Canoeing on Coldwater Creek in Navarre
Canoeing on Coldwater Creek in Navarre
Canoeing on Coldwater Creek is one of the most relaxing and scenic outdoor activities near Navarre Beach, Florida. Known for its crystal-clear, spring-fed waters and lush surroundings, this gentle waterway offers a peaceful escape through the untouched natural beauty of the Florida Panhandle. Flowing through Blackwater River State Forest, Coldwater Creek boasts a sandy bottom, slow-moving currents, and abundant wildlife, making it an ideal destination for paddlers of all skill levels.
Adventure Guide to Canoeing on Coldwater Creek
Adventures Unlimited Outdoor Center
- Location: 8974 Tomahawk Landing Rd, Milton, FL (About a 50-minute drive from Navarre Beach)
- Why It's Special: Offers canoe rentals, shuttle services, and various trip lengths, from two-hour paddles to full-day excursions.
- Features: Well-maintained launch points, scenic picnic spots, and options to camp overnight.
Coldwater Canoe Rental
- Location: 8045 Highway 87 N, Milton, FL
- Why It's Special: Provides affordable rentals and guided trips with options for half-day or full-day paddles.
- Features: Friendly staff, waterproof gear for rent, and multiple access points to the creek.
Krul Lake to Coldwater Creek Route
- Location: Inside Blackwater River State Forest
- Why It's Special: Allows paddlers to combine canoeing with a stop at Krul Recreation Area, which features a scenic lake and hiking trails.
- Features: Shaded waterways, abundant birdwatching opportunities, and spots for swimming along the route.
Local Insights
- Wildlife to Watch For: Expect to see turtles, otters, deer, and a variety of bird species, including herons and kingfishers.
- Cultural Connection: Blackwater River State Forest has historically been a significant area for timber production and conservation efforts, preserving the pristine environment visitors enjoy today.
Visitor Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Spring through early fall offers the best conditions, with comfortable temperatures and higher water levels.
- What to Bring: Dry bags, waterproof phone cases, sunscreen, insect repellent, and plenty of water.
- Driving Directions: Take Highway 87 N from Navarre Beach to Milton and follow signs to your chosen outfitter (45-55 minutes by car).
Adventure Map
Reviews
Tommy Lee7 years ago
Coldwater Creek is a clear, cool spring fed creek flowing over a sandy bottom at about three miles per hour. Average depth about two feet with plenty of deeper swimming holes and dozens of white sand bars. Perfect for kayak, canoe or tubing day or overnight trips.
Rebecca Doss8 months ago
Great campground! Clean, 55 miles of horse trails, open paddocks, covered stalls to rent .
Beautiful creek for cooling off, tubing, kayaking, swimming. Each campsite has a picnic table, fire ring with built-in grill, electric and water. Sites are shady, wooded and vary in size from small to X large.
The rangers are very helpful and kind. Clean restrooms too with showers.
Becca Boo5 years ago
The place itself is beautiful! I loved how the trees were looking this time of year. The creek is a creek, but that didn't stop some of us from going down there to check it out. Definitely not any area to fish in, but that's okay. The campsite was quite full, so that means lots of people. I really thought there would be more privacy between campers, but not so. There was a little wooden post fence that separated each site.
With that being said, a plethora of people makes for an overabundance of noise. Quiet time was 10pm till sunrise. That was a joke. I'm pretty sure the people we were next to didn't put their horse(s) in the stable. Dogs were not on leashes and were chasing us. Even though signs were posted about that and not allowing them on the sandbar and the creek, that didn't phase people from doing that. Talk about a mess! Poop was scattered in many places and it wasn't from the horses.
I didn't see the volunteers or host, even when knocked at the door. Just had a couple of questions when I first arrived. Also, the gates were supposed to be opened on all the roads to get out easier, but not one day was it unlocked. It was absolutely a nightmare pulling the camper out, especially when all these extra people were there to hang out with other people.
Cell signal was basically obsolete, but I was actually fine with that. It got me off my phone and I was able to walk around and just not worry about social media. There is a spot on the hill where it will kick in though.
Keep in mind that there are houses before and after the campground. People drive like maniacs and will not do the posted speed. Are you surprised about that? Probably not. Just keep your eyes peeled.
The bathhouses were further away from the campsites, so if you need to go the bathroom and you're in a tent, good luck.
Would I come again? Sure! Now that I know what to expect, I can still enjoy the beauty of nature.
J Harris11 months ago
Beautiful place to camp and take your family for an outdoor adventure from horse trails to swimming holes! Well kept grounds, warm showers & friendly office staff. We had an issue with a drunk and disorderly camping neighbor stumbling into our area, and caused us to feel unsafe, especially with children present, we made it known to staff and they called law enforcement to address the situation, apologized and compensated our friends staying closest who felt unsafe. Overall it was handled pretty fair on the staff’s end. The law enforcement officer who originally responded should’ve handled the situation more seriously, but eventually the disorderly person left and we were able to continue our stay as planned and had a great time. Thank you to Tabitha & Chris!!!
Eric Chaversa year ago
An amazingly clean campground with lots to do. The trails are well kept, and the guests are very kind. The trails can be used for hiking as well as for horse back riding. The campground has a very nice sandbar for water activities and paved areas for bikes and the like.
