Best Camping in and near Apalachicola National Forest

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Apalachicola National Forest adventure.

Florida's largest national forest reveals the tropics’ ecological diversity on a vast scale.

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Community favorites near Apalachicola National Forest

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Apalachicola National Forest

Top-rated campgrounds near Apalachicola National Forest

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SandyLand Farmstay GlampingTherapy

33 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents50 acres · Tallahassee, FL

NEW farm- ADD on Generator A/C rentals Text Sandy at 850-363-8665 to discuss any questions or animals coming, before booking… Especially horses. We’re a FARMHER owned micro-farm in Northeastern Tallahassee within a few miles from I-10. The farm is a back-to-nature wellness glamping facility, in the city. We believe in enjoying the abundance of nature, with a few creature comforts. THE FARM- The farm started in the late 1800’s and has remained untouched since 2012, when the family farmhouse burnt. The farm's infrastructure is still present today, and we’ve started to uncover it after 20+ years. Purchased in 2023, Our new farm will provide a place to learn about sustainability as we practice being a good steward of the land. The backbone of the farm. We aim to serve the growing interest in ECOtourism & AGRItourism, by educating the public with farm tours. We will practice *Permaculture * Food forest *Low carbon footprint *Regenerative Farming & Rotational Grazing with *HERITAGE animals. Most of our HERITAGE animals are “MINI” and part of our traveling therapy program (zoo). The farm animals aid in the conservation efforts and create awareness of historic farm animals going EXTINCT, due to industry practices. (livestockconservancy.com) Every acre of the farm is a unique experience and our “special places” create lasting memories. Our favorite is “The Manger”. We plan to restore the old cattle shoot, holding pens and “manger” structure. In the future it will be a historical therapy petting zoo. We love our animals and they all serve multiple purposes on the farm. The farm’s one of the last larger parcels, undeveloped, in the area. Two miles from I-10 interchange, NEW Tractor Supply, Wendys, Amazon, and a new Gas station. Founded on the love of animals and a passion for sustainability, we remain committed to compassionate practices and the most natural care of our land and animals as possible. As stewards of the land and herd, we believe we have a responsibility to share nature's blessings. We offer several agritourism opportunities on the farm, from farm stays to day visits. It is our goal to create a space where our visitors can have fun and learn about the animals who share that space. We also strive to serve as a valuable resource for first time goat owners. To support that endeavor, we sell chicken eggs, specialty cottage goods, Our goal is to provide a perfect balance of peaceful connection with self and nature coupled with a connection to community. FURRY FRIENDS OVERNIGHT **Most of our rentals will offer private paddocks for their horses- limited spaces while we expand. IF YOU HAVE A HORSE TRAILER, ASK ABOUT SITES OR PARKING. *All horses staying overnight must pay overnight board fee.