Larry A.
Guide
GuideTraders Hill Campground
Awesome
Tent Camping near Olustee, FL
10 campgrounds with availability next weekend
Search destinations
Add dates
Tent campsites near Olustee, Florida include several primitive options in the surrounding state forests and managed lands. Big Camp Hunt Camp and East Tower Hunt Camp in Sanderson offer secluded tent camping experiences with basic facilities. Additional options include the Jennings State Forest Hammock Campground and Black Creek Ravine, providing tent-focused sites approximately 30-40 miles from Olustee.
Most tent campgrounds in this region feature minimal amenities, with sites typically set on natural forest floor with limited grading. East Tower Hunt Camp provides trash receptacles but lacks potable water and cell service. Sites are dispersed within boundaries rather than designated spots. Walk-in tent sites at Jennings State Forest Hammock Campground include fire rings with grill grates, picnic tables, and designated tent pads, though campers should prepare for primitive conditions. A visitor commented, "With 16 campsites each being semi-private you will love the sounds of the wind in the trees and hawks flying overhead." Portable toilets are available at some locations, but campers should bring their own toilet paper and water purification systems.
The backcountry tent camping experience in this region offers genuine seclusion among Florida's natural landscapes. Tent campers at Black Creek Ravine must hike approximately 2.4 miles to reach the single riverside campsite. A review mentioned, "We liked that you have to hike in, there is no car access. There was zero competition for the single campsite." Sites at Big Camp Hunt Camp provide isolation ideal for overlanding tent setups, though mosquitoes can be problematic during warmer months. The Mule Landing Campsite on the Pioneer Trail requires a hike of over a mile from Phillips Branch Crossing parking lot, offering a private riverside primitive camping experience with enough space for 2-3 small tents. Most walk-in tent sites feature natural barriers like trees and brush between camping areas, providing privacy even when other campers are present.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Olustee (29)
1. Big Camp Hunt Camp
2. East Tower Hunt Camp
"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."
3. 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."
8 Sites AvailableAvailable next weekend
from $9 / night
4. Woods Ferry River Camp — Suwannee River Wilderness Trail
"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."
8 Sites AvailableAvailable next weekend
5. Catface Corner Campground
"There’s a kind of stillness at Catface Corner Campground that immediately lets you know you’ve stepped deep into real North Florida wilderness, where the tall pines sway gently and the forest seems to"
Check Availabilityfrom $9 / night
6. Bowman's Landing
"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."
Check AvailabilityAvailable next weekend
from $45 - $105 / night
7. 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."
Check Availabilityfrom $9 / night
8. Mule Landing Campsite - Jennings State Forest
"You’ll wind around and ascend a slight incline before reaching Mule Landing, but trust me, if you are looking for one of the best private hike-in campgrounds, you’ve just arrived."
9. 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."
10. Cary State Forest Group Camp
"This group campground site - and to be clear, there is ONLY one - is designed for tent camping only, so no RVs, trailers or plug-in (although, there's an easter egg hidden below) luxuries here."
Check Availabilityfrom $18 / night
Drive Time
- 41 min from Jacksonville, FL
- 46 min from Gainesville, FL
- 1 hr 9 min from Valdosta, GA
- 1 hr 17 min from Ocala, FL
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Olustee, FL
25 Photos of 29 Olustee Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Moonlit AvenueS
Bootleggers Campground — Jennings State ForestM
Hammock Campground - Jennings State Forest
Cary State Forest Group Camp
Black Creek RavineN
Holton Creek River Camp — Suwannee River Wilderness Trail
Fine Life WorldJ
West Jax Retreat
Camp Chowenwaw Park
Lafayette Blue Springs State Park Campground
Etoniah Creek State Forest Green Camp
Tent Camping Reviews near Olustee, FL
704 Reviews of 29 Olustee Campgrounds
Stacey R.GuideCary 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!
Russell B.ScoutCharlton County Traders Hill Recreation Area and Campground
greatbplace quiet family friendly couple on the grounds is wonderful
very low key not very many campers swim site is packed due to towns people other then that great place cheap rates
- RReed E.Guide
Gibson Park
Wooded and quiet sites on grass
I’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.
- AAnthony W.Scout
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park Campground
Campsites
I love this campground very clean and has nice big sites.
- Stuart K.
LegendNorth Florida Christian Camp
Faith, Fellowship and Fresh Air
Tucked away just outside Keystone Heights, North Florida Christian Camp feels like a place designed more for connection than convenience, where winding sandy roads lead you beneath tall pines and into a peaceful, purpose driven setting that immediately feels set apart from the everyday rush. The campground sits on a large, wooded property with a mix of open gathering spaces and shaded pockets, and while it is primarily designed for organized church groups and retreats, individual campers can still find a quiet place to land among the trees. The overall vibe is relaxed, intentional, and grounded in simplicity, with nature doing most of the heavy lifting.
Facilities here are more functional than flashy, with a combination of cabins, bunkhouses, and open camping areas alongside basic bathhouses, communal gathering pavilions, and activity fields. You will not find resort style amenities, but you will find clean, usable facilities, wide open space for kids to run, and a layout that encourages group activities, campfires, and shared meals. The grounds are easy to navigate, and while RV hookups may be limited depending on where you stay, the setting works well for families who are comfortable with a more rustic, community-oriented experience.
