How much does camping cost at Karick Lake North Campground Blackwater River State Forest?

Camping fees at Karick Lake North Campground Blackwater River State Forest range from $20-$32/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Karick Lake North Campground Blackwater River State Forest first-come first-served or reservation?

Karick Lake North Campground Blackwater River State Forest accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

What is the best time to visit Karick Lake North Campground Blackwater River State Forest?

Karick Lake North Campground Blackwater River State Forest is open Peak season likely corresponds to warmer months but not explicitly mentioned.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Karick Lake North Campground Blackwater River State Forest?

Yes, Karick Lake North Campground Blackwater River State Forest has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Karick Lake North Campground Blackwater River State Forest have?

Karick Lake North Campground Blackwater River State Forest has 16 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Karick Lake North Campground Blackwater River State Forest?

Pets are not allowed at Karick Lake North Campground Blackwater River State Forest. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Karick Lake North Campground Blackwater River State Forest?

Karick Lake North Campground Blackwater River State Forest offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Karick Lake North Campground Blackwater River State Forest?

Popular activities at Karick Lake North Campground Blackwater River State Forest include Hiking, Fishing, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Karick Lake North Campground Blackwater River State Forest

Q: Can I have a campfire at Karick Lake North Campground Blackwater River State Forest?

Fire policies at Karick Lake North Campground Blackwater River State Forest: Campfires allowed; each site includes a fire pit with cooking grate. Charcoal and firewood gathering from dead trees recommended.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.44

36 reviews

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

Top 21% in FLWinter

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

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on Blackwater River State Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

190 ft

Price

$20 - $32/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

16 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Partial HookupsShowers

Book on Blackwater River State Forest 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.

No paid fee categories listed.

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Provider

8509575700

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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

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.

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.

Weather at Karick Lake North Campground Blackwater River State Forest

Current alert: : No current alerts beyond COVID-related spacing restrictions.

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

Winter delivers the most comfortable window for camping here. Daytime temperatures settle in the mid-50s to low-60s, nights around the mid-40s. Humidity drops, mosquitoes disappear, and the lake stays calm for paddling and shore fishing. Summer pushes temperatures to 85-90°F with regular afternoon thunderstorms. Facilities and the boat ramp stay open year-round, but winter sees smaller crowds and better conditions for hiking and wildlife viewing.

Best

Winter(Dec-Feb)

4.5 / 5

Top 21% in FL

Winter described as most comfortable: mid-50s days, mid-40s nights, low humidity, fewer mosquitoes.

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.

About Karick Lake North Campground Blackwater River State Forest

Karick Lake North Campground has 16 sites on asphalt pads in Florida's largest state forest. Sites run $20-32 and include 30-amp electric and water hookups. The campground sits on 65-acre Karick Lake with a boat ramp, fishing pier, flush toilets, and hot showers. Both RVs and tents are welcome.

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 Significance

The campground sits within the world's largest remaining longleaf pine-wiregrass ecosystem, a landscape that once covered 90 million acres across the Southeast. Indigenous peoples traveled these pine hills long before early settlers arrived to find forests stretching beyond sight. Most of that original expanse is gone now, making this protected remnant ecologically significant.

Weather and SeasonsWinter delivers the most comfortable window for camping here. Daytime temperatures settle in the mid-50s to low-60s, nights around the mid-40s. Humidity drops, mosquitoes disappear, and the lake stays calm for paddling and shore fishing. Summer pushes temperatures to 85-90°F with regular afternoon thunderstorms. Facilities and the boat ramp stay open year-round, but winter sees smaller crowds and better conditions for hiking and wildlife viewing.

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 SceneryThe campground occupies rolling sand hills at 190 feet elevation within Blackwater River State Forest, where ancient longleaf pines tower over a wiregrass understory. Karick Lake stretches across 65 acres, its surface reflecting the surrounding pine canopy. White-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and wading birds move through the area. The forest's well-drained sandy soils support a fire-adapted ecosystem shaped by millennia of natural cycles. Tea-colored Blackwater River flows southwest through the broader forest, stained dark by tannins from fallen leaves.

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.

Scenic ViewsLake views are available at specific sites like 12 and 13. Some users note proximity to bathroom lights affecting the view.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodges on site, but the campground provides RV and tent camping accommodations.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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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 layoutThe campground runs 16 asphalt sites in a small layout with one host site. Sites are spaced apart with views toward the lake or into the forest. Large sites can fit RVs if the total vehicle and trailer length stays within the pad boundaries. A dumpster placement bothers some campers, and sites near the bathrooms pick up artificial light after dark.

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.

Best CampsitesSite 12 has lake views but sits close enough to the bathrooms that light pollution can be an issue at night. Sites 12 and 13 both deal with bathroom proximity. Reviewers note that sites farther from facilities offer better privacy and darker skies, though the entire campground stays fairly quiet overall.

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Amenities available

The Karick Lake North Campground offers a range of amenities including a bathhouse with separate bathrooms and showers for men and women, hot water, and strong water pressure. Sites are equipped with 30-amp electric hookups and potable water. Additional amenities include a dump station, fire rings, picnic tables, and a boat ramp. Recreational facilities like hiking trails, a fishing dock, and wildlife viewing opportunities are available. Alcohol consumption is prohibited, and the lake is reserved for electric motorized boats only.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Hiking

Fishing

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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

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.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.4

36 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 36 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 36 reviews

Common Concerns

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

Based on 36 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 36 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 36 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 36 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 36 reviews

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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.

No paid fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Reserve America

Provider

8509575700

Go if

Winter weekends are the sweet spot here. Temps in the mid-50s to low-60s, no bugs, and the 4-mile Karick Lake Loop practically to yourself. RV campers with electric motors can fish right off the dock without fighting summer crowds.

Skip if

Sites 12 and 13 get bathroom light all night, so if darkness matters, request something else at booking. Swimmers will be frustrated, the lake is off-limits for that, no exceptions. The squirrels here are genuinely aggressive about unattended food.

Nearby Campgrounds

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Hurricane Lake North Campground Blackwater River State Forest

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

Hurricane Lake North Campground has 18 paved sites with water and electric hookups along a 318-acre fishing lake in Blackwater River State Forest. Sites run $20-40/night and include flush toilets, hot showers, and a dump station. There's zero cell service. Reviewers praise the quiet setting and lake access but note maintenance issues with fire pits and shower curtains.

Karick Lake North Campground Blackwater River State Forest

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

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

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About Karick Lake North Campground Blackwater River State Forest

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Common Concerns

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Need help booking Karick Lake North Campground Blackwater River State Forest ?

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews