Tate&Apos;S Hell State Forest Sumatra Primitive Campsites

4.14

50 reviews

40169 SE Campsite Rd., Sumatra, Florida, 32335, United States

Quick Facts

33 ft

Price

$9 - $12/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

35 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Florida Forest Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

33 ft

Price

$9 - $12/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

35 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Florida Forest Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Tate&Apos;S Hell State Forest Sumatra Primitive Campsites

$9.00 - $12.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees range from $9.17 to $12 per night for primitive camping. Some user reviews describe discrepancies in the fee setup, and costs may vary depending...

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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Reserve America

Provider

8506970010

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What Campers Say

4.14

Satisfactory

Based on 50 reviews

459 Google reviews

Most mentioned

hiking

Some mention

reservation

"User reviews highlight the natural beauty and tranquility of the campground. However, concerns about litter, noise from hunters and party groups, and lack of maintenance are frequently mentioned."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

40169 SE Campsite Rd., Sumatra, Florida, 32335, United States

Tate&Apos;S Hell State Forest Sumatra Primitive Campsites

40169 SE Campsite Rd., Sumatra, Florida, 32335, United States

Driving directionsGPS Info 1 Sumatra: 30.0318 -84.8275 From SR 65, turn on Eighth Street (FH 22) and travel about 5.7 miles; turn right onto Cut-Thru Road and travel about 0.7 mile; turn first left (onto Nero Road) and travel about 3.9 miles; turn left onto Campsite Road. The campsite is about 0.9 mile ahead at the end of the road.

Road access is primarily dirt roads and subject to extreme weather conditions. Some user reviews describe the roads as rough, requiring careful navigation; 4-wheel drive vehicles may be recommended in certain areas during poor weather.

Nearby places

Sumatra, FL: 10 miles (~30 minutes drive)

Apalachicola, FL: null

Carrabelle, FL: null

Nearby supplies

Gas stations and grocery stores are located greater than 10 miles from the campground. The nearest population centers include coastal towns like Eastpoint and Carrabelle.

Best Time to Camp at Tate&Apos;S Hell State Forest Sumatra Primitive Campsites

Experience Florida's wild side through dramatically shifting seasons that transform this primitive paradise. Winter brings blessed relief with crisp 62°F afternoons perfect for hiking and cool 48°F nights ideal for campfire gatherings. As summer arrives, the forest becomes a steamy, primordial world where 88°F days give way to balmy 70°F nights filled with cricket symphonies. Afternoon thunderstorms during warmer months create a dynamic atmosphere, turning the forest into a lush, rain-scented wonderland where every drop feeds the ancient cypress and pristine waterways.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

2.5 / 5

Open year-round but summer brings heat, mosquitoes and more insects per reviews.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Milder weather and good hiking conditions; fewer insect complaints than summer.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Pleasant weather and abundant wildlife/viewing opportunities in spring months.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Comfortable temperatures for hiking but hunting season increases activity and noise.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Specific peak season dates are not provided, though hunting seasons in winter may affect availability.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round; peak season may vary depending on hunting and fishing seasons.
Current Alerts: No specific advisories or alerts are provided, though users have noted ongoing issues with cleanliness and noise disturbances from nearby hunters.

About Tate&Apos;S Hell State Forest Sumatra Primitive Campsites

Deep within the mysterious Tate's Hell State Forest lies a true wilderness escape where modern amenities fade away and raw nature takes center stage. This primitive campground strips camping down to its essence—just you, your tent, and the untamed beauty of Florida's largest state forest. Simple picnic tables, fire rings, and grills are your only companions as you immerse yourself in a world of ancient waterways and pristine wilderness. Days here unfold with paddle strokes through mirror-black waters, fishing lines cast into the New River, and endless opportunities to capture the forest's haunting beauty through your lens or binoculars.

Tate's Hell State Forest Sumatra Primitive Campsites cater to primitive, RV, and tent camping. The sites are designed for minimalistic camping experiences.

Historical SignificanceThe very name 'Tate's Hell' whispers of mystery and legend, carrying forward tales from Florida's frontier past that still echo through these ancient forests. Local folklore speaks of a man named Tate who ventured into this vast wilderness and emerged days later, uttering 'My name is Cebe Tate, and I just came from Hell!' before collapsing. Today, this storied landscape preserves not just ecological treasures but cultural memories woven into the very fabric of North Florida's identity.

Weather and SeasonsExperience Florida's wild side through dramatically shifting seasons that transform this primitive paradise. Winter brings blessed relief with crisp 62°F afternoons perfect for hiking and cool 48°F nights ideal for campfire gatherings. As summer arrives, the forest becomes a steamy, primordial world where 88°F days give way to balmy 70°F nights filled with cricket symphonies. Afternoon thunderstorms during warmer months create a dynamic atmosphere, turning the forest into a lush, rain-scented wonderland where every drop feeds the ancient cypress and pristine waterways.

ElevationThis is camping at sea level's edge, where the land barely rises above the waterline and every depression holds secrets. The low-lying terrain creates a mesmerizing tapestry of wetlands and water features, where solid ground gives way to mysterious bog gardens and hidden pools that reflect the sky like scattered mirrors throughout the forest floor.

