Best Tent Camping near Waldo, FL

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 Sites Near Waldo, Florida (25)

    1. Jennings State Forest Hammock Campground

    12 Reviews
    Middleburg, FL
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (904) 406-6390

    $9 / night

    "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."

    2. Etoniah Creek State Forest Green Camp

    2 Reviews
    Florahome, FL
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (386) 329-2552

    $9 / night

    "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"

    3. Camp Chowenwaw Park

    9 Reviews
    Fleming Island, FL
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (904) 529-8058

    "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. High Vibes PMA

    Be the first to review!
    Florahome, FL
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (386) 590-1885

    $20 - $25 / night

    5. Black Creek Ravine

    2 Reviews
    Middleburg, FL
    28 miles
    Website

    "We liked that you have to hike in, there is no car access."

    6. Mule Landing Campsite on the Pioneer Trail

    1 Review
    Middleburg, FL
    27 miles
    +1 (904) 406-6390

    "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."

    7. Hideaway Oasis

    Be the first to review!
    Interlachen, FL
    19 miles
    +1 (386) 353-5025

    $10 - $60 / night

    9. Bayard Conservation Area

    3 Reviews
    Green Cove Springs, FL
    34 miles
    Website

    "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

    3 Reviews
    Salt Springs, FL
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (352) 669-3153

    "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."

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Tent Camping Reviews near Waldo, FL

748 Reviews of 25 Waldo Campgrounds


  • L
    Feb. 28, 2020

    Salt Springs Recreation Area

    Great campground in Ocala National Forest

    Fantastic campground and recreation area. Over 150 campsites, one area full hookups with all amenities and other area for tent camping. Sites have lots of space and majority have shade trees with moss flowing in the breeze. All sites have picnic table, lantern pole, grill, and fire ring. We have 2 golden retrievers and had plenty of space to spare. Beautiful stars out at night. Bathhouses are large, clean, hot showers. Trailer sites were full and only a few tent campers this time of year. Tent sites are complete with Bear boxes at each site. Camp hosts and management were very friendly and helpful.
    Saw manatees kayaking in the spring and river on premises. Spring area has a boardwalk around it. People swam with them too. Saw bald eagle catching fish, lots of birds, some fish, etc. Has a small boat launch and marina. Can tent kayaks. Great place for bikes. A few hiking trails were well maintained.
    Convenient location to lots of springs to visit and things to do. Visited Silver Springs, Blue Springs, Juniper Spring to name a few. All within 1 hr drive.
    Not sure how summer time is, but this late February time was Awesome. 40-50 at night and 60s in the day! This is a must stay place.

  • Jenn B.
    Sep. 24, 2019

    Bayard Conservation Area

    Ranger Review: Pureland 30L Guard Backpack at Bayard Conservation Area

    **Campground Review: **

    Bayard Conservation Area is located in Green Cove Springs Florida and is maintained by the St. Johns River Water Management District. It is a track of land that has many hiking trails that traverse through shaded pine forests, hammocks, marsh, and river areas. 

    We have day hiked here many times, but this trip we were going to do some primitive camping at one of the campsites. There are several areas to park and then hike in. The campsites are a few miles from the parking area. They include a fire ring and a picnic table. The campsites have several different settings, but we chose the river view. On our way to our campsite we were able to spot many animals including: deer, otter, turkey, and wild pigs. 

    The area is kept clean and is quiet with the exception of a bit of noise pollution from the surrounding area. However, this does not distract from the experience. We enjoyed our overnight backcountry trip and highly recommend Bayard.

    ----------------

    **Product Review: **

    As a Dyrt Ranger I receive products from time-to-time and this time I am testing out the Pureland 30L Guard Backpack sold by Outdoor Element

    There are so many things to love about this backpack. The extensive cording and hooks on the outside made attaching extra items a breeze. I was able to store my trekking poles and Jetboil on the back with no problem. The hip pockets were an added plus and fit my cellphone inside of it easily. The room inside of the backpack was able to hold everything I needed for an overnight trip– including my bulky sleeping bag. The only two things that took away from the backpack was the inside zipper and the water pouch. The zipper on the inside of the bag came off the track with only a light pull while the bag was empty. It did not have the integrity that the zippers on the outside had. My 3.0L reservoir would not fit all the way in the provided pouch and hung out the top a bit. After the whole trip, I sincerely love this pack and will be using it for all of my hiking and primitive camping needs!!

  • Napunani
    Jun. 10, 2023

    Salt Springs Recreation Area

    Immaculate Wind Tunnel (see video)

    PROS

    A camp host came to our site immediately after we unhitched to advise that our one tow vehicle tire on the grass will get us a $250 fine from US Forest Service officer. Funny, we never ever saw a USFS officer patrolling the campground. 

