Tent Camping in Okaloosa County: A Friday-to-Sunday Weekend at a Primitive Riverside Site
Tent camping in Okaloosa County does not have to mean a long gear list and a lot of guesswork. At Blackwater Joe's Canoes, 12375 Shammah Road in Holt, tent sites are primitive and set along the Blackwater River: no RVs, no hookups, just you and the outdoors. This guide walks through a relaxed Friday-to-Sunday weekend so you know what to expect from the first stake to the last float.
🚣 Ready to claim your riverside site? Plan your camping trip here.
What primitive means here
No hookups. Tent sites are for tents, not RVs.
Portable toilet nearby. Plan for simple facilities and ask us what else is close when you book.
First-come, first-served. Sites are not assigned, so the earlier you arrive, the more choice you get.
No generators and no tree cutting, which is a big part of why it stays quiet.
Firewood by the bundle is available to buy, so you do not have to haul it in.
Tent camping starts at about $10 per person per night. Please check current rates when you book, since pricing can change.
Your weekend, night by night
Friday evening: arrive and settle in
Aim to arrive with daylight to spare. Walk the tent area, pick a flat spot and pitch your tent before you do anything else. Grab a bundle of firewood, start dinner and let the river be your soundtrack. If you would rather have a roof and kitchen, our cabin rentals near the Blackwater River are the alternative.
Saturday morning: coffee and a river plan
Make coffee, eat breakfast and decide how you want to be on the water. Our kayak rentals run on routes of about 5, 7 or 9.5 miles, and canoes are available too. Longer trips need an earlier start, so ask at check-in which option fits your group.
Saturday afternoon: sandbars and a swim
The Blackwater is a tea-colored, sand-bottom river with white sandbars, perfect for a picnic stop. Your rental includes a shuttle, so you paddle back toward camp without worrying about a second car. Be back by the 5 PM return time.
Saturday night: fire, food and stars
Back at the site, wash up, light the fire and cook something simple. Without generators running, the evening is quiet enough to hear the river.
Sunday morning: an easy float, then pack up
Break camp early, then squeeze in a short tube float if you have time. The last tube shuttle leaves at 1 PM, and tubes are due back by 5 PM. Ask about check-in and check-out times when you book so you plan the morning right.
What to pack for a primitive riverside site
Tent, stakes, a groundsheet and a sleeping pad that suits the season.
Headlamp or flashlight, plus a lantern for the campsite.
Water for drinking and cooking, since no hookups are listed.
A cooler, a camp stove or grill gear and a way to clean up.
Water shoes, sunscreen, a hat and bug spray.
To learn more about the land around the river, the surrounding Blackwater River State Forest is described on the Florida Hikes page for Blackwater River State Forest, and Florida Fish and Wildlife manages the nearby Blackwater Wildlife Management Area, so it is worth checking posted rules before you go.
Frequently asked questions
👉 Questions about tent camping? Call us or plan your stay here.
Where can I go tent camping in Okaloosa County?
Blackwater Joe's Canoes at 12375 Shammah Road in Holt offers primitive tent camping along the Blackwater River, with river rentals on site.
Do the tent sites have electricity or water hookups?
No. Tent camping is primitive, with no hookups. A portable toilet is nearby, and you should ask us what else is available when you book.
Do I need a reservation?
Sites are first-come, first-served. You can book online or call 850-803-2267 to ask about availability before you drive out.
Can I bring a generator?
No. Generators are not allowed, and trees cannot be cut, which keeps the campground quiet.
Can I buy firewood?
Yes, firewood is sold by the bundle, so you do not need to bring your own.
How much does tent camping cost?
It starts at about $10 per person per night. Please check current rates when you book.
850-803-2267
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