Tent camping near Silver Springs, Florida offers multiple options within Blackwater River State Forest, situated in the Florida Panhandle region. The forest encompasses over 210,000 acres of longleaf pine ecosystem with numerous lakes and streams for paddling and fishing. Camping areas feature hardened sites on sandy soil that can be challenging for tent stakes, with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F from June through September.
What to do
Kayaking on Eastern Lake: Eastern Lake in Point Washington State Forest provides calm waters perfect for paddling. As one camper notes, "Beautiful lake view and easy access to water, prettier view, more breeze" at Eastern Lake Campground 2, though they mention "traffic noise, cannot park in your site" as drawbacks.
Hiking forest trails: The Eastern Lake bike/hike trail system offers three loop options. "Point Washington also offers three hiking trail options on the Eastern Lake bike/hike trial. The hiker or bicyclist can travel the 3.5-, 5- or 10-mile loop. This trail is part of the Florida Forest Service's Trailwalker Hiking Program," explains a visitor to Eastern Lake Campground 2.
Fishing from shore: Hurricane Lake provides accessible fishing opportunities. A camper at Hurricane Lake South Campground advises, "Boats and fishing allowed but no gas motors only trolling motors. Grounds are kept up and only the occasional pinecone falls from mischievous squirrels who will enjoy bombing you from above while laughing at you with their friends."
Cross-state backpacking: Connect with Alabama's wilderness areas. A backpacker at Black Water River State Forest Primitive Camping shares, "Black Water River State Forest is on the Florida and Alabama state line... it is connected to Alabama's Conecuh National Forest, so there's lots of ground to cover to get some miles in."
What campers like
Lakefront sites: Many tent campers appreciate waterfront locations. One visitor to Hurricane Lake South Campground mentioned, "Hurricane lake surrounds the campground so every camping spot has a view of the beautiful lake. I love that the tent campers are in a separate campground from RV campers. This makes for a more peaceful camping experience."
Separation from RV areas: Dedicated tent-only sections provide a more natural experience. A camper at Sunny Days Finca noted its convenient location: "Pull your RV into this flat, grassy area that's close to: East Bay Boat Ramp- 4.1 miles, Navarre Beach- 6.8 miles, Blackwater River- 20 miles. Don't forget your kayaks."
Private, shaded sites: Tree cover creates cooler camping spots. At Point Washington State Forest, a camper described, "The site was pretty and felt nicely distanced from the other three sites in campground #1. We didn't use the gravel tent space, but hung up hammocks in the nearby trees."
Budget-friendly options: Many forest sites offer reasonable rates. A visitor commented, "I'm not a dry camping enthusiast, but the sites were nice and the price was right" at Eastern Lake Campground 2.
What you should know
Hard ground conditions: Prepare for challenging tent setup. A camper at Eastern Lake Campground 2 warned, "The sites are a fine gravel, which was fine, but the ground was so hard underneath we couldn't drive one of our stakes in."
Road conditions after rain: Forest roads can become difficult or impassable. One camper at Eastern Lake Campground 1 cautioned, "I came in a day after rain and there were numerous significant deep puddles to get through. I was grateful my Sprinter had knobby tires and was a little higher; even then at one point the puddle was so deep it covered my headlights!"
Reservation requirements: Most sites require advance booking with gate codes. A visitor noted, "very nice quite secluded spot. camp site has locked gate, should receive gate code once reserve with reserveamerica."
Facilities limitations: Prepare for basic or no amenities. A camper at Black Water River State Forest Primitive Camping advised, "This is all primitive camping so be sure to bring EVERYTHING you need to camp."
Tips for camping with families
Separate youth group areas: Blackwater River State Forest offers dedicated youth camping sections. North Karick Lake Youth Group Camp and Hurricane Lake North Youth Group Camp both provide structured environments with basic facilities for organized youth outings.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Kids enjoy spotting local animals. One camper at Hurricane Lake South mentioned, "I have been there maybe 50 times and have yet to see the first gator though," while noting gators do inhabit the lake.
Bathroom considerations: Toilet facilities vary widely between sites. A visitor to Coldwater Gardens praised it as an "Awesome Glamping spot! Nice for a romantic getaway or for families. Lots to do. Little farm area with chickens and trials to hike."
Beach proximity: Some forest camps allow day trips to beaches. "I stayed at camp 1, site 1. There is a code to lock on gate when you go in. No amenities but 1 pit toilet. 4 sites in camp one. Quiet. Signs for active bears but we saw none," reported one camper at Eastern Lake Campground 1.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Most forest sites lack full services. A tent camper at Black Water River State Forest Primitive Camping noted, "The primitive area is really more geared for the tent camper with several nice flat spots to pitch a tent away from the parking area. However, there is room here for smaller rigs in the parking area."
Smaller rig recommendations: Forest roads limit size of RVs. The same reviewer suggested, "Rigs over 40' not recommended" and added, "Please be respectful and don't hog the parking area so others can enjoy as well."
Parking distances at some sites: Expect to carry gear from parking areas. A camper at Eastern Lake Campground 2 explained, "Also be aware that you walk a short distance from a parking lot to your campsite which worried me a bit since we were planning on airing up our mattress using an inverter plugged into the cigarette lighter of our car."
