Camping in Dixie County: Best Locations for Outdoor Adventures

When it comes to outdoor adventures, Dixie County in North Central Florida is a hidden gem for nature lovers and camping enthusiasts. If you're seeking a quiet tent site under the stars, an RV-friendly destination near scenic trails, or a base cabin for kayaking the Suwannee River, Dixie County delivers authentic nature experiences away from the crowds.

This guide explores the best camping locations in Dixie County, along with nearby activities like hiking, birdwatching, fishing, and more. Let us show you how you can reconnect with Florida’s wild side.

Why Camp in Dixie County?

Located where the Suwannee River meets the Gulf of America, Dixie County offers a diverse landscape of cypress swamps, pine forests, and salt marshes. This environment makes it a prime destination for:

• Birdwatching in Dixie County – The area is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail, with over 200 species recorded.
• Fishing Dixie County waters – Freshwater and saltwater fishing options are abundant.
• Kayaking Suwannee River waters – Paddle through scenic blackwater routes and coastal estuaries.
• Florida nature trails – Hike or cycle through quiet, tree-lined paths.

With year-round mild weather and low light pollution, it’s an ideal location for both summer and winter camping.

1. Piddlers Pointe RV Resort – Minutes From Gulf

If your ideal getaway includes peaceful riverside mornings and easy access to scalloping and fishing, Piddler’s Pointe RV Resort in Dixie County delivers it all. Tucked along the scenic Steinhatchee River, this small, locally owned resort welcomes RVers with full hookups, shaded spots, and a relaxing, old-school Florida feel. It’s just minutes from the Gulf, making it a perfect basecamp for summer scalloping season.

Highlights:

• Riverfront RV camping with full hookups
• Minutes from Gulf scalloping and boating
• On-site pool, picnic pavilion, and paddle-friendly pond
• Short drive to Steinhatchee Falls and nature trails
  

Best for: RVers, anglers, paddlers, and couples looking for a quiet retreat with easy water access.

2. Suwannee River Hideaway Campground – Riverside Retreat

Located in Old Town, FL, Suwannee River Hideaway Campground provides full hookup RV sites and shaded tent spaces. The campground features a 1,500-foot boardwalk that winds through salt marshes and ends at a private fishing dock on the Suwannee River.

Highlights:

• Kayaking Suwannee River access
• Full RV amenities
• Birdwatching in Dixie County from marsh lookouts
• Access to the Nature Coast State Trail for biking

Best for: RV travelers, cyclists, paddlers, and nature photographers.

3. Putnam Lodge RV Resort & Campground – Comfort Meets Adventure

While technically located just outside Dixie County in Cross City, Putnam Lodge RV Resort is a great base for exploring the region. Guests enjoy well-maintained facilities, guided hunting trips, and proximity to wildlife management areas.

Highlights:

• Proximity to Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge
• Fishing and hunting nearby
• On-site lodge with dining options
• Live music and community events

Best for: Travelers looking for a blend of rustic and resort-style camping.

4. Yellow Jacket RV Resort – Luxury on the River

For those who want a polished outdoor experience, Yellow Jacket RV Resort in Old Town offers premium riverfront RV sites and cabins. It’s located right on the Suwannee River, making it easy to enjoy boating, paddling, or simply watching the water drift by.

Highlights:

• Boat ramp and dock access
• Screened pool
• Birding hotspots on-site
• Nearby nature trails for hiking

Best for: Birdwatching in Dixie County, kayaking, and comfort-focused campers.

Activities to Enhance Your Camping Trip

Fishing in Dixie County

With both saltwater and freshwater options, fishing is a top pastime. Look for redfish, trout, bass, and even crabs in coastal areas.

Hiking Dixie County Nature Trails

Explore Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge or Big Bend Wildlife Management Area. Trails vary in difficulty but often provide sightings of deer, wild hogs, and native wildflowers.

Kayaking Suwannee River & Coastal Waters

Designated paddling trails take you through blackwater creeks, tidal marshes, and springs.

Birdwatching in Dixie County

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, this region supports rare species like the swallow-tailed kite and reddish egret. Bring your binoculars!

Wildlife Watching in North Central Florida

From gopher tortoises to river otters, the biodiversity in this part of Florida is impressive. Evenings are great for spotting owls and hearing frogs.



Responsible Camping Tips

To help preserve Dixie County’s natural beauty:

• Follow Leave No Trace principles.
• Use designated fire rings and obey burn bans.
• Avoid disturbing nesting birds, especially in spring.
• Respect fishing and hunting regulations (check with Florida Fish and Wildlife).

Plan Your Trip

Before heading out, check availability at your chosen campground, review local weather, and pack essentials. Many campgrounds recommend or require reservations, especially during peak months (March to May and October to November).

Need gear or local advice? Visit local outfitters or explore more resources at VisitDixie.com.

Make Dixie County Your Next Camping Destination

Reconnect with nature in a place where the river meets the wild. Whether you’re casting a line into the Suwannee, cycling scenic trails, or falling asleep under the stars, camping in Dixie County offers something for every kind of outdoor enthusiast.

Ready to plan your adventure? Discover more outdoor experiences, accommodations, and local events at VisitDixie.com—your official guide to unforgettable Dixie County outdoor adventures.