fisheating creek outpost

A spectacular paddle through a cypress forest if you bring or rent canoe or kayak. For the RV crowd, grounds seem average, but on the other side, the tent only ground, which includes five drive up creekside sites and three hike in creekside sites are quite beautiful. As of January 2015, Creekside tentsites are about $28 and the rest, which are fine, $17.99. Bathrooms nothing special, but when I was there not as dirty as another reviewer apparently found them. For those who have come for the paddling, as I did, you have the option of putting in and paddling upstream or getting shuttled by the staff to bridges either 6 or 16 miles upstream to put in. If you take the farther option, you will probably want to wilderness camp overnight, for which there are numbers of nice sites available, and it really is wilderness. No facilities - bring water, a little spade to bury your waste and the associated paper, and anything you had in mind to eat. Wildlife is abundant in the bird and reptile categories - huge variety of wading birds, and more alligators than you can shake a stick at, but saw no snakes. Also saw no mammals - not even the ubiquitous raccoons of most Florida camping areas. For paddling, water level is critical. I'm told 3' or more is ideal. When I went, it was at 1.80' and I wouldn't really want to do it at any less than that. As it was, I scraped over lots of shallow sandy areas, and had to get out and pull it across one. Check online (link on the website) to see what the water level is before you go. It was cool when I was there, but can easily believe that the mosquitoes could carry you away in warmer, wetter times. Bring bugspray, and a bugnet for your head would also be good. I did, but used it only for a few minutes just after sunset.

Out of our many vacations I think that this one will hold a special place in our memories for us. I didn't give this an excellent rating because the bathrooms were very dirty and the ventilation was also poor. I get it, for the hardcore campers out there, showers and bathrooms are not part of real camping but for those of you that prefer a shower and bathrooms, this place has them but they are not in good shape. They also stay pretty dirty throughout but you can take a quick shower and use the toilets in those emergency situations. There are also porta potty type bathrooms with only toilets (no running water) and a hose closer to the campsites further from the main bathrooms. Other than the bathrooms, this place was fantastic. You have a check-in office with plenty of supplies for sale in case you forgot anything, at a premium of course, $3 for a bag of ice, $5 for a small bag of wood. But it is what it is, at least they have these things in case you need them. You should go prepared with the essentials anyway. There isn't much around this area in general, no walmart or gas stations or even little mom and pops. You are out there. Pretty easy to arrive to, do not get off of US 27, the campground is located a mile and a half north of highway 29.We stayed in lots 8 and 9 with a lakefront. There is a picnic type bench and round metal fire pit included with each campsite, that's it. The individual site is pretty large about 50 feet by 30 feet wide. I liked these because they were further away from the main area which seemed to be more crowded and closer to each other. There were plenty of large trees with Spanish moss hanging from them. It added such an amazing feel to it all especially at night as the moonlight broke through the trees and the fire from the pit lit everything in the dark. The sites have a dirt floor with grass on the outskirts. We woke up to foggy 60 degree mornings and slept comfortably through the night, not too hot, not too cold. We stayed during the new-year weekend. We found that the fellow campers were very friendly and there were a lot of kids and families walking and riding bike throughout during all hours of the day and night. We left our campground to go biking and canoeing and left things about, nothing was ever tampered with. The canoeing/boat ride was great. Plenty of wide rivers to row through and pretty good fishing. We caught a small largemouth and lost a huge one just passed the highway bridge. Check out their map online and I recommend staying in the area near the lake. Also make sure to get a site under tree cover, it can get hot during the day. If you have children, they will have a blast. There is plenty of area to bike through, fishing with or without a boat, canoe rentals, rather cheap, 10 bucks an hour. There are also some trails to hike through and of course the fire pits at night. Things you will need, (family of 4)large cooler with plenty of ice, food and refreshmentstowelsfirewood (also fire starters)long stick lighterextra batteries for all your battery powered devicesgas or battery powered lanternsflashlightsbicyclesfishing rods (the fish seem to like yellow jig type lures, yellow skirts)hatsgas stoveinsect repellentfirst aid kittoothbrush, toothpastetent with rainfly (tarp for under tent is recommended)air mattresses or cushions to sleep on We took previously cooked food so that all we had to do was warm it upWater - We took a 2 gallon thermos for drinking water and used up 2 x 2.5 water gallons for cleaning cookware, brushing teeth and general cleaning up face etcI recommend sneakers/boots/shoes that are closed, no open toed due to the dirt in the camp area. It will get all over your feet. You can do as you please but that's my recommendation.You can hear the highway from the camp, especially at night. Not too bad but if you're a light sleeper, it takes some getting used to. Overall all the families would turn in by 10 or so, very quiet and dark at night. It was a surreal experience to walk through the trails in the late evenings and watch your breathe in the air although it was only 60 degrees or so. The temperature would drop about 10 degrees as you went deeper into the brush. Overall, we had a beautiful, fun, different, no electronics, no d/s, no video game, no TV, experience. The kids 6 and 11, enjoyed themselves beyond their wildest dreams. I do recommend to go along in a group with family and/or friends. This is definitely an experience that I recommend to everyone.Thanks to the folks at Fisheating Creek, you can still have a unique experience such as this with your family and friends.

