Best Tent Camping near Sumatra, FL

Tent campgrounds near Sumatra, Florida provide primitive camping options scattered throughout the surrounding area, with several rustic sites in Apalachicola National Forest. Hickory Landing Campground and White Oak Landing Campground offer tent sites within the forest boundaries, while Harpers Hunt Camp sits approximately 10 miles east of Highway 65 on Forest Road 22. Cotton Landing and Whitehead Landing provide additional tent camping options in the region, with most sites offering basic amenities suited for self-sufficient campers.

Most tent sites in the Sumatra area feature minimal improvements, typically dirt or natural forest surfaces with some leveling. Access routes vary significantly, with some campgrounds like Hickory Landing accessible by boat, vehicle, or foot. Basic toilet facilities exist at several locations including White Oak Landing, which also offers drinking water, picnic tables, and trash collection. Many tent campgrounds allow fires in designated rings when conditions permit, but campers should be prepared for limited facilities. A review mentioned that "most of the fire rings seem to double as garbage cans by other campers as they leaving, despite the nearby receptacles," indicating the need to bring cleaning supplies.

Tent camping in this region provides opportunities for solitude and wildlife observation, particularly at less-developed sites. White Oak Landing features open areas allowing campers to spread out, along with access to water. "This site also has an everflowing water supply that has been there for decades. It's sulfer water but it's clean and cold," according to one camper's experience. Hickory Landing's location on Owl Creek makes it popular for paddling excursions. The region experiences typical Florida weather patterns with mild winters and hot, humid summers. During hunting seasons, some campgrounds see increased use as hunt camps, particularly in fall and winter months, while offering quiet experiences during off-seasons. Ticks and stinging plants may be present in wooded areas, so gathering firewood along access roads rather than deep in the forest is recommended.

Best Tent Sites Near Sumatra, Florida (27)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Sumatra, FL

430 Reviews of 27 Sumatra Campgrounds


  • Vince F.
    Mar. 7, 2021

    Tate's Hell State Forest High Bluff Primitive Campsites, FL

    Secluded sites, great night sky

    We camped at Pidcock Road Campsite #49 during the 2020 Leonid meteor shower.  Nice place for dogs (req'd on leash) as no other campsites nearby.  Very quiet, no water or electricity.  Don't trust google map for road directions, you have to approach from the east or north.  Dirt roads could be an issue if wet and for larger RV-type set-ups.  Marginal cell phone coverage (AT&T).

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 12, 2022

    Tate's Hell State Forest High Bluff Primitive Campsites, FL

    Great!

    There are 3 separate High Bluff Primitive campsites, one at Dry Bridge, one at Rake Creek and one at Pidcock Road.  Each spot is so far away from each other that you feel completely secluded, which is nice.  We stayed at Pidcock Rd.  Even though nobody was around we still kept the dogs on leash because the spot is surrounded by water on 3 sides, and we didn't want to risk any alligator attacks.

    Site wasn't totally clean but definitely not the worst we've seen.  There is a fire ring, picnic table, and grill.  No toilet or garbage facilities so please pack out your waste.

    Road in was bumpy with some huge pits but easily navigable even in our 26ft class c, just watch the road and take it slow.  There was no cell service on the roads once we entered the dense forest but the spot itself was cleared of trees enough that we got service on ATT and Verizon.

    We followed the step by step directions that were in the confirmation email and not google maps' directions and we had no problems.

    Site was $9/night plus tax and fees which brought it to $16.79 for the one night.

  • irena J.
    Aug. 29, 2018

    Tate's Hell State Forest

    Tate's Hell State Forest

    Tate's Hell State Forest is a primitive dispersed camping area slightly north the Gulf of Mexico in the Florida Panhandle region. Instead of a single campground with multiple sites, Tate's Hell provides individual camps sites through out the forest, many of which are along the Carabelle River. Sites offer fire ring, picnic table and cleared tent area. All sites are accessed by dirt roads that are fairly well maintained. Many of these sites can accommodate a popup or RV, but there are no electrical, water or sewage hook ups in the state forest. If you are looking for an authentic backwoods, roughing it camping experience - this is your place!

    Sites can be reserved 1 877 879 3859. The regional ranger station is located at 290 Airport Rd, Carrabelle, FL 32322.

