National Forests in Florida waives campground fees for Hurricane Florence evacuees

Release Date: Sep 13, 2018

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Sept. 13, 2018 – The National Forests in Florida, which includes the Apalachicola, Ocala and Osceola National Forests, has waived campground fees for overnight use for individuals displaced by Hurricane Florence. This waiver applies to all Forest Service-run facilities, as well as those under a concession campground special use permit on all three national forests.

“Our goal is to provide clean and safe facilities for those seeking shelter on national forest lands,” said Forest Supervisor Kelly Russell.

In addition, the agency has waived the 14-day camping stay limit for individuals displaced by the storm. This fee waiver will be re-evaluated on Nov. 1, and extended if necessary.

Individuals displaced by Hurricane Florence should complete the information on fee envelope forms. For concession-run campgrounds, evacuees need to register with the campground host and identify themselves as storm evacuees.

Reservations made on Recreation.gov will still be honored and that service will remain available to the public. Displaced individuals arriving at U.S. Forest Service facilities will need to coordinate with the campground hosts to determine available sites based on current reservations.

For information on available campgrounds, please visit our website or call:

• Osceola National Forest (Jacksonville area): 386-752-2577
• Ocala National Forest (Orlando area): 352-625-2520 or 352-669-3153
• Apalachicola National Forest (Tallahassee area): 850-926-3561 or 850-643-2282