Mary B.
Scout
ScoutFore Lake Campground
Roads are rough, Bathrooms are clean, host seemed like a good guy. Here during off season but the beach looked like fun
Tent Camping near Waldo, FL
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State forests surrounding Waldo, Florida provide numerous primitive tent camping options, with established sites located in natural settings typically within a 30-minute drive. Jennings State Forest offers tent-friendly camping at the Hammock Campground and Mule Landing Campsite, while Etoniah Creek State Forest provides primitive tent camping at Green Camp, located about 20 minutes northwest of Palatka along sandy trails.
Most tent sites in the area feature basic amenities with fire rings, picnic tables, and designated tent pads. Jennings State Forest Hammock Campground provides semi-private sites separated by brush with in-ground grills and picnic tables, while the more remote sites like Black Creek Ravine require a 2.4-mile hike to access. According to one visitor, "The sites were close as you would normally get in an established campground but there was plenty of brush to separate each site." Composting toilets are available at some locations, but many sites have no facilities. Campers should bring water treatment supplies as potable water is not available at most primitive sites.
The tent camping experience throughout these forests offers genuine seclusion away from developed areas. At Mule Landing Campsite, accessed via a mile-long hike on Dunns Farm Trail, campers find a private riverside setting with enough room for 2-3 small or medium tents on ground softened by fallen leaves. A review noted that the Black Creek Ravine campsite "met my intent as a basic campsite my family of 5 with kids from 3 to 9 years old could walk into and get the simple outdoor experience." The sites provide excellent access to hiking trails, with Etoniah Creek State Forest featuring three different trails including the Florida National Scenic Trail, which connects to primitive camping at the southern end of the park. Wildlife sightings are common, with visitors reporting deer, squirrels, hawks and various bird species throughout these natural areas.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Waldo (30)
1. Hammock Campground - Jennings State Forest
"We hiked the beach pioneer trail and really enjoyed ourselves. The campsite is about a mile in and has a picnic table and fire ring. There is a stream nearby for water."
"With 16 campsite each being semi private you will love the sounds of t h e wind in the trees and hawks flying over. Each has tent pad, In ground grill and picnic table."
from $9 / night
Check Availability2. Etoniah Creek State Forest Green Camp
"Just off the Palatka-Lake Butler Bike trail. Campgrounds are About 4 miles in on bikeable hard roads. Six Sites have picnic tables, lots of room, fire ring with grate, bbq grills, a latrine nearby."
"Located just about 20 minutes due northwest of Palatka – dubbed ‘Florida’s State Farmers Market’ where you will easily discover that this north central town is teeming with fresh agriculture every which"
from $9 / night
Check Availability3. Camp Chowenwaw Park
"There are many different types of cabins available for rent, tent sites and 9 tree houses. Each area set up as a grouping with a bathhouse and kitchen pavilion. "
"Definitely Different and Unique for Florida. And the perfect place to review my icemulecoolers.com
Campground Review:Camp Chowenwaw is located in Green Cove Springs, FL adjacent to the St."
4. Black Creek Ravine
"We liked that you have to hike in, there is no car access."
"Great hike in filled with wildlife saw lots of deer, a bunny, and I’m pretty sure a small group of coyotes. Site is very private and quiet during the day."
5. Mule Landing Campsite - Jennings State Forest
"You’ll wind around and ascend a slight incline before reaching Mule Landing, but trust me, if you are looking for one of the best private hike-in campgrounds, you’ve just arrived."
6. Bootleggers Campground — Jennings State Forest
"Each site has a fire ring, picnic table, charcoal camp grill (probably wouldn’t use if you didn’t have to), and a sectioned off tent spot."
from $9 / night
Check Availability7. Hideaway Oasis
from $10 - $60 / night
8. Iron Bridge Camp Shelter (Florida National Scenic Trail)
9. J.P. Hall Bayard Conservation Area
"It is a track of land that has many hiking trails that traverse through shaded pine forests, hammocks, marsh, and river areas. "
"Hiked in about 3.3 miles, but OnX user beware, trust the trail’s red marks, not the trail marked on most maps! Part of the trail was reblazed to go around a washed out section."
10. Lake Delancy East NF Campground
"Very nice Primitive campground . Great shade trees and tent spots. Has vault bathrooms that are kept pretty clean. No running water but has a hand pump well."
"The Florida trail is close by."
Drive Time
- 11 min from Gainesville, FL
- 46 min from Ocala, FL
- 54 min from Jacksonville, FL
- 1 hr 10 min from Wildwood, FL
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Waldo, FL
24 Photos of 30 Waldo Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Tent Camping Reviews near Waldo, FL
802 Reviews of 30 Waldo Campgrounds
Stacey R.
