Bear Lake Campground Blackwater River State Forest
4.47318 reviews11650 Munson Highway, Milton, Florida, 32570, United States
Summer Destination
Quick Facts
161 ftPrice
$15 - $50/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
Varies
Season
Year-round
Cell
Has Service
Pets
Very Pet Friendly
RV FriendlyElectricShowers
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
161 ftPrice
$15 - $50/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
Varies
Season
Year-round
Cell
Has Service
Pets
Very Pet Friendly
RV FriendlyElectricShowers
Get DirectionsBear Lake Campground Blackwater River State Forest
$15.00 - $50.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range from $15 for primitive sites to $50 for waterfront sites. Additional fees may apply for group facilities or dining hall reservations.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$50.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
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What Campers Say
4.47
Recommended
Based on 318 reviews
359 Google reviews
Most mentioned
peacefulcleanhikingwell-maintained
Some mention
crowdedtraincell service
"User reviews for Bear Lake Campground are generally positive, highlighting its cleanliness, scenic location, and well-maintained trails. However, issues like helicopter noise and limited cell service for some carriers are frequently mentioned."
Campground Map
11650 Munson Highway, Milton, Florida, 32570, United States
Bear Lake Campground Blackwater River State Forest
11650 Munson Highway, Milton, Florida, 32570, United States
Driving directionsFrom I-10 take exit 22 for FL-281 N toward Milton/Gulf Breeze. Head north on FL-281 N (Avalon Blvd.) for 4.9 miles to US-90 E (Caroline St.) and turn right. Go 2.3 miles and use 2 left turn lanes to turn left onto Stewart Street (at the Burger King), go .8 mile to County Road 191 (Munson Highway) at Milton High School and turn right. Continue on County Road 191 for 19.5 miles to FL-4 E and turn right. After 2.1 miles on FL-4 E look for the Bear Lake sign and turn left. Follow the entrance road into the facility.
The campground is accessible via paved roads, with clear signage directing visitors to the entrance. Seasonal closures or specific navigation challenges are not mentioned.Nearby places
Milton (approximately 20 miles, 30 minutes), Pensacola (approximately 50 miles, 1 hour)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available in the town of Milton, approximately 20 miles away.
Best Time to Camp at Bear Lake Campground Blackwater River State Forest
Experience Florida's most comfortable camping weather during the mild winter months, when daytime temperatures hover between a pleasant 60°F and nighttime lows around 44°F. Spring and fall bring ideal conditions with temperatures ranging from 50°F to 75°F accompanied by refreshingly dry air - perfect for outdoor adventures. Summer transforms the forest into a lush, vibrant ecosystem, though temperatures can soar above 90°F with characteristic Southern humidity that creates an almost tropical atmosphere. Each season offers its own unique charm, from winter's crisp mornings to summer's chorus of cicadas.
Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5
Open year‑round but Florida summer heat/bugs likely reduce comfort; activities remain available.
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5
Fall described as ideal with pleasant weather and good trail use.
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5
Spring brings ideal conditions and seasonal wildflowers; trails well used.
Best
Winter(Dec-Feb)
4.5 / 5
Top 12% in FLMild winter temps (≈60°F day, 44°F night) make it Florida's most comfortable camping season.
Planning Tips
- Operating Season: Open year-round, but visitors are advised to wear fluorescent orange during hunting season (Thanksgiving to mid-February) when exploring trails.
- Current Alerts: Helicopter noise is ongoing due to a nearby training facility. Some reviews report noisy campers and children during weekends.
About Bear Lake Campground Blackwater River State Forest
Nestled within the expansive Blackwater River State Forest, Bear Lake Campground offers a perfect blend of modern comfort and pristine wilderness. Choose between electric hookups for your RV or embrace a more traditional camping experience at non-electric sites. The campground provides all essential amenities including clean bathrooms with hot showers, a convenient dump station, and unique features like a tranquil fishing pier and reservable dining hall for group gatherings. Launch your kayak or canoe from the dedicated boat ramp (electric motors only) to explore the serene waters of Bear Lake, cast a line for local fish species, or venture onto miles of trails perfect for hiking and mountain biking. Wildlife enthusiasts will discover endless opportunities to observe native Florida species in their natural habitat.
