Camping near Lake City

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Originally named Alligator after the indigenous Seminole settlement nearby, Lake City is a northern gateway to Florida that houses several lakes and natural springs. Campsites for RVers, tent campers, and primitive backpackers abound among forests with shady oaks, lush marshes, and the raging rapids of the Suwannee River (just 35 minutes away). Nearby parks like Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park, Big Shoals State Park, and Osceola National Forest are great base camps for recharging in nature, exploring the landscape, and attending any of the many festivals celebrating the area’s rich culture.

97% (3.3K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Lake City

2. Glenn Farm

100%
(460)
20mi from Lake City · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
The farm you’re camping on is one of the last family farms remaining in Columbia County and is named Glenn Farm after DV Glenn who married Hettie Lou Niblack in the 1930’s. Over the last 150 years it has been farmed by some of the county’s oldest families such as the Niblack and Ellis families. When DV Glenn came to Florida from his farm in Cairo, GA he took over the portion of the Niblack farm that was inherited by his wife Hettie Lou. At that time he was running native Florida cattle on over 6000 acres. Unfortunately, In 1951 he was killed in a hunting accident leaving his wife with the farm and 4 children (ages 4-11). In order to survive, Hettie Lou Niblack Glenn was forced to sell 5000 acres at $25 an acre. Holding a bachelors degree from Florida State College for Women, she was able to secure a job at the University of Florida as a secretary and with the money from the land sale she was able to raise her four children. Of the original farm, 600 acres remain intact and the Glenn family is trying to keep the farm as an agricultural operation. Your campsite is 1 of 4 spots (Arrowhead Sink, Dunagan’s Meadow, North Hall Pasture or Magnolia Sink). We also have a 1 bedroom Tiny home that used to be the farm office. Dunagan’s meadow is a pasture behind the old farmhouse (built in 1824), Magnolia sink and The North Hall Pasture are also on the main farm while Arrowhead Sink is on the edge of a hayfield about a mile down a dirt road. Glenn Farm is a place to come relax and experience a world that is rapidly disappearing. It is not a commercial campground.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$30
 / night

3. Wildflower Pond and Woodlands

98%
(351)
26mi from Lake City · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Welcome to a sweet and soulful little piece of the woodlands. Tucked in on 4.5 acres, this spot is a secluded, enchanting piece of old Florida. Stay in one of our three designated camping sites, tie up a hammock, gaze at the pond inhabitants****, and check out what's growing in the seasonal garden. Also enjoy the many flowering plants and other special trees. Florida's gem-colored, healing spring waters are just a 20 minutes up the way and local retreat centers and yoga studios dot the area. Gator fans? Head into Gainesville for a game and to visit the University of Florida. Mostly, enjoy. We look forward to hosting you! To note for all guests: We suggest arriving before dark so as to make set up easy and comfortable. We do not require a formal check-in and encourage being self-reliable in set up of primitive campsites. (For something with more structure and a space already set up, check out our Aframe cabin.) We do have water, a composting toilet, sink, and groundtemp shower for your use. *****Due to severe drought this year, we have lost the pond. We are still open for camping, but please note the pond is not as pictured. Thanks for your understanding during this tough time for our water table.******
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$30
 / night

