Matanzas State Forest Cedar Creek Campground

Open — Open year-round with reservations available up to 11 months in advance. Gate combination required for entry, provided in reservation confirmation email.

About

Cedar Creek Campground is located in the 4,699-acre Matanzas State Forest in St. Johns County, approximately 25 minutes south of St. Augustine. This primitive campground features four tent-only sites, each accommodating up to 8 people with a maximum equipment length of 15 feet. The campground is equipped with a communal portalet and a pitcher pump providing non-potable water, with no electrical hookups available. Each campsite includes a picnic table, fire ring, and grill. The forest protects the remaining undisturbed salt marsh within the Guana-Tolomato-Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve and is home to diverse wildlife including songbirds, wading marsh birds, bald eagles, deer, otter, turkey, and gopher tortoises. Part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, the forest offers hiking, biking, horseback riding, hunting, wildlife viewing, and photography opportunities on its forest roads and trails. Reservations are available up to 11 months in advance through Reserve America, with a gate combination provided upon booking. Discounts are available for seniors 65+, active-duty military, veterans, and 100% disabled individuals. The Florida Forest Service closes all campgrounds when the county is under a Tropical Storm or Hurricane Warning.

Directions

From U.S. Highway 1, drive 1.4 miles east on Double Gate Road. Turn right and drive south on Longleaf Road for 0.5 miles. Turn left and drive east on Eagles Nest Road for 1.1 miles until arriving at Cedar Creek Campground.

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