A family of three enjoys primitive camping alongside the Suwannee River in Suwannee County, Florida — a popular destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
It’s officially summer, and the longer days are perfect for camping. Whether you want to pitch a tent or stay in an RV, embrace the wilderness, or prefer waterside scenery, grab some s’mores and your hiking shoes because Suwannee County has something for every kind of camper.
Discover the Best Camping in Northern Florida
Whether you want to fully embrace nature with primitive camping at Suwannee River State Park — exploring mapped trails, birding, fishing, and building a campfire — or you’re looking for something more elevated like a cabin with an onsite restaurant, a swimming pool, and a country store at the Suwannee Music Park & Campground, there’s a spot for every level of camper.
Suwannee County Camping Map
Along the Suwannee River or inland, use this map as your guide on which campground to choose beyond our suggestions below.
Suwannee County Campgrounds
Among the camping options available in the county, there are four main ones to consider, depending on the amenities and features you’re looking for and the type of camping experience you have in mind. It’s also important to consider when you want to camp, as some locations, like Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park and the surrounding parks, will quickly fill up during popular festivals like Hulaween or Suwannee Spring Reunion. If you’re looking for a quieter adventure, it’s best to check the event calendar before making a reservation — which should be made no matter where you stay to ensure you get a spot.
Suwannee River State Park
State parks are dedicated to preserving Florida’s beautiful wildlife, making them perfect for those who want to be one with nature. Camping at a state park like Suwannee River State Park is ideal for this experience. The campground features 30 oak-shaded RV sites equipped with electricity, water, sewer, a picnic table, and a fire ring, with three of these campsites being ADA-accessible. It’s important to note that the maximum RV length allowed here is 45 feet.
For those interested in primitive camping, Lime Sink Run has 25 sites and offers restrooms and showers, picnic tables, a fire ring, water, and electricity.
Along the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail are five riverside cabins, each accommodating up to four people. These spacious two-bedroom cabins have heating and cooling, an electric fireplace, a screened porch, a kitchen, and a bathroom with towels. They are fully equipped with linens and kitchen utensils, offering a more glamping-like experience.
Wherever you choose to sleep, the park provides numerous opportunities for activities such as:
- Bicycling
- Fishing
- Playing on the playground
- Birding
- Boating
- Hiking
- Paddling
- Picnicking
Rustic Oaks RV Park
Located in O’Brien, Rustic Oaks RV Park is a smaller, more intimate campground with just 14 pull-through sites, each equipped with 15/30/50 amp electric, water, sewer, and Wi-Fi. Each site also includes a picnic table and a fire ring. While there are no cabins, tenting options, public restrooms, or bathhouses, this family-owned and operated park offers the convenience of being just two miles from the south entrance of Ichetucknee Springs State Park. It’s also a short drive to nearby restaurants and the Branford Farm Stand, which hosts seasonal events like flower fields, pumpkin patches, and mouthwatering milkshakes.
Camp Suwannee
For larger groups, Camp Suwannee offers an ideal setup. Located on the corner of the Advent Christian Village campus, this handicap-accessible campground is designed to accommodate both large and small groups, with a maximum capacity of 160 people. Accommodations include five air-conditioned lodges and cabins, a dining room with a large kitchen, an all-purpose building, and a large fire pit gathering area.
Camp Suwannee offers a diverse range of amenities, including:
- Access to the Suwannee River
- Access to an outdoor swimming pool, ball courts, and fields
- Adjacent primitive tenting sites
- Canoeing, kayaking, and seasonal tubing (guides available)
- Wi-Fi
- Provided meals
This makes it a perfect destination for groups seeking both comfort and adventure.
Spirit of Suwannee Music Park
Situated on 800 sprawling acres, Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park and Campground offers spacious accommodations for tenting, cabin and treehouse rentals, and RV spaces. Not only is Spirit of the Suwannee the largest campground on our list, but it also boasts the most amenities, including:
- The SOSMP Country Store
- An on-site bat house
- Bicycling
- The Boatright Barn Museum
- A bird sanctuary
- A rental shop for canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards
- Disc-golf course
- Fishing
- Game room
- Geocaching
- Golf cart rentals
- Hiking trails
- Horse trails
- The SOS Café & Restaurant
- Swimming
With its extensive facilities and activities, Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park and Campground provides a comprehensive and enjoyable camping experience for all visitors.
Suwannee County Camping FAQs
Before embarking on your next Suwannee County camping adventure, consider these tips and tricks beyond making early reservations — especially during popular events and peak seasons.
Is there anywhere to camp for free in Suwannee County?
There isn’t any camping available in Suwannee County that’s completely free, as even the state parks require an admission fee. However, some options are certainly cheaper depending on whether you choose to tent, RV, or stay in a cabin and the number of amenities available at the park. For these reasons, it’s best to view the cost on a sliding scale.
What are some unique things to do in Suwannee County?
Camping is all about connecting with nature and enjoying the great outdoors, and Suwannee County offers many natural wonders to take advantage of. From state parks to pristine springs, and beautiful public gardens like Heritage Park and Gardens, to kayaking along the famed river, there’s something for everyone. Plus, the county’s close proximity to restaurants and retailers ensures you can easily get a taste of the real world when needed.
When is the best time of year to visit Suwannee County?
Being in Florida, camping is available year-round. Summers make diving into the springs or dipping your toes in the river all the more refreshing, but unlike northern campgrounds, you don’t have to worry about parks closing up for the winter, as every season in Suwannee County is camping season.
What wildlife viewing opportunities are there in Suwannee County?
The wildlife you encounter depends on where you stay. Camping near our rivers means lots of turtles and wading birds while staying deeper in the woods introduces bats, raccoons, and deer. Wherever you’re camping, remember you’re in a wild critter’s home, so be sure to pick up after yourself and secure and properly dispose of trash.
Written by Hayli Zuccola
Hayli Zuccola has been a freelance writer for the last eight years for both digital and print publications across north central Florida. She enjoys traveling, finding the best food spots and spending time with her pets. You can find her latest adventures on Instagram @hayztravels.