7. Blackwater Ranch – River Camping

100%
(42)
33mi from Lake City · 13 sites · Tents, RVs
🌿 Welcome to Blackwater, y’all Just 35 minutes outside Jacksonville, Blackwater is a secluded 10+ acre private riverfront property at Georgia’s southernmost edge right on the Florida-Georgia Line. Surrounded by protected woodlands and a river bend, our property offers space, quiet, and a true escape from crowded camps. Your view across the river into Florida, 150+ acres of undeveloped preserve, giving the property a peaceful and remote feel while remaining easy to access. 📸 Yes, you can swim or stand in two states at once for that perfect Instagram photo! Situated on the St. Marys River, a rain-fed freshwater river flowing from the Okefenokee Swamp. Natural tannins from peat give the water its famous sweet-tea color, which appears darker in deeper sections and clearer along the shore. ✔️ Clean and safe for swimming ✔️ Naturally antibacterial ✔️ No pollutants or runoff ✔️ No smell, mud, or rocks ✔️ Soft white sugar-sand bottom The property sits on an ancient 10,000+ year-old beach dune (Trail Ridge), creating a unique natural swimming spot for cooling off on hot summer days. 🌱 Rare Southern Ecosystem: Blackwater sits where river, ancient sand dune, hardwood forest, pine uplands, and cypress wetlands all meet. Southern live oaks, saw palmettos, wax myrtle, and wild huckleberry-blueberries fill the landscape, an ecosystem rarely found on a single property. 🏕️ Camping, Families, and Groups: Well-spaced sites across open wooded areas provide room to spread out without the packed feel of state parks. Ideal for tent camping, vanlife, families, and small or large group gatherings. A large 70-foot covered riverfront pavilion with electricity, water, hammocks, and a firepit overlooks the river, perfect for meals, shade, and gathering out of the summer rainstorms. 🔎 Quick Camp Details: 🏕️ Spacious sites on a 10+ acre property 🚗 Easy vehicle access 🔥 Firepits and grills throughout 🌌 Dark, quiet nights for stargazing 🐕 Dog-friendly - FREE 📶 Cell service is spotty (great for unplugging) 🚣 Things To Do: Swim • Fish • Kayak • Canoe • Paddleboard • Hike 📍 Minutes from St. Marys Shoals Equipedal Park 📍 Close to Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge (Okefenokee Adventures) A peaceful, private, secluded riverfront escape near Jacksonville
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$20
 / night

8. Secluded Wooded Campsite 🏕️

99%
(89)
20mi from Lake City · 1 site · Tent, RV
Secluded little campsite tucked back on 10 owned acres behind all housing. Has a driveway/path all the way back to the campsite. Signs are clearly marked upon arrival. Parking is allowed on site and set up is at your discretion. Campsite is about approximately 50x50 and includes use of outdoor composting toilet, picnic table, outdoor chairs, trash can with lid, outdoor hand washing area w/ water, and a nice sized fire ring. (Wood is available for your enjoyment and ease, but please only use what you need) Hosts are on site 24/7 for ease of making your stay comfortable and we will ensure all your needs are met in a timely fashion. This is PRIMITIVE camping site and would not be suitable for RV’s. Van camping is allowed and can hold up to three vans or cars. Small walking trails available behind the campsite. This campsite is not on any water. We do have a boat launch 5 minutes away: Lots of local places listed below! Local Highlights - Ginnie Springs, Blue Springs, Rum Island, Ichetucknee Springs, Ichetucknee River, Santa Fe River, Pink Flamingo, The Great Outdoors, Steakout, and more! (If you are looking for an amazing paddle we highly recommend a visit to Ichetucknee River) We have a small convenience store right at the entry of our street which has many of your quick camping needs. We also have a grocery store (Winn Dixie) that is a short 5 minute drive from our location.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$18
 / night

9. Kokomo Farms

100%
(212)
30mi from Lake City · 16 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Kokomo Farms is an Organic rescue farm on approximately 20 acres. We named Kokomo Farms after our two loves. We traveled for years only to discover Kokomo is inside of us all . Our love for unwanted animals from horses, pigs chickens, ducks, dogs, birds (well you get the idea) allows us to care for rescued animals. We offer many different unique stays from our Glamping Netted Hanging Round Bed to a converted Shipping Container made into an Eco Friendly Tiny Home to even a Tiny House Cottage and a treehouse! Soak in our zen garden hot tub . The Zen garden is a peaceful botanical retreat. It's a fun and romantic vibe if you love animals to just relax and breathe! Bring a good book to read on the back porch of the Main house, add your artistic talents to our artwall, lie on our stargazing bed and enjoy our beautiful dark skies, meander thru the greenhouse, or enjoy our weekend community fires, or just Wander around Kokomo's spacious property which includes a beautiful Hammock of 200+ yr old Live Oak trees. Bring carrots to make horse friends. All our animals are retired but love to interact. Rent a Kayak from a local outfitter for the Historic Suwannee River and enjoy North Florida's best natural resources that are very nearby, or just visit our local beautiful springs for a swim or hike! Come enjoy a little of our paradise.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$39
 / night

