Camp Paquette Youth Group Camp Blackwater River State Forest
00 review8049 Horseshoe Loop Road , Milton, Florida, 32570, United States
Camp Paquette Youth Group Camp Blackwater River State Forest
$25.00 - $50.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$50.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Group camping fees range from $25 to $50. All sites are reservation-only.
About this campground
Nestled deep within Florida's vast wilderness, Camp Paquette Youth Group Camp offers an authentic outdoor experience where adventure and camaraderie flourish. This hidden gem welcomes groups seeking to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature through primitive camping around a pristine 5-acre lake. The heart of the camp features an inviting open-air pavilion perfect for gatherings, while modern restrooms and showers provide essential comforts. Days here unfold with endless possibilities: cast a line into the mirror-like lake, paddle across its peaceful waters, explore winding forest trails, or simply pause to observe the rich tapestry of bird life that calls this sanctuary home.
Camp Paquette Youth Group Camp is specifically designed for organized group tent camping. The facility offers four group tent sites but does not support RV camping, individual tent camping, or cabin lodging.
Historical SignificanceNull
Weather and SeasonsExperience the gentle rhythm of Florida's inland seasons at Camp Paquette, where cool, crisp winters invite cozy campfire gatherings and comfortable hiking conditions. As spring emerges, the forest awakens with new life before transitioning into warm, humid summers perfect for lake swimming and early morning adventures. Throughout the year, moderate rainfall keeps the landscape lush and vibrant, creating an ever-changing canvas of natural beauty that rewards visitors in every season.
ElevationNull
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Blackwater River State Forest, where Camp Paquette sits like a jewel among towering longleaf pines. The campground's centerpiece 5-acre lake reflects the surrounding forest canopy, creating a tranquil oasis that attracts an abundance of wildlife. Ancient pines whisper overhead while the understory teems with native plants and creatures, from delicate wildflowers to majestic birds of prey. This pristine ecosystem offers visitors a rare glimpse into Florida's original landscape, where every sunrise brings new discoveries and every sunset paints the sky through a cathedral of pine boughs.
Geological RegionCamp Paquette lies within the magnificent Blackwater River State Forest, Florida's largest state forest and a testament to the enduring beauty of the Southeast's longleaf pine-wiregrass ecosystem. This vast wilderness encompasses rolling terrain dotted with crystal-clear lakes and meandering streams, creating a diverse landscape that has captivated naturalists for generations. The ancient sandy soils and unique hydrology of this region support one of the most biologically rich ecosystems in North America, offering campers an authentic glimpse into a landscape that once stretched across millions of acres of the coastal plain.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThere is no explicit mention of accessibility features in the campground's authoritative information or user reviews.
Sites SizeThe sites are designed as group tent camping spaces and accommodate up to 50 people per site.
Sites PrivacyUser reviews and authoritative sources do not provide specific information on the level of privacy at the campsites.
Total Campsites4 campsites
Recommended CampsitesNull
Best CampsitesNull
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
Null
Stay Limit
Null
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to 50 guests per site.
Groups
The campground has four primitive group camping sites. Each campsite accommodates up to 50 people, and the sites are equipped with group fire pits. Water is not available directly at the campsites but can be accessed at the bathhouses.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutFour group tent sites: North 1, North 2, South 1, South 2.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsNull
Walk-in AvailabilitySites are reservation-only; walk-up availability is not permitted.
Cancellation PolicyNull
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Flush toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Camp Paquette Youth Group Camp offers a wide variety of outdoor recreational activities. Visitors can engage in swimming, fishing, canoeing, hiking, bird watching, wildlife viewing, nature study, and photography. The forest is part of the Florida National Scenic Trail and Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, giving it ecological and recreational significance.
Hiking
The campground provides access to trails suitable for hiking. These trails are described as easy and include a loop around the lake, making them family-friendly for activities such as bird watching and nature photography.Fishing
Fishing is allowed outside of the roped-off swimming area in the 5-acre lake adjacent to the campground. Fish species and fishing quality are not explicitly detailed.Swimming
Swimming is permitted in the 5-acre lake next to the campground. There is a swimming dock, and safety guidelines require a certified lifeguard to supervise all swimming activities. Additional adult supervision ratios vary based on swimmer age and proficiency.Boating
Canoeing is allowed in the 5-acre lake but must occur outside the swimming area. Canoes are permitted only when life preservers are worn, as a safety precaution.Wildlife viewing
The campground and surrounding forest provide ample opportunities for bird watching and wildlife viewing. Common activities include nature study and photography.Winter Activities
The campground does not mention specific winter recreation activities, and Florida's climate generally does not support snow-related activities.Water Sports
Water sports are limited to canoeing in the lake. Paddleboarding and other non-motorized boating activities are not explicitly mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Group fire pits available. Campfires permitted at designated fire rings.
- Quiet hours are Null
Hazards
General hazardsDrowning risk in deep water; certified lifeguards required for swimming. Canoeing outside roped swimming area only.
Active alertsNull
Weather forecast
91
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 32%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 5.9 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 (Phone: 8509575700).
Good to know
Peak season datesNull
Trash and recyclingA communal dumpster is available on-site for trash disposal. No details on recycling facilities or schedules are provided.
Proximity to water featuresCampground is adjacent to a 5-acre lake.
Common complaintsNull
HostCamp Host available on-site.
Campground Map
8049 Horseshoe Loop Road , Milton, Florida, 32570, United States
Driving directionsFrom Interstate 10 take Exit 22. Turn on Avalon Boulevard and travel north to Highway 90. Turn right on to Highway 90 and travel to Highway 87 also called Stewart Street at the Burger King restaurant. Turn to the left and travel .8 miles to the Milton High School. At the Milton High School turn to the right on to Highway 191 also called Munson Highway. Continue 19.5 miles until you reach Highway 4. At the stop sign travel across Highway 4 due north for 1 mile to the intersection of Highway 191 and Belandville Highway. Do not turn but continue straight. Travel 5.2 miles north on Belandville Highway to the Camp Paquette sign. Unlock gate with combination provided.
Accessible via paved roads; requires a combination to unlock the gate.Nearby places
Milton (approximately 1 hour northeast of Pensacola, FL).
Nearby supplies
Null
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Camp Paquette Youth Group Camp Blackwater River State Forest has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews praise Camp Paquette Youth Group Camp for providing a great experience for group activities, particularly for youth groups like Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts. The site's spaciousness and natural setting are frequently highlighted.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Users appreciated the well-maintained grounds, the proximity to Blackwater River for canoeing, and the communal fire pits. 'Great camp, our Cub Scouts had a blast!' was a typical sentiment. Multiple...
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Common Concerns
No significant complaints were mentioned in the reviews. However, users did not provide detailed feedback on potential downsides, such as the lack of electrical hookups at group tent sites.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend taking advantage of the hiking trail around the lake and using the fire pits for group activities. Bringing additional water containers for sites without water hookups could also be...
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Seasonal Insights
The site is popular year-round, especially for organized youth group activities. No specific seasonal trends were noted beyond general praise for the site's features.
Camper Quotes
1. 'Great camp, our Cub Scouts had a blast!' - Dage Andrews
2. 'Excellent campground, adequate restroom facilities. Ground is well kept and close to Blackwater River canoeing.' - Mike Stanley
3....
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Site-Specific Reviews
Specific campsites are not differentiated in user reviews. Sites North 1, North 2, South 1, and South 2 are all group tent sites accommodating up to 50 people, but no one site is identified as better...
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Accessibility Features
No reviews specifically address accessibility features.
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are not allowed at this facility, and no user reviews provide further commentary on this policy.
Last updated August 10, 2025