Charles H. Bronson Primitive Campsites

Open — Open year-round for reservations through Reserve America. Reservations can be made same-day or up to 11 months in advance. Wearing blaze orange is recommended during hunting season.

About

Charles H. Bronson Primitive Campsites consists of three hike-in tent sites located within Charles H. Bronson State Forest, approximately 40 miles east of Orlando in Seminole County. The sites include Joshua Creek Campsite, County Line Campsite, and Fern Campsite, each accommodating up to six people. Access is via the Florida Trail from the trailhead at the end of Phillips Road. The forest's most notable feature is the St. Johns River, which forms part of the eastern boundary. The area protects wetlands and natural communities including wet prairie, pine flatwoods, sandhill, and cypress swamp. Wildlife commonly seen includes deer, turkey, gray squirrel, alligator, Sherman's fox squirrel, gopher tortoise, bald eagle, roseate spoonbill, sandhill crane, and wood stork. Each primitive campsite has a fire ring and picnic table but no water, electricity, or restrooms. Campers must pack in all supplies and pack out all trash. Cell phone coverage is unreliable throughout the forest. Trail users are recommended to wear 500 square inches of blaze orange during hunting season.

Directions

From I-95: Take exit 215 for FL-50 toward Orlando, turn right onto FL-50 W for 7.9 miles, continue onto FL-50 W/E Colonial Drive for 2.8 miles, turn right onto SW Christmas Road for 2.7 miles, merge onto FL-420 for 0.4 miles, turn right onto Phillips Road for 1.5 miles to trailhead at 3563 Phillips Road, Christmas, FL 32709. Sites are hike-in only from trailhead.

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