14. Artists Nature Retreat

98%
(114)
43mi from Lake City · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
Learn more about this land: Nestled under the old oak forest and longleaf pines, listen for the owls and woodpeckers. Walk the path or relax in the couch swing. Quiet, secluded, close to Gainesville yet eons away. Heartwood Soundstage, downtown Gainesville, "The Swamp" - Go Gators! and UF 1/2 hour away. Blue Springs, Ginnie Springs, Poe Springs, and Ichetucknee Springs parks all within an hour's drive. Equally close to Fanning, Manatee and Rainbow Springs. If you just need a quick getaway or a base camp for vacation explorations, this is the place for you. Enclosed dog park for off leash pups. Fenced paddocks and covered stalls available at additional cost. 2 mile dirt road leads you back into the woods and away from the noise into a paradise time forgot. RTC Tiny Theater and workshop also available at an additional cost for bands, theater, circus and dance rehearsals and performances. Self-funded residencies available.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$32
 / night

15. Free to Be Acres

99%
(51)
19mi from Lake City · 1 site · Tent, RV
Welcome to Free to Be Acres. An entire private acre, nestled in the beautiful N Central Florida forest. In spring country you are free to unwind and enjoy all that nature has to offer. Be greeted by a family of deer while enjoying your morning coffee or tea, listen to the barred owls talking to one another in the evenings. You will have easy access to both the Ichetucknee and Santa Fe rivers just a short 5 minute drive from your campsite. Encounter manatees, spotted gar and a multitude of different species of turtles as you float down the crystal clear Ichetucknee river. Spend the day boating or fishing on the Santa Fe or world famous Suwannee River. Just 15 minutes from well known Ginnie Springs, Gilchrist Blue Springs, Rum Island Spring, Ichetucknee Spring State Park, Peacock, Little River, Royal and more. We offer 30/50amp electric and water on site as well as a port o let that has weekly scheduled cleanings. Dumping of black and gray tanks can be done on your way out of town (within a 1/4 mile) for a nominal fee of $15.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$50
 / night

16. Off Grid River Camping

98%
(43)
16mi from Lake City · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Enjoy Peacefulness on the beautiful historic Suwannee River, fish, canoe, kayak, hike, bike, view wildlife.  The Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park is within 8 miles of this property and about 7 miles from the Stephen Foster Memorial State Park. Many Springs are located close by where you can swim and scuba dive. There is a Canoe Outpost close by that offers drop off and pick up with canoes. Property has many trees, cement benches around a firepit, picnic table, a large extra work table for cooking. Bring your RV, Tent, Van, Hammock or whatever you are comfortable in. Unwind, relax and enjoy the sounds and beauty of nature. I supply a map of the River and the surrounding area to help you make the most of your experience. If you need help with things I am close by. There is soo much history about the Suwannee River in North Florida! :D It is known that Indians once traveled along these banks and proof has been found from many Arrow Heads and other artifacts being found along the Suwannee River. There are many Springs along the over 240 miles of River as it empties into the Gulf of Mexico. The Suwannee River begins it's journey in the Okefenokee Swamp in South Georgia. This is also where the Suwannee River gets it's tannic color from the decaying vegetation in the swamp. More about the Suwannee River can be found at: MySuwanneeRiver.com
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$45
 / night

Originally named Alligator after the indigenous Seminole settlement nearby, Lake City is a northern gateway to Florida that houses several lakes and natural springs. Campsites for RVers, tent campers, and primitive backpackers abound among forests with shady oaks, lush marshes, and the raging rapids of the Suwannee River (just 35 minutes away). Nearby parks like Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park, Big Shoals State Park, and Osceola National Forest are great base camps for recharging in nature, exploring the landscape, and attending any of the many festivals celebrating the area’s rich culture.

