Best Tent Camping near Suwannee, FL
The Suwannee River Wilderness Trail offers exceptional tent camping opportunities through a system of five river camps spaced approximately 10-12 miles apart along the Suwannee River. These boat-in tent campsites include Woods Ferry, Holton Creek, Dowling Park, Peacock Slough, and Adams Tract River Camps. Lafayette Blue Springs State Park near Mayo provides walk-in tent sites under live oak trees with nearby spring access. Big Camp Hunt Camp in Sanderson offers more secluded primitive tent camping with basic amenities. Twin Rivers State Forest also maintains primitive tent campsites for those seeking a more rustic experience.
Most tent-only camping areas along the Suwannee River are accessible primarily by water, with limited road access reserved for camp hosts and authorized outfitters. The river camps feature dedicated tent camping areas with shared fire pits and picnic tables, alongside screened sleeping platforms. Wheelbarrows are typically available to transport gear from the river to campsites. Amenities vary by location but generally include bathhouses with hot showers, drinking water, and toilet facilities. During high water periods, access to some river camps can be challenging as ramps and beaches may be submerged. Camp hosts are usually on-site and often sell firewood and ice.
Winter provides ideal conditions for tent camping in the region. According to reviews, "Wintertime is fantastic here as the bugs are at bay," with springs maintaining a constant 72-degree temperature year-round. Tent campers frequently note the privacy between sites, with one visitor mentioning "decent amount of privacy between sites" at Dowling Park. The primitive tent sites at Lafayette Blue Springs State Park are situated "under the most beautiful live oaks with crystal clear spring water just steps away." Wildlife sightings are common, with raccoons, owls, and occasionally bears passing through the area. Campers should secure food items and valuables, particularly at river camps where nocturnal creatures are active.