    Entrance gates closed at 8pm requiring code to enter 

    Immaculately maintained park. A small army of maintenance staff always working. Even one night at 930pm in the bathroom. 

    Saved $156 with America the Beautiful pass 

    Site 32 shady 

    Asphalt parking pad surrounded with sandy gravel 

    Moveable metal picnic table 

    Pedestal BBQ grill 

    High sided metal fire ring with 2 unremovable cooking grates 

    One hook lantern pole 

    Campfire wood for sale at registration office 

    No street lights in campground so good dark sky viewing if neighbors have their rig lights off which most nights they were lit up which also lit up surrounding campsites 

    Able to get T-MOBILE signal on our T-MOBILE WIFI device 

    Many squirrels ate from our hand 

    CONS 

    In 8 days never saw a USFD vehicle drive thru the campground

    $8 fee to make on-line reservations 

    Site 32 not level 

    Absolutely no privacy from any other site 

    In 20 degree exterior temperatures, both campground bathhouses had windows open, whole house fans operating in full capacity and ceiling fans operating on high. Obvious park maintenance does NOT want anyone taking a shower when interior bathhouse temperatures were in the 30s and the bathhouse was a freezing wind tunnel! It was even difficult using the toilet. 

    Loud and rowdy campers all weekend long—day and night. Quiet hours not enforced

    Highway 19 traffic noise 

    USFD clearing project on east side of campground. Heavy equipment noise for 9 straight hours day after day!!! 

    No notice water outage for 2 hours 

    No park WiFi 

    No T-MOBILE cell service 

    No public phone for emergency calls

  • Jeanene A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 2, 2019

    Camp Chowenwaw Park

    Unique Treehouse Camping Experience

    We found this fun family friendly location from a facebook post about Tree house camping and had to check it out. Making reservations was pretty easy on the county website. There are a number of forms you will be emailed to print and fill out(will save you a lot of time if you plan to use the pool that is run by YMCA) 

    Check in was easy. The office is closed form 12– 1 so no chance of checking in early. There is a Girl Scout Museum near the main office where you check is– but is rarely open. This was an old girl scout camp and now id open to the public. 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. 

    The tree houses were so fun to stay in and being higher up gave us chances of a breeze– many in our group brought battery operated fans. Though there was a threat of rain all weekend we stayed high and dry in the tree houses(2 sides are only screened) 

    There was a very large lighted screened kitchen pavilion with fireplace, stove, fridge, sinks and covered outdoor grill. There were other campers in the tree house area we shared this community area with. It was great to have a place to hang out during the rainy evenings. Bath house was centrally located and clean. 

    Pool was very nice and very strictly run by the local“Y”. It was closed a lot due to distant rumbles of thunder but we did get a few minutes to enjoy. 

    Trails were well kept and took you through the property and past many of the grouped cabin areas. One boardwalk took you out to the river and fishing dock another out through the area by the tree houses. 

    It was a good 10 minute hike with our gear to get to the tree houses from parking area near pool. Wagons are provided but pack light to save the trouble. 

    Summertime this place is a kids paradise. There were lots of families, parties and groups on the property when we went. Fall and Winter we are told is the best time to camp here but we were advised to book early! 

    Remember to Leave No Trace and enjoy this one of a kind experience!

  • Tracy L H.
    Jul. 11, 2019

    Camp Chowenwaw Park

    Ranger Review: ICEMULE Cooler at Camp Chowenwaw Park Treehouse Point

    Florida has many many different camping options.  I was looking for something unique and different from what I'd done before and this place popped up on my radar.  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. John's River and on Black Creek.  It was a Girl Scout Camp for 70 years and is now owned and operated by Clay County, FL (https://www.claycountygov.com/departments/parks-and-recreation/camp-chowenwaw-park).  There are many different styles of camping available here with lots of privacy between the different sections.  

    I chose to camp in the Treehouse Point for a weekend where there are 9 Treehouses available for camping.  A group of us went and had Treehouse #4 and #5.  Each screened in non electric Treehouse slept 4 in bunk beds.  There were several central fire rings with a picnic table/benches throughout the unit.  A shared bathhouse with toilets, sinks, lights, and hot showers was available in the unit also.  There was a central dining hall for all of Treehouse Point with electric, lights, fans, inside fireplace, stove, refrigerator, sink area, and porch with outside charcoal grill and picnic table.  

