The best camping near Stephen C. Foster State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Stephen C. Foster State Park adventure.

100% (5 reviews)
100% (5 reviews)

Discover the serene beauty of Stephen C. Foster State Park.  

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Top-rated campgrounds near Stephen C. Foster State Park

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Florida Georgia Line River Camp

12 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · GA
Welcome to Blackwater Ranch, nestled on the Florida-Georgia line where the sun shines bright and the blackwaters of the Saint Mary’s River meander through the countryside. Just 35 minutes from Jacksonville and an hour from St. Augustine, this serene 10-acre compound offers 1,300 feet of private riverfront and 2 acres of open field, with the rest surrounded by native woods and over 150+ acres of Florida protected preserve, ensuring privacy and a true escape into nature. We specialize in primitive tent camping and private event venues, with a spacious 70' pavilion equipped with electricity and clean potable water, an outhouse-style restroom with lighting, and a handwash sink for convenience. Guests can enjoy swimming, fishing, paddling (kayaks, canoes, or jon boats), and relaxing by the river, or explore our walking trails. Our location is also perfect for birdwatching. Just a short drive from St. Mary's Shoals Park for ATV, 4x4, and horseback riding trails, and sits near the edge of the Okefenokee Swamp Adventures, the largest blackwater swamp in North America, making it a unique destination for nature lovers. Frequently Asked Questions: Why is the river black? The water is rich with tannins from the Okefenokee Swamp, giving it a tea-colored appearance that is black in over 1ft in depth Is the river water safe for swimming? Definitely! The water is free from agricultural runoff and pollutants, and it even has natural antibacterial properties Is the river rough on the feet? No, the property sits on an ancient 8,000+ year old sand dune called Trail Ridge, with soft white beach sand Does the river smell? Not at all How bad are the bugs? While we recommend bug/tick spray, mosquitoes/flies don’t overrun the property Are there wild animals? Yes, wild animals can make an appearance at any time. Is hunting/shooting allowed? No, this is private property. BB guns and archery are okay with adult supervision. Family-friendly? Yes! But please note that there is no lifeguard on duty, so watch children closely, as river currents can be strong at times. *Swim at your own risk* Are there stores/restaurants nearby? Yes, a small country store only 2 minutes away, along with Dollar General (6 minutes), Walmart (10 minutes), and plenty of local restaurants in Macclenny.
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$25
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The Lodge at Hartley Oaks

7 sites · RVs, Tents57 acres · Folkston, GA
Sleep under the stars at Buffalo Creek while at Hartley Oaks formerly known as Newell Lodge. Select your site or pitch your tent. The outdoors is right outside your door. Fire Pits and wood are available at a nominal fee. Guest full bathrooms are available. Nestled in the midst of a private 57-acre native live oak forest, you'll find yourself quite happily in the middle of nowhere. Out here, nature sings you to sleep. You'll awaken to a place and time found nowhere else in the world. Located in rural Georgia on a 57-acre tract of beautiful live oak trees. 30 and 50 amperage hookups are available for RVs. (Electric and Water.) Four full bathrooms are available for guests. An accessible dump station is on-site. Buffalo Creek Campsites are on the grounds of Hartley Oaks near the Okefenokee Swamp. Our sites are closed to the general public and available by reservation only. Welcome!
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$30
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Permaculture in Paradise Nahunta,GA

