Tidewater Campground Goethe State Forest

Open — Open year-round for reservations through the Florida State Forests reservation system. Reservations can be made for same-day arrival up to 11 months in advance.

About

Tidewater Campground sits at the Tidewater Trailhead in Goethe State Forest, a 53,000-acre state forest in Levy County, Florida. The campground provides primitive camping facilities with 5 RV or tent sites (including pull-through options), 4 tent-only primitive backpacking sites, a group tent site accommodating up to 20 people, and a day-use pavilion. Sites offer basic amenities with restrooms and non-potable water available but no electric hookups. The campground serves as a gateway to extensive recreational opportunities within Goethe State Forest, part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. Over 120 miles of multi-use trails wind through the forest, offering exceptional hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking experiences. The forest features an exceptionally large tract of contiguous hydric hammock and many old-growth longleaf pine trees. Wildlife enthusiasts may encounter endangered species including red-cockaded woodpeckers, Florida black bears, gopher tortoises, Sherman's fox squirrels, and bald eagles, while botanists will appreciate the exceptional concentration of native orchids. The forest's diverse habitats include woodlands, swamps, drains, pine flatwoods, and sandhill ecosystems. Recreational activities extend beyond trail use to include hunting (with appropriate permits), fishing, wildlife viewing, photography, and nature study. Nearby attractions include Rainbow Springs State Park, Crystal River State Park, Three Sisters Springs, and the historic coastal community of Cedar Key. Campers should be aware of alligators, snakes, and occasional prescribed burns. Wearing day-glow orange is recommended during hunting seasons.

Directions

From US 19/US 98: Head east on CR 336 for approximately 5 miles, turn left onto CR 337, then turn right onto Saddle Pen Road and continue for 0.5 mile. From Bronson (Alt SR 27): Head south on CR 337, turn left onto the second Saddle Pen Road entrance and continue for 0.5 mile. From I-75 (Ocala): Head west on FL 40, turn right on Highway 328 W, turn right on US 41 N, then left onto NW 27th Street (CR 545). Turn left onto FL 121 S, then left again on CR 337 and continue for 6.2 miles. Turn left onto the second Saddle Pen Road entrance and continue for 0.5 mile.

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