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Camper submitted image from East Camp — Little Big Econ State ForestView 21 Photos
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East Camp — Little Big Econ State Forest

8 ReviewsAdd Review

Fishing enthusiasts and paddlers will find multiple ways to access the Econlockhatchee River at East Camp within Little Big Econ State Forest. This established campground provides electric, water, and sewer hookups for RVs while maintaining a forested setting along the riverbank. Campers can drive directly to sites or choose to hike or paddle in via the water trail system.

The camping area sits on a curve of the Econlockhatchee River near remnants of the old Flagler Railroad System from the early 1900s. Two fire rings mark the main camping spots, with one positioned riverside and another near the historic railroad corridor. Jeanene A. notes you should "bring a compact fishing pole and enjoy some riverside relaxation." Alligators inhabit the river, so swimming is not recommended.

Yellow flies can be intense during spring and early summer months. Summer rains make trails slick and cause river levels to rise. The trail system connects to multiple access points throughout the forest, and hikers frequently pass through the camping area on busy weekends. Permits are required and available through the Florida Forest Service before arrival.

For a different experience, West Camp — Little Big Econ State Forest offers more primitive conditions just over a mile northwest.

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Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect

There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!

For more information, please contact the state forest office at (407) 971-3500.

Drought conditions continue to worsen, and numerous Florida counties have implemented burn bans. State Forest campgrounds within counties under a burn ban are subject to the same restrictions, which may affect your camping experience. Please check the Burn Ban Public Dashboard and plan accordingly before making a reservation.

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Location

Public Campground

East Camp — Little Big Econ State Forest is located in Florida

Detail location of campground

Directions

| **Interstate 95 to the Little Big Econ State Forest Headquarters** | | | Take exit 223 for FL-46 toward Sanford/Mims | .2 miles | | Turn onto FL-46 W (signs for Sanford/Orlando Sanford Int'l Airport/Auto Train) | 16.4 miles | | Turn left onto CR 426 | 0.8 miles | | Turn left onto Snow Hill Rd | 2.0 miles | | Turn right at the State Forest Headquarters Sign | 0.1 miles | | End at 1350 Snow Hill Rd Geneva, FL 32732 | | | | | | **From I-4 to the Little Big Econ State Forest Headquarters** | | | Take exit 101C for FL-46 toward Mt. Dora/Sanford Historic District | .4 miles | | Turn onto FL-46 East | 4.1 miles | | Turn right onto S.French Avenue/17-92 | 1.7 miles | | Turn left onto E 25th Street/FL-46 E | 11.03 miles | | Turn slight right on CR 426 | 0.84 miles | | Turn left onto Snow Hill Road | 2.33 miles | | End at 1350 Snow Hill Road Geneva, FL 32732 on the right | | | | |

Address

1350 Snow Hill Road
Geneva, FL 32732

Coordinates

28.67317194 N
81.1177694 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon5G
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Dispersed
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Reservable
  • Electric Hookups
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sewer Hookups
  • Water Hookups
  • 30 Amp Hookups
  • 50 Amp Hookups

Drive Time

Reviews

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5.0

out of 5

8 Reviews

Campers regularly cited the beautiful primitive riverside sites and excellent trail system. Many mentioned significant mosquito and yellow fly issues during warmer months. Most found it ideal for hiking and nature experiences.

S
Reviewed Apr. 13, 2019

Traditional Rustic Florida

My wife and I love the Little Big Econ State Forest. It is close by, has numerous trail heads, and offers a wide variety of outdoor activity activities. The camping spots are primitive but are in areas that you seldom find in more densely populated areas. Enjoy the sights and sounds of nature right in your backyard.

L
Reviewed Jan. 2, 2019

Beautiful area, quiet.

Took a little bit of recon to find this since Little Big Econ has so many trails. Clean but not very secluded area if a busy weekend, you'll have have lots of hikers-by.

  • Review photo of East Camp — Little Big Econ State Forest by Lori E., January 2, 2019
  • Review photo of East Camp — Little Big Econ State Forest by Lori E., January 2, 2019
  • Review photo of East Camp — Little Big Econ State Forest by Lori E., January 2, 2019
  • (4) View All
A
Reviewed Sep. 9, 2018

Beautiful Florida hiking trail

Little Big Econ is a very nice place to camp over the weekend. It has several primitive camping spots which are pretty private. The trails are well kept, and even when flooded there are easy back trails to take. I can’t wait to go back and have a camping/ canoeing trip.

Month of VisitDecember
  • Review photo of East Camp — Little Big Econ State Forest by Alina R., September 9, 2018
H
Reviewed Sep. 7, 2018

Best hiking in the area

You could spend an entire day just getting lost around the trails. So much fun. Not a very difficult trial though. There are lots of little waterways so mosquitoes do get bad on extra humid days.

