Watermelon Pond Primitive Campsites Goethe State Forest

Open — Open year-round. Reservations available up to 11 months in advance through Reserve America. Hunting seasons occur on this tract, check dates before reserving.

About

Watermelon Pond Primitive Campsites are located at the Watermelon Pond tract of Goethe State Forest, a separate 4,200-acre unit in Alachua County north of the main forest body. The campsites are co-located with the Watermelon Pond Trailhead and offer a true primitive camping experience with walk-in sites positioned 20-40 yards from designated parking spots. The most notable feature of this area is Watermelon Pond, a large intermittent basin marsh that creates a mosaic of seasonally inundated ponds interspersed with marshes and wet prairies. This unique ecosystem provides breeding and foraging habitat for species including striped newt, gopher frog, white ibis, wood stork, whooping crane, and sandhill crane, making it an exceptional area for birding and wildlife viewing. The surrounding hammocks and rolling sandhills offer scenic vistas and diverse natural communities. Recreational opportunities include hiking and horseback riding on multi-use trails, picnicking, wildlife photography, and stargazing. The area connects to the adjacent Watermelon Pond Wildlife and Environmental Area managed by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, effectively doubling the available state land for exploration. Campers should note that hunting seasons occur on this tract of the state forest.

Directions

From Newberry (intersection of US 41/27 and State Road 26), head west on SR 26 for 1 mile to CR 337. Turn left on CR 337 and follow for 6.3 miles. Entrance is on the left. Follow road 0.2 miles to campsites.

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