Map showing campground location near Carrabelle, Florida

Camper submitted image from Tate's Hell State Forest

Tate's Hell State Forest

Within Tate's Hell State Forest, this established campground provides both primitive and developed camping options along the Carrabelle River. The Florida Forest Service manages individual sites scattered throughout the forest, accessible via maintained dirt roads that accommodate RVs and popup campers. Sites include fire rings, picnic tables, and cleared areas, with some offering electric and water hookups plus access to restrooms and showers.

Campers can launch kayaks directly from nearby boat ramps or drive to their sites for easy setup. The facility stays open year-round with reservations available, making it a practical base for exploring the 202,000-acre state forest. Sites range from $8-10 per night, and the campground allows pets throughout the property.

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Map & DirectionsTate's Hell State Forest is located in Florida near Carrabelle

Public Campground

Coordinates

29.86966431 N
84.68371836 W

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Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More

T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
AT&T5G
Good Coverage

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group
Equestrian

Features

For Campers

Trash
Picnic Table
Phone Service
Reservable
Showers
Drinking Water
Electric Hookups
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Sanitary Dump
Water Hookups

Contact

General Info

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Drive Time

1 hr 9 min from Tallahassee, FL
1 hr 45 min from Panama City, FL
2 hrs 12 min from Dothan, AL
2 hrs 16 min from Valdosta, GA

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Reviews3 Camper Reviews - Tate's Hell State Forest

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

5.0

out of 5

3 Reviews

Campers consistently appreciated the clean, level primitive sites with quality facilities and private forest setting. The dispersed camping model offers excellent privacy along the Carrabelle River with boat access.

Carol

Scout

Reviewed Mar. 22, 2025

Simply Amazing! Beautiful, Clean & Friendly!

Beautiful, clean, amazing state park! I would highly recommend spending time at this campground!

Possibly the best kept secret in the area.

Month of VisitMarch

Rosemarie B.

Traveler

Reviewed Sep. 26, 2021

Great Camping

We primitive camped at Tates Hell for 4 nights at the end of March 2021. Our campsite was awesome! We could drive right up to it, it was clean with no junk in the firepit & it was good, level ground, & very private & inexpensive. The bathrooms/showers were less than 6 months old & were very clean. The caretakers were close to the bathroom & were very kind & attentive but very non-intrusive. The water was just a few yards away with a boat launch so we could launch our kayaks. If you like seafood & oysters, there are a few really good, reasonably priced restaurants just a few miles away, along with grocery shopping. Highly recommend & we are planning to return.

SiteCan't remember, but one of the primitive sites closest to the bathroom.

Month of VisitMarch

(8) View All

irena J.

Scout

Reviewed Aug. 29, 2018

Tate's Hell State Forest

Tate's Hell State Forest is a primitive dispersed camping area slightly north the Gulf of Mexico in the Florida Panhandle region. Instead of a single campground with multiple sites, Tate's Hell provides individual camps sites through out the forest, many of which are along the Carabelle River. Sites offer fire ring, picnic table and cleared tent area. All sites are accessed by dirt roads that are fairly well maintained. Many of these sites can accommodate a popup or RV, but there are no electrical, water or sewage hook ups in the state forest. If you are looking for an authentic backwoods, roughing it camping experience - this is your place!

Sites can be reserved 1 877 879 3859. The regional ranger station is located at 290 Airport Rd, Carrabelle, FL 32322.

More info https://www.freshfromflorida.com/Divisions-Offices/Florida-Forest-Service/Our-Forests/State-Forests/Tate-s-Hell-State-Forest

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find camping areas in Tate's Hell State Forest?

Tate's Hell State Forest offers a unique dispersed camping experience with individual campsites scattered throughout the forest. Many prime camping locations are situated along the Carrabelle River, providing peaceful waterfront settings. The forest features primitive campsites where visitors can drive directly to their spot. Camping areas are well-maintained with clean grounds and level surfaces for tent setup. For specific site locations, check in at the forest headquarters or ranger station where staff can provide a map of designated camping areas and information on current availability and permits.

Are there trail maps available for Tate's Hell State Forest?

Trail maps for Tate's Hell State Forest are available at the forest's main office and visitor centers. Additionally, maps can be obtained from the Florida Forest Service website or by contacting the state forest management directly. These maps show the various trails throughout the 202,000-acre forest, including hiking paths and paddling routes along the Carrabelle River. For the most current trail information, it's advisable to check with forest staff before setting out on your adventure as seasonal conditions may affect accessibility.

What activities can visitors do in Tate's Hell State Forest?

Tate's Hell State Forest offers numerous recreational activities for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy hiking on the forest's trail system, paddling along the Carrabelle River, fishing in various waterways, and wildlife viewing throughout the 202,000-acre wilderness. Primitive camping is popular, with sites distributed across the forest providing excellent basecamp locations for multi-day adventures. The forest's proximity to the Gulf of Mexico also makes day trips to the coast convenient. Photography opportunities abound with diverse ecosystems ranging from cypress swamps to pine flatwoods. During appropriate seasons, hunting is permitted in designated areas with proper licensing.

What is Womack Creek Campground like in Tate's Hell State Forest?

Womack Creek Campground in Tate's Hell State Forest provides a serene camping experience with clean, private sites. The campground features level ground for comfortable tent or RV setup, and sites are well-maintained with clean fire pits. Relatively new bathroom and shower facilities are available for campers. The campground offers an affordable option for those seeking a peaceful forest retreat. Its location provides good access to the surrounding wilderness areas and water features of the forest. The privacy between sites makes it ideal for those looking to enjoy the natural setting without crowding.

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