Blackwater River State Park in Florida, USA - map and visitor information

Research checked: 2026-10-29. Check linked official notices before travel.

Blackwater River State Park in Florida offers sandy river beaches, forest trails, and camping near Milton. The Florida Park Service, part of the Department of Environmental Protection, manages the park. Plan water trips to finish at Deaton Bridge: downstream blockage prevents continuing beyond the park's canoe takeout.

A river visit with a clear stopping point

Tannins from shoreline vegetation give the river a golden-brown color against its white sandbars. A day here can combine a walk through floodplain forest with time beside the water. The campground adds an overnight option among longleaf pines, magnolias, and Atlantic white cedars.

Know before you go

Fees, hours, and seasonal access

River limits and trail footing

Deaton Bridge is the end of the canoe route. There is no river access beyond it, and a major blockage lies downstream. Lifeguards are not on duty. The park recommends a U.S. Coast Guard-approved flotation device for visitors who are not strong swimmers. Call the park for current water levels before a river outing.

Walking trails can be wet, especially during the rainy season. Watch for exposed roots and earthen steps on the walking trails.

Pets and shared recreation

Keep pets under control on a hand-held leash no longer than six feet. Pets are prohibited on the beaches and in the water. Fishing must follow the applicable size, catch, method, and season rules, and a fishing license may be required.

Reservations and campground arrivals

Book through the Florida State Parks reservation service or call 800-326-3521. Camping check-in is at 3 p.m. and check-out is at 1 p.m. Campers younger than 18 must stay with a responsible adult who remains on site. Check your dates and the park alerts before traveling.

Maps, location, and access

The official address is 7720 Deaton Bridge Road, Milton, FL 32564. The park warns that some navigation systems give inaccurate routes. Double-check the approach or call 850-983-5363 or 850-712-0193 for directions.

South Bridge parking serves the Chain of Lakes Nature Trail across a marked road crossing. Pavilion parking provides access to the raised boardwalk and main swimming area.

Nearby parks

• Yellow River Marsh Preserve State Park has a small public parking area at Dickerson City Road and Garcon Point Road in the Milton area. It has no recreational facilities.
• Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou State Park is a road-access alternative farther east, at 4281 State Road 20 in Niceville.

Walk the forest or plan a river outing

The Chain of Lakes Nature Trail is a 1.75-mile loop from South Bridge parking. It follows former river channels through floodplain forest.

Canoeing, kayaking, and swimming are river options subject to the takeout limit and safety conditions above. The park's activity and amenity details explain the access points.

Campground and accessible facilities

The 30-site campground accommodates tents and RVs up to 50 feet long. Sites have 20-, 30-, and 50-amp electricity, water, sewer connections, picnic tables, fire rings, and grills. Restrooms with showers sit between the two loops.

A raised boardwalk from pavilion parking connects two large picnic pavilions and two restroom facilities with the river beach. Three accessible campsites are available through reservations. Contact the park about the particular route or campsite features you need.

About the park

The river and surrounding forest shape this park's recreation. Sandbars provide places to pause along the water, while the walking routes extend into floodplain and pine habitats.

Forest habitats

Longleaf pine, magnolia, and Atlantic white cedar grow around the campground. The river's oxbow lakes and floodplain forest provide a different setting from the higher pine areas along the trails.

Contact

Contact Blackwater River State Park at 850-983-5363 for route help, water levels, and park conditions.