We’re taking our jon boat deep into the Ocklawaha River backwaters, south of Rodman Dam, in search of a hidden campsite. This stretch of river is one of Florida’s wild gems — mysterious, swampy, and full of history. Once part of the ambitious (but unfinished) Cross Florida Barge Canal project, the Ocklawaha has been shaped by dams, canals, and ongoing debates about whether it should be fully restored to its natural flow. Navigating this river isn’t easy. With narrow channels, sunken logs, and winding backwaters, it feels like an adventure into the unknown. Our mission: find a remote campsite along the swampy banks and spend a night off-the-grid. If you enjoy Florida camping, river history, and true backwater adventures, you’ll love this journey on the legendary Ocklawaha. Ocklawaha River camping, Rodman Dam camping, Ocklawaha jon boat, swamp camping Florida, Florida river camping, Ocklawaha River adventure, backwater camping, Florida camping trip, hidden campsite Florida, camping by jon boat, Ocklawaha exploration, swamp survival Florida, Rodman Dam Ocklