Apalachicola National Forest, the largest national forest in Florida, spans over 632,890 acres of diverse ecosystems, including wetlands, pine forests, and savannahs. Located near Tallahassee, this natural haven is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering scenic trails, camping, and abundant wildlife.
RV camping in Apalachicola National Forest is an ideal way to experience its serene beauty, with several RV rental options in our RV Share website. With RV-friendly campgrounds, nearby trails, and a wealth of recreational activities, it’s the perfect destination for nature lovers seeking a relaxing getaway.
Private Campgrounds Near Apalachicola National Forest
For added comfort, consider staying at top campgrounds near Apalachicola National Forest. These sites often feature additional amenities like Wi-Fi, laundry, and full hookups, enhancing your RV camping experience.
Especially if you want to spend some time on the Apalachicola River, the 10-site Hickory Landing Campground may be perfect for you. All sites at this campground, where rates start at $13 per night, are located under tall cypress trees. You can easily launch a boat from the Hickory Landing boat ramp at this campground near Sumatra, Florida.
Water hookup: No
Electrical hookup: No
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Fire ring, picnic tables, vault toilets
Mack Landing Campground
Many hunters choose to stay at the Mack Landing Campground during the winter. This campground, where rates start at about $15, is on a bluff overlooking the Ochlockonee River. A concrete boat ramp makes launching your boat easy.
Water hookup: No
Electrical hookup: No
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Other amenities: Seasonal host on-site, picnic table, fire rings
Wright Lake Campground
Quiet 18-site Wright Lake Campground sits on Wright Lake’s shores, and you can go swimming, fishing, and boating on the lake. This campground’s white-sand beach is also the perfect place to relax. A campground host lives at this site year-round.
Apalachicola National Forest features a network of trails ranging from easy nature walks to challenging hikes. Many trails are conveniently accessible from RV-friendly campgrounds.
The Florida National Scenic Trail runs across 1,500 miles of the state, but 74 miles of the path are in this forest. This forest’s Bradwell Bay area is one of the most difficult on the entire trail because it is a deep swamp forest. Other portions of this trail wind through pine flatwoods and titi swamps.
Length: 1,500 miles
Intensity: Strenuous
Trail of Lakes
This 9-mile trail starts and ends near Camel Lake in the Camel Lake Recreation Area. This trail first runs through rolling hills before entering pitcher plant bogs and titi swamps. It is a particularly great area to hike in the spring when wildflowers are in bloom.
Length: 9 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Munson Hills Trail
The Munson Hills Trail is a single-track, dog-friendly loop trail that stretches through beautiful pine forests past ponds and swamps. This trail is popular with mountain bikers but usually isn't too busy. Meadows of wildflowers bloom in the spring, and hikers often see snakes and lizards on the trail.
Length: 8.3 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Georgia, Florida and Alabama (GF&A) Trail
This multi-use trail is accessible to almost everyone. It starts at Trout Pond Trailhead. Do not be surprised if you see gophers, frogs and alligators as you stroll along this trail.
Length: 2.4 miles
Intensity: Easy
Silver Lake Trail
This boardwalk runs along the edge of Silver Lake, and it is relatively flat. Enjoy scenic views as you hike this trail surrounded by a longleaf pine and hardwood hammock forest. Many anglers use it to reach areas of Silver Lake that are away from the swimming beach.
Length: 3.6 miles
Intensity: Easy
Things to Do
Activities in Apalachicola National Forest
Apalachicola National Forest offers a diverse range of activities, catering to adventurers, nature lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts, from fishing spots to OHV trails.
Fishing in the Apalachicola National Forest offers year-round opportunities for anglers, with the best experiences typically in spring and summer. Enjoy lake fishing at Camel Lake, Wright Lake, and Silver Lake for largemouth bass, bream, and catfish.
Boating
Enjoy motorized boating on the Apalachicola River and serene paddling adventures on its many streams and lakes. Non-motorized boating areas like the Sopchoppy River, Silver Lake, and Smith Creek Landing offer scenic routes ideal for kayaking and canoeing.
Mountain Biking
Explore the scenic Georgia Florida and Alabama (GF&A) Trail, perfect for leisurely bike rides, walking, or roller skating along its 2.4-mile paved path. For mountain biking, Munson Hills Mountain Bike Trail and Twilight Loop provide 21.5 miles of varied terrain, offering a mix of challenges for cyclists.
