Rent a boat from Highland Park Fish Camp and take a self guided nature tour through the backwaters of the St. Johns River
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Highland Park Fish Camp

4.6
·543 reviews·DeLand, United States

Step back in time at this preserved Old Florida gem, offering rustic cabins, river access, and fantastic fishing.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Fall mornings

Pleasant weather for fishing

CrowdMedium
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Rent a boat from Highland Park Fish Camp and take a self guided nature tour through the backwaters of the St. Johns River

Highland Park Fish Camp

Best Time

Spring & Fall mornings

Pleasant weather for fishing

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Step back in time at this preserved Old Florida gem, offering rustic cabins, river access, and fantastic fishing.

4.6
(543 reviews)

"Experience Florida as it once was, with a preserved, down-to-earth atmosphere that transports you back in time."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎣 Bait Up for Success

Grab live bait like wild shiners from the tackle shop for the best fishing results.

🛶 Explore by Boat

Rent a pontoon or small boat to discover the river's beauty and wildlife.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 · 543 reviews

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Rustic Cabin Stays

Rustic Cabin Stays

Various locations on property

Cozy wood cabins with porches and rocking chairs, offering a true taste of Old Florida living. Perfect for unwinding.

St. Johns River Exploration

St. Johns River Exploration

St. Johns River access

Rent a boat and cruise the scenic St. Johns River, discovering abundant wildlife and tranquil waters.

Instagram
Fishing Fun for All

Fishing Fun for All

Stocked pond and river access

From a stocked pond for kids to guided trips on the river, it's a fisherman's paradise.

Instagram+1
Authentic Old Florida Vibe

Authentic Old Florida Vibe

Entire property

Experience Florida as it once was, with a preserved, down-to-earth atmosphere that transports you back in time.

Instagram+1
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Planning Your Visit

Embrace Old Florida Charm

Step back in time at Highland Park Fish Camp, a preserved slice of Old Florida since 1962. This spot offers an authentic experience for nature lovers and fishing enthusiasts, with rustic cabins and a serene atmosphere. It's a perfect escape from the modern hustle.

Book Your Adventure Early

Cabins and boat rentals are popular, especially during peak seasons. Booking in advance is highly recommended to secure your preferred dates and ensure you don't miss out on this unique Old Florida experience. Instagram

Best Times

When
Spring & Fall mornings
Why
Pleasant weather for fishing
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekend afternoons
Why
Food truck and lively atmosphere
Crowd
High
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Quieter exploration
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Welcome to Highland Park Fish Camp, a treasure since 1962! The Rawlins family has lovingly preserved this slice of Old Florida where the St. Johns River flows. Highland Park Fish Camp offers an authentic experience for nature lovers and fishing enthusiasts alike. Renting a boat allows guests to explore the scenic beauty of the river and experience the tranquility of Old Florida. Highland Park Fish...
highlandparkfishcamp
85 likes • 1.3K views

🎣 Bait Up for Success

Grab live bait like wild shiners from the tackle shop for the best fishing results. InstagramReddit

🛶 Explore by Boat

Rent a pontoon or small boat to discover the river's beauty and wildlife. Instagram+1

Highland Park Fish Camp in DeLand, Florida is a great place to spend a day or five! 😂🎣 . 👉 Stocked fishing pond 👉 Cabins for rent 👉 Camping/RV sites 👉 Boat Rentals 👉 Guided fishing trips 👉 Tackle shop/live bait 👉 Food truck on weekends . #visitflorida #fishing #florida #fishcamp #volusiacounty #delandflorida #oldflorida #floridavacation #travelflorida #visitfl #boatrental #adventuretravel
floridawith5
139 likes • 8.2K views
If you wanna see what Florida is all about go check out Highland Park Fish Camp! Boat rentals, cabin rentals, fishing for adults and kids, bait and tackle including wild shiners! All your needs to have a great time in Old Florida! #fyp #foryoupage #florida #oldfloridavibes #stjohnsriver #oldflorida #deland #delandflorida #volusiacounty #fishing #boating #boatrentals #cabinrentals #crappie #bassfi...
codeblue.media
17 likes • 620 views

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Kid-Friendly Fun

Bring the kids for fishing rodeos and a stocked pond – they'll love it! Instagram+1

🍔 Weekend Food Truck

Enjoy delicious eats from the on-site food truck during weekend visits. Instagram

Highlights from our first Community Meeting. Meeting #2 is this Saturday at Highland Park Fish Camp in DeLand at 1PM. Hope to see you there! Huge thanks to our faithful videographer: Andrew Cameron with NextFish Media 👈 . #stjohnsriver #floridabassfishing #oldflorida #floridafishing
mightyriverrecovery
23 likes • 300 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎣 Bait Up for Success

