Welcome to Blackwater River State Park the Beautiful
Written: Jun 04 '06 (Updated Jan 14 '07)
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Pros: Clean and inexpensive retreat for camping enthusiasts.
Cons: Too hot during summer or close to summer.
The Bottom Line: If can stop by and see one of Florida's finest parks.
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| gothicdreams's Full Review: Blackwater River State Park |
Welcome to Blackwater River State Park*
A favorite destination for canoeists and kayakers, Blackwater River offers opportunities for a variety of outdoor recreation. The river is one of the purest sand-bottom rivers in the nation, making this park a popular place for swimming, fishing, camping, and paddling. Shaded campsites are just a short walk from the river, and visitors can enjoy a picnic at a pavilion overlooking the river. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy strolling along trails through undisturbed natural communities. In 1980 the park was certified as a Registered State Natural Feature for possessing exceptional value in illustrating the natural history of Florida. Atlantic white cedars line the river and one of them was recognized in 1982 as a Florida Champion tree, one of the largest and oldest of its species. Located 15 miles northeast of Milton, off U.S. 90.
Hours of Operation*
Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.
Driving Directions*
Heading East on I-10 exit 31 (Hwy 87N), 1/2 mile, right turn on Hwy 90E, 7 miles to town of Harold, Left turn onto Deaton Bridge Road, 3 miles to main gate. Heading West on I-10 exit 45 to town of Holt (blinking light). Left turn onto Hwy 90, Approximately 15 miles to the town of Harold, right turn on Deaton Bridge Road, 3 miles to main gate.
Park Fees*
Admission Fee Honor Park $3.00 per vehicle
Pedestrians, Bicyclists, Extra Passengers, Passengers In Vehicles With Holder of Annual Individual Entrance Permit Entrance Fee $1.00
Picnic Pavilion Rental Fees
$30.00 per day
My Experience
Back in the Spring of 2003 I went with a fellow nature enthusiasts (that went on to be a Park Ranger in south Florida) and this particular trip was absolutely wonderful.
What made it so good?
Well for starters the camp grounds were immaculate and actually had the woodsy smell. The camp grounds were free from litter and other debris left behind by uncourteous campers. I later found out that they have a volunteer pickup program for trash that is left behind the surrounding campers did not leave things out where items could be blown off in the wind. The camp grounds smelled wonderful from the variety of pines and other shrubs, bushes, etc.
Each campsite has big burn barrel built into the ground that comes up approximately a foot and half and is about 3-4 foot wide. It is a very nice and convenient feature for making up a fire quicker and hotter. If you want a pretty big camp fire be sure to bring all the fixings for one;however, for a small campfire you may be able to just scrounge up some materials from your surroundings. I personally would recommend bringing a big log, a few small logs, kindling wood, and a big zip loc of dryer lint in case you have trouble with the kindling wood(and one lighter). Or the easiest way would be to bring some logs and starter logs (and one lighter). Scrounging (a technique that I learned from making fires to roast hotdogs as kid) grab pinestraw or other leaves preferably during daylight that are dry, oak branches of all sizes that are dry and not decaying (or decayed), (one lighter) and tend to fire as needed. I hope you found this information very helpful because to me a camping trip is not quite as breathtaking as possible without the experience of a campfire.
Plus I went during an excellent time of the year - Spring Break. During Spring Break it was nice and cool at night and a little warm during the day, but somewhat cool in the shade. Anytime between December and May (sometimes only until April depending on how hot it is) because once it gets hot the bugs start to become a real nuisance especially the gnats and mosquitoes.
Public courtesy bathrooms were clean and had toilet paper. I have been to quite a few campgrounds and not all have toilet paper especially that are state run and even some privately held grounds. I was delighted that they had toilet paper because there was quite a few times I forgot to bring some toilet paper with me in case there was not any there.
The trails are easy to navigate from what I can tell I did not venture off to far (so I will update this sometime in the future) and do not intend on telling you more than what I know for fact.
There is pond near the camping grounds that is for swimming and is clear as can be. At that same pond there is also a rather small dock that you can tan on or go into the water. As a caution the water is not deep enough to dive off the dock. Besides the dock there is beach sand that people were utilizing to play volleyball with a couple of kids attempting to make sand castles.
The costs for camping is more than reasonable for this Florida State Park for only $10 per a night for campsite, water, and electricity.
How to Find
Blackwater River State Park
7720 Deaton Bridge Road
Holt, Florida 32564
Phone: 850-983-5363
Fax: 850-983-5364
Check Out My Most Recent Outdoor Gear Review:
Cabela's Mid-Calf CoolMax® Liner Sock - Free From Dampness
*http://www.floridastateparks.org/blackwaterriver/default.cfm
Copyright 6/04/2006 © : May reference with Link credited above and below citation. Thank you.
Recommended:
Yes
Best time to go: March-May
Recommended for: Couples
Review Topic: Campgrounds & Lodging
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Epinions.com ID:
gothicdreams
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Member: Engel
Location: Greater Pensacola Area, FL, USA
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