The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Tent Camping near Suwannee, FL

546 Reviews

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.

Map showing campgrounds near Suwannee, FloridaExplore the Map

Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
Woods Ferry River Camp — Suwannee River Wilderness Trail

Woods Ferry River Camp — Suwannee River Wilderness Trail

10 min away

Holton Creek River Camp — Suwannee River Wilderness Trail

Holton Creek River Camp — Suwannee River Wilderness Trail

28 min away

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Suwannee Contest

Enter to Win

Best Tent Sites Near Suwannee, Florida (15)

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 15 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Suwannee Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Tent Camping Photos near Suwannee, FL

5 Photos of 15 Suwannee Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Suwannee, FL

546 Reviews of 15 Suwannee Campgrounds

  • Jeanene A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 26, 2017

    Lafayette Blue Springs State Park Campground

    Another fun stop along the Suwannee River

    One of 5 river camps along the Suwanee River and one of the nicest. This system of river camps currently is first come first served with no fee - but that could change soon and screened sleeping platforms may require reservations. Reservations can be made for groups and are suggested. Suwannee River camps are spaced a days paddle apart and are wonderfully convenient (especially in summer when afternoon rains come daily and bugs are everywhere).

    Most of the time you will have a camp host on the property.

    River camp has bath house with water and electric, grills, fire pits, tent camping area and screened sleeping platforms with electric, lighting and ceiling fans. Many units also have hooks to hang you hammocks. There are 5 sleeping pavilions typically will hold 6-8 persons and have small corner tables with small bench. Each has picnic table and fire ring. You will find a broom in each shelter - please sweep out and leave clean for next group. Camp host oftentimes has firewood available for sale.

    There are trails to explore around springs and sinks. You can learn a lot about Florida's Aquifer and more staying at this and other camps. Spring fed pools around take out area are a refreshing 72 degrees year round!

    Tent camping area has fire pit and picnic table to share with others

    At high water access to stairs to take out and to camp can be difficult.

    Note: Always take paddles, PFD's, fishing equipment, food items and valuables to your camping area - do not leave in boats. There are raccoons and other nocturnal creatures and an occasional bear passing through.

  • Jeanene A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 13, 2017

    Woods Ferry River Camp — Suwannee River Wilderness Trail

    Fantastic River Camp - River Access Only

    One of 5 river camps along the Suwanee River and one of the nicest. This system of river camps currently is first come first served with no fee - but that could change soon and screened sleeping platforms may require reservations. Reservations can be made for groups and are suggested. Our outfitter American Canoe Adventures makes our reservations for us. We stay here at least 2 times a year as the Suwannee River river camps are spaced a days paddle apart and are wonderfully convenient (especially in summer when afternoon rains come daily and bugs are everywhere).

    Outfitters have road access to help with deliveries of gear and supplies - Road access not open to the public. Most of the time you will have a camp host on the property.

    River camp has bath house with water and electric, grills, fire pits, tent camping area and screened sleeping platforms with electric, lighting and ceiling fans. Many units also have hooks to hang you hammocks. Sleeping pavilions typically will hold 6-8 persons and have small corner tables with small bench. Each has picnic table and fire ring. You will find a broom in each shelter - please sweep out and leave clean for next group. Camp host oftentimes has firewood available for sale. There are trails to explore and if you look closely you will find remains and signs of old turpentine harvesting in the area close to the camp in the forest. Chuck-will's-widow, owls and frogs will serenade you at night.

    Tent camping area has fire pit and picnic table to share with others

    There are canoe racks off platform visible at lower water levels or you can tie boat up under ramp. At high water you will be able to paddle up walkway to get out. - please turn boat to side of railing and secure as far up ramp as possible to leave room for others coming in to get their vessels up. There are also canoe racks at top of walkway. Always take paddles, PFD's, fishing equipment, food items and valuables to your camping area - do not leave in boats. There are raccoons and other nocturnal creatures and an occasional bear passing through.

  • Brenda S.
    Jun. 18, 2018

    Hart Springs Park

    Perfect "Spring" Weather

    Ranger Review: Wild Zora Bars and Paleo Meals to Go at Hart Springs, Fl

    Not far from the city of Gainesville sits the town of Bell, Fl home of many small springs. The spring we visited was Hart Springs. Hart Springs was just the right temperature on a hot summer day and a perfect location to enjoy Wild Zora Bars.