GuideSilver Springs State Park Campground
All amenities on site
Sites have full hookups which is awesome for a state park. Also picnic tables, grills and a fire pit. The sites are big and relatively private. To visit the spring you can hike or drive. Being you camping receipt to get in free. Glass bottom boat tour is $15 for adults but there is a nice walking path and you can see manatees in the spring from the shore. The restaurant was nice, good pizza!
- Stacey R.Guide
Cary State Forest Campground
Private site with thoughtful amenities
The six sites available are spread out in the Cary State Forest. You can see the tops of some RV’s but they’re not close. The site has a very nice picnic table, fire pit,benches around the fire pit, a free standing grill, water, electric and a concrete pad to park on with a tent site behind the pad. Grass is freshly cut and the site is clean!
Jarrod W.ScoutGinnie Springs Outdoors
Thrown out with no warning and no refund
I organized a group camping weekend here October 2 to 4, 2026. My group booked and paid for more than a dozen campsites and approximately 40 people, all next to each other, so the people around my site were my own friends. On Saturday afternoon we were sitting in our chairs when a security officer walked up and demanded that I lower my music. Nobody refused. I was turning it down as I explained that the music was for my whole group and that the neighbors around us were all our people. I also asked who had complained. Instead of answering, he snapped,"You do what I said and turn the music down." I told him I already had. With no attempt to calm things down, he shouted that we were out of there and had 30 minutes to pack up and leave. Nobody in my group raised a voice or got hostile. We were polite and we complied, and we were still treated like criminals. When we went to the front desk to report how he had behaved, the clerk made it clear that our whole group was the issue and that they were watching us and that I had to leave. That told me this was never about one speaker or lowering the music. We were singled out while other groups were left alone. I even heard from others that were allowed to stay, that they heard Spanish music blasting at 1am AFTER QUIET HOURS! So, why were we kicked out? Discrimination! No refund was offered. They kept our money for a stay they cut short. We have held several events here over the years, about 8 visits in the last three years. There will be ZERO in the future. The springs are beautiful, but the way security and the front desk treat paying guests is not. My group is taking our events and our money somewhere else!
- PPaul S.Guide
Ocean Pond Campground
Great Overnight Stay
A fantastic spot for an overnight camping stop in Florida. Beautiful surroundings with great hiking and cycling trails to explore. Perfect for anyone who enjoys the outdoors. Well worth a visit!
- dd I.Guide
Silver Springs State Park Campground
Enjoyed it
Great little spot, easy access to silver springs. Glass boat tour was cool - just the right amount of cruising time before little ones breaking points! Ice cream afterwards of course and good local pizza joint.
- SSusan G.Scout
Santos Trailhead & Campground
We are so thankful we found this Trailhead and Campground.
We had an awesome time here. The camp hosts were very helpful, professional, and friendly. The bathrooms and showers were exceptional and clean. If someone moved out, within 30 minutes there was someone checking their site for anything they may have left behind. The only complaint I have, is the other campers that let their dogs do their business and not pick it up. This is not a negative against the campground and their employees.
- AAnthony W.Scout
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park Campground
Campsites
I love this campground very clean and has nice big sites.
Stuart K.
LegendNorth Florida Christian Camp
Faith, Fellowship and Fresh Air
Tucked away just outside Keystone Heights, North Florida Christian Camp feels like a place designed more for connection than convenience, where winding sandy roads lead you beneath tall pines and into a peaceful, purpose driven setting that immediately feels set apart from the everyday rush. The campground sits on a large, wooded property with a mix of open gathering spaces and shaded pockets, and while it is primarily designed for organized church groups and retreats, individual campers can still find a quiet place to land among the trees. The overall vibe is relaxed, intentional, and grounded in simplicity, with nature doing most of the heavy lifting.
Facilities here are more functional than flashy, with a combination of cabins, bunkhouses, and open camping areas alongside basic bathhouses, communal gathering pavilions, and activity fields. You will not find resort style amenities, but you will find clean, usable facilities, wide open space for kids to run, and a layout that encourages group activities, campfires, and shared meals. The grounds are easy to navigate, and while RV hookups may be limited depending on where you stay, the setting works well for families who are comfortable with a more rustic, community-oriented experience.
The surrounding area offers a nice balance of quiet nature and small town convenience, with Keystone Heights just a short drive away for groceries, fuel and casual dining. Hitchcock’s Market is a reliable stop for supplies, and local favorites like Cedar River Seafood provide an easy, family friendly meal after a day outdoors. Nearby lakes and trails give you opportunities for paddling, fishing, or simply stretching your legs under the Florida sky, making it easy to build a full day without ever straying too far.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a handful: (1) The best camping areas are those set slightly deeper into the pines where you will find more shade and a bit more privacy from larger group spaces; (2) If visiting during a scheduled retreat or camp week, expect more activity and less solitude, so plan accordingly; (3) Bring bikes or scooters for kids, as the open grounds and sandy roads are perfect for riding; (4) Pack bug spray, especially in warmer months, as the wooded setting can bring out mosquitoes at dusk; and (5) If you are seeking a quieter experience, aim for midweek stays outside of peak group bookings.