    More info https://www.freshfromflorida.com/Divisions-Offices/Florida-Forest-Service/Our-Forests/State-Forests/Tate-s-Hell-State-Forest

  • Dale W.
    Jul. 11, 2021

    Torreya State Park Campground

    Well maintained and beautifully located.

    Awesome campground with good amenities. Each site has fire ring, picnic table, water and electric. Most sites had good flora between sites, offering a little privacy. Restroom and shower facilities with a coin operated laundry.

    Ranger Rob shared a secret, two campsites cannot be reserved and are always available first come first served. I got to spend two nights in one of those and it was great.

    I found the hiking trails to be quite strenuous and not well-maintained in spots, but that's part of the adventure. I even took a tumble down a steep hill but made it to the primitive camp sites just to see them and get down to the river.

  • Elaine W.
    Jan. 18, 2022

    Eastbank

    Quiet, Clean and Quit Beautiful

    I arrived after lunchtime and set up my tent. There were two tent spaces all the way at the other end from the RVs on the water. They were large had picnic table, grills and fire rings. The bathrooms were a nice little walk and the water and the showers were hot. Nice place to break in my new tent. Oh I took her through a heck of a wind and rain storm. On my found it said the winds were over 60 miles an hour. But my Core tent held up fine.

  • Rachel G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 18, 2021

    Eastbank

    Friendly COE campground

    This is a great COE campground on Florida Georgia border. Everyone here was so friendly. Sites are large but very open. Three camping loops. We stayed in C 17. Great site all have fire rings, picnic table, lantern pole, charcoal grill, and prep table. Sites are paved or gravel. Several pull through sites. Great for larger rigs. Loops A & C have waterfront sites. Loop B is inner part of campground. Bathhouses have separate showers from restroom area. Campground is right on lake Seminole. Great fishing, boating, and kayaking. Went in February it was cold and very windy coming off lake. Not much to do in area but great for long weekend stay. Ate at local restaurant called Rutabaga cafe which was great. You are right on the time zone switch so your phone will switch from eastern to central several times. There are amenities close by such as grocery, liquor store, Dollar general. Jim Woodruff Dam is across the lake. It was closed to visitors but we drove to the overlook which was cool. Will definitely come back for another stay.

  • C
    Feb. 27, 2021

    Ed and Bernices Fish Camp and RV Park

    Very peaceful place with great people!

    Nice pavilions with a picnic table and new fire rings. We had a flat spot and not needing to bust out the levelers is always a treat! The staff here is so kind and helpful. The others here have great knowledge about the area and we got some tips on what kinds of fish to catch...if you are into that sort of thing! If not, it is a great relaxing place to watch the river float past. Great cell signal and friendly four legged friends came to great us and our pups. Definitely stop here! Fantastic find!

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 11, 2022

    Florida River Island

    Free! Reservations Required.

    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.  The RV sites are all lined up in a row in an open field with no shade.  The RV sites have a concrete pad as well as a fire pit and a grill and a picnic table.

    We were here over a weekend and it was really, really quiet.  There was only one other RV camper here besides us and no hooligans coming through, surprisingly.

    Good cell service with ATT and Verizon.  There are garbage bins (no recycling).

    Not a fancy place but great for free.  You need to make reservations in advance with the Northwest Florida Water Management District.

  • Dale W.
    Jul. 10, 2021

    Womack Creek Campground — Tate's Hell State Forest

    Primitive, rustic, and deserving of its name.

    At over 200,000 acres, Tate's Hell is the second largest State Forest in Florida, second only to Blackwater River State Forest in Santa Rose County. That's Hell is located off of U>S> Highway 98 in  Franklin County, between the Apalachicola and Ochlockonee rivers. Check out The Ledgend of Tate's Hell on the State Forest webpage, https://www.fdacs.gov/Forest-Wildfire/Our-Forests/State-Forests/Tate-s-Hell-State-Forest.

    For roughing it in the woods, nothing I have found beats Tate's Hell. With 36 primitive campgrounds (tent space, fire ring, and picnic table) with multiple campsites and 4 campgrounds with facilities (restrooms and some RV sites) there is plenty of room to camp and explore Tate's Hell.

