Description

The Fort Braden Primitive Campsites are in Lake Talquin State Forest (Leon County), Fort Braden Tract about 10 miles west of Tallahassee, FL. These primitive campsites on the lake are tent only and are only accessible by hiking, canoe, kayak, or boat. The primitive group campsite is accessible by hiking or vehicle. No electric or water is available. At the Fort Braden Trailhead there are: three hiking trail loops that are 2.6 to 4.4 miles in length and are moderately strenuous, with steep inclines and narrow footing in some areas; and two equestrian trail loops each extend 5 to 6 miles in length. Riders should expect an amazing trail that will include low-water crossings, inclines, and winding trails. At the trailhead is a restroom and pavilion. A second pavilion, which is close to the tent only campsites, can be found on the Center Loop trail. The group site has 3 horse stalls. Recreational activities featured here are: fishing, boating, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, picnicking, bird watching, wildlife viewing and photography.

Geography:

Located in Gadsden, Leon, and Liberty Counties, Lake Talquin State Forest is over 19,300 acres and only 20-minutes west of Tallahassee, FL. Most of the forest adjoins the Ochlockonee River and Lake Talquin, the body of water that gives the forest its name. The natural resources found here are very diverse due to the unique and various natural community types. Upland pine forest represents the largest forest cover type on the forest, but also includes pine flatwoods, swamp bottomlands, sand hill and temperate hardwood forests. Located in the southern extent of the Tallahassee Hills physiographic region of Florida, the topography at the forest can differ as much as 100 feet, in some cases. Outstanding examples of the unique slope and ravine natural community can be found at the Ft. Braden, Rocky Comfort, Joe Budd, and Bear Creek tracts. For further information about Lake Talquin State Forest, please Click Here.

Recreation:

Lake Talquin State Forest offers a variety of recreational opportunities on its many diverse tracts of land and can be enjoyed using existing roads, road beds and established trails. Horseback riders are welcome on open roads in the forest, and the Fort Braden Tract contains a 12-mile designated equestrian trail. Horseback riding is not permitted on designated hiking and biking trails or on the Bear Creek and Lines Tracts. Off-road bicyclists can enjoy the open roads on Lake Talquin State Forest; however, they are not permitted on designated hiking, nature, or equestrian trails or on the Ft. Braden and Bear Creek Tracts. The Lines Tract contains a designated off-road bicycle trail that offers a 9-mile course for beginner to intermediate level cyclists. Canoes, kayaks, and power boats are allowed on Lake Talquin which provides access to great freshwater fishing, which can be pursued from the shore or by boat, and several public boat ramps are located on the lake. Fishing requires a valid license. On the Bear Creek Tract, visit the Bear Creek Educational Forest , which is open daily from sunrise to sunset. This forest is part of the Florida Scenic Trail and Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail. Get outdoors and explore the recreational opportunities at Lake Talquin State Forest; for further information please Click Here.

Facilities:

Group campsite GPS 30 26 49.42N, 84 29 36.67W centrally located, vehicle access available, 3 paddocks/ open stall available for equestrians. Fire ring, grill and picnic table.

Vaulted restroom located at the trail head.

West loop campsite GPS 30 26 59.29N, 84 30 17.18W Located overlooking the lake on the west hiking trail loop. Hike in only. Fire ring and picnic table

Central loop campsite GPS 30 27 04.27N, 84 29 48.61W Located on the central hiking trail loop overlooking the lake. Hike in Only, Fire ring and picnic table

Nearby Attractions:

City of Tallahassee
Tallahassee Museume/Tree to Tree Adventures
Wakulla Springs State Park
Apalachicola National Forest
Wakulla and Franklin County Beaches
FSU/ FAMU
Mission San Louis
St Marks Wildlife Refuge

Reservations can be made for today and can be made up to 11 Month(s) in advance.

Season Schedule

• General Rules