Inside the book
Every Florida campground and river camp in this guide
The Camper's Guide covers 59 places to sleep on a Florida trip, from state parks to river camps. Each entry below is taken from the book: what kind of camp it is, the sites, the reservation details, pets and fire rules, and whether you can paddle from it. Fees and rules were checked Sept 2026 and change, so confirm with the operator before you go.
Know before you go
Fees changeEvery fee in this book carries its check date, September 2026. Florida State Parks, the Forest Service and the Army Corps set their own rates and change them, so where a page did not publish a fee, the entry says so and points you to the agency.
Reserve earlySmall places fill first. Backcountry, paddle-in and river camps often need a permit or a reservation. The Reserve line in each entry says what the agency published.
Leave No TracePack out everything you pack in, food scraps too. Camp on sand, rock or an established site, well above the waterline. Use the toilet provided, or dig a cathole well away from water and camp. Leave what you find, and let the wildlife be.
Fire bansFire rules change with the weather. Fires only in provided rings where allowed; check the managing agency's alerts page before every trip. Carry a stove on every trip so a burn ban never costs you supper.
Check the agency pageStorms, low water, construction, hunts and wildfire close campgrounds without warning. Check the agency page the week you go.
Northwest and Panhandle
Panhandle rivers and the Gulf coast. Blackwater River, Ochlockonee River and Three Rivers state parks, Torreya, St. Andrews and St. Joseph Peninsula, and the Forest Service camps in the Apalachicola country.
Paddling nearby
Big Lagoon State Park
Big Lagoon has 75 full-facility sites with electric, water, fire rings and a dump station, plus a primitive group camp. The park has canoeing and boating access on the lagoon and the Intracoastal Waterway.
Paddling: A two-lane boat ramp on the Intracoastal Waterway.
- Sites
- 75 full-facility sites; primitive group camping (count not published).
- Fees
- $20 per night plus tax. Utility and reservation fees may apply.
- Reserve
- Florida State Parks reservations page. Primitive group camp reservations by phone.
- Pets
- Welcome in the campground.
- On site
- 30/50 amp electric; Water; Picnic tables; Fire rings; Restrooms; Dump station
On the Blackwater River (Florida)
Blackwater River State Forest dispersed camping
Blackwater River State Forest manages overnight primitive camping. Paddle access depends on which public launch you use, so pick your launch first. Counts, rates and rules were not published when we checked, so confirm before you go.
Paddling: Access varies by public launch. Overnight primitive camping is managed by the forest.
- Sites
- Primitive camping managed by the forest.
On the Blackwater River (Florida)
Blackwater River State Park
Blackwater River State Park has overnight camping and campground access to the Deaton Bridge launch. Counts, rates and rules were not published when we checked, so confirm before you go.
Paddling: Deaton Bridge launch, with campground access.
Paddling nearby
Camel Lake Recreation Area
Camel Lake is a Forest Service recreation area with an overnight campground and a lake launch. Counts, rates and rules were not published when we checked, so confirm before you go.
Paddling: A lake launch and an overnight campground.
On the Coldwater Creek
Coldwater Recreation Area
Coldwater Recreation Area is in Blackwater River State Forest and has overnight camping with a launch on Coldwater Creek. Counts, rates and rules were not published when we checked, so confirm before you go.
Paddling: A Coldwater Creek launch and overnight recreation area.
On the Apalachicola River
Estiffanulga County Park
Estiffanulga is a Liberty County park with overnight camping and river access. Counts, rates and rules were not published when we checked, so confirm before you go.
Paddling: County park river access.
Paddling nearby
Gap Point Primitive Camp
Gap Point is a primitive carry-in, carry-out camp. The campground is currently closed for renovations, so check with the park before you plan a night here. You reach it by canoe, kayak or other shallow-draft boat, or on foot along the 2.5-mile Gap Point Trail.
Paddling: Reached by canoe, kayak or other shallow-draft boat, or on the 2.5-mile Gap Point Trail.
- Sites
- Primitive carry-in, carry-out camping. Campground currently closed for renovations.
- Season
- Campground currently closed for renovations.
- Reserve
- Florida State Parks reservations page.
On the Wacissa River
Goose Pasture Recreation Area
The trail guide lists Goose Pasture as a soft launch with free primitive camping, managed by the Suwannee River Water Management District. The site count, reservations and rules were not published when we checked.
Paddling: A soft launch, identified by the official trail guide.
- Sites
- Primitive camping.
- Fees
- Free primitive camping.
