Tiger Bay State Forest
A wild Florida wetland preserve offering primitive camping, off-roading, hiking, and abundant wildlife viewing.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temps, fewer bugs
Tiger Bay State Forest
Best Time
Pleasant temps, fewer bugs

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A wild Florida wetland preserve offering primitive camping, off-roading, hiking, and abundant wildlife viewing.
"Peaceful off-road forest with real wild animals, lakes, and spacious campsites."
🚗 Sign In & Out
Always sign in and out at the stations. Essential for tracking and safety.
⚠️ Tick & Wildlife Aware
Be prepared for ticks and be aware of wildlife like bears, alligators, and snakes.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Woody Road Loop
Tiger Bay State Forest
A 6-mile gravel road perfect for off-roading, walking, or biking with scenic pond views. Kid & dog friendly!

Buncombe Hill Hiking Trail
Tiger Bay State Forest
A 2-mile trail through shaded woods with informative plaques about local nature. Great for families!

Indian Lake
Tiger Bay State Forest
Enjoy a peaceful hiking date or fishing at this serene lake within the forest.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for Primitive Camping
Off-Roading & Trail Etiquette
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Sign In & Out
Always sign in and out at the stations. Essential for tracking and safety.
⚠️ Tick & Wildlife Aware
Be prepared for ticks and be aware of wildlife like bears, alligators, and snakes.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Especially crucial for off-roading and hiking. Stay hydrated!
🛞 Off-Road Vehicle Ready
Some roads are rough. A car might not make it; 4x4s are recommended for many trails.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Sign In & Out
Always sign in and out at the stations. Essential for tracking and safety.
⚠️ Tick & Wildlife Aware
Be prepared for ticks and be aware of wildlife like bears, alligators, and snakes.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Especially crucial for off-roading and hiking. Stay hydrated!
🛞 Off-Road Vehicle Ready
Some roads are rough. A car might not make it; 4x4s are recommended for many trails.
🏕️ Primitive Camping Prep
No hookups! Bring all your essentials for a true wilderness camping experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Tiger Bay State Forest offers a wild, primitive experience, particularly popular for off-roading and nature exploration. Visitors appreciate the spacious campsites and the opportunity to connect with nature. However, the lack of amenities, potential for ticks, and sometimes unclear reservation system are noted drawbacks.
"Update: No call back from Florida State Forest service, shocking!!!
Went online to make a reservation, reserved at Tiger Bay State Forest Foster Pavilion. Arrived at Tiger Bay, grabbed a map and lo & behold, there is NO Foster Pavilion listed. The only camping listed is a primitive site. Well, could not get my truck down the road to this site. Tried calling, and of course, it's an answering machine. $28+change out the window, ridiculous!!!"
Robert Banach
"Very primitive but we were able to get out travel trailer back to the sites. The sites are huge and level, complete with your very own bear box!"
Melissa Guenther
"Tiger Bay is a Peaceful Off-Road Forest. Be sure to sign in and out at the stations as you enter and exit. If you drive a car or Standard two wheel vehicle, there will be some roads you will not be able to traverse. Always watch the road and your surroundings. Exploring is Only for Day use unless you have reserved a campsite for nights. There is real wild animals. There are frog, deer and birds🦌🐸🦅 There is Dangerous animals as well, alligator, cotton mouth, rattlesnake and bear🐊🐍🐻 There are a few lakes to boat and fish🎣 Be sure you have current fishing or hunting license. Take precautions. Be Careful. I recommend this location If You Respect and Enjoy Nature🌲🌴🌳 Thank You for taking Your time to read my review😊 Have a Great Day!🌞"
Debra Parsons
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Tiger Bay State Forest is located near Daytona Beach, Florida. Access is primarily via local roads. For off-roading, many visitors use Woody Road Loop as a starting point.
Check local maps for specific trailheads and access points.While some main roads are gravel and passable by standard vehicles, many interior trails are rough and best suited for off-road vehicles like jeeps and 4x4s.
A regular car may not be able to traverse all areas.The Woody Road Loop is a popular 6-mile gravel road for off-roading, walking, and biking.
Other trails are also used by off-road enthusiasts.Public transportation options are very limited for reaching Tiger Bay State Forest due to its remote, natural setting. It is best accessed by private vehicle, especially for off-roading and exploring the various trails.
It's recommended to sign in and out at the stations upon entering and exiting.
Having a good map of the forest and understanding the trail conditions for your vehicle type is crucial for navigation.🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Tiger Bay State Forest is generally free for day use. However, there is a small fee for using certain trails, such as the Buncombe Hill Hiking Trail, which costs $2.
Tiger Bay State Forest is open for day use, and specific hours can vary. For camping, reservations are required. It's advisable to check the official Florida State Forest Service website for the most current operating hours and reservation information.
Yes, camping is available, but it is primarily primitive camping. Reservations are required, and some visitors have reported issues with unclear site listings and lack of amenities.
Be prepared for a very basic experience.Camping fees can apply, and some reviewers have noted costs around $28+.
It's important to confirm the exact fees and what is included with your reservation when booking.Some visitors have experienced difficulties reaching the Florida State Forest service for reservation inquiries.
It's best to book well in advance and have a clear understanding of the primitive nature of the campsites.🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Tiger Bay is a habitat for diverse wildlife, including deer, frogs, birds, and potentially bears.
