Karick Lake South Campground Blackwater River State Forest

About

Karick Lake South Campground is located in the Blackwater River State Forest, the largest state forest in Florida and part of the largest contiguous longleaf pine/wiregrass ecosystem remaining in the world. The campground occupies the southern shore of Karick Lake, a 65-acre impoundment built in 1965 that features flooded timber providing excellent fish habitat with average depths of 7 feet and maximum depths of 18 feet near the dam. All 14 campsites accommodate tents, trailers, or RVs and include 30/50-amp electric hookups, water connections, a fire ring, grill, and picnic table. Equipment lengths from 38-65 feet can be accommodated depending on the site. The campground features a bathhouse with flush toilets and hot-water showers, a dump station, and trash service. A concrete boat ramp with courtesy dock provides lake access, though gasoline motors are prohibited and only electric trolling motors are allowed. Recreational opportunities include fishing for largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, and channel catfish, as well as canoeing, bird watching, wildlife viewing, and hiking. Note that swimming is not permitted in the lake. During hunting season from Thanksgiving through mid-February, this is a non-hunting zone but wearing fluorescent orange while hiking is recommended.

Directions

From Interstate 10, take Exit 56 and travel Highway 85 north to Highway 90 in Crestview. Turn left (west) to Milligan, then turn right onto Highway 4 to Baker. Continue north as the road becomes County Road 189. From Baker, travel 6.9 miles to the South Karick Lake sign and turn right at the entrance road.