    Even with sharing the dinning hall with other campers it was great since it was big enough and everyone was friendly.  The Treehouses are spread out with some trees in between so they are semi private.  The pool is available but doesn't open til 10 am where as we were all ready to go earlier since it was HOT.  It was very enjoyable but HOT in July with no electric in the Treehouses.  We had no issues with mosquitoes or yellow flies and the frogs serenaded us every night loudly, so that was a cool experience.  We had decided not to take kayaks since there was a bit of a walk into our area and we didn't want to leave them in the parking area on our vehicles, which turned out to be a good decision because the kayak launch was under repairs.  They are planning on upgrading a lot so it should be great soon.  They recently upgraded and replaced the fishing pier and its awesome.  We are planning to go again in the Fall when its cooler.  I would recommend this place for a unique experience.  On a side note:  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.

    ........................................

    Product Review:

    As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get to test products.  A Camp Chowenwaw I tested the icemulecoolers.com.  I got the ICEMULE Pro XL (33L which equals 24 cans plus ice) in Camo.

    1.  What I loved about the ICEMULE was that I could wear it like a backpack and be comfortable and free my hands for something else.

    2.  I loved that the straps were wide and comfortable.

    3.  I also loved that the chest cross strap could be moved up and down to make it more comfortable for women to use the chest cross strap.

    4.  The straps had lots of room to make smaller or larger so it will be great fit  for a variety of people and body styles.

    5.  It kept my ice solid for three days in the FL heat.

    6.  It has a port to add air to enhance the coolers insulation.

    7.  It holds A LOT!!  I had 9 bottles of Propel water and 2 bags of grapes and 1 whole bag of ice.  It wasn't too heavy and there was room for much more.

    Only draw back I had was that the camo style is fabric and tends to sweat a lot.  The other colors are vinyl and don't seem to sweat.

    I'm ready to use my ICEMULE Cooler again.  I even want to take it kayaking and get some more accessories for it from their site like a dry bag and a waterproof box.

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 21, 2025

    Ocklawaha Canoe Outpost & Resort

    Intimate Backwater Canoe Outpost w/ Trifecta of Camping Options

    Located at the southern tip of Rodman Reservoir, which is one of the major water tributaries that you can float around the NE perimeter of the Ocala National Forest, you’ll discover that this backwater camping outpost sits on 7+ acres of heavily forested woods and offers up 3 distinct types of camping opportunities: RV / 5th Wheeler, primitive tent-camping and cabin rentals. While apparently long a bastion of this particular area, dating back to the mid-80’s, Ocklawaha Canoe Outpost has been under new management for the past few years. Unlike many of the CG's in the area, this river-front, nature-embracing outpost is smaller than most with only 22 sites available.

    Situated just west of the tiny hamlet of Eureka in Fort McCoy, you will first spot the area designated for RVs, 5th Wheelers and trailers a moment or two before arriving to Ocklawaha Canoe Outpost as this spot sits alongside the roadway with 2-3 gravel pathway access points before actually making your arrival to the main office and beyond it, the main parking area. In all, there’s some 11 slots available with FHUs offering 30 / 50 amp electric, water and sewage connections along with a picnic table and fire ring at each site. Being next to a main artery of Rodman Reservoir, one always needs to be aware of elevation, in case of flooding, so what we noticed immediately, even before arriving to the Ocklawaha main office is that both the RV-designated area as well as the main office sit on more elevated land, which is a bonus in case of flooding. Unlike the cabin and primitive tent camping areas, the RV-designated area does not possess much of any shade. At $40 / night (and $45 / night including bath house) and $240 / week ($270 / week including bath house), we found the pricing here to be just about right.

    For those of you thinking about renting one of the 6 log cabins that exist here, what I liked most about this particular set-up is that all of these units are located in close proximity to one another – we’ll call this the cottage enclave – which combined, share the community amenities specific to this community. Bear in mind, these cabins are not pet-friendly, so leave your 4-legged friends at home, or look to one of the other 2 modes of camping here. You have your choice between a one- or two-room cabin, both of which offer heat, A/C, furnished with bedding, towels, dishes, pots, pans, microwave, mini-fridge, small cook top and coffee pot. Each cabin also comes with a porch offering semi-privacy to take your morning coffee as well as brand-new Weber charcoal grill that sits in front of each cabin along with an in-ground fire pit. At $134 / night for the single that sleeps 5 (with 7 being the max) and$154 / night for the double-cabin that also sleeps 5 (with 6 being the max), considering the location of where you are at, combined with the amenities provided and the relative quality of the cabins, I found the pricing to be fairly economical. The prices decrease substantially to $109 and $129/ night respectively if one books multiple nights, which makes this a no-brainer for even a short stay.

