Camping at Stephen Foster State Folk Center – Near Lake City, Florida

Stephen Foster State Folk Center, located about 10 miles our of Lake City, Florida, is a hidden gem of a state park and campground.

We were unfortunate in that the several days we camped at the campground our family was ill, which limited our ability to explore and enjoy the park.

On top of a network of hiking, biking, and canoeing trails, the park has a museum about Florida folk history, a huge bell tower to climb, and a craft square with craftspeople blacksmithing, quilting, and playing folk music.

Though we were confined to our travel trailer for most of our stay, we managed to rally for a few outings in the park.

After the pictures, there are some tips on good things to know if planning your trip to Stephen Foster State Folk Center.

An early morning scooter through puddles.

The tannic waters of the Suwannee river

Walking along the Suwanee River at Stephen Foster State Park

The Craft Square at Stephen Foster State Park has craftspeople blacksmithing, quilting, painting, and jeweling.

The blacksmith

A nail from the blacksmith.

Good things to know

Location:

Website: https://www.floridastateparks.org/park/Stephen-Foster

Tips:

Don’t plan on much grocery shopping in the tiny town of White Springs. There is a Dollar General which has limited food options. In Lake City, about 10 miles away from the park near I-75, there is a Publix grocery store.

The 8 mile hiking and cycling trail is advertised as moderately difficult, and I think that is a fair assessment. Cycling on the trail is difficult, as there are many pine roots and sandy patches that make cycling hard. The multi-use walking, cycling, and horse trail is also made difficult in parts by sand.

There always seems to be some activity in the park, from performing musicians, to tours, to storytellers, to craftspeople. Check the Stephen Foster State Folk Center website if you want to coordinate your trip with one of their special activities.

When booking a campsite, check the map carefully. Not all campsites are created equally. Several of the lower numbered campsites near the front of the park are really exposed to the road, so if you want privacy then select a campsite towards the back.