Longleaf Pine Preserve, DeLand FL

This review is for the primitive campground only. We purchased a relatively expensive permit to camp at the group campsite from Volusia county ($16). We didn't get too much information about parking so we ended up parking at the West trailhead and packing in about three miles (which is totally fine). The county does give you a gate code if you would prefer to drive directly to the site. We were a little surprised to find that part of the red trail was actually a well-travelled dirt road with residences on either side. The site itself is beautiful- reasonably parted away from the residences and settled next to a largish lake. We were surprised to find a massive shelter with a couple of grills, a nice fire pit with benches at around it, and a huge wide open space. You could probably accommodate upwards of 20 tents in this space!

Now the downside- the camp is right next to the interstate. This review went from a would be five stars to a three due to the constant highway noise- I felt like we were in the middle of a big city all night. Such a shame because it really is a beautiful setting. I know there's nothing anyone could do about it but I think that would-be campers might like to know about this detail.

Nice place for a hike or primitive camping. There is a large pavilion on site with a few charcoal grills nearby. The pavilion has four large picnic style tables within and even with all that there is still plenty of space leftover. So much so in fact that we moved our 8-person tent into the pavilion when it looked like rain that evening. Everything was kept dry! Nice fire ring with bench seating surrounding it, and plenty of trails to walk. Also a small lake next to the campsite. Nature at its best!

Biked in this good woodsy trail, easy ride except where the pigs dug it up. Had to walk and even that was difficult.

A generally well marked trail that becomes impassible in portions following heavy rain. One of the two trails available leads you through slash pines and saw palmettos. This is the one that frequently requires circumnavigating around large puddling directly in the trail. The other trail involves following a dirt road that is easily hikeable and passes by farmland. The ending is the payoff of this portion as it concludes in a loop around a lake. The only real drawbacks are the lack of shade in the summer and frequently mosquito repellent is needed to ward of the swarms. Overall great old Florida trail.