Camel Lake Campground
Open year-round. All 10 sites require advance reservations through Recreation.gov. Summer hours (April 1 - October 31) are 8 AM - 8 PM; winter hours (November 1 - March 31) are 8 AM - 6 PM. Quiet hours 10 PM - 6 AM. 14-day camping limit. Bears frequent the area; approved food storage containers required.
Travel Management & Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Program
The U.S. Department of Agriculture and Forest Service are reviewing the Executive Order, entitled "Removing Unnecessary and Counterproductive Restrictions on Access to Federal Lands" issued May 29, 2026, that may affect travel management on National Forest System lands. Any changes to public…
Fire Restrictions in Effect for Ocala National Forest
The Ocala National Forest is under stage 1 fire restrictions. Exemptions include developed campsites with Forest Service provided campfire rings and grills. Dispersed campers who wish to have fires must use propane; charcoal is authorized for grilling purposes. All residents must conform to the…
Prospect Bluff Historic Site Closure Order
Authorities and Geographic Applicability. Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.53(c), this Forest Order: (1) Closes the Prospect Bluff Historic Site in its entirety for the preservation of objects or areas of historical, archaeological, geological, or paleontological interest. The…
Alcoholic Beverages
Lists the areas in the Apalachicola and Ocala National Forests where alcohol is not allowed.
Camping in excess of 14 days
The following activities are not allowed per this order:Camping in excess of 14 days in a 30-day period unless otherwise posted.Public nudity.Swimming in a body of water within a developed recreation area not designated for this use.SCUBA unless posted.Fishing within 50 yards of a boat ramp…
About
Camel Lake Campground sits above the rim of one of the few crystal-clear lakes in Apalachicola National Forest. The ten well-shaded sites accommodate both RVs (up to 60 feet) and tents, with four sites offering 30/50 amp electric hookups and six non-electric sites. All sites require advance reservations through Recreation.gov. A bathhouse with flush toilets and drinking water serves the campground, along with an outdoor rinse station. The recreation area centers on the lake itself, featuring a sandy beach for swimming, a boat ramp for paddle boats and electric trolling motors (no gas motors permitted), and a short loop trail circling the water. Longer hiking options connect to the nearby Florida National Scenic Trail. The day-use area includes picnic tables, a picnic shelter, and accessible parking and restrooms. The Apalachicola is one of the most biodiverse places in the world, and Camel Lake places you in the heart of this natural treasure. Tall longleaf pines and wiregrass surround the area, while seepage slopes create pitcher plant bogs. Bears and other wildlife frequent the area, so all food must be stored in approved containers.
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.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | Yes |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $20 - $30 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 60ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 60ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | Yes |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (850) 643-2282 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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