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This conservation area includes lakes Washington, Winder and Poinsett. St. Johns River water flow is regulated at one point — a fixed-crest weir located just north of Lake Washington — to help ensure water supply to Melbourne. The area was acquired as part of the Upper St. Johns River Basin Project, undertaken jointly by the district and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, as a long-term flood control project to revitalize the upper basin. The Upper St. Johns River Basin Project reclaimed drained marshlands by creating reservoirs and replumbing existing canals. The goals were numerous: to improve water quality, reduce freshwater discharges to the Indian River Lagoon, provide for water supply, and restore or enhance wetland habitat. The area contains extensive wetland communities, typically dominated by emergent species such as sawgrass, smartweed, arrowhead and maidencane. One of the special highlights of this property is its numerous primitive camping sites (accessible by boat) along the river and access to more than 7 miles of trails. Other special features include open vistas dotted with palms, seasonal wildflowers and grasslands that change colors with the seasons. Portions of the hiking trail are unshaded, and portions go through dense shaded hardwood and palm hammocks. Eastern meadowlarks are plentiful here. St. Johns River Water Management District lands are natural, wild and scenic places. While camping on district lands, you may have an opportunity to see various wildlife, sit under the stars, listen to a soft evening breeze rustling tree leaves and experience Florida much as some of the earliest settlers did. However, be prepared to rough it. Only primitive tent camping is allowed on district lands and only at designated locations. No travel trailers, campers or RVs are allowed. Most properties offer no amenities such as rentals, restrooms, potable water or shelters. Many of the campsites are in remote areas and can be reached only by hiking, bicycling, boating or horseback riding. Campers should use the designated campfire rings for fires and should carry out all garbage with them when they leave. Check the notices section of this website for updates on any current burn bans. First come/first serve and reservable camping sites are available at most district properties. All camping is limited to a maximum of seven days per visit and you may camp no more than 30 days on a property per year.
Hatbill County Park allows primitive camping by permit on weekends. Please call (321) 264-5037 for camping permit. Boat ramp open 24 hours a day.
This vast property straddling portions of four counties was the first acquisition in Florida funded by the Save Our Rivers program. It includes 12 miles of the St. Johns River and is part of a large group of publicly owned conservation lands in the area that includes the Little-Big Econ State Forest, the Tosohatchee State Reserve and the St. Johns National Wildlife Refuge. Within the property are more than 4 miles of the Florida National Scenic Trail.
The property helps to filter nutrients during seasonal flooding; 96 percent of the area is part of the St. Johns River floodplain.
One of the special highlights of this property is that its unique plant community that is supported by naturally salty water, which flows from small springs near Harney and Puzzle lakes. The salinity of small lakes in the area approaches one-third that of seawater. Many salt-tolerant and marine-dwelling organisms present here are not found anywhere else in the St. Johns River.
Visitors often say they enjoy this property because of the sheer size of it and how open and vast much of the landscape is. There are huge marshes, miles of open water, shady hammocks, piney woods, and much more. They’ll also tell you it’s a big enough place to easily feel like you are lost – a treasure of remoteness in the busy central Florida area. Wildlife viewing
Please respect Florida’s wildlife and use caution while visiting district lands. These are wild animals. For your safety, do not approach or feed any wild animal. A diversity of migratory and resident wading birds and waterfowl is frequently found at the conservation area. Occasional sightings include white ibis, roseate spoonbills, white pelicans, southern bald eagles and sandhill cranes. Recreational activities
The southwestern 6,000 acres of this conservation area comprise the Seminole Ranch Wildlife Management Area, which is seasonally hunted.
Year-round activities include fishing, horseback riding, primitive camping east of the river, hiking (4.3 miles of Florida National Scenic Trail — hikers, please check hunt dates), canoeing, boating, bicycling, wildlife viewing, picnicking and nature study.
The trails are seasonally flooded.
Scout
I stayed for 3 months, the place was lovely. But there is something very important to me I have a very docile golden retriever poodle. While I was there there was many pitbulls without muzzle witnessed a pitbull get loose from its owner and attacked two small dogs the dogs had to go to the veterinarian hospital I had to take my dog and pick him up and run and hide this happened right in front of me it was horrible. I don't know the fate of the other dogs but one couldn't walk. The man that was walking the Pitbull lost control of it because the Pitbull wanted to attack the other dogs in the park he slipped right out of his collar. I believe they shouldn't allow aggressive breeds and if they do they should be muzzled until then I would never come back here I love my dog I can't imagine the situation if it would have been my dog it scares me just the thought
Traveler
Great county park for our holiday weekend trip. Sites are a little tight and park is open to none campers, but otherwise no complaints (and really those aren’t a big deal). Decent rates, full hook ups, great location, friendly staff, clean bathhouse, and beautiful views of the Indian River. We plan on coming back.
