Highlands Hammock State Park Campground 2 is set within an ancient hydric hammock of live oaks, sabal palms, and dense palmetto understory, offering a shaded Old‑Florida forest experience with nearby cypress swamp boardwalks and short trails. Many campground facilities have been reported closed for renovation, so campers should verify current availability and services before planning a visit.
Family campground (143 sites) that accommodates tents, trailers, and RVs; a separate primitive wilderness campground and four equestrian campsites are also part of the park's camping options.
Highlands Hammock is one of Florida's earliest state parks and preserves an ancient hydric hammock; the park features Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC)‑era development and a CCC Museum interpreting that history. Historic features include early park infrastructure and the scenic loop road and boardwalks developed during the CCC period. Weather and SeasonsBest seasons for camping and hiking are fall, winter, and spring due to cooler temperatures and lower humidity. Summers are hot, humid, wet, and prone to thunderstorms, with increased mosquitoes and muddy trails.
Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits amid a hydric hammock characterized by massive live oaks (often with Spanish moss), sabal and cabbage palms, saw palmetto understory, and nearby cypress swamp with tannic water and boardwalk viewpoints. Sites are typically shaded and screened by hammock vegetation, giving a secluded, wooded atmosphere rather than open or beachlike scenery.
Geological RegionHydric hammock and cypress swamp (ancient hammock ecosystem with live oaks, sabal palms, cabbage palms, and palmetto understory).
Scenic ViewsShaded hammock vistas of ancient live oaks, palms, palmetto thickets, and boardwalk views over cypress swamp with buttressed cypress trunks and reflective tannic water.