Charles H. Bronson, Commissioner    -    James R. Karels, Director
State Forests:
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Friends of Florida State Forests, Inc
Take an active role in protecting forests for future generations with the Friends of Florida State Forests


Wetland restoration is an integral part of the Division of Forestry’s management of state forest resources. Find out more about these projects in the Hydrological Restoration Activity Report.


Visit the Trailtrotter Program for horseback riders.
Blackwater River State Forest has two Trailtrotter equestrian trails.

Visit the Trailwalker Program for hikers.
* Karick Lake Loop, Sweetwater, and Bear Lake Loop Trails are in the Division of Forestry Trailwalker Program

Great Florida Birding Trail Blackwater River S. F. is part of the
Great Florida Birding Trail

Florida Trail logo.
Blackwater River S. F. is part of the Florida Scenic Trail


 
Forestry Home > Forest Management > State Forests > Blackwater River State Forest

Recreation at Blackwater River State Forest

Recreation at Blackwater River State Forest...
Trails
Hike
Hiking trails
Bike
Biking trails
Horse
Horse trails++
Canoe
Canoe trails
Camping
Camp sites*  Camp sites (most sites with electric)
Other
Picnicking, Fishing, Hunting, Boating, Nature Study, Leashed Pets Allowed
Recreation Sites
Bear Lake | Bone Creek | Camp Paquette | Coldwater | Hurricane Lake | Karick Lake |
Krul | More | Wildlife Management Areas
Blackwater River State Forest has outstanding forest and water resources that offer a variety of recreational opportunities such as hiking, swimming, camping, canoeing, fishing, hunting, nature study, mountain biking, and horseback riding.

++ Stables available by reservation.
* First come first serve except for Coldwater Recreation Area and the youth group camping areas.




Bear Lake Recreation Area

Features

  • Bear Lake (107 acres)
  • Fishing
  • Hiking trail
  • Mountain bike trail
  • Canoeing
  • Picnicking
  • Leashed Pets Allowed

Facilities

  • Campsites with electricity
  • Restrooms and showers
  • Dining facility (reservations are required: Call 850/ 957-6140)
  • Boat ramps
  • Pier

Trails

Bone Creek Recreation Area

Features

  • Picnicking
  • Swimming
  • Fishing
  • Canoeing

Facilities

  • Restrooms
  • Pier

Camp Paquette

Features

  • Youth Groups Only
  • Five acre lake  
  • Hiking trail
  • Fishing
  • Canoeing
  • Swimming

Facilities

  • Open air pavilion
  • Restrooms and showers
  • Pier
  • Reservations required:
    Call 850/ 957-6140

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Coldwater Recreation Area

Features

  • Equestrian Trails+
  • Canoeing
  • Swimming
  • Picnicking
  • Leashed Pets Allowed
All horses must have proof of current negative Coggins test results when on state lands.

Facilities

  • Horse stalls
  • Campsites with electricity
  • Restrooms and showers
  • Dining facility

Reservations are required for the dining facility and all campsites in this recreation area. For reservations call 850\ 957-6161 weekdays between 7:00 am and 3:30 pm Central Time. 

Trails

Hurricane Lake Recreation Areas

North Hurricane Lake Recreation Area:

Features

  • Hurricane Lake (318 acres)
  • Fishing
  • Hiking trail

Facilities

  • Campsites with electricity
  • Restrooms and showers
  • Boat ramp
  • North Hurricane Lake Youth Area is a primitive camping area with restrooms nearby. Reservations are required for the Youth Area: Call 850/ 957-6140

Trails

The Wiregrass Hiking Trail passes through the campground at North Hurricane Recreation Area and is 13 miles long.

South Hurricane Lake Recreation Area:

Features

  • Hurricane Lake (318 acres)
  • Fishing
  • Canoeing
  • Picnicking

Facilities

  • Primitive campsites
  • Restrooms
  • Limited number of water faucets
  • Boat ramp

Trails

The Blackwater River Paddling Trail (pdf, 532k) begins at Kennedy Bridge.

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Karick Lake Recreation Areas

North Karick Lake Recreation Area:

Features

  • Karick Lake (65 acres)
  • Hiking trail
  • Picnicking
  • Canoeing
  • Leashed Pets Allowed
  • Fishing

Facilities

  • Campsites with electricity and water
  • Restrooms and showers
  • Boat ramp
  • Pier
  • North Karick Lake Youth Area is a primitive camping area with restrooms nearby. Reservations are required for the Youth Area: Call 850/ 957-6140

Trails

South Karick Lake Recreation Area:

Features

  • Karick Lake (65 acres)
  • Fishing
  • Picnicking
  • Canoeing
  • Leashed Pets Allowed

Facilities

  • Campsites with electricity and water
  • Restrooms and showers
  • Boat ramp

Krul Recreation Area

Features

  • Five acre lake
  • Swimming
  • Picnicking
  • Hiking trail

Facilities

  • Swimming dock
  • Campsites with electricity
  • Restrooms and showers
  • Pier

Trails

More

Contact Us:

Division of Forestry
Blackwater River State Forest
11650 Munson Hwy
Milton, FL 32570
Telephone 850/ 957-6140 or Email Blackwater River State Forest
Fax: 850/ 957-6143

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