Hurricane Lake South Campground Blackwater River State Forest
00 review11650 Munson Highway, Milton, Florida, 32570, United States
Hurricane Lake South Campground Blackwater River State Forest
$2.00 - $2.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$2.00
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
The Florida parks system operates an honor system with a day pass fee of $2 per day or $44 annually.
About this campground
Escape to Hurricane Lake South Campground, where 318 acres of pristine fishing waters meet the untamed beauty of Blackwater River State Forest. This peaceful primitive campground invites you to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with nature's rhythm. While the sites embrace simplicity, essential comforts await—fresh drinking water, clean restrooms, and a convenient dump station ensure your stay is worry-free. Launch your boat at dawn to chase bass and bream, or spend golden afternoons capturing photographs of soaring bald eagles and sunbathing alligators. Whether you're an avid angler, dedicated birder, or simply seeking solitude beneath ancient pines, Hurricane Lake South offers an authentic Florida wilderness experience.
Hurricane Lake South Campground offers primitive camping in a natural setting, suitable for tent camping. No RV amenities such as electrical, water, or sewer hookups are provided.
Historical SignificanceStep into one of Earth's most remarkable ecosystems at Hurricane Lake South, where you'll camp within the world's largest contiguous longleaf pine-wiregrass forest. This isn't just any woodland—it's a living museum of ecological history that once stretched across 90 million acres of the Southeast. Today, Blackwater River State Forest stands as a crucial sanctuary for this vanishing landscape, protecting ancient trees that have weathered centuries and sheltering species found nowhere else. As you explore, you're walking through a restoration success story, where dedicated conservation efforts have preserved this irreplaceable natural heritage for future generations.
Weather and SeasonsExperience Florida's inviting climate year-round at Hurricane Lake South, where each season paints the landscape in different hues. Winter brings crisp, comfortable days averaging 60°F—perfect for hiking without breaking a sweat and enjoying campfire evenings. As spring unfolds, wildflowers dot the pine forest floor while temperatures climb pleasantly. Summer transforms the campground into a sun-drenched paradise with temperatures soaring above 85°F, ideal for early morning fishing expeditions and lazy afternoons by the water. Afternoon thunderstorms occasionally roll through, bringing dramatic skies and refreshing rain that nourishes the verdant forest. Pack layers for cool winter nights and rain gear for summer's theatrical downpours.
ElevationThe campground rests on Florida's characteristic gentle terrain, where subtle changes in elevation create diverse microhabitats throughout the surrounding forest and lakefront areas.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape where towering longleaf pines stretch skyward like nature's cathedral, their needle-carpeted floor creating a soft cushion beneath your feet. Hurricane Lake sparkles at the heart of this wilderness tableau, its dark waters reflecting clouds by day and stars by night. The surrounding wiregrass prairie sways in the breeze, creating golden waves that stretch to the forest edge. Keep your camera ready—prehistoric alligators patrol the shoreline while majestic bald eagles circle overhead, their white heads gleaming against the blue sky. Morning mist often blankets the lake, creating ethereal scenes as the sun rises through the pines, while evening brings a symphony of frogs and the haunting call of barred owls.
Geological RegionHurricane Lake South Campground sits within the magnificent expanse of Blackwater River State Forest, Florida's largest state forest encompassing over 210,000 acres of pristine wilderness. This vast tapestry of woodlands, crystalline lakes, and meandering streams represents the crown jewel of the longleaf pine-wiregrass ecosystem—the planet's largest remaining contiguous example of this rare habitat. The forest's sandy soils, carved by ancient seas and shaped by centuries of natural fire cycles, support a unique community of plants and animals adapted to this specific environment. From your campsite, you have direct access to explore this geological and ecological wonderland, where every trail leads deeper into one of North America's most biodiverse and historically significant landscapes.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features were mentioned in the authoritative sources or user reviews.
Sites SizeCampsites can accommodate equipment lengths from 25 to 50 feet.
Sites PrivacyThe sites are well-spaced, offering a degree of privacy. One user mentioned, "The sites are well spaced out," while another noted that some sites are sloped.
Total Campsites18 campsites
Recommended CampsitesFor astrophotography, use the strip of land extending into the lake for optimal night sky visibility. Reviewers also recommend reserving in advance due to limited space.
Best CampsitesUser reviews highlight site 10 for its slightly sloped terrain and other general mentions of spacious sites.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Null
Guests Allowed Per Site
Sites permit up to 8 guests.
Groups
No designated group camping sites are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutFeatures primitive sites, spaciously laid out across the campground.
Open and Closed SeasonThe campground does not list specific open or closed seasons.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can likely be made via Florida's parks system website, though specific platforms are not mentioned.