Happy Camping!
Guide to Waldo
Primitive camping options surround Waldo, Florida, with sites scattered throughout state forests and conservation areas within a 30-minute drive. The region features sandy soil conditions with oak and pine forests dominating the landscape. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity, while winter nights can drop into the 40s, making fall through spring the preferred camping seasons.
What to do
Fishing access points: Black Creek Ravine offers direct river access about 30 feet through trees from the campsite. One camper noted, "You can see the stars through the hardwoods, and on the hike in you can see deer, squirrels, and all kinds of different birds."
Hiking trail connections: Etoniah Creek State Forest Green Camp provides access to multiple hiking routes. A visitor explained, "Etoniah has you covered with 3 different trails: (1) George's Lake hiking trail, which is about a mile roundtrip and will place you at an observation deck overlooking the lake; (2) Lake Blossom Trail is an even shorter½ mile loop around the tall grass marshes."
Swimming opportunities: Camp Chowenwaw Park features a swimming pool near the entrance. According to one review, "The pool is a nice feature, you just be over age 18 and have your license with you to swim, which is weird." The park also includes "access to black creek and is fun for kayaking."
What campers like
Riverside seclusion: Mule Landing Campsite provides a private retreat along Black Creek. A camper described it as "one of the best private hike-in campgrounds" with "enough room here for 2, maybe 3 small-to-medium sized tents with fairly level ground that is softened by all the downed leaves."
Wildlife viewing: At Bayard Conservation Area, primitive campsites offer excellent wildlife spotting opportunities. One visitor shared, "On our way to our campsite we were able to spot many animals including: deer, otter, turkey, and wild pigs."
Quiet environment: Jennings State Forest Hammock Campground provides peaceful camping with natural separation between sites. A camper mentioned, "It was quiet and felt secluded. The sites were close as you would normally get in an established campground but there was plenty of brush to separate each site."
What you should know
Water availability limitations: Most primitive sites lack potable water sources. At Lake Delancy East NF Campground, a camper warned, "We found the pitcher pump for water, but wouldn't bring up water. So come prepped with your own."
Access challenges: Many campsites require hiking to reach. Black Creek Ravine requires a 2.4-mile hike, while Mule Landing involves following "the Dunns Farm Trail, passing the first campground (Dunn Farms) after about 1/3 of a mile in, where you'll need to keep hiking for another mile."
Wildlife precautions: Bears and venomous snakes inhabit the region. One camper at Lake Delancy East noted they "have seen Black Bears but no problems." At Mule Landing, visitors are advised "you really want to stay on the trails at all times as there are both deer ticks and rattlesnakes in these parts."
Tips for camping with families
Easy first-time options: Camp Chowenwaw Park provides family-friendly accommodations beyond standard tent camping. A reviewer noted, "We had the Squirrel Run cabin which had AC and 6 bunk beds. Which was great for our family of 6."
Testing hiking abilities: Choose shorter trails for younger children. One Black Creek Ravine camper shared, "Overall, met my intent as a basic campsite my family of 5 with kids from 3 to 9 years old could walk into and get the simple outdoor experience."
Alternative swimming venues: If camp swimming areas have strict rules, explore nearby options. At Camp Chowenwaw, "The children had to do swim tests and wear a necklace denoting which portion of the pool they could be in." A review also mentioned, "Green Cove Springs has a pool also in a community park on the St. John's River that is spring fed and would be a cool stop."
Tips from RVers
Site limitations: Most of the best tent camping near Waldo, Florida happens at primitive sites unsuitable for larger RVs. A camper at Jennings State Forest observed, "It's cheap. Seems like no one is around and a few of the spots are closed for the Covid-19 but will have to say. Even though I only spend 1 night and it poured all night, I would do it again."
GPS challenges: Navigation systems may not accurately locate remote campgrounds. At Jennings State Forest Hammock Campground, one RVer warned, "GPS will not get you there. Go to Middleburg. Take Long Bay Rd. Left on Old Jennings Rd. Follow signs."
Emergency preparedness: Weather can change quickly, affecting road conditions at primitive sites. Pack emergency supplies and plan exit routes, especially during Florida's rainy season when unpaved access roads may become difficult to navigate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Waldo, FL?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Waldo, FL?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Waldo, FL is Hammock Campground - Jennings State Forest with a 4.6-star rating from 12 reviews.
What is the best site to find
tent camping near
Waldo, FL?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Waldo, FL?
TheDyrt.com has all 30 tent camping locations near Waldo, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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