    Camp Ground Review:

    The Hart Spring has one of the largest swimming area with year-round 72-degree Fahrenheit water temperatures. The spring has an over bridge and concrete steps that lead down into the springs. Plenty of shade and Pavilions with grills close to the springs, playground, bathrooms and camp store. This park also has a splash pad, volleyball and basketball court. Beautiful ½ a mile-long boardwalk along the springs and the Suwannee River. Rentals of canoes and Kayaks available and cave diving is allowed for certified cave divers. The campground is located about 1 mile away from the spring accessible by a paved walking, bicycle or golf cart trail which is shaded by cypress, oak and pine trees. Campground has 71 sites (one loop), full hookups, and bathhouse with hot shower, washer and dryer. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring (no grill). Our site was #8 this site was deep, shaded and close to the bathrooms. Nice pool with bathrooms and a big pavilion with picnic tables and two grills for cooking at the pool. No alcohol. No pets (except at the RV campground) Reservations thru Reserve America website.

    Product Review:

    As a ranger for The Dyrt, I get to test various products. At Hart Springs I tested two products from Wild Zora: Wild Zora Bars and Wild Zora Paleo Meals to Go.

    What I thought about Wild Zora Bars and Paleo Meals to Go:

    1. Convenience- when spending the day at the springs, pool or on a hike it is nice to have a healthy snack with balanced nutrition without having to compromise on flavor.
    2. Very tender and easy to eat- Having children it is often difficult to find jerky or nutrition bars that are soft enough to chew, these bars are tender and eaten without difficulty. This is also beneficial for my older father who finds it difficult to chew most Jerky.
    3. Good balance of nutrition- it is nice to have a snack for both myself and my children that contains some vegetables. Unfortunately, we do not always get enough.
    4. The Paleo meals are easy to transport, requiring no refrigeration and very simple preparation. When you are ready to eat you simply add water, stir and allow the food to cook. Prep for camping and hiking can be very time consuming. Having meals that are ready to go when you are is not only a time saver but, in some cases, can make the difference between a hot meal and a cold sandwich.
    5. The texture of the Paleo Meals to Go was a bit softer than I would have anticipated, possibly I let it sit to long when preparing, but the flavor was very good, and the meal was filling.

    I would recommend Wild Zora bars to anyone that is looking for a snack for camping, hiking, or just an all-around healthy snack. I would recommend to anyone who likes camping, especially where space is limited, to try the Paleo Meals to go.

  • Kelly R.
    Feb. 22, 2021

    Suwannee River State Park Campground

    Pleasant and fun!

    I stayed at the Suwannee River State Park at the beginning of February. Getting there and getting set up was very easy! Each spot had a fire ring and picnic table. There were tons of hikes and things to look at and do. We even canoed we he Suwannee and were picked up at our campsite and paddled back to the park- so fun and easy! The spots were a bit close together with little privacy. The bathrooms were clean and conveniently located. There were lots of friendly dogs as well!

  • Jeanene A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 26, 2017

    Peacock Slough River Camp — Suwannee River Wilderness Trail

    Loved by cave divers and river travelers

    One of 5 river camps along the Suwanee River and one of the nicest. This system of river camps currently is first come first served with no fee - but that could change soon and screened sleeping platforms may require reservations. Reservations can be made for groups and are highly suggested.

    Wintertime is fantastic here as the bugs are at bay. Springs are 72 degrees year round and are not open to swimming and you will often find large groups of divers at the various holes. The extensive submerged cave system is on eof the most beautiful attracting divers from around the world.

    River camp has bath house with water and electric, grills, fire pits, tent camping area and screened sleeping platforms with electric, lighting and ceiling fans. Many units also have hooks to hang you hammocks. Sleeping pavilions typically will hold 6-8 persons and have small corner tables with small bench. Each has picnic table and fire ring. You will find a broom in each shelter - please sweep out and leave clean for next group. Tent camping area has fire pit and picnic table to share with others. As with all river camps there are stairs up to the camps and trees and racks to tie up your vessels. Nice large picnic pavilion with grills.

    There is a lot of space to explore here and at the adjoining Peacock Springs State Park.There are foot and equestrian trails to explore and lots of activities for EXPERIENCED cave divers.

