Newport Campground

For Floridians eager to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the panhandle without breaking the bank, Newport Campground in Crawfordville, Florida, offers an appealing and highly enjoyable option. This hidden gem, expertly managed and consistently praised for its cleanliness, provides a solid base for exploring some of Florida's most cherished natural attractions. If you're seeking a straightforward, well-maintained campground that prioritizes access to the great outdoors over lavish amenities, Newport Campground is a fantastic choice right here in our backyard.

Under the excellent management of individuals like Ms. Victoria, who "runs a tight ship," Newport Campground is known for its pristine conditions, well-cared-for sites, and welcoming atmosphere. Guests consistently highlight the absence of trash and the impeccable state of the restrooms. While it embraces a more natural setting, it doesn't compromise on the essentials that make a camping trip comfortable and memorable. It's the kind of place where you can truly relax after a day of adventuring, knowing you'll be treated well and have a clean, safe spot to return to.

Newport Campground is strategically located at 8046 Coastal Hwy, Crawfordville, FL 32327, USA. This prime address places it directly along the serene St. Marks River and, notably, across the street from the stunning St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge. This position makes it an exceptional base for exploring the rich ecosystems of Wakulla County and the broader "Forgotten Coast" region.

Its location on Coastal Highway (US-98) means easy access for all types of vehicles, including large RVs and travel trailers. While this proximity to a main road can sometimes mean a bit of noise, as noted in a review, the convenience it offers for reaching nearby attractions often outweighs this for many campers. The campground is about 19 miles south of Tallahassee, making it a viable option for a quick escape from the capital city.

Beyond its immediate surroundings, Newport Campground provides unparalleled access to a wealth of natural wonders. It's just 10 miles from the enchanting Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park, famous for its crystal-clear spring, jungle boat tours, and abundant wildlife. Other nearby natural places include:

• St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge (directly across the street)

• San Marcos de Apalache Historic State Park (3 miles away)

• Natural Bridge Battlefield Historic State Park (7 miles away)

• St. Marks River Preserve State Park (13 miles away)

• Mashes Sands Beach and Shell Point Beach (nearby coastal access for swimming, fishing, kayaking)

This incredible concentration of natural and historic sites ensures that campers at Newport Campground will always have exciting destinations to explore, making it a truly accessible hub for outdoor adventure in North Florida.

Newport Campground, operated by Wakulla County, provides a range of essential services and facilities designed to make your camping experience enjoyable and convenient, catering to various camping styles.

• Diverse Campsite Options: The campground offers a variety of site accommodations to suit different needs:

  • 8 Full Hook-Up sites (water, electric, sewer) – ideal for RVs and travel trailers.

  • 6 Water & Electric (partial hookup) sites.

  • 12 Primitive Dry sites – perfect for tent campers seeking a more rustic experience.

• Clean Restrooms and Showers: A well-maintained bathhouse with clean restrooms and hot showers is available on-site, a feature highly praised by guests for its cleanliness and good care.

• Boat Launch and Dock: A significant amenity for water enthusiasts, the campground features a convenient boat ramp launch and a floating dock, providing direct access to the St. Marks River, which connects to the Wakulla River and the Gulf of Mexico. A kayak launch is also available.

• Dump Station: For RVers, a dedicated dump station is located on-site, providing a convenient way to empty tanks before departure.

• Picnic Tables, Grills, and Burn Rings: Each campsite includes a picnic table, a grill, and a burn ring, allowing campers to enjoy outdoor cooking and traditional campfires (always check for local fire restrictions).

• Observation Deck: A short nature path leads to a scenic observation deck, offering tranquil views of the St. Marks River as it winds through Wakulla County and flows into Apalachee Bay.

• Pavilion: A large, covered pavilion equipped with picnic tables provides a great spot for family and friends to gather, relax, and connect.

• On-Site Camp Host: The presence of an on-site Camp Host, such as Ms. Victoria, ensures assistance with check-ins, site management, and overall guest satisfaction. A dedicated Campground Host number (850-274-7420) is available for after-hours assistance.

• Pet-Friendly: Pets are allowed in the campground, though they must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet when outside the vehicle. Please clean up after pets, and they should not be left unattended on the campsite.

Newport Campground offers several distinctive features and highlights that make it a compelling choice for campers seeking a blend of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and well-maintained facilities in North Florida.

• Exceptional Cleanliness and Maintenance: A consistent highlight from guest reviews is the immaculate condition of the campground. Comments like "Zero trash," "clean restrooms," and "sites are well-maintained" underscore the dedication of the staff, especially the manager, Ms. Victoria, who "runs a tight ship."

