Hopkins Prairie Campground
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.
- Vault Toilets
- 21 Sites
- Water Available via Hand Pump
- Boat ramp
Need to Know
All sites are first come, first served. Reservations are not accepted.
Campground gate is closed and locked from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m (March - Oct) and 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. (Oct - March).
Campers can check in at 2:00 pm and must check out by 11am.
Each campsite can hold a MAXIMUM of 2 tents, 2 vehilces and 5 campers
Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Generators are not allowed to run during quiet hours.
No off-road vehicles allowed within the campground
Bears and raccoons frequent the area; all food must be kept in approved containers. Failure to comply with this regulation can result in immediate ejection from campground without refund.
Dogs are allowed in campground only and must be leashed and supervised at all times.
Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.
As per Forestry Department regulations, fines will result from the following infractions:
- Leaving unattended coolers and food. These items must be in bear boxes or fully shut vehicles
- Leaving burning or smoldering fires when exiting campsite.
- Improperly parked vehicles
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.
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.
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving 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.