Month of VisitJune
Brooklee E.
Reviewed Jul. 18, 2018

Great place for hiking!

Great place for hiking! Just be weary of the weather. In summer at nights mosquitos come out here and will eat you up no matter how much bug spray you put on!

My dog had a great time wandering down the trail with me.❤️

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of East Camp — Little Big Econ State Forest by Brooklee E., July 18, 2018
  • Review photo of East Camp — Little Big Econ State Forest by Brooklee E., July 18, 2018
Samantha J.
Reviewed Nov. 4, 2017

⛺️👍

I definitely wouldn't recommend recommend getting there at night to set up, but otherwise it's fairly easy to get around. We found a not-as-primitive campsite after already having set up our tents, but that's our fault. Cool views, tons of trails, and interesting wildlife.

SitePrimitive
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of East Camp — Little Big Econ State Forest by Samantha J., November 4, 2017
  • Review photo of East Camp — Little Big Econ State Forest by Samantha J., November 4, 2017
Michael M.
Reviewed Nov. 4, 2017

Perfect site for novice

Beautiful campsite right on the river made for a wonderful experience for a first-time camper, primitive or otherwise. Lovely evening had by all, site was clean and kept.

Site13
Month of VisitNovember
Jeanene A.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Jun. 12, 2017

Primitive and Peaceful

Hike out to this beautiful sight under the stars and dream of bygone eras...We started at the Barr Street Trailhead and hiked in to LE 39 where we found 2 fire rings. You can also paddle in and through via paddling trail.

You will find one site of this camping area out on a curve of the Econlockhatchee River not far from the old railroad and another fire pit not far from the old railroad along the trail. The Old SR 13 railway and trestle was part of the Flagler Railroad System in the early 1900's.

No amenities, no picnic tables, no swimming (there are alligators here). Bring bug spray in spring and early summer as the yellow flies can be brutal. Bring a compact fishing pole and enjoy some riverside relaxation.

The trails are beautiful and well marked. Spend a night or 3 - you will be glad you did! Summer rains make the trail quite slick and the river rise. Make sure you call and get your permit from forestry before heading out.

Month of VisitJanuary
  • Review photo of East Camp — Little Big Econ State Forest by Jeanene A., June 12, 2017
  • Review photo of East Camp — Little Big Econ State Forest by Jeanene A., June 12, 2017
  • Review photo of East Camp — Little Big Econ State Forest by Jeanene A., June 12, 2017
  • (13) View All
Showing results 1-8 of 8 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I camp in Little Big Econ State Forest?

Little Big Econ State Forest offers several primitive camping spots throughout the forest. East Camp is a popular camping area with at least two fire rings at location LE 39. There are camping spots situated right along the Econlockhatchee River, providing beautiful riverside settings. Some sites are more secluded than others, offering privacy for campers. You can access these sites by hiking in from various trailheads or by paddling in via the waterway. The forest features both truly primitive sites and some slightly less primitive options, giving visitors flexibility based on their camping preferences.

How do I access Little Big Econ State Forest from Barr Street Trailhead?

The Barr Street Trailhead serves as an excellent access point to Little Big Econ State Forest. From this trailhead, you can hike directly to camping areas like LE 39, which has established fire rings. The trails are generally well-marked, though first-time visitors should arrive during daylight hours as setting up in the dark can be challenging. While the hiking routes are typically not difficult, they do cross various waterways and may occasionally flood, requiring use of alternate paths. For navigation, bring a trail map as the forest has multiple interconnected trails that can be confusing for newcomers.

Is Little Big Econ State Forest open for camping during Christmas season?

Yes, Little Big Econ State Forest is typically open for camping during the Christmas season. The forest remains accessible year-round, weather permitting. Winter camping can be particularly pleasant in Florida with cooler temperatures and fewer insects compared to summer months. The Christmas period offers a unique opportunity to experience the forest's natural beauty during a less crowded time. Always check with the Florida Forest Service for any seasonal closures or special permits required during holiday periods. The primitive camping experience makes for a peaceful holiday retreat in nature.

What do visitors say about camping at Little Big Econ State Forest?

Campers consistently praise the natural beauty of Little Big Econ State Forest, particularly highlighting the riverside camping experiences. The primitive sites offer a peaceful setting that's especially enchanting under the stars. Hikers appreciate the well-maintained trail system with numerous paths to explore, making it easy to spend an entire day wandering the forest. While mosquitoes can be problematic during humid summer evenings, the diverse wildlife viewing opportunities and private camping spots more than compensate. The forest receives high marks for offering a genuine nature experience surprisingly close to populated areas.

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