Cotton Lake Recreation Area

Small camping area with 4 RV sites and a few tent sites. I stayed here in a 35 ft Class A and that’s about the largest rig that would fit in the site I was in (site 4). No hookups - just a port a potty and trash receptacles. All sites have a grill, picnic table, and fire ring. It’s on a very small lake that is connected to the river. There are railroad tracks nearby and you do hear trains occasionally. A boat launch is right next to the sites so there are fisherman coming and going. For a free campsite you really can’t complain!

I think site 6 for tent camping is the best of the three tent sites. It sits further back, but has a direct view of the water. The other two are close to the parking lot. It was quiet. Only one other tent. The wild pigs were crazy loud at night and startled us as we weren’t expecting them. Only heard them at night. Never saw them. Great kayaking. From the camp site, go to the left which is more upstream. If you go to the right you will have trouble getting back to the tent due to the current. There is a maze that of canals/paths to take if you go to the left. Wish there was more to do in the area.

We did great at site #4. (Would recommend #3 for big rigs as it is longer.) Be sure to walk the short trails both ways to see the amazing cypress trees! The RV and tents sites are AFTER the boat launch so you will hardly notice the activity. There is also train tracks about half a mile away but the trees are so thick you can barely notice it. Best experience would be to have a kayak/canoe as well!

Stayed just two nights although we reserved three. Rain and clouds made charging our batteries difficult. Lots of trees too.

If we had more time we would have gotten the kayak out and hit the river.

T-mobile - 1-2 bars.

Stayed here once before in a tent and I enjoyed it. I now have a travel 15 foot travel trailer. I stayed in site 4. It was a huge site at the end of the row. Three other campers were there, total of 4 sites. I believe there are 6 tent sites and only one was taken. Everyone was friendly and the location felt safe. Will definitely come back.

Big rig friendly free camping with good cellular service may be had at Cotton Lake Recreation Area in Florida. Located just off US Highway 29, Cotton Lake Recreation Area offers free RV dry camping, walk-in tent camping, two clean portable toilets, trash receptacles, river access, and a boat ramp. Verizon cellular service clocked in at 34.8 Mbps download speed and 1.27 Mbps upload speed. AT&T cellular service clocked in at 12.8 Mbps download speed and 3.59 Mbps upload speed. T-Mobile cellular service clocked in at 8.39 Mbps download speed and 1.34 Mbps upload speed.

Stayed during the week. No one else there, other than an occasional fisherman launching a boat. But if you come during yellow fly season, be prepared with repellent as the are EVERYWHERE.