Ochlockonee River State Park, FL

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Ochlockonee River SP is located about 4 miles south of Sopchoppy on FL Route 319, just as one heads out into the Florida Panhandle. It's a small generally quiet campground on the shores of the Ochlockonee River. A few years ago, this was where we did our first stint of volunteering as campground hosts.

850 962-2771

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We like site 10 - this is the fourth time we've selected it, mainly for its sunshine.

Date of most recent visit: Dec 2010

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Arriving on a Sunday afternoon in February 2009 gave us several sites to choose from. For the second time in a row, #10 suited us nicely - lots of sun and aimed right at the TV satellite.

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There are 30 sites around the campground loop. The empty site to the right is #7, while the RV on the very private site to the left is on #8.

Sites all offer 30-amp service and water hookups. On some of the sites, the hookups are on the wrong side, so an extension cable and extra hose might come in handy.

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Site #13 is located beside the path leading to the river and the campfire circle.

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Site 19 may qualify as the nicest site in the park - it's the closest to the river and is quite private.

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There are three paved handicap-accessible sites, each with a paved walkway to the bathhouse. This is site 20.

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Left to right, these are sites #25 and #24.

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The empty site at left is 30.

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The modern bathhouse with free hot showers. The interior could use a little sprucing up - paint is peeling and the walls have lots of holes where there used to be pegs for hanging things.

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Despite all the sun in most of these pictures, it can rain at Ochlockonee River. During our Jan 2010 stay, we had the pleasure of receiving 6" of rain in just a few hours. Those are sites 7 and 6 across from us.

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This was right outside our window. The water was higher than the metal fire-ring and the firewood was floating.

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A major attraction of the park is the variety of water-based activities offered. There's a boat launch for fishermen and pleasure boaters, and canoes are available for rent.

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There are two hiking trails in the park. One follows along the river, while the other loops out through a pine forest. If you're patient and lucky, you might get to see a red-cockaded woodpecker.

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The day use area features a large picnic area, with two large pavilions and many tables, some of which are along the river.

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During our Jan 2010 visit I came across this albino squirrel down in the day-use area.

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Swimmers can enjoy the swimming area.

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The roots of this old tree appear to be a sentinental watching over the swimming area.

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The kids can burn off their energy at the playground.

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During the winter of 2007-2008 there was a controlled burn that burned right up to the campground. In February 2009 out along the nature trail, I noticed this tree section that had burned and landed in another tree.