On the Apalachicola River
Hickory Landing Campground
Hickory Landing is a U.S. Forest Service ramp and primitive campground on Owl Creek with 10 sites. Rates and rules were not published when we checked, so confirm before you go.
Paddling: A U.S. Forest Service ramp and primitive campground on Owl Creek.
- Sites
- 10 sites.
On the Ochlockonee River (Florida)
Lake Talquin State Park
Lake Talquin State Park has a campground and access to the lake shoreline. Counts, rates and rules were not published when we checked, so confirm before you go.
Paddling: Shoreline access on Lake Talquin, with a campground.
On the St. Marks River
Newport Campground
Newport Campground is a Wakulla County campground. The official trail map shows it with a launch. Counts, rates and rules were not published when we checked, so confirm before you go.
Paddling: The official trail map shows the campground and a launch.
On the Ochlockonee River (Florida)
Ochlockonee River State Park
Ochlockonee River State Park has overnight camping with river and bay access. Counts, rates and rules were not published when we checked, so confirm before you go.
Paddling: River and bay access.
Paddling nearby
St. Andrews State Park
St. Andrews State Park has a campground with bay and Gulf paddle access. Counts, rates and rules were not published when we checked, so confirm before you go.
Paddling: Bay and Gulf paddle access, with a campground.
Paddling nearby
St. Joseph Peninsula State Park
St. Joseph Peninsula State Park has a campground with Gulf and bay paddle access. Counts, rates and rules were not published when we checked, so confirm before you go.
Paddling: Gulf and bay paddle access, with a campground.
On the St. Marks River
St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge Shell Point campground
Shell Point is a campground in the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge. Coastal paddle access is open only where the refuge allows it. Counts, rates and rules were not published when we checked, so confirm before you go.
Paddling: Refuge camping, with coastal paddle access where the refuge allows it.
Paddling nearby
Three Rivers State Park
Three Rivers State Park has a campground with access to Lake Seminole. Counts, rates and rules were not published when we checked, so confirm before you go.
Paddling: Lake Seminole access, with a campground.
On the Apalachicola River
Torreya State Park
Torreya State Park has overnight camping. It has an overlook on the Apalachicola River, and paddle access is nearby. Counts, rates and rules were not published when we checked, so confirm before you go.
Paddling: An Apalachicola River overlook, with paddle access nearby.
On the Chipola River
Wilkerson Creek Campground
Wilkerson Creek is a Forest Service campground near paddling access on the Chipola River. Counts, rates and rules were not published when we checked, so confirm before you go.
Paddling: The campground is near Chipola paddling access.
Paddling nearby
Wright Lake Recreation Area
Wright Lake is a Forest Service recreation area with an overnight campground and a lake launch. Counts, rates and rules were not published when we checked, so confirm before you go.
Paddling: A lake launch and an overnight campground.
North Florida and Suwannee
Springs, the Suwannee and the Santa Fe. State parks built around the springs, plus the river camps that sit a day's paddle apart along the Suwannee.
On the Lower Suwannee River
Adams Tract River Camp
Adams Tract is a Florida State Parks river camp on the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail. Counts, rates and rules were not published when we checked, so confirm before you go.
Paddling: An official river camp on the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail.
On the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail (Upper Florida Suwannee)
Big Shoals State Park
Big Shoals is a Florida State Parks property with overnight camping and a canoe launch on the river corridor. Counts, rates and rules were not published when we checked, so confirm before you go.
Paddling: A canoe launch with access to the river corridor.
On the Lower Suwannee River
Dowling Park River Camp
Dowling Park is a Florida State Parks river camp on the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail. Counts, rates and rules were not published when we checked, so confirm before you go.
Paddling: An official river camp on the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail.
On the Lower Suwannee River
Fanning Springs State Park
Fanning Springs State Park has overnight camping and access to the spring and the Suwannee River. Counts, rates and rules were not published when we checked, so confirm before you go.
Paddling: Access to the spring and the Suwannee River.
On the Wacissa River
Goose Pasture group camp
Goose Pasture is a Suwannee River Water Management District camp on the Wacissa River. The primitive area is first come, first served with a self-issued permit at the kiosk, and you can stay 10 days at most. No camping during general gun season. Groups of six or more reserve the group camp by calling 386-362-1001 or 800-226-1066.
Paddling: A primitive camping area and a group camp on the Wacissa River.
- Sites
- Primitive camping area and a group camp.
- Season
- Camping is not allowed during general gun season. Stay limit is 10 days.
