Tom Johns Landing Campground Review

Florida Boondocking at its best

When thinking about extended free camping and boon docking opportunities, Florida may not immediately come to mind. However, the sunshine state boasts an abundance of places for campers to save campground fees and enjoy roughing it.

Where can I boondock in Florida?

A popular place to boon dock is on National Forest (USFS) land. Florida hosts several National Forests but two of the most popular include the Ocala National Forest and the Apalachicola National Forest. These National Forests can be very busy, especially in the winter. Of course each site is on a first come first stay basis and do not take reservations.

Another boon docking option and actually my favorite is on the Florida Water Management District lands. Florida is divided into 5 districts. They are the Northwest Florida, Suwannee River, St. Johns River, Southwest and South Water Management Districts. Each has it own unique management team and a variety of recreation and camping opportunities.

Recently, I stayed at Tom John’s Landing located in the Northwest Florida Water Managment District (NWFWMD). Tom John’s Landing is part of the larger Econfina Creek Wildlife Managment Area (WMA) and is located 22 miles south of I-10 and Chipley, Florida.

How to get to Tom John’s landing

If traveling on I-10, exit onto Highway 77 and continue south for about 20 miles then turn left onto Greenhead Road. From Greenhead Rd. turn north onto Porter Pond Road. Visitors traveling from State Road 20 can simply head north on Porter Pond Road slightly west of the bridge at Econfina Creek. Signs with directional arrows and distances are located at each major intersection along Porter Pond Road. Finally, turn onto Thomas Road and this will terminate at the campground.

Word of warning, this is not a smooth ride. Once leaving the paved road the road looked as if they had plowed it like they do for snow back in Ohio but only this was snow it was sand. The road was extremely rough the plow left deep piles of sand on the edge of the roads. I knew from experience I wanted no part of that. Keep an eye out for several low branches especially if you have a taller rig. After a little patience and slow driving I made it to the campground.

What are the campsites like?

The camping area consists of four sites located on a small point over looking the lake. Two sites are designated as RV sites while the other two are tent only campsites and are located inside a fenced area.

It is very scenic with several large Live Oak Trees garnished in “Spanish” Moss, a grassy areas around the picnic areas and a nice views of the water.

Upon arrival I was the only person in the campground. I was glad because after evaluating the site I reserved (#4) I determined it was way too small for my RV. It also had an odd slope with soft ground and it looked like a prescription for getting stuck (AGAIN). Since nightfall was upon me I opted to camp in the parking area in front of my campsite and re-evaluate the situation in the morning.

It was a good sleep and I woke up to a stunning view of the lake. I love this spot and only wished it was a little bigger for my behemoth of a rig. LOL That is not a complaint of the management district I just have the wrong rig for the situation.

I had made my reservation was for 3 nights but because I was not actually in my site and positioned in the “drive” I didn’t feel good about violating the rules and potentially clogging up the other campsites. Heavy rain was also expected later in the day which caused me concern about the road conditions back to the highway. So I changed my plans and opted to move up the road to Falling Waters State Park and closer to I-10.

What sort of activities are available at the Econfina Creek WMA?

Before I left, I took a drive around the area and explored the Econfina Creek WMA. The footprint of the WMA is vast and includes additional lakes, camping areas, boat launches, picnic areas, horseback trail and more. It is definitely a place I would enjoy exploring in more detail.

No sooner was I packed and ready to move the skies opened up and a monsoon type Florida rain began to fall. I was glad to have left when I did as the roads became very muddy. I arrived safely to Falling Waters State Park and reserved their last site and set up. Although my visit as short it was a great stay and adventure at Tom John’s Landing.

If you enjoy boondocking, solitude and pretty views then I would highly recommend Tom John’s Landing! It is a great spot. Just remember the sites are small and you must have a reservation (Free). Other than that kick back and Lose Track of Time.