Karick Lake North Youth Group Camp Blackwater River State Forest

About

Karick Lake North Youth Group Camp provides organized youth groups a dedicated camping experience in the heart of Blackwater River State Forest, located about an hour northeast of Pensacola. The single group site accommodates up to 25 people in a primitive tent camping setting, with potable water available on-site and fire rings for evening campfires. Restrooms with showers are accessible at the nearby Karick Lake North Campground. The campsite sits alongside the 65-acre Karick Lake, offering excellent opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. A boat launch ramp and fishing dock provide easy water access. Electric boat motors only are permitted, and swimming is prohibited. The area is a designated non-hunting zone, though visitors are encouraged to wear fluorescent orange from Thanksgiving through mid-February during hunting season. Bird watching, wildlife viewing, photography, and nature study are popular activities, with the 4-mile Karick Lake Loop Trail accessible from the recreation area. Youth groups must have adult chaperones, and reservations are required at least two days in advance through the Florida State Forests reservation system.

Directions

From I-10 Exit 56, take Highway 85 north to Highway 90 in Crestview, head west toward Milligan, turn right onto Highway 4/189 north for 7.7 miles to North Karick Lake sign.