roadtripper572477

This isn't a typical Florida campground that many people are used to, i.e. you may well be the only camper there! It is managed land that is designed to recharge the Florida aquifer by keeping over 10,000 acres of public land undeveloped and be still available for FREE public use: camping (with permit arranged in advance), riding (bike and equestrian), hiking, fishing, and hunting (campground may be closed during scheduled hunts). Campers should feel lucky to be able to use the land and explore the wilderness on good trails.
The land is a mix of pine flatlands and cypress swamps that are subject to periodic flooding, so it is best to visit the Hampton Tract in dryer, cooler weather or insects may be a problem for both man and beast.
Dogs, on leashes, are allowed in the designated campground, but not on the trails.
Non-potable water is available for horses. Vault toilet available.
The access road is about a mile long and has potholes, but there is room to pull around them.
The camping area is a mix of open space and shade from large oak trees. Sites are bare ground, but are mostly level and dry.

GREAT base for exploring Big Cypress National Preserve and Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park. The Clyde Butcher Gallery (the most amazing swamp and Everglades photos!) is right down the road close to the Oasis Visitor's Center. Both are worth a visit.
While potable water is available, you have to get it at a fill-up area, not at your campsite. The fill-up area and dump areas are adjacent, so you may have to wait in line if you want to use either of them. If you are doing this on the way out of the park, your trip may be delayed if you are not the first in line. The restrooms are good, but they don't have any showers.
There is an outdoor theater area used for camper presentations by park staff in the evening.
Fire pits and covered tables are around the lake. Plenty of open grass space around the lake to use for a game area.
Reservations are suggested during peak camping months; the park was full all three nights we were there in March. Our site was quiet enough, but there will be more road noise in sites closer to Tamiami Trail. (Used senior pass for 50% discount)

Good place for a quiet, relaxing, catch-up-on-things stopover. While the park land is located on the Altamaha River, there are no waterfront campsites. However, the river, trails (including a nice boardwalk over the swamp), and historical Heritage Center are all within easy walking distance. Choose between open or treed sites, with ample space between sites. Pet friendly.

There are a limited number of sites that can handle Class A motorhomes larger than 35'. The CG is right on Shadow Mtn. dam and the Colorado River, but no sites have water views. However, the views of the surrounding mountains are great. Plus, several RMNP trails, the Continental Divide trail, and Arapaho NF trails can be walked to right from the campground. Fishing can be done in the reservoir, spillway area or in the river. Some of the spotless restrooms have flush toilets. Since the pine beetle killed most of the large trees solar systems are unobstructed. If you couldn't get into RMNP and stay here instead, you won't be disappointed!

Sites closer to Route 1 are noisier and train noise can be heard, but it is not bad. Unhook your tow vehicle right where you pull up to check in. Dog park measures 150' x 180', with both open and shaded areas; they even provide poop bags! While there is no swimming in the Indian River Lagoon, there is a swimming pool next to the recreation building. There is a small camp store, which in addition to selling typical camping supplies, also rents out board games. Be patient, and you can see wildlife in the IRL; a manatee swam right by the pier (looks right across at the VAB at the Kennedy Space Center) when we were out on it. The Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is nearby, providing an excellent visitor's center and extensive hiking opportunities as well as beach access. You can also purchase the federal interagency senior park's pass for $10 at the visitor's center; it will pay for itself the first day you use it if you go into the park.

Note the the lat long shows the first boat ramp. NO CAMPING there, sign points further down (N) the gravel road for CAMPING. Look at google maps to find the correct location at the end of the road. As of July 2019 the sat view is exact.