Still a very nice primitive campground, the access and sites have changed, drastically. The large open pasture/meadow is no longer a vehicle area, same with the 5 sites within that area. There is a designated area to leave vehicles, and the sites on the river are walk in only. The area is open, but you can no longer pull your vehicle in next to your campsite.Â
I would suspect this was done because of the increase in the size of campers trying to park close. A view of the sites from the river makes it pretty apparent the situation is near critical.Â
Fear not, the area a few hundred feet closer to the entrance is now the drive up primitive campground, 3 sites on the east or river side of the road, and 2 or 3 on the west side. All are pretty open, this used to be the group camp area. There is a concrete covered area with public tables, each site has a fire ring and table....one is missing a fire ring and the tables are...primitive too.Â
Its still a great part of the river, there is access to the river from the primitive area and there is a ramp sort of. The airboats are loud, probably on the weekend its rather distractive.Â
There were a variety of folks, me in my cargo conversion, a couple pickup camping, a couple of different fellas on different nights in tents. The river is low, ever beautiful. Verizon signal was awful. Still love this preserve. The float into Gum Slough is right there at the edge of the campground, simply an awesome trip. ..still one of my favorite short trips and free camping as a bonus!
