Seminole State Forest Primitive Campsites
Open year-round with reservations required through FloridaStateForests.ReserveAmerica.com. Bear-resistant food containers required due to active black bear population. This is an active hunting area during designated seasons.
Flood Warning issued September 23 at 10:11PM EDT until September 24 at 6:00AM EDT by NWS Melbourne FL
...The National Weather Service in Melbourne has issued a Flood Warning for the following rivers in Florida... St Johns River Near Astor affecting Lake and Volusia Counties. .The St Johns River at Astor is forecast to remain within or near Action Stage through Thursday evening due to an ongoing period of northeast winds. Northeast winds are forecast to strengthen late week which will cause the river to reach Minor Flood Stage Thursday night. * WHAT...Minor Flooding is forecast on Thursday. * WHERE...St Johns River near Astor. * WHEN...From Thursday night to at least Sunday night. * IMPACTS...At 2.3 feet, Many docks become submerged along the river and in canals in the Astor community. Water enters yards of properties on Bartram Road, Holiday Circle and along Wild Hog Road on the Lake County side. In Volusia County, water encroaches yards of homes on the river side of Alice Drive. No wake zones are in effect from near the South Moon Canal to approximately 800 feet south of the Riverview lodge. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - At 9:30 PM EDT Wednesday the stage was 2.2 feet. - Bankfull stage is 2.0 feet. - Forecast...The river is expected to rise to Minor Flood Stage (2.3 ft) on Thursday at 8:00 PM EDT and peak at 2.6ft at 2:00 PM EDT on Sunday. River levels are expected to remain steady thereafter. - Minor Flood stage is 2.3 feet. - Flood History...This crest compares to a previous crest of 2.4 feet on 06/06/2023. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
About
Seminole State Forest Primitive Campsites provide a genuine backcountry experience within 25,000 acres of protected sand pine scrub, one of Florida's most threatened ecosystems. The forest spans Lake, Orange, and Seminole counties, offering surprising solitude less than an hour from Orlando. Eight designated primitive sites accommodate both small groups and larger parties, with options ranging from streamside tent pads to covered structures with bunk platforms. The campground includes sites like Blackwater Camp on the banks of Blackwater Creek (accessible by paddle or hike), Shelter Camp with a three-sided wooden structure, and Bunk Group Camp featuring a wooden shelter with raised sleeping platforms. Each site has at least one picnic table and fire ring. Bear Pond and Cassia trailheads provide primary vehicle access, with multi-use trails connecting the sites for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. This is true primitive camping: no potable water, no electricity, and no trash service. Campers must pack in all supplies and pack out all trash. Florida black bears are active in the forest, so bear-resistant food storage is required. The forest is also a designated hunting area during certain seasons.
Directions
From I-4, take Exit 101C onto SR 46 west. Travel approximately 5.3 miles to Bear Pond Trailhead on the left. The Cassia Trailhead is located off CR 46A. Forest address: 28500 SR 44, Eustis, FL 32736.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $9.01 - $18.02 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (352) 589-1762 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
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