Apalachicola National Forest
Discover Apalachicola National Forest
The Apalachicola National Forest covers 575,849 acres (233,038 hectares) in Franklin, Leon, Liberty, and Wakulla counties in the Florida Panhandle. It is the largest of the three national forests in Florida and one of 154 national forests and grasslands in the United States administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The drainage areas of the Apalachicola National Forest are parts of the Sopchoppy, Ochlockonee, New River, and Apalachicola watershed basins. Visitor Information and Interpretive Displays are available at both district offices and the supervisor's office for the Apalachicola National Forest.
Taste of Apalachicola National Forest...
There are no hotels or motels within Apalachicola National Forest. Try the nearby cities of Apalachicola or Tallahassee if you need traditional lodging. Camping can be enjoyed during all seasons on the Apalachicola National Forest, although summer camping would be without air conditioning. None of the campgrounds have hook ups and generators may not be run after 10pm. Be aware that at certain times of the year, due to high fire danger, open fires may not allowed. Visitors may stay a maximum of 14 days within a 30-day period, in one location, except during hunting season. Campsites are available on a first come basis; there are no reservations. Pets are allowed, but must be restrained or on a leash. The Apalachicola National Forest has developed and dispersed camping opportunities. Only developed campgrounds have fees. There are no group campgrounds or cabins on the Apalachicola National Forest. Camel Lake in Liberty County has 10 campsites with views of Camel Lake. Each campsite has a picnic table, a grill, and a fire ring. Drinking water is available. The bathhouse includes flush toilets and hot showers. Camel Lake is fairly level and easily accessible to people in wheelchairs. A volunteer host lives on site. Picnicking, swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking opportunities are also available here. No alcohol is allowed on site. Fee: $8.00 per campsite per night. Hickory Landing in Franklin County has 12 campsites. Each campsite has a picnic table with a grill or fire ring.
A Rich Past
Explore the historical roots that shaped Apalachicola National Forest into what it is today.
The region was dominated by a longleaf pine and wiregrass ecosystem, similar in the coastal plain of the United States. The original old-growth forest had trees 90–120 feet tall, many of which were 120 to 250 years old, along with dense groves of younger tall saplings. The old-growth forest was cut between 1880 and the early 1900s for lumber. Many of the remaining pine trees were tapped for gum, which was distilled for turpentine and rosin. In the mid-1930s the USDA Forest Service bought large areas of these damaged cutover lands. One such area became the Apalachicola National Forest in 1936. The mission of the Forest Service was conservation, to care for the land and assure that it would be used to serve the public. During and after World War II demand was great for timber, and the availability of heavy equipment allowed extensive harvest in this and other national forests. Clearcut areas were prepared and replanted with slash pine. The older pine trees have regenerated naturally from stands cut between 1900 and 1935, but about 25% of the acreage that was originally native longleaf is now in slash pine plantations (58,000 acres). In 1992, Forest Service policy shifted away from clearcutting to one of promoting ecosystem health and sustainability. The current policies for the Apalachicola National Forest are spelled out in legislation: The generally flat terrain of the forest is pocked by bays, sinkholes, and swamps. Some soils are excessively drained, others poorly drained....
Climate
The temperatures for the dry months of November through February range from a daily average of 59 °F (15 °C) to a high of 72 °F (22 °C). The summer season is much warmer and wetter. Short afternoon thundershowers often raise the humidity to about 90%, while the temperatures range from 80 °F (27 °C) to 90 °F (32 °C). The average rainfall is approximately 55 in (1,400 mm) per year. The Apalachicola National Forest is about 4 mi (6.4 km) southwest of Tallahassee. The only way to reach it is by car, as there is no public transportation to this destination. The vast majority of the forest is free to visit, however, certain areas of the forest (such as campgrounds) may require a fee for use. There are roads, trails, and paths throughout Apalachicola National Forest. The Apalachicola National Forest has six day use areas, four of which are fee areas. Each fee area is a self-service fee area (exact change required or checks made out to USDA Forest Service are accepted).
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsThe Apalachicola National Forest is about 4 mi (6.4 km) southwest of Tallahassee. The only way to reach it is by car, as there is no public transportation to this destination. The vast majority of the forest is free to visit, however, certain areas of the forest (such as campgrounds) may require a fee for use. There are roads, trails, and paths throughout Apalachicola National Forest. The Apalachicola National Forest has six day use areas, four of which are fee areas. Each fee area is a self-service fee area (exact change required or checks made out to USDA Forest Service are accepted). The fee is $3 per vehicle. An annual pass for $40 may be purchased, which covers all day use fee areas on the Apalachicola National Forest. No alcoholic beverages are allowed in any of these areas. Abundant wildlife may be seen in each area, including birds and alligators. All day-use areas are open from 8AM to 8PM from May to September and from 8AM to 6PM from October to April....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
There are roads, trails, and paths throughout Apalachicola National Forest. The Apalachicola National Forest has six day use areas, four of which are fee areas. Each fee area is a self-service fee area (exact change required or checks made out to USDA Forest Service are accepted). The fee is $3 per vehicle. An annual pass for $40 may be purchased, which covers all day use fee areas on the Apalachicola National Forest. No alcoholic beverages are allowed in any of these areas. Abundant wildlife may be seen in each area, including birds and alligators. All day-use areas are open from 8AM to 8PM from May to September and from 8AM to 6PM from October to April. The annual pass is also valid for day-use and camping at Hickory Landing, Mack Landing and Whitehead Lake. A map of all the recreation areas in Apalachicola National Forest can be downloaded (PDF format) here.
Where to Stay
There are no hotels or motels within Apalachicola National Forest. Try the nearby cities of Apalachicola or Tallahassee if you need traditional lodging. Camping can be enjoyed during all seasons on the Apalachicola National Forest, although summer camping would be without air conditioning. None of the campgrounds have hook ups and generators may not be run after 10pm. Be aware that at certain times of the year, due to high fire danger, open fires may not allowed. Visitors may stay a maximum of 14 days within a 30-day period, in one location, except during hunting season. Campsites are available on a first come basis; there are no reservations. Pets are allowed, but must be restrained or on a leash. The Apalachicola National Forest has developed and dispersed camping opportunities. Only developed campgrounds have fees. There are no group campgrounds or cabins on the Apalachicola National Forest. Camel Lake in Liberty County has 10 campsites with views of Camel Lake.
Money & Budget
There are no hotels or motels within Apalachicola National Forest. Try the nearby cities of Apalachicola or Tallahassee if you need traditional lodging. Camping can be enjoyed during all seasons on the Apalachicola National Forest, although summer camping would be without air conditioning. None of the campgrounds have hook ups and generators may not be run after 10pm. Be aware that at certain times of the year, due to high fire danger, open fires may not allowed. Visitors may stay a maximum of 14 days within a 30-day period, in one location, except during hunting season. Campsites are available on a first come basis; there are no reservations. Pets are allowed, but must be restrained or on a leash. The Apalachicola National Forest has developed and dispersed camping opportunities.