Bear Creek Group Camp Lake Talquin State Forest
00 review8125 Pat Thomas Parkway (SR 267), Quincy, Florida, 32351, United States
Bear Creek Group Camp Lake Talquin State Forest
$3.90 - $3.90 / 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$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
There is a fee of $3.90 per person for hiking, paid via QR code at the entrance. No additional fees stated for camping.
About this campground
Deep within the Lake Talquin State Forest awaits Bear Creek Group Camp, a secluded wilderness retreat that beckons adventurous souls seeking an authentic back-to-nature experience. This primitive sanctuary requires a scenic one-mile hike from the trailhead, where the last traces of modern amenities—potable water and restrooms—give way to pure, untamed Florida wilderness. Here, without the hum of electricity or the convenience of running water, campers discover the profound peace that comes from disconnecting completely and immersing themselves in nature's rhythms.
The Bear Creek Group Camp is a hike-in, primitive group camping site within the Bear Creek Tract of Lake Talquin State Forest. It is designed for youth groups or other organizations looking for a secluded, natural setting.
Historical SignificanceLake Talquin carries a name that whispers the story of two cities joined—a marriage of Tallahassee and Quincy that speaks to the interconnected heritage of this region. This naming tradition reflects the area's deeper narrative, where human history has long been woven into the fabric of an exceptionally diverse ecological tapestry. The forest stands as a living testament to Florida's natural heritage, preserving ecosystems that have sheltered and sustained communities for generations.
Weather and SeasonsBear Creek's climate paints a vivid seasonal canvas throughout the year. Crisp, refreshing winters gradually melt into steamy, Southern summers where the air hangs thick with humidity. Spring arrives in a symphony of rainfall and blooming wildflowers, while autumn brings its own dramatic shows with comfortable days punctuated by occasional downpours. Summer visitors should prepare for the region's characteristic mugginess, as those coveted stretches of clear, dry weather become precious gems scattered sparingly throughout the season.
ElevationThe landscape here tells its own story through gentle rises and falls, with elevations shifting up to 100 feet as you traverse the terrain. These rolling contours, characteristic of the Tallahassee Hills region, create a dynamic topography that rewards hikers with varied perspectives and hidden vistas. Each change in elevation reveals new facets of the forest, from sun-dappled ridges to shadowy hollows where morning mist lingers.
Natural Features and SceneryThe campground is surrounded by a rich ecosystem including upland pine forests, temperate hardwoods, and swamp bottomlands. Unique slope and ravine natural communities enhance its natural appeal.
Geological RegionNestled within the Tallahassee Hills physiographic region, Lake Talquin State Forest showcases Florida's remarkable geological diversity in one spectacular setting. This natural wonderland encompasses everything from majestic upland pine forests reaching skyward to mysterious swamp bottomlands where ancient cypress trees wade in dark waters. Pine flatwoods stretch beneath open skies, while sandy hills rise like ancient dunes frozen in time. Temperate hardwood forests complete this ecological mosaic, their canopies creating cathedral-like spaces where filtered sunlight dances on the forest floor.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground is hike-in only, requiring up to a 1-mile walk from the trailhead, which may limit accessibility for campers with mobility challenges.
Sites SizeNo specific site sizes are provided. The description suggests that sites are designed for group camping.
Sites PrivacySites are secluded, as the hike-in requirement ensures a remote and private experience.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesGroups should choose shaded areas closer to trailhead amenities if possible.
Best CampsitesNo individual campsites are described as there are none listed.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
Null
Stay Limit
Campers must pack in all needed supplies, including drinking water. No specific stay limit mentioned.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Youth group camping is available on a hike-in basis.
Groups
This is a youth group camping site requiring a 1-mile hike from the trailhead. No information on the exact number of people or vehicles allowed is provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutHike-in group camping without defined loops or sections; the site is near the trailhead, approximately one mile away.
Open and Closed SeasonNull
Reservation PlatformsReservations and payments are processed online via QR code systems.
Walk-in AvailabilityCamping is first-come, first-serve.
