A Little Fish Camp On The St. Johns River Keeps Old Florida Alive

A free catch-and-release bass pond sits right out front, and kids can fish it before breakfast. That alone made me want to pack a tackle box. Then I learned the cedar cabins come with screened porches and rocking chairs.

This little camp sits on a quiet river channel that feeds into the St. Johns. A friendly yellow lab named Ruger often greets folks on the porch. The bait shop sells live shiners, snacks, and just about every hook you could want.

I like how this corner of Florida refuses to rush. There’s no glitzy lobby and no fancy resort fee. You get pontoon boats, herons, sunsets, and a fish cleaning station with good lighting.

I believe places like this are getting rare. So what does a real Old Florida weekend look like today? Let’s take a slow boat ride and find out.

A Free Bass Pond Out Front Is A Very Good Start

Most fishing trips start with a long boat ride. At Highland Park Fish Camp, the fun can start a few steps from your car. A stocked catch-and-release pond sits right on the property.

The pond is full of fish, which makes it a winner for young anglers. Kids get quick action without needing a boat, a guide, or tons of patience.

Adults are welcome to cast too, of course. One visitor’s husband fished both the pond and the river during a Father’s Day trip. He landed a personal best bass weighing six and a half pounds out on the water.

The pond is a smart warm-up before a bigger outing. You can test a new lure or practice casting without worrying about wind or boat traffic. It’s also a relaxing spot when you just want an easy hour outside.

Since it’s catch and release, plan to snap a photo and let your fish go. Bring a camera and wet your hands before handling the fish. That small step helps protect its slimy coat. Then keep casting, because the next bite might come right away.

Good luck walking past this pond without stopping.

Cedar Cabins With Rocking Chairs Set The Pace

Rocking chairs on a screened porch tell you a lot about a place. Nobody here expects you to hurry. The cabins are built from cedar wood and keep things refreshingly simple.

You can choose one-bedroom or two-bedroom cabins. Each comes with a kitchen, a charcoal grill, and air-conditioning. That last one matters a lot during a Florida summer.

Flat-screen TVs with satellite service are included, but the cabins do not offer Wi-Fi. So you can check the weather radar before heading out on the river. Some cabins also offer sofabeds, which helps when the whole crew tags along.

The kitchens make cooking easy after a day of fishing. Grill your dinner outside, then wash dishes while the crickets start singing. It beats paying for every single meal in town.

Keep in mind this is a fish camp, not a luxury resort. The rustic feel is part of the charm. Pack your favorite coffee maker if you can’t function without a morning cup.

Families, fishing buddies, and couples all fit nicely here. Pick a cabin size that matches your group. Then grab a porch chair and watch the evening roll in slowly.

No Boat? A Pontoon Rental Fixes That Fast

Plenty of people show up without a boat. That’s no problem at all. Highland Park Fish Camp rents pontoon boats that hold the whole family.

Staff members hand out life jackets and maps before you leave the dock. They’ll also point you in the right direction based on what you want to see. Fishing holes, quiet wildlife spots, or a scenic cruise all make the list.

Full-day rentals let you pack coolers and a picnic lunch. Some groups ride all the way to De Leon Springs State Park. You can dock there and stretch your legs before heading back.

Plan for a refundable damage deposit on top of the rental fee. Call ahead to check details and availability, especially on busy weekends. Holidays fill up fast for good reason.

Sunscreen is a must, even on cloudy days. Bring hats, snacks, and plenty of water too. A pontoon offers some shade, but the Florida sun still wins arguments.

The best part might be the slow pace. Pontoons aren’t built for speed races. They’re built for floating, chatting, fishing, and pointing at alligators with great excitement.

Every Hook You Forgot Is Waiting In The Bait Shop

Forgot your favorite lure at home? Happens to everyone. The tackle shop here might just save your whole trip.

Shelves hold hooks, artificial baits, fishing gear, and tackle. Live bait is available too, including shiners. Bass anglers in Florida know how handy a fresh bucket of shiners can be.

Snacks and stock-up supplies fill the shop as well. That means fewer trips back to town for chips or drinks. Souvenirs are there too if you want a reminder of your stay.

The shop also works as the camp’s main hub. It’s where you check in, ask questions, and pick up boat rentals. Coffee has been ready when the office opens early in the morning.

Don’t be shy about asking for advice. The folks behind the counter know these waters well. They can suggest which bait fits the season and where fish might be hiding.

Even if you aren’t staying overnight, the shop is worth a stop. Plenty of anglers pop in just for bait before launching. Grab what you need, then go chase that big one.