    NOTE: Always take paddles, PFD's, fishing equipment, food items and valuables to your camping area - do not leave in boats. There are raccoons and other nocturnal creatures and an occasional bear passing through.

  • Napunani
    Jun. 25, 2023

    Suwannee River State Park Campground

    Nice Small Campground

    PROS 

    Site 14- shady; 100% sand; moveable small wooden picnic table and metal fire ring with cooking grate; small clothes line permanently erected 

    Fairly new bathhouse which was very clean 

    Quiet except for Interstate 10, US90 and occasional train 

    Park security gate closes at sunset and requires code to enter 

    Campground Drive thrus by sheriff and park personnel 

    Very friendly and helpful volunteers 

    Lots and lots of squirrels. 

    Didn’t see any other wild life. 

    CONS 

    Paid transaction fee for making my own online reservation 

    Camping in cars permitted in FHU campsites 

    No privacy from other sites or campground roadway 

    No Park WIFI 

    1 bar TMOBILE

    Don’t Miss 

    Live Oak is the next eastbound Interstate 10 exit, so 7 miles, which has Walmart with Murphy fuel, Lowe’s, Winn-Dixie and Publix 

    Watch local law enforcement speed surveillance on US90. Goes from 60 mph to 45 mph at the Interstate junction! 

    Robbie’s Cafe for some reasonably priced home cooking 

    O’Neal County Buffet in Madison for bodacious fried chicken

  • Jeanene A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 13, 2017

    Holton Creek River Camp — Suwannee River Wilderness Trail

    Rest on the River

    One of 5 river camps along the Suwanee River and the 2nd camp from White Springs. This system of river camps currently is first come first served with no fee - but that could change soon and screened sleeping platforms may require reservations. Reservations can be made for groups and are suggested. Our outfitter American Canoe Adventures makes our reservations for us. The Suwannee River river camps are spaced a days paddle apart and are wonderfully convenient (especially in summer when afternoon rains come daily and bugs are everywhere).

    Most of the time you will have a camp host on the property and MAY have firewood for sale. Their site is hte last site past the bathrooms(and they are past all the sleeping pavilions.

    This river camp has lots of tent camping space, a small bath house with water and electric, grills, fire pits, and screened sleeping platforms with electric, lighting and ceiling fans. Many units also have hooks to hang you hammocks. Sleeping pavilions typically will hold 6-8 persons and have small corner tables with small bench. Each has picnic table and fire ring. You will find a broom in each shelter - please sweep out and leave clean for next group.

    There is a nice beach at lower water levels to pull up your vessel or you can tie boat up under ramp. At high water this ramp can be tricky to unload from in a strong current (we have seen it with no beach visible) Always take paddles, PFD's, fishing equipment, food items and valuables to your camping area - do not leave in boats. There are raccoons and other nocturnal creatures and an occasional bear passing through.

    Swimming and fishing are nice here. Lots of places to explore. Make sure you have some bug spray for evenings in summer months

  • Steve G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 15, 2021

    Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park Campground

    Great campground close to I-75

    Overall: Excellent campground with close access to the Suwannee River, not far off I-75 near White Springs. The sites are, for the most part, nicely private with a good bit in intentional foliage between them. Most of the sites are well shaded. The river access and trail are beautiful. The water level was quite high when I was there compared to prior visits so it was not possible to walk along the waterline. 

    Getting there: Get off I-75 at the White Springs exit, go East on NW thunder Street, left on State Rd 100 and follow the signs. 

    Check in and staff: I was there on a Saturday night, having easily made reservations online using the Florida State Park website: https://www.floridastateparks.org/camping. My ticket with site number and map was there in the little booth for pick up. I did not see any staff the entire time that I was there. 

    Amenities: Most of the attractions like the carillon tower, craft center etc were closed when I was there. The canoe launch and the river access were easy to get to and beautiful in the early morning light. It seemed that a wedding was recently done or going to be done down by the river in the little pavilion there. Fresh water and electricity at sites with them worked well. 

    Bathrooms: clean, well kept. Laundry machines available. I did not try taking a shower so I cannot comment on that but they looked clean. 

