Florida State Forests offer plenty of quiet and peaceful campsites near waterways throughout the state. Check out these unique campgrounds along or near creeks and rivers providing easy access for watersports and a dip to cool off this summer.
Didn’t see what you are looking for? Explore all the Florida State Forest locations to help plan your next adventure.
Recommended: Lakeside Getaways at Florida State Forests
Crooked River Campground
Withlacoochee State Forest, located just 50 miles north of Tampa, is the third largest forest in Florida. Withlacoochee is a Native American word referring to the “crooked river” that meanders 13 miles through the forest and provides plenty of water recreation including boating, paddling, and fishing. The Crooked River Campground is on the shore of Silver Lake and part of the river system with 23 tent sites to choose from.
River Junction Campground
Near Crooked River Campground is River Junction Campground, which is located at the junction of the Little Withlacoochee River and Withlacoochee River at the southern end of Silver Lake. The day use area includes a picnic area and boat ramp for easy watersport and fishing access. Spend the afternoon exploring the canoe trail or along the 23-mile Withlacoochee State Trail that connects several campgrounds.
Myakka State Forest Primitive Campsites
Myakka State Forest is 1.2 hours south of Tampa and named after the river. There are over 40 miles of trail that are open to hiking, trail biking, and equestrian activities. The trails also provide access to riverfront camping, fishing, boating, canoeing, and kayaking. There are five tent only campsites. All sites are hike in and hike out only, except the River 1 site which has boat and paddle access making for a very unique adventure.
Womack Creek Campground
The Womack Creek Campground is located in Tate’s Hell State Forest, about 1.5 hours from Tallahassee. There are 35 miles of rivers, streams, and creeks available for canoeing, boating and fishing throughout the forest making it a perfect getaway for the outdoor enthusiast. This campground is located close to Ochlockonee River and has tent campsites with water (non-potable) nearby, limited RV campsites with electric and water (non-potable) nearby, restrooms and showers, boat ramp, and pavilion.
Juniper Creek Primitive Campsites
The Juniper Creek Primitive Campground is located in Tateโs Hell State Forest. There are eight tent or RV accessible campsites. New River #5 and Boundary Road campsites have water access that feeds into the river and five others are along the creek. Any of the locations will be a perfect spot for a weekend full of recreational activities such as fishing, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, picnicking, bird watching, wildlife viewing, and photography.
Are you ready for an outdoor adventure? Plan your camping trip!