The surrounding area offers a nice balance of quiet nature and small town convenience, with Keystone Heights just a short drive away for groceries, fuel and casual dining. Hitchcock’s Market is a reliable stop for supplies, and local favorites like Cedar River Seafood provide an easy, family friendly meal after a day outdoors. Nearby lakes and trails give you opportunities for paddling, fishing, or simply stretching your legs under the Florida sky, making it easy to build a full day without ever straying too far.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a handful: (1) The best camping areas are those set slightly deeper into the pines where you will find more shade and a bit more privacy from larger group spaces; (2) If visiting during a scheduled retreat or camp week, expect more activity and less solitude, so plan accordingly; (3) Bring bikes or scooters for kids, as the open grounds and sandy roads are perfect for riding; (4) Pack bug spray, especially in warmer months, as the wooded setting can bring out mosquitoes at dusk; and (5) If you are seeking a quieter experience, aim for midweek stays outside of peak group bookings.
Happy Camping!
Kai Z.
RangerPaynes Prairie Preserve State Park Campground
Beautiful Nature Escape with cool Wildlife
This is a really nice campground surrounded by beautiful nature. The bathhouse is a little older, but still fine. The area itself is really impressive though, with lots of wildlife all around. If you take a short walk, you’ll find a spot with a water view and tons of seating areas — a really beautiful place to relax. For the price, you honestly can’t complain. There are quite a lot of insects at night, so bringing good bug spray is definitely a good idea. But for our one-night stay, it was absolutely worth it.
Guide to Olustee
Tent camping near Olustee, Florida provides access to the natural ecology of northeastern Florida's pine flatwoods and cypress swamps. The region sits at a modest elevation of 140 feet above sea level with sandy soils that drain quickly after the frequent summer thunderstorms. Campers should prepare for hot, humid conditions from May through September when temperatures regularly reach 90°F, while winter nights can drop to the 40s.
What to do
Creek exploration: At Black Creek Ravine, campers can access the riverbank just 30 feet through the trees from the campsite. A reviewer noted, "My family hiked about 2.4 mi in to this campsite and stayed one night. We liked that you have to hike in, there is no car access."
Hiking trails: The Pioneer Trail in Jennings State Forest offers well-marked paths through diverse Florida ecosystems. "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," shared one visitor who appreciated the trail's maintained stream crossings.
OHV recreation: Several areas permit off-highway vehicle use on designated trails. At East Tower Hunt Camp, visitors can combine camping with off-road adventures. A camper mentioned, "Tower is open where you can climb it if you want. Dollar general is only about 15 mins away."
What campers like
True seclusion: Many campers appreciate the privacy of hike-in sites like the Mule Landing Campsite which requires effort to reach. A visitor described it as "one of the best private hike-in campgrounds" with "enough room here for 2, maybe 3 small-to-medium sized tents with fairly level ground that is softened by all the downed leaves."
Natural sounds: The forested settings provide a natural soundtrack. At Jennings State Forest Hammock Campground, a camper mentioned, "It was quiet and felt secluded. The sites were close as you would normally get in an established campground but there was plenty of brush to separate each site."
Rustic amenities: Simple but functional facilities enhance the camping experience without detracting from nature. At Big Camp Hunt Camp, a reviewer mentioned it was "Nice and secluded, great for overlanders. Only downfall is the mosquitos."
What you should know
Seasonal challenges: Summer brings intense heat and insects. One camper at Woods Ferry River Camp noted, "Chuck-will's-widow, owls and frogs will serenade you at night" but also warned about "raccoons and other nocturnal creatures and an occasional bear passing through."
Water considerations: Most primitive sites require you to bring all water or filter from natural sources. At Black Creek Ravine, a visitor explained, "You have water access from the river as long as you have a purification system, but you're on your own for bathrooms, electricity, etc."
Trail conditions: Sandy soil and varying terrain can make hiking challenging. A camper at Jennings State Forest described trails as "mostly soft sand, or grass" and noted that "cell service gets spotty but if your here to have your nose in your phone, you are missing out."
Tips for camping with families
Tree house alternatives: For families wanting structure with outdoor immersion, Camp Chowenwaw Park offers elevated camping. A visitor reported, "We stayed here for a night and loved it. There were short trails, a kayak/canoe launch, a pool, dock, fishing, and clean amenities."
Pool access: During hot months, swimming facilities provide welcome relief. At Camp Chowenwaw, "Pool was very nice and very strictly run by the local 'Y'. It was closed a lot due to distant rumbles of thunder but we did get a few minutes to enjoy."
Pack light for hike-ins: When bringing children to walk-in sites, minimize gear. A family at Camp Chowenwaw advised, "It was a good 10 minute hike with our gear to get to the tree houses from parking area near pool. Wagons are provided but pack light to save the trouble."
Tips from RVers
River landing access: For RVers wanting waterfront options, Bowman's Landing on the Santa Fe River offers tent and cabin camping with river recreation. A visitor described it as "Beautiful and peaceful vacation on the Santa Fe River."
Limited hookup options: Most areas near Olustee focus on primitive camping rather than RV amenities. While some sites like Jennings State Forest do accommodate smaller RVs, a camper mentioned, "There are designated camping sites and walk in camping sites" but noted limited availability during their visit.
Overflow campgrounds: During busy hunting seasons or holidays, established campgrounds fill quickly. A visitor to East Tower Hunt Camp explained, "Its a no frills free campground from the federal govt. There are no sites or reservations its just all dispearsed camping with in the boundary."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Olustee, FL?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Olustee, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Olustee, FL is Big Camp Hunt Camp with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find
tent camping near
Olustee, FL?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Olustee, FL?
TheDyrt.com has all 29 tent camping locations near Olustee, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring