The best camping in St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, FL

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Discover the natural splendor of St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge.  

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Top-rated campgrounds

Magnolia Mountain

100%
(119)
26mi from St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge · 4 sites · Tents · 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.
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from 
$33
 / night

SandyLand Farmstay GlampingTherapy

97%
(71)
29mi from St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge · 33 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · 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 :)
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$37
 / night

Goat House Farm

97%
(497)
30mi from St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge · 11 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · 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).
Pets
Toilets
Full Hookups
from 
$20
 / night

Ed and Bernices Fish camp

96%
(24)
32mi from St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge · 17 sites · Tents, RVs · Hosford, FL
Ed and Bernices fish camp is located st 15810 NW county road 120. Hosford, Florida 32334. We kept the name of the camp. It is a historical site and has a long history. Everyone in this small community has stayed or put their boat in at this camp one time or another. We look forward to you visiting and enjoying your stay. Come and check it out.Learn more about this land:You'll have beautiful scenery! You'll be in the middle of The Ochlockonee river and forest. Plenty of hiking and natural walks, take a walk to the big sand bar to go for a swim. You'll find otters, birds, and gators surrounding you. A real Old Florida getaway! Find woods, wild life in a secluded location.  Close to I10 to commute to the surrounding towns for great restaurants, etc.
Pets
Toilets
Full Hookups
from 
$41
 / night

Seaforest Sanctuary "The Cottage"

90%
(15)
33mi from St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge · 5 sites · Lodging · Carrabelle, FL
Seaforest Sanctuary is a collection of enchanting modern "campy" dwelling spaces hidden in a forest of pine trees.This is just a leisurely 5 min stroll to the edge of the sea and lovely Carrabelle Beach with white sand ,shells, driftwood and dolphins.The Seaforest Sanctuary also is protected nightly by the light from the neighboring Crooked River Lighthouse which gently swooshes through the trees all night long. ***Group Yoga Classes , Couples Yoga, massage, art experiences, Solo Stove Fire Pit available to all guests. Dwelling options include : The Retreat, The Cottage, The Gypsy Escape Airstream, The Tent, The Lucky Bamboo Woodland Cabin. *Seaforest Sanctuary : "The Cottage" (two bedrooms ( bedroom 1 :one king, bedroom 2: tow twin or king setup, kitchen , full bathroom, outdoor shower, screened porch with Daybed, 2 desks for working remotely can be inside or on screened porch. outdoor sitting area, grill, beach chairs, coolers. SLEEPS 4
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from 
$125
 / night

Bayside Camping

92%
(64)
34mi from St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge · 1 site · Tent, RV · 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.
Pets
Campfires
from 
$58
 / night

The best camping in St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, FL guide

Overview

About

Camping near St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerate yourself in one of the oldest refuges in the National Wildlife Refuge System. Established in 1931, this expansive area covers more than 83,000 acres across Wakulla, Jefferson, and Taylor counties. It even boasts about 43 miles of north Florida's Gulf coast. What's more, Congress has recognized 17,350 acres of this refuge as a National Wilderness Area. For campers who are nature enthusiasts at heart, the refuge is a haven for migratory birds seeking winter habitat. But the appeal doesn't stop with our feathered friends. The area is teeming with diverse wildlife and unique geology that make for excellent viewing and exploration. Whether you're an avid birdwatcher, a casual hiker, or someone who simply appreciates the great outdoors, there's something here for you. One must-do activity is a drive down Lighthouse Road. It's not just a road; it's an introduction to the refuge itself. The Lighthouse Road Drive Guide can offer insights into what you might encounter during your visit, making it a perfect starting point for your adventure. A St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge camping experience promises more than just a night under the stars; it offers a deep dive into an environment rich in natural history and biodiversity. From the Gulf coast's salty breeze to the calls of migratory birds, every moment spent here adds a new layer to your understanding of the natural world. It's not just camping; it's an education wrapped in a vacation.

When to go

The best time to visit St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge is during the cooler months from late fall to early spring, when the weather is pleasant and the biting insects are at bay. Summer brings heat, humidity, and a higher chance of afternoon showers, making it less ideal for outdoor activities.

Know before you go

  • Check the Visitor Center for the latest information on closures due to prescribed burns or wildlife events.
  • Be prepared for the absence of food and lodging facilities on the refuge; however, picnic tables and restrooms are available.
  • Remember, pets are welcome but must be kept on a leash at all times.
  • For a smooth visit, ensure you have enough cash for the entrance fee as Federal Recreation Fee Passes are honored.
  • Stay informed about hunting seasons and regulations if planning to visit during fall and winter.

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