11 sites · RVs, Tents250 acres · Yulee, GA
5 miles of riverfront property on the Satilla River with long beautiful sandy beaches. Great for hiking, canoeing and kayaking. We are a self sustainable farm encouraging everyone to participate. We have gardens as well as animals. We also rescue abandoned and farm animals. Permaculture in Paradise is a nonprofit 501c3 organization started in December of 2018. Our mission is to build awareness of a more environmentally friendly self-sustainable method of producing a higher quality and nutritional variety of food while providing and encouraging the consumption of a more nutritional diet to the youth of our community. Our vision is to change the behavior of children now and the diabetic and obesity rates of future generations through healthier and more traditional diets provided by better farming methods using Permaculture. Within the Permaculture is a community activated, working farm that will educate, support, and inspire the participants, school tours, and visitors to eventually reproduce Permaculture gardens of their own.  Gardens that will continue to provide a variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs for families throughout the area and beyond.  Changing the minds of young and old to a safer and more natural way of growing their own food and to improve the choices they make about the foods that they consume. Our primary focus is to change the behavior of children by changing the food they choose to eat. As they tour the farm, they can pick the fruits and vegetables of their choice to bring home with them. They can also pick fruits and vegetables to bring to the smoothie shack where we make them a smoothie of their own design. All of these services are free. We, as Permaculturist, have the responsibility to keep this knowledge alive by offering as much training as possible. We have designed a coordinated efforts program in which we provide free instruction in Permaculture techniques. We have just completed a free 12 week course in HOW TO BUILD A PERMACULTURE GARDEN IN THE BACK YARD OF AN HOA SUBDIVISION (See attached syllabus) Permaculture in Paradise strives to create a complete ecosystem by rescuing abandoned and neglected farm animals. While these animals are free to roam and engage with minimal fencing, they are content to stay in their happy oasis. Guava trees near the duck pond provide the ducks with a shaded resting spot. The ducks feed on vegetable plants growing near the pond. The chickens happily share space with the ducks and feed on any insect intruders in their vegetable garden. All 4 ducks were rescued at a very young age (unkown) and have flourished with contentment. We have 8 older hens, producing 7 eggs a day, providing eggs for and shared between the rescued dogs, cats, and a homeless family we sponsor. The goal is to be self-sustainable by growing all food for the ecosystem. We are in the process of rescuing a rooster, 2 goats, and a pig. We have a barn that contains 40 piglets that have all been adopted out. Available for our next rescue, is a mature horse in need. In 2023, we began acquiring larger animals needing shelter. We are creating ties with organizations such as Farm Santuary and Humane Society to rescue farm animals. These animals also serve as entertainment for children who tour the farm. Built on Native American land, we have built 2 playgrounds and a recreational pond for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing and cabins for camping. We strive to make eating fruits and vegetables fun. WE NEED YOUR HELP! WE ARE LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS TO HELP PLANT OUR ORCHARD. We have received a grant that will provide up to 530 fruit and nut trees of 30 different varieties depending on the number of volunteers that sign up. They will donate 2 trees per volunteer, plus a 3rd tree for the volunteer to take home. The process will take about 2 to 3 hours and will be held on a Friday and Saturday in February, March, or April. You may sign up for Friday, Saturday or both. Because we need the volunteer list in order to determine tree count, we must have a head count prior to knowing the event date. Once we have the date, we will notify you. The grantor understands that some volunteers may need to cancel. Refreshments will be provided. Please visit our facebook page for more information about what we provide. https://www.facebook.com/Permaculture-in-Paradise-2174908842777855/ Thanks so much for your help! Thank you for your time and effort! Melissa Bordelon CFO 9045300359
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$50
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Suwannee River Glamping

7 sites · RVs, Tents6 acres · White Springs, FL
In 1990 the State of Florida banned logging within 1,000 feet of the Suwannee River so Southeast Timberlands sold off it's holdings and we were lucky enough to purchase 6 acres and 444 feet of riverfront. A designated "Pristine Scenic Waterway" with very steep banks, the Suwannee is one of the few"wild" rivers left in the United States and can rise over 30 feet to flood stage almost overnight; yet due to its unique topography we can access it no matter how high or low the water. The Forest Service has bought up the surrounding lots, creating a 10 mile Conservation corridor supporting the National Scenic Florida Trail, it's clearly marked footpaths and natural attractions. To that end, we have left the old growth upland forest the way we found it. The campsite is a natural feature as is the Zen deck and canoe launch, a swale draining the ridge. The campsite is level, the lane to the river slopes gently dropping in elevation 20 feet over 1,000 in making it easy for able bodied guests to navigate their way to the white sugar sand beach. We want to share our retreat with those who are looking for a real wilderness experience in an exclusive private setting. A Waiver of Liability is required by all guests as the Wilderness is an inherently dangerous place. We only offer one accommodation per weekend with a maximum of 8 people so our guests can have the seclusion they desire and be free to enjoy the natural wonder of the woodland experience in any manner they choose.
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$75
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Springhill Farm

7 sites · Tents165 acres · Live Oak, FL
This is not your typical Cookie Cutter camp site. I'll show you where the shower is and power for your phones and you can camp anywhere on the farm you please. The farm has been in my family since the early 60's. I purchased it from my Mom in 2011 after my Dad passed away, hoping and wanting to improve it for the enjoyment of others. It's always been a Fun Place for my family and I feel like it would be a Fun place for your family also. It is a Pine Tree farm with fish ponds, walking trail and is friendly to a lot of different kinds of activities. It's located across the street from the Spirit of Suwannee Music Park, home of several 4 day music event during the year. Learn more about this land: Planted pine-trees with Grand-daddy Live Oak Trees. Two stocked fishing ponds with and extra pond hidden under another group of old cypress and oak trees. Good walking and bike paths. Golf-carts and side-by-sides welcome. Across the street from the Spirit of Suwanee Music Park, home of large music 4 day events. One mile to the banks of the Suwanee River and Suwanee Springs. State owned property within 3/4 mile with extra hiking trails. Canoe Outpost is located across the street which offers a full line of canoe excursions rentals from 4 hour trips to overnight trips and they provide all the gear (tents, canoes, and safety equipment)
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$29
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Conductor's Corner Campsites

