Tate&Apos;S Hell State Forest Rock Landing Campground

4.14

50 reviews

5081 Rock Landing Road, Carrabelle, Florida, 32322, United States

Quick Facts

46 ft

Price

$9.17 - $12/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Tate's Hell State Forest Ranger Station site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

46 ft

Price

$9.17 - $12/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Tate's Hell State Forest Ranger Station site

Official Website

Get Directions

Tate&Apos;S Hell State Forest Rock Landing Campground

$9.17 - $12.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees range between $9.17 and $12 per campsite per night for primitive camping. Fishing licenses are required if fishing.

Standard Site Fee$12.00

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

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Provider

8506970010

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What Campers Say

4.14

Satisfactory

Based on 50 reviews

459 Google reviews

Some mention

noise

"User reviews are mixed. While some praise the scenic beauty, wildlife opportunities, and quiet moments, others criticize the lack of regulations, cleanliness issues, and the disruptive behavior of other visitors."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

5081 Rock Landing Road, Carrabelle, Florida, 32322, United States

Tate&Apos;S Hell State Forest Rock Landing Campground

5081 Rock Landing Road, Carrabelle, Florida, 32322, United States

Driving directionsFrom Highway 98 in Carrabelle: Take County Road 67 north for 13 miles to Rock Landing Road. Turn right on Rock Landing Road and continue until it dead ends into the campground.

The road access involves paved sections up to County Road 67, followed by a dirt road leading to the campground. Access may be challenging for larger vehicles.

Nearby places

Carrabelle (13 miles, 18-minute drive)

Apalachicola National Forest (approx. 20 miles)

St. George Island (approx. 25 miles)

Apalachicola (approx. 30 miles).

Nearby supplies

Closest groceries and camping supplies can be found in Carrabelle (~13 miles). Fuel is available there as well.

Best Time to Camp at Tate&Apos;S Hell State Forest Rock Landing Campground

Florida's subtropical embrace creates a dynamic camping environment throughout the year. Summer brings sultry days where the air hangs thick with humidity and clouds of mosquitoes dance in the evening light—pack your bug spray and embrace the authentic swamp experience. Winter months offer sweet relief with crisp mornings perfect for wildlife watching and comfortable afternoons ideal for paddling. Afternoon thunderstorms punctuate the seasons with dramatic displays, refreshing the landscape and filling the air with the earthy scent of rain-soaked forest floor.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

2.5 / 5

Hot, humid summers with heavy mosquitoes; camping still available year-round.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

2.5 / 5

Popular during hunting season; noise and hunter activity can disrupt camping in fall.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Milder weather, good paddling and wildlife activity; generally favorable season pre-mosquito peak.

Best

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.5 / 5

Quieter and milder conditions make winter pleasant, though hunting seasons may still impact use.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: No specific peak season dates mentioned; however, increased activity likely during summer and hunting seasons.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round, although hunting seasons could impact usability during fall and winter.
Current Alerts: No active alerts mentioned.

About Tate&Apos;S Hell State Forest Rock Landing Campground

Venture deep into Florida's untamed wilderness at Rock Landing Campground, where the mysterious waters of Crooked River wind through ancient cypress swamps. This primitive camping retreat in Tate's Hell State Forest beckons adventurers seeking authentic backcountry experiences. Cast your line into tannin-stained waters, launch your kayak at dawn when mist clings to the river, or simply lose yourself in the primal beauty of one of Florida's last wild frontiers. While amenities remain purposefully simple—vault toilets, a covered pavilion, and river access via boat ramp—the real luxury here is unplugging from civilization and reconnecting with nature's rhythm.

The campground primarily caters to primitive camping with options for both RVs and tents. There are no electric or water hookups available.

Historical SignificanceStep into a landscape steeped in folklore where the forest itself tells tales of survival and mystery. Tate's Hell earned its ominous name from the legend of Cebe Tate, a farmer who vanished into these swamps in 1875 while hunting panther. Lost for days in the maze of cypress and water, he emerged near Carrabelle barely alive, uttering 'My name is Cebe Tate, and I just came from Hell' before collapsing. Today, ancient dwarf cypress sentinels—some centuries old despite their diminutive stature—stand as silent witnesses to countless untold stories, their gnarled forms shaped by the harsh conditions that gave this forest its fearsome reputation.

Weather and SeasonsFlorida's subtropical embrace creates a dynamic camping environment throughout the year. Summer brings sultry days where the air hangs thick with humidity and clouds of mosquitoes dance in the evening light—pack your bug spray and embrace the authentic swamp experience. Winter months offer sweet relief with crisp mornings perfect for wildlife watching and comfortable afternoons ideal for paddling. Afternoon thunderstorms punctuate the seasons with dramatic displays, refreshing the landscape and filling the air with the earthy scent of rain-soaked forest floor.

ElevationThis low-lying wilderness sits just above sea level, where subtle changes in elevation create a mosaic of wetlands and slightly higher hammocks. The gentle topography allows water to sheet across the landscape, creating the perfect conditions for the unique hydric communities that define this remarkable ecosystem.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a primordial landscape where nature paints with a palette of emerald greens and amber waters. The campground serves as your gateway to an enchanting maze of hydric communities—from mysterious strand swamps draped in Spanish moss to expansive wet prairies that stretch to the horizon. The star attractions are the ancient dwarf cypress groves, where trees hundreds of years old stand no taller than saplings, their stunted growth a testament to the challenging conditions. River otters play in the dark waters while white-tailed deer pick their way through the understory. Great blue herons stand motionless in the shallows, and the evening air fills with the calls of barred owls and chuck-will's-widows.

