Tate&Apos;S Hell State Forest Picketts Bay Primitive Campsites

Star4.14
50 reviews
Warren Bluff and East River Rd., Carrabelle, Florida, 32322, United States

Quick Facts

16 ft

Price

$9.17 - $12/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Florida Forest Service site

Official Website
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Tate&Apos;S Hell State Forest Picketts Bay Primitive Campsites
$9.17 - $12.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range from $9.17 to $12 per night for primitive camping sites. Payments are required, but enforcement is inconsistent as per user reviews.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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
850-697-0010.
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What Campers Say

4.14

Satisfactory

Based on 50 reviews

459 Google reviews

Most mentioned

views

Some mention

noise

"User reviews of the campground present a mixed picture. Campers appreciate the scenic beauty, wildlife, and fishing opportunities, but note significant issues with cleanliness and noise. The lack of regulation and trash management is a recurring concern."

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Campground Map

Warren Bluff and East River Rd., Carrabelle, Florida, 32322, United States

Tate&Apos;S Hell State Forest Picketts Bay Primitive Campsites

Warren Bluff and East River Rd., Carrabelle, Florida, 32322, United States

Driving directions10 New River: From US 98, turn onto River Road and travel about 4.3 mile; turn right onto Burnt Bridge Road and travel about 4 miles; turn left onto East Double Bridge Road. The campsite is about 1.6 mile ahead at the end of the road. 11 Gully Branch: From CR 67, turn onto Gully Branch Road. The campsite is about 5.8 miles ahead on your left before the New River. The campsite is across from the day use pavilion. 46 Sunday Rollaway: From CR 67, turn onto Gully Branch Road and travel about 1.2 mile; turn first left (onto Warren Bluff Road) and travel about 2 miles; turn onto campsite road. The campsite is about 0.45 mile ahead at the end of the road. 47 Oxbow: From CR 67, turn onto Gully Branch Road and travel about 1.2 mile; turn left onto Warren Bluff Road and travel about 4 miles; turn first left (onto Forest Road 124A). The campsite is about 0.8 mile ahead on your left. 48 Warren Bluff: From US 98, turn onto River Road and travel about 4.3 mile; turn right onto Burnt Bridge Road and travel about 0.35 mile; turn right onto Warren Bluff Road and travel about 2.6 miles; turn right (onto Forest Road 315A). The campsite is 0.2 mile ahead at the end of the road.
The campground is accessible via paved and dirt roads. Some roads are not well-maintained and require caution, especially for larger vehicles. Certain sites may require 4-wheel drive to access due to rugged terrain. Seasonal flooding may make some areas inaccessible.
Nearby places
Carrabelle (10-12 miles, 20-30 minutes drive)
Eastpoint (~8 miles)
Apalachicola (~30 miles).
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies can be found in Carrabelle (~10-12 miles) or Eastpoint (~8 miles) for groceries, fuel, and camping essentials.

Best Time to Camp at Tate&Apos;S Hell State Forest Picketts Bay Primitive Campsites

Florida's mercurial weather paints different moods across the seasons at Picketts Bay. Summer arrives with a sultry embrace, bringing humid days and clouds of insects that remind visitors they're deep in living wilderness. Winter offers a gentler touch, with cooler temperatures perfect for hiking and occasional rain showers that awaken the forest's earthy perfume. Spring and fall provide ideal camping weather, with moderate temperatures that make both daytime adventures and nighttime campfires equally enjoyable.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
2.5 / 5

Sultry, humid summers with heavy mosquito/yellow fly activity reported by reviewers.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall likely cooler and pleasant for hiking/fishing; limited direct seasonal detail available.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring offers good wildlife viewing and quieter visits, though flooding/insects possible seasonally.

Best
Winter(Dec-Feb)
4.0 / 5

Winter and early spring described as quieter with fewer disturbances; hunting in Dec noted.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Peak seasons are not specified, but hunting activities are common in December.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round, though seasonal flooding and hunting activities might affect accessibility and usability.
  • Current Alerts: .

