Things To Do Near Your Campsite
From world-class bass fishing to historic St. Augustine, there's no shortage of adventure when you camp with us in Putnam County and surrounding areas in Florida.
Fishing & Boating
Putnam County sits along the St. Johns River — one of Florida's premier bass fishing destinations. Whether you're casting from shore or launching a boat, the water is always calling.
Bass Fishing on the St. Johns River
The St. Johns River is legendary for largemouth bass. Hire a local guide or launch your own boat from one of the many public ramps nearby.
Local tip: Best fishing is early morning — ask us about campgrounds with on-site boat ramps.
Rodman Reservoir
A bass fishing paradise with miles of shoreline, a public boat ramp, and some of the best trophy bass catches in the state.
Local tip: Catch-and-release tournaments are held here regularly — check local listings.
Kayaking & Canoeing
Paddle through cypress-lined waterways, quiet coves, and natural springs. Add kayaks to your booking and we'll have them ready at your site.
Local tip: Ask about our kayak add-on when you book your camper.
Nature & Outdoors
Putnam County is home to stunning natural areas, state forests, and wildlife refuges perfect for hiking, birdwatching, and exploring Florida's wild side.
Ocala National Forest
Just a short drive away, the Ocala National Forest offers hundreds of miles of trails, natural springs, off-road routes, and some of the best camping in Florida.
Local tip: Alexander Springs and Juniper Springs are must-visit swimming holes inside the forest.
Ravine Gardens State Park
A hidden gem in Palatka featuring dramatic ravines, suspension bridges, and beautiful azalea gardens — stunning year-round.
Local tip: The azaleas bloom in late winter and early spring — a spectacular sight.
Dunns Creek State Park
A peaceful park along the St. Johns River with nature trails, fishing, and wildlife viewing in a quiet, uncrowded setting.
Local tip: Great spot for birdwatching — look for bald eagles and osprey along the river.
God's Country Outfitters
A local outfitter specializing in guided hunting experiences across Putnam County and the surrounding region. Whether you're after whitetail deer, wild hog, or turkey, they know the land and can put you in the right spot.
Local tip: Book your guided hunt in advance — prime season fills up fast. Pair a hunting trip with a camper rental for the full backcountry experience.
Area Hiking Trails
Putnam County and the surrounding region are laced with trails through ancient forests, river floodplains, and scrub habitat. Whether you're after a short nature walk or a full-day trek, there's a trail for every level.
Dunns Creek State Park Trails
Wind through longleaf pine flatwoods and hardwood hammocks along the St. Johns River. The trails here are peaceful, shaded, and teeming with wildlife — a true off-the-beaten-path gem in Putnam County.
Local tip: Combine a hike with a fishing session — the park has excellent river access right off the trail.
Welaka State Forest
Over 2,400 acres of diverse Florida habitat with hiking and equestrian trails winding through scrub, flatwoods, and wetlands. The forest sits along the St. Johns River and offers stunning views and excellent wildlife watching.
Local tip: The forest is open year-round — fall and winter offer the best hiking weather and the most wildlife activity.
Ocala National Forest Trails
The Florida Trail passes through the Ocala National Forest, offering everything from short day hikes to multi-day backpacking routes through scrub, springs, and cypress swamps.
Local tip: The Yearling Trail near Salt Springs is a beautiful 6-mile loop through old-growth forest — one of the best day hikes in Central Florida.
Ravine Gardens State Park Trails
Explore dramatic 120-foot ravines carved by ancient springs, with suspension bridges, winding paths, and one of Florida's most unique natural landscapes. A short but memorable hike.
Local tip: The ravine loop is about 1.8 miles — easy enough for kids but stunning enough for everyone.
Rice Creek Conservation Area
A quiet conservation area just outside Palatka with flatwoods trails, creek-side paths, and excellent birdwatching. Less visited than the state parks, making it a great spot for a peaceful morning walk.
Local tip: Early morning visits reward you with songbirds, wading birds, and the occasional river otter.
Lake George Conservation Area
Bordering one of Florida's largest lakes, this conservation area offers miles of trails through scrub and flatwoods with sweeping views of Lake George and the St. Johns River corridor.
Local tip: Bring binoculars — the lake and scrub habitat attract a wide variety of birds year-round.
Local Eats & Attractions
From waterfront seafood shacks to historic downtown Palatka, there's plenty to explore when you step away from the campsite.
Downtown Palatka
Stroll the historic riverfront district with local shops, murals, restaurants, and the beautiful Palatka Blue Crab Festival held each spring.
