Blackwater River State Park

Very nice park with lots of pet friendly and beautiful trails through river swamp and longleaf pine forest. Great birding and wildlife too! There is a picnic area and beach on the river right at the main bridge. The beach is lovely but it is a “no pets” beach now, thanks to thoughtless people who don’t restrain or pick up after their pets. When we are thoughtful and considerate of all users everyone enjoys the park more. Trash and recycling are available but we didn’t see any restrooms? Maybe missed that. There is a campground which we didn’t stay at, so can’t comment on its quality. It is right on the river though and river access for kayaks and canoes is easy all along the river. Parking for day use is $4 cash. There is often a prescribed burn going in somewhere in the park to maintain the pine forest, so there can be smoke present that might irritate someone with a sensitive breathing condition. There is also a Navy helicopter practice field right outside the park that can be noisy at times.

First state park visit in Florida was a good one! I recently visited Blackwater River State Park in Florida, and it was an incredible experience. The park is stunningly beautiful, with towering pine trees and the serene Blackwater River winding through it. Cost is $4 a person and that covers you if you decide to go to the main entrance or park at the other areas where the trailheads are. Park has clean and functioning restrooms and tables for picnics. I do believe they have pavilions to rent as well. The hiking trails were well-maintained and offered a mix of scenery, from lush forests to open views of the river. They were easy enough for beginners but still interesting for more experienced hikers. I also loved kayaking on the river; the slow-moving current made it an ideal spot for a calm and relaxing paddle. The campground was fantastic—clean, quiet, and surrounded by nature. The sites were spacious and private, with great amenities like clean bathrooms and showers. It’s evident the park staff takes pride in keeping the area well-maintained. They were also very friendly and provided helpful information about the park and nearby activities. One highlight of my trip was just how peaceful and quiet the trails are once you get away from the camp grounds. The trail I took was the juniper trail. If you’re looking for a peaceful getaway where you can hike, camp, kayak, or just relax by a pristine river, I can’t recommend Blackwater River State Park enough. It’s a hidden gem in Florida that I can’t wait to return to.

Love this Florida State Park! Well maintained and staff friendly & helpful! Camping is quiet and easy to book online. Clean restrooms, nice pavilions, dog stations, small playground, and sites are lovely, with foliage to give some privacy. The trails are easy, but scenic and views of the river. Close to Milton, but far from traffic noise and town to feel like you’re really camping. Intermittent WiFi with hot spot or Starlink, no T-Mobile service until on the main road.

Fabulous 30 site campground with flat gravel covered sites are always clean for campers arrival. Many sites offer privacy and shade. The park rangers are friendly and helpful as are the camp hosts. Everyone strives to create a great camping experience. Quiet time hours are adhered to. The river is clean with sandy bottom. Plenty of opportunities for tubing, kayaking, and swimming.

This was a nice State Park! We had been staying in Navarre but wanted a little change of scenery and discover this State Park! While we didn’t actually spend time at the river we did enjoy the trails and packed a small lunch. The park was very well taken care of and the ranger at the entrance was extremely helpful and kind!