Bluff Springs Campground

Tucked away in the peaceful, natural expanse of North Florida, the Bluff Springs Campground in McDavid offers a truly secluded escape from the hustle of coastal life. Unlike many highly developed commercial resorts, this location is a non-profit, privately owned and operated campground spread across more than 500 acres of tranquil land. It is specifically designed to provide a quiet, reflective setting, making it an ideal destination for organized groups, faith-based youth camps, family reunions, and weekend retreats.

While the grounds have historically served the Community of Christ Church, they are available on a reservation basis to various groups and organizations whose purposes align with the grounds' established standards. This unique operational structure creates an environment dedicated to relaxation, fellowship, and reconnection with nature. The immense acreage, covered with pines, dogwoods, and assorted hardwood trees, ensures privacy and a deeply peaceful atmosphere that is often cited as the campground’s greatest appeal.

Whether your group requires full lodging facilities—such as cabins and dormitories—or simply wants a secluded space for tents and primitive camping, Bluff Springs Campground offers the necessary infrastructure. It encourages visitors to truly unplug from the fast-paced world and immerse themselves in the tranquility of the Florida wilderness, creating opportunities for deep connection and memorable shared experiences.

The Bluff Springs Campground is officially located at 1300 Liahona Trail, McDavid, FL 32568, USA. Situated in the northern part of Escambia County, the site is approximately 40 miles north of Pensacola, Florida, and about two and a half miles off Highway 29. This positioning places it deep within the quiet, rural landscape of North Florida, close to the Alabama border.

The remote setting is intentional, designed to foster a sense of escape and retreat. Access to the grounds is typically straightforward from major highways like Highway 29, though first-time visitors are encouraged to contact the campground directly for the most current and accurate driving directions, as the final approach is on local, more rural roads.

While the campground itself is a self-contained retreat, its proximity to the historic town of Century and the expansive Blackwater River State Forest means that opportunities for off-site exploration are nearby. The quiet location provides a true sense of being "off-grid" while still being accessible enough to serve groups traveling from Pensacola and the surrounding Florida and Alabama communities. This balance of seclusion and reachability is key to its enduring popularity as a retreat center.

The services at Bluff Springs Campground are tailored for group functions and extended stays, differentiating it from a typical public campsite. The available facilities provide a comprehensive environment for multi-day events, camps, and gatherings.

• Accommodation Options: The grounds feature diverse structures for lodging and gathering, including:
  • Cabins: Multiple lodging cabins suitable for families or small groups.
  • Dormitory: A dedicated building with multiple rooms, ideal for large youth groups.
  • Wilderness Camping Area: A remote section of the grounds dedicated to those who prefer a more primitive tent camping experience.
• Group Meeting Facilities: For organizational use, the campground provides dedicated spaces such as an Activity Building with classrooms and an Auditorium, making it perfect for structured retreats and teaching sessions.
• Dining Services: A central Cafeteria with a full-service kitchen is available, which is a major convenience for large groups requiring catering or self-prepared meals.
• Reservations: The campground operates on a strict reservation basis. While certain weeks are reserved for the Community of Christ Church events, the facilities are available to outside groups by booking, with a fee structure reviewed annually by the Board of Directors. A non-refundable peak season deposit is required for reservations during the busy summer months (June–July).
• Grounds Maintenance: Despite its remote nature and non-profit status, the grounds are well-maintained by a dedicated staff, including a manager, grounds keeper, and maintenance personnel, ensuring a clean and functional environment for all guests.

The key features of Bluff Springs Campground emphasize its function as a full-service, natural retreat center. The 500+ acres are rich with natural and man-made recreational opportunities designed for community engagement and peaceful relaxation.

• Water Recreation: The property includes two man-made lakes. One of these is designated and suitable for swimming, provided a certified lifeguard is present, while both lakes offer opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and boating.
• Natural Trails: The grounds are interlaced with Nature and Fitness Trails, encouraging hikers and walkers to explore the diverse wooded landscape and enjoy the quiet surroundings. The dense coverage of trees, including dogwoods and pines, creates a beautiful, shaded environment year-round.
• Primary Use Focus: The facilities are frequently utilized for, and highly suited to, large gatherings such as:
  • Youth Camps and Family Camps.
  • Boy & Girl Scout Camps.
  • Church Events and Retreats.
  • Family Reunions and Weddings.
• Proximity to Public Access: Nearby natural areas managed by the Northwest Florida Water Management District, such as the Bluff Springs Recreation Area (a separate but adjacent location often confused with the main campground), offer public access to the Escambia River via boat ramps for small boats, which is known for fishing and canoeing.
• Media Appeal: In a nod to its scenic and secluded beauty, the lake area of the campground has even been used as a site for commercial filming, highlighting the picturesque quality of the North Florida landscape.

For groups interested in reserving the Bluff Springs Campground facilities for an event, retreat, or camp, direct communication with the administration is essential to discuss availability, fees, and specific group needs.

Address: 1300 Liahona Trail, McDavid, FL 32568, USA

Phone: (850) 256-2767

Prospective renters should call the provided phone number to inquire about the fee structure, check the reservation calendar, and ensure that their planned activities are in harmony with the campground’s standards. Note that all rentals are managed on a 'first-come, first-served' basis outside of the reserved Community of Christ function weeks.

The Bluff Springs Campground is worth choosing for any organization, family, or group in Florida seeking a large, dedicated, and all-inclusive retreat setting. Its value is found not in individual campsite rentals, but in its capacity to host meaningful, multi-day group events.

The extensive infrastructure—including dormitories, cabins, a commercial-ready cafeteria, and auditoriums—significantly reduces the logistical burden of coordinating a large gathering. Instead of piecing together accommodations across multiple venues, you get a self-contained, private world across 500 acres.

The natural highlights, particularly the two man-made lakes and the network of nature trails, provide organized recreational activities right on the property, fostering community and allowing for structured programming. In an increasingly connected world, this campground offers a necessary, peaceful environment where groups can truly unplug and reconnect without the distractions of a highly commercialized setting. This unique focus on tranquility and comprehensive group support makes Bluff Springs Campground a singular and excellent choice for retreats in the North Florida region.

Bluff Springs Campground

1300 Liahona Trail, McDavid, FL 32568, USA