Camel Lake Campground

$20.00–$30.00/night

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 RV: 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

297 reviews

5 stars

193

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 stars

Mike L

Loop:Camel Lake Campground

Site:

Reviewed 11 days ago

Nice clean campground

Stan D

Loop:Camel Lake Campground

Site:

Reviewed 14 days ago

Fabulous hosts. Clean showers. Large sites.

Paul T

Loop:Camel Lake Campground

Site:

Reviewed a month ago

We found the campground clean and very well maintained. The campground host, Sandy and Joe went out of the way to help us out of a jam. We are most appreciative for there help. Thank you Sandy and Joe.

Nancy O

Loop:Camel Lake Campground

Site:

Reviewed a month ago

The 2-mile gravel road going in was rough with deep potholes and wash outs. It took one hour to traverse with constant jigging and jagging to avoid them and protect our equipment. Once there. the campground was beautiful with electric and water at each site, we could not find the dump station. However. the bathroom was absolutely filthy and had not been cleaned in forever. There were rust stains and others in the toilet and sink with layers of dead insects, sand and debris on the floor in the toilet are and in the shower areas. Trash was not empty. There is no cell service or Wi-Fi at the campground. We were the only ones there but yet there were reserved signs at each and every campsite. The grass was mowed and the sites were clean. I did knock at the host 's door to let him know we would be leaving earlier than expected and inquired on how to obtain a refund. Between the 2 parties we called x 6 times, left on hold for over an hour and a half each time only to be disconnected and ultimately never was able to speak with anyone and decided the refund was not worth our time anymore. We are sorely disappointed in our experience and will probably not stay at another Corps campground.

David S

Loop:Camel Lake Campground

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Amazing place

Timothy K

Loop:Camel Lake Campground

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Site 2 has an awesome view of the lake. Not great for tent camping, though. Terrain is sloped and rocky. This site is definitely for RV camping. Camel Lake is our favorite camp ground in the area.

Availability

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

Reserve

Popularity: Very quiet

Busiest in November, when about 12% of guest capacity is reserved. Based on 3 years of reservations.