3 sites · RVs1 acre · Folkston, GA
Call us bias, but there’s nothing better than small town life. When the "blue roof cottage by the tracks" (yes, it used to have a unique blue roof) hit the market in early 2021, we knew it had to be ours! We purchased it & flipped it into a vacation home for guests of Folkston .. and The Conductor's Corner was born. Because we are also avid RV'ers, we thought what better way to finish off our corner than to add a few first-class RV sites to accommodate the camping community. We hope you enjoy your stay on our corner! In a small town in the south, where the Okefenokee Swamp runs deep and railfans thrive, the Conductor’s Corner stands out. The Conductor’s Corner features 3 premium RV sites directly on the rail lines of the Folkston Funnel. This railfan's dream neighbors the Folkston Railfan Train Platform. The spacious concrete pads are perfect for a night of watching trains under the stars. 20x50 concrete pads with 30/50 amp power, water, sewer, Wifi & picnic tables. A quick 3 minute walk from the Conductor’s Corner will lead to the heart of Main Street where visitors will find a plethora of hidden treasures: coffee shops, boutiques, local eateries, the Train Museum and so much more. Guests could spend a day exploring the habitats and waterways of the Okefenokee Swamp or take a short drive to neighboring communities such as Cumberland Island, Savannah, Golden Isles or Amelia Island or Jacksonville in Florida. All the comforts of home and the utmost southern hospitality are included in your stay on our corner. The Conductor's Corner also includes a vacation cottage available for rent (sleeps 6).
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$31.50
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Off Grid River Camping

2 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · White Springs, FL
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
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$45
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Lofton Retreat

1 site · RV2 acres · Yulee, FL
This 2-acre lot will put you in touch with nature! You will see and hear owls, turtles, many species of birds in a quiet, peaceful setting. Bluebird boxes, bird feeder and birdbath are near the RV site, so you will enjoy watching nature right at your campsite. During hummingbird season, you will observe these tiny amazing birds enjoying our homemade nectar. The camper pictured is in the spot where your RV will be parked. A firepit and grate are at the campsite. You will be minutes from Fernandina Beachand Amelia Island, where you can swim and surf or rent horses for a beach horseback ride. Lofton Creek Kayaking and boat launches are within minutes. Several state parks are also nearby. You will have your pick of shopping and restaurants all within 15-30 minutes of your camp site. We offer the following items which are available for purchase: Farm Fresh Eggs, Bundle of Firewood, Bag of Fat lighter, Guided inshore/offshore fishing trips with licensed Captain; no fishing license required. No camper? No problem! Click here to have it delivered and it will be set up and ready for your arrival. Fully furnished, beautiful camper for rent with everything you will need. https://www.outdoorsy.com/rv-rental/jacksonville_fl/2022_heartland-rvs_trail-runner_371969-listing We are located nearby in case you need anything. Please notify host a minimum of 30 minutes prior to your arrival. Check in is between 3 and 8 PM unless prior arrangements have been made. Thank you.
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$45
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The best camping near Stephen C. Foster State Park guide

Overview

About

Did you know that Georgia has its own seven natural wonders? We didn’t either, but the legendary Okefenokee is one of them, and Stephen C. Foster State Park is Okefenokee’s primary entrance. Paddlers and photographers will enjoy weaving in and around the cypress trees, amid lush spanish moss and glassy black water, and these wild and rugged swamps contain a plentitude of wildlife, including black bear, raccoons, deer, ibis, herons, wood storks, gators (an estimated 12,000), and songbirds.

Rental boats, kayaks, and canoes are available, along with guided tours. After a day of wild excitement, you,ll be happy knowing you don’t have to go anywhere. Pitch your tent at one the spacious campsites, rent a cottage with full amenities, or stay at the Suwannee River Eco-Lodge. It doesn’t matter how you spend your nights as long as you make the trek to Stephen C. Foster State Park.

Notable campgrounds

  • Tent, Trailer & RV Campsites: Immerse yourself in nature at one of the 63 campsites, offering a mix of comfort and wilderness.
  • Pioneer Campground: For a more rustic adventure, the pioneer campground provides a group camping experience amid the wild.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  • Book early, as spots fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons and weekends.
  • Check for cancellations regularly, as plans change and spots may open up unexpectedly.
  • Consider visiting during weekdays for better availability and a quieter stay.
  • Explore nearby camping options if the park is fully booked, as the surrounding area offers additional opportunities.

When to go

The best time to visit Stephen C. Foster State Park is during the cooler months from October to April, when the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities. Summer brings heat, humidity, and insects, which can be challenging for some visitors. Plan your trip around the new moon for the most stunning dark sky experiences.

Know before you go

  • Check gate closing times; the park locks at 10pm, ensuring you arrive beforehand.
  • Remember, a $5 refuge fee is charged upon entry to support conservation efforts.
  • Prepare for your visit by checking water levels, as boating activities are dependent on them.
  • For a safe wildlife viewing experience, keep a respectful distance from the park's alligators and other inhabitants.
  • Connectivity is limited, so plan ahead as wifi is available only at the Trading Post.
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5 ratings · 1 review
  1. Stephen C. Foster State Park