Karick Lake North Campground Blackwater River State Forest

4.45

85 reviews

11650 Munson Highway, Milton, Florida, 32570, United States

Summer Destination

Featured in:Winter Camping Florida RV Camping Florida

Quick Facts

190 ft

Price

$20 - $32/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

16 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

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Official Website

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Quick Facts

190 ft

Price

$20 - $32/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

16 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Blackwater River State Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Karick Lake North Campground Blackwater River State Forest

$20.00 - $32.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees typically range between $20 and $32 per night depending on site amenities. Includes 30 amp electric service and potable water access.

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

8509575700

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What Campers Say

4.45

Recommended

Based on 85 reviews

70 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietcleanshowers

"User reviews consistently praise the campground for its cleanliness, peaceful environment, and well-maintained facilities. The lake and hiking trail are standout features."

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Campground Map

11650 Munson Highway, Milton, Florida, 32570, United States

Karick Lake North Campground Blackwater River State Forest

11650 Munson Highway, Milton, Florida, 32570, United States

Driving directionsFrom Interstate 10 take Exit 56. Travel Highway 85 northbound to Highway 90 in Crestview. Turn to the left and head west to Milligan. At Milligan turn to the right onto Highway 4. In Baker continue heading north. The road name changes from Highway 4 to Highway 189. Travel 7.7 miles to the North Karick Lake sign and turn right at the entrance road. Do not turn at the South Karick Lake sign. For campground location using the internet type: North Karick Lake Road Baker, FL 32531.

The campground is accessible via paved roads. No indication of seasonal closures or challenging terrain in the description, but users should note the specific route to avoid confusion between North and South Karick Lake entrances.

Nearby places

Milton (35 miles, approximately 45 minutes), Crestview (18 miles, approximately 25 minutes), Pensacola (50 miles, approximately 1 hour).

Nearby supplies

Provisions like groceries and camping supplies are likely accessible in Crestview or Milton. Exact information is not provided.

Best Time to Camp at Karick Lake North Campground Blackwater River State Forest

Experience the gentle rhythm of Florida's seasons at Karick Lake, where winter brings perfect camping weather with comfortable daytime temperatures around 60°F and crisp nights dipping to 45°F—ideal for cozy campfires and morning coffee by the lake. As summer arrives, the forest comes alive under warm sunshine with temperatures reaching 85-90°F, perfect for swimming and water activities. Summer afternoon thunderstorms roll through regularly, bringing dramatic skies and refreshing rain that nourishes the surrounding pine forests and fills the air with the sweet scent of rain-washed earth.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Warm months are peak; Florida storms and heat can disrupt comfort and camping plans.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Pleasant weather for hiking; note increased activity during hunting season (orange advised).

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Good season for lake activities and hiking; likely busier but generally favorable weather.

Best

Winter(Dec-Feb)

4.5 / 5

Top 12% in FL

Described as ideal winter camping: daytime ~60°F, crisp nights ~45°F, open year-round.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season likely corresponds to warmer months but not explicitly mentioned.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round.
Current Alerts: : No current alerts beyond COVID-related spacing restrictions.

About Karick Lake North Campground Blackwater River State Forest

Nestled within Florida's pristine wilderness, Karick Lake North Campground offers 16 thoughtfully designed asphalt campsites where modern comfort meets natural beauty. Each site comes equipped with 30-amp power and fresh water hookups, welcoming both RV adventurers and tent campers alike. Beyond your campsite, discover well-maintained restrooms with hot showers, convenient dump stations, and inviting picnic areas complete with fire pits for evening gatherings. The campground's boat ramp and fishing pier provide direct access to the serene waters of Karick Lake, where anglers cast for bass as herons wade along the shoreline. Whether you're launching your kayak at dawn, hiking forest trails, or capturing the perfect wildlife photograph, this outdoor haven promises endless adventures.

The campground accommodates both RVs and tents, with designated sites providing 30-amp electricity and water hookups. Group camping is also possible, and the sites are asphalt-paved and newer.

Historical SignificanceYour camping adventure unfolds within the remarkable Blackwater River State Forest, home to the planet's largest remaining expanse of longleaf pine-wiregrass ecosystem. This ancient landscape tells a story millions of years in the making, where Indigenous peoples once traveled these pine-covered hills and early settlers marveled at forests stretching beyond the horizon. Today, this ecological treasure stands as a testament to conservation success, protecting a vanishing habitat that once covered 90 million acres across the Southeast.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the gentle rhythm of Florida's seasons at Karick Lake, where winter brings perfect camping weather with comfortable daytime temperatures around 60°F and crisp nights dipping to 45°F—ideal for cozy campfires and morning coffee by the lake. As summer arrives, the forest comes alive under warm sunshine with temperatures reaching 85-90°F, perfect for swimming and water activities. Summer afternoon thunderstorms roll through regularly, bringing dramatic skies and refreshing rain that nourishes the surrounding pine forests and fills the air with the sweet scent of rain-washed earth.

