Oak Hammock Camp/Rice Creek Hilton

For those of us in Florida who truly embrace the spirit of adventure and prefer the raw beauty of primitive camping over the bustling atmosphere of commercial campgrounds, "Oak Hammock Camp/Rice Creek Hilton" offers a distinctive experience. Located within the scenic Rice Creek Conservation Area in Putnam County, this site isn't your typical drive-up RV park. Instead, it’s a well-regarded primitive campsite and shelter, particularly popular among long-distance hikers and backpackers traversing the Florida Trail. It’s a testament to the quiet, natural escapes that our state still holds.

The charm of Oak Hammock Camp, affectionately known as the "Rice Creek Hilton" by those who frequent it, lies in its simplicity and the genuine sense of community it fosters. Reviewers consistently highlight its peaceful and well-cared-for environment, noting how fellow campers leave behind helpful items for the next visitor, creating a supportive network among nature enthusiasts. This unique aspect, combined with its direct access to the extensive Florida Trail, makes it an ideal spot for Floridians looking for an authentic wilderness experience where connection to nature and shared camaraderie are paramount.

Oak Hammock Camp/Rice Creek Hilton is situated within Putnam County, FL, 32177, USA. More precisely, it is located along the Florida Trail within the Rice Creek Conservation Area, near the town of Palatka. This area is managed by the St. Johns River Water Management District, ensuring the preservation of its natural state.

Access to this primitive camp requires a bit more effort than driving directly to a developed campground, as it is primarily accessible via hiking trails. The main trailhead for the Rice Creek Conservation Area is located off FL 100, approximately 4.1 miles west of its intersection with FL 19 on the northwest side of Palatka. From this trailhead, visitors follow an unpaved entrance road to a designated parking area.

The "Rice Creek Hilton" shelter is a notable point of interest along the Florida Trail segment within this conservation area. For Floridians coming from major cities, Palatka serves as a good reference point. From Jacksonville, it's roughly an hour to an hour and a half drive southeast on US-17 or I-95 South to US-17. From Gainesville, it’s about a 45-minute to an hour drive northeast on FL-20. Even from Orlando, the drive is manageable, typically around 1.5 to 2 hours north via US-17. Once at the trailhead, be prepared for a hike to reach the campsite, as it’s part of a trail system, not a roadside stop.

As a primitive campsite, Oak Hammock Camp / Rice Creek Hilton offers essential services tailored for backpackers and rustic campers, rather than the full amenities of commercial RV parks:

• Primitive Overnight Camping: The primary service is providing a designated, primitive space for overnight camping. This typically means tent camping, and possibly hammock camping.
• Screened Shelter ("Rice Creek Hilton"): A significant feature is the screened shelter, providing protection from insects and a communal space. Reviewers note it includes "screens with a few pots and pans" and "hooks for hanging packs and cushions on which you could stretch out to sleep" (though some advise caution with cushions).
• Hand Pump Well: A "major plus!!!" as noted by a reviewer, a hand pump well provides non-potable water. This water must be filtered or treated before consumption, a standard practice for primitive camping in such areas.
• Fire Pit/Rings: Fire rings are available for campfires, allowing for cooking and warmth, aligning with the rustic camping experience.
• Picnic Tables & Benches: The site includes picnic tables and benches, offering convenient surfaces for meal preparation and relaxation.
• Community Shared Items: A unique "service" is the informal sharing of handy items left behind by previous hikers, such as baby wipes and other supplies. This highlights a community spirit among visitors.

It's important to understand that this is not a serviced campground with restrooms, showers, or electricity. Campers should be self-sufficient and prepared for a backcountry experience.

Oak Hammock Camp/Rice Creek Hilton offers several distinct features and highlights that make it a compelling destination for a specific type of outdoor enthusiast in Florida:

• Location on the Florida Trail: Its position directly along the statewide Florida Trail makes it a crucial and highly valued stop for long-distance hikers and backpackers. It's one of the few shelters along this extensive trail.
• Unique "Rice Creek Hilton" Shelter: The screened shelter offers a rare and appreciated level of protection from the elements and insects for primitive campers, making overnight stays more comfortable. It even includes some basic shared amenities like pots and pans.
• Hand Pump Well Access: The availability of a hand pump well, even for non-potable water, is a significant advantage in a primitive setting, providing a water source that can be treated for drinking. This greatly reduces the amount of water hikers need to carry.
• Community of Hikers: The informal practice of leaving behind shared supplies and the general "super nice" demeanor of visitors create a unique, supportive community atmosphere.
• Peaceful and Quiet Environment: Reviewers consistently emphasize the "quiet n peaceful n very relaxing" ambiance, perfect for those seeking solitude and a deep connection with nature away from crowds.
• Access to Rice Creek Conservation Area: Campers have the opportunity to explore the surrounding Rice Creek Conservation Area, which features a fascinating mix of cypress swamps, pine flatwoods, and historic rice plantation levees, including a chance to see the seventh largest cypress tree in Florida.
• Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: The conservation area is home to diverse wildlife, offering opportunities for birdwatching and observing other native Florida animals.
• Historic Significance: The area’s history as an 18th-century indigo and rice plantation adds a layer of historical interest to the natural landscape.

As a primitive campsite within a conservation area managed by the St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD), Oak Hammock Camp/Rice Creek Hilton does not have a direct contact phone number for individual site reservations or a dedicated office on site. Its operation relies on the principles of leave-no-trace and shared use among Florida Trail hikers.

Address: Putnam County, FL 32177, USA (specifically located within the Rice Creek Conservation Area along the Florida Trail)

For general information about the Rice Creek Conservation Area, including trail conditions, rules, and regulations, you should contact the St. Johns River Water Management District. Their contact information can typically be found on their official website (www.sjrwmd.com), or by searching for their main office.

For inquiries specifically about the Florida Trail and its shelters, including the "Rice Creek Hilton," the Florida Trail Association is the best resource (floridatrail.org). They can provide maps, trail updates, and guidance for long-distance hikers.

In conclusion, for our local Floridians, especially those with a passion for hiking, backpacking, and true wilderness experiences, Oak Hammock Camp / Rice Creek Hilton offers a unique and highly suitable option. It stands apart from typical campgrounds by providing a primitive, backcountry-style overnight stay directly on the renowned Florida Trail within the beautiful Rice Creek Conservation Area in Putnam County.

The site's primary appeal lies in its "quiet n peaceful n very relaxing" atmosphere, providing a much-needed escape from urban life. The presence of the "Rice Creek Hilton" screened shelter and a hand pump well (for non-potable water) are invaluable amenities for self-sufficient hikers, making multi-day treks more feasible. The strong sense of community, where visitors often leave helpful supplies for others, further enhances the experience, fostering camaraderie among fellow nature lovers. While it requires preparedness for rustic conditions and is not a drive-up facility, for those seeking genuine immersion in Florida's natural landscapes and a true "wilderness experience getaway," Oak Hammock Camp / Rice Creek Hilton is an unparalleled gem right in our own backyard.

Oak Hammock Camp/Rice Creek Hilton

Putnam County, FL 32177, USA