By:
Submission
Florida River Island is an approximately 5,800-acre island in the Apalachicola River floodplain which is accessible during normal-to-low water conditions by crossing the Florida River bridge at the west end of Forest Road 188, off Highway 379. Two improved roads are open to vehicles and a number of mowed management roads are open to pedestrian use. During and after high-water events, the gate at the Florida River Island bridge is closed to prevent vehicle access due to unsafe conditions on the island. Pedestrian access is allowed at those times.
On the east end of the Florida River Island bridge is a recreation area with a day-use picnic area, boat ramp, and 10 overnight campsites that are available by reservation only. This recreation area offers two picnic pavilions, pedestal grills, fire rings and a composting toilet. Each campsite can hold a maximum of eight people and two vehicles. Campsites 1 through 6 are for use by campers with tents only, while campsites 7 through 10 may be used by campers with all types of camping equipment, including RVs, trailers and vans. The campsites do not have power, water or waste disposal hookups.
The day-use area is open daily from dawn to dusk and launching and retrieval of boats is permitted at all times.
Quiet and peaceful. Bathrooms not maintained very well. We cleaned up what garbage we could. If people were more respectful of nature this would be a great location.
Nice open field with campsites along the edge. Camp is mostly clean.
Vault toilet in the day use area, but it's for trash scattered inside some even though there's a trash can just outside the door. But it's over flowing.
The river was up (20+ft) but I still caught some good bass.
Would be 5 stars but for the state of the trash recepticles\area.
The closest free and good water from Florida River Island Park is about 18 miles south at the Wright Lake Campground dump station where there is separate domestic water supply hose for drinking. Be sure to shut off the gate valve before driving away or water will be wasted endlessly spilling out onto the ground. I say this as I once found it that way. This water supply is outside the fee area of the campgrounds at
29.999067,-85.002120
Beautiful views from the bridge. Heard lots of birds. The road past the bridge was flooded so we couldn't get to the trail.
Very quiet other than the occasional pickup truck hauling a boat to the boat ramp. Be prepared for lots of flies. I set up a fly catching bag ($5 at Walmart garden section)it worked wonderfully. Only wildlife I observed was a raccoon digging through the garbage can at the entrance to the campground. There are a few spots for a van, SUV, car or small RV. The tent only sites have a cover over the picnic table.
There is also a day use area with a boat ramp and a Pavillion. There are a few more tent only sites in the day use area as well as a pit toilet. I didn't use it so I can't comment on the cleanliness.
