Iron Bridge Camp Shelter (Florida National Scenic Trail)

Etoniah Creek State Forest contains 8,879 acres of various natural communities. The forest was acquired as part of the Etoniah/Cross Florida Greenway Conservation and Recreation Lands (CARL) project. Etoniah Creek State Forest is named after Etoniah Creek, a stream that travels 2.5 miles through the eastern portion of the forest.

Recreational activities on the forest include hiking, fishing, hunting, nature study, wildlife viewing and photography. There is a designated trail for horseback riding, a 12 mile loop with two options to make a shorter ride.

Etoniah Creek State Forest contains 3 hiking trails. The George's Lake Hiking Trail is a one mile round trip trail that takes visitors to an observation deck overlooking George's Lake. Lake Blossom Trail is a short half-mile loop trail around a beautiful grassy pond. This area provides a great opportunity for birding and photography. The third trail is the Longleaf Pine Trail, which follows part of the Florida National Scenic Trail and leads hikers to a healthy population of the federally endangered plant Etoniah rosemary at the southern end of the trail.

The Palatka-to-Lake Butler State Trail, a Florida Rails-to-Trails project, crosses the south side of the forest. The project converted an old railroad bed into a paved multi-use trail.

Etoniah Creek State Forest is managed as a Wildlife Management Area by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Hunting is permitted only during designated seasons.

In keeping with its mission to protect and manage Florida's forest resources, the Florida Forest Service has developed rules that apply to all state forest visitors. Find out more about state forest fees and rules.

This shelter is an enclosed camping shelter with loft and porch. You can also primitive camp in the clearing adjacent to the Iron Bridge shelter. This shelter is on the Florida National Scenic Trail. It is a walk-up site only.