ElevationThe campground rests at a gentle elevation typical of North Florida's rolling terrain, where subtle changes in the landscape create diverse habitats and scenic vistas across the pine forests and lake shores.

Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to mist rising from the mirror-smooth surface of 65-acre Karick Lake, where ancient longleaf pines stand sentinel along the shoreline. This stunning aquatic gem sits cradled within the vast Blackwater River State Forest, creating a sanctuary where water meets woodland in perfect harmony. Morning light filters through the pine canopy, illuminating a landscape alive with wildlife—white-tailed deer emerge from forest shadows, wild turkeys strut across sandy paths, and countless bird species fill the air with their songs. The surrounding longleaf pine forest creates a cathedral-like atmosphere, with towering trees that have weathered centuries and understory plants that bloom in seasonal waves of color.

Geological RegionSituated within the magnificent Blackwater River State Forest—Florida's largest state forest—the campground occupies a unique geological setting where ancient sand hills meet blackwater streams. The legendary Blackwater River winds its way southwestward through this expansive wilderness, its tea-colored waters stained by tannins from centuries of fallen leaves. This remarkable landscape showcases the rare longleaf pine-wiregrass ecosystem, a fire-adapted community that has evolved over millennia on these well-drained, sandy soils. The forest's rolling topography reveals the area's fascinating geological past, shaped by ancient seas and sculpted by wind and water into the diverse habitats that thrive here today.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in time not explicitly stated.

Check-out

Check-out time not explicitly stated.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit of 14 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

RV or tent campers must fit within designated space limits.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSmall campground with 16 asphalt sites, including a host site. Sites are spaced apart with lake and forest views.

Reservation PlatformsReservation details not specified beyond being required.

Walk-in AvailabilityNot explicitly described, but some sites appear to accommodate first-come-first-serve during COVID restrictions.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation details not explicitly mentioned.

Site SizeSites are described as large and can accommodate vehicles pulling campers if the total length fits completely within the site.

PrivacySome sites offer privacy and are spaced out, as noted by reviewers. However, sites near the bathrooms (like sites 12 and 13) may experience light pollution.

Total Campsites16 campsites

Recommended SitesSites near the lake, like 12, offer views but may be affected by bathroom lighting. Choosing shaded or secluded sites recommended for privacy.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, bird watching, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The campground offers a peaceful environment with a 65-acre lake, making it ideal for nature enthusiasts. Swimming is not permitted, and only electric motors are allowed for boating. The Karick Lake Loop Trail is a popular feature, offering an approximate 4-mile hike around the lake.

HikingThe Karick Lake Loop Trail circles the 65-acre lake and is approximately 4 miles long. It is not considered a hard walk and is suitable for most hikers.

FishingFishing is popular at this campground, with a lake full of fish. However, some reviewers noted that their catches were limited.

BoatingBoating is allowed, but only with electric motors. A boat ramp and dock are provided for convenience.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing opportunities include bird watching and the chance to observe squirrels and other forest animals. The area is part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSquirrels noted as aggressive in reviews, stealing food and damaging property. Precautions recommended during hunting season.

Active Alerts: No current alerts beyond COVID-related spacing restrictions.

Fire PolicyCampfires allowed; each site includes a fire pit with cooking grate. Charcoal and firewood gathering from dead trees recommended.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours not explicitly mentioned.

Emergency ServicesRanger Station phone number: 8509575700. Closest hospital is likely in Crestview or Milton, though official confirmation required.

Trash & RecyclingDumpster facilities are available but are described as being inconveniently located.

Water FeaturesLocated on a 65-acre lake with pier and boat ramp. Fishing and kayaking popular activities.

Camp HostA host is available on-site. Reviews mention positive interactions with hosts during stays.

Weather at Karick Lake North Campground Blackwater River State Forest

Reviews

4.5

85 reviews

Recommended

Karick Lake North Campground Blackwater River State Forest is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews consistently praise the campground for its cleanliness, peaceful environment, and well-maintained facilities. The lake and hiking trail are standout features.

Review Summaries

Based on 85 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include clean and quiet surroundings, well-maintained restrooms and showers, and enjoyable hiking trails. Campers appreciated the lake views, spacious sites, and helpful campground...

Based on 85 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include light pollution near the bathrooms, inconvenient dumpster placement, and mischievous squirrels stealing food and damaging property.

Based on 85 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing firewood or tools to gather it from downed trees, avoiding sites near bathrooms if light pollution is a concern, and wearing fluorescent orange during hunting seasons for...

Based on 85 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Visitors note that the campground is busier during hunting seasons and that campers should wear fluorescent orange while hiking during this time. Storms can occasionally disrupt camping plans.

Based on 85 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The facilities were well maintained with separate bathrooms and showers for men and women. There was hot water and the showers had great water pressure." - Allison Chunco "Watch out for the gangster...

Based on 85 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 12 and 13: Located near the bathrooms, these sites experience light pollution. Site 12 offers a distant lake view.

Based on 85 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026

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