Sea breezes play across the sandy shores of Alligator Point, Florida, interrupted only by the call of sea birds as they spy out their next meal. The point has 8 miles of shore on a peninsula sandwiched between Alligator Harbor -- renowned for its clam fishing -- and the Gulf of Mexico. Although tent camping is not allowed on the point itself, you won't have to drive more than a few miles to find a place to set up your canvas castle.
Holiday Campground lies 11 miles east of Alligator Point along the Coastal Highway. The campground has tent sites as well as 75 full-hookup RV sites. The campground features a fishing pier to get your hook wet in the Gulf of Mexico, as well as a swimming pool that is open from April through October. Enjoy Wi-Fi at your site and campground conveniences that include a laundromat, recreation room, group pavilion and store.
Ochlockonee River State Park has a 30-site campground with water and electric hookups at each site. The sites accommodate tents and RVs, with dense trees and palmettos separating the roomy camping areas. The park has hiking trails, swimming beaches and a ramp to launch your boat, canoe or kayak along a designated Florida paddling trail. Enjoy hot showers and sing around the campfire at the community campfire circle on the side of the river.
Tate's Hell State Forest has dispersed campsites sprinkled throughout the 200,000-acre area. The sites nestle along rivers and creeks with hike-in or boat-in access for a true "away-from-it-all" experience. Put your boat on the water or start your hike at the McIntyre Launch, 4 miles west of Ochlockonee River State Park for access to the three closest campsites -- lying less than 2 miles away. The Womack Creek campsite is first-come, first-served. All other campsites, including Rock Landing and Loop Road campsites near the McIntyre Launch, require reservations and a park camping permit.
Bald Point State Park is home to two tent-camping sites with paddling or hike-in access. Paddle to Bridge Camp or Chaires Creek Campsite just over a mile from the park's boat launch. Bridge Camp has a picnic table, grill and fire ring. Chaires Creek Campsite has a picnic table and sand area for pitching your tent. Both campsites are available at no charge, but call the state park to let the ranger know you intend to use the site.