About Tate&Apos;S Hell State Forest Picketts Bay Primitive Campsites

Deep within Tate's Hell State Forest, Picketts Bay Primitive Campsites beckons adventurers seeking an authentic backcountry experience. These five secluded sites welcome both tent campers and RV travelers ready to disconnect from modern conveniences and reconnect with Florida's wild heart. While you won't find water hookups, electricity, or restrooms here, each campsite comes thoughtfully equipped with sturdy picnic tables, fire rings for evening gatherings, and grills for outdoor cooking under the stars.
The Picketts Bay Primitive Campsites are designed for a rustic and minimalistic camping experience. All sites are primitive and lack modern facilities such as electricity or water.
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Check-in
Not specified.
Check-out
Not specified.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limits are not explicitly stated.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground and surrounding forest offer a diverse range of activities suited for outdoor enthusiasts, including fishing, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, bird watching, and wildlife viewing. The forest is also part of the Florida Scenic Trail and Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail.
HikingHiking opportunities are extensive, and the forest is part of the Florida Scenic Trail. Reviewers described the trails as ranging from 'moderate hiking' to more rugged paths requiring four-wheel drive to access.
FishingFishing is a popular activity, but requires a valid license. Reviewers mentioned catching fish at various locations, and one user noted, 'The fishing was great but the yellow flies were fierce.'
BikingBiking is possible along the dirt roads, though the terrain may vary in difficulty. A reviewer shared, 'Loved biking the dirt roads.'
BoatingA concrete boat launch at Cash Creek and various other access points to rivers and streams make it suitable for canoeing, kayaking, and small boat activities.
Wildlife viewingWildlife spotting is a highlight, with mentions of otters, various bird species, and even black bears. One user noted, 'We have seen alligators laid across the entire road along with black bears out in the woods.'
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsFlooding during wet seasons, aggressive insects like horseflies and mosquitoes, and wildlife such as alligators and bears.
Active Alerts.
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.

Weather at Tate&Apos;S Hell State Forest Picketts Bay Primitive Campsites

Reviews

4.1
50 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Tate&Apos;S Hell State Forest Picketts Bay Primitive Campsites is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews of the campground present a mixed picture. Campers appreciate the scenic beauty, wildlife, and fishing opportunities, but note significant issues with cleanliness and noise. The lack of regulation and trash management is a recurring concern.
Review Summaries
Based on 50 reviews

What Campers Love

Many campers praised the natural surroundings and seclusion. 'A little piece of paradise,' said one reviewer, while another noted, 'The views all around this place are simply nature's best.' Wildlife...
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Based on 50 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints include noise from nearby hunters and ATVs, party disturbances, trash left behind, and poorly maintained facilities. One user stated, 'It was an all-night party venue... with...
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Based on 50 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors suggest bringing everything you need, including water and trash bags. As one camper shared, 'Bring your own water. I imagine the mosquitoes could be bad if there was no breeze.' Another...
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Based on 50 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter and early spring appear to be quieter seasons for camping, with fewer disturbances. Summer reviews often mention mosquitoes and yellow flies as significant nuisances.
Based on 50 reviews

Camper Quotes

'Want to get lost? Really lost? Then Tate’s Hell is amazing!' 'The fishing was great, but the yellow flies were fierce.' 'The camp hosts were friendly but had two dogs that roamed free without a...
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Based on 50 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #26 was noted for its spacious layout and shade but required a rugged vehicle to access. Crooked River #45 was described as quiet but frequented by hunters in December.
Based on 50 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews addressing accessibility for people with disabilities.
Based on 50 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Several reviews mention issues with dogs. For example, 'The camp hosts knew we had dogs but failed to keep theirs on a leash,' causing disruptions for some pet owners.
Based on 50 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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Tate&Apos;S Hell State Forest Picketts Bay Primitive Campsites