Camel Lake Recreation Area, Bristol, FL

For Floridians seeking a truly serene and natural getaway, Camel Lake Recreation Area in Bristol offers an idyllic retreat within the heart of the Apalachicola National Forest. This small, pristine campground is a beloved destination for those looking to "relax and disconnect" from the everyday hustle. With its crystal-clear lake, well-shaded sites, and abundant opportunities for outdoor activities, Camel Lake provides a quintessential Florida camping experience that emphasizes peace, beauty, and a deep connection with nature.

We understand that for local Floridians, finding a campground that delivers genuine tranquility alongside essential amenities is a top priority. Camel Lake Recreation Area consistently earns high praise from visitors for its "beautiful place," "clean" facilities, and the feeling of safety and natural immersion it provides. This article is designed to offer a clear, engaging, and factual overview of what makes Camel Lake Recreation Area a highly recommended choice for your next outdoor adventure in the Florida Panhandle.

Our goal is to shed light on all the facets that define a stay at Camel Lake, from its secluded location and accessibility to the array of services and unique features that make it special. So, whether you're planning an RV trip, a tent camping excursion, or simply a day out by the lake, prepare to discover why this gem in the National Forest might just become your new favorite spot for relaxation and outdoor enjoyment right here in our beautiful state.

Camel Lake Recreation Area is nestled within the expansive Apalachicola National Forest, located at 23239 National Forest Rd 105, Bristol, FL 32321, USA. This address places it in a naturally secluded environment, far from the typical noise and light pollution, allowing for an incredibly peaceful experience and the opportunity to truly take in the beauty of the longleaf pine forest.

For Floridians, accessing this natural sanctuary requires a bit of an adventure, but it's well worth the journey. Visitors should take SR 20 west from Tallahassee, passing through Hosford, and then turn south on SR 12 towards Bristol. Once you pass the Apalachicola National Forest boundary sign and look for a sign for Camel Lake (soon after a work station and trailhead on the left), you'll turn left onto Forest Road 105. This road is unpaved, and as noted by a reviewer, can be "horrible" in places, requiring a slow pace of "2-5 mph" for about 2 miles until you reach the recreation area entrance on the right. This unpaved section contributes to the feeling of remoteness and helps preserve the campground's tranquil atmosphere.

Despite the rustic access road, the interior of the campground itself offers "level" sites that are generally manageable for RVs, even larger ones. The feeling of being safely tucked away in nature, coupled with the ability to disconnect, is a significant draw for local users. The journey, while slow, is part of the experience, leading to a destination that truly feels like an escape from the ordinary.

Camel Lake Recreation Area, managed by the U.S. Forest Service, provides a range of essential services and amenities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience in a natural setting.

Campsites with Partial Hookups: The campground features 10 well-shaded, large campsites suitable for both RVs and tents. Out of these, 4 sites offer partial hookups, specifically 30/50 amp electricity and water connections, while the remaining sites are non-electric/water.
Clean Bathhouse: The campground provides a clean bathhouse with flush toilets and hot showers. Reviews consistently praise the cleanliness of these facilities, with one noting the "bathroom is clean and the shower had hot water!"
Swimming Beach: A beautiful "swimming beach" on Camel Lake allows visitors to enjoy the crystal-clear waters, perfect for cooling off on a warm Florida day.
Boat Ramp: An unimproved boat launch provides convenient access to Camel Lake for small boats, kayaks, and canoes, facilitating water-based recreation.
Drinking Water: Potable drinking water is available at communal water sources within the campground.
Picnic Areas: The recreation area includes picnic tables and a picnic shelter, ideal for day use or outdoor meals at your campsite.
Dump Station (Off-site): While there is no dump station directly on-site, a crucial piece of information for RVers is that a dump station is available approximately "15-20 miles away," requiring campers to plan for this when emptying tanks.
Fire Rings and Grills: Each campsite typically includes a fire ring and a grill, perfect for campfires and outdoor cooking.
On-site Camp Host: A campground host is often available to provide assistance and ensure the smooth operation of the park, contributing to a secure and well-managed environment.

Camel Lake Recreation Area stands out with several distinct features and highlights that consistently impress its visitors, solidifying its reputation as a preferred camping spot in the Florida Panhandle.