- Reserve
- Group camp for six or more: call the district at 386-362-1001 or 800-226-1066. Primitive camping is first come, first served.
On the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail (Upper Florida Suwannee)
Holton Creek River Camp
Holton Creek is a Florida State Parks river camp on the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail. The state park page says it is closed because of Hurricane Helene damage, so do not plan a night here until it reopens.
Paddling: An official river camp on the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail.
- Sites
- Closed.
- Season
- Closed because of Hurricane Helene damage.
On the Ichetucknee River
Ichetucknee Springs State Park
Ichetucknee Springs State Park has a designated paddling trail. Whether the park has an overnight campground was still to confirm when we checked, so call before you plan a night here.
Paddling: Designated paddling trail access.
On the Lower Suwannee River
Lafayette Blue Springs State Park
Lafayette Blue Springs State Park has overnight camping, a Suwannee River ramp and access to the springs. Counts, rates and rules were not published when we checked, so confirm before you go.
Paddling: A Suwannee River ramp and access to the springs.
On the Withlacoochee River (North Florida)
Madison Blue Spring State Park
Madison Blue Spring State Park has access to the Withlacoochee River. The camping inventory was still to confirm when we checked, so call before you plan a night here.
Paddling: Access to the Withlacoochee River.
On the Lower Suwannee River
Manatee Springs State Park
Manatee Springs State Park has overnight camping, a spring and a canoe launch. Counts, rates and rules were not published when we checked, so confirm before you go.
Paddling: Access to the spring and a canoe launch.
On the Santa Fe River
O'Leno State Park
O'Leno State Park has a campground and a canoe launch on the Santa Fe River. Counts, rates and rules were not published when we checked, so confirm before you go.
Paddling: A Santa Fe River canoe launch and a campground.
On the Lower Suwannee River
Peacock Slough River Camp
Peacock Slough is a Florida State Parks river camp on the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail. Counts, rates and rules were not published when we checked, so confirm before you go.
Paddling: An official river camp on the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail.
On the Santa Fe River
River Rise Preserve State Park
River Rise is a primitive equestrian camp off U.S. 27, with a horse barn and a bathhouse with showers. There are no hookups. The trails run near the Santa Fe River, but no launch is published here.
Paddling: Trails run near the Santa Fe River. No launch is published at the camping area.
- Sites
- Primitive equestrian camping, up to 40 rigs.
- Fees
- $5 per person per night, plus tax.
- Reserve
- Call the O'Leno State Park ranger station. Walk-ins welcome.
- Pets
- Leashed, well-behaved pets allowed in the camping area but not on the trails.
- Fire
- Established fire circles are available.
- On site
- 20-stall horse barn; Restroom with showers; Two fire circles
- Not available
- No electric hookups; No water hookups
On the Ocklawaha & Silver Rivers
Rodman Campground
Rodman is a 64-site campground with primitive sites and sites with water and electric. The park has boat ramps and gives access to the Ocklawaha River system through Rodman Reservoir and the barge canal.
Paddling: Boat ramps with access to Rodman Reservoir and the barge canal.
- Sites
- 64 sites: 26 primitive and 38 with water and electric.
- Reserve
- Florida State Parks reservations page.
- Pets
- Welcome on a hand-held leash, six feet at most.
- On site
- Potable water; Bathhouses; Dump station; Picnic pavilions; Boat ramps
On the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail (Upper Florida Suwannee)
Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park
Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park has a campground and a launch on the Suwannee River. Counts, rates and rules were not published when we checked, so confirm before you go.
Paddling: A Suwannee River launch and a campground.
On the Lower Suwannee River
Suwannee River State Park
Suwannee River State Park has a campground and a river ramp. The park notice says the campground is closed to reservations and walk-ins during an upgrade project, so do not plan a night here until it reopens.
Paddling: A river ramp and a campground.
- Sites
- Closed during an upgrade project.
- Season
- Closed to reservations and walk-ins during an upgrade project.
On the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail (Upper Florida Suwannee)
Woods Ferry River Camp
Woods Ferry is a Florida State Parks river camp on the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail. Counts, rates and rules were not published when we checked, so confirm before you go.
Paddling: An official river camp on the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail.
Central Florida and Atlantic
Spring runs and the St. Johns side of the state. Wekiwa Springs, Juniper Springs, Rainbow Springs and Silver Springs, the Myakka and Hillsborough rivers, and the canoe camps.