*Ask about available paddocks/round pens. * Trail/schooling fee not included. Horse transporters, competitors, staycations, evacuees, anyone traveling I-10, or nearby, will have a place to stay with your horses. Transporters can come in LATE and leave EARLY, after horses can stretch & rest. Horse staycations allow a chance to vacation with horses, or seek shelter from a storm. Horse competitors going to local show barns need horse boarding too. COME SEE US. Dog competitors and owners- Dog owners preferring not to stay at a hotel or relatives, when visiting. Dog competitors coming to Tallahassee or traveling through can come where there’s space for dogs to run. **WARNING** We are a new WORKING FARM. We are now open to the public but please understand we are working everyday to make improvements. Its not perfect but we think you’ll love it. You will see and hear all the farm sounds! You can pet the goats and we have animal experiences available to bottle feed them. It's always a big hit and makes great photos. Come and de-stress by snuggling our goats. These bouncing bundles of joy are guaranteed to make you smile! There are chickens and guinea fowl that are all personable and love to be fed. We also have two mini therapy certified horses, and two mini ZEBU cows that love to eat from your hand. We offer farm tours!!! There are livestock guardian dogs that protect the farm. They sleep lots during the day and patrol at night so they BARK lots at night... **Again we are a REAL WORKING FARM. SIGN UP for the animal feeding experience. It’s an upclose experience to help hand feed the whole herd, collect eggs and learn all about our special animals and see all the unique personalities we have here on the farm. If you are real adventurous you can help around the farm!!! LOCATION- We are located in northeast Tallahassee and only about twenty minutes from FSU stadium - straight shot! We love to host parents and students! Great weekend getaway! ***We also offer primitive camping sites as well in The Orchard area. No electric at campsites. WATER is available. *Need room for more occupants?? See optional add-ons for rental tent/screen rooms we will set up to allow for additional occupants at our units. Or pay small tent fee to bring your own and place near your site. KITCHEN- *We have a small outdoor kitchen area with grill, griddle, stove, utensils, and picnic table. Basic cooking supplies are provided in your unit (oil, salt, pepper, etc) basic cookware, utensils, disposable and washable cups and plates. You are welcome to pick from the garden when its complete. There is also a common area, to eat and hang out. We will soon have a community fire pit for all to enjoy. BATHHOUSE- In the Homestead area we have a small rustic community bath house with a hot shower and a running toilet. Soap, shampoo, conditioner, and fresh towels provided. The Primitive Orchard area has cold water faucets and compost toilet. Both bath houses are close to all overnight areas. CHECK IN/Check-out time may be flexible depending upon concurrent bookings! We ask that you clear your campsite by 11am, but you are welcome to spend the remainder of the day hanging out with the goats, riding or just relaxing. Check in time is 2pm or later. Unless you are a returning guest please arrive before 7pm. (ALL late arrivals must be approved ahead of time, unless emergency.) Late arrivals interfere with our chore routine and it’s hard to stop and show you around. Thank you. Feel free to message if you have questions! The herd looks forward to meeting you!! PARKING- Temporary UNLOADING/LOADING- Parking for one vehicle near site. Must park in nearby guest parking afterwards. It is for the safety of our animals. We have too many free roaming animals. Thank you for understanding. BUGS- Please be aware that beginning in mid-May for about six weeks is yellow fly season in north Florida! Mosquitos are around all the time but heavier near wet areas. Note: This is Florida and a rustic farmstay. There are bugs and spiders on the property. One may even end up in the domes or tents. Please understand this before complaining about bugs. I want to make sure everyone knows it happens! We love our domes and tents, but you should know this isn't an apartment in the city :)

