Newport Park Campground offers glamping options along the St. Marks River, with cabin and yurt accommodations for those seeking more comfortable camping alternatives near Wacissa, Florida. The campground features boat access directly to the river and serves as a convenient base for exploring nearby attractions including St. Marks Wildlife Refuge. Traffic noise from Highway 98 can be noticeable during daytime hours, but most campers report relatively quiet evenings.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: High Bluff Campground provides excellent fishing access with a dedicated pier where wildlife viewing is part of the experience. "Caught a beautiful sunset over the lake and saw a massive gator hanging out by the fishing pier. The gator was back in the morning as I was enjoying my cup of coffee out on the pier!" reports Tucker B.
Wildlife viewing: At St. Marks Wildlife Refuge, located directly across from Newport Park, visitors can explore hiking trails and observe native Florida wildlife. "The St. Marks lighthouse is so close and a must see during all times of the day. We visited at least twice, once to walk along the beach and the second time to see the sunset," notes Della S.
Water recreation: Ragan Family Campground (formerly Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park) offers multiple water attractions beyond basic swimming. "Water park, lazy river, a park, fishing, and family activities. 10/10. Will be back," shares Brandi M., highlighting the diverse recreational options available at this family-oriented facility.
What campers like
Unique animal interactions: Goat House Farm provides an unusual camping experience where animals are part of your stay. "The owner of the farm was so welcoming and accommodating. She even gave us a tour of the farm in the morning and we were able to play with a ton of goats and chickens! It was such a great experience with genuinely kind people," writes Dianna B.
Peaceful waterfront settings: Holiday Campground on Ochlockonee Bay offers direct bayfront sites with natural shade. "Nice little CG on the bay with a good number of direct bayfront sites. Some with pine trees for shade. Clean bathrooms. Swimming pool. Small market/general store within walking distance," reports Greg Z.
Affordable pricing: Camping near Wacissa provides budget-friendly options for overnight stays. "Called ahead and booked a tent site at this county campground. Brian and Betty were the hosts (BnB!). Brian was very nice on the phone and didn't even come around to collect $!" shares Tucker B. about Newport Park Campground, highlighting the reasonable rates and relaxed atmosphere.
What you should know
Limited amenities at primitive sites: Some campgrounds in the area offer minimal facilities. "For a 26" tt the spot was just enough, a little rough to back into. Entirely worth it. If you're looking for a peaceful, quiet place this is it. Be sure to fill your water before arrival as there is no spigot. Full primitive. The vault toilet is pretty gnarly," advises Joey S. about High Bluff Campground.
Cell service variability: Connectivity can be unreliable in the more remote camping areas near Wacissa. "There is close zero cell reception and they have wifi but we really weren't able to connect and use it. Very spotty," reports Ashlee R. about her stay at Ragan Family Campground.
Wildlife presence: Expect to encounter native Florida wildlife, particularly in waterfront locations. "Fishing dock is nice and you can see lots of gators. I don't recommend swimming in the water, its pretty murky," warns Alycia P. from her High Bluff Campground experience, adding "I don't do spiders and they are all over the place here.. And HUUUUGEEE at that."
Tips for camping with families
Choose campgrounds with organized activities: Newport Park Campground serves as a good jumping-off point for family exploration. "The location is a good jumping off point for seeing nearby attractions. The host is very nice and the place has decent washroom/shower facilities," shares R C., noting the convenient location for accessing multiple family-friendly sites.
Consider yurt camping: Yurt accommodations near Wacissa, Florida offer families a comfortable middle ground between tent camping and cabin rentals. Newport Park provides these structures with more protection from elements and insects while maintaining the camping experience.
Balance natural and developed amenities: For families wanting both outdoor activities and convenience, some locations offer both. "This campground has plenty of room for kids. Between fishing, the pool, the water park, mining for gems and the 3 playgrounds around the park our son didn't run out of activities," mentions a camper about Ragan Family Campground.
Tips from RVers
Access considerations: Some campgrounds have limitations for larger rigs. "The 3 star review is primarily due to the camping spots marked in cross ties are narrow and some spots are difficult to get a larger camper in," notes Stacie R. about High Bluff Campground, suggesting advanced planning for RV site selection.
Road conditions: Access roads to more remote campgrounds may require careful driving. "The last 3 miles are dirt road, but in good condition as long as you can stay in the middle without traffic," explains Sebastian L. about the approach to High Bluff Campground, adding valuable context for RVers concerned about road quality.
Hookup availability: Check for full hookup options when planning yurt camping near Wacissa, Florida. "Sites run around $17 and there is centrally located bathroom and shower facilities," reports Juke W. about Newport Park, while noting its affordability compared to other full-service campgrounds in the region.
