designated campsites

[hatchet toe]

So, when in State Parks or WMA's and what have you, are you REQUIRED to sleep in designated camps? I have went over quite a few of the websites for state parks, lands managed by the st johns river water management etc. and have yet to see anything that specifically forbids camping in other areas. Also if there is not designated camping area in one of these areas should I assume NO CAMPING is allowed?

[lilricky]

Where did you read that you had to camp in designated areas????

[hatchet toe]

cant remember exactly and it may not have even been Florida, but I have seen signs at parks in the past that specify that camping must be done in designated areas. thats why I wanted to know if Florida specifically had any regulations on this, and in the seminole state forest (FT runs through here) when camping there, they have an envelope that wants to know where you will be camping...

[Hikes in Rain]

Eglin AFB requires camping at designated spots. It's been a while since I've been on base, and always had an escort (we had business with the base folks), but that did get me into places the public doesn't usually get to. Heck, the base is bigger than our smallest state! And watch out for unexploded ordinance; it's out there, here and there. I never found any, but a couple of my folks did.

http://floridahikes.com/fteglineast

http://floridahikes.com/fteglinwest

[HooKooDooKu]

From what I've experienced in general regarding State Parks is that each one sets their own rules... and the rules change. My local state park used to allow camping anywhere. But as popularity of the park grew they changed the rules to designed site to cut down on impact.

[WingedMonkey]

There are many areas along the Florida Trail where camping is restricted to designated sites.

State Parks have no hunting so their rules are usually pretty straight forward. Camping is only allowed at designated primitive sites or at established campgrounds. As an example, Gold Head Branch State Park has one of the better "backpack" sites with a tenting area and a covered pavilion. Or you can camp in the main full-facility campground with bathrooms and showers. Both require registration and fee payment.

Most State Forest, Water Management Lands and National Forest restrict camping under the guidelines of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission during scheduled hunts.

Seminole State Forest for example follows Wildlife Management Area rules for camping during hunting season.
http://myfwc.com/hunting/wma-brochur...minole-forest/

Camping:
1. Camping is prohibited during hunting periods, except hikers may camp at designated primitive campsites along the Florida Trail throughout the year.
2. During non-hunting periods, camping is regulated by the Florida Forest Service (352-360-6675).

You would need to check Florida Game Commission WMA site to determine dates for hunts. The rest of the year Seminole State Forest has several primitive sites some on the Florida Trail some on side trails. That's why the self check-in ask where you are camping.

Ocala National Forest allows dispersed camping any where on the forest. Except again, during scheduled hunts when backpackers are required to camp in designated "hunt camps" or in wilderness areas where there is no hunting.

Federal land such as Eglin AFB also have restricted camping sites year round with recreation permits required and also campsites for thru-hikers without permits (registered with the FTA).

I could go on and on..........



You best bet is to get the FTA guidebook, check the FTA web site for and additional closures, and in most place first check camping rules for WMA's on the Florida Game Commission site.

[WingedMonkey]

As to Water Management District lands most if not all are specific as to where and when camping is allowed. St Johns WMD has it clear on the recreation web site,

Only primitive tent camping is allowed on District lands and only at designated locations.

http://floridaswater.com/camping/

There are many trail opportunities besides the main Florida National Scenic Trail. The Florida Trail unlike most trail systems also includes many miles of trails in addition to the National Scenic Trail, some that connect to it and some that don't. Local chapters of the FTA maintain both.

St Johns River Water Management District like most WMD's also co-manage several public lands with local governments or other agencies. Then the other agencies camping rules may apply.

[hatchet toe]

great info here thank you.

[LeafChiefer]

I've paddled and camped on the St John's several times. There are a few designated areas but I've also been passed by the FWC while I was camping in a non marked area. Just a little clearing on the river bank. But it was just me and I tend to keep a pretty neat site. Not blaring music and drinking beer lol. Great info from other posters but I wouldn't worry about it to much. Be more concerned of the moccasins and gators. Don't leave food out and make sure you keep your eyes out. Have never had an ACTUAL problem but have been startled several times by moccasins and gators. They tend to leave you alone though as long as you pay them the same respect.Wild boar are pretty abundant as well.

[Ladytrekker]

I have backpacked a lot of Florida I try to use designated spots if I want a fire to leave less trace, but I have thrown my tent out in many places with no consequences I just don't build a fire and keep it on the down low. I have even camped on the trail in a heavily wooded area cause I was tired and it was getting dark and was the most cleared. Gotta do what you gotta do.