Blackwater River State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Blackwater River State Park in Florida has a type of terrain that's rarer than tropical rainforests. The park protects one of the largest remaining areas of contiguous longleaf pine-wiregrass ecosystems. In contrast to the image you may have in your mind when you hear "Blackwater," the river's water is pure and has a transparent golden-brown color atop white sandbars. Most of the river flows through undeveloped areas, which helps keep it pure. Nearby cities: • Holt, FL • Milton, FL • Crestview, FL • Navarre, FL
Spring 47–86 F
Summer 68–92 F
Fall 46–88 F
Winter 38–66 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Blackwater River State Park
Blackwater River State Park Campground • Water hookup: Yes • Electrical hookup: Yes • Sewer hookup: Yes • Wi-Fi: No • Pet-friendly: Yes • Max RV length: 50 feet • Other amenities: Picnic tables, grills, potable water, restrooms, showers, dump station, playground, accessible campsites
Rivers Edge
Conveniently accessible from Interstate 10 and Highway 90, Rivers Edge is big rig-friendly, lodging the largest rig and trailer combination without unhooking the hitch. All camping sites have a picnic table and a fire ring. Wood, ice, and RV supplies are sold at the convenience store located on-site. There are hiking trails, picnic areas with pavilions, and a boat ramp. They offer military and Good Sam discounts.
• Water hookup: Yes • Electrical hookup: Yes • Sewer hookup: Yes • Wi-Fi: Yes • Pet-friendly: Yes • Other amenities: Dump station, recreational hall, outdoor games, on-site convenience store, and RV storage
Eagle’s Landing RV Park
Eagle’s Landing RV Park has 60 pull-through sites that accommodate 100-foot-long RVs. The campground's nightly rate is $40. If you are a member of the U.S. military, a first responder, or in law enforcement, then your nightly rate is only $37. Restaurants, shopping, entertainment, and several grocery stores are only a 10-minute drive away.
• Water hookup: Yes • Electrical hookup: Yes • Sewer hookup: Yes • Wi-Fi: Yes • Pet-friendly: Yes • Other amenities: Restrooms, showers, laundry facility, and clubhouse
Blackwater Joe’s Campground
Rent canoes and camp at Blackwater Joe’s Campground. They accommodate large and small RVs, class A motorhomes, pop-ups, and tents. The nightly rate runs $40 for up to four people and $5 extra per person beyond that. Outside of watersports, there are nature trails available for exploring.
• Water hookup: Yes • Electrical hookup: Yes • Sewer hookup: Yes • Wi-Fi: Yes • Pet-friendly: Yes • Other amenities: Restrooms and showers
What to Do at
Blackwater River State Park
Blackwater River State Park has one of the purest rivers in the United States. Spending some time by the river is a must during your visit. You'll also want to hike the main trails in the park to fully enjoy the unique terrain. Blackwater River State Park offers equipment rentals, including canoes, kayaks, and tubes.
Inside Blackwater River State Park
Picnicking, kayaking, and canoeing are popular activities inside of Blackwater River State Park. Anglers enjoy fishing in the many ox-bow lakes located in the park. To increase your chances of catching catfish, largemouth bass, or panfish, cast your line where there are no swimmers. Several shared hiking and biking trails take you through the natural habitat.
Fishing
Find areas of still water on Blackwater River to cast a fishing line as you'll have the best luck in those spots. The river is full of largemouth bass, catfish, and panfish. You can also fish from the oxbow lakes at the park.
Geocaching
Go on a treasure hunt by following one of the geocaches at Blackwater River State Park. If you have kids, try the Operation Recreation GeoTour for Kids treasure hunt. There are six nature cards hidden around the park that teach your little ones about the region's species. Kids can even win an ORGT Kids GeoTour Geocoin when they find all six cards.
Nature Watching
Common wildlife sightings at Blackwater River State Park include white-tailed deer, turkeys, and bobcats. You might see a river otter or an alligator. Other wildlife that you can see at the park are pileated woodpeckers, red-headed woodpeckers, red-cockaded woodpeckers, Mississippi kites, warblers, and hawks. Red-headed woodpeckers and red-cockaded woodpeckers are endangered species. Blackwater River State Park is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail, making it a prime location for birdwatching.
Flora and Fauna
Some of the largest Atlantic white cedar trees are at Blackwater River State Park. Other flora to see are longleaf pine trees, turkey oak trees, and wiregrass. If you visit in the summer, you may come across the endangered Panhandle lily.
Hiking
Chain of Lakes Nature Trail gives you a view of numerous oxbow lakes and the stunning wiregrass, longleaf pines, and turkey oaks. You have a chance of spotting Pandhandle lilies along this route as well. A one-mile section of Juniper Creek Trail passes through the state park. You are welcome to hike the full length of this 7.5-mile trail as the remainder is in Blackwater River State Forest. It takes you through a floodplain swamp. Juniper Lake Trail, only 0.75 miles, provides some of the best views of the Blackwater River. It also features Juniper Lake and juniper trees.
Boating
As a designated Florida canoe trail, Blackwater River attracts many visitors who want to experience paddling along the river. Boating is allowed up to Deaton Bridge.
Swimming
You can swim in the river at designated swimming areas. The water is cool even in the summer. There is an outdoor shower, two restrooms, and two large covered pavilions at the main swimming area.
How to Get to
Blackwater River State Park
Blackwater River State Park is located just outside of the town of Holt in Florida. From Holt, hop onto US-90W and turn right onto Timber Crest Road. Turn left onto Boundary Line Road, which is only 0.3 miles down the road. After 2.2 miles, turn right onto Deaton Bridge Road. Turn right onto Florida National Scenic Trail, and the entrance to the state park will be on the left-hand side.
Entering Blackwater River State Park
The state park has three paved parking areas that have access to the river and one dirt parking lot for canoes. There is another parking area by the pavilion that's a half-mile north of Deaton Bridge.
Blackwater River State Park Per vehicle (1-8 adults) : $4.0
Blackwater River State Park Economically Disadvantaged Admission for holders of an active Florida EBT Card : $2.0
Blackwater River State Park Pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass : $2.0
Frequently Asked Questions About Blackwater River State Park
Spring and fall, when the temperatures are mild, are the best times of year to visit Blackwater River State Park. Remember to drink a lot of water if you visit in the summer when it's hot and humid.
Many species of birds are found in the state park. You can also find alligators, river otters, bobcats, and white-tailed deer.
Yes, all of the campsites at Blackwater River State Park are compatible with RVs. Hookups are available at each campsite, but you must pay a $7 nightly utility fee.
You don't need to reserve a camping spot, but you should because there are only 30 campsites, and the park is popular. It costs $6.70 to make a reservation and $20 plus tax per night.
You can bring a pet to Blackwater River State Park as long as you keep them on a leash no longer than six feet in length. However, you should note that pets aren't allowed on the beach or in the water.