Hurricane Lake North Youth Group Camp Blackwater River State Forest

Open — Open year-round for organized youth groups with adult chaperones. Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance. The campground closes if Okaloosa County is placed under a Tropical Storm or Hurricane Warning by the National Weather Service.

About

Hurricane Lake North Youth Group Camp is situated within the Hurricane Lake Recreation Area in Blackwater River State Forest, about one hour northeast of Pensacola in Okaloosa County. This primitive group camping facility is reserved exclusively for organized youth groups accompanied by adult chaperones and can accommodate up to 25 people. The campground is located on the north shore of Hurricane Lake, a pristine 318-acre lake offering excellent fishing and boating opportunities. The site features primitive camping with potable water available but no electrical hookups. Restrooms with showers are accessible in the nearby Hurricane Lake North Campground. A boat ramp provides lake access for fishing and boating activities. The area is designated as a non-hunting zone, providing a safer environment for youth groups. Recreational opportunities include fishing, boating, hiking, picnicking, bird watching, wildlife viewing, nature study, and photography. Note that swimming is not permitted in Hurricane Lake. Blackwater River State Forest is Florida's largest state forest, encompassing over 210,000 acres of longleaf pine-wiregrass ecosystem. The forest is home to diverse wildlife and features part of the Florida National Scenic Trail. The youth camp is situated in a quiet, natural setting ideal for environmental education and outdoor skill development. During the main hunting season from Thanksgiving to mid-February, wearing fluorescent orange is recommended when hiking away from the camping area, though the immediate camp vicinity remains a non-hunting zone.

Directions

From Interstate 10 take Exit 22. Turn north on Avalon Boulevard and travel to Highway 90. Turn right at Highway 90 and travel to Highway 87 (Stewart Street). Turn left and travel 0.8 miles to Milton High School. Turn right onto Highway 191 (Munson Highway). Continue 19.5 miles to Highway 4. Turn right onto Highway 4 and travel 2.7 miles to the Hurricane Lake sign. Turn left and continue north 8.6 miles until you see the North Hurricane Lake sign on your right. Follow the road 2.1 miles to the lake. In the campground, look for a gate that takes you back to the youth site.

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