Florida State Forests offer quaint campgrounds nestled throughout the state offering a variety of outdoor recreational activities for the entire family from exploring the multiuse trails, wildlife viewing, fishing along the shores or in a boat, and simply relaxing beside the lake to enjoy the views. Check out these unique lakeside vacation spots to cool off and other Florida State Forest locations to plan your next adventure!
Recommended: The Beginner’s Guide to Lake Safety: Boating & Activity Rules
Karick Lake North and South Campgrounds
Karick Lake is located one hour northeast of Pensacola in Blackwater River State Forest. Choose between north and south campgrounds on each side with great views of the lake. Both have 15 RV and tent sites with electricity and water (potable), dump station, restrooms and showers, boat ramp and pier. They are perfect base camps for your fishing and boating getaway.
Withlacoochee State Forest Campgrounds
Located one hour from Tampa, the main attraction at Withlacoochee State Forest is peaceful Silver Lake with a boat ramp for easy watersport and fishing access. Spend the afternoon exploring the area with a nature walk or biking excursion along the 23-mile Withlacoochee State Trail that connects several campgrounds. There are three campgrounds near the day-use area and on the shore of Silver Lake.
Choose from 23 full set up sites at Silver Lake Campground, 34 sites at Cypress Glen Campground, and 23 tent only sites at Crooked River Campground. Each campground includes a bath house, picnic table and fire ring with grate or grill. Silver Lake Campground and Cypress Glen has water, electric and dump station. Crooked River is tent only with water and no electricity. Each has access to the river within the campground for fishing, canoeing and kayaking.
If you just have the day to spend, make memories with the family by renting a pavilion at one of these locations: Silver Lake Pavilion, McKethan Pavilion, or Tiger Bay State Forest Foster Pavilion.
Indian Lake State Forest Campground
The Indian Lake State Forest campsites are located a couple hundred yards north of the lake and near the heart of Ocala. Recreational trails offer a variety of activities such as hiking, horseback riding, picnicking, birding, wildlife viewing, and photography. There are 13 RV or tent campsites. Campers are allowed to park their personal vehicles at the campsites, however there is no electric and or water on site so plan accordingly.
Eastern Lake Campgrounds
Eastern Lake Campground 1 and Campground 2 are located within Point Washington State Forest, about 9 miles south of Freeport. Point Washington is widely used for mountain biking and hiking along the Eastern Lake Trail and Longleaf Greenway Trail, as well as horseback riding on the McQuage Bayou Mulitiple Use Trail. These eight primitive campsites are near Eastern Lake and have a vault restroom available.
Save a Spot at Campground 1 or Campground 2
High Bluff Campground
The High Bluff Campground is located within Lake Talquin State Forest, just 20 miles west of Tallahassee. Lake Talquin is designated as an “Outstanding Florida Water” and can be accessed from several locations for boating and fishing. Nearby established hiking trails offer exploration of the natural environment and opportunities to see native wildlife. The campground has 25 primitive RV or tent sites along the northern side of the lake.
If you are planning a day trip, check out these additional lakeside pavilions providing great family gathering opportunities for picnics and making memories. Reserve one for the day at these locations: Indian Lake Pavilion Tiger Bay State Forest, Bloxham Pavilion Lake Talquin State Forest, and Sand Pond Pavilion Pine Log State Forest.
Are you ready for an outdoor adventure? Plan your camping trip!