Outdoors
Lakes, rivers and beaches near Tallahassee where swimming is allowed on public land.
Good to know: Most natural swimming areas have no lifeguard; check water-quality advisories and current conditions before swimming.
44 mi west · USDA Forest Service
Camel Lake Recreation Area provides a quiet place to relax and take in the beauty of the longleaf pine forest. Camping, swimming, hiking, and boating opportunities are all available, focused on the crystal-clear waters of Camel Lake.
62 mi southwest · National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
The Apalachicola Bay Reserve protects one of the most productive estuarine systems in the Northern Hemisphere, where the economic value of the natural resources and pristine conditions depend on the region's biological diversity.
94 mi northwest · US Army Corps of Engineers
There are 13 Corps of Engineers day use parks and 4 campgrounds on Walter F. George Lake, a great place to camp, fish, boat and picnic.
Map of 8 places loads as you scroll.
Camel Lake Recreation Area provides a quiet place to relax and take in the beauty of the longleaf pine forest. Camping, swimming, hiking, and boating opportunities are all available, focused on the crystal-clear waters of Camel Lake.
The Apalachicola Bay Reserve protects one of the most productive estuarine systems in the Northern Hemisphere, where the economic value of the natural resources and pristine conditions depend on the region's biological diversity.
There are 13 Corps of Engineers day use parks and 4 campgrounds on Walter F. George Lake, a great place to camp, fish, boat and picnic.
Hardridge Creek Campground is situated on the shores of Walter F. George Lake on the Georgia and Alabama border. The lake is a great place to get away for a week, a weekend or just an afternoon.
Cotton Hill Campground is situated on the shores of Walter F. George Lake on the Georgia and Alabama border. The lake is a great place to get away for a week, a weekend or just an afternoon.
White Oak Creek Campground is situated on the shores of Walter F. George Lake on the Georgia and Alabama border. The lake is a great place to get away for a week, a weekend or just an afternoon.
Situated in Baker County, Florida, this campground includes 64 campsites and is open 24 hours/day. All sites are available at recreation.gov. There's something here for everyone in this lakeside campground.
Group Landing is a secluded area that offers a flexible space accommodating many outdoor activities, from a weekend family camping trip to a midweek company picnic.
Distances are straight-line miles from downtown Tallahassee. Listings come from Recreation.gov’s federal recreation database; check each official page for hours, fees, fire restrictions and closures before you go.
THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
An activity Short shared by Life With The Martinez Fam.
Watch on YouTube ↗
THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
An activity Short shared by Life With The Martinez Fam.
Watch on YouTube ↗
Camel Lake Campground (USDA Forest Service), about 44 miles west of Tallahassee as the crow flies. Next are Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve (62 mi) and Walter F. George Lake (94 mi).
Based on Tallahassee’s average highs, April–October. Conditions at higher elevations can be much cooler.
Federal agencies including US Army Corps of Engineers, USDA Forest Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.