    With mi tent-pitchin’ bredren in mind, you’ll appreciate that of the 3 available types of camping here, the area reserved for setting up your own non-mobile, semi-permanent nylon camping haven will place you closest to the river, where within 50-60 yards you’ll easily be able to access the Rodman Reservoir from a decent-sized tributary. While obviously that’s a huge plus, you also want to be careful about knowing when it’s going to rain and for how long as this also would be the area that gets the most flooding if there was any. Another bonus is that the tent-sites ARE pet-friendly, so you can smile as those cabin campers stroll past your sites (while your mutt barks at them). As for the grounds themselves, there’s 2 different areas that the pathway to the river’s edge dissects in half with 4-5 sites being available on the one side and only 1-2 sites being available on the other, which will provide you with just slightly more privacy. There’s not a whole lot to these sites, where you’ll simply have a picnic table and fire ring, but you’ll be surrounded by a great tree line and solid brush, albeit you won’t have sheltered views between sites. You’ll also want to take note that, again, the pathway to the river runs through the primitive tent camping area, so while not heavily trafficked, you will certainly experience pedestrians and fellow campers coming and going. Cost per night for tent camping is an acceptable $25/ night (up to 4 people, and $5/ pp after that), which again, scouting the area and staying in a few other places, seems about right.

    Additional community amenities not already mentioned include: community bathhouses with impeccably clean restrooms and well-maintained showers, ping pong, recreation room with board games, corn hole, canoe & kayak rentals w/ shuttle service, horseshoe pit, kid’s playground and a small pond that is stocked for simple, yet enjoyable ‘catch & release’ as well as firewood available for sale @ $5/ bundle.

    Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) This CG is right on the Ocklawaha River populated with dense wetlands, marsh and semi-tropical forests sprouting sable palms, swamp maples, the odd pencil-thin towering pines and submerged cypress, so the owners are very smart to have organized a few different river experiences that you should definitely take advantage of with 2 different outfitters being Gores Landing and Rays Wayside, both of which offer up canoe ($52 / $85), solo ($42 / $75) and tandem ($62 / $95) kayak rentals as well as transport ($25 / $60) with respective pricing and seasonal availability. There’s even overnight river trips that Ockalawaha will help you set up, where pricing depends upon the specific drop point and number of nights you might be interested in. Please note that all of the above runs everyday except Tuesdays; (2) While you of course can get on a kayak, canoe or boat to catch some fish, if you don’t want to, you can simply cross the road from Ockalawaha CG and access the Wildlife & Fishing Area that has its own set of public docks and piers that you can cast a reel from – and in fact, these spots are very well-maintained and offer up some magnificent views of the head of the 100-mile Ocklawaha River as she flows southernly from Rodman Reservoir; (3) If you want to indulge in one of Florida’s greatest treasures, you’ll need to visit a natural spring and the good news is that there’s several of the state’s best springs surrounding you here, including: Salt Springs, Homosassa Springs, Deleon Springs, Silver Glen Springs, Alexander Springs, Juniper Springs, Silver Springs and Rainbow Springs; (4) If you’ve got fishing on your mind while in these parts, expect to be hauling in crappie, sunfish, small- and largemouth bass, catfish and bream; and (5) The owners Lance & Theresa are absolutely wonderful people that will do whatever it takes to ensure your stay is flawless!

    Happy Camping!

  • 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.

  • Jessica S.
    Jul. 6, 2018

    Silver Springs State Park Campground

    A real old Florida feel

    We stayed here in the winter and the weather was very pleasant. The sites are all RV friendly with hookups but there are some sites that are designated as tent sites with a softer spot to stake in. Each site also comes with a standard fire ring and picnic table. The sites are large and spacious with shady trees surrounding each site. It is very quiet and peaceful. Note that pets are allowed in the campground area but not in any other areas.

    The bathrooms and showers are close by and are very well kept and clean. It was never crowded. There are also laundry machines and vending machines there as well.

    Near the campsites there are cabins for rent and a small museum. There is also a playground for children. Our favorite feature was that we were able to visit Silver Springs park free of charge if you brought your parking permit from the campsite. There are quite a few hiking trails near and one of them takes you directly to the park. Once in the park, you are able to rent kayaks or take the boat tour. The spring water is so clear you can see all of the fish swimming below!

    Silver Springs is definitely a great place to visit for a relaxing Florida getaway.

  • Jeff E.
    Jun. 26, 2024

    Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park Campground

    Immersed in Nature.

    Quiet, lots of wildlife (wild horses, bison, alligators, deer, birds, turtles); plenty of hiking and biking trails with beautiful sunsets on the lake. Restroom facilities are showing some age but clean.  Walk-in tent sites are pretty close to the Restrooms.


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?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Waldo, FL is Jennings State Forest Hammock Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 12 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 25 tent camping locations near Waldo, FL, with real photos and reviews from campers.