Matanzas State Forest Cedar Creek Campground

Star3.79
39 reviews
1074 Eagles Nest Road St. Augustine, FL 32086

Quick Facts

39 ft

Price

$9/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

4 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Matanzas State Forest Cedar Creek Campground site

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Matanzas State Forest Cedar Creek Campground
$9.00 - $9.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The fee for camping is $9 plus tax per night, according to user reviews. Online reservations are required to receive the gate combination code.
Standard Site Fee$9.00
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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What Campers Say

3.79

Mixed Reviews

Based on 39 reviews

24 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quiet

"User reviews highlight the primitive nature of the campground, its peaceful and secluded setting, and its suitability for self-sufficient campers. Common concerns include the lack of potable water, the condition of the portalet, and the presence of ticks."

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Campground Map

1074 Eagles Nest Road St. Augustine, FL 32086

Matanzas State Forest Cedar Creek Campground

1074 Eagles Nest Road St. Augustine, FL 32086

Driving directionsFrom U.S. Hwy 1, drive 1.4 miles East on Double Gate Road. Turn right and drive South on Longleaf Road for 0.5 miles. Turn left and drive East on Eagles Nest Road for 1.1 miles until arriving at Cedar Creek Campground.
The road is described as long, dusty, and bumpy by user reviews. Heavy rain may make the entrance difficult to navigate, especially for low-clearance vehicles. "You definitely don't want to try to make it to these campsites in a low-slung car if it's been raining."
Nearby places
St. Augustine is approximately 25 minutes away.
Nearby supplies
Publix grocery store is approximately 7 miles away and offers firewood. A nearby gas station and Smokin D's BBQ restaurant also come highly recommended in user reviews: "There's a great gas station nearby (they don't sell firewood) and AWESOME BBQ restaurant right next to it called Smokin D's BBQ."

Best Time to Camp at Matanzas State Forest Cedar Creek Campground

Experience Florida's diverse climate throughout the year, with temperatures ranging from crisp 54°F mornings to warm 88°F afternoons. The atmosphere shifts from pleasantly dry conditions to sultry, humid days that embody the essence of the subtropical wilderness. Summer brings dramatic afternoon thunderstorms that refresh the forest, while October offers a sweet spot with minimal bug activity and comfortable camping conditions.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
2.5 / 5

Summer is sultry with more bugs; rainy-season access roads can be challenging.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Most positive reviews come from cooler months like October when bugs are minimal.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring can be buggy and is mixed; no detailed seasonal trail/activity info provided.

Best
Winter(Dec-Feb)
4.0 / 5

Cooler winter visits praised for pleasant temperatures and fewer bugs.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Not explicitly mentioned.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: No seasonal closures mentioned; presumed open year-round.
  • Current Alerts: No active alerts mentioned.

About Matanzas State Forest Cedar Creek Campground

Escape into the wild heart of Florida at this secluded primitive campground nestled within Matanzas State Forest. Four intimate tent-only sites await adventurous souls, each thoughtfully equipped with a picnic table, fire ring, and grill for authentic outdoor living. A shared pitcher pump provides non-potable water for basic needs, while a communal portalet offers necessary facilities. Access to this hidden gem requires a combination code at the gate, ensuring a peaceful retreat for those who venture here.
Matanzas State Forest Cedar Creek Campground is a primitive site catering primarily to tent campers. Small RVs and pop-up campers are also permitted.
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Check-in
Not explicitly stated.
Check-out
Not explicitly stated.
Stay Limit
Not explicitly mentioned.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

The campground and surrounding Matanzas State Forest offer a range of outdoor activities. These include hiking, biking, horseback riding, hunting, bird watching, wildlife viewing, photography, and picnicking.
HikingHiking opportunities are available within the Matanzas State Forest. Specific trail lengths and difficulty levels are not detailed in the source.
FishingFishing is listed as an activity, though specific details about locations, fish species, or regulations are not provided.
BikingBiking is allowed on forest roads, but detailed information about trail conditions is not provided.
Wildlife viewingThe Matanzas State Forest is part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail, offering opportunities to observe songbirds, wading marsh birds, bald eagles, deer, otters, and gopher tortoises.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBears and snakes have been sighted. Tick infestations are significant according to one review: "I pulled over 100 ticks off of me in one night." Non-potable water may have an odor: "The pump water station stunk like diesel."
Active AlertsNo active alerts mentioned.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Matanzas State Forest Cedar Creek Campground

Reviews

3.8
39 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Matanzas State Forest Cedar Creek Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the primitive nature of the campground, its peaceful and secluded setting, and its suitability for self-sufficient campers. Common concerns include the lack of potable water, the condition of the portalet, and the presence of ticks.
Review Summaries
Based on 39 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers appreciated the quiet and natural environment, the seclusion of Site #4, and the variety of wildlife. One reviewer noted, 'Late at night or early AM I could hear the ocean faintly to the...
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Based on 39 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints focused on the lack of potable water, poor maintenance of the portalet, proximity of some campsites compromising privacy, and the need to deal with ticks. One reviewer stated, 'I pulled...
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Based on 39 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing all necessary supplies, including potable water, as on-site water is non-drinkable. Pack out all trash, bring tick repellent, and avoid visiting in a low-slung car during...
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Based on 39 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Most positive reviews come from visits in cooler months like October and winter, when bugs are minimal. Rainy seasons can make the access roads challenging.
Based on 39 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The main negative drawback of this campground is that your rest, relaxation, and sleep quality is 100% based on who your neighbors are.' 2. 'There’s a pump water station that is for NON drinking...
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Based on 39 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #4 is the most praised for its privacy. Sites #1 through #3 are noted to have less privacy and are closer together. Site #2 was described as 'really big but totally visible to campsite #3.'
Based on 39 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific accessibility reviews were provided, though terrain challenges and weather-dependent access were noted.
Based on 39 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and there are no specific complaints or praises regarding pet policies or pet-friendliness.
Based on 39 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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