Cary State Forest Campground

4.38

61 reviews

7465 Pavilion Dr, Bryceville, Florida, 32009, United States

Quick Facts

85 ft

Price

$30.8 - $32/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

7 campsites

Season

null

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Florida Forest Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

85 ft

Price

$30.8 - $32/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

7 campsites

Season

null

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Florida Forest Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Cary State Forest Campground

$30.80 - $32.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The approximate cost for campsites is $30.80 to $32 per night, including taxes and reservation fees. Specific fees may vary depending on amenities...

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$32.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider

904-266-8398null

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What Campers Say

4.38

Recommended

Based on 61 reviews

261 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanshowersrestroomsstaff

Some mention

noisetrain

"Reviews are overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the campground's spacious layout, privacy, cleanliness, and well-kept facilities. It is praised for its peaceful environment and suitability for a quiet retreat. Some criticisms include mosquito prevalence and proximity to highway and train noise."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

7465 Pavilion Dr, Bryceville, Florida, 32009, United States

Cary State Forest Campground

7465 Pavilion Dr, Bryceville, Florida, 32009, United States

Driving directionsFrom I-10 take exit 343 toward Baldwin. Turn left onto US 301 N for 1.1 mi. Turn right onto W Beaver St/Lake City Rd for 0.7 mi. Turn Left onto US 301 N 7.7 mi. Turn right onto Pavilion Rd for 0.3 miles to campground entrance. From I-95 take exit 373 toward Callahan. Head west on FL-200/Florida A1A for 12 mi. Continue straight onto US 301 S for 11 miles. Turn left onto Pavilion Rd for 0.3 mi to Campground entrance.

Good accessibility from major roads, including I-10 and I-95. The roads are paved and the directions are clear. There are no mentions of seasonal closures or challenging terrain in provided sources.

Nearby places

Bryceville (5 minutes), Jacksonville, FL (approximately 25 miles), Fernandina Beach, FL (approximately 40 miles), Folkston, GA (approximately 50 miles)

Nearby supplies

null

Best Time to Camp at Cary State Forest Campground

Experience Cary State Forest's distinct seasonal personalities throughout the year. Spring awakens the forest with fresh growth, though early season campers should pack insect repellent for occasional bug encounters. Summer brings warm, humid days perfect for exploring shaded trails, punctuated by refreshing afternoon thunderstorms that fill the air with the scent of rain-washed pine. As autumn arrives, cooler temperatures and lower humidity create ideal camping conditions, while winter offers crisp, dry weather that transforms the forest into a serene retreat. Trail enthusiasts should note that heavy rains can occasionally create muddy conditions or temporary flooding along pathways.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

2.5 / 5

Summer sees higher mosquito activity and humid conditions; reviewers note bugs.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall noted for pleasant weather and minimal bugs—recommended season by reviewers.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring 'awakens the forest'; March visits reported minimal bugs and great privacy.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.5 / 5

Winter brings cooler, quieter camping; mild Florida winters make it pleasant.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: null
Current Alerts: null

About Cary State Forest Campground

Nestled within towering pines, Cary State Forest Campground invites you to disconnect and unwind at one of its seven thoughtfully designed campsites. Each spacious site comes fully equipped with modern amenities including concrete pads, 50 AMP electrical hookups, fresh water access, and dedicated tent areas. Gather around stone fire rings under starlit skies, prepare meals at your personal grill and picnic table, or simply relax on provided benches while soaking in the forest's peaceful ambiance. Known for its exceptional cleanliness and privacy-first layout, this hidden gem offers the perfect balance of comfort and wilderness escape.

The Cary State Forest Campground accommodates RVs, tent camping, and group camping. Sites are spacious and equipped with modern amenities, but there are no glamping or luxury options.

Historical SignificanceCary State Forest serves as a vital sanctuary for Florida's rare and remarkable wildlife, playing a crucial role in protecting endangered and threatened species. This living landscape represents generations of conservation efforts, where visitors can witness firsthand the importance of preserving natural habitats for future generations.

Weather and SeasonsExperience Cary State Forest's distinct seasonal personalities throughout the year. Spring awakens the forest with fresh growth, though early season campers should pack insect repellent for occasional bug encounters. Summer brings warm, humid days perfect for exploring shaded trails, punctuated by refreshing afternoon thunderstorms that fill the air with the scent of rain-washed pine. As autumn arrives, cooler temperatures and lower humidity create ideal camping conditions, while winter offers crisp, dry weather that transforms the forest into a serene retreat. Trail enthusiasts should note that heavy rains can occasionally create muddy conditions or temporary flooding along pathways.