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Goat House Farm

11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents4 acres · Tallahassee, FL

Goat House Farm is a 501(c)3 owned micro-farm in a rural area of Tallahassee on the beautiful Lake Talquin. The farm has its humble beginnings in the summer of 2015 with four acres, four goats, and four chickens. Founded on the love of animals and a passion for sustainability, we remain committed to compassionate practices and the most natural care of our land and animals as possible. As stewards of the land and herd, we believe we have a responsibility to share nature's blessings. We offer several agritourism opportunities on the farm, from farmstays to day visits. Our primary program is to serve area youth with agricultural education and the opportunities to work with our goats. All proceeds from bookings go toward our programming. It is our goal to create a space where our visitors can have fun and learn about the animals who share that space. We also strive to serve as a valuable resource for first time goat owners. To support that endeavor, we sell chicken eggs, specialty cottage goods, honey, and natural goat milk and honey products. We also sell raw goat milk (for pet consumption only, as per Florida law - Master Feed License #ZOO406).

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The Outside Inn

9 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents80 acres · Quincy, FL

Planted pine, orchard, untouched wetlands, walking trails, planted fields for wildlife viewing. Quiet and peaceful escape. Close to several state parks, including Torreya, Three rivers, Seminole, Florida Caverns, and Lake Talaquin forest. At this time I can host 1 RV or camper with full hook ups, 3 RV sites with power, water and 1 boondock (no power/water) site but large enough for an off-grid/self-sustainable RV. I'm always happy to show folks around and share the story. Please note: During the rainy season the grass may get a bit long at times. You can also expect to experience a wide variety of agricultural activities, outside of quiet hours of course. Born out of a dream that started 10 years ago when I acquired 40 acres of forgotten and unmanaged rural woods. Having dug right in with the help of the Florida Forestry Service, FWC, IFAS, NRCS and a very knowledgeable private forester; we developed a conservation management plan to restore it to its native state. The neighboring land became available and happily added another 40, I've learned so much on this amazing journey. 25K pines and a great deal of sweat equity later, it is time to share and encourage others to join in on the conservation efforts and make sure it's around for future generations.

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"Sweet Tupelo" on the "Big River"!

3 sites · RVs, Tents12 acres · Bristol, FL

R.V. DUMP STATION for guests! . ALL THREE sites now have large pull-through circular driveways! . "SWEET TUPELO" is a magical 12-acre RIVERFRONT property offering 3 riverfront R.V. sites, spaced 150 feet apart from each other. We're directly on the Apalachicola River, approximately 15 minutes south of Bristol, Florida. These campsites have so much to offer with sweeping water views on a wide bend of the river! The campsites feature: . 1. Waterfront R.V. camping sites spaced far enough from another camper for your enjoyment, (150 feet apart from each other with Site 1 and Site 3 having woods on one side). 2. Picnic table at EACH SITE. 3. Swivel-top charcoal grill at EACH SITE. 4. Fire Pit with wood Adirondack Chairs AT EACH SITE. 5. EACH SITE has a 30-amp and 50-amp hookup, plus 110v electric outlets, along with two city drinking water spigots, (bring your own RV electric cord and RV drinking water hose). 6. Room for boat parking 7. County-owned boat ramp, playground, restrooms, just 300 YARDS AWAY! 8. R.V. size limit recommendations: Site 1 up to 50', Site 2 up to 40', Site 3 up to 40'. . (For best results to see ALL features of our listing, including dates/availability of ALL 3 campsites, view our Hipcamp listing on a laptop rather than your mobile phone) . Our three "SWEET TUPELO" R.V. campsites are located on 12 riverfront acres in the northern Panhandle of Florida on the historic Apalachicola River. The name “Sweet Tupelo” is taken from the Tupelo tree that grows exclusively in the floodplains and sloughs along the Apalachicola River. Local bees make their honey with the pollen of these trees creating many unique health and taste benefits found only in this part of the world. When you venture back into civilization, make sure you pick up a jar of Tupelo honey. You won’t be disappointed! . "Sweet Tupelo" is located roughly halfway between Apalachicola and Chattahoochee, at the river's mile marker 60. This river is Florida's LARGEST by volume of water, stretching 103 miles from the FL/GA border in Chattahoochee to the historic fishing village of Apalachicola on the Gulf coast. . WE DO NOT OFFER RESTROOMS - You would use your RV bathroom and our RV Dump Station. . Quiet and respectful campers only! No loud parties allowed.

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Bayside Camping

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Carrabelle, FL

Enjoy the charming fishing village of Carrabelle, Florida. Bayside Camping is a privately owned 100’ x 100’ tract of ocean front property. Take a walk alongside the natural beach and experience the ocean waves at the East Pass a.k.a. The Gateway to the Gulf with a direct view of Dog Island and St. George Island. Carrabelle‘s public beach is about 1 mile away and St. George Island is approximately a 15 minute drive with beautiful beaches and restaurants alongside the ocean. Enjoy the Carrabelle lighthouse tour or catch an airboat ride at Captain Hooks Airboat Excursions in Apalachicola. Boat rentals are available both in Carrabelle and neighboring East Point. Fishing charters are available at Cippio Creek in Carrabelle or East Point. Enjoy local seafood at Carabelle’s Millender’s seafood or enjoy dining out at The Farmer’s Daughter or Fathom’s Steam Room and Raw Bar to name a couple of popular night spots.

