SP Campground Review – Blackwater River State Park, Holt, FL
A really neat beach-forest stop in the “inner” Panhandle.
Link to campground here: Blackwater River SP
Link to map location here: Blackwater River SP
- Site Quality = 5/5
The sites here are excellent. They are very large compacted, flat gravel surfaces (disabled sites are concrete) with picnic table, grill, fire-pit and full hookups (50Amp/water/sewer). Good site separation, privacy and access. Big-rig friendly. - Facilities = 4/5
Nice facilities. Bathrooms are large, fairly new and well-kept. Shower-stalls have bench and good water-pressure. Surrounding area has river access, beach, swimming, picnic areas, trails and playground. On-site dump. No laundry. - Location = 4/5
This is a forest location and feels very relaxed and remote. The nature/hiking and canoeing are excellent, but there’s not a lot else out here which makes it perfect for anyone looking to escape. You are within decent drive of shopping at Milton. - Pet Friendliness = 4/5
The place gets a ding for not allowing dogs on the “official” beach-site just next to the campground. However you can walk just a short distance down the path and enjoy the beach on any one of the many other beach-banks of the river. Good selection of hiking trails, especially if you extend into the next-door State Forest. Poop bags provided.
Overall Rating = 4.25
BONUS ALERT = Pure white-sand beach in the forest and iconic river trails!
Summary: I must say we were very happy with this stop. This is a smallish campground within the State Park which is in turn completely surrounded by the huge Blackwater River State Forest. As such you have miles and miles of nature all around you and the place feels very remote and relaxed. What makes this spot extra special is Blackwater River itself which is a beautiful and iconic canoeing/kayaking trail lined with banks of pure quartz white sand. It’s beach in the forest and very unique! In the campground itself sites are large, perfectly flat, nicely separated and with full-hookups. You can swim on the “official” beach-site a short walk from camp or take doggie to walk and play along the other beach-banks all along the river. We could easily have spent more time here and would definitely come back.
Extra Info: Both Verizon aircard and phone worked fine. Sites are reservable $20/night with 50Amp/water/sewer. On-site dump.
We just stayed here in early December and LOVED it. Same problem for our dog with the beach but we took here on trails and she didn’t miss the beach. We kayaked several miles up the river and it was spectacular with many birds and one very laconic alligator who only opened one eye to watch us go by!
The bathrooms were great except it was cold and there was no heat. There IS, however, an outlet and I took our small electric space heater after the first visit and was able to keep from freezing.
Excellent update! Thank you. So glad you enjoyed the park.
Nina