    Site: I had site 33. Very nice, private and relatively close to the bathroom.   Flat and well drained.  Bugs not too bad this time of year.  Fire ring, BBQ and wooden picnic table were clean.  The only negative that I experienced while there is that one neighbor or the other seemed to have the entire population of the campground at the site, having a very raucous noisy party. I finally had to yell for quiet about 10 pm to try to get some sleep. Fortunately the folks responded by quieting down, even though “quiet time” starts at 11pm per park rules.

  • Jeanene A.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 14, 2019

    Woods Ferry River Camp — Suwannee River Wilderness Trail

    Ranger Review Primus Lite XL Stove at Woods Ferry River Camp

    Campground Review

    Woods Ferry River Camp is the first in a series of river camps available about a day’s paddle apart on the Suwannee River From White Springs (River mile 159.3 GPS Location: N 30 21.22, W 82 51.37 ) to Adams Track (River mile 85.5 GPS Location: N 30 2.10, W 83 1.14). On our recent visit River Level was at 52 making it easy to get out of kayak on a small sandy area under ramp. One of the storage racks had been damaged in recent storm/flooding but one still remained and held our 6 boats easily. There are carts to help you get your gear up the high 200 yard, winding ramp to get to the camp. Recent weather has taken a toll on this favorite camp of ours. We stayed in screened pavilion # 3 and found the railing to be loose and many of the installed hammock hooks bent down and unusable. Shower in the men’s room was scheduled for repair so we “stood guard” for our male camping companion to shower in ladies room. Camp hosts were wonderful and had ice as well as firewood available “for donation”. Fire pits were all clean as well as the rest of the facility! There is a large pavilion with picnic tables and electricity available for use with a large fire pit and grills. Other than routine maintenance needing done this place is holding up well. It is still free to stay at the river camps. There is a very nice tent camping area also! Screened pavilions need a reservation during busy time of year (which I would suggest always try to get). Our outfitter offers a service to shuttle gear to site for a fee. This trip there was a terrible storm front that came through and we did not get to finish our trip and outfitter was able to pick us up at this location. As we were aware of the trouble we could have with the weather we were able to get a call out luckily( limited cell service here) and arranged for our outfitter American Canoe Adventures – to pick us up. The hard part was moving all our boats from the river up to where the van could get to. Long ramp in the pouring rain – not fun. You cannot drive into Woods Ferry, this is a river access location only, except for camp hosts and permitted outfitters.

    Product Review

    On this kayak camping trip I had the opportunity to test out the Primus Lite XL . This stove comes with a 1 liter pot (good to feed 2 persons) that actually connects to the stove to prevent spills! This connection between burner and pot made for a secure unit making it much easier to stir the pot! The heat flows through the specially designed bottom of the pot which had fins built in, this heats the pot and items you are cooking very efficiently! This new feature also aids in keeping wind from carrying away your heat! Another bonus feature is the igniter button – no need to carry extra lighter for this stove. The clear lid with strainer, footrest, and folding stove handles make this a complete package. Well built, seems like with will hold up well in the back country and light/compact enough for backpacking. Primus did a great job with this set!. As a rebel I also had to test burner without the included pot and unit provided stable support and cooked evenly. Great gas saving stove! Thank you #PrimusAmerica !

    Get yours today at https://primus.us/products/lite-xl-4?variant=17262671429

Guide to Suwannee

Suwannee, Florida, offers a variety of tent camping options that immerse you in nature while providing essential amenities for a comfortable stay.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • At Woods Ferry River Camp, you'll find clean facilities, fire rings at each site, and access to drinking water, making it a convenient choice for campers.
  • Lafayette Blue Springs State Park Campground features walk-in tent sites with electric hookups and water, ensuring a comfortable camping experience.
  • Holton Creek River Camp offers screened sleeping platforms equipped with power, running water, and hot showers, perfect for those seeking a bit of luxury in the wild.

Specific local activities

  • Enjoy paddling along the Suwannee River and camping at Adams Tract, where you can explore the scenic waterways and enjoy fishing.
  • Peacock Slough River Camp is ideal for swimming and fishing, with easy access to the river and nearby springs.
  • Experience the beauty of nature trails and wildlife at Dowling Park River Camp, where you can hike and enjoy the serene surroundings.

Tips for tent camping near Suwannee

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Suwannee, FL is Woods Ferry River Camp — Suwannee River Wilderness Trail with a 5-star rating from 4 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 15 tent camping locations near Suwannee, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.

Keep Exploring