Natural Features and SceneryStep into an enchanted world where nature defies expectations at every turn. Ancient dwarf cypress trees, weathered by 150 years yet standing no taller than 15 feet, create a fairytale landscape unlike anywhere else in Florida. These botanical marvels rise from wet prairies that shimmer with wildflowers, while strand swamps and baygalls harbor secrets in their shadowy depths. Black bears lumber through the understory, otters play in hidden streams, and deer materialize like ghosts at dawn's first light. Every paddle stroke down the New River reveals new wonders—from sun-dappled cypress knees to pristine wetlands teeming with life.

Geological RegionSprawling across an astounding 202,437 acres between the mighty Apalachicola and Ochlockonee Rivers, Tate's Hell State Forest encompasses one of the most diverse wetland systems in North America. This vast wilderness sanctuary in Franklin and Liberty Counties protects 107,300 acres of floodplains where ancient rivers have carved their stories into the landscape. The forest's remarkable hydric communities—from wet prairies carpeted in wildflowers to mysterious strand swamps and baygalls—create a mosaic of ecosystems found nowhere else. Here, diminutive dwarf cypress groves stand as living monuments, their 150-year-old trunks telling tales of adaptation and survival in this watery wilderness.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in time not specified.

Check-out

Check-out time not specified.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 14 consecutive nights allowed, as mentioned in user reviews.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 8 people per site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites are dispersed along the riverbanks or within isolated areas of the forest. No detailed layout map is provided.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online through Reserve America.

Walk-in AvailabilityUser reviews mention walk-in sites, but no detailed statistics on site availability are provided.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation policies are not detailed, but reservations are required and can be made online.

AccessibilityThere is no specific information about ADA accessibility features at the campground.

Site SizeThe maximum equipment length allowed is 48 feet.

PrivacySome sites are described as secluded, while others may have less privacy due to proximity to other campers or visitors.

Total Campsites35 campsites

Recommended SitesUsers recommend sites along the New River for fishing and kayaking opportunities. Site #26 is praised for privacy.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers diverse activities, such as fishing, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, bird watching, and wildlife viewing. Opportunities for stargazing, photography, and picnicking are also available. Nearby attractions include Franklin County Beaches and Apalachicola National Forest.

HikingThe forest is part of the Florida Scenic Trail, offering various hiking opportunities. User reviews describe the terrain as flat and easy to navigate, but some roads are poorly maintained.

FishingFishing is a popular activity, as the campsites are located near rivers and streams. A valid fishing license is required.

BikingUser reviews describe biking on the dirt roads within the forest as an enjoyable activity. However, poorly maintained roads may limit accessibility.

BoatingThe campground provides excellent access for canoeing, kayaking, and small boats along the New River. A concrete boat launch is available at Cash Creek.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is abundant, with opportunities to observe otters, possums, deer, and various bird species. The Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail runs through the forest.

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include aggressive yellow flies during warmer months, ticks, poisonous snakes like rattlesnakes, and proximity to wildlife such as black bears and alligators.

Active AlertsNo specific advisories or alerts are provided, though users have noted ongoing issues with cleanliness and noise disturbances from nearby hunters.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Fire PolicyFire rings and grills are available at each site. Firewood must be brought in, as no mention of firewood availability is provided.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours not formally mentioned, though user reviews complain of noise from hunters and partygoers disrupting the tranquility.

Emergency ServicesFlorida Forest Service Dispatch (for non-emergency assistance between 5:00 pm - 8:00 am): (850) 681-5950.

Trash & RecyclingUser reviews report trash at some campsites, with inconsistent maintenance from park staff to address littering issues. Campers are advised to pack out their own trash.

Water FeaturesCampsites are located along the riverbanks of the New River, offering direct access for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing.

Camp HostMixed reviews on campground hosts, with some users finding hosts helpful and others citing confrontational behavior and unrestrained dogs.

Weather at Tate&Apos;S Hell State Forest Sumatra Primitive Campsites

Reviews

4.1

50 reviews

Satisfactory

Tate&Apos;S Hell State Forest Sumatra Primitive Campsites is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the natural beauty and tranquility of the campground. However, concerns about litter, noise from hunters and party groups, and lack of maintenance are frequently mentioned.

Review Summaries

Based on 50 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praise the scenic beauty, wildlife viewing opportunities, and the remote, serene environment. Activities such as fishing, canoeing, and hiking receive positive feedback.

Based on 50 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include litter at campsites, noise disturbances from hunters and party groups, poorly maintained roads, and lack of enforcement of park rules.

Based on 50 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own water and supplies as there are no on-site facilities. Be prepared for rough road conditions, and arrive early to secure the best sites.

Based on 50 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is more active during hunting seasons, which may lead to noise and disruptions. Summer months see an influx of mosquitoes and other insects.

Based on 50 reviews

Camper Quotes

"It is a beautiful area to camp but lacks regulation." - Ratzzila M. Rekab, "The fishing was great but the yellow flies were fierce." - Kristine Bryant, "Great camping locations but trails could be...

Based on 50 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 44 was noted for its lack of privacy as it was used by out-of-town visitors for fishing. Crooked River #45 is described as quiet and well-suited for a tranquil stay.

Based on 50 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific accessibility reviews were available.

Based on 50 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but user reviews mention concerns about unleashed dogs from fellow campers or hosts.

Based on 50 reviews

0 review

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Last updated January 5, 2026

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Tate&Apos;S Hell State Forest Sumatra Primitive Campsites