Matanzas State Forest Cedar Creek Campground
00 review1074 Eagles Nest Road St. Augustine, FL 32086
Matanzas State Forest Cedar Creek Campground
$9.00 - $9.00 / 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
The fee for camping is $9 plus tax per night, according to user reviews. Online reservations are required to receive the gate combination code.
About this campground
Escape into the wild heart of Florida at this secluded primitive campground nestled within Matanzas State Forest. Four intimate tent-only sites await adventurous souls, each thoughtfully equipped with a picnic table, fire ring, and grill for authentic outdoor living. A shared pitcher pump provides non-potable water for basic needs, while a communal portalet offers necessary facilities. Access to this hidden gem requires a combination code at the gate, ensuring a peaceful retreat for those who venture here.
Matanzas State Forest Cedar Creek Campground is a primitive site catering primarily to tent campers. Small RVs and pop-up campers are also permitted.
Historical SignificanceCamp in the shadows of centuries of history, with the ancient city of St. Augustine and the storied Fort Matanzas National Monument just a short drive away. This region has witnessed the convergence of Native American, Spanish, and early American cultures, adding layers of historical intrigue to your outdoor adventure.
Weather and SeasonsExperience Florida's diverse climate throughout the year, with temperatures ranging from crisp 54°F mornings to warm 88°F afternoons. The atmosphere shifts from pleasantly dry conditions to sultry, humid days that embody the essence of the subtropical wilderness. Summer brings dramatic afternoon thunderstorms that refresh the forest, while October offers a sweet spot with minimal bug activity and comfortable camping conditions.
ElevationThe campground rests at the gentle elevations typical of coastal Florida, where subtle changes in the landscape create diverse ecosystems.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a verdant paradise where towering palms sway overhead and dense subtropical vegetation creates natural privacy screens between campsites. This thriving ecosystem supports an impressive array of wildlife – early risers might glimpse the resident black bear that has been spotted wandering through camp in the pre-dawn hours. The forest floor rustles with activity, and watchful campers should remain alert for native snakes that call this wilderness home.
Geological RegionSet within the expansive 4,699-acre Matanzas State Forest, your campsite becomes a gateway to explore pristine woodlands and vital wetland ecosystems. This protected landscape forms part of the prestigious Guana-Tolomato-Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve, where ancient salt marshes filter coastal waters and provide crucial habitat for countless species in one of Florida's most ecologically significant regions.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground does not appear to have specific features for accessibility, and some user reviews suggest uneven terrain and challenging access in certain weather conditions.
Sites SizeCampsites have a maximum equipment length of 15 feet and can accommodate up to 8 people.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy varies significantly among the sites. According to user reviews, Site #4 offers the most privacy, while Sites #1 through #3 are less secluded.
Total Campsites4 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite #4 is recommended for its privacy. Site #2 features space for hammocks but is visible to Site #3. Site #1 is at the very back of the park offering quietness. "Campsites in order of privacy from best to worst: 4, 1, 2, 3."
Best CampsitesSite #4 is consistently rated as the best for privacy.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Not explicitly stated.
Check-out
Not explicitly stated.
Stay Limit
Not explicitly mentioned.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 8 guests per site.
Groups
Group camping is not facilitated at this campground.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutFour tent-only sites arranged with varying levels of privacy. Sites #1-3 are closer together, while Site #4 is more isolated.
Open and Closed SeasonNo seasonal closures mentioned; presumed open year-round.
Reservation PlatformsReservations must be made online through Reserve America.
Walk-in AvailabilityNot available as online reservations and gate codes are mandatory for access.
