Maple Set Campground

Closed — Closed indefinitely. All campsites are currently unavailable for reservation.

About

Maple Set Campground is situated within the Maple Set Recreation Area in John M. Bethea State Forest, a 37,000-acre woodland in Baker County along the Florida-Georgia border. The campground is located next to the St. Mary's River and offers a truly primitive camping experience with no electricity, potable water, or restrooms. Campers have access to a communal pitcher pump that provides non-potable water, along with fire rings and picnic tables at each site. The recreation area features a swimming area on the river, a boardwalk, and hiking trails that connect to the broader state forest trail system. John M. Bethea State Forest establishes a critical wildlife corridor between the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge and Osceola National Forest, protecting vital waterways and aquifers. The forest is home to Florida black bears, river otters, bobcats, and diverse bird species including hawks, wood storks, bald eagles, and sandhill cranes. Recreational opportunities include fishing, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, horseback riding, bird watching, wildlife viewing, and photography. The forest also offers hunting opportunities during designated seasons. Due to limited parking, only one vehicle is permitted at each campsite, with additional vehicles requiring parking at the trailhead outside the gated campground entry. Visitors should note there is no cell phone service in the area.

Directions

From Sanderson, travel north on State Road 2. The campground is located approximately 30 minutes north of Sanderson in the Maple Set Recreation Area of John M. Bethea State Forest.

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