Description
Camp Paquette Youth Group Camp is located within the Blackwater River State Forest (Santa Rosa County), about 1-hour northeast of Pensacola, FL. This youth group camp is located next to a 5-acre lake and has the following facilities: campsites with water (potable) only, open air pavilion, restrooms, and showers. Recreational activities featured here are: swimming, fishing (allowed outside of the swimming area), canoeing, hiking, picnicking, bird watching, wildlife viewing, nature study 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:
This facility has a pavilion, 4 primitive group camping sites, bathhouses, and swimming dock. Group fire pit at each camp site. There is a communal group pavilion with fireplace and a dumpster on site.
All sites are reservation only.
There are 110 volt electrical receptacles in the bath houses and 1 receptacle at the pavilion shelter. There are no electrical outlets at the group site tents.
Water is not available at group campsites but is available at bathhouses.
Nearby Attractions:
Blackwater Canoe Rental, Bobs 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
Drowning can easily occur in deep water. For swimming activities, a certified lifeguard must be present, watching all the water activities of the youth. A certified lifeguard must bring a valid rescue float to the swimming area available for immediate use. In addition a minimum of one adult (20 years or older) must observe the water activities per every 3 youth who cannot satisfactorily swim. All adults in the description below must be 20 years or older. In addition to the lifeguard, a minimum of one adult must be with every age class below watching water activities. The youth listed below must all know how to properly swim or additional adults must be brought in to watch swimmers. A minimum of one adult is necessary for watching every 6 youth-13 years or younger who know how to safely swim; at least one adult for every 7 youth-14 years old who know how to safely swim; at least one adult for every 8 youth-15 years old who know how to safely swim; at least one adult for every 9 youth-16 years old who know how to safely swim; at least one adult for every 10 youth-17 years old who know how to safely swim. To stay within the ratio of youth to adults, swim in shifts if necessary or bring in additional adults. At least one of the adult chaperones listed above must be a good swimmer who is capable of assisting the lifeguard in a water rescue. At any time of the year when youth who do not know how to satisfactorily swim are on the swimming pier, they must be watched by an adult who is a good swimmer. Canoeing is allowed provided all are wearing life preservers. Canoeing is allowed outside of the roped swimming area only. Canoes easily flip over. Life jackets save lives.
Fishing is not allowed in the roped off swimming area.
No pets allowed at this facility.
Do not feed wildlife
Camp Paquette Youth Group Area is in a non-hunting zone. During the main hunting season from Thanksgiving to mid February, it is recommended to wear fluorescent orange when hiking away from the campground area.
Florida State Forests
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