Tent camping near Midway, Florida offers primitive to semi-developed sites within Leon County and surrounding state forests. The region features a mix of pine flatwoods and hardwood forests with elevations ranging from 100-200 feet above sea level. Most campgrounds are situated near water bodies like Lake Talquin, providing fishing access while requiring campers to plan for increased humidity and potential wildlife encounters.
What to do
Fishing at multiple access points: Pope Still Hunt Camp provides convenient lake access for anglers seeking bass and bream. "The last 2 miles of the entry road is unpaved. There are 2 areas next to each other for dispersed camping," notes camper Cheryl K., mentioning approximately "10-15 campers total" during her stay.
Interact with farm animals: Goat House Farm offers a unique camping experience where visitors camp alongside goats. "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," explains Abby. The experience includes educational opportunities as Dianna B. mentions, "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!"
Boating and water access: Whitehead Landing NF Campground features a boat ramp for river access. John P. notes there's "a nice little boat ramp on the river" making it convenient for paddlers and small watercraft. The landing serves as both a camping area and water access point with "some occasional fishing traffic through the grounds," according to Zack W.
What campers like
Affordability of primitive sites: Whitehead Landing NF Campground offers budget-friendly camping options. "At only $3/night, you can't beat the peace and quiet! These campsites include a metal fire ring and picnic tables," reports Zack W., who camped there in mid-February when temperatures ranged from "70s during the day to the low 50s at night."
Low traffic and spacious sites: Many sites around Midway provide ample space between campsites. Zack W. found Whitehead Landing "spacious and quiet" despite the "free campground just down the road being full." The campground maintains its tranquil atmosphere even with occasional boat traffic.
Farm-based educational experiences: Goat House Farm provides hands-on learning opportunities for campers. "The kids absolutely loved it. They cried when it was time to leave and told all the animals bye," shares Abby about her family's experience. The farm allows direct interaction with animals, creating memorable experiences particularly for children.
What you should know
Water quality varies by location: Hall Landing Campground provides water access but quality may be questionable. Laura M. notes, "Water spigots at each site, but we filled up our jug with it and dumped it back out, water had a brownish tinge." Consider bringing your own drinking water when camping at sites with uncertain water quality.
Campsite maintenance expectations: Some sites require cleanup before use despite available facilities. At Whitehead Landing, Zack W. cautions that "most of the fire rings seem to double as garbage cans by other campers as they are leaving, despite the nearby receptacles. So expect to pick up someone else's trash before you can build a fire."
Connectivity varies by location: Cell service is available at some sites but not all. John P. reports "Decent Verizon signal, no T-Mobile" at Whitehead Landing, while Laura M. found "Good cell service with Verizon and ATT" at Hall Landing Campground, making it suitable for those needing to stay connected.
Tips for camping with families
Choose animal-interactive sites: Farm camping provides unique educational experiences for children. At Goat House Farm, kids can safely interact with farm animals. Abby advises, "Be sure to keep your tents closed or they will sleep with you too, ha!" This creates memorable experiences as "The kids absolutely loved it. They cried when it was time to leave."
Consider hunt camp timing: Hunt camps have seasonal restrictions and different usage patterns. Zack W. notes Whitehead Landing "is popular as a hunters camp during deer season," so families should plan visits during off-seasons for a quieter experience.
Prepare for bathroom facilities: Restroom quality varies significantly between sites. Whitehead Landing features "a pit toilet that is surprisingly clean" according to Zack W., while Laura M. describes Hall Landing's facilities as "not the cleanest or best smelling bath house but it was ok."
Tips from RVers
Site limitations for larger vehicles: While primarily tent-focused, some campgrounds may accommodate smaller RVs. Laura M. shares her experience at Hall Landing Campground: "This campground is for tents only, however, due to a mix up with our reservation at Walker Landing, they moved us to this campground even though we are in an RV. Most sites are big and level enough for an RV so it may be worth asking."
Limited hookups and dump stations: Most sites near Midway have minimal RV services. Laura M. notes, "No power and no dump station, but the county operator said we were welcome to use the dump station at Coe Landing since we were Leon County Parks guests."
Solar considerations: Tree cover affects solar panel efficiency. Laura M. mentions, "Lots of tree cover so our solar panels were struggling to get enough sun" at Hall Landing, suggesting RVers relying on solar power should plan accordingly or choose more open sites.
