Iron Bridge Camp Shelter (Florida National Scenic Trail)
00 review390 Holloway Road , Florahome, Florida, 32140, United States
Iron Bridge Camp Shelter (Florida National Scenic Trail)
$0.00 - $50.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$50.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fees for campsite reservations range from free (primitive camping) to $50 for enclosed shelters.
About this campground
Nestled deep within the wild beauty of Etoniah Creek State Forest, Iron Bridge Camp Shelter beckons adventurers seeking an authentic Florida wilderness experience. This rustic enclosed shelter serves as a welcoming haven for hikers traversing the legendary Florida National Scenic Trail, offering both shelter accommodation and primitive camping spots in the surrounding forest. Here, modern comforts fade away, replaced by the timeless rhythm of nature and the satisfaction of self-reliant camping.
The Iron Bridge Camp Shelter caters primarily to primitive camping experiences. It includes an enclosed shelter and adjacent area for camping, with no vehicle access, water, or electricity.
Historical SignificanceIron Bridge Camp Shelter stands as a testament to Florida's commitment to conservation through the Etoniah/Cross Florida Greenway initiative. This protected corridor safeguards one of nature's rarest treasures – the Etoniah rosemary, an endangered plant that exists nowhere else on Earth except within these forest boundaries. Every step through this landscape connects you to a critical conservation story, where dedicated efforts preserve irreplaceable natural heritage for future generations.
Weather and SeasonsExperience Florida's gentle seasonal transitions in comfort, with winter bringing crisp mornings and sun-warmed afternoons between 50-70°F – perfect for hiking without breaking a sweat. Summer transforms the forest into a lush, vibrant ecosystem, with temperatures climbing to a balmy 74-89°F and afternoon thunderstorms providing nature's own dramatic performances. These summer rains nourish the forest's incredible biodiversity and create a symphony of sounds as droplets dance on the canopy above.
ElevationThe camp rests within the gentle embrace of Florida's characteristic floodplain terrain, where subtle changes in elevation create a mosaic of diverse ecosystems. This relatively flat landscape allows for easy exploration while revealing how even minor topographical variations support dramatically different plant and animal communities throughout the forest.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a tapestry of pristine Florida ecosystems, from mysterious floodplain swamps draped in Spanish moss to towering bottomland hardwoods that have stood sentinel for generations. The ancient scrub habitats paint a prehistoric landscape where rare Florida scrub jays dart between weathered oaks. Keep watch for the majestic eastern indigo snake gliding through the understory – these protected serpents remind us we're guests in a sanctuary for some of Florida's most treasured wildlife.
Geological RegionThree pristine waterways – Falling Branch Creek, Etoniah Creek, and Rice Creek – weave through this diverse landscape like liquid ribbons, carving their stories into the earth over millennia. These creeks nurture an extraordinary variety of habitats, from shadowy floodplain swamps where cypress knees rise like ancient monuments, to sun-drenched scrublands where specialized plants thrive in sandy soils. The interplay between water and land creates a geological canvas that supports one of Florida's most ecologically significant forests.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not detailed in the provided materials.
Sites SizeThe site type is described as 'primitive,' with no detailed dimensions provided.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy details are not mentioned, but the remote, hike-in nature of the site suggests a secluded experience.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite 001 offers the most amenities but requires a hike to access. Primitive camping adjacent to the shelter is recommended for larger groups or those seeking a more rugged experience.
Best CampsitesSite 001—Iron Bridge Shelter is the only site, featuring an enclosed loft and porch.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in opens at 2:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out by 11:00 AM.
Stay Limit
Camping is limited to 14 consecutive days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 8 people per site.
Groups
Group camping details are not mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSingle-site campground with primitive camping adjacent to the enclosed shelter.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round, but hunting seasons and prescribed burns may affect usability.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through the Florida Forest Service or direct line (3863292552).
Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up/first-come-first-served sites due to required advanced reservations for shelter.
