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

Glenn Farm

100%
(450)
95mi from St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Fort White, FL
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
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$30
 / night

Goat House Farm

97%
(496)
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
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$20
 / night

"Sweet Tupelo" on the "Big River"!

99%
(353)
50mi from St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · 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.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
$50
 / night

Seashell Hideaway

40mi from St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Perry, FL
Seashell Hideaway – Coastal Nature Escape | RV, Tent, Cabin Perry and Keaton Beach, Florida Welcome to Seashell Hideaway, a quiet coastal retreat just a short walk from Adams Beach. You can reach the water in three to five minutes on foot, or even faster by bike. It feels almost like having your own private beach nearby. A friendly local beach bar is also close, perfect for grabbing food or a drink while watching the sunset. Our property includes two RV sites, one tent site, and one tiny cabin. Each area offers space, privacy, and open sky. The setting is calm and breezy, surrounded by palms, wildlife, and fresh Gulf air—a simple and peaceful place to relax. RV Sites Both RV spots offer easy pull-in access, power and water hookups, space for chairs, a fire pit, and quick access to Adams Beach and the nearby bar. They are ideal for weekend stays, fishing trips, or longer visits. Tent Site A natural, quiet location great for solo travelers or couples. Stargazing is excellent, and the morning light is beautiful. It’s perfect for anyone seeking a relaxed coastal camping experience. Tiny Cabin A small and comfortable hideaway with air conditioning, electricity, a bed, a porch, and easy parking. It’s ideal for guests who want a simple stay near the beach while still enjoying basic comforts. Nearby Adams Beach is only a few minutes away on foot. Keaton Beach is a short drive, offering fishing, boat ramps, kayaking areas, calm water, local seafood, and a true old-Florida atmosphere. The location is especially popular during scallop season. We keep everything friendly, clean, and easy. Guests have privacy but we are always available if needed. Seashell Hideaway is a peaceful place to slow down, walk to the water, enjoy quiet nights, and experience the coast in a simple, relaxing way.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$20
 / night

The Outside Inn

99%
(232)
46mi from St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge · 9 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · 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.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$25
 / 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.
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Campfires
from 
$58
 / night

Magnolia Mountain

100%
(118)
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
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$33
 / night

FloridaBlueSky Camp Sites

87%
(27)
41mi from St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge · 4 sites · RVs · Perry, FL
This is the beautiful wild coast of Florida's "Big Bend." Located halfway between Perry to the north and Steinhatchee to the south, Keaton Beach is an outpost town with a laidback, relaxing atmosphere. No motels, no fast food. The wild, natural public beach has a shaded picnic area, restrooms, a boat ramp and a 700-foot fishing pier. These are prime scalloping waters from mid to late summer, and the area is famous for year-round fishing. We recently bought this property with an old hunting cabin owned by a well known baseball coach. The cabin is currently transformed into a residence. We have 4 RV spots available in the front of the property.. Only an 8 minute drive to the sandy swimming beach of Keaton Beach (see pic above) or 20 min walking distance to Adams Sunset Beach. Stop by on your way to South Florida or up north. We do not have a maximum stay.. We have 50/30 and 15 amp sites available. 2 back it, 1 drive in, 1 pull through site. 2 sites are full hook up, 1 site 50 amp electric and water. 1 site 20 amp electric only. If you see "occupied" in the calendar we probably still have sites available. (we have a total of 4) Just contact us using a "free" day. What can you do in our area? Keaton Beach swimming area, fishing, legally ATV riding on miles of dirt roads, golf carts allowed on public streets, nature trails for hiking and bird watching, Hagen Cove Park is one of the darkest spots in Florida for stars watching, dinner at the Nowhere Grill with the famous Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich, a day trip to Tallahassee with the Railroad Square ( 55 min ) Lafayette Blue Springs State Park (40 min ), St. Marks Lighthouse (55 min )
Pets
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Campfires
from 
$39
 / night

Gulf Coast RV Site

100%
(53)
43mi from St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge · 2 sites · RVs · Perry, FL
This is a private/ quiet site, away from the hustle and bustle. Take some time to enjoy the salt air along with picturesque sunsets. Launch a kayak or paddleboard. Keaton Beach is 1 mile away and Adams beach is about 4 miles north. Walter "B's" store on Beach Rd. has a small restaurant inside. Bike riding from the trail head at Keaton Beach boat ramp is a good way to get in some exercise and enjoy the natural Florida. Steinhatchee is 19 miles south of your location. Beach bums store is .5 miles from our site. Although hit by the hurricane last year, they are in the rebuild stage but still have all your essentials you may need, food truck, bait, fishing supplies, beer, ice, and many other essentials you may need to make your stay enjoyable. Learn more about this land: Pull up your RV, View stunning gulf sunsets, 1/2 mile to Keaton Beach boat ramp. General store 1/4 mile. 20 minutes to Steinhatchee. Keaton Beach pier is less than 1 mile. Golf cart friendly, great kayaking and paddling from your place and in the area. Scalloping is June through September. Airboat friendly. Visit the Steinhatchee Fiddler Crab Festival in February. Choice of 30 or 50 amp electric, sewage, and water. Out door shower, picnic table, 16' x 30' deck with railing, and 2 lights, to help with night time arrivals.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
$50
 / 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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