Camel Lake Campground

Show on map850-643-2282
23239 NW CAMEL LAKE RD
Bristol, FL 32321

Overview

Camel Lake Recreation Area provides a quiet place to relax and take in the beauty of the longleaf pine forest. Camping, swimming, hiking, and boating opportunities are all available, focused on the crystal-clear waters of Camel Lake.

Recreation

Above the lake's rim, the focal points of this recreation area are the well-shaded ten-site campground, suitable for RVs or tents, and the day use recreation area with its picnic tables, picnic shelter, and sandy beach for swimming. A short loop trail surrounds the lake, with longer loops possible incorporating the nearby Florida National Scenic Trail.

Facilities

Some of the campsites have electricity, and there is a bathhouse with flush toilets in the campsite and in the day-use area. A campground host is always available. The day-use parking lots, picnic areas, and restrooms are accessible. Hours of operation through the summer are 8 am to 8 pm (April 1st - Oct 31st) and through the winter are 8 am to 6 pm (Nov 1st - March 31st).

Natural Features

The Apalachicola is one of the most bio diverse places in the world, and Camel Lake places you in the middle of this natural treasure. You will be surrounded by tall longleaf pines and wiregrass, while seepage slopes in the forest create pitcher plant bogs. Rare pine savannahs are just to the south and the creeks and swamps around host a wide variety of animal life.

Nearby Attractions

Nearby, several boat landings provide access to the numerous creeks that feed into the Apalachicola River. The Apalachee Savannahs Scenic Byway and the Big Bend Scenic Byway provide beautiful views of pine savannahs, and they make excellent routes for trips down to the coast, which is only about an hour south.

Charges & Cancellations

Refunds can not be made on site. Refunds must be processed by Recreation.gov

Camp site features

Across 10 camp sites:

  • Electric hookups: 4 of 10 sites
  • Water hookups: 4 of 10 sites
  • Fire pit: all 10 sites
  • Picnic table: 9 of 10 sites
  • Pets allowed: all 10 sites
  • Longest rig: 60 ft
  • Largest party: 5 people
  • Power up to 50 amps
  • Equipment: Boat, FIFTH WHEEL, LARGE TENT OVER 9X12`, PICKUP CAMPER, POP UP, RV, SMALL TENT, Tent, Trailer, VEHICLE

Directions

Take SR 20 west from Tallahassee through Hosford to Bristol. Turn south on SR 12. Continue south to the Apalachicola National Forest boundary sign and look for a sign for Camel Lake soon after you pass the work station and trailhead on the left. Turn left on Forest Road 105, which is an unpaved road. Drive 2 miles to the recreation area entrance on the right.

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 12 PM.

Reviews

291 reviews
5 stars
189
4 stars
67
3 stars
22
2 stars
6
1 stars
7
Steve S
Loop:Camel Lake Campground
Site:
Reviewed 6 days ago
We go to Camel Lake quite often it’s near our home. And we always enjoy it.
Brent F
Loop:Camel Lake Campground
Site:
Reviewed a month ago
Very quiet nice trail around lake. Only negative which is not horrible but the road going in was very bumpy. There has been a lot of before I got there and would imagine the forest service will grade road.
Jan B
Loop:Camel Lake Campground
Site:
Reviewed 2 months ago
Too great of a place to boast about! Beautiful and quiet. What more?
Kenneth J
Loop:Camel Lake Campground
Site:
Reviewed 2 months ago
The quiet location and large campsites are why Camel Lake is my favorite. While the 2 mile county-maintained road can seem like a turnoff, just look along the right shoulder of the road for red flags. If you see a red flag on your right, quickly turn into the left lane and you'll avoid a major pothole. Of course, you don't want to go more than about 20 mph because the county road is not well maintained.
Tim S
Loop:Camel Lake Campground
Site:
Reviewed 2 months ago
We’ve been going to camel lake for twenty years. It’s always a great place to unwind. Only drawback to this campground is not having the ability to dump tanks but the bath house helps with that. Don’t expect much of a cell signal ( that’s what we love about it). The trail around the lake is a great walk.
Maurice C
Loop:Camel Lake Campground
Site:
Reviewed 2 months ago
I practically had this camp ground to myself for two days - so peaceful-plenty of water in the lake and just a beautiful stay. Make sure to write down all your reservation information before you go because the phone network signal is pretty week.
Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Popularity: Very quiet

Busiest in August, when about 9% of guest capacity is reserved. Based on 10 years of reservations.

Camp Sites

Nearby Campgrounds