Big Buck Camp

Bill Johnson

This is one of the primitive campsites that is only accessible via kayak or hiking trail. It's a great little spot close to the water, though not as secluded as I would have liked, as it is right on the intersection of two hiking trails. Due to this location, hikers will often treat your picnic table and benches like some kind of rest stop. (Hikers: this is considered poor camp ettiquite. It's like going into someone's front yard and sitting on their patio furniture.) However, you will definitely feel the seclusion when the park is closed, as there will not be another human in sight if you're camping alone. Getting there: I don't own a kayak(some day), so I hiked in, which I am told is not how most campers get there. The shortest way is nearly two miles on the main hiking trails. These trails are fun for folks who have spent a lot of time walking through the woods like I have, but are not designed for a leisurely stroll. If you venture onto these trails, someone in your party should have a decent sense of direction, know how to read a trail map, and be able to spot a trail when they see it. The trail is barely discernable at times and has plenty of tree roots to trip over. In other words, if you were born and raised in the city, bring someone along who has spent time in the woods or you will likely get lost. You can also get there by way of the big bicycle/equestrian trail, which is basically a dirt road, but it is longer and there is almost no shade that way. You can use Google maps or the Wekiva app to navigate, but I also recommend downloading the more detailed trail map from the park website. The maps they give you at the entrance don't include the trails. The actual campsite: It's a nice shady spot with a bear box for food, a spigot for non potable water, hooks for hammocks, a fire ring, a picnic table, and two benches. It's very close to the river. It's primitive, so no hookups for power or drinking water. The nearest restroom is 2 miles away, so plan on finding a discreet spot behind a bush and, when needed, to dig a hole. There are also no trash cans, so plan on packing all of your trash out when you leave. There is plenty of wildlife to see. Three wild boar and a huge deer crossed close to the camp. I think the boar are regular visitors as they were there both nights close to twilight. A raccoon sauntered into my camp on multiple occasions and came right up to the picnic table while I was eating (stop feeding the wildlife, folks). Rental is only around $5 a night and you are renting the whole camp, which can accommodate up to 10 people. You can't reserve the spot online, you will need to call instead.

Daniel Chaplin

Did a two night camp here, found out there are a couple "perpetual campers" that live in the area and like to invite themselves to visit your campsite and become indignant with you if you ask them to leave. Also there are plenty of hikers that walk past the camp as well because it is located near a well traveled hiking trail. Otherwise its not a bad site, there is plenty of wild boar in area and other wildlife and its a large campsite where we comfortably fit 7 hammocks.

Nichenack

A nice place to stop at along the run.

Ranae Carden

Too many people hike thru your campsite.