Camping sites near Sumatra, Florida range from remote primitive locations in Tate's Hell State Forest to established campgrounds along coastal waterways. The region experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures often exceeding 90°F and milder winters where nighttime temperatures can drop to the 40s. Many forest camping areas have sandy or dirt access roads that can become difficult to navigate after heavy rainfall, particularly from June through September during the rainy season.
What to do
Paddling opportunities: Wright Lake Campground offers access to a small lake perfect for beginner paddlers. "The lake was pretty but small, more of a pond," notes Dawna J., though the serene water provides a peaceful setting for morning paddling.
Wildlife watching: At Indian Pass Campground, the waterfront location creates excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Nicole C. reports, "Lots of very squirrels, they beg for food (so cute). The beach is just a few steps away," while Seth P. mentions seeing "Lots of beautiful birds and even dolphins."
Biking trails: The extensive trail systems throughout the region provide excellent biking opportunities. Laura M. at St. George Island State Park Campground notes, "Sand on the beach is hard packed enough that we were able to ride our bikes right on the beach. The trail had a lot of washed out areas and we were constantly getting on and off the bikes, so the beach route is maybe better if you're going to bike."
What campers like
Waterfront access: Camel Lake Campground offers sites surrounding a small swimming lake. "The site was clean and quite large. The trails were nice and maintained. There is a swimming area and I was able to put my kayak in for a nice paddle," shares Dawna J.
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the natural barriers between camping spots. Chris K. notes that at St. George Island State Park, "There isn't a bad site, they all have privacy. Big pines mixed with palms and lovely breeze to keep it comfortable."
Stargazing opportunities: The relative remoteness of Tate's Hell State Forest High Bluff Primitive Campsites creates excellent night sky viewing. Vince F. specifically chose "Pidcock Road Campsite #49 during the 2020 Leonid meteor shower" and noted it was a "Nice place for dogs (req'd on leash) as no other campsites nearby. Very quiet, no water or electricity."
What you should know
Insect preparation essential: Bug protection should be your top priority when camping in this region. Becca S. warns about St. George Island: "The only downside to this location was the bugs— definitely recommend mosquito nets and a thermacell. We only stayed one night, but the management did spray for bugs around sunset."
Road conditions vary dramatically: Access to more remote campsites can be challenging. Laura M. describes reaching Florida River Island: "There are about 10 sites total at this free campground. There is a tent-only side with about 4 sites, with a pit toilet. The tent sites are much nicer than the RV sites. They are among the trees, they are more spread out, and on the water."
Limited shopping options: Plan to bring supplies with you. T. D. advises those heading to St. George Island to "Bring all necessities because options are limited for shopping in the area and considerably more expensive than normal."
Cell coverage spotty: Connectivity varies widely across the region. Vince F. reports "Marginal cell phone coverage (AT&T)" at Tate's Hell State Forest, while Laura M. found "Good cell service with ATT and Verizon" at Florida River Island.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Coastline RV Resort & Campground offers family-friendly amenities including a pool. Joyce T. notes, "The pool was wonderful and the clubhouse amazing! You can cook a dinner in the clean kitchen."
Wildlife education opportunities: Many campgrounds provide chances for children to observe local wildlife. September H. at Indian Pass Campground shares, "We loved this campground! It's a bit crowded but there's plenty of opportunity to stretch your legs being that it's steps away from the beach. They are also extremely dog friendly which is a huge plus for us because our pup loves to swim."
Clean facilities: When camping with children, clean bathhouses become particularly important. Madison C. notes that Coastline RV Resort offers "facilities were very private with 4 individual bathrooms (shower, toilet, vanity) no 'stalls'."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At primitive campgrounds, carefully consider your RV size and site location. Robert G. shares about Wright Lake: "I made the trip over from Panama City at the relative last minute for a quick night in the Apalachicola National Forest. Seeing that Wright Lake opened up recently, and with the majority of sites listed as First Come First Served, I figured I would make the drive and check it out."
Road navigation: Forest roads require careful driving, especially with larger rigs. Ray & Terri F. note about High Bluff Primitive Campsites: "We have a 36 ft Class A with a Cherokee Trailhawk tow and stayed in site 64 for 4 days in mid April. This is a relatively small CG, with~15 wooded sites that are reasonably spaced. The roads and sites are sandy gravel. Our site had a little bit of slope side to side, but not too bad."
Hookup availability: Know what utilities are available at each campground. Jeff at Indian Pass Campground advises, "The only negative is there's no septic, so you have to have your black/gray water pumped, but even that's not worth a rating deduction."
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