Tate’s Hell State Forest
Visitors to Tate’s Hell State Forest can paddle down a black water river until they reach the white sandy beaches of the Gulf or take a hike on an ancient sand dune with native vegetation near the coast. Camp overnight at one of our isolated primitive campsites on the bank of a river, or take a leisurely drive and enjoy our space, solitude and natural resources.
Tate’s Hell State Forest lies between the Apalachicola and Ochlockonee Rivers and offers a variety of recreational opportunities. Tate’s Hell activities include canoeing-kayaking on the waterways that run through the forest. The Womack Creek area provides nine tent campsites, three RV primitive camping sites, picnic pavilion, boat ramp, and bath house with hot showers. Primitive camping sites are located throughout the forest for a nominal fee. Gully Branch, Rock Landing and Cash Creek are day use sites for picnicking, fishing or simply relaxing. Other recreational opportunities include the High Bluff Coast Hiking Trail, the Ralph G. Kendrick Boardwalk overlooking the dwarf cypress, and the off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) trail system on designated forest roads (permit required). The forest is open to hunting and fishing regulated by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. For more info on Camping in Tate’s Hell click here. To reserve either a primitive campsite or RV site (if available) click here. Enter Carrabelle, Florida for location for nearby sites.
Tate's Hell State Forest has 3 electric campsites
(with restrooms and showers) available at Womack Creek recreation area , They are available for reservation through Reserve America. 800-326-3521 For more information on hunting and fishing, please click here.
Tate’s Hell State Forest is approximately 202,500 acres located in Franklin and Liberty counties, sharing a border with the Apalachicola National Forest to the north. Tate’s Hell is a large patchwork of flatwoods and savannahs with an intricate web of creeks and wetlands. The forest features the unique dwarf cypress that only reach a mature height of about 15 feet, with some trees estimated at over a century old.
Pitcher plant prairies hold a diverse mixture of carnivorous plants, wildflowers and grasses. The carnivorous plants include glistening sundews, butterworts, bladderworts and several species of pitcher plants which trap insects in their erect trumpet-shaped leaves. Tate’s Hell is home to a rich of wildlife including deer, turkey, black bear, alligators, and many resident and migratory birds. The forest offers space, solitude, and unique natural beauty to the visitor.
Important Note: All forest roads are unpaved, and should not be attempted in wet weather or after dark. Your phone may not work in the forest.