You might also spot cranes and fireflies. Be aware of dangerous animals like alligators, cottonmouths, rattlesnakes, and bears.Yes, there are hiking trails, including the Buncombe Hill Hiking Trail, which is about 2 miles long and features informative plaques about nature.
The Interpretive Trail is also a popular option for hikers.Absolutely! Tiger Bay State Forest is a popular destination for off-roading, with many trails suitable for jeeps and 4x4 vehicles.
The Woody Road Loop is a well-known off-road route.Activities include off-roading, hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, and fishing.
There are also opportunities for night rides.Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, insect repellent (especially for ticks), a map, and appropriate footwear for hiking or off-roading.
If you plan to fish, ensure you have a valid license.🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Tiger Bay State Forest is a natural preserve and does not have any restaurants or food services within its boundaries. Visitors should plan to bring all their own food and drinks for their visit.
The nearest dining options will be in the nearby city of Daytona Beach. You can find a variety of restaurants, from casual eateries to more formal dining, in Daytona Beach.
Bonfires are generally permitted in designated camping areas, provided there are no fire bans in effect. Some campers have enjoyed bonfires with ample wood available for gathering.
While not explicitly detailed, the natural setting and trails suggest opportunities for picnicking. It's recommended to find a suitable spot away from sensitive ecological areas and pack out all trash.
Given the primitive nature of the camping, easy-to-prepare meals that don't require extensive refrigeration or cooking facilities are ideal. Think non-perishables, pre-cooked items, or campfire-friendly meals.
📸 📸 Photography
The scenic ponds along Woody Road Loop offer beautiful reflections and wildlife photo opportunities.
The diverse forest landscape, especially during sunrise or sunset, can be very photogenic. Keep an eye out for wildlife like birds and snakes.Yes, Tiger Bay State Forest is home to various wildlife, including birds, deer, and reptiles.
Early mornings and late afternoons are often the best times for spotting and photographing animals. Remember to maintain a safe distance and use a zoom lens.For general exploration and landscapes, a standard DSLR or mirrorless camera with a versatile zoom lens is suitable. If you're focused on wildlife, a telephoto lens will be essential.
A wide-angle lens can capture the expansive forest views.Look for the unique wetland flora, diverse bird species, and the textures of the pine islands.
The forest's atmosphere, especially with morning mist or evening light, can create stunning photographic moments.The dense forest canopy can create dappled light conditions, which can be challenging but also beautiful for photography.
Open areas like the ponds offer more direct light. Early morning and late afternoon 'golden hours' provide the most flattering light.For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When planning a visit with children, remember to pack plenty of water and snacks, as there are no facilities within the forest. Insect repellent is a must, especially to ward off ticks. The primitive camping options can also be an adventure for families who are prepared for a more rustic experience.
🚗 Off-Road Enthusiasts
It's crucial for off-roaders to be well-prepared. Ensure your vehicle is suitable for the conditions, as standard cars may struggle on many of the trails. Always sign in and out at the forest service stations for safety and tracking purposes. Respect the environment by staying on designated trails and being mindful of other forest users. Night rides are also a popular activity here, offering a unique perspective of the forest.
🏕️ Primitive Campers
Success here hinges on thorough preparation. Pack everything you'll need: water, food, shelter, and any comfort items. Some sites offer bear boxes, which is a useful amenity. While showers might be scarce nearby, the spacious and often level campsites provide a solid base for enjoying campfires and the surrounding natural beauty. It's an ideal spot for those who value solitude and a raw connection with the outdoors.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Off-Roading Adventures
When exploring off-road, always prioritize safety and environmental responsibility. The forest service emphasizes signing in and out at designated stations, which helps with tracking and safety. Stick to marked trails to prevent damage to the delicate wetland ecosystem and be aware of other users, including hikers and bikers. Some trails might not be on standard maps, adding an element of adventure for the prepared explorer.
Wildlife and Nature Exploration
However, it's essential to be aware of the potential presence of dangerous animals such as alligators, cottonmouths, rattlesnakes, and bears. Respecting wildlife from a safe distance is paramount. For hikers, the Buncombe Hill Hiking Trail offers an educational experience with plaques detailing the surrounding nature, making it engaging for all ages. The Interpretive Trail is another excellent option for immersing yourself in the forest's natural beauty.
Be prepared for a significant tick population, especially when hiking. Wearing appropriate clothing and using insect repellent is highly recommended. Despite the potential hazards, many visitors find Tiger Bay to be a peaceful place to reconnect with nature, provided they approach it with respect and caution.
Camping Experience
Planning is key for a comfortable primitive camping experience. Ensure you bring all necessary supplies, including ample water, food, and shelter. Some visitors have noted a lack of readily available shower facilities nearby, which is something to consider for longer stays, especially during warmer months. While the primitive nature might not appeal to everyone, those who appreciate a true wilderness experience and are well-prepared often find it to be a peaceful and rewarding stay, with opportunities for bonfires and enjoying the natural surroundings.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit