Important Notice:
The Florida Forest Service will close all campgrounds and recreation areas on State Forests if the county where the State Forest is located is placed under a Tropical Storm or Hurricane WARNING by the National Weather Service. Reservations will be automatically refunded for closures related to tropical weather.
Krul Campground Info: Day Passes are not valid for entry at Krul Campground. Reservations are required for entry and are available 2 days in advance here. Annual passholders also require a reservation, but will be admitted for free.
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ATTENTION : The campground will be closed through 5/16/24 to assess damage and make repairs from a tornado during recent storms.
Important Notice: The Florida Forest Service will close all campgrounds and recreation areas on State Forests if the county where the State Forest is located is placed under a Tropical Storm or Hurricane WARNING by the National Weather Service. Reservations will be automatically refunded for closures related to tropical weather.
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Bear Lake Campground Blackwater River State Forest, FL

Average Rating: 4.5
Average Rating: 4.5
Average Rating: 4.5
Average Rating: 4.5
Average Rating: 4.5
1042 Ratings
The Bear Lake Campground is located within the Bear Lake Recreation Area, in the Blackwater River State Forest (Santa Rosa County), about 1-hour northeast of Pensacola, FL. This campground is located next to Bear Lake (107 acres) and has the following facilities: campsites with electric ...
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FACILITY OFFERING:

Camping

Description

The Bear Lake Campground is located within the Bear Lake Recreation Area, in the Blackwater River State Forest (Santa Rosa County), about 1-hour northeast of Pensacola, FL. This campground is located next to Bear Lake (107 acres) and has the following facilities: campsites with electric and water (potable), campsites with water (potable) only, dump station, a group dining hall with kitchen available by reservation only and restrooms with showers, boat ramp (electric motors only) and fishing pier. Recreational activities featured here are: fishing, hiking, mountain biking (6-mile trail), canoeing, picnicking, bird watching, wildlife viewing and photography.

Geography:

Blackwater River State Forest is the largest state forest in Florida, with over 210,000 acres of woodlands, lakes, and streams that has outstanding forest and water resources. It is named for the Blackwater River, which begins in neighboring Conecuh County, Alabama, and meanders southwestward through the forest. With the adjacent federal landholdings of Conecuh National Forest, to the north, and Eglin Air Force Base, to the south, this area is the largest contiguous ecological community of the longleaf pine - wiregrass ecosystem in the world. For further information about Blackwater River State Forest, please Click Here.

Recreation:

Blackwater River State Forest has campgrounds, day-use areas and recreational trails that offer a variety of activities such as swimming, hiking, camping, canoeing, nature study, birding, fishing, hunting, horseback riding and mountain biking. This forest is part of the Florida National Scenic Trail and Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. Get outdoors and explore the recreational opportunities at Blackwater River State Forest; for further information please Click Here.

Facilities:

Bear Lake has electric and non-electric sites available for recreational vehicles or tents. Bathrooms with showers are available. There is a boat ramp, fishing pier, hiking trail, and dining hall with pavilion. The dining hall pavilion use is by reservation only.

Nearby Attractions:

Blackwater Canoe Rental, Bob's Canoes, Adventures Unlimited, Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, Air Force Armament Museum, Okaloosa Island Pier, National Naval Aviation Museum, Navarre Beach, Pensacola Beach, Gulf of Mexico

Services & Amenities:

Within Park
  • Bathhouse
  • Bird Watching
  • Boat Ramp
  • Boating, Canoeing
  • Campground Host
  • Camping, Improved Site
  • Canoe Rental
  • Dock, Fishing
  • Dump Station
  • Fire Rings
  • Fish Cleaning Station
  • Fishing
  • Fishing, Pier
  • Hiking Trail
  • Kiosk
  • Mountain/Trail Bicycling
  • Nature Study
  • Photography
  • Picnicing
  • Restrooms
  • Stream
  • Trails, Hiking/Walking, Easy
  • Trails, Mountain Bike
  • Water Access, Park Lake
  • Water Drinking
  • Wildflower Viewing
  • Wildlife Viewing
Alerts and Important Information
No Swimming.

If a camper is incorrectly set up on your reserved campsite advise the Campground Host. If the Campground Host is not on site, courteously advise the camper that you have a reservation. Please have your reservation with you on your electronic device, or have a printed copy, or have your reservation number. Bear Lake Recreation Area and its vicinity is in a non-hunting zone. During the main hunting season,Thanksgiving to mid February, it is recommended to wear fluorescent orange when traveling on trails away from Bear Lake.

Only electric boat motors are allowed for navigating in fishing lake.

Vehicles pulling a camper must be included in the total length of the unit and fit completely in the site.

Contact Information:

Mailing Address:

Bear Lake Campground Blackwater River State Forest
11650 Munson Highway
Milton  FL  32570
Phone Number:
Information:  (850)957-5700