Bear Lake Campground accommodates both RVs and tent campers. Sites range from electric and non-electric options to first-come, first-served walk-in sites.
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Check-in
No specific check-in time is mentioned.
Check-out
No specific check-out time is mentioned.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit of 14 consecutive nights.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings
Activities you can enjoy
Bear Lake Campground offers diverse recreational activities, including fishing, hiking, mountain biking, canoeing, bird watching, wildlife viewing, and photography. The lake and surrounding trails are a major draw, providing multiple opportunities for outdoor adventure.
HikingThe campground features a 4-mile Bear Lake Loop Trail and the 1.4-mile Sweetwater Trail connecting to Krul Lake. Trails are well-maintained and suitable for various skill levels. Reviewers praise the upkeep, noting, 'The four-mile trail around the lake is in good condition,' and 'Sweetwater Trail is an easy walk.'
FishingFishing is a popular activity at Bear Lake. The lake is accessible via a fishing pier and shoreline. However, gas-powered boat motors are prohibited. Some users find fishing productive, while others note challenges, such as seaweed.
BikingThe campground includes a 6-mile mountain biking trail, which is well-maintained and suitable for various skill levels. Reviewers describe the biking experience positively, highlighting the scenic routes.
BoatingBoating is allowed with electric motors only. A boat ramp is available, providing easy access to the lake. Canoes can also be rented.
Wildlife viewingThe area is part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. Visitors commonly observe birds, including ducks, and sometimes bald eagles. One user mentioned, 'We watched a bald eagle catch a fish.'
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety
Hazards & AlertsAlligators are present in Bear Lake, and helicopter noise from a nearby training facility is commonly reported. Some reviews mention issues with campsite setups and host behavior.
Active AlertsHelicopter noise is ongoing due to a nearby training facility. Some reviews report noisy campers and children during weekends.
Weather at Bear Lake Campground Blackwater River State Forest
Reviews
4.5
318 reviews
Bear Lake Campground Blackwater River State Forest is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Bear Lake Campground are generally positive, highlighting its cleanliness, scenic location, and well-maintained trails. However, issues like helicopter noise and limited cell service for some carriers are frequently mentioned.
Review Summaries
Based on 318 reviews
What Campers Love
Users frequently praise the cleanliness of the bathrooms, the peaceful environment, and the variety of recreational activities. The well-maintained hiking and biking trails are also a major highlight.
Based on 318 reviewsCommon Concerns
Common complaints include helicopter noise from a nearby training facility, lack of cell service for certain carriers, and occasional issues with site assignments (e.g., being moved without prior...
Based on 318 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing ant spray, planning ahead for limited cell service, and booking sites early as availability fills up quickly. Visitors also suggest walking the trails and exploring nearby...
Based on 318 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground is generally busier during holidays and weekends. Reviews indicate it is quieter during weekdays and off-peak seasons, such as late fall and early winter.
Based on 318 reviewsCamper Quotes
'Bathrooms are very clean and roomy.' 'Great campground for hiking, fishing, and picnics.' 'The helicopter noise was constant and bothersome.' 'Campfires allowed, hiking trails around the lake, and a...
Based on 318 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific reviews mention issues such as poor design of site #27, which was described as having a pine tree that obstructed parking, and site #20, which provided limited shade and space.
Based on 318 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features are appreciated, particularly the large private restrooms and easy-to-navigate trails. One reviewer noted, 'Bathrooms had a big emphasis on accessibility for those with...
Based on 318 reviewsShow more
Pet-Friendly Features
The campground is pet-friendly, and visitors with dogs generally report positive experiences. However, pets are not allowed at nearby Krul Lake.
Based on 318 reviews0
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Last updated January 5, 2026
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