Public Campground
13-mile Campground
Ochopee, Florida
Campground in Florida.
Photos shown are stock images and may not represent the actual campground.
About St. Marks Wilderness
The St. Marks Wilderness now contains a total of 17,350 acres and is managed by the Fish & Wildlife Service's St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge. All of the Wilderness is in the state of Florida. In 1975 the St. Marks Wilderness became part of the now over 110 million acre National Wilderness Preservation System. The U.S. Congress designated part of the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge as the St. Marks Wilderness in 1975. The refuge is located along the Gulf coast of the Panhandle of Florida,
The St. Marks Wilderness now contains a total of 17,350 acres and is managed by the Fish & Wildlife Service's St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge. All of the Wilderness is in the state of Florida. In 1975 the St. Marks Wilderness became part of the now over 110 million acre National Wilderness Preservation System.
The U.S. Congress designated part of the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge as the St. Marks Wilderness in 1975. The refuge is located along the Gulf coast of the Panhandle of Florida, 25 miles south of Tallahassee, the state capitol.
The diverse habitat and abundant wildlife populations make St. Marks NWR one of the most outstanding units of the National Wildlife Refuge System. Visitors view wildlife across primitive saltmarshes, and in hardwood swamps, freshwater pools and lakes, fragrant pine flatwoods and pine-oak uplands. The refuge also protects 32,000 acres of Apalachee Bay that runs along the 40-some mile long coast, where visitors will see pelicans, bottlenose dolphins, manatees, sea turtles. The bay is also a popular saltwater fishing destination.
Whether you are interested in birds, frogs, mammals, snakes, alligators, wildflowers, butterflies or just walking quietly in the woods, St. Marks NWR provides a generous variety of activities for visitors. Besides saltwater fishing, the refuge also boast year 'round freshwater fishing, hiking, birdwatching, seasonal hunting, and educational programs. Nesting birds include the Southern bald eagle, the red-cockaded woodpecker, wood ducks, ospreys and many song and shorebirds. Mammals such as white-tailed deer, black bear, river otter, bobcat, and foxes may be seen in their native habitats. In October, thousands of migrating monarch butterflies pause at St. Marks NWR to feed on their way to Mexico.
Forty-one miles of the Florida National Scenic Trail traverse St. Marks NWR from west to east, including through the eastern portion of the St. Marks Wilderness. Through hikers do qualify for camping permits. Otherwise, all visitor use is daylight use only. Entrance fees apply to the Lighthouse Rd. area of the refuge. The refuge visitor center is open every day except federal holidays and offers visitors many free publications,exhibits, a bookstore, and friendly information about the refuge.
The U.S. Congress designated part of the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge as the St. Marks Wilderness in 1975. The refuge is located along the Gulf coast of the Panhandle of Florida, 25 miles south of Tallahassee, the state capitol.
The diverse habitat and abundant wildlife populations make St. Marks NWR one of the most outstanding units of the National Wildlife Refuge System. Visitors view wildlife across primitive saltmarshes, and in hardwood swamps, freshwater pools and lakes, fragrant pine flatwoods and pine-oak uplands. The refuge also protects 32,000 acres of Apalachee Bay that runs along the 40-some mile long coast, where visitors will see pelicans, bottlenose dolphins, manatees, sea turtles. The bay is also a popular saltwater fishing destination.
Whether you are interested in birds, frogs, mammals, snakes, alligators, wildflowers, butterflies or just walking quietly in the woods, St. Marks NWR provides a generous variety of activities for visitors. Besides saltwater fishing, the refuge also boast year 'round freshwater fishing, hiking, birdwatching, seasonal hunting, and educational programs. Nesting birds include the Southern bald eagle, the red-cockaded woodpecker, wood ducks, ospreys and many song and shorebirds. Mammals such as white-tailed deer, black bear, river otter, bobcat, and foxes may be seen in their native habitats. In October, thousands of migrating monarch butterflies pause at St. Marks NWR to feed on their way to Mexico.
