St. Johns River Water Management District lands are natural, wild and scenic places. While primitive camping on District lands, you may observe wildlife, relax under the stars, enjoy quiet solitude, and experience the beauty of Florida’s backcountry.
Camping on District lands is governed by Chapter 40C-9.300, Florida Administrative Code.
Only primitive tent camping is allowed on District lands and only at designated locations. Dispersed camping is prohibited.
Reservations
Campsite reservations may be made up to 90 days in advance and must be made at least 48 hours in advance (before 1 p.m. two days prior to the desired arrival date) through the online reservation system. Campsites are available to individuals or groups and are free of charge. Maximum occupancy is specified in campsite descriptions.
All reservation requests must include full name, mailing address, phone number and email address. Drive-in sites require vehicle make, model, year, color and license plate numbers of all vehicles entering the gates to access a campsite.
Camping is limited to a maximum of 7 consecutive days and annual maximum of 30 days on any property.
Types of campsites
- Drive-in campsites are by reservation only and require a vehicle permit issued by the District’s Bureau of Land Resources allowing registered overnight visitors to drive to and from the gate to the designated campsite. Only passenger vehicles (no RVs or campers) are allowed in campsites.Vehicle information (make, model and license plate number) is required for all vehicles at the campsite. These campsites have a maximum occupancy of 24 people, with few exceptions. See campsite descriptions for the maximum number of occupants and vehicles allowed.
Most drive-in campsites have a picnic table, fire ring and/or grill, and benches; some also have a portable toilet, a non-potable water pitcher pump and/or a picnic pavilion.
- Hike-in campsites are typically in backcountry locations that provide unique opportunities for individuals interested in a remote primitive camping experience. Reservations are required. Hike-in campsites may usually also be accessed by bicycle and, in a few locations, by boat or canoe/kayak. Motorized vehicles are prohibited. Maximum capacity per campsite is six people. Amenities are limited – most have benches, fire ring and/or picnic tables. See campsite descriptions for details.
- Boat-access campsites in the Upper St. Johns River Basin are first-come/first-served. There is no hike-in or drive-in access, and reservations are not required. Amenities vary. Maximum occupancy is six people.
Larger group camping may be available for groups greater than 24 people. Call (386) 329-4401 for information about the Special Use Authorization process.
General Rules
While individual properties may have site-specific requirements, below are some important universal rules for camping on District lands:
- Only primitive tent camping is allowed. RVs, trailers, truck or van campers are prohibited.
- When making each reservation, you must provide your:
First and last name- Home address
- Phone number
- Email address
- Number of adults/children/pets/vehicles at the campsite
- For drive-in campsites: Vehicle make, model and license plate numbers of all vehicles accessing campsite are required at the time of making the reservation. No exceptions.
- Vehicle permits must be displayed on the dashboards of all vehicles in the campsite.
- Reservation holders are responsible for keeping gates closed and locked at all times during their reservation.
- Always use designated campfire rings for fires and obey local burn bans. Extinguish fires completely upon departure.
- Firewood may be collected from the ground. Do not cut any standing trees, dead or alive.
- Carry out all trash and pet waste with you when you leave. There are no trash receptacles onsite.
- Campers are prohibited from discharging firearms or fireworks.
- Pets must be leashed and controlled at all times.
Finally, it’s important to understand that land management activities, such as prescribed burns, project construction and timber thinning operations, take precedence over camping and recreational use of our properties. Campers may occasionally be inconvenienced during their stay by necessary land management activities. Visit our recreation announcements web page to learn where these activities are occurring and follow us on social media for prescribed fire updates.
Questions? Call the Bureau of Land Resources at (386) 329-4401.
Camping on partnership properties
The District co-manages several public lands with local governments or other agencies. The following properties and the camping reservations for these properties are managed by the agencies listed below.
Caravelle Ranch Wildlife Management Area
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
352-732‑1225
Faver-Dykes State Park
Florida State Parks
904-794‑0997
Herky Huffman/Bull Creek Wildlife Management Area
FWC
352-732‑1225
Lake Norris Conservation Area
Lake County Water Authority
352-343‑3777
Princess Place Preserve
Flagler County Parks and Recreation
386-313‑4020
Ralph E. Simmons Memorial State Forest
Florida Forest Service
904-845‑4933
St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park
Florida State Parks
321-953‑5005
Triple N Ranch Wildlife Management Area
FWC
352-732‑1225