through," advises a camper at Holton Creek River Camp.
Weather preparation: Regional weather patterns affect camping comfort. "Rain forced a 3 day stay. Camp host beyond helpful and understanding as we're on a Ural motorcycle," shares a visitor to Lafayette Blue Springs State Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Lake City, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Lake City, FL is Woods Ferry River Camp — Suwannee River Wilderness Trail with a 4.2-star rating from 5 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Lake City, FL?
TheDyrt.com has all 23 tent camping locations near Lake City, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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