Local tip: The Blue Crab Festival in May draws thousands — book your camper early if you're planning around it.
St. Augustine Day Trip
Just 45 minutes away, St. Augustine is the oldest city in the U.S. — packed with history, beaches, great food, and the famous Castillo de San Marcos fort.
Local tip: Anastasia State Park is right in St. Augustine — a great combo of beach and camping.
Riverfront Dining
Several waterfront restaurants and fish camps dot the St. Johns River corridor. Fresh catfish, gator bites, and cold drinks with a river view — it doesn't get more Florida than this.
Local tip: Ask locals for their favorite fish camp — the best ones aren't always on the map.
Roberts Ranch
A working ranch in the heart of Putnam County offering a true taste of Florida's rural heritage. A great stop for families and anyone wanting to experience the agricultural roots of the region.
Local tip: A perfect complement to a camping trip — experience Old Florida farm life just a short drive from your campsite.
Beanz N Cream
A beloved local coffee shop and creamery serving up specialty coffee drinks, homemade ice cream, and sweet treats. The perfect stop before a morning hike or a cool-down after a day on the water.
Local tip: Check out their menu at beanzncream.com — a local favorite worth the stop.
Better Beans Florida
A local Florida coffee roaster bringing craft coffee culture to Putnam County. Whether you're grabbing a bag to brew at your campsite or stopping in for a fresh cup, Better Beans is the real deal.
Local tip: Pick up a bag of locally roasted beans at betterbeansflorida.com — great for brewing at your campsite.
Events & Festivals
Putnam County comes alive throughout the year with local festivals, outdoor events, and community gatherings worth planning your trip around.
Palatka Blue Crab Festival
One of Florida's largest outdoor festivals held each May along the St. Johns River. Live music, fresh seafood, arts and crafts, and family fun.
Local tip: Held Memorial Day weekend — one of the best weekends to camp in the area.
Bass Fishing Tournaments
Competitive bass fishing tournaments are held regularly on the St. Johns River and Rodman Reservoir, drawing anglers from across the Southeast.
Local tip: Even if you're not competing, watching the weigh-ins is a fun local experience.
Hog Waller Off-Road Events
Hog Waller hosts off-road racing events, mud runs, and outdoor festivals throughout the year — a uniquely Florida good time.
Local tip: Check their schedule before you book — event weekends fill up fast.
Putnam County Fair & Expo
The annual Putnam County Fair is a beloved local tradition featuring livestock shows, carnival rides, live entertainment, local vendors, and classic fair food. A great family outing during your camping trip.
Local tip: Check dates and schedules at putnamfairandexpo.com — plan your camping trip around fair week for the full local experience.
Historic Coast Culture
A regional cultural organization celebrating the arts, history, and community spirit of Florida's Historic Coast. From gallery openings to outdoor concerts and heritage festivals, there's always something worth attending near your campsite.
Local tip: Browse the full events calendar at historiccoastculture.com before your trip — events sell out fast.
Visit Flagler — Palm Coast & Flagler Beach
Just a short drive from Putnam County, Palm Coast and Flagler Beach offer 19 miles of uncrowded beaches, 125+ miles of trails, three state parks, dolphin encounters at Marineland, horseback riding on the beach, guided kayak tours, and a packed events calendar year-round. A perfect day-trip destination from your campsite.
Local tip: Check visitflagler.com for the full events calendar, trail maps, and trip ideas — there's always something happening along the Flagler coast.
Clay County Agricultural Fair
Since 1987, the Clay County Agricultural Fair in Green Cove Springs has been a beloved Northeast Florida tradition. Expect livestock shows, midway rides, concerts, demolition derbies, onsite contests, and a true family atmosphere that celebrates the agricultural and community spirit of the region.
Local tip: Check the schedule and buy tickets early at claycountyfair.org — popular nights and concerts sell out fast.
Putnam County Chamber of Commerce
The Putnam County Chamber is the heartbeat of local commerce and community life. Their events calendar includes the Florida Azalea Festival, St. Johns River Catfish Festival, Blue Crab Festival, Bostwick Blueberry Festival, and more — all celebrating the heritage and Southern hospitality of the region.
Local tip: Visit putnamcountychamber.com for a full events calendar and local business directory — a great resource for planning your trip around a festival.
Ready to explore Putnam County?
Book your camper and we'll deliver it right to your site — so you can spend more time adventuring and less time setting up.