Bring Your Own Boat And Launch Right Here

Got your own boat? Highland Park Fish Camp has a boat ramp and slips ready for you. The camp sits along the Norris Dead River, a quiet channel leading toward the St. Johns.

That location gives boaters easy access to wide stretches of water. Lake Woodruff and the surrounding backwaters are popular fishing territory. Many anglers launch here simply for that reason.

A little planning helps, though. The camp has a deep two-lane boat ramp that can accommodate boats up to about 25 feet. The basin is fairly small, so take it slow at the ramp.

Boat slips are available for longer stays. Larger boats might stick out a bit, so ask about slip sizes first. That one quick call can save some awkward parking later.

When you return, a well-lit fish cleaning station is waiting. Clean your catch, rinse off your gear, and head back to camp. It makes dinner prep much easier.

Smaller boats and kayaks seem made for these waters. Shallow channels reward patience and careful steering. Take your time, enjoy the scenery, and let the river set the speed limit.

Your Neighbors Might Be Eagles, Herons, And Gators

Wildlife sightings are basically part of the rental package here. The camp sits along the eastern edge of Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge. That’s a huge protected area full of marshes, lakes, and creeks.

Out on the water, you might spot alligators sunning on the banks. Blue herons, eagles, and hawks often show up too. Birdwatchers will want binoculars within easy reach.

Black bears roam this part of Florida as well. They’re usually shy and tend to avoid people. Still, store your food and trash properly so no furry visitor gets ideas.

Early mornings and evenings are great times for wildlife watching. The light is softer, and animals tend to move around more. Sunrises and sunsets over the water are worth setting an alarm for.

Give every animal plenty of space, especially gators. Never feed them, and keep small pets close to shore. Respecting their home keeps everyone safe and happy.

A quiet boat ride can turn into a nature show in seconds. Keep your phone camera ready, but don’t miss the moment staring at a screen. Some memories look better in your head anyway.

Want Help Finding The Fish? A Guide Can Steer You There

Ronnie, a fishing guide connected to the camp, has earned high praise for putting folks on bass. That’s a pretty great reputation to have on the St. Johns River.

Guided trips take a lot of guesswork out of fishing. A guide knows where fish tend to gather during different seasons. They also know which baits and techniques work best that week.

That’s helpful for beginners who want to learn quickly. It’s also great for experienced anglers in new waters. Even pros like a local shortcut now and then.

Families can benefit too. A grandparent and grandchild can share a boat while someone else handles the hard parts. Kids stay busy reeling in fish instead of untangling lines.

Ask at the shop about booking a guide. Check what’s included and how long trips usually last. Plan early during peak fishing seasons, since good guides stay busy.

Bass fishing gets most of the attention, but crappie also bite in these waters. A guide can help you target whatever you’re hoping to catch. Just remember your camera for that bragging-rights photo.

RVs, Tents, And Furry Friends All Have A Place

Not everyone wants four walls and a roof. Highland Park Fish Camp also offers sites for RVs and tents. Campers get the same quiet setting and river access as cabin guests.

Some RV travelers stay for weeks or even months. The calm nights and friendly owners make longer visits easy. It’s a solid base for exploring this part of Florida.

Fire pits and grills add to the camping fun. Adirondack chairs are scattered around for lazy evenings. Roasting marshmallows after fishing sounds like a fine plan.

Pets are welcome here, with an added fee. That’s good news for anyone who travels with a four-legged buddy. The camp’s own dogs, including a yellow lab named Ruger, add to the friendly mood.

Keep your pet leashed and close, especially near water. Gators live in Florida rivers, and safety comes first. A little caution keeps the whole trip relaxing.

A clean restroom is available for campers. Bring bug spray, extra towels, and a good flashlight. Then enjoy a peaceful night under the trees with only frogs for background music.

Town Is Close Enough For Dinner And A Mansion Tour

Feeling like you’re deep in the woods? You are, sort of. Yet downtown DeLand sits just a short drive away.

The camp’s address is 2640 Highland Park Rd, DeLand, FL 32720. It’s about four miles off State Road 44. The final stretch feels wonderfully rustic, so follow your directions carefully.

The historic Stetson Mansion is roughly five miles away. Built in the 1800s for hat maker John B. Stetson, it offers guided tours. The fancy home makes a fun contrast to a cedar cabin.

De Leon Springs State Park is another nearby favorite. Its spring water stays cool all year long. Boaters from camp can even reach it by water.

DeLand itself has plenty of restaurants and shops. That’s handy on days when the fish refuse to cooperate. A meal in town can be a nice break from cooking.

This mix of quiet nature and nearby comforts is a big part of the appeal. You get Old Florida calm without feeling stranded. Spend the morning fishing, then explore town by afternoon. Not a bad way to split a day.