Geological RegionRock Landing sits within the vast 202,437-acre wilderness of Tate's Hell State Forest, a critical piece of the ecological puzzle connecting the Apalachicola and Ochlockonee river systems. This sprawling preserve protects one of the largest contiguous tracts of hydric forest in the Southeast, where ancient geological processes created a complex network of sloughs, strands, and cypress domes. The region's unique hydrology supports rare plant communities and serves as a crucial wildlife corridor, making it a living laboratory for those fascinated by Florida's natural heritage. Here, the land tells a story millions of years in the making, where patient waters have carved a sanctuary for some of the state's most remarkable indigenous species.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in unspecified.

Check-out

Check-out unspecified.

Stay Limit

Campsites allow stays for a maximum of 14 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 8 guests per site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutCampsites are primitive and dispersed. Three sites available.

Reservation PlatformsOnline reservations are facilitated via the Reserve America platform.

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-serve availability is allowed; however, this creates issues with enforcement as reported in reviews.

Cancellation PolicyReservation system does not appear to enforce cancellation fees. Any further policy clarifications are missing.

AccessibilityThere is no specific information available about accessibility features for campers with disabilities at this campground.

Site SizeSites are designed for RVs or tents, accommodating up to 8 people per site.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary. While some reviews describe the campsites as fairly private and 'secluded,' others note that locals frequently visit the area, especially near the boat ramp, which can compromise privacy.

Total Campsites3 campsites

Recommended SitesSelect sites farthest from the boat ramp to avoid local traffic. Choose shaded areas for summer camping.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Rock Landing Campground offers a range of recreational activities including fishing, boating, canoeing, hiking, wildlife viewing, bird watching, and picnicking. The location is near the Crooked River and provides convenient access to waterways.

HikingTate's Hell State Forest offers hiking trails that are part of the Florida Scenic Trail. Reviews highlight unique areas such as the dwarf cypress forest, which one visitor described as 'magical.' However, some trails are noted to be unmaintained, and others may be difficult to access due to poor road conditions.

FishingFishing is a popular activity, and a valid fishing license is required. One reviewer mentioned catching a 50-lb alligator snapping turtle and releasing it.

BikingBiking on the dirt roads around the forest is possible, as noted by a reviewer who stated, 'Loved biking the dirt roads.'

BoatingThe campground features a boat ramp for small boats, making it convenient for canoeing, kayaking, and other small boating activities. The Crooked River is easily accessible.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a highlight, with reports of otters, alligators, black bears, deer, birds, and possums. The area is part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail.

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMosquito activity is extremely high, and ticks have been noted. Wildlife includes alligators, snakes, and bears, requiring precaution.

Active AlertsNo active alerts mentioned.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed within designated fire rings.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are No specified quiet hours, but noise complaints from user reviews suggest disturbances overnight.

Emergency ServicesClosest hospital is Weems Memorial Hospital in Apalachicola (~30 miles). Emergency services can also be contacted via the Carrabelle Ranger Station at 850-697-0010.

Trash & RecyclingSome reviews indicate issues with trash and recycling management. For instance, one reviewer mentioned, 'Trash left at the campsite and toilet paper all over the place,' while another commented that 'no one took the garbage, which had been full our entire stay.'

Water FeaturesCrooked River is a defining feature with easy access. No direct waterfront camping is available.

Camp HostCamp hosts are available but have mixed reviews on their behavior and responsiveness.

Weather at Tate&Apos;S Hell State Forest Rock Landing Campground

Reviews

4.1

50 reviews

Satisfactory

Tate&Apos;S Hell State Forest Rock Landing Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews are mixed. While some praise the scenic beauty, wildlife opportunities, and quiet moments, others criticize the lack of regulations, cleanliness issues, and the disruptive behavior of other visitors.

Review Summaries

Based on 50 reviews

What Campers Love

Many users praised the natural beauty of the area, stating it is 'incredibly beautiful and great for boondocking.' Activities such as fishing and wildlife viewing were highly rated, with one reviewer...

Based on 50 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints include trash left by previous campers, dirty restrooms, lack of enforcement against disruptive visitors, and noise from hunters and locals.

Based on 50 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing plenty of water due to the lack of potable water, preparing for mosquitoes, and being cautious of the roads, which can be unmaintained and rugged.

Based on 50 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is popular during hunting season, with some disruptions noted due to hunters. Summer months bring challenges like mosquitoes. Fall and winter are noted to be quieter periods.

Based on 50 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The campsite was peaceful, pretty, and relaxing.' 2. 'Unfortunately, it was an all-night party venue with trucks coming and going all night.' 3. 'The surroundings are magnificent.'

Based on 50 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific recommendations are scarce, but one user pointed out that campsite 40 has water, albeit sulfurous, and poor electrical setup.

Based on 50 reviews

Accessibility Features

There are no explicit reviews from users addressing accessibility issues.

Based on 50 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but there were complaints about unmanaged dogs, including camp hosts' unleashed dogs causing issues for other campers.

Based on 50 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026

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Tate&Apos;S Hell State Forest Rock Landing Campground