Matanzas State Forest Group Camp

Open — Open year-round with reservations available through the Florida Forest Service. Campgrounds close automatically if St. Johns County is under a Tropical Storm or Hurricane Warning.

About

Matanzas State Forest Group Camp is a primitive group camping facility situated in the Matanzas State Forest in St. Johns County, approximately 25 minutes south of St. Augustine, Florida. The forest encompasses over 4,699 acres of protected woodlands and wetlands, safeguarding the remaining undisturbed salt marsh within the Guana-Tolomato-Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve. The group camp provides basic amenities including a communal portalet, a pitcher pump supplying non-potable water, picnic tables, fire rings, and grills. No electricity is available at this primitive campground. The forest is home to diverse wildlife including songbirds, wading marsh birds, bald eagles, deer, otter, turkey, and gopher tortoises, making it an excellent location for wildlife viewing and bird watching. The area is part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. Recreational opportunities abound with forest roads offering access for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The forest also provides opportunities for hunting, photography, and nature study. Nearby attractions include historic downtown St. Augustine, Fort Matanzas National Monument, Washington Oaks Gardens State Park, and St. Augustine beaches. Reservations are made through the Florida Forest Service reservation system.

Directions

From Exit 305 on I-95, travel east on County Road 206 for 2 miles. Turn right (south) on US Hwy 1. Travel 2.8 miles on US Hwy 1, and turn left (east) on Double Gate Road into the main entrance of Matanzas State Forest. Travel 1.4 miles and turn left (north) on Longleaf Road. Travel 0.4 miles and turn right (east) on Evans Road. Travel 1 mile and turn left (north) on Group Camp Road. Travel 1.2 miles to the campground.

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