    The Womack Creek campground, where I spent one night, has both RV and tent campsites and a boat ramp with access to Womack Creek. 

    Recreation opportunities include the High Bluff Coastal Hiking Trail which is part of the Forest Service's Trailwalker Program.


Guide to Sumatra

Tent camping options near Sumatra, Florida concentrate primarily within Apalachicola National Forest, where multiple primitive sites offer access to Florida's largest national forest. The area's flat coastal plain terrain features sandy soils and pine forests, with elevations rarely exceeding 100 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures regularly reach 90°F with high humidity, while winter nights can occasionally drop below freezing from December through February.

What to do

Paddling Owl Creek: Campers at Hickory Landing Campground access excellent paddling opportunities. "The paddling is great on owl creek," notes Dawna J., who appreciates the campground's seclusion and primitive nature.

Boat launch access: Whitehead Landing provides direct river access with a small boat ramp. "There's a nice little boat ramp on the river," mentions John P., making it convenient for fishing excursions without needing to transport watercraft far from camp.

Hunting excursions: During deer season, many campsites serve as bases for hunters. Whitehead Landing becomes particularly active during hunting seasons, as one camper notes: "The campground is popular as a hunters camp during deer season, and features a boat ramp, so there is some occasional fishing traffic through the grounds."

What campers like

Budget-friendly options: Whitehead Landing offers exceptional value for campers seeking affordable accommodations. "At only $3/night, you can't beat the peace and quiet! These campsites include a metal fire ring and picnic tables," explains Zack W.

Off-grid connectivity: Despite the remote setting, some campgrounds maintain cellular connections. At Whitehead Landing, John P. reports: "Decent Verizon signal, no T-Mobile. Non-potable water spigot."

Small, peaceful campgrounds: Camp Mack provides a compact but tranquil environment. "Small campground in National Forest. 10 sites. Very quiet. We felt very safe," shares a reviewer named Travels W., adding "Pulled in around 3:00 on a Saturday afternoon. Only 3 other sites were being used."

What you should know

Site amenities vary significantly: Some campgrounds offer more facilities than others. "This site has open areas for more room to spread out, picnic tables and restrooms," describes Jacob A. about White Oak Landing Campground.

Cleanliness challenges: Visitors should prepare to clean up after previous campers. At Whitehead Landing NF Campground, a reviewer cautions: "Only downside is that most of the fire rings seem to double as garbage cans by other campers as they are leaving, despite the nearby receptacles. So expect to pick up someone else's trash before you can build a fire."

Wildlife considerations: Ticks present a concern for campers at certain sites. At Cotton Landing, Katlyn A. advises: "Ticks are definitely out at this campsite but only in the woods so get fire wood along the dirt road on your way in to avoid the ticks and sticker bushes."

Tips for camping with families

Off-season timing: For families seeking solitude while tent camping near Sumatra, Florida, visiting during non-hunting seasons provides a quieter experience. "Loved my stay at this location... people I met there were great, no drama and bathrooms were decent," reports a Cotton Landing visitor about camping during slower periods.

Facility considerations: Families should note bathroom availability varies between campgrounds. Whitehead Landing offers "a pit toilet that is surprisingly clean, trash receptacles, and water spigots," according to a recent visitor, though water is non-potable.

Space requirements: When camping with children, select sites with room to spread out. Hickory Landing Campground offers more space between sites, with one camper noting, "This camp ground is very secluded and the sites are fairly private."

Tips from RVers

Site limitations: RV camping options remain limited near Sumatra. Camp Mack accommodates smaller RVs but with minimal amenities. "Only seven camp sites all of them next to one another. River runs along the border of the camp there is a boat launch," notes Jacob F.

Discount opportunities: Federal pass holders can save on camping fees. At Camp Mack, one RVer shared: "$10 a night. With the America The Beautiful lifetime pass, we paid $8.50."

Size restrictions: Large RVs face significant challenges in this region's campgrounds. None of the sites near Sumatra accommodate big rigs, and most access roads require careful navigation with smaller recreational vehicles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Sumatra, FL?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Sumatra, FL is Hickory Landing Campground with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Sumatra, FL?

TheDyrt.com has all 27 tent camping locations near Sumatra, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.