Cancellation PolicyNot explicitly stated.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Activities you can enjoy
The campground and surrounding Matanzas State Forest offer a range of outdoor activities. These include hiking, biking, horseback riding, hunting, bird watching, wildlife viewing, photography, and picnicking.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities are available within the Matanzas State Forest. Specific trail lengths and difficulty levels are not detailed in the source.Fishing
Fishing is listed as an activity, though specific details about locations, fish species, or regulations are not provided.Biking
Biking is allowed on forest roads, but detailed information about trail conditions is not provided.Wildlife viewing
The Matanzas State Forest is part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, offering opportunities to observe songbirds, wading marsh birds, bald eagles, deer, otters, and gopher tortoises.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are mentioned.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not facilitated by the campground, and no kayak or boat launch was identified by reviewers.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires allowed within designated fire rings. Firewood must be locally sourced to prevent forest infestations.
- Quiet hours are Not explicitly stated.
Hazards
General hazardsBears and snakes have been sighted. Tick infestations are significant according to one review: "I pulled over 100 ticks off of me in one night." Non-potable water may have an odor: "The pump water station stunk like diesel."
Active alertsNo active alerts mentioned.
Weather forecast
82
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Thunderstorm
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 81%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 4.5 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Thunderstorm
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
Closest emergency services include the Ranger Station (phone: 3863845256) and medical/hospital facilities in St. Augustine.
Good to know
Peak season datesNot explicitly mentioned.
Trash and recyclingThere are no trash or recycling facilities; campers are required to pack out their own waste.
Proximity to water featuresA slow swampy creek is located behind campsite #2.
Common complaintsTick infestations, noisy neighbors, lack of privacy at certain sites, and unpleasant water quality. "Main negative drawback of this campground is that your rest, relaxation, and sleep quality is 100% based on who your neighbors are."
HostNo campground hosts mentioned.
Campground Map
1074 Eagles Nest Road St. Augustine, FL 32086
Driving directionsFrom U.S. Hwy 1, drive 1.4 miles East on Double Gate Road. Turn right and drive South on Longleaf Road for 0.5 miles. Turn left and drive East on Eagles Nest Road for 1.1 miles until arriving at Cedar Creek Campground.
The road is described as long, dusty, and bumpy by user reviews. Heavy rain may make the entrance difficult to navigate, especially for low-clearance vehicles. "You definitely don't want to try to make it to these campsites in a low-slung car if it's been raining."Nearby places
St. Augustine is approximately 25 minutes away.
Nearby supplies
Publix grocery store is approximately 7 miles away and offers firewood. A nearby gas station and Smokin D's BBQ restaurant also come highly recommended in user reviews: "There's a great gas station nearby (they don't sell firewood) and AWESOME BBQ restaurant right next to it called Smokin D's BBQ."
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Matanzas State Forest Cedar Creek Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the primitive nature of the campground, its peaceful and secluded setting, and its suitability for self-sufficient campers. Common concerns include the lack of potable water, the condition of the portalet, and the presence of ticks.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Reviewers appreciated the quiet and natural environment, the seclusion of Site #4, and the variety of wildlife. One reviewer noted, 'Late at night or early AM I could hear the ocean faintly to the...
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Common Concerns
Complaints focused on the lack of potable water, poor maintenance of the portalet, proximity of some campsites compromising privacy, and the need to deal with ticks. One reviewer stated, 'I pulled...
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Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing all necessary supplies, including potable water, as on-site water is non-drinkable. Pack out all trash, bring tick repellent, and avoid visiting in a low-slung car during...
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Seasonal Insights
Most positive reviews come from visits in cooler months like October and winter, when bugs are minimal. Rainy seasons can make the access roads challenging.
Camper Quotes
1. 'The main negative drawback of this campground is that your rest, relaxation, and sleep quality is 100% based on who your neighbors are.' 2. 'There’s a pump water station that is for NON drinking...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Site #4 is the most praised for its privacy. Sites #1 through #3 are noted to have less privacy and are closer together. Site #2 was described as 'really big but totally visible to campsite #3.'
Accessibility Features
No specific accessibility reviews were provided, though terrain challenges and weather-dependent access were noted.
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, and there are no specific complaints or praises regarding pet policies or pet-friendliness.
Last updated August 10, 2025