Hopkins Prairie Campground

FS USDA Forest Service · Primitive

Seasonal operation. This campground is not open year-round. Likely open now (September).

Conditions

Road Access Not recorded
Season Seasonal Closure
Campfires Campfires Allowed
Boondock Access Not recorded

The managing agency hasn't published road access for this campground. The description and directions below often mention it — and it's worth calling the agency before a long drive.

Features

Seasonal Seasonal Closure
Rig Size Back In Only
Style Primitive Vault Toilet Reservable

Campground Stats

Total Sites22
Sites Accepting RVs22
Overnight Sites22
Back-In Sites11

Location

29.2696, -81.6867

Photos

Description

Overview

There are only 21 sites at Hopkins Prairie. All are well-shaded in an oak hammock on a peninsula surrounded by the prairie, where cool breezes blow in when there is a little water in the prairie.

Recreation

  • Depending on water levels in the prairie, you may be able to launch your canoe or jon boat to drift across the deeper spots in this vast ecosystem. Boat ramp available - $3 per vessel launch fee
  • Hopkins Prairie is a designated camping area with minimal facilities, open seasonally.
  • The vast expanse of Hopkins Prairie has ponds and shallows. Depending on water levels, it may be possible to fish from the bank or launch a canoe or jon boat to access the deeper areas.
  • With a year-round trailhead providing access to the Florida Trail, Hopkins Prairie is a popular destination for day hikers to wander off in either direction along the trail, or complete a section down to the Pat's Island Trailhead or Juniper Springs.
  • Hopkins Prairie is an excellent destination for birding, since the interface between open prairie and scrub forest is usually busy with songbirds, while wading birds pick through the ponds. Even when the campground is closed, you can meander from the Hopkins Prairie Trailhead along the Florida Trail to enjoy birding. It's also a perfect spot where you can peer out from the shade of an oak scrub forest beneath gnarled limbs to an expanse of grasslands shimmering in the sun.

Facilities

  • Vault Toilets
  • 21 Sites
  • Water Available via Hand Pump
  • Boat ramp

Natural Features

An island of shade amid a broad, winding grassland, the Hopkins Prairie Campground is a seasonal destination for campers looking to get a bit off the beaten path. It sits right along the Florida Trail and offers opportunities for fishing and birding along miles of prairie shoreline. 

Charges & Cancellations

Cancelling a Reservation: Customers may cancel their reservation prior to arrival both on-line and through the call center. A $10 service fee will be withheld from any refund for a cancellation. Depending on when you cancel in relation to your arrival day, it may be considered a late cancellation.

https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies 

Refunds are not given for inclement weather for camping, gear rentals, or day-use fees.

Directions

The turnoff for Hopkins Prairie is 9.2 miles north along SR 19 from the intersection with SR 40. Turn left and follow the signs, turning left, right, and left along unmarked, unimproved roads to reach the camping area.

Details

FeeAll camping reservations must be made via Rec.gov either online or over the phone.
ReservableYes

Nearby Campgrounds

Juniper Springs Rec Area 6.2 mi · FS · 79 sites
Salt Springs Recreation Area 6.6 mi · FS · 160 sites
Mill Dam Group Camp 10.6 mi · FS · 1 sites
Lake Eaton Campground 10.8 mi · FS · 14 sites
Buck Lake Group Campground 12.1 mi · FS · 1 sites
Lake Delancy West Campground 12.5 mi · FS · 120 sites
Lake Shore Group Camp 13.8 mi · FS · 1 sites
Fore Lake Campground 14.0 mi · FS · 32 sites