Bear Creek Group Camp Lake Talquin State Forest

Open — Open year-round. Reservations available up to 11 months in advance via Reserve America. Campers must pack in all needed supplies including drinking water.

About

Bear Creek Group Camp is located within the Bear Creek Educational Forest, a 492-acre tract of Lake Talquin State Forest in Gadsden County, approximately 27 miles west of Tallahassee. This hike-in only group campsite is accessed via a 1-mile trail from the trailhead and is designed specifically for youth groups and organized camping parties of up to 20 people. The campsite provides a primitive camping experience with a fire ring and picnic table, while potable water and restrooms are available at the trailhead parking area. The Bear Creek tract features over 5 miles of hiking trails through diverse natural communities, including the innovative audio-enhanced Living Forest trail where interpretive signage and audio content tell the stories of the forest's ecology. The area showcases outstanding examples of Florida's slope and ravine natural communities with elevation changes up to 100 feet in some areas. As part of both the Florida Scenic Trail and Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail systems, the forest offers excellent opportunities for hiking, trail running, bird watching, wildlife viewing, and photography. The Bear Creek Educational Forest is open daily from sunrise to sunset, providing both recreational and educational experiences in one of North Florida's most diverse forest environments.

Directions

From I-10 take exit 181 (FL Rd. 267). Continue on 267 south 4.6 miles to the entrance of Lake Talquin State Forest's Bear Creek Education Center. Parking lot GPS coordinates: 30°28'37.94"N, 84°37'32.52"W. The campsite is a 1-mile hike from the trailhead.

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