With a 5:30 rise-and-shine, I was ready for the two hour drive to Palmdale with my outdoor-loving girlfriends. When we arrived at the outpost, I was taken aback by the beautiful old oak trees, covered with some type of host plant, on the property. After checking in for the Burnt Bridge trip, I took a stroll down to the water for some photo ops because it was absolutely gorgeous against the morning light. We piled into the van and Mike drove us to the Burnt Bridge put-in. Making our way through the woods, we spotted a buck and his doe in the open field. What a surprise to see them! I kept my eyes peeled for other wildlife because Mike mentioned that he'd seen panther, but there were no more surprises. Kayaks in water, we started our 7-mile journey back to the outpost. We were the only 3 people on the water that morning. Nothing like having the river to yourselves. It was a leisurely paddle with the current and the water was high. The landscape was stunning and we each took lots of photos. Plenty of grunting gators in the background and we did see about a handful of them, but as long as you mind your own business, they will not bother you. Birds abound through the trees - ibis, woodpeckers, cardinals, heron. I told my friend Lee as we were drifting that this was what I considered a "spa" day. So tranquil and relaxing with just the sounds of Mother Nature. It took us 3.5 hours to complete our trip with stops for lunch and a couple of breaks. Make sure wherever you pull over, you check for gators before you get out. Out of the 3 trips we've experienced together so far - Loxahatchee, Riverbend and Fisheating Creek - Fisheating Creek is my absolute fave. We even took advantage of the campground showers to freshen up before our trek home. If you love being on the water, the outdoors and experiencing Mother Nature, this trip is for you!

Looking for a campground with wide open spaces? Huge old oak trees? Friendly campers as well as employees? With Gatorama just a couple miles away? Fisheating Creek on route 27 in Palmdale. If really desperate for civilization, jump in the car and head to Ft. Meyers about 45 min away. This is not one of those campgrounds that looks like a bowling alley. Bring your canoe or kayak or rent one of theirs. Bring firewood or get it at their store. Either way, plan on relaxing and for around $32 a night it's wonderful!!!!

My husband, sister, brother-in-law- and niece camped here over the Memorial Day Weekend and had a wonderful time. This was not my first time here but it was for my sister and her family. We did may things everyday, hiked, fished, kayaked, swam, played horses, boccie ball and saw some amazing sunsets. I love this campground, the staff, and management are always so helpful when you have a question. We will be visiting Fisheating Creek for may years to come and will be introduce many of our family members to this wonderful beautiful place.

I have camped at many grounds in Florida,being a native myself, and HIGHLY recommend Fisheating creek. I love to stay right on the creek to listen to the gators at night and enjoy the wonderful water and solitude . The swimming area is secluded out back of the grounds and also can be camped right on the shore. The water is crystal clear. Kayaking on the creek is only $10 an hour for rental from the outpost. We had a shore lunch on the bank of the creek and made a fire and enjoyed the tranquility and nature sounds. By far,one of my favorite camp destinations , only a 1.5 hour drive from West Palm, my home. Out post has all your supply needs if you forgot anything at home! I love this place!!!!!

