Paynes Creek Historic State Park Campground

Star3.83
6 reviews
888 Lake Branch Road, Bowling Green FL 33834

Quick Facts

82 ft

Price

$3/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

105 campsites

Season

Open daily 8 a.m. to...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Pets Allowed

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Florida State Parks site

Official Website
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Paynes Creek Historic State Park Campground
$3.00 - $3.00 / night
Campsite Fees
$3 per vehicle (entrance fee). Camping fees not listed on the provided page. Reservations for campsites can be made via the Florida State Parks...
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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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Florida State Parks
Provider
863-375-4717
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What Campers Say

3.83

Mixed Reviews

Based on 6 reviews

392 Google reviews

Most mentioned

showerswaterstafffriendly

"Overall highly positive reviews praising trails, natural settings and helpful staff; visitors frequently note strong historical interpretation, birding and paddling opportunities."

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Campground Map

888 Lake Branch Road, Bowling Green FL 33834

Paynes Creek Historic State Park Campground

888 Lake Branch Road, Bowling Green FL 33834

Park and some trails are located near U.S. 41; off-road biking Prairie Hammock Trail is described as conveniently located on U.S. 41.

Best Time to Camp at Paynes Creek Historic State Park Campground

Open year-round, this campground becomes a haven for snowbirds escaping winter's chill, with motor-home enthusiasts flocking here for Florida's legendary warm-weather months. Summer brings afternoon rains that keep the landscape lush—and some hiking trails delightfully wild and wet. Keep in mind that certain trail sections may hold water and mud throughout the year, and off-road biking trail hours shift with the seasons, so check the park page for current times.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
2.0 / 5
Below Average

Florida summers are hot and humid; no cooling or seasonal notes provided.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5
Average

Milder fall weather in Florida likely makes trails and riverside camping pleasant.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5
Below Average

Spring typically offers good weather for hiking and riverside activities.

Best
Winter(Dec-Feb)
4.0 / 5
Average

Mild Florida winters are favorable for camping; no closures noted.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Open daily 8 a.m. to sunset, 365 days a year.

About Paynes Creek Historic State Park Campground

Discover a tropical retreat where Old Florida comes alive at Paynes Creek Historic State Park. This welcoming campground features 105 spacious sites perfect for everyone from tent campers to big-rig travelers, each equipped with electricity, water, a picnic table, and grill, plus modern conveniences like hot showers, laundry facilities, and an RV dump station.
105 campsites accommodate tents, pop-ups and large motor homes; includes tent-only sites (Sites 1–19), hammock camping, primitive hiker and canoe campsites, and a group camping area.
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Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Dump station
Picnic tables
Water hookups

Activities you can enjoy

A river- and trail-oriented park offering bicycling, hiking, paddling, fishing, birding and wildlife viewing across multiple trail areas and waterways.
HikingMultiple nature and history trails (including Strand Swamp Trail and other history trails) through marsh, hammock and pine flatwood; some trail sections are wet during summer and portions can be muddy year-round. Visitor center/museum onsite.
FishingFishing opportunities on Paynes Creek and the adjoining Peace River; anglers must follow state fishing regulations.
Biking
Boating
Wildlife viewing
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSome trails are wet in summer and can be muddy year-round. Nearby waterways are tidal and parts may be shallow at low tide (boat size/draft recommendations given). Mosquitoes are noted historically as a significant nuisance.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Paynes Creek Historic State Park Campground

Reviews

3.8
6 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Paynes Creek Historic State Park Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall highly positive reviews praising trails, natural settings and helpful staff; visitors frequently note strong historical interpretation, birding and paddling opportunities.
Review Summaries
Based on 6 reviews

What Campers Love

Well-maintained trails and natural areas, abundant bird and wildlife viewing (part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail with 150+ species reported), helpful and friendly staff, good...
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Based on 6 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Register at the ranger station for primitive sites and the Prairie Hammock biking trail; bring bug spray and plenty of water for primitive/canoe sites; helmets recommended for trail cycling and check...
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Based on 6 reviews

Camper Quotes

“Gorgeous, well-managed state park with lots of habitats, lots of wildlife, and an excellent system of trails to explore it all. Park staff is also doing a great job with managing invasive plants....
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Based on 6 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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