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The Gulf Stream Beach Camp

1 site · RV1 acre · Port Saint Joe, FL

Private, breezy RV lot one block from the Gulf of Mexico. Beautiful white sand beaches, an incredible starry night sky, and the peaceful sound of waves on the shore awaits you. The lot is a 12-minute drive from the City of Port St. Joe with restaurant options, grocery store, and marina, and a 5-minute drive from Mexico Beach. Looking for some fun on the beach? Check out Barefoot Rentals in Mexico Beach for kayaks, paddle boards, golf cart rentals and beach gear that deliver to the beach, the RV property, or any of the surrounding areas.

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Magnolia Mountain

4 sites · Tents4 acres · Tallahassee, FL

Private campsite in the middle of the city! My family and I were lucky enough to find a four acre urban forest less than two miles from FSU, the Florida Capitol and downtown Tallahassee. And just a mile from midtown! We are welcoming tent campers to come experience camping in an urban forest. The camping area has a hot water shower and sink, and the main site (#76), is fully outfitted with fire ring, tent pad, fresh water, a picnic table and plenty of hammock trees! The camp area has space for up to 6 tent campers and 2 cars. All sites share the shower and sink areas and a port-o-potty that is professionally cleaned weekly. Sprinter style vans (UPDATE) - We successfully had a Sprinter Van on the site and have now started accepting booking for that style van. Due to limitations on space and clearance, we can only allow vans with a max of around 10 1/2' tall and 23' long. This is equivalent to a Sprinter 170. We can not fit RVs or extended wide bodies conversions. Pets: Pets on leashes are allowed on the property. Guests with aggressive animals will be asked to leave.

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Magnolias by the Bay RV Site & Dock

1 site · RV1 acre · Eastpoint, FL

Primitive no Hookups and no dumping. Reconnect with nature, a beautiful private 1 acre wooded RV site with gorgeous magnolias and pines overlooking Apalachicola Bay. Share access to a private dock with two boat slips and great fishing. Beautiful trees you can hang your hammocks or just walk through the woods. Be ready to see beautiful sunrises and sunsets. You may see dolphins, manatees, pelicans, and mullets jumping. Kayaking, canoeing, fishing or even swimming off the dock. There's wildlife watching right from your own campsite such as dolphins chasing mullets or just playing. Learn more about this land: Vehicle access is pull-through. Pull in from Hwy 98 or from CC Land at the rear of the property. The RV's surface area is loose gravel and will require leveling. We can accommodate vehicles up to 55 ft. maximum length and RV slide outs. Campfires are allowed within local regulations. Pets are welcome! Please keep your pet on leash at all times. We have chickens and rabbits. We are right off US-98, there may be some traffic noise. Easy access in and out.

Booked 2 times

Ho Hum RV Park

53 sites · RVs5 acres · Carrabelle, FL

Ho Hum RV is the perfect beachfront RV park to read, take a nap, or relax. Located just outside of Carabelle, Florida, you can fish from our 250-foot pier, walk the beach, or just sit back and enjoy the breathtaking sunrises, dolphins slowly swimming by, pelicans floating or flying in formation overhead, and seagulls and shorebirds doing their dance.

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Sugar White Sand - St. Joe Beach

1 site · RV1 acre · Port Saint Joe, FL

Most people come here for the sugar white sand beaches, (St. Joe Beach - between Mexico Beach and Port St. Joe), which is within walking distance from your single private RV camper site. 50 and 30 amp service, water hose bib, full sewage hook up, outdoor shower and foot shower, washer/dryer available. Picnic table. Ample parking. Very quiet area. No light pollution. Star gazing is amazing. Able to accommodate BIG RIGS ! Relax on soft, white-sand dune beaches, go snorkeling in the Gulf of Mexico, or go fishing at a local, rustic fish shack. The local area also provides an educational and even inspirational peek into the state’s early past. Gift and antique stores, bistros, vest-pocket parks, vast greenways, and an appealing waterfront marina make up this tiny, easily accessible Port St. Joe downtown. Not to mention, you have easy access to some of the best seafood in the nation!

