Florida is one of the most water-rich states in the country, and although the Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is best known nationally for its massive dam and lake systems in the Southeast and Midwest, it also plays an important role in Florida’s waterways. From the Okeechobee Waterway to Apalachicola River flood-control systems, the Corps helps maintain navigation channels, manage water flow, and preserve some of the state’s most important ecosystems. Campgrounds connected to or adjacent to USACE-managed projects have become popular destinations for RV travelers, anglers, birdwatchers, and anyone seeking peaceful, water-centered recreation.

Below is a detailed guide to 50 of the best COE-connected or COE-adjacent campgrounds in Florida. These sites offer the quiet, scenic, and nature-focused experience that COE recreation areas are famous for, even though many are jointly operated with state parks or local agencies. Florida’s water-management system is complicated—often involving state, federal, and local partnerships—but the campgrounds listed here provide the type of experience travelers expect from COE-style recreation: clean sites, easy access to water, spacious loops, and excellent fishing.

Top 50 COE Campgrounds in Florida

1. Ortona South Campground – Moore Haven

Spacious waterfront sites overlook the lock system on the Okeechobee Waterway. Visitors watch boats navigate between rivers, enjoy quiet surroundings, and benefit from excellent boating access. Well-maintained facilities and scenic views make Ortona South one of Florida’s most popular COE-managed campgrounds.

2. St. Lucie South Campground – Stuart

Nestled near the St. Lucie Lock, shaded RV sites sit beneath live oaks. Campers fish from the seawall, spot manatees, and explore Florida’s Atlantic-to-inland waterway connection. It’s a peaceful COE campground blending natural beauty with fascinating navigation activity.

3. W.P. Franklin North Campground – Alva

Large riverside sites sit steps from the Caloosahatchee River. The lock and dam provide endless entertainment as boats pass through. Families enjoy fishing, picnicking, and wide-open green spaces. Franklin North is one of Florida’s most scenic and family-friendly COE campgrounds.

4. W.P. Franklin South Campground (Day Use) – Alva

A popular COE recreation area offering shaded pavilions, riverfront views, and access to the Franklin Lock. Though not a full campground, it’s ideal for day trips, picnics, and water recreation. Classic Corps design and atmosphere make it a beloved riverside destination.

5. Gunter Hill Recreation Area (Reservoir Access)

Linked to the Apalachicola watershed, this area supports boating and wildlife viewing. Though technically in Alabama, it directly serves Florida Panhandle recreation. Its reservoir access and natural setting earn it recognition among COE-connected sites important to Florida’s waterway system.

6. St. Andrews State Park Campground – Panama City Beach

Pristine beaches, emerald waters, and quiet natural settings define this coastal campground. Adjacent waterways benefit from COE navigation projects, making St. Andrews a blend of Corps-supported access and classic Florida beach camping.

7. Eastbank Campground (Lake Seminole) – Sneads

On Lake Seminole’s Georgia side but serving Florida campers, Eastbank offers huge lake views and superb fishing. As a major COE reservoir, it provides recreation for both states, with shaded sites and abundant wildlife.

8. Camel Lake Campground – Apalachicola National Forest

A peaceful federal campground surrounded by pine forest. Clear waters invite swimming, while birdwatching opportunities abound. Connected to the Apalachicola watershed, Camel Lake offers serenity and natural beauty in a COE-influenced ecosystem.

9. Fort Pickens Campground – Gulf Islands National Seashore

Historic beachfront camping near Pensacola, with coastal access and dramatic sunsets. COE navigation projects support nearby waterways, enhancing recreation. Fort Pickens combines history, scenery, and Corps-influenced water management.

10. Torreya State Park Campground – Bristol

Perched above the Apalachicola River, Torreya offers dramatic bluffs, deep forests, and river access. The Corps manages aspects of the system, making this park a blend of rugged terrain and waterway oversight.

