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Torreya
Overview
Torreya State Park, located near Bristol, FL, is one of Florida's most unique natural preserves. Named after the rare Torreya tree that grows only on the bluffs along the Apalachicola River, this park offers a landscape that feels more like the Appalachian foothills than the typical coastal terrain of the Sunshine State. It provides a peaceful retreat for RVers who appreciate historic landmarks and quiet, forested surroundings away from the busy tourist corridors.
Location & Surroundings
Set atop high bluffs in the Florida Panhandle, the park overlooks the winding Apalachicola River. The terrain here is defined by deep ravines and steep elevation changes, providing vistas that are rare in Florida. The surrounding hardwood forests create a dense canopy, offering shade and a sense of isolation. Visitors will find themselves immersed in a rugged wilderness environment that showcases the biological diversity of the region's river valley and limestone formations.
Amenities & Park Features
The campground accommodates RVs with several essential features to ensure a comfortable stay in the wilderness. Park facilities include:
- Sites equipped with electric and water hookups
- A central bathhouse with hot showers and restrooms
- An easily accessible dump station
- Picnic pavilions and a playground for families
Beyond the campsites, the park features the historic Gregory House, a mid-19th-century plantation home that offers guided tours to visitors looking for a touch of local history.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Hiking is the primary draw here, with over 16 miles of trails ranging from easy strolls to challenging elevation gains. The Weeping Ridge Trail is a favorite for those seeking a glimpse of a hidden waterfall. Anglers and paddlers can explore the river, though access points are steep. Just a short drive away, the small town of Bristol offers basic supplies, while the surrounding Apalachicola National Forest provides endless opportunities for wildlife viewing and additional outdoor exploration.
Who This Park Is Best For
This destination is ideal for active RV travelers and nature photographers who prioritize scenery and solitude over modern resort amenities. Because of the hilly terrain and narrow park roads, it is best suited for those with mid-sized RVs or camper vans rather than massive motorhomes. If you are looking to escape the crowds and experience a side of Florida that features steep ravines and rare flora, Torreya offers a truly distinctive camping experience.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
User Reviews
Cuyla Brown
Great experience! Trails were hotter than Hades (that's Florida in the summer for you) but the trees provided plenty of shade, and the restroom with a water fill station at the picnic area helped immensely. Make sure to take a map, lots of water, wear sunscreen and long pants with socks, and get tick spray - we had a couple of critters hanging off us at the end of our hike. Check out the Gregory House (got a chuckle out of the House MD fan in our group) for directions - the ranger, Brian, was extremely helpful & informative during our tour, and pointed out spots on the trail where the titular Torreya trees were located. We most likely wouldn't have been able to find them without his help! Beautiful trees, beautiful views, and definitely worth the trip out there and the $3 for entry.
Lisa McD.
Fantastic tour of property. Beautifully maintained grounds. Lots of hiking. Fantastic picnic area.
Dave Witt
Really cool and interesting state park. The location is extremely unique especially for the state of Florida. It’s up on a 150 foot bluff with a great view of the adjacent Apalachicola river. There’s an easily accessible hiking trail maybe two miles at most in length, that’s shady and a little bit wet in spots. You can get down close to the river and you can access it from the viewpoint behind the old Gregory home. That’s located at the very end of the park. So I would just drive straight back to there and start working your way towards the front. There is a loop trail around the outside of the park. I didn’t do that and the campsites I couldn’t check out because they were destroyed last year in one of the hurricanes. Hopefully they’ll be repaired soon and open, this looks like a great place for a long weekend. So I just made a day trip out of it lots of cool plants and views. I highly recommend it. I’ve read somewhere that it’s great to visit in the fall when the leaves change color, because of Its overall height and vantage point it’s more like being up north than anywhere else in Florida. So hopefully I can get back an update this in the coming fall later this year.
John Hodge
I hiked the challenge loop in early Dec. Did a quick overnight to test a new sleeping bag and experience the "Torreya Challenge". It's definitely a workout, especially with a full pack. Highly recommend if you like a challenge! 😉
Amanda Rhodes
Such a beautiful state park. We just finished up a 3 day tent camping trip there. We were on site 16, which was perfect because there were neighbors only on one side and a big field leading out to the overlook on the other. Sites are really small. I made note of site 30 and 18 as the largest. There is no easy access to water for fishing. There are places to access the river by hiking but not easily as the trails are pretty advanced. There is a nice playground and horseshoe area a short walk from the campsites. The Gregory house does tours daily for $3 per person.