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Camel Lake Recreation Area

THIS IS NOW A REC.GOV "SCAN & PAY" SITE

** Download the Rec.gov App to your mobile device BEFORE visiting the Forest. Cellular service may not be available in some remote areas https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app#scanAndPay

Use 'Scan & Pay' on your mobile device to pay directly for access to day-use recreation sites and make reservations at campgrounds/RV sites .. The step-by-step instructions and QR codes are posted on each rec site's information kiosk. 

Surrounding one of the few crystal-clear lakes in the Apalachicola National Forest, Camel Lake Recreation Area provides a quiet place to relax and take in the beauty of the longleaf pine forest. Seepage slopes in the forest create pitcher plant bogs, easily visited along the Florida National Scenic Trail headed west to Memory Island.

Boating

  • Electric trolling motors and paddle boats are welcome on the lake.

Camping

  • Above the lake's rim, the focal points of this recreation area are the well-shaded, 10-site campground, suitable for RVs or tents.

Picnicking

  • The day-use area has both picnic tables and a picnic shelter for visitors to enjoy. 

Swimming 

  • A beautiful sandy beach is available for swimming.

General Information

Amenities

  • Bathhouse
  • Beach
  • Boat ramp
  • Drinking water
  • Picnic shelter
  • Picnic tables
  • RV hook-ups x 4(30/50 amps)
  • Toilets (flushable) 

Licenses and Passes

Fishing 

  • Florida requires a state license for all fishing activities. Visit our fishing web page before you grab your gear.  

Open year round. Summer hours 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Winter hours 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Quiet hours are between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.

Day Use Fees - $5/vehicle per day. Half price for some passholders.
Camping Fees - Visit recreation.gov online for the most updated camping fees. Fees are subject to change without notification.

Getting There

Directions

Take SR 20 west from Tallahassee through Hosford to Bristol. Turn south on SR 12. Continue south to the Apalachicola National Forest boundary sign and look for a sign for Camel Lake soon after you pass the work station and trailhead on the left. Turn left on Forest Road 105, which is an unpaved road. Drive 2 miles to the recreation area entrance on the right.

Facility and Amenity Information

Restrooms

Restroom information is not available for this site.

Water

Potable water is not available at this site.

Recreation Opportunities

Fishing - Lake & PondFishing - Lake & Pond

Recreation Groups

USDA Forest Service Logo

The Florida National Scenic Trail, better known as the Florida Trail, is a federally designated, non-motorized recreation trail that meanders approximately 1,500 miles acro

Last updated October 5, 2026