Fort Drum Marsh Conservation Area SJRWMD

Drive-in tent-only campsite The Fort Drum Marsh Conservation Area contains a mosaic of wetland and upland communities, with the marsh area representing the southernmost reach of the St. Johns River’s headwaters, and features about five miles of trails. This campsite is the only drive-up primitive tent campsite at Fort Drum Marsh and is located off the Horseshoe Lake parking area.Our properties are wilderness areas with few amenities. This site is primitive tent camping only and has a fire ring with grill attachment and benches. There is no potable water at this property; visitors must bring their own drinking water. Recreational vehicles (i.e., motorhomes, camper vans, truck campers, pop-up campers, any type of trailer or vehicle with living/sleeping quarters, etc.) are prohibited at the campsite and may not be parked overnight in District parking areas. Camping reservations are required and must be made a minimum of 48 hours in advance. When making a reservation, vehicle make, model and license plate number are required for all vehicles accessing the campsite, which allows limited vehicular access to the campsite. Carpooling is necessary for multiple vehicles. The main entrance to Fort Drum Marsh is located on the south side of State Road 60, approximately 18 miles west of I-95 and 10 miles east of Yeehaw Junction (main entrance lat/long: 80° 45' 59.06"W / 27° 38' 29619" N). A special highlight of this property is a wooden boardwalk that meanders through a blackwater hardwood swamp where the sunlight is muted by the cover of cypress and cedar trees and sabal palms. The hike to get to the boardwalk is approximately a half mile from the Horseshoe Lake parking area. The boardwalk provides an opportunity to hike through the hardwood swamp to reach Hog Island's trails and hike-in primitive campsites. Recreational activities at Fort Drum Marsh include hiking, picnicking, horseback riding, fishing, bicycling, wildlife viewing, canoeing and seasonal hunting. Fort Drum Marsh is a Wildlife Management Area and during Special Opportunity Deer and Turkey hunts and Wild Hog Quota hunts, camping is reserved for hunters holding valid permits for these hunts. Anyone, including hunters, may camp during the small game hunt season. For more information about Fort Drum Marsh, visit www.sjrwmd.com/lands/recreation/fort-drum-marsh/. Check-in: No earlier than 1 p.m.Check-out: No later than 11 a.m.Maximum length of stay: 7 consecutive daysMaximum number of vehicles allowed at the campsite: 2 (A third listed vehicle may be left in the parking area. All must be listed on vehicle permit and include makes, models, colors and license plate numbers.)