Woods Ferry River Camp

Welcome to Woods Ferry River Camp, a true "gem of a campsite" nestled on the picturesque banks of the Suwannee River near Live Oak, Florida. This unique destination is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it's a vital and welcoming stop along the renowned Suwannee River Wilderness Trail. For Floridians who love to paddle, explore natural waterways, and enjoy comfortable amenities after a day on the river, Woods Ferry River Camp offers an unparalleled experience that feels like coming home. As one delighted visitor exclaimed, there's "nothing better than some at-home comforts after a long day on the river."

Florida is a state blessed with an incredible network of springs, rivers, and natural waterways, making it a paddler's paradise. The Suwannee River, in particular, is an iconic blackwater river that winds through North Florida, celebrated for its unique beauty, abundant wildlife, and rich history. The Suwannee River Wilderness Trail is a testament to this natural treasure, designed to provide paddlers with accessible and amenity-rich overnight stays for extended excursions. Woods Ferry River Camp is an integral part of this trail system, offering a comfortable and serene haven strategically placed for multi-day paddling adventures.

Imagine paddling along the scenic Suwannee, spotting local wildlife, and then effortlessly "paddling right up" to a clean, well-kept camp. At Woods Ferry, you're greeted not only by the natural beauty of the bluffs overlooking the river but often by a "super sweet ranger" or "great guy" camp host who ensures your comfort. The availability of "clean facilities and well kept" amenities, including restrooms with hot showers and screened sleeping platforms with electricity, means you can truly relax and recharge. This combination of wilderness immersion and thoughtful comforts makes Woods Ferry River Camp a standout destination for Floridians seeking an authentic yet comfortable river adventure.

Woods Ferry River Camp is located near Live Oak, FL 32060, USA. While it shares the Live Oak postal code, it's crucial to understand that this river camp is primarily accessible by water, as part of the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail. It is situated on the river banks, specifically as the first river camp south of White Springs along the trail.

This unique "river-only" accessibility is a defining characteristic of Woods Ferry River Camp and the other river camps along the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail. "No vehicles or overnight parking is permitted" directly at the camp itself for public access. This design maintains the pristine wilderness experience and ensures that the camp remains a true paddler's retreat. However, outfitters often have "road access to help with deliveries of gear and supplies," indicating a service road for authorized personnel.

For paddlers, the camp's strategic placement is key. It's approximately 10 miles downstream from established parks and campgrounds, making it a convenient overnight stop on multi-day trips. For example, it's only about 10.8 river miles by canoe from the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park. The charm lies in paddling up to a designated dock or boat tie-up and then utilizing wagons provided to transport gear up to the campsites.

While the camp itself is water-access only, the nearby town of Live Oak and other "hubs" along the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail (like White Springs or Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park) serve as starting points for trips. These hubs offer various amenities such as outfitters for equipment rentals and transportation arrangements, making it feasible for Floridians to plan their paddling adventures to include a stay at Woods Ferry River Camp. This unique access method enhances the wilderness experience, making your arrival at camp truly feel like a reward after a day on the beautiful Suwannee River.

• Five screened sleeping platforms, each accommodating up to eight people.
• Each screened platform includes a ceiling fan, electrical outlet, hammock hooks, a small seat, and a table.
• Five semi-primitive campsites for tent camping.
• Bathhouse with restrooms and hot showers.
• Picnic pavilion with picnic tables.
• Fire rings at each site for campfires.
• Potable water available at spigots near platforms and primitive sites.
• Grills available for cooking.
• Canoe launch directly at the river camp.
• Dock and boat tie-up area for easy water access.
• Wagons available to help transport gear from the river up to the campsites.
• Firewood often available for a very reasonable price/donation from camp hosts.
• Camp hosts often on-site to welcome and assist guests.
• Open 365 days a year for day-time use and overnight camping.

• "Gem of a campsite" providing "at home comforts" after a day on the river.
• "FREE" to stay at the river camp, making it an incredibly affordable option for multi-day trips.
• Paddle-in access only, ensuring a unique and immersive wilderness experience.
• Screened sleeping platforms offer protection from insects and weather, with added comfort of electricity and ceiling fans.
• Clean and well-maintained facilities, including highly praised restrooms and hot showers.
• Friendly and welcoming "super sweet ranger" or "great guy" camp hosts.
• Strategic location as the first river camp on the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail, ideal for starting or continuing multi-day paddles.
• Proximity to the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park (10.8 river miles away) for paddlers attending events.
• Beautiful natural setting on imposing bluffs overlooking the Suwannee River.
• Opportunities for wildlife viewing, fishing, and enjoying the serene river environment.
• Community amenities like a large pavilion with a fire pit for gatherings.
• Provided wagons simplify gear transport from the river to the sites.
• Reservations are free and recommended for screened platforms, ensuring a spot during busy periods.

The most significant and standing "promotion" at Woods Ferry River Camp is that there is "no charge to stay at river camps." This means camping at Woods Ferry River Camp, including the use of the screened sleeping platforms and primitive tent sites, is entirely free. This makes it an incredibly attractive and affordable option for paddlers and outdoor enthusiasts looking to experience the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail.

While the stay itself is free, there are a few practical considerations and common practices that enhance the experience:

• Firewood Availability: Camp hosts often have firewood available for a "very, very reasonable price" or a small donation, as noted by happy campers. This is a great convenience, saving paddlers from having to carry their own.
• Reservations: While primitive sites might be first-come, first-served, it is "FREE and EASY" to reserve the screened sleeping platforms by calling the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail number. This is highly recommended, especially during busy times, to guarantee a comfortable spot.

The fact that such well-maintained facilities, including hot showers and screened shelters with electricity, are provided free of charge by the state of Florida is a remarkable offering for locals and visitors alike. It encourages longer paddling trips and makes multi-day adventures along the Suwannee River highly accessible and budget-friendly.

Address: Live Oak, FL 32060, USA (Note: This is a general area address as the camp is river-access only)

Phone: (800) 868-9914

Mobile Phone: +1 800-868-9914

For Floridians, Woods Ferry River Camp is an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended destination, offering a unique and authentic wilderness experience right in their backyard. As part of the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail, it provides a crucial and comfortable link for those exploring one of Florida's most iconic natural waterways. This accessibility to a significant natural resource is a major draw for locals seeking genuine outdoor adventures.

The fact that camping at Woods Ferry River Camp is entirely "free" is a monumental benefit for Florida residents. This affordability makes multi-day paddling trips along the Suwannee River incredibly accessible, removing financial barriers that might otherwise prevent families and individuals from enjoying such a rich natural experience. It allows locals to fully immerse themselves in the "Real Florida Adventure" without breaking the bank.

Beyond the cost, the amenities provided are tailored for the comfort of river travelers. The screened sleeping platforms with electricity and ceiling fans offer a significant upgrade from traditional primitive camping, providing a comfortable and bug-free night's sleep after a day of paddling. The "clean facilities and well kept" restrooms with hot showers are a welcome luxury, ensuring that locals can refresh and rejuvenate before continuing their journey. This blend of rustic charm with essential comforts truly delivers "at home comforts after a long day on the river."

Furthermore, the presence of friendly camp hosts and the sense of community among fellow paddlers foster a welcoming atmosphere. It's a place where Floridians can connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for the outdoors and the Suwannee River. The ability to "paddle right up" to a secure and amenity-rich site, complete with firewood available for purchase, simplifies the logistics of river camping, making it a less daunting and more enjoyable experience for locals. Woods Ferry River Camp isn't just a stop; it's a cherished part of Florida's natural heritage, providing an invaluable and memorable escape for its residents.