Paddling nearby
Alafia River State Park
Alafia River State Park has family sites with hookups, equestrian sites with stables, and a primitive group camp. The South Prong of the Alafia is a blackwater stream, and the park has a boat ramp on it. Fees, season and pet rules were not published when we checked.
Paddling: A boat ramp on the South Prong of the Alafia River.
- Sites
- 30 family sites; 12 equestrian sites; primitive group camping (count not published).
- Reserve
- Florida State Parks reservations page. For the primitive group camp, ask at the ranger station.
- On site
- Water and electric hookups; Restrooms and showers; Stables and paddocks for horses
On the Alexander Springs Creek
Alexander Springs Recreation Area
Alexander Springs is a Forest Service recreation area with overnight camping and a launch on the spring run. Counts, rates and rules were not published when we checked, so confirm before you go.
Paddling: A launch on the spring run, next to the campground.
Paddling nearby
Buffalo Tram Canoe Camp
Buffalo Tram is one of two primitive canoe campsites on Rock Springs Run. You get there only by canoe or kayak, from a livery on the Wekiva River or from inside Wekiwa Springs State Park.
Paddling: Reached only by canoe or kayak, from a livery on the Wekiva River or inside Wekiwa Springs State Park.
- Sites
- One primitive canoe campsite. No site count published.
Paddling nearby
Colt Creek State Park
Colt Creek has full-facility and equestrian sites, plus two primitive camps on the Flatwoods Trail, one mile and three miles from parking. Paddling here is on the park's lakes.
Paddling: Paddling on the park's lakes. No river access published.
- Sites
- 33 full-facility sites; 20 equestrian sites; 2 primitive sites; primitive group camping (count not published).
- Fees
- Primitive camps: $5 per adult and $1 per child per night.
- Reserve
- Florida State Parks reservations page. Reserve the primitive camps in advance.
- Pets
- Permitted at the primitive camps under the Florida State Parks pet policy.
- Fire
- Fire ring at each primitive camp. Pack in and pack out your supplies.
- On site
- 30 and 50 amp hookups; Bathhouse; Dump station; Fire ring and picnic table at primitive camps
- Not available
- No water at primitive camps; No electric at primitive camps; No restrooms at primitive camps
On the Hillsborough River
Hillsborough River State Park
Hillsborough River State Park has a campground and a canoe launch. Counts, rates and rules were not published when we checked, so confirm before you go.
Paddling: A canoe launch and a campground.
Paddling nearby
Indian Mound Canoe Camp
Indian Mound is one of two primitive canoe campsites on Rock Springs Run. You get there only by canoe or kayak, from a livery on the Wekiva River or from inside Wekiwa Springs State Park.
Paddling: Reached only by canoe or kayak, from a livery on the Wekiva River or inside Wekiwa Springs State Park.
- Sites
- One primitive canoe campsite. No site count published.
On the Loxahatchee River
Jonathan Dickinson State Park
Jonathan Dickinson State Park has a campground with access to the Loxahatchee River and the Intracoastal Waterway. Counts, rates and rules were not published when we checked, so confirm before you go.
Paddling: Access to the Loxahatchee River and the Intracoastal Waterway, with a campground.
On the Juniper Creek (Juniper Springs Run)
Juniper Springs Recreation Area
Juniper Springs is a Forest Service recreation area with a campground and a launch on Juniper Run. Counts, rates and rules were not published when we checked, so confirm before you go.
Paddling: The Juniper Run launch and a campground.
Paddling nearby
Lake Kissimmee State Park
Lake Kissimmee State Park has a campground with lake and creek access. Counts, rates and rules were not published when we checked, so confirm before you go.
Paddling: Lake and creek access, with a campground.
On the Myakka River
Myakka River State Park
Myakka River State Park has a campground and river launches. Counts, rates and rules were not published when we checked, so confirm before you go.
Paddling: River launches and a campground.
Paddling nearby
Oscar Scherer State Park
Oscar Scherer State Park has a campground and South Creek paddle access. Counts, rates and rules were not published when we checked, so confirm before you go.
Paddling: South Creek paddle access, with a campground.
On the Peace River
Paynes Creek Historic State Park
Paynes Creek Historic State Park has a campground and a canoe and kayak launch on the Peace River. Counts, rates and rules were not published when we checked, so confirm before you go.
Paddling: A Peace River canoe and kayak launch, with a campground.
On the Rainbow River
Rainbow Springs State Park
Rainbow Springs State Park has a campground and designated access to the spring run. Counts, rates and rules were not published when we checked, so confirm before you go.