Forty-one miles of the Florida National Scenic Trail traverse St. Marks NWR from west to east, including through the eastern portion of the St. Marks Wilderness. Through hikers do qualify for camping permits. Otherwise, all visitor use is daylight use only. Entrance fees apply to the Lighthouse Rd. area of the refuge. The refuge visitor center is open every day except federal holidays and offers visitors many free publications,exhibits, a bookstore, and friendly information about the refuge.
4.6
Rating
435
Reviews
Park Details
Tips & Tricks
Book Early
Crawfordville is popular during peak season. Reserve 2-4 weeks in advance for weekends and holidays.
Check-in Time
Most parks have check-in after 1:00 PM and check-out by 11:00 AM. Call ahead if you'll arrive late.
Local Weather
Florida weather can change quickly. Pack layers and check the forecast for Crawfordville.
Explore the Area
Don't miss local attractions near Crawfordville. Ask the camp host for hidden gems and trails.
St. Marks Wilderness Reviews
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hintergardt Cadie
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by hintergardt Cadie
Flordia trail hiker friendly. I spent two nights in 118 during a storm passing through the area. Location was easy to find, in the dark. The staff here are great. From calling in and making reservations for a late arrival, to answering all my silly questions and requests. Thank you Tracy for helping me even AFTER I checked out and left. The black cat let me hold him 😸 They had a party and a foo... Flordia trail hiker friendly. I spent two nights in 118 during a storm passing through the area. Location was easy to find, in the dark. The staff here are great. From calling in and making reservations for a late arrival, to answering all my silly questions and requests. Thank you Tracy for helping me even AFTER I checked out and left. The black cat let me hold him 😸 They had a party and a food truck while I was there too :) cool people here
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Jeffery Curry
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by Jeffery Curry
Spent 3 nights in RV Park - Shell Island Fish Camp - Sept 25-27, 2025. RV Park was very comfortable - spacious lots and full hook up (w/sewer) - really good experience (photo is of our RV w/ boat trailer in Shell Island RV Park) If you are looking for resort type accommodations with a pool and kid's park, etc., Shell Island is likely not for you. However, if you are looking for a good place to... Spent 3 nights in RV Park - Shell Island Fish Camp - Sept 25-27, 2025. RV Park was very comfortable - spacious lots and full hook up (w/sewer) - really good experience (photo is of our RV w/ boat trailer in Shell Island RV Park) If you are looking for resort type accommodations with a pool and kid's park, etc., Shell Island is likely not for you. However, if you are looking for a good place to park an RV (or rent a cabin) and do some fishing - it is just great - pricing is good, accommodations are good and I understand that the new owner is working on better shower facilities and an overall upgrading of the facilities etc. The staff are the nicest folks you would ever meet - from the manager to the folks in the marina store to the guys helping with ice and bait and boat issues. We found it very easy to fish out of their marina and had no issues with parking to boat there overnight. We will certainly be back to St Mark's, FL in the near future and we will be staying at Shell Island Fish Camp. Jeff Curry and Eddie Russell, Ringgold, GA
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Shelda Ann Davis
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by Shelda Ann Davis
Had an amazing time, everyone was very nice! Mattresses a little hard but really only downside is that we had to leave. We will definitely be back.
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Thomas A Griffin
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by Thomas A Griffin
Went to this place for live bait. Service was excellent, people were friendly! Will definitely visit again. I didn't stay in a room, only visited store/bait shop, so no feedback on room given
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Carole Woods
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by Carole Woods
Woody and I had such an awesome vacation. We stayed at Shell Island Fish Camp, and what a great place. I can’t say enough good things about the staff there. First, of all the ladies in the store were so friendly. The service was awesome. Matt and Tony did everything they could to make our stay as good as possible. Hayden was running around like crazy, but he still stopped to say hello and acknowle... Woody and I had such an awesome vacation. We stayed at Shell Island Fish Camp, and what a great place. I can’t say enough good things about the staff there. First, of all the ladies in the store were so friendly. The service was awesome. Matt and Tony did everything they could to make our stay as good as possible. Hayden was running around like crazy, but he still stopped to say hello and acknowledge us as we walked by. The kindness, hospitality, and customer service from the whole staff made our trip a memorable one. I can’t thank them enough.
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