There’s plenty to do in Florida’s Panhandle Apalachicola National Forest. You can explore caverns and sinkholes in the Leon Sinks area or take a drive along the Apalachicola Savannahs Scenic Byway with its sub-tropical grasslands. The highest diversity of freshwater fish in Florida is in the Apalachicola River. There are also fantastic places to go hiking at this 632,890-acre national forest created in 1932. While this park’s main headquarters is in Tallahassee, staff maintain offices in Bristol and Crawfordville as well.
Camping in Apalachicola National Forest
Traveling in an RV is a fantastic way to explore Apalachicola National Forest. Since there are two distinct areas, an RV allows you to make the most of your time at this incredible destination and to travel between the two spots. If you do not have an RV, it is easy to rent one on RVshare.com as all different sizes and styles are readily available.
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Hickory Landing Campground
Especially if you want to spend some time on the Apalachicola River, the 10-site Hickory Landing Campground may be perfect for you. All sites at this campground, where rates start at $13 per night, are located under tall cypress trees. You can easily launch a boat from the Hickory Landing boat ramp at this campground near Sumatra, Florida.
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Mack Landing Campground
Many hunters choose to stay at the Mack Landing Campground during the winter. This campground, where rates start at about $15, is on a bluff overlooking the Ochlockonee River. A concrete boat ramp makes launching your boat easy.
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Wright Lake Campground
Quiet 18-site Wright Lake Campground sits on Wright Lake’s shores, and you can go swimming, fishing, and boating on the lake. This campground’s white-sand beach is also the perfect place to relax. A campground host lives at this site year-round.
How to get to Apalachicola National Forest
Address: 11152 Northwest State Route 20 Bristol, Florida 32321
Fee: Entry fees range $0- $75.0
Fee: Entry fee per vehicle for Silver Lake Recreation Area, Camel Lake and Leon Sinks Geological Area $5.0
Fee: Annual Pass $50.0
Fee: Three days of off-road trail use (per person) $10.0
Fee: Annual pass for off-road trail use (per person) $75.0
Congress created Apalachicola National Forest in 1932. A great way to see this forest is by driving along the scenic byway running through it. You can also explore numerous parts of it by hiking along the Florida National Scenic Trail. There are many different things to do at this location, including hiking, biking, swimming and fishing. Officials have divided this national forest into two large districts, headquartered in Bristol and Crawfordville. Bring your RV or rent one so that you can easily explore the many areas of this national forest.
Frequently Asked Questions About Apalachicola National Forest
Can you kayak, canoe, or raft in Apalachicola National Forest?
Yes, you can kayak and canoe in the Apalachicola National Forest. The forest has nearly 3,000 acres of water with plenty of streams, lakes, and rivers.
What type of wildlife lives in Apalachicola National Forest?
Wildlife in the Apalachicola National Forest includes alligators, black bears, white-tailed deer, armadillos, tortoises, and turtles. There is also a variety of fish, reptiles, and birds that live in the forest.
Is there a fee to get into Apalachicola National Forest?
No, there is no fee to get into Apalachicola National Forest. There may be fees or permits required for certain activities within the forest boundaries, like camping or using day-use areas.
What is the closest town to Apalachicola National Forest?
Tallahassee is near the Apalachicola National Forest, and is Florida's capital city. There are plenty of places to eat, sleep, and stock up on camping supplies in town and there are lots of things to do for fun in Tallahassee as well.
Is Apalachicola National Forest open all year round?
Apalachicola National Forest is open year-round. The mild Florida weather means the forest is a great spot for hiking and camping, even in winter months.
