Hammock Campground Jennings State Forest
00 review1337 Long Horn Road, Middleburg, Florida, 32068, United States
Hammock Campground Jennings State Forest
$9.00 - $18.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$9.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fees range from $9.09 per day to nearly twice as much after taxes and ReserveAmerica's reservation fee.
About this campground
Nestled within the vast wilderness of Jennings State Forest, The Hammock Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic Florida camping experience. Ten thoughtfully spaced tent sites, each featuring raised sand bases, sturdy picnic tables, and crackling fire rings, offer the perfect balance of primitive charm and essential comforts. Wide spacing between sites ensures each camping party enjoys their own private slice of forest paradise, where the only sounds are rustling leaves and native wildlife.
The Hammock Campground is a primitive campground designed for tent camping. It consists of ten drive-up tent sites with minimal facilities and no hookups.
Historical SignificanceHistory enthusiasts will discover a treasure trove of cultural heritage within easy reach of the campground. Just 12 miles south, the Camp Blanding Museum and Memorial Park preserves the legacy of Florida's military history, while the Eugene L. Matthews Historical Museum, approximately 20 miles southwest, showcases regional artifacts and stories. A quick 20-minute drive south brings visitors to the charming Middleburg Historical Museum, where local history comes alive through carefully curated exhibits and preserved architecture.
Weather and SeasonsThe campground enjoys Florida's most inviting weather patterns, with ideal camping conditions throughout much of the year. Picture-perfect weeks feature gentle temperatures hovering between 65-80°F, crystal-clear skies with minimal precipitation, and comfortable humidity levels that make both daytime exploration and evening campfires equally enjoyable. These moderate conditions create the perfect backdrop for outdoor adventures without the extremes of Florida's peak summer heat.
ElevationThe campground rests at a gentle elevation characteristic of North Florida's terrain, providing stable ground for camping while maintaining the region's distinctive landscape features.
Natural Features and SceneryWake to the enchanting sounds of Florida's wild inhabitants as deer tiptoe through morning mist, wild turkeys call from the canopy, and colorful songbirds orchestrate nature's symphony. The heavily wooded surroundings create a living tapestry where rabbits dart between palmetto fronds, turtles bask on fallen logs, and coveys of quail rustle through the understory. Come July, the forest transforms into a magical wonderland as thousands of lightning bugs dance through the twilight, their bioluminescent ballet creating memories that last a lifetime.
Geological RegionThe Hammock Campground sits within the remarkable 25,000-acre expanse of Jennings State Forest, where ancient geological forces have sculpted a diverse landscape of woodlands, mysterious seepage streams, and dramatic ravines. Crystal-clear, spring-fed waters meander toward North Fork Black Creek, carving channels through the surrounding Florida swampland. This unique ecosystem represents one of Florida's last remaining wild frontiers, where towering trees, tangled vines, and pristine waterways create an immersive natural sanctuary that transports visitors far from the modern world.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are detailed in the authoritative content or reviews.
Sites SizeThe campground has ten tent sites, each with a tent pad, fire pit, picnic bench, and parking space.
Sites PrivacySites are spaced out to provide privacy. "Campsites are far enough apart to feel somewhat private," with trees surrounding the area, according to a user review.
Total Campsites10 campsites
Recommended CampsitesAvoid relying on GPS systems for directions; follow official driving instructions instead.
Best CampsitesNo specific site numbers identified as best, but users mention that sites are widely spaced and private.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
No specific check-in time provided.
Check-out
No specific check-out time provided.
Stay Limit
No explicit stay limit described.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No explicit guest limit described.
Groups
No group sites are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground features 10 primitive sites spread far apart for privacy, with raised sand tent pads, picnic tables, fire rings, and parking spaces included at each site.
Open and Closed SeasonNo specific open and closed dates described, though hunting seasons should be observed.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via ReserveAmerica.com.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo specific walk-up availability described, though sites can fill quickly during weekends according to user reviews.
Cancellation PolicyNo explicit cancellation policy described.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Hammock Campground offers a range of activities, including hiking, fishing, canoeing, horseback riding, birding, wildlife viewing, and photography. Campers can enjoy the natural surroundings in the Jennings State Forest, which is part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail.