Unparalleled Peace and Quiet: The most frequently praised highlight is the campground's "beautiful place to relax and disconnect" and its "peaceful" ambiance. Its secluded location deep within the national forest, combined with limited traffic, ensures a truly serene experience, allowing campers to fully immerse themselves in nature.
Crystal-Clear Lake and Swimming Beach: Camel Lake itself is a major draw, noted as one of the "few crystal-clear lakes in the Apalachicola National Forest." The presence of a "swimming beach" offers a refreshing way to enjoy the pristine waters, a rare gem in many Florida campgrounds.
Excellent Hiking and Walking Opportunities: The campground offers "good hiking/walking" trails, including a short loop trail around the lake (approximately 1.5 miles) and connectivity to the longer Florida National Scenic Trail. This provides ample opportunity for exploration and enjoying the unique longleaf pine forest ecosystem, including pitcher plant bogs.
Spacious and Private Sites: The "10 large sites" are noted for being spacious, offering plenty of room for campers to spread out and enjoy a sense of privacy, even if sites are "within view and ear shot of one another." Sites are "level" and well-maintained.
Immaculate Facilities: Reviews consistently commend the "clean" bathrooms and the fact that the "shower had hot water!", indicating a high standard of cleanliness and comfort for a rustic campground.
Pet-Friendly Environment: The campground warmly welcomes dogs, with reviewers highlighting that their "dogs loved it!" This makes it an ideal destination for Floridians who want to bring their furry companions along on their outdoor adventures.
Abundant Nature and Wildlife: Being in a biodiverse national forest, the area is rich in wildlife, offering opportunities for nature observation. The surrounding seepage slopes with pitcher plant bogs add a unique ecological feature to explore.

As a U.S. Forest Service operated campground, Camel Lake Recreation Area follows federal pricing structures and discount policies rather than offering independent promotional deals.

The most significant "promotions" or special offers available are typically through the America the Beautiful National Parks & Federal Recreational Lands Pass series. Holders of a Senior Pass (for those 62 and older) or an Access Pass (for those with permanent disabilities) are usually eligible for a 50% discount on camping fees.

Current camping fees are around $20 per night for non-electric sites and $30 per night for electric/water hookup sites. With an eligible federal pass, these rates would be reduced to approximately $10 and $15 per night, respectively. There is also a day-use fee of $5 per vehicle, which can also be reduced by half for some pass holders.

It is crucial to note that all campsites at Camel Lake are by reservation only, and payment or reservations must be made either upon arrival at the campground or in advance via Recreation.gov. If you arrive without a reservation, you may be asked to move.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on fees, availability, and discount eligibility, it is highly recommended to visit the official Recreation.gov website for Camel Lake Campground or call the campground directly using the provided contact information. Prices are subject to change, so confirming directly is the best way to plan your trip effectively.

For inquiries, reservations, or to learn more about Camel Lake Recreation Area, please use the following contact information:

Address: 23239 National Forest Rd 105, Bristol, FL 32321, USA

Phone: (850) 643-2576 (This number is often associated with the Apalachicola National Forest Ranger District office that manages the area.)

Mobile Phone: +1 850-643-2576 (This is the same as the main phone number, suggesting it's the primary contact.)

For reservations, especially since all sites are reservation-only, it is strongly advised to use the Recreation.gov website or call their toll-free reservation line at 1-877-444-6777. While a camp host is on-site to assist, direct phone contact to them may not be guaranteed, so the official booking channels and the main Forest Service office number are your best bet for planning your serene escape to Camel Lake.

For Floridians seeking a quintessential natural escape, Camel Lake Recreation Area offers a perfectly suitable and highly recommended experience. Its primary appeal for locals lies in its unique ability to provide true "peace and quiet" and a complete "disconnect" from urban life, all within the beautiful Apalachicola National Forest. The challenging, unpaved road leading in contributes to this sense of seclusion, making the destination feel even more like a hidden gem worth the journey.

The "crystal-clear" lake with its inviting "swimming beach" is a rarity in Florida and a major draw for families and individuals looking to enjoy pristine waters. Coupled with "good hiking/walking" trails and abundant wildlife, it offers ample opportunities for recreation and immersion in Florida's diverse ecosystems. The "clean" facilities, including hot showers, ensure comfort even in this rustic setting. Furthermore, the campground's pet-friendly policy makes it an ideal spot for Floridians who want to share their outdoor adventures with their beloved canine companions. For any local seeking an affordable, serene, and authentically natural camping experience away from the crowds, Camel Lake Recreation Area is a standout choice for creating cherished memories in our beautiful state.