97% (3.3K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Lake City

2. Glenn Farm

100%
(460)
20mi from Lake City · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
The farm you’re camping on is one of the last family farms remaining in Columbia County and is named Glenn Farm after DV Glenn who married Hettie Lou Niblack in the 1930’s. Over the last 150 years it has been farmed by some of the county’s oldest families such as the Niblack and Ellis families. When DV Glenn came to Florida from his farm in Cairo, GA he took over the portion of the Niblack farm that was inherited by his wife Hettie Lou. At that time he was running native Florida cattle on over 6000 acres. Unfortunately, In 1951 he was killed in a hunting accident leaving his wife with the farm and 4 children (ages 4-11). In order to survive, Hettie Lou Niblack Glenn was forced to sell 5000 acres at $25 an acre. Holding a bachelors degree from Florida State College for Women, she was able to secure a job at the University of Florida as a secretary and with the money from the land sale she was able to raise her four children. Of the original farm, 600 acres remain intact and the Glenn family is trying to keep the farm as an agricultural operation. Your campsite is 1 of 4 spots (Arrowhead Sink, Dunagan’s Meadow, North Hall Pasture or Magnolia Sink). We also have a 1 bedroom Tiny home that used to be the farm office. Dunagan’s meadow is a pasture behind the old farmhouse (built in 1824), Magnolia sink and The North Hall Pasture are also on the main farm while Arrowhead Sink is on the edge of a hayfield about a mile down a dirt road. Glenn Farm is a place to come relax and experience a world that is rapidly disappearing. It is not a commercial campground.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$30
 / night

3. Wildflower Pond and Woodlands

98%
(351)
26mi from Lake City · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Welcome to a sweet and soulful little piece of the woodlands. Tucked in on 4.5 acres, this spot is a secluded, enchanting piece of old Florida. Stay in one of our three designated camping sites, tie up a hammock, gaze at the pond inhabitants****, and check out what's growing in the seasonal garden. Also enjoy the many flowering plants and other special trees. Florida's gem-colored, healing spring waters are just a 20 minutes up the way and local retreat centers and yoga studios dot the area. Gator fans? Head into Gainesville for a game and to visit the University of Florida. Mostly, enjoy. We look forward to hosting you! To note for all guests: We suggest arriving before dark so as to make set up easy and comfortable. We do not require a formal check-in and encourage being self-reliable in set up of primitive campsites. (For something with more structure and a space already set up, check out our Aframe cabin.) We do have water, a composting toilet, sink, and groundtemp shower for your use. *****Due to severe drought this year, we have lost the pond. We are still open for camping, but please note the pond is not as pictured. Thanks for your understanding during this tough time for our water table.******
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$30
 / night

7. Blackwater Ranch – River Camping

100%
(42)
33mi from Lake City · 13 sites · Tents, RVs
🌿 Welcome to Blackwater, y’all Just 35 minutes outside Jacksonville, Blackwater is a secluded 10+ acre private riverfront property at Georgia’s southernmost edge right on the Florida-Georgia Line. Surrounded by protected woodlands and a river bend, our property offers space, quiet, and a true escape from crowded camps. Your view across the river into Florida, 150+ acres of undeveloped preserve, giving the property a peaceful and remote feel while remaining easy to access. 📸 Yes, you can swim or stand in two states at once for that perfect Instagram photo! Situated on the St. Marys River, a rain-fed freshwater river flowing from the Okefenokee Swamp. Natural tannins from peat give the water its famous sweet-tea color, which appears darker in deeper sections and clearer along the shore. ✔️ Clean and safe for swimming ✔️ Naturally antibacterial ✔️ No pollutants or runoff ✔️ No smell, mud, or rocks ✔️ Soft white sugar-sand bottom The property sits on an ancient 10,000+ year-old beach dune (Trail Ridge), creating a unique natural swimming spot for cooling off on hot summer days. 🌱 Rare Southern Ecosystem: Blackwater sits where river, ancient sand dune, hardwood forest, pine uplands, and cypress wetlands all meet. Southern live oaks, saw palmettos, wax myrtle, and wild huckleberry-blueberries fill the landscape, an ecosystem rarely found on a single property. 🏕️ Camping, Families, and Groups: Well-spaced sites across open wooded areas provide room to spread out without the packed feel of state parks. Ideal for tent camping, vanlife, families, and small or large group gatherings. A large 70-foot covered riverfront pavilion with electricity, water, hammocks, and a firepit overlooks the river, perfect for meals, shade, and gathering out of the summer rainstorms. 🔎 Quick Camp Details: 🏕️ Spacious sites on a 10+ acre property 🚗 Easy vehicle access 🔥 Firepits and grills throughout 🌌 Dark, quiet nights for stargazing 🐕 Dog-friendly - FREE 📶 Cell service is spotty (great for unplugging) 🚣 Things To Do: Swim • Fish • Kayak • Canoe • Paddleboard • Hike 📍 Minutes from St. Marys Shoals Equipedal Park 📍 Close to Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge (Okefenokee Adventures) A peaceful, private, secluded riverfront escape near Jacksonville
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$20
 / night

