Description
Tate’s Hell State Forest is approximately 212,645 acres located in Franklin and Liberty counties, sharing a border with the Apalachicola National Forest to the north. Tate’s Hell is a large patchwork of flatwoods and savannahs with an intricate web of creeks and wetlands. The forest features the unique dwarf cypress that only reach a mature height of about 15 feet, with some trees estimated at over a century old. Pitcher plant prairies hold a diverse mixture of carnivorous plants, wildflowers and grasses. The carnivorous plants include glistening sundews, butterworts, bladderworts and several species of pitcher plants which trap insects in their erect trumpet-shaped leaves. Tate’s Hell is home to a rich array of wildlife including deer, turkey, black bear, alligators, and many resident and migratory birds. The forest offers space, solitude, and unique natural beauty to the visitors.
Geography:
The Cooked River, New River, and Oklocknee River have all been designated as Outstanding Florida Waters, and each meanders through this forest which spans across 2 counties and exceeds 212,00 acres. Complementing the natural water features are the open pine sand hills, dense woodlands, and over 900 miles of roads and trails. Tree species found on the forest include slash pine, longleaf pine, pond and bald cypress, maple, southern magnolia, hickory, and various species of oak. There is also an abundance of colorful wildflowers during the Autumn, including goldenrod, thistle, and blazing star. These natural features create excellent habitat for bald eagles, fox squirrels, gopher tortoise, white-tail deer, and turkeys, to name a few.
Recreation:
Tate’s Hell State Forest lies between the Apalachicola and Ochlockonee Rivers and offers some outstanding recreation opportunities. Womack Creek campground offers 12 campsites with access to bathhouse, picnic pavilion and boat ramp. Rock Landing Recreation Area provides 3 campsites with access to vaulted restroom, picnic pavilion and boat ramp. Cash Creek Campground has 13 campsites with access to vaulted restroom, bathhouse, interpretive hiking trail, picnic pavilion and boat ramp. County Line OHV campground offers 3 campsites with a vaulted restroom. Other 36 primitive campsites are dispersed throughout the forest mostly along the banks of rivers and creeks. Gully Branch and Vinard’s Place are day use sites for picnicking, fishing or simply relaxing.
Other recreation opportunities include the High Bluff Coastal Hiking Trail, the Ralph G. Kendrick Boardwalk overlooking the dwarf cypress, and the OHV trail system. The forest is open to hunting and fishing regulated by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. For more information about hunting and fishing, please visit MyFWC.com
Facilities:
This area is for group camping only.
Facility will accommodate groups of up to 25 people.
Facility has picnic tables, a large fire ring with benches, stand up grill, boat launch, and a separate designated area to set up hunting dog kennels.
Nearby Attractions:
Attractions/Beaches
Saint George Island Carrablle Beach, Downtown Apalachicola shops, dining, local breweries in Eastpoint and Apalachicola.
County/State/National Parks, Preserves and Refuges
St Marks National Wildlife Refuge, Bald Point State Park, Oklocknee River State Park, Apalchicola National Forest, Apalchicola River Wildlife and Enviromental Area, St George Island State Park, Cape San Blas State Park