What a campground. This was a shot in the dark pick for the first night of a two week tour of the Florida panhandle. A pleasant surprise. We will come back for a longer stay. On the Suwannee River in Old Town, FL. just south of town.
Register at the neat little camp store after traveling down a gravel road that makes you wonder if you are on the right path.
Inside are the neatest old products that take you down memory lane and great staff.
Our shaded site was very level sand and grass with a small concrete patio, picnic table and 30amp full hookup. You can rent a fire pit for a meager sum.
I would call this an open campground. There is no privacy shrubbery around the sites, but they are not on top of each other. There are currently 57 sites, about 60% are shaded with plans for more in an open area near the pond. Sites range from 50 amp and 30 amp full hook ups to 50 amp and 30 amp electric and water. Nicely laid out campground with plenty of walking and biking space. Restroom/showers are nice and clean. There will be four cabins in the future. A Passport America and Good Sam member.
There are also 14 primitive campsites with a central water tap for all sites. Very spacious shaded and grassy sites.
Behind the office is a pond with a pier for sitting and/or fishing. You can fish from the shore. Catch and release is the rule. Also, in the area are picnic facilities, play area, and horseshoe pitching.
No swimming in the pond or river, but there is a small pool at the event house near the office.
What attracted me to this campground is the 1500' boardwalk thru wetlands to the Suwannee River.
If 1500' sounds long there is a rest stop along the way.
Recent rains in the area made for a wet, green wetland area along the way to the river.
Approaching the end of boardwalk and the Suwannee River.
A small observation deck allows for boat tie up, fishing or just observing the river.
There are many hiking and biking paths in the campground. This one along the river. Couldn't go too far before we ran into water and muck across the trail.
Gnarly roots along the river edge.
Interesting stump.
Only reptile we saw. A Green Anole. No alligators or snakes. Doesn't mean they are not there. About 50 acres of swamp within the campgrounds.
Purple Thistle
Sparkleberry Tree
Within the campground area are a couple of short easy trails. But, if you want serious hiking and biking there are 4.5 miles of interconnected trails between the main road and the campground. The Hideaway is a partner of the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail and hosts year round events for hikers and bikers to enjoy the trails. Paddlers and boaters along the river are also invited to stop at the dock. The Nature Coast State Trail Head is within three miles of the park, then an easy 3 mile ride or walk to the Old Railway Trestle over the Suwannee River. Over 30 miles of paved trail through pristine nature awaits.
A derelict boat along the trail. One wonders how it got there so far from the river.
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