Scott's Ferry

16 sites · Lodging, RVs23 acres · Blountstown, FL

Welcome to our historic riverside campground, where guests can unwind, explore, and reconnect with nature in a welcoming community setting. Here’s what awaits you during your stay: What You’ll See Our campground is nestled in a scenic natural setting, surrounded by towering trees, open green spaces, and peaceful waters. The river is a central feature, providing stunning views, especially at sunrise and sunset. As you explore the grounds, you’ll find stocked fishing ponds, cozy cabins, glamping tents, RV sites, and charming campsites, each offering its own unique vantage point of Florida’s native beauty. Things to Do - Fishing: Grab your gear and fish in our stocked ponds or along the riverbank. - Canoeing: Take to the river with our canoe rentals, and enjoy a peaceful paddle or an adventurous exploration. - Camping & Glamping: Choose from our tent sites, cozy cabins, glamping tents with extra comfort, or RV sites for added convenience. - Community Events: Join us for seasonal gatherings, from fishing tournaments and local farmers’ markets to small concerts and community meals. What to Expect We pride ourselves on creating a family-friendly, relaxed environment where guests feel right at home. Our general store (currently under renovation) will soon offer a unique selection of local goods, healthy snacks, and camping essentials. Our upcoming bistro will feature farm-to-table meals and local craft beers, providing a cozy spot to gather and enjoy good food with good company. With a focus on local products, community, and outdoor living, our campground is a place where everyone – from families to adventure-seekers to nature lovers – can relax, explore, and feel welcome. Whether you’re here to fish, explore, park your RV, or simply unwind by the fire, we’re here to help make your stay memorable.

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Waterfront Full Hookup Campsite

4 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Panama City, FL

Absolutely beautiful waterfront site for tents or campers/RV's on East Bay, with Gulf access. Located in a quiet and secluded area, only 15 minutes from Callaway. Full of wildlife and a really great fishing spot. This property has five full campsite hook ups for water, sewer, and electric (50 amp). There is a fire pit and bbq grill on site. Message us to find out about add-ons such as jet ski rental, firewood, etc. This property would make a great romantic getaway or a family fun weekend trip.

The best camping near Apalachicola National Forest guide

Overview

About

Covering 567,00 acres of the Florida panhandle, this national forest is the largest in the state. The vast, wet lowlands are home to haunting cypress, blooming magnolias, and soaring longleaf pine, as well as alligators, black bears, and white-tailed deer. Hundreds of miles of trails, ranging from short jaunts to long-distance hikes, run through the forest, including four Florida National Scenic Trails. Many are multi-use, allowing you to mountain bike and horseback ride. With over 700 lakes and ponds, there are also opportunities for canoeing and kayaking.

Notable campgrounds

Best for RVs: Wright Lake Campground can accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs up to 60 feet.
Best for seclusion: Camel Lake provides a quiet place to relax next to crystal-clear water.
Best for paddlers: Porter Lake offers primitive camping and access to the Ochlockonee River Basin.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Reservations are required at Camel Lake and recommended for Wright Lake.
Reservations can be made at the Florida State Parks website or by phone up to 11 months in advance.
Porter Lake sites are on a first-come, first-served basis and are closed during hunting season.

When to go

Apalachicola National Forest is open year-round. The wettest months of June through September are best for canoeing and kayaking, but heat and mosquitoes are prevalent at this time of year and can put a damper on hiking, which is more pleasant in spring or fall. Some campgrounds are open only from May to October.

Know before you go

Some recreational activities, such as ATVing, require a pass or permit.
Secure food and be aware of black bears throughout the forest.
Pets are welcome, as long as they are on a leash and stay out of swimming areas.