I am yet to find another location to paddle that offers the same tranquility and beauty that Fisheating Creek does. The campground is extremely clean, the staff is knowledgable and friendly, and the creek provides days worth of fun as you paddle along side the wildlife that lines its shores. You have not truly experienced old Florida until you've spent a day on the creek. As an experienced paddler, I highly recommend either trip - Ingram's Crossing (16 mile) or Burnt Bridge (8 mile); beginners be forewarned though, Ingram's makes for a very long day and unless you plan to primitive camp with the wildlife, choose the Burnt Bridge trip instead. Either way, you are going to have a fabulous paddle... enjoy!

Beautiful eight mile kayak trip from Burnt Bridge to the Fisheating Creek campground at Palmdale Florida. It is an easy, with the current, paddle through a meandering cypress lined river with absolutely zero evidence of civilization along the way... no buildings, no roads, just nature. The staff I met at the campground, Darcy and Crista, were pleasant and proficient.Great trip. I do this one and the 16 mile trip from Ingram's Crossing a couple of times a year.

I had heard of Fisheating Creek since I was a child but never had the opportunity to experience it. I am so glad that I finally got the chance to camp there. It truly surpassed my expectations ! The shade of the tall Cyprus and the view of the meandering "creek" really connects you to nature"s beauty. Make sure you bring your own kayak, canoe, fishing gear, etc. and get on the water...you won't regret it. If you don't have your own gear you can rent watercraft and buy supplies at the reception/store from the exceptional staff, Darcy, Crista, Ashley & Dave ! Furthermore, the facilities for tent camping, showering, laundry, RV hookup and meeting facilities are great . Don't miss this wonderful place (and don't the spectacular night sky !)

I have been going to Fisheating Creek for thirty years or more initially as a boyscout, with my children, and hopefully my grandchildren in the near future. This is one of the most beautiful places in the Southeast to paddle or recreate and the new outfitter at the Wildlife Management Area is doing a top notch job assisting to make the trips down the river a great experience. You have to be transported by the Outfitter up river to either of two places for a trip down river which involves their carrying your boats and paddlers to a drop off point to begin the trip. They are very well organized now and a pleasure to do business with. Last week I hosted a trip with our kayak club and 14 persons with only one having been to the area previously. We had a wonderful time and it was a pleasure to introduce these newbies so to speak to this beautiful area.R.P.

Kayak canoeing trip black water river. Cypress and oak. Nice downstream easy 8 mile paddle 4 hours with stops. Nice people Darcy and Ashley got us all. Set up

We were warmly greeted by Ashley, Crista, and Darcy. Beautiful, shady, and spacious campsites. Martha was informative and helpful sending us off on our 8 mile kayak trip. Amazing place, can't wait to return.

We camped at Fisheating Creek Outpost on the weekend of 8/16-8/18/13. We are very new at camping as this is our 2nd time in our camper. We were greeted by Ashley and Darcy at the camp store to do our check in, they were so friendly and helpful! When I mentioned we were new to camping, they said they would help us with any questions or concerns. I would also state that they are pet friendly as we had our 3 dogs with us. The campsite was very nice, we had full hook-up...ok, ok, so we didn't "Rough" it!! The next day we were greeted by Martha and Hank as they were making sure we were comfortable and to see if we had any questions or concerns, we were advised that the Lake was closed for swimming because of the amount of rain we have had. The bathrooms and showers were very clean and neat.While we were there someone in the camp came across a very rare Hognose snake, of course FWC was called and they were able to catch it and release it elsewhere in a safe location.We will surely make return trips and maybe one day take a canoe out on the creek!!

They treat you like family here. ..great job Ashley ....Christa......Darcey.....Martha....and Hank...... see you all in October......

What a great place to get away from it all, unlike other sites in Florida there's trees, nature, scenic trails, and the creek itself that turned out to be a little adventure because we did not take a map and went off the grid. The staff was amazing, the manager Shelly, Hank, and Ashley were so helpful in getting us set up and even assisted us in setting up our awning (new rv'ers we are). Even the public restrooms and showers were great - clean and well kept. We cannot wait to go back again - thank you to the staff that made our trip great!