Camel Lake Campground

camel lake campground, camel lake campground fl

Hello, Florida adventurers and nature enthusiasts! Are you yearning for a serene escape into the heart of Florida's untouched wilderness, a place where the sounds of nature prevail and the views are simply breathtaking? Then Camel Lake Campground, nestled within the expansive Apalachicola National Forest near Bristol, FL, is calling your name. This charming, small campground offers a peaceful retreat for those looking to truly "relax and disconnect" from the everyday hustle.

Camel Lake Campground is a hidden gem, often praised for its "beautiful lake views," "clean bathrooms," and "hot showers," as noted by delighted visitors. It provides a more rustic experience than a typical commercial RV park, embracing the natural beauty of its surroundings. With about 10 spacious sites, some offering partial hookups, and direct access to a clear, swimmable lake, it's an ideal spot for both tent campers and those with smaller RVs seeking tranquility. For Floridians looking for a quiet, natural setting to enjoy hiking, swimming, fishing, or simply unwinding by the water, Camel Lake Campground offers an authentic and rewarding outdoor adventure.

Camel Lake Campground is located at 23239 National Forest Rd 105, Bristol, FL 32321, USA. It is situated within the Apalachicola National Forest, in Liberty County, providing a deep immersion into Florida's unique longleaf pine forests and natural landscapes. Bristol, a small town, is the closest community, offering limited services, so it's advisable to stock up before arriving.

Access to the campground is a key point to note. While the "location is great" once you arrive, the road in, National Forest Road 105, is an unimproved dirt or gravel road, approximately 2 miles long. Reviews consistently describe it as "horrible" or "very rough in spots," requiring slow driving (2-5 mph) and caution, especially for larger RVs or during wet conditions. Some even mention "sharp rocks" or "washouts." However, many visitors state that despite the rough road, the destination is "worth the drive." GPS systems might sometimes lead to incorrect routes, so looking for the "Camel Lake sign, Road 105 to the east, off the county road" is recommended. Despite the challenging access road, its remote location contributes to the "peaceful" and "quiet" atmosphere that campers cherish, making it a true escape for those willing to navigate the approach.

Camel Lake Campground provides essential services aimed at a comfortable, rustic camping experience, with some modern conveniences. It's managed by the USDA Forest Service, ensuring a standard level of care and maintenance.

• 10 Campsites: The campground features a total of 10 well-shaded and spacious campsites. These sites are designed to accommodate both tents and RVs (up to 40-60 feet).
• Partial Hookups: Four of the campsites (sites 1-4) offer partial hookups, specifically electric (30/50 amp) and water service. The remaining sites (5-10) are non-electric, ideal for a more rustic tent or dry camping experience.
• Flush Toilets: Modern restroom facilities with flush toilets are available, consistently praised for being "clean" and "spotless."
• Hot Showers: A bathhouse with hot showers is provided, a highly valued amenity, especially in a more primitive setting. While some reviews mentioned cold showers in winter or limited hooks, the general consensus is that hot water is available.
• Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a fire ring, perfect for campfires, providing warmth, ambiance, and a space for cooking.
• Picnic Tables: Every campsite also includes a picnic table, offering a convenient surface for dining and relaxation.
• Reservations Required: All campsites at Camel Lake are reservable, primarily through Recreation.gov. Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance.
• Drinking Water: Potable water is available at communal water sources throughout the campground, even at non-electric sites.
• Dump Station (Off-Site): A notable point is the lack of an on-site dump station. Campers must use off-site facilities, with the closest free dump station reportedly 20 miles south, and a private RV park 20 miles north offering dumping for a fee. This requires planning for RV campers.
• Pets Allowed: Leashed dogs are permitted at the campground, making it a great option for those traveling with their furry companions.
• Camp Hosts: Friendly and helpful camp hosts are often on-site, providing assistance and ensuring a pleasant stay.

Camel Lake Campground offers several compelling features and highlights that make it a cherished destination for Floridians seeking a natural and peaceful outdoor experience.

• Camel Lake Itself: The campground's centerpiece is Camel Lake, one of the few "crystal-clear lakes" in the Apalachicola National Forest. It's beautiful, swimmable, and allows for non-motorized watercraft, ensuring a quiet aquatic environment.
• Swimming Beach: A designated sandy swimming beach area is available, perfect for a refreshing dip on warm Florida days.
• Hiking Opportunities: A well-maintained 1.2-mile loop trail encircles the small lake, providing excellent walking opportunities. The campground is also situated along the Florida National Scenic Trail, offering access to longer hikes, including routes that pass through unique seepage slopes with pitcher plant bogs.
• Scenic Beauty and Wildlife: Surrounded by lush longleaf pine forests, the campground offers abundant opportunities for wildlife viewing, including diverse bird species and the potential for unique encounters like "piebald squirrels." Campers should be aware of bears and store food properly.
• Quiet and Peaceful Atmosphere: Consistently praised for its tranquility, Camel Lake provides an ideal environment to relax, read, or simply enjoy the sounds of nature, away from urban disturbances.
• Spacious and Shaded Sites: The campsites are described as "large, well-spaced" with "mature trees and shade," enhancing comfort and privacy.
• Clean Facilities: The consistent praise for the cleanliness of the flush toilets and hot showers is a significant highlight, adding a touch of comfort to the rustic setting.
• Remote Feeling, Yet Accessible: Despite the challenging access road, the remote feeling once you arrive is a key draw for those seeking to truly disconnect.

For reservations and detailed information about Camel Lake Campground, the primary contact and booking platform is through the federal recreation reservation system.

Address: 23239 National Forest Rd 105, Bristol, FL 32321, USA

Reservation Website: Recreation.gov (search for "Camel Lake Campground")

Reservations Phone: 1-877-444-6777

For general information about the Apalachicola National Forest, which manages the campground, you can use the following number:

National Forests in Florida (Supervisor's Office): (850) 643-2282 or (850) 523-8500

It is highly recommended to make reservations in advance, especially during peak seasons, as all sites are reservable. While the given local phone number (850) 643-2576 or (850) 643-2282 may connect you to a local forest service office for general inquiries, for booking, Recreation.gov is the definitive source. Always check current conditions and alerts before your trip, especially regarding the access road or any boil water notices.

For Florida locals, Camel Lake Campground offers an exceptionally suitable and rewarding outdoor experience, particularly for those who value peace, natural beauty, and a slightly rustic adventure. Its location within the Apalachicola National Forest provides a genuine escape into the state's unique longleaf pine ecosystem, far removed from the bustling tourist hubs. This makes it an ideal spot for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation for families, couples, or solo travelers seeking tranquility.

The fact that it's a small campground with only 10 spacious sites, some with partial hookups, ensures a less crowded and more intimate atmosphere than larger, commercial parks. The availability of clean flush toilets and hot showers, combined with designated campfire rings and picnic tables, provides comfortable amenities while retaining a strong connection to nature. For Floridians with dogs, the pet-friendly policy is a significant bonus, allowing furry family members to join the adventure.

While the 2-mile unimproved access road is a frequently mentioned drawback, for many local outdoor enthusiasts, it's a small price to pay for the serenity and beauty that await. It reinforces the sense of truly "getting away from it all." The direct access to Camel Lake for swimming, non-motorized boating, and fishing, along with connections to the extensive Florida Trail for hiking, means there are plenty of activities to keep everyone engaged. Camel Lake Campground embodies the spirit of authentic Florida camping – it's a place to disconnect, relax, and create lasting memories amidst the stunning natural landscapes of the Sunshine State.

Camel Lake Campground

23239 National Forest Rd 105, Bristol, FL 32321, USA