Walk-in AvailabilityVisitor reviews suggest limited spaces and reservations are recommended to ensure availability.
Cancellation PolicyThe reservation cancellation rules are not stated.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Dump station
Flush toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers a range of nature-based recreational activities, including fishing, boating, bird watching, wildlife viewing, hiking, and photography. The lake, while unsuitable for swimming, is a focal point for water-based activities such as boating and fishing.
Hiking
Hiking trails are available and described by one reviewer as 'fun.' The trails are also part of the Florida National Scenic Trail and the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail.Fishing
Fishing is permitted in the 318-acre Hurricane Lake, which features a fish cleaning station. However, one user noted, "I didn't catch a thing fishing from it."Boating
Boating is supported with a boat ramp connected to the lake. No additional details about boat types or docking facilities were provided.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing opportunities are abundant, with visitors frequently spotting alligators and bald eagles. One user highlighted, "The wildlife is amazing and abundant. Every time we go, we see Gators and Bald Eagles."Winter Activities
No information is provided about winter recreation options.Water Sports
The lake supports boating, but swimming and other water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding are not mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed, with each site featuring a fire pit.
- Quiet hours are not specified.
Hazards
General hazardsAlligators are present in Hurricane Lake. Reviewers also note limited cell service, which could be a safety concern.
Active alertsNo current warnings or advisories mentioned.
Weather forecast
90
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 36%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 5.1 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
The closest ranger station is likely in Blackwater River State Forest (contact phone: 8509575700). Specific emergency services like hospitals or police stations are not listed.
Good to know
Peak season datesDates for peak season pricing periods not mentioned.
Trash and recyclingNo detailed information was provided about trash and recycling facilities, apart from the presence of a public parking/water access area.
Proximity to water featuresCampground is situated next to Hurricane Lake, a 318-acre fishing lake.
Common complaintsNegative feedback focused on the camp host, who some reviewers described as rude and overbearing. Other complaints include sloped campsites and limited cell service.
HostMixed reviews about the camp host: some users describe them as helpful and kind, while others report negative experiences involving harassment and frequent site checks.
Campground Map
11650 Munson Highway, Milton, Florida, 32570, United States
Driving directionsFrom Interstate 10 take Exit 22. Turn north on Avalon Boulevard and travel to Highway 90. Turn right at Highway 90 and travel to Highway 87 also called Stewart Street at the Burger King restaurant. Turn left. Travel .8 miles to the Milton High School. Turn to the right onto Highway 191 also called Munson Highway. Continue 19.5 miles until you reach Highway 4. Turn to the right onto Highway 4 and travel 2.7 miles to a Hurricane Lake sign and turn to the left. Continue north on this road 5.6 miles until you see the South Hurricane Lake sign. Turn right and follow Kennedy Bridge Road 2.4 miles to the entrance road of the campground.
The campground is accessible by paved roads, but remote. Directions suggest navigating several highways and smaller roads, including Kennedy Bridge Road which leads to the entrance. Seasonal closures are not mentioned.Nearby places
Milton (approximately 23 miles), Pensacola (approximately 1 hour drive).
Nearby supplies
The campground is relatively remote, but nearby attractions mentioned include Blackwater Canoe Rental and Bob's Canoes. These may offer some supplies, though specifics are unavailable.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Hurricane Lake South Campground Blackwater River State Forest has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's natural beauty, clean restrooms, and opportunities to disconnect from technology due to the lack of cell service. However, experiences with camp hosts vary significantly, with some users praising their helpfulness while others describe them as rude and intrusive.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Users appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms, the natural beauty of the campground, and its quiet, secluded atmosphere. "The campground is beautiful, well kept," and "The sunrise and sunset...
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Common Concerns
Negative feedback centers around the behavior of some camp hosts, described as 'rude' and 'harassing.' Additionally, some sites are noted to be sloped, and the dock is described as small. "The camp...
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Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring all necessary supplies as no camp store is mentioned. Prepare to unplug due to a lack of cell service. If fishing, consider other spots since one user had no success.
Seasonal Insights
Winter and early spring appear to be the most popular seasons based on reviews, likely due to cooler temperatures and opportunities for bird and wildlife viewing.
Camper Quotes
"This is my reset. There is no cell service, so prepare to unplug." "The hiking trails are fun and the lake is fun to fish." "There is very little cell signal." "The wildlife is amazing and abundant....
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Site-Specific Reviews
Site 10 was described as 'slightly sloped' but located in a great campground. No other specific site details were provided.
Accessibility Features
No reviews explicitly address accessibility features or experiences for individuals with disabilities.
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, and user reviews do not mention any specific issues or highlights related to bringing pets.
Last updated August 10, 2025