Elevationnull

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a pristine pine forest ecosystem where nature's drama unfolds daily. Watch for white-tailed deer grazing at dawn, clever raccoons foraging at dusk, and a symphony of native birds filling the canopy with song. Beyond the campground, discover a mosaic of wetland wonders including mysterious swamps and ancient cypress domes draped in Spanish moss. These diverse habitats create an ever-changing tapestry of natural beauty, from mirror-like waters reflecting towering trees to sun-dappled forest floors carpeted in pine needles.

Geological RegionSpanning an impressive 13,000 acres, Cary State Forest encompasses a remarkable diversity of Florida ecosystems. This vast wilderness preserve weaves together expansive woodlands, pristine swamps, and majestic cypress domes to create a complex habitat supporting an extraordinary array of wildlife and plant species. Home to both common forest dwellers and rare endangered species, this protected landscape offers visitors a glimpse into Florida's wild heart, where ancient ecosystems continue to thrive in their natural state.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Null

Check-out

Null

Stay Limit

Based on reviews and authoritative sources, no official maximum limit for nights was stated.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Null

Groups

Group campsites are available and suitable for scout troops and large gatherings. Amenities include a fire pit, picnic tables, and grills. The group site is located a moderate walk from the restroom facilities.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSeven campsites are spread far apart (approximately 75–100 yards between sites).

Reservation PlatformsReservations required and can be made online or through onsite 'Iron Ranger' payment system.

Walk-in AvailabilityReservations are required for all sites, based on user reviews and authoritative descriptions.

Cancellation Policynull

AccessibilityThe campground appears to be accessible based on reviews describing the level concrete pads and spacious sites, but no specific mention of ADA-compliance.

Site SizeSites are described as huge and well-spaced, with measurements for concrete platforms being 24 x 36 feet.

PrivacyUsers consistently mention high levels of privacy, with distances of 60 to 200 feet between sites noted.

Total Campsites7 campsites

Recommended SitesSites 5 and 6 are noted for their distance from the bathhouse (¾ mile walk) but offer the same amenities as other sites.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Cary State Forest Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, horseback riding, wildlife viewing, birding, and nature photography. Observing deer and other wildlife is a highlight for many campers. The trails are described as a mix of natural paths and gravel forest roads.

HikingHiking trails vary in difficulty. Trails include under two-mile nature paths with wooden boardwalks and longer gravel forest roads. Some trails may contain unmaintained grass roads.

BikingBiking is mentioned as an enjoyable activity by users. Electric bikes are permitted, and the spacious layout of the campground allows for easy riding.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a popular activity, with deer and bird species frequently spotted. One user noted a herd of eight deer during their stay.

Cultural and Educational ProgramsThe educational pavilion provides opportunities for day-use educational activities, but specific programs are not detailed.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include mosquitoes, midges, and occasional flooding on trails. Wildlife like alligators and wasp nests may also pose risks.

Active Alertsnull

Fire PolicyFire rings with benches are available at all sites. Firewood policies are not mentioned; campers should follow Florida state guidelines.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are null

Emergency ServicesRanger station onsite (Contact: 904-266-8398)

Trash & RecyclingEach campsite is equipped with its own trash can, and garbage pickup is provided.

Water FeaturesNo onsite water features; nearby attractions include Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge and Little Talbot Island State Park.

Camp HostCampground host available onsite.

Weather at Cary State Forest Campground

Reviews

4.4

61 reviews

Recommended

Cary State Forest Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews are overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the campground's spacious layout, privacy, cleanliness, and well-kept facilities. It is praised for its peaceful environment and suitability for a quiet retreat. Some criticisms include mosquito prevalence and proximity to highway and train noise.

Review Summaries

Based on 61 reviews

What Campers Love

Large, private campsites; clean and well-maintained restrooms and showers; friendly and helpful park staff; convenient amenities such as trash pickup at sites; scenic beauty of the forest.

Based on 61 reviews

Common Concerns

Mosquitoes and midges at certain times; noise from nearby highway and trains; limited hiking trails, which are described as basic gravel roads; no sewer hookups.

Based on 61 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring bug spray and prepare for mosquitoes during moist seasons. Choose sites further from the highway for reduced noise. Utilize the clean bathhouse with hot water showers. Consider visiting during...

Based on 61 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer visits see higher mosquito activity and humid conditions. Spring and fall are noted for pleasant weather and minimal bugs. Winter brings cooler, quieter camping conditions but may have...

Based on 61 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Wow! A hidden gem in the Cary National Forest in Bryceville, FL.' - Jodi Dube 2. 'Showers are one of the best as far as pressure, volume, and temperature.' - Rodney Ferree 3. 'Sites are huge and...

Based on 61 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 5 and 6 are noted to be a long walk (¾ mile) from the bathhouse. Sites with concrete pads provide better leveling for RVs.

Based on 61 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews from users with disabilities, but the concrete pads and level sites suggest accessibility.

Based on 61 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and campers note the ease of bringing dogs along for hiking and trail exploration.

Based on 61 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026

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