Scout
One of the best little places to get your youngins out into nature for the first time... It's small but has everything that a campground should have. Nice pier to fish off of, little nature trail, and a boat launch. And to top it all off it was cheap! A little small for my taste but over all a very nice place .
Guide
Beautiful shaded sites and long biking/ trails
Scout
We sold our house in West Palm Beach and relocated to Vero Beach for work, choosing to stay in our RV at this park while awaiting our new home to be built. Initially, we were excited, but the management at this park turned out to be a nightmare. Despite the reasonable and straightforward rules, we faced constant harassment. We have two dogs that we walk multiple times a day. There are no trash cans or doggy bags on the property except in the dog park, so we took the initiative to buy an outdoor trash can and a bulk supply of dog waste bags to ensure we cleaned up after our pets. Yet, we received weekly notices accusing us of not cleaning up after our dogs. Each time I went to the main office to discuss these notices, I was told to“just ignore it” as it was likely a“pesty neighbor.” Additionally, when family visited us for the day and parked at our RV slot, we received notices about parking violations. After discussing this with the office, we were advised to have our visitors park in the lot by the restaurant, which we did. Despite this, we continued to receive notices for various infractions, such as improper water hookup and not stopping completely in the neighborhood. This felt like borderline harassment. As responsible adults who strive to follow regulations, we were perplexed and frustrated by these continuous and unfounded accusations. Each time we sought clarification from the office, they dismissed our concerns, blaming"nosey neighbors" and suggesting neighborly disputes were at play. Ultimately, we were given a 30-day notice to vacate the property. This experience is particularly disappointing because we had suggested this park for our upcoming family reunion, which would have brought 47 rentals for a week. Now, I can't wait to leave this place. For anyone considering a short-term stay, this park may suffice. However, I strongly advise against bringing pets unless you want to be harassed and falsely accused. For those seeking a long-term rental, avoid this park at all costs, as you will face weekly harassment. Furthermore, we had several packages confirmed as delivered to the“receptionist/front desk,” which mysteriously went missing, apparently mishandled by the staff. Our initial excitement to be part of the Road Runner community has completely dissipated. I am eager to leave and will never return. I do not recommend this park and will be warning others. 0/10.---
TravelerWonderful staff and well maintained Park, sites and facilities. Great fishing and kayaking in the lagoon with a view of Cape Canaveral.
Traveler
Well maintained facilities and friendly rangers on-site. Numerous hiking trails with open Prarie landscape. Very limited light pollution at night so great Location to star gaze.
Legend4 miles down washboard sand/gravel road will beat your truck and trailer to death. And the sites are small!! 18’ trailer in site #6 and had to unhitch the tow vehicle as it was sticking in the road. Barely fit 22’ trailer and tow vehicle in site #1 without unhitching. That aside, it is a beautiful quiet spot that is excellent for star gazing. Bath house is clean and lots of hot water. If you are car camping or tent camping or have a camper van, this might be a good spot for you. It is a dark zone, so no lights after dark - use red lights.
Traveler
Sebastian Inlet State Park near Melbourne, FL. We stayed for stopovers on way down and back from Miami area. Most campsites do not have water views but are just a short stroll away. Most sites have limited privacy but some have more vegetation buffer. The campgrounds were quiet, clean and pleasant. With a Northern and Southern section, this park offers several access points to the ocean beach, the inlet itself and the River. We were delighted to stroll the long beaches and watch the surfers, watch fishermen in the river in the morning and evening, and watch the many pelicans feeding from the bridge structure over the river. The swimming area behind the jetty on the north side creates an almost man-made tide pool which is perfect for swimming and for younger children to play in the shallows without waves or currents. We hope we can get reservations again!
TravelerWe loved our tent camping experience at Lake Kissimmee. Our site was 22 in Loop 1 and we were pleasantly surprised to discover that we had our own direct path to the bathroom, which wasn’t something featured on the FL State Park booking site. On-site store was only open on specific days of the week and did not carry ice, but they did have small bundles of firewood. We look forward to booking the same spot when we come back to visit during the colder months.