Grab live bait like wild shiners from the tackle shop for the best fishing results. InstagramReddit

🛶 Explore by Boat

Rent a pontoon or small boat to discover the river's beauty and wildlife. Instagram+1

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Kid-Friendly Fun

Bring the kids for fishing rodeos and a stocked pond – they'll love it! Instagram+1

🍔 Weekend Food Truck

Enjoy delicious eats from the on-site food truck during weekend visits. Instagram

🛏️ Book Cabins Ahead

Rustic cabins are popular; reserve early for your Old Florida getaway. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(543 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about Highland Park Fish Camp's authentic Old Florida charm and excellent fishing opportunities. The friendly staff, particularly manager James, and the availability of live bait are frequently praised. While the rustic cabins and boat rentals are popular, some may find the amenities basic compared to modern resorts.

"Second trip out to Highland Park Fish Camp with my friends Mel and Pam, and this time I got to meet their friend James, the manager who was very welcoming. We picked up with some wild shiners and he pointed us in the right direction. Sure enough, around 3:15 in the afternoon (weird time I know) over by De Leon Springs, I landed a big one—my biggest fish yet! Hard to believe I just picked up fishing again for the first time since I was a kid. Hooked!"

Kristy Sampson

"Traveled here to get bait. Very friendly staff and great communication with customers. Was there on 6/14/25 about noon. The employee was great even asked if I wanted to pull around to load my two dozen shiners. Will definitely be back great place. Has good selection of fishing stuff in the bait house. You can't go wrong Stopping here.."

Donald Siegfried

"We rented a pontoon boat for a full day. It was a fantastic experience from the beginning, booking & arrival. James was wonderful to deal with when we arrived, showing us on the map where we should go & explore. The canals & river were beautiful & full of wildlife. Would definitely do it again."

Dot Finley

What People Like

Authentic Old Florida vibe
Great fishing and bait
Friendly and helpful staff

What People Dislike

Basic amenities

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Highland Park Fish Camp is located in DeLand, Florida. While specific public transport options are limited, driving is the most common way to access the camp. Many visitors arrive by car and find ample parking available. Instagram+1

The camp is situated in a natural setting, so using GPS or a reliable navigation app is recommended. Look for signage as you approach the area. Instagram

Once at the camp, renting a boat is the ideal way to explore the St. Johns River and its canals. For land-based exploration, consider local driving routes. Instagram+1

Highland Park Fish Camp is near De Leon Springs State Park and the city of DeLand, offering additional opportunities for nature and local exploration. Reddit

Yes, the St. Johns River provides access to the fish camp, making it a destination for boaters looking to dock and enjoy the amenities. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the grounds of Highland Park Fish Camp is generally free, but there are costs associated with renting cabins, boats, and purchasing bait or supplies. Instagram

Operating hours can vary, especially for the bait shop and rental services. It's best to check their official channels or call ahead, particularly if planning a visit outside of peak hours. Instagram

Boat rental prices vary depending on the type of boat and rental duration. It's advisable to contact the camp directly for the most current pricing information. Instagram+1

While access to fishing spots might be free, you'll need to purchase bait and tackle from the shop. If you plan on fishing from a rented boat, the boat rental fee applies. Instagram

Yes, booking cabins in advance is highly recommended, especially during weekends and holidays, as they are quite popular. Instagram+1

🎫 🎣 Onsite Experience

Activities include fishing (from a stocked pond or the river), boat rentals, cabin stays, camping, and exploring the natural surroundings. Instagram+2

Yes, there's a food truck on weekends offering meals, and you can also purchase bait and tackle for your own cooking needs. Instagram

Absolutely! You're welcome to bring your own fishing gear. The tackle shop also offers supplies and live bait if you need them. Instagram

Yes, guided fishing trips are offered, providing local expertise to help you land the best catch. Instagram+1

The St. Johns River area is rich in wildlife, including various bird species, fish, and potentially other native Florida animals. Instagram+1

📸 📸 Photography

The scenic St. Johns River, the rustic cabins, and the abundant wildlife offer fantastic photo opportunities. Early morning and late afternoon light are particularly beautiful. Instagram+1

Yes, renting a boat provides unique perspectives for capturing the river's landscape and wildlife. Be sure to secure your equipment. Instagram+1

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, always be respectful of other visitors' privacy and any posted rules. Instagram

You can capture images of various birds, fish, and other native Florida fauna in their natural habitat along the river. Instagram+1

The tranquil river scenes, cypress trees, and Old Florida architecture make it a great location for landscape and nature photography. Instagram+1

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