Paddling: A campground and designated spring-run access.
On the Ocklawaha & Silver Rivers
Salt Springs Recreation Area
Salt Springs is a Forest Service recreation area with overnight camping and lake and spring access. Counts, rates and rules were not published when we checked, so confirm before you go.
Paddling: Lake and spring access.
On the Ocklawaha & Silver Rivers
Silver Springs State Park
Silver Springs State Park has a campground and access to the Ocklawaha River. Counts, rates and rules were not published when we checked, so confirm before you go.
Paddling: Ocklawaha River access, with a campground.
On the Wekiva River
Wekiwa Springs State Park
Wekiwa Springs State Park has a campground with access to the Wekiva River. Counts, rates and rules were not published when we checked, so confirm before you go.
Paddling: Wekiva River access, with a campground.
South Florida and Gulf Coast
The Everglades and the Gulf. Flamingo, Long Pine Key and the wilderness waterway camps, plus Bear Island, Koreshan and Fort De Soto.
Paddling nearby
Bear Island Campground
Bear Island is a National Park Service campground in Big Cypress with 40 designated sites. Sites 1 through 12 stay open all year and sites 13 through 40 open August 15 to April 15. It costs $10 a night, $5 with a Senior or Access Pass, and you book on Recreation.gov.
Paddling: Big Cypress campground with wetland access.
- Sites
- 40 designated sites.
- Season
- Sites 1 through 12 open year round. Sites 13 through 40 open August 15 to April 15.
- Fees
- $10 per night; $5 with a Senior or Access Pass.
- Reserve
- Recreation.gov.
On the Everglades Wilderness Waterway
Everglades wilderness waterway backcountry camps
These are National Park Service backcountry camps on the Everglades wilderness waterway, and you reach them by water with a permit. Each named site has its own location, so plan your route site by site.
Paddling: Permit-only camps reached by water.
- Sites
- Water-access backcountry camps. Locations vary by named site.
- Reserve
- Permit required.
On the Everglades Wilderness Waterway
Flamingo Campground
Flamingo is a National Park Service campground with marina access and a way onto the wilderness waterway. The Park Service takes reservations at 1-855-708-2207 and posts fees, fire, quiet hour and pet rules, so confirm them before you go.
Paddling: Flamingo marina and access to the wilderness waterway.
- Reserve
- Reserve by phone at 1-855-708-2207.
Paddling nearby
Fort De Soto Park campground
Fort De Soto is a Pinellas County campground with saltwater paddle access. Counts, rates and rules were not published when we checked, so confirm before you go.
Paddling: Saltwater paddle access from the county campground.
On the Great Calusa Blueway
Koreshan State Historic Site campground
Koreshan State Historic Site has a campground and Estero River paddle access. Counts, rates and rules were not published when we checked, so confirm before you go.
Paddling: Estero River paddle access, with a campground.
Paddling nearby
Little Manatee River State Park
Little Manatee River State Park has 30 full-facility sites, equestrian sites and a primitive camp 2.5 miles down the Florida Hiking Trail. The park publishes canoe and kayak use on the river.
Paddling: Canoe and kayak use on the Little Manatee River.
- Sites
- 30 full-facility sites; 4 equestrian sites; 1 primitive site; primitive group camping (count not published).
- Fees
- Primitive group camp: $5 per adult and $1 under 18 per night, plus tax.
- Reserve
- Florida State Parks reservations page, or the ranger station for the primitive camps.
- Pets
- Not permitted in primitive camping areas.
- Fire
- Collecting firewood is prohibited at the primitive group camp.
- On site
- Water and electric hookups; Fire ring and picnic table; Bathhouse; Dump station
- Not available
- No potable water at the primitive camp; No electric at the primitive camp
Paddling nearby
Long Pine Key Campground
Long Pine Key is a drive-up campground with 108 individual sites and 1 group site. The individual sites are first come, first served. It is open November through April only. The Park Service says it and Flamingo are the only frontcountry campgrounds in the park.
Paddling: Long Pine Key is a drive-up campground. The park also documents wilderness camping by canoe, kayak or motorboat.
- Sites
- 108 individual sites; 1 group site.
- Season
- Open November through April. Closed May 1 through October 31.
- Reserve
- First come, first served for individual sites. Group sites go through Everglades Guest Services.
- Pets
- Leashed pets allowed in the campground, parking lots and roadsides only.
- Fire
- Quiet hours 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Fires in grills only.
- On site
- Potable water; Flush toilets; Showers; Dump station; Accessible campsites
