National Forests in Florida is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near National Forests in Florida, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your National Forests in Florida camping trip.
"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."
"Set of primitive spots near lake. Main road entry is packed dirt; smaller access road to sites is two-track about 1/4 mile through woods — very narrow tree clearance. 4WD recommended."
"Very narrow trails but really easy access, you will leave with some new pinstripes"
"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"
"If you’re hauling water gear or want to hike/backpack a section of the Florida Scenic Trail (FL Keys to GA state line), this is a lovely place to hang out on the small lake."
$290 / night
"Super cute secluded cabin directly on the lake. You have your own private boat slip, 100ft long dock for fishing & swimming, canoes/paddles/life jackets on site."
"It worked out well as some family members like the cabin experience and others were able to stay in tents near the cabin. There are lots of places to sleep (bunk beds, queen, etc)."
$9 / night
"I like to go across the causeway and down the Bog Button Trail and over to the Hammock Trail and along the Cactus Trail and down around the ponds and back out the Bent Pine Trail. "
LegendTo get to this camp you will have to hike in along old levy's some just over a foot wide. Much of the trail is sloped to one side or the other. Along the way you will see some beautiful sites! Many hike the loop trail as a day hike. but it is better enjoyed at a slower pace as there is so much to see if you open your eyes. The just over 7 mile trail takes you by orange trees cover in butterflies in spring, also wildflower lines trails and along the beautiful St Johns River.
The camp site is used often by scouts and folks wanting to start training for longer hikes North of Florida. The campsite it self is very nice. there is a covered shelter, fire pit, benches and a picnic table. Many trees for hammock camping and lots of room for tents. Sadly with no toilet facilities back along the edges of the campsite you will find evidence of human use and abuse. PLEASE leave no trace. Also if you go take the time to pull a few of the invasive Caesar Weed plants that are trying to take over the camp (they are the ones with seeds that act like Velcro).
You MUST have a reservation to camp here. If you have a pet it MUST be kept on a lease at all times and picked up after. there are feral hogs and snakes on the property....and you must practice bear safety using a bear proof container for food and hanging from tree at night. We saw no bear sign when we hiked - but that is not saying they are not around.
RangerFantastic campground and recreation area. Over 150 campsites, one area full hookups with all amenities and other area for tent camping. Sites have lots of space and majority have shade trees with moss flowing in the breeze. All sites have picnic table, lantern pole, grill, and fire ring. We have 2 golden retrievers and had plenty of space to spare. Beautiful stars out at night. Bathhouses are large, clean, hot showers. Trailer sites were full and only a few tent campers this time of year. Tent sites are complete with Bear boxes at each site. Camp hosts and management were very friendly and helpful.
Saw manatees kayaking in the spring and river on premises. Spring area has a boardwalk around it. People swam with them too. Saw bald eagle catching fish, lots of birds, some fish, etc. Has a small boat launch and marina. Can tent kayaks. Great place for bikes. A few hiking trails were well maintained.
Convenient location to lots of springs to visit and things to do. Visited Silver Springs, Blue Springs, Juniper Spring to name a few. All within 1 hr drive.
Not sure how summer time is, but this late February time was Awesome. 40-50 at night and 60s in the day! This is a must stay place.
Legend**Campground Review: **
Bayard Conservation Area is located in Green Cove Springs Florida and is maintained by the St. Johns River Water Management District. It is a track of land that has many hiking trails that traverse through shaded pine forests, hammocks, marsh, and river areas.
We have day hiked here many times, but this trip we were going to do some primitive camping at one of the campsites. There are several areas to park and then hike in. The campsites are a few miles from the parking area. They include a fire ring and a picnic table. The campsites have several different settings, but we chose the river view. On our way to our campsite we were able to spot many animals including: deer, otter, turkey, and wild pigs.
The area is kept clean and is quiet with the exception of a bit of noise pollution from the surrounding area. However, this does not distract from the experience. We enjoyed our overnight backcountry trip and highly recommend Bayard.
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**Product Review: **
As a Dyrt Ranger I receive products from time-to-time and this time I am testing out the Pureland 30L Guard Backpack sold by Outdoor Element.
There are so many things to love about this backpack. The extensive cording and hooks on the outside made attaching extra items a breeze. I was able to store my trekking poles and Jetboil on the back with no problem. The hip pockets were an added plus and fit my cellphone inside of it easily. The room inside of the backpack was able to hold everything I needed for an overnight trip– including my bulky sleeping bag. The only two things that took away from the backpack was the inside zipper and the water pouch. The zipper on the inside of the bag came off the track with only a light pull while the bag was empty. It did not have the integrity that the zippers on the outside had. My 3.0L reservoir would not fit all the way in the provided pouch and hung out the top a bit. After the whole trip, I sincerely love this pack and will be using it for all of my hiking and primitive camping needs!!
