Best Tent Camping near Trenton, FL
The Suwannee River watershed surrounding Trenton, Florida offers several tent camping options with riverside access and natural springs. Primitive tent camping is available at Bowman's Landing on the Santa Fe River, featuring five tent sites with amenities including drinking water, showers, and toilets. The Suwannee River Wilderness Trail provides tent-only camping at locations like Adams Tract and Peacock Slough River Camp, which are primarily accessible by boat or walking trails. Additional primitive tent campsites can be found at Watermelon Pond in Goethe State Forest near Newberry, approximately 25 miles southeast of Trenton, and at smaller private campgrounds like Moonlit Avenue and Wildflower Ranch.
Most tent campgrounds in the Trenton area feature basic amenities with varying levels of development. Walk-in tent sites at Lafayette Blue Springs State Park include power and water hookups, while more primitive options like Old Town Open Land offer minimal facilities with no drinking water available. Fire rings and picnic tables are common at established sites, though firewood availability varies by location. Campers should be prepared for Florida's seasonal conditions, particularly afternoon thunderstorms during summer months and occasional wildlife encounters including raccoons and bears. Wheelbarrows are provided at some river camps to transport gear from water access points to camping areas.
Winter months provide the most comfortable tent camping experience in the region. According to reviews, the screened sleeping platforms at Suwannee River camps offer protection from insects during humid summer conditions while still providing an outdoor experience. One camper noted that Lafayette Blue Springs State Park features "walk-in tent camping sites under beautiful live oaks with crystal clear spring water just steps away." The river camps along the Suwannee are spaced approximately a day's paddle apart, making them ideal for multi-day paddling trips. Tent campers at Bowman's Landing appreciate the peaceful riverside setting with opportunities for fishing and swimming. Most backcountry tent camping areas maintain good separation between sites, with campers reporting decent privacy even at more developed locations.