• Direct River Access with Boat Launch: Its location directly on the St. Marks River, coupled with a convenient boat ramp launch and floating dock, is a major draw for anglers and paddlers. This provides immediate access to the river system and eventually the Gulf of Mexico, making it a fishing dream.

• Proximity to Major Natural Attractions: The campground serves as an ideal "base camp" for exploring the rich natural and historical sites nearby. Being directly across from the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge and just a short drive from Wakulla Springs State Park provides endless opportunities for wildlife viewing, hiking, swimming, and nature tours.

• Incredible Value: Guests frequently mention the "incredible price," making it a very affordable option for camping, especially considering the amenities and prime location. This makes it accessible for weekend getaways and longer stays alike.

• Friendly and Helpful Staff: Reviewers consistently note being "treated well" and praise the "excellent manager" and "friendly host," contributing to a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere.

• Individual Site Amenities: The inclusion of picnic tables, grills, and burn rings at each site adds to the convenience and classic camping experience, allowing for outdoor cooking and cozy campfires.

• Spacious Sites with Room for Improvement: While sites are generally well-maintained and offer good space, some guests suggest that additional foliage could enhance privacy between sites, indicating room for future natural enhancements.

As a Wakulla County-operated campground, Newport Campground offers competitive and straightforward pricing, with inherent value that acts as its primary "promotion." While it may not feature complex promotional deals typical of private resorts, its affordability and access benefits are significant.

• Budget-Friendly Rates: The pricing structure is a major draw. Rates range from $11 per night for primitive sites, $22 for Water & Electric sites, and $27 per night for Full Hook-up sites. These are considered "incredible" by guests, making it a highly affordable camping option in Florida.

• Weekly and Monthly Rates: The county website indicates that weekly and monthly rates may be available, which typically offer further savings for extended stays, providing excellent value for long-term campers or snowbirds.

• Florida Resident Benefits: While not explicitly stated for Newport Campground specifically, Florida State Parks (and sometimes county parks) often prioritize Florida residents for reservations or offer slight advantages, though exact details would need to be confirmed directly with Wakulla County Parks and Facilities Management.

• No Hidden Fees (Typically): County-run parks generally have transparent pricing, with the listed rates being the final cost for the site, without additional resort fees often found at commercial parks.

For the most accurate and up-to-date pricing, availability, and information on any potential long-term stay discounts, it is always recommended to contact Wakulla County Parks & Facilities Management directly or visit their official online reservation portal.

Connecting with Newport Campground and Wakulla County Parks and Facilities Management is easy, allowing you to plan your visit or get any questions answered.

• Address: 8046 Coastal Hwy, Crawfordville, FL 32327, USA

• Phone (Parks & Facilities Management for Reservations): (850) 745-7780

• Mobile Phone (Direct Campground Host - After Hours): +1 850-274-7420 (for assistance on-site after hours)

• Wakulla County Parks & Facilities Website: For comprehensive information, official fee schedules, and online reservations, visit the Wakulla County website's Parks & Facilities section (e.g.,

  ). Online reservations can often be made through a platform like secure.rec1.com/FL/wakulla-county-fl/catalog.

It is always advisable to make reservations in advance, especially for popular weekends or during peak seasons, given the campground's appeal and relatively smaller size.

For Floridians, Newport Campground in Crawfordville offers an exceptionally suitable and appealing option for a wide range of outdoor adventures, combining affordability with prime access to some of our state's most cherished natural assets. It’s an ideal choice for a quick weekend getaway, a base for exploring the region, or even an extended stay.

Locals will particularly appreciate the campground's focus on essential comforts and its "tight ship" management, ensuring a clean, well-maintained, and safe environment. The incredible price point makes it an accessible option for frequent escapes without significant financial burden. Its strategic location on the St. Marks River, with its own boat launch, means immediate access for fishing, kayaking, and boating – activities deeply woven into Florida's lifestyle. Furthermore, being directly across from the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge and a short drive from Wakulla Springs State Park allows Floridians to easily immerse themselves in our unique ecosystems, from birdwatching and wildlife spotting to exploring pristine springs.

While the proximity to a main road and the presence of "no-see-ums" are noted, these are common considerations in Florida's natural settings, and the vast array of nearby activities ensures that most of your time will be spent enjoying the outdoors, rather than at the campsite. Newport Campground provides a genuine, unpretentious camping experience that resonates with Floridians who value nature, affordability, and the simple joys of outdoor living in our beautiful state.