8. Secluded Wooded Campsite 🏕️

99%
(89)
20mi from Lake City · 1 site · Tent, RV
Secluded little campsite tucked back on 10 owned acres behind all housing. Has a driveway/path all the way back to the campsite. Signs are clearly marked upon arrival. Parking is allowed on site and set up is at your discretion. Campsite is about approximately 50x50 and includes use of outdoor composting toilet, picnic table, outdoor chairs, trash can with lid, outdoor hand washing area w/ water, and a nice sized fire ring. (Wood is available for your enjoyment and ease, but please only use what you need) Hosts are on site 24/7 for ease of making your stay comfortable and we will ensure all your needs are met in a timely fashion. This is PRIMITIVE camping site and would not be suitable for RV’s. Van camping is allowed and can hold up to three vans or cars. Small walking trails available behind the campsite. This campsite is not on any water. We do have a boat launch 5 minutes away: Lots of local places listed below! Local Highlights - Ginnie Springs, Blue Springs, Rum Island, Ichetucknee Springs, Ichetucknee River, Santa Fe River, Pink Flamingo, The Great Outdoors, Steakout, and more! (If you are looking for an amazing paddle we highly recommend a visit to Ichetucknee River) We have a small convenience store right at the entry of our street which has many of your quick camping needs. We also have a grocery store (Winn Dixie) that is a short 5 minute drive from our location.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$18
 / night

9. Kokomo Farms

100%
(212)
30mi from Lake City · 16 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Kokomo Farms is an Organic rescue farm on approximately 20 acres. We named Kokomo Farms after our two loves. We traveled for years only to discover Kokomo is inside of us all . Our love for unwanted animals from horses, pigs chickens, ducks, dogs, birds (well you get the idea) allows us to care for rescued animals. We offer many different unique stays from our Glamping Netted Hanging Round Bed to a converted Shipping Container made into an Eco Friendly Tiny Home to even a Tiny House Cottage and a treehouse! Soak in our zen garden hot tub . The Zen garden is a peaceful botanical retreat. It's a fun and romantic vibe if you love animals to just relax and breathe! Bring a good book to read on the back porch of the Main house, add your artistic talents to our artwall, lie on our stargazing bed and enjoy our beautiful dark skies, meander thru the greenhouse, or enjoy our weekend community fires, or just Wander around Kokomo's spacious property which includes a beautiful Hammock of 200+ yr old Live Oak trees. Bring carrots to make horse friends. All our animals are retired but love to interact. Rent a Kayak from a local outfitter for the Historic Suwannee River and enjoy North Florida's best natural resources that are very nearby, or just visit our local beautiful springs for a swim or hike! Come enjoy a little of our paradise.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$39
 / night

14. Artists Nature Retreat

98%
(114)
43mi from Lake City · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
Learn more about this land: Nestled under the old oak forest and longleaf pines, listen for the owls and woodpeckers. Walk the path or relax in the couch swing. Quiet, secluded, close to Gainesville yet eons away. Heartwood Soundstage, downtown Gainesville, "The Swamp" - Go Gators! and UF 1/2 hour away. Blue Springs, Ginnie Springs, Poe Springs, and Ichetucknee Springs parks all within an hour's drive. Equally close to Fanning, Manatee and Rainbow Springs. If you just need a quick getaway or a base camp for vacation explorations, this is the place for you. Enclosed dog park for off leash pups. Fenced paddocks and covered stalls available at additional cost. 2 mile dirt road leads you back into the woods and away from the noise into a paradise time forgot. RTC Tiny Theater and workshop also available at an additional cost for bands, theater, circus and dance rehearsals and performances. Self-funded residencies available.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$32
 / night