Wildlife ViewingEndangered red-cockaded woodpeckers, black bears, bobcats, and alligators thrive in areas like the Apalachee Savannahs Scenic Byway . At Leon Sinks Geological Area, watch for gopher tortoises, deer, and hawks, while Silver Lake hosts bald eagles, turtles, and rare plant species amidst its longleaf pine and cypress forests.
OHV Trail Riding
Explore designated OHV trails that wind through the forest’s diverse terrain at Silver Lake OHV Trailhead and Springhill Motorcycle Trailhead.
Hiking
Popular spots include the GF&A Trail for a paved and accessible experience, the Wright Lake Loop Trail for scenic views, and the rugged Bradwell Bay Wilderness for backpacking enthusiasts.
Identifying Flora
Scientists have identified over 1,500 plants growing in the Apalachicola National Forest. Longleaf and slash pine forests with palmetto, gallberry, and wiregrass growing under the larger trees cover much of this area. Once you get south of Tallahassee, then expect to see pine, turkey and bluejack oak trees growing in sandy soil. Six different types of pitcher plants grow in this forest. Staff carefully monitor Harper’s beauty, birds-in-a-nest, Godfrey’s butterwort, and the Florida skullcaps because they are either endangered or threatened plant species that live here.
Fishing
More species of freshwater fish live in Apalachicola National Forest than any other place in Florida. While fishing is often good year-round, it is the best in the spring and early summer before water temperatures begin to rise. While most fishing is by boat, there are opportunities to fish from shore. Consider heading to Camel, Porter, Wright, or Silver Lakes.
Nature and Bird Watching
The wide variety of ecosystems at Apalachicola National Forest makes it a terrific place to view nature, including going birdwatching. You may even see one of the endangered animals or birds that live at this park. One of them is the gray bat, which can have a wingspan up to 11-inches long. Endangered birds that you may see include red-cockaded woodpeckers and wood storks.
Stargazing
Almost all the areas around the lakes at Apalachicola National Forest are fantastic places to go stargazing. Many people prefer to go to the Silver Lake area because of the easily accessible parking lot. If you are looking for a more isolated spot for your stargazing experience, consider going to Dog Lake, which is accessible with a short hike from Dog Lake Tower Road. Some prefer this location because you can often build a bonfire on the beach to enjoy during your stargazing.
How to Get There
How to get to Apalachicola National Forest
Address: 11152 Northwest State Route 20 Bristol, Florida 32321
Fee: Entry fees range $0- $75.0
Fee: Entry fee per vehicle for Silver Lake Recreation Area, Camel Lake and Leon Sinks Geological Area $5.0
Fee: Annual Pass $50.0
Fee: Three days of off-road trail use (per person) $10.0
Fee: Annual pass for off-road trail use (per person) $75.0
By Car
From Tallahassee, FL: Take FL-20 W for about 18 miles, then turn left onto Smith Creek Rd (State Hwy 375) and follow it for 15.5 miles to reach Apalachicola National Forest.
From Panama City, FL: Take US-231 N for 24 miles, then turn right onto FL-20 E and follow it for about 49.5 miles. Finally, turn right onto Smith Creek Rd (State Hwy 375) and continue for 15.5 miles to reach Apalachicola National Forest.
Some areas may be closed during heavy rains or wildfire seasons. Always check the forest’s official website for up-to-date information before planning your trip.
Fees and Permits
Access to Apalachicola National Forest is free, with camping fees varying by campground. Permits are required for activities like campfires, wood collection, and specific recreational uses, which can be obtained at ranger stations or through recreation.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions About Apalachicola National Forest
Can you kayak, canoe, or raft in Apalachicola National Forest?
Yes, you can kayak and canoe in the Apalachicola National Forest. The forest has nearly 3,000 acres of water with plenty of streams, lakes, and rivers.
What type of wildlife lives in Apalachicola National Forest?
Wildlife in the Apalachicola National Forest includes alligators, black bears, white-tailed deer, armadillos, tortoises, and turtles. There is also a variety of fish, reptiles, and birds that live in the forest.
Is there a fee to get into Apalachicola National Forest?
No, there is no fee to get into Apalachicola National Forest. There may be fees or permits required for certain activities within the forest boundaries, like camping or using day-use areas.
What is the closest town to Apalachicola National Forest?
Tallahassee is near the Apalachicola National Forest, and is Florida's capital city. There are plenty of places to eat, sleep, and stock up on camping supplies in town and there are lots of things to do for fun in Tallahassee as well.
Is Apalachicola National Forest open all year round?
Apalachicola National Forest is open year-round. The mild Florida weather means the forest is a great spot for hiking and camping, even in winter months.
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