Florida Caverns State Park offers 32 full-hookup campsites with water, electric, and sewer connections in the main Blue Hole Campground. Separate equestrian camping facilities cater specifically to those traveling with horses. The park encompasses 1,300 acres with trails suitable for hiking and horseback riding through limestone karst terrain. Campground facilities include clean bathhouses with hot showers, and the park features Florida's only publicly accessible air-filled caverns with daily guided tours available.
What to do
Cave tours: The guided cavern tours are consistently rated as the highlight of Florida Caverns State Park. One visitor notes, "The caverns are a must see in this park. Come early before they open as there is a line. The staff are friendly and very well organized" (Florida Caverns State Park).
Water activities: During summer months, the Blue Hole spring offers swimming opportunities. As one camper recommends, "Enjoy the blue springs in the summer heat or the cavern tour." For paddling enthusiasts, a visitor suggests, "Bring your kayak or rent one there, it's definitely worth it!"
Hiking and biking: The trail system throughout the park provides opportunities for both hiking and biking. A camper mentions, "Lots of nice hiking trails." At Fort Braden Tract in nearby Lake Talquin State Forest, visitors can access "three wonderful loop trails" with "nice elevation changes (refreshing for Florida hiking)" (Fort Braden Tract Primitive Campsites).
What campers like
Private tent sites: For tent campers seeking seclusion, Florida Caverns offers good options. A visitor notes, "Great tent campground. Lots of privacy. Water spikes and grill and picnic table on site." The convenient location of facilities was also mentioned: "The bath house was pretty clean though the shower head wasn't great. They were really close to the tent sites."
Trail diversity: Horse campgrounds near Sneads, Florida provide access to varied terrain. The Fort Braden Tract features "three wonderful loop trails" with "primitive camp sites and a great view through the trees." A visitor describes the experience: "Was worth the hike in and we had a lot of down time to relax even hiking all 3 loops."
Wildlife viewing: Camping in this region offers opportunities to observe native Florida wildlife. At Crazy 8 Ranch, visitors can interact with rescue animals. As one camper describes, "She runs a quaint rescue ranch for various animals... Feeding them was a big highlight of our stay!" At Lake Talquin primitive sites, campers might spot local wildlife: "Even got a visit from your friendly neighborhood alligator in the middle of the night."
What you should know
Hurricane recovery: Florida Caverns has rebuilt after Hurricane Michael. A visitor in late 2023 noted, "Great State Park. Facilities are great." Another mentioned in 2021 that "the spring is closed as is the campground and some trails due to hurricane damage," but most areas have reopened since then.
Primitive options require preparation: When staying at primitive sites like those at Fort Braden Tract, be prepared for true wilderness camping. A visitor advises, "Fetch your own water from the lake. No modern amenities." The trails to reach these sites can be challenging: "About a mile hike in. Primitive, which is exactly what we wanted."
Reservation recommendations: Florida Caverns State Park campsites can fill quickly, especially during peak seasons. For equestrian camping near Sneads, Florida, book well in advance. The primitive sites at Fort Braden Tract require permits: "Call ahead for your camping permit!"
Tips for camping with families
Scout-friendly environment: Florida Caverns works well for youth groups and family camping trips. One visitor shared, "Camping with a scout troop & it was awesome even though it rained. The caverns were just incredible & the amenities were great. Plenty of room to roam & setup camp."
Educational opportunities: The cavern tours provide learning experiences for children. A camper notes, "This natural wonder of Florida is amazing. I highly recommend a visit and touring the caverns." Guides are "very knowledgeable" and can explain the unique limestone formations.
Short-stay convenience: For families with limited time, Florida Caverns makes a good weekend destination. A visitor describes it as a "Great 2 day stop over" with "good walking trails" and "lots to do around the county."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Florida Caverns, RV sites have varying levels of privacy. Some visitors mention being "placed on the equestrian site with zero privacy" while others describe "nice full hookups campsites." A recent visitor cautions it's "Not a park for a lot of large RVs."
Access considerations: For RVs heading to smaller properties like Crazy 8 Ranch, be prepared for challenging access roads. A visitor warns: "The road into her ranch is pretty rough and beat up, so use caution and go slowly."
Hookup availability: RVers should note the varying levels of hookups at different campgrounds. Florida Caverns offers full hookups, while smaller operations like Crazy 8 Ranch provide "power and water hookups, but no dumping stations yet."