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
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Activities you can enjoy
The Bear Creek Group Camp in Lake Talquin State Forest offers a variety of activities centered around outdoor recreation and education. Key activities include hiking, bird watching, wildlife viewing, and photography. The Living Forest Trail features an audio-enhanced experience where trees 'tell their own stories,' and the area is part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail.
Hiking
The Bear Creek Tract features over 5 miles of hiking trails, including the Ravine Trail (2.5 miles round trip from the parking lot, as indicated by a user review) and the Living Forest Trail with educational audio features. Trails are described as well-maintained and offering benches and observation decks.Fishing
Fishing opportunities are available in nearby Lake Talquin, accessible by boat or from public fishing piers. A valid fishing license is required.Biking
Off-road bicyclists can enjoy open roads in the forest. However, biking is not allowed on designated hiking, nature, or equestrian trails.Boating
Lake Talquin allows canoeing, kayaking, and power boating. Several public boat ramps are available.Wildlife viewing
The Bear Creek Tract is part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, providing bird-watching opportunities and chances to observe diverse wildlife species.Cultural and Educational Programs
The Bear Creek Educational Forest offers interpretive programs and an audio-enhanced Living Forest Trail, where trees narrate stories about the ecosystem.Winter Activities
No winter-specific activities are noted.Water Sports
Canoeing and kayaking are supported on Lake Talquin.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- A fire ring is available at the campsite; fire safety rules are implied but not explicitly stated.
- Quiet hours are Null
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include yellow jacket nests, as mentioned in reviews. Wildlife encounters typical in forested areas are also possible.
Active alertsNo active alerts stated.
Weather forecast
85
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 48%
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
Emergency services are accessible in Tallahassee (27 miles), including hospitals and police stations. No explicit mention of ranger station proximity for emergencies.
Good to know
Peak season datesNull
Trash and recyclingNo on-site trash or recycling facilities are mentioned. Campers need to pack out all trash.
Proximity to water featuresThe tract is near Lake Talquin and the Ochlockonee River, offering fishing opportunities and scenic water views.
Common complaintsUser reviews highlight sketchy phone service at the fee payment portal and challenges for elderly individuals due to trail difficulty.
HostNo campground host information provided.
Campground Map
8125 Pat Thomas Parkway (SR 267), Quincy, Florida, 32351, United States
Driving directionsFrom I-10 take exit 181 (Fl. Rd. 267). Continue on 267 south 4.6 miles to the entrance of Lake Talquin State Forest's Bear Creek Education Center. Parking lot GPS coordinates: 30°28'37.94"N, 84°37'32.52"W.
The campground is located near major roads, accessible via paved roads, with no seasonal closures or significant terrain challenges mentioned.Nearby places
Tallahassee (27 miles), Quincy (approx. 7 miles)
Nearby supplies
Supplies may be available in nearby towns like Quincy (approx. 7 miles) and Tallahassee (27 miles). Specific details about fuel, grocery, and camping supply locations are not provided.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Bear Creek Group Camp Lake Talquin State Forest has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, user reviews highlight the well-maintained trails, natural beauty, and educational features of the campground. However, challenges include limited cell service and the need to pack in supplies.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Users praised the well-maintained trails, benches, observation decks, and the Living Forest Trail's educational features. The Ravine Trail was noted as 'just challenging enough' for older hikers.
Common Concerns
Key issues include sketchy cell service at the trailhead, difficulty paying the entrance fee online, and the need to pack in all supplies due to the lack of on-site amenities.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring cash as cell service may be unreliable for paying entrance fees. Watch out for yellow jacket nests on trails, as noted by one user. Older hikers appreciated the Ravine Trail for being...
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Seasonal Insights
Reviews did not specify seasonal differences, but the natural setting and outdoor activities seem to be enjoyable year-round.
Camper Quotes
"Loved the hike, am older and struggling with hip issues. This was just enough 'challenging.'" – Cindy Svec. 'Has a living trail portion that tells about some of the trees & plants found in the area....
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Site-Specific Reviews
No specific campsites are reviewed, as the campground is a group camping area with no individual site listings.
Accessibility Features
No specific reviews address accessibility features. The hike-in requirement may be challenging for individuals with mobility issues.
Pet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically mention policies or experiences related to pets.
Last updated August 10, 2025