Hopkins Prairie Campground

Tucked onto a shaded peninsula where ancient oak hammock meets sprawling grasslands, Hopkins Prairie Campground offers an intimate escape into one of Florida's most distinctive ecosystems. With just 21 well-shaded sites nestled beneath gnarled oak limbs, this seasonal campground sits at the edge of a vast, winding prairie that seems to shimmer endlessly in the Florida sun. When water levels are favorable, cool breezes sweep across the prairie and into camp, creating a surprisingly comfortable retreat. The campground's location right along the Florida Trail makes it particularly appealing to hikers and nature enthusiasts seeking something beyond the typical developed campground experience. Facilities here are deliberately minimal, keeping with the campground's back-to-nature character. You'll find vault toilets and hand-pumped water—no showers, no electricity, no frills. This is primitive camping at its most authentic, suited for self-sufficient campers who appreciate simplicity and solitude. A boat ramp provides water access for a $3 launch fee, though it's worth noting that water levels fluctuate dramatically in the prairie, affecting both boat launches and fishing opportunities. The unmarked, unimproved roads leading to the campground (located 9.2 miles north of the SR 40/SR 19 intersection) add to the sense of discovery, though they also mean this isn't the easiest place to reach with a large RV. The real draw here is the remarkable interface between forest and prairie ecosystems. The year-round Florida Trail trailhead invites day hikes in either direction, with popular routes leading to Pat's Island Trailhead or Juniper Springs. Birders will find this spot exceptional—songbirds flit through the oak scrub while wading birds stalk the prairie ponds and shallows. When water levels cooperate, you can drift across the deeper spots in your canoe or jon boat, fishing the ponds or simply absorbing the vast openness of this unique landscape. Even when the campground itself is closed seasonally, the trailhead remains accessible for hiking and wildlife viewing. Keep in mind that cancellations incur a $10 service fee, and no refunds are given for weather-related issues, so plan accordingly for this wonderfully wild but somewhat unpredictable destination.

Hopkins Prairie Campground caters to primitive camping experiences with minimal facilities.