11. O’Leno State Park Campground – High Springs

Forests, sinkholes, and river trails define this peaceful park. Connected to Santa Fe and Suwannee River watersheds, Corps navigation and flow management influence the ecosystem. Campers enjoy quiet natural beauty with subtle COE ties.

12. Manatee Springs State Park Campground – Chiefland

Spring-fed waters flow into the Suwannee River, creating a stunning COE-influenced ecosystem. Divers, paddlers, and wildlife lovers adore this site for its clear waters, abundant manatees, and natural serenity.

13. Suwannee River State Park Campground – Live Oak

At the confluence of the Withlacoochee and Suwannee Rivers, this campground benefits from upstream federal water management. Fishing, kayaking, and riverfront trails highlight its recreational appeal.

14. Three Rivers State Park Campground – Sneads

Connected to Lake Seminole, this shaded campground offers lakefront sites and excellent fishing. The Corps manages lake levels and structures, ensuring reliable recreation and water access.

15. Ochlockonee River State Park Campground – Sopchoppy

Known for white squirrels, river access, and coastal forest. Corps water control supports the wilderness experience, blending unique wildlife with classic Florida river camping.

16. Lake Talquin State Forest Primitive Sites – Near Tallahassee

Reservoir-fed sites tied into the Apalachicola system. Primitive camping offers rustic experiences with Corps-influenced water management nearby.

17. Lake Jackson Mounds Archaeological State Park – Tallahassee

Archaeological treasures sit near watershed systems managed by the Corps. While not directly water-based, its proximity to regional lakes connects it to COE oversight.

18. Silver Lake Campground – Withlacoochee State Forest

River-connected campground influenced by federal water-flow regulation. Offers shaded sites, forest trails, and peaceful waterside recreation.

19. Crooked River State Forest (Florida Side Access)

Provides access to rivers tied into multi-state water management. Rustic camping and river exploration highlight its COE connections.

20. Lake Rousseau RV Park – Inglis

Near the Inglis Dam and Cross Florida Barge Canal, this RV park benefits from Corps structures. Fishing and boating are popular activities.

21. Rainbow Springs State Park Campground – Dunnellon

Spring-fed waters connect to historic Corps canal projects. Campers enjoy crystal-clear swimming, tubing, and lush natural surroundings.

22. Ross Prairie Campground – Ocala

Near remnants of Corps projects tied to the Barge Canal. Offers equestrian trails, shaded campsites, and prairie scenery.

23. Rodman Campground – Palatka

Located at Rodman Dam, part of the Cross Florida Barge Canal. Corps engineering shaped this area, now a popular fishing and camping destination.

24. Salt Springs Recreation Area – Ocala National Forest

Spring-fed waters influenced by historic Corps planning. Offers swimming, camping, and abundant wildlife in a forested setting.

25. Juniper Springs Campground – Ocala National Forest

Fed by waterways linked downstream to Corps-managed systems. Known for clear springs, shaded campsites, and paddling opportunities.

26. Alexander Springs Campground – Altoona

Spring-fed flows connect to river systems once affected by Corps engineering. Offers swimming, camping, and lush forest surroundings.

27. Silver Springs State Park Campground – Ocala

Part of the Silver River system, historically influenced by federal water management. Campers enjoy glass-bottom boat tours, springs, and shaded sites.

28. Ocala North RV Campground – Orange Lake

Connected to the Ocklawaha River system. Offers RV amenities and access to nearby waterways.

29. Lake Griffin State Park Campground – Leesburg

Part of the Harris Chain of Lakes, linked to Corps-influenced rivers. Campers enjoy boating, fishing, and shaded sites.

30. Lake Louisa State Park Campground – Clermont

Within a watershed tied to Ocklawaha and St. Johns River systems. Offers lakeside camping, hiking, and scenic views.

31. Trail Lakes Campground – Okeechobee

Near Lake Okeechobee, the hub of federal water management. Offers RV and tent camping with easy access to boating.

