Tent camping near Vernon, Florida offers several primitive woodland and riverside camping options throughout the Panhandle. Campsites typically sit on forest service roads requiring higher clearance vehicles, especially during wet seasons. Temperatures range from mid-40s in winter to upper 90s in summer, with high humidity and frequent afternoon thunderstorms from June through September.
What to do
Water recreation access: Point Washington State Forest provides Eastern Lake access for paddling. "I didn't have either [canoe or kayak] but now I have a kayak and I will definitely put it on the lake on my next visit," notes a visitor at Eastern Lake Campground 2.
Hiking trails: Forest trail systems connect many primitive camping areas. "Point Washington also offers three hiking trail options on the Eastern Lake bike/hike trial. The hiker or bicyclist can travel the 3.5-, 5- or 10-mile loop. This trail is part of the Florida Forest Service's Trailwalker Hiking Program," explains Dale W.
Fishing opportunities: Neals Landing Park provides riverfront fishing access along the Chattahoochee. One camper describes it as having "great fishing, picnic tables, close to Marianna Florida, and Donalsonville, Ga."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: At Eastern Lake Campground 1, campers appreciate site separation. One reviewer notes, "The site was pretty and felt nicely distanced from the other three sites in campground #1. We didn't use the gravel tent space, but hung up hammocks in the nearby trees."
Beach proximity: Despite being woodland camping, many sites offer relatively quick access to coastal areas. "Nice primitive campground located near 30A beach... The beach is right across the bay so it's a short drive to the ocean," reports Shea M.
Lake views: Certain campsites provide direct water views. Beth B. compares the campgrounds: "Campground 2 Pros: beautiful lake view and easy access to water, prettier view, more breeze."
What you should know
Road conditions: Forest access roads can become challenging after rain. "I came in a day after rain and there were numerous significant deep puddles to get through. I was grateful my Sprinter had knobby tires and was a little higher; even then at one point the puddle was so deep it covered my headlights!" warns a camper at Pine Log State Forest Primitive Campsites.
Gravel tent pads: Many sites have designated gravel areas for tent placement. "Campsites provide picnic table and grill with a lantern pole and pea gravel area to set up tent," explains Derek K.
Navigation challenges: Finding the correct entrance can be tricky. "Set your GPS for the Point Washington Field Office on Hwy 89. Access road 11 is across the highway. Recommend approaching eastward from the west, and it's an right turn off the highway once you spot it," advises Jared.
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife awareness: Bear activity occurs in some areas. "Signs for active bears but we saw none. Did the 10 mile single track flat bike route. I saw not much wildlife or birds. It was a foggy overcast day," reports Andrea S.
Local noise considerations: Some sites experience noise from nearby establishments. At Point Washington State Forest, one camper observed, "We stayed at campground 2 site 3, a stone's throw across the lake from the Old Florida Fish House. You can definitely hear the music coming from there... The first night it was a little loud but ended at 9:00."
Ground conditions: Be prepared for hard ground when setting up tents. "The sites are a fine gravel, which was fine, but the ground was so hard underneath we couldn't drive one of our stakes in," notes one camper.
Tips from RVers
Military facilities: Active duty and veterans can access Raptor Ranch at Tyndall AFB. "The campground doesn't have as much shade or as many trees as it had before the hurricane in 2018, but it is back open for business and is a great place for military and veterans to park their campers short or long term," explains Mark J. at Raptor Ranch at Tyndall AFB.
Gate code access: Many primitive campgrounds require reservation codes for entry. "This is a quiet Forest. I stayed at camp 1, site 1. There is a code to lock on gate when you go in."
Distance from beaches: While relatively close to beaches as the crow flies, driving distances can be longer. "For those like us who are in the area primarily because of beaches, be aware that while these campgrounds are very close to 30A by the way the crow flies, it's about 20 minutes by car to Seagrove."