15. Free to Be Acres

99%
(51)
19mi from Lake City · 1 site · Tent, RV
Welcome to Free to Be Acres. An entire private acre, nestled in the beautiful N Central Florida forest. In spring country you are free to unwind and enjoy all that nature has to offer. Be greeted by a family of deer while enjoying your morning coffee or tea, listen to the barred owls talking to one another in the evenings. You will have easy access to both the Ichetucknee and Santa Fe rivers just a short 5 minute drive from your campsite. Encounter manatees, spotted gar and a multitude of different species of turtles as you float down the crystal clear Ichetucknee river. Spend the day boating or fishing on the Santa Fe or world famous Suwannee River. Just 15 minutes from well known Ginnie Springs, Gilchrist Blue Springs, Rum Island Spring, Ichetucknee Spring State Park, Peacock, Little River, Royal and more. We offer 30/50amp electric and water on site as well as a port o let that has weekly scheduled cleanings. Dumping of black and gray tanks can be done on your way out of town (within a 1/4 mile) for a nominal fee of $15.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$50
 / night

16. Off Grid River Camping

98%
(43)
16mi from Lake City · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Enjoy Peacefulness on the beautiful historic Suwannee River, fish, canoe, kayak, hike, bike, view wildlife.  The Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park is within 8 miles of this property and about 7 miles from the Stephen Foster Memorial State Park. Many Springs are located close by where you can swim and scuba dive. There is a Canoe Outpost close by that offers drop off and pick up with canoes. Property has many trees, cement benches around a firepit, picnic table, a large extra work table for cooking. Bring your RV, Tent, Van, Hammock or whatever you are comfortable in. Unwind, relax and enjoy the sounds and beauty of nature. I supply a map of the River and the surrounding area to help you make the most of your experience. If you need help with things I am close by. There is soo much history about the Suwannee River in North Florida! :D It is known that Indians once traveled along these banks and proof has been found from many Arrow Heads and other artifacts being found along the Suwannee River. There are many Springs along the over 240 miles of River as it empties into the Gulf of Mexico. The Suwannee River begins it's journey in the Okefenokee Swamp in South Georgia. This is also where the Suwannee River gets it's tannic color from the decaying vegetation in the swamp. More about the Suwannee River can be found at: MySuwanneeRiver.com
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$45
 / night

Camper favorites near Lake City

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Public campgrounds near Lake City

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping near Lake City guide

Where to go

Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park

Named after American composer Stephen Foster (whose song “Old Folks at Home” made the bordering Suwannee River famous), this park features a museum about his songs as well as shaded, ADA-accessible tent and RV campsites with electricity and water hookups that serve as launch points for days spent paddling and canoeing. Primitive group campsites with picnic tables and fire rings can host those attending the park’s Florida Folk Festival in late May. Hipcampers can also find riverside cabins with screened-in porches and full kitchens ready to make a delicious meal out of the fish caught (with a license) along Suwannee.

Big Shoals State Park

Boasting huge stretches of whitewater rapids among limestone bluffs rising 80 feet high, Big Shoals State Park earns a Class III Whitewater classification when the Suwannee River swells to 61 feet above sea level. For a calmer experience, trek down Woodpecker Trail connected to Little Shoals Rapids. There’s no camping in the park, but nearby Hipcamps offer RV, tent, and cabin campsites. Catch a glimpse of bald eagles, scarlet tanagers, and wading birds to flesh out life lists, or witness white-tailed deer and timber rattlesnakes in their natural habitat. Campers visiting to hunt should make sure they have the proper licenses, as hunting is permitted in the wildlife management area during certain game seasons.

Osceola National Forest

Named to honor Seminole leader, hero, and warrior Osceola, Osceola National Forest is 200,000 acres of pine flatwoods and cypress-hardwood swamps, and home to many endangered animals. Waterfront campsites are close to public boat launches and serve as hunting camps during hunting season. There are no reservations for campsites, so Hipcampers arriving early get first pick of electrical and water hookups or primitive camping sites. Fishing, boating, and water-skiing on Ocean Pond are popular activities, as is hiking along the Trampled Track Trail with historical interpretations telling Osceola’s history.

When to go

With average highs near 90°F, summer is a popular time to visit Lake City campgrounds, with lots of opportunities for water recreation like swimming, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking to cool off. The humid, subtropical climate rarely sees cold snaps, even during winter, so many campers find October through March to be the best time for backpacking, tent camping, and car camping when even the muggiest of days cool down to an average of 45°F.