Traveler
This place was a good place for a beginner camper like me. It’s close to a Walmart, to get things I forgot. It has a few trail heads and lots of boat docks. I enjoyed fishing and wild cranes.
GuideNice park and amenities. Maintained well enough. Spaces are closer together but the amount of trees and foliage make it seem more private. Don’t ask for an early check in. Even if your spot is empty. The staff was extremely rude and unfriendly. I understand policy is policy but being rude doesn’t help enforce the policy.
Scoutits nice to relax .. if you are a camper ... for first time it dont have nothing plan its not good...
Ranger
Located on the river across from Kennedy Space Center, it's a great spot to view launches with 20 or so spots along the river.
Water/electric sites only, but there are two dump stations available. Boat launch just outside the campground as well. Bath houses were clean and there is a small camp store.
Spots are all first come, first serve. Only available to KSC/NASA employees and military though (and requires an annual membership of $15-20). The campground does update open sites on their facebook page daily (https://www.facebook.com/KARSPark).
ScoutWell ran. Quiet place.
Guide
Close enough to walk to the ocean, stores close enough to drive to. Sites closer than I would like. I wish this county park would put a 2 week limit on your stay. Seem like lots of people stay several months, which it can Seen cluttered in some sites, plus hard to find available because some people stay so long.
Guide
Cannot say enough great things about this special place! During the weekends it can get filled up and busy. We were there for a few days during the week and enjoyed every minute. Close to lake, great for bird watching and walks/ boating. Friendly host and fellow campers. We will definitely be returning. For the price, can’t beat it. First come first serve, recommend doing the Grape Hammock air boat tours from fish camp!
TravelerThis small campground was very full in middle of Florida winter season. While most sites appeared flat, there is not privacy between them and no shade in hot Florida sunshine. We were lucky with a quiet location in Site #3, and only 1 neighbor next to us. The only sites with open water views were in very tight and crowded section that was crowded with lots of big rigs. Park personnel were very gracious, helpful and accommodating. It was not convenient from I-95 for just a 1-night stopover, but we had a good night's sleep to refresh us for another day of driving! Fishermen and kayakers must love this location for easy access! Price was fairly steep compared to other local and state parks. We did enjoy the nearby beaches!
We stayed here on February 22, 2004.
ScoutIce park
TravelerHas been wonderful clean and quiet. We have a truck tent.
Traveler
For what it is, this place is perfect. I stayed nearly three weeks here in December before heading back to the cold north, and I couldn’t have asked for much more. Staying out on the inlet, although primitive, does offer a bit more privacy compared to inside the campground. It also gives front row seats to the ships coming to port as well as any launches from cape Canaveral which are much more frequent now. The staff was very friendly and I would absolutely stay here again.
TravelerSites are a bit close together but the vibes were good and everyone was really nice. Family friendly camping for sure. The bugs are awful so bring bug spray or a bug light if you can. Me and my dog had fun walking around the site and exploring the island next to it. They just renovated one of the bathroom houses too which made everything a bit easier and a bit more clean.
Traveler
This is camp for hunters it's free and has pit toilets open area park anywhere in the camp. Lots of land to explore, hiking very close to Florida scenic trail.
Traveler
Bohemian Freedom Ranch is hands down the best camping experience I’ve had road tripping. You can camp right out in the pasture with the animals, which includes water buffalo, emus, and all sorts of farm animals. The host Jim is kind, responsive, and welcoming, and was accessible for the whole stay. The farm features tons of outdoor hangout spots made of reclaimed materials, a shower, an indoor common area, and a swimming hole! I loved my time there and highly recommend!
Guide
Tons to do on property including little stores, bbq restaurant, pizza, ice cream etc. Horseback riding, petting zoo, rock climbing. BUT, my only complaint is the noise level of the area. Lots of boat noise, gas golf carts (big property) & it just happened that my neighbors loved their gas blowers & pressure washing lol. Lots of great sites to choose from. Nice staff. Pet friendly.
TravelerThis is an amazing campground. We stayed in the Astrological Pad so we can see the stars and oh my.. you can see them all!!!! Bring your telescope. The hiking trails are great! Saw alot of Deer, boar and turkeys around the grounds. I did not see any on the trails but that was ok. The campgrounds are clean and bathrooms are easily accessible. Most of the camp is red light only at night so please bring red light flashlights.
GuideThe views are amazing, it is so peaceful and serene. We love it
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Malabar, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Malabar, FL is Wickham Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 6 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 6 tent camping locations near Malabar, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.