LegendPROS
A camp host came to our site immediately after we unhitched to advise that our one tow vehicle tire on the grass will get us a $250 fine from US Forest Service officer. Funny, we never ever saw a USFS officer patrolling the campground.
Entrance gates closed at 8pm requiring code to enter
Immaculately maintained park. A small army of maintenance staff always working. Even one night at 930pm in the bathroom.
Saved $156 with America the Beautiful pass
Site 32 shady
Asphalt parking pad surrounded with sandy gravel
Moveable metal picnic table
Pedestal BBQ grill
High sided metal fire ring with 2 unremovable cooking grates
One hook lantern pole
Campfire wood for sale at registration office
No street lights in campground so good dark sky viewing if neighbors have their rig lights off which most nights they were lit up which also lit up surrounding campsites
Able to get T-MOBILE signal on our T-MOBILE WIFI device
Many squirrels ate from our hand
CONS
In 8 days never saw a USFD vehicle drive thru the campground
$8 fee to make on-line reservations
Site 32 not level
Absolutely no privacy from any other site
In 20 degree exterior temperatures, both campground bathhouses had windows open, whole house fans operating in full capacity and ceiling fans operating on high. Obvious park maintenance does NOT want anyone taking a shower when interior bathhouse temperatures were in the 30s and the bathhouse was a freezing wind tunnel! It was even difficult using the toilet.
Loud and rowdy campers all weekend long—day and night. Quiet hours not enforced
Highway 19 traffic noise
USFD clearing project on east side of campground. Heavy equipment noise for 9 straight hours day after day!!!
No notice water outage for 2 hours
No park WiFi
No T-MOBILE cell service
No public phone for emergency calls
LegendSawgrass Island Preserve is a unique piece of property. I love hiking on the north side of the property it looks so much like Old Florida. I like to go across the causeway and down the Bog Button Trail and over to the Hammock Trail and along the Cactus Trail and down around the ponds and back out the Bent Pine Trail. This is around a five mile hike and can be stretched out by doing the North Loop Trail also . I have seen several whitetail deer, sandhill cranes, lots of other birds, quail, and some turkeys while hiking. I also saw a black bear up a tree in the marsh. It is a hidden gem for sure. The south side is nice but gets super sandy in places due to horseback riders. And if you have horses the preserve allows riders and even has a spot or two with water for the horses and some picnic areas with hitching post to tie off horse and have some time to eat. Some trails are narrow and give the feel of actually walking in, in the woods! I haven't camped there but they have two primitive campsites on the Hammock Trail near the marsh with a fire ring, picnic table, and lantern post. There is also a horse campsite along the Cactus Trail down near the ponds and there is an open pole barn with two roomy stalls for horses and picnic tables and a fire ring with benches. Also room to pitch tent under barn too. There is no water available at any of the campsites. Could be a fun adventure waiting in Old Florida. There is a camping application to fill out on line at www.lcwa.org and a small fee, but if everything checks out ok at the end of the stay after a Ranger has had a chance to check out the site your fee is refunded.
GuideThis was a very nice campground. No WiFi but the restrooms were clean, they have a bar if needed. Nice flat spots for my pop up. Bathrooms very clean. Will definitely return.
TravelerWe hiked extensively in this tract and used Mutual Mine campground as one of our stop-overs. Very nice, open, flat areas to pitch tents and close to hiking trails. Fire ring at each site, options to hang your hammock. Bathrooms but no showers. Free potable water. You can also pull in a trailer but this is not a full-commercial type campground. More a cross between that and primitive camping…….perfect for backpackers!!
LegendPROS
Dark sky friendly-no street lights in campground
100% gravel site
Metal fire ring with cooking grate
Moveable wood and metal picnic table
2 hook lantern pole
Security gate that closed at dusk with code provided for entrance
Some privacy from neighbors
Coin washers/dryers at the campground bathhouse
3 bars T-MOBILE
CONS
No senior or military discount
No campground WIFI
Site 11 very unlevel
Gravel roads to and thru campground
Tight campground road
Horrible traffic noise from US 441
TravelerGreat place to boondock! Spent 3 nights here by the pavilion. There are about 5 spots in the “primitive” camping area. Plenty of privacy and a kayak launch area. Spots have fire rings and a couple have picnic tables. Porta potty is clean. The back-country area was recently gated so RVs can no longer camp there. It’s now designated as tent-camping only. It’s a huge open space with entrances to walking trails and beautiful views of the river. The back-country area has an outhouse. It’s easy to get to and very quiet other than other campers and periodic airboats that zoom by.
Tent camping near National Forests in Florida offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying various amenities and activities. With a range of campgrounds available, you can find the perfect spot to set up your tent and explore the great outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near National Forests in Florida?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near National Forests in Florida is Lake Delancy East NF Campground with a 4-star rating from 3 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 43 tent camping locations near National Forests in Florida, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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