Cancellation PolicyCancellation policies are not explicitly detailed.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Activities you can enjoy
The Iron Bridge Camp Shelter offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, bird watching, and primitive camping. Nearby attractions include the Florida National Scenic Trail, which passes through the site, and hiking trails like George's Lake Hiking Trail, Lake Blossom Trail, and the Longleaf Pine Trail. The Palatka-to-Lake Butler State Trail offers paved multi-use recreational opportunities.
Hiking
The site is located on the Florida National Scenic Trail and features connections to other trails within Etoniah Creek State Forest, such as George's Lake Hiking Trail (1 mile round trip), Lake Blossom Trail (0.5-mile loop), and Longleaf Pine Trail, which leads to a federally endangered plant population.Fishing
Fishing is permitted in the area, although specific locations and fish species are not detailed.Biking
Mountain and trail bicycling are mentioned as within-facility activities. Additionally, the nearby Palatka-to-Lake Butler State Trail offers paved paths suitable for biking.Wildlife viewing
The campground is part of a wildlife corridor supporting species such as black bears, white-tailed deer, bobcats, fox squirrels, and wild turkeys. Endangered species like the eastern indigo snake and gopher tortoise may also be seen.Winter Activities
Winter-specific activities are not described.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports like kayaking or canoeing are not mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are permitted within designated fire rings.
- Quiet hours are not explicitly stated.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include black bears, eastern diamondback rattlesnakes, and prescribed burns. Campers should be bear aware and take precautions during hunting seasons.
Active alertsAlerts for hunting seasons and prescribed burns apply year-round.
Weather forecast
83
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 66%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 7 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Ranger Station (3863292552, within Etoniah Forest); Nearest hospital in Palatka, approx. 12 miles away.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingNo trash or recycling facilities are mentioned. Visitors should pack out all waste.
Proximity to water featuresLocated just south of Georges Lake—819-acre lake with 491 feet of frontage. Falling Branch Creek, Etoniah Creek, and Rice Creek are nearby.
Common complaintsLimited accessibility due to the required hike; no potable water or electricity on-site.
HostHost information is not provided.
Campground Map
390 Holloway Road , Florahome, Florida, 32140, United States
Driving directionsFrom SR 19 in Palatka - Drive 12 miles west on SR 100 to Holloway Road. Turn right. Continue 2.5 miles north on Holloway Road to Fieldhouse Road (look for forest headquarters sign). Turn right. Park at the Florida Trail kiosk. Hike north and east along the Florida Trail for 1.7 miles. The multi-use trailhead with picnic tables and restrooms is 0.2 miles up the road. From Keystone Heights, FL - Drive east on SR 100 to Holloway Road. Turn left (north) on Holloway Road. Continue 2.5 miles north on Holloway Road to Fieldhouse Road (look for forest headquarters sign). Turn right. Park at the Florida Trail kiosk. Hike north and east along the Florida Trail for 1.7 miles. The multi-use (Holloway Day Use Area) trailhead with picnic tables and restrooms is 0.2 miles up the road.
Access requires hiking 1.7 miles from the designated trailhead. There is no vehicle access to the campground. Roads to trailhead are paved, but the parking area is not routinely patrolled.Nearby places
Florahome (approx. 5 miles)
Palatka (approx. 12 miles)
Keystone Heights (approx. 15 miles)
Nearby supplies
Closest groceries and fuel available in Florahome (approx. 5 miles) or Palatka (approx. 12 miles). Hiking supplies may require visiting Palatka or Keystone Heights.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Iron Bridge Camp Shelter (Florida National Scenic Trail) has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
No user reviews are provided in the source materials.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Positive aspects such as the remote, natural setting and opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing are highlighted.
Common Concerns
Common issues may include the lack of potable water, electricity, and vehicle access, as inferred from the authoritative description.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Tips for visitors include packing sufficient water and supplies, wearing blaze orange during hunting seasons, and being aware of prescribed burns and wildlife, including bears.
Seasonal Insights
No user reviews are available to analyze seasonal trends.
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific site reviews are available, but site 001 is identified as a primitive camping site.
Accessibility Features
No accessibility-related reviews are available.
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are not allowed at the site, as pets are explicitly prohibited.
Last updated August 10, 2025