Fishing and hiking draw campers to Watermelon Pond Primitive Campsites, set within Goethe State Forest's forested terrain near a lake in north-central Florida. Sites come with full hookups including electric, water, and sewer, plus picnic tables and fire rings, making this an accessible drive-in option despite the "primitive" label. At $8 per night, it ranks among the more affordable public campgrounds in the places to camp near Newberry area. Pets are allowed, and reservations are available. Book ahead if visiting during cooler months, when north Florida camping demand tends to rise.
Description
This is a separate tract of land managed by Goethe State Forest located in Alachua County north of the main body of the forest. The Watermelon Pond primitive campsites are co-located with the Watermelon Pond Trailhead. The trails in this section of the forest are multi-use so it is likely hikers will see equestrian users on the trail. As these campsites are primitive, there is no electric and or water on site. There is a restroom at the trailhead. Campers have a designated parking spot and walk in 20-40 yards to their campsite. Recreational activities featured here are: hiking, picnicking, bird watching, equestrian, wildlife viewing and photography. This area is also great for stargazing.
- No potable water or electric at this site. This is primitive camping.
- The campsites are 20-40 yards from the parking areas.
- A restroom at the trailhead is shared between day use visitors and campers.
- Hunting seasons occur on this area of the state forest. Please check hunting dates out before making reservations.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
The Florida Forest Service will close all campgrounds and recreation areas on State Forests if the county where the State Forest is located is placed under a Tropical Storm or Hurricane WARNING by the National Weather Service. Reservations will be automatically refunded for closures related to tropical weather.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsWatermelon Pond Primitive Campsites is located in Florida near Newberry
Directions
**From Downtown Newberry (Intersection of US 41/27 and State Road 26) -** Head west on State Road 26 for 1 mile to county road 337. Turn left (south) on CR 337. Follow the CR 337 for 6.3 miles. The trailhead entrance will be on your left (east side of the road).You should see a state forest recreation area sign. Turn in at the recreation area sign and follow the road for 2/10ths of a mile. The campsites will be on your left. **From Downtown Bronson (Intersection of US ALT 27 and State Road 24) -** Head east on SR 24 for 1/4 mile to County Road 337. Turn left (north) on CR 337 and travel north for 8 miles. You will see a recreation area sign on your right (east side of the road). Turn right at the recreation area sign and follow the road for 2/10ths of a mile. The campsites will be on your left.
Address
9509 SW 282 Street
Newberry, FL 32669
Coordinates
29.56484734573273 N
82.63665750795154 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&T5GGood Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&T5GGood Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
