Q: Hello, I was wondering if you can help a camper out. I enjoy camping with old friends even if it's for a night on the Econ River. We have camped like this since college, but someone has just told me that we as a group need a camping permit. Is this true? If you don't know the answer maybe you can direct me to a number or Web site that can tell me. I have tried the Internet but am still not able to contact the right person. Thanks -- Winnie Page
A: Hi, Winnie. Thanks for asking this question.
In order for you to get a permit in the first place, then you would need to request a permit from a person or organization (some kind of entity) that gives them out. This rules out a lot of entities, doesn't it?
If you are camping in Little Big Econ State Forest along the Econ (Econlockhatchee) River, then you definitely need a camping permit. Getting a permit isn't hard, and primitive camping is usually free or $5 per night. Just click on the link to the forest above for information.
The St. Johns Water Management District also manages some land in the area, mainly for hunting, although the state forest may be the entity involved in camping permits even here.
Seminole County manages some land around the river, including the Econ River Wilderness Area, which doesn't appear to be open to camping, but the Geneva Wilderness Area is.
I believe the Florida National Scenic Trail crosses the Econ (or a tributary), and anyone is allowed to hike the trail and use the campsites along the trail. However, only members of the Florida Trail Association are allowed to hike the parts of the trail that go through private property.
Speaking of that, if you are camping on private property, it's probably a good idea to request the owner's permission first if you can.
My guess is that if you and your friends have been camping in the same place without a problem -- and you take out everything you take in, leaving no trace of your having been there -- then you're probably all right. But if you are camping in a place where a permit is required -- such as the state forest -- then there's no harm in filling out a little paperwork.
