Traveling from Texas to home we stopped at this park just south of Sopchoppy at the east end of the panhandle. The campground is smallish, 30 sites, but well laid out. The bath house is old, but clean. The staff is friendly. Two of the things to look for here are the white squirrels and the white deer. Hey, no joke.
Our site, #2, lacked shade, but had plenty of privacy on the sides. All the sites are sand and have 30/20 amp electric, and water. Most are level. Something to be aware of is that some sites have the utility hook-ups on the "wrong" side, or way up front or at the back, necessitating pulling in nose first or having a long hose and electric cord.
The sites from #6 up are pretty much in the shade. Next time. The loop road is sand, but the Scenic Drive road leading to the campground and the day park is paved. There is a long section just before the ranger station that, while paved, is really in bad shape.
While no campsites have a view of the Ochlockonee River the campground is just a short walk away. There is a hiking trail along the river.
During our stay there was a stiff breeze coming off the water which helped temper the hot day.
Take the Campfire Circle Trail from the campground to the water's edge.
Head east on the River Nature Trail...
...and walk through a slightly wooded area with grass and shrubs.
Eventually you come to the day park that has pavilions, playground, picnic shelter and restrooms. The day park can be reached by trail or road. Take the North Flatland Trail to the north, and circle around to the campground. Take the road and see the same sights plus the Youth Camp and Reflection Pond.
Also, there is a marina and swimming area. This is on the Dead River. The water is brackish, so fishing is good for salt water and fresh water fishing. Toward the horizon is a scenic point where the Dead River meets the Ochlockonee River. There is a small beach at the point. Swim with caution. Remember..Florida...gators.
Look across the Dead River and see a huge grassy marsh.
Take the River Nature Trail to the west from the Campfire Circle, the scenery is a little different.
More green shrubbery, less golden grass and more pines. The trail ends at the park's canoe/boat ramp. There is also a small sand beach here.
Some sights we saw on our hike:
Heading to the fishing hole.
Twisty oak branches. Remember seeing these in Gold Head Branch State Park.
Odd root. Desperately holding on to the beach?
The shoreline offered plenty of different tree photo ops.
No clue as to what these blooms are...yet.
Oh, the white squirrels and deer.
Finally saw a white squirrel.
Not albinos, but another color variant of the species.
Cute little buggers. The head patch can vary from solid, horseshoe, or doughnut shaped. It may resemble a triangle, a diamond, deer tracks, or even a widow's peak. So they say.
Never did see the white deer. 8-( Must go back.
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