32. South Bay RV Campground – South Bay

Close to COE water-control structures on Lake Okeechobee’s southeastern shore. Provides RV amenities and fishing access.

33. Torry Island Campground – Belle Glade

Near major Corps levee structures. Offers camping and recreational water access in a unique setting.

34. Okeechobee KOA – Okeechobee

Private but popular, serving visitors exploring COE lock-and-dam systems. Offers full amenities, pools, and organized activities.

35. Lakeport RV Park – Lakeport

Close to the Herbert Hoover Dike, a major Corps project. Provides RV camping and fishing access.

36. Harney Pond Canal Campground – Okeechobee Area

Directly tied into water-control structures. Offers rustic camping and boating opportunities.

37. Clewiston RV Resort – Clewiston

A hub for exploring COE water-management facilities around Lake Okeechobee. Offers RV amenities and fishing access.

38. C. Scott Driver Recreation Area – Okeechobee County

Popular boat-launch and camping spot near federally managed waters. Offers pavilions, fishing, and RV sites.

39. Kissimmee Prairie Preserve Campground

Prairie-based camping draining into the Kissimmee River. Corps management influences water flow. Offers stargazing and wildlife viewing.

40. Kissimmee River Park Campground – Okeechobee

Close to the Kissimmee River restoration project led by the Corps and South Florida Water Management District. Campers enjoy riverside sites, boating, and fishing while witnessing one of Florida’s largest ecological restoration efforts.

41. Lake Kissimmee State Park Campground

Part of the Kissimmee‑Okeechobee water chain. Offers shaded campsites, hiking trails, and access to the lake’s diverse wildlife. Corps water management supports the ecosystem, making it a prime destination for nature lovers.

42. Dead River Landing – Milton

Rustic camping along a river system tied into multi‑state flood control. Offers boat launches, fishing, and quiet forest surroundings.

43. Bear Lake Campground – Blackwater River State Forest

Shaded campsites near a scenic lake connected regionally to COE‑supported watersheds. Popular for swimming, fishing, and family camping.

44. Hurricane Lake Campground – Blackwater River State Forest

Forest and lake system contributing to downstream water management. Offers peaceful camping, boating, and wildlife viewing.

45. Krul Lake Campground – Munson

A serene lake maintained within a watershed indirectly tied to federal water‑flow planning. Known for swimming, picnicking, and shaded campsites.

46. Karick Lake North & South Campgrounds – Munson

Twin lakes feeding into larger systems that affect regional water management. Offers rustic camping, boating, and fishing opportunities.

47. Holton Creek River Camp – White Springs

Part of the Suwannee River Wilderness Trail. Corps water control upstream supports reliable river recreation. Campers enjoy screened shelters, river views, and paddling access.

48. Suwannee River Rendezvous – Mayo

Riverfront campground offering RV and tent sites. Water flow monitored by multiple agencies, including the Corps. Popular for fishing, tubing, and family gatherings.

49. Yellow Jacket RV Resort – Old Town

Located along the Suwannee River, influenced by federal water management upstream. Offers full RV amenities, riverfront views, and abundant wildlife.

50. Fanning Springs State Park Campground – Fanning Springs

Crystal‑clear spring waters feed into COE‑influenced river systems. Campers enjoy swimming, shaded sites, and quiet camping in a natural setting.

Conclusion

While Florida has fewer traditional COE campgrounds than many southern states, the ones it does have—particularly Ortona South, St. Lucie South, and W.P. Franklin—are beloved for their quiet beauty, water access, and excellent recreation facilities. Beyond these, dozens of campgrounds across the state sit along waterways shaped by the Army Corps of Engineers through lock maintenance, water-flow management, river restoration, and navigation support.

These COE-connected or COE-influenced campgrounds provide the same qualities travelers love about Corps recreation nationwide:
spacious sites, serene water views, excellent fishing, abundant wildlife, and a peaceful, natural experience.