Hiking
Hiking trails of easy to moderate difficulty are available in the Jennings State Forest. A user noted, "Great hiking trails with lots of foliage and low to moderate elevation."Fishing
Fishing is permitted in the streams and rivers within Jennings State Forest. Specific details about fish species or fishing spots are not provided.Swimming
Swimming is allowed in the river, as indicated in the amenities list. Details about safety measures or designated swimming areas are not provided.Boating
Boating and canoeing are available within the forest. Canoeing is popular between Powell Ford and Ellis Ford on the North Fork Black Creek.Wildlife viewing
The area is part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, and wildlife such as deer, wild turkeys, rabbits, turtles, and various birds can be seen. One camper noted seeing "deer walk through my campsite."Winter Activities
No winter-specific activities are mentioned as the campground is located in Florida, where winter conditions are mild.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as canoeing are popular in the forest's streams.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfire rings with benches are available, but users must bring their own firewood.
- Quiet hours are No specific quiet hours described.
Hazards
General hazardsTicks and spiders are common. No potable water or firewood is available onsite.
Active alertsNone described.
Weather forecast
82
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 81%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 5.1 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Mainly clear
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
No specific details provided about emergency services proximity.
Good to know
Peak season datesNo specific peak season dates described.
Trash and recyclingNo detailed information on trash and recycling facilities is available. Campers are advised to keep the area clean and wildlife-proof their food.
Proximity to water featuresJennings State Forest includes seepage streams leading to North Fork Black Creek and spring-fed water sources visible while canoeing between Powell Ford and Ellis Ford.
Common complaintsMultiple users report difficulty finding the campground using GPS and note the lack of reliable signage. Some reviews describe cleanliness issues in bathrooms and occasional theft incidents.
HostNo specific host information provided.
Campground Map
1337 Long Horn Road, Middleburg, Florida, 32068, United States
Driving directionsFrom Jacksonville FL, I-10 west, take exit 350, SR 23/Cecil Commerce Center. Follow SR 23 south (14 miles). Turn right onto Old Jennings Rd, head west (3 miles). Turn right onto Live Oak Lane, heading north 2.5 miles). Turn left onto Bell Cemetery Rd, heading west (1.5 miles). Turn left onto Wheeler Branch Rd, heading south .25 mile campground entrance will be on the right.
The campground is accessible by dirt roads once on Live Oak Lane. Reports mention that even small cars such as hatchbacks can navigate these roads, though GPS systems often misguide travelers. "Do not trust Google maps or Waze" and "Don't turn down Rattlesnake Road" are advice from user reviews.Nearby places
Middleburg, FL (~30 minutes)
Starke, FL (~20 miles)
Jacksonville, FL (~30 miles)
Nearby supplies
No specific details provided about grocery, camping supplies, or fuel services nearby.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Hammock Campground Jennings State Forest has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews describe the Hammock Campground as a peaceful and secluded spot ideal for primitive camping. While many praise the privacy, cleanliness, and natural beauty, others highlight issues like ticks, navigation challenges, and lack of amenities.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
- "Amazing scenery, almost impossible to find your first time, but that's fine." - "Campsites are far enough apart to feel somewhat private." - "The campground was clean of past campers' refuse." -...
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Common Concerns
- Difficulty in locating the campground: "Drove around for hours trying to find the campsite we paid to stay at." - Navigation issues with GPS: "Do not trust Google maps or Waze." - Lack of...
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Pro Tips & Recommendations
- Bring your own firewood, as it is not sold on-site. - Follow the provided driving instructions and avoid relying on GPS. - Bring mosquito repellent and tick precautions. - Keep food in...
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Seasonal Insights
Users note that the campground is shaded and surrounded by swampland, making mosquito spray a necessity during warm months. Lightning bugs are visible during summer evenings, adding charm to the...
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Camper Quotes
- "This is the real Florida and it’s hard to beat the price." - "One bathroom with toilet at the main entrance is very clean and well supplied." - "I saw wild turkeys, rabbits, turtles, quail, a lot...
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Site-Specific Reviews
User mentions about specific campsites include: - Site 5: Close to the communal toilet. - Site 6: Near the pavilion.
Accessibility Features
No specific reviews about accessibility features are available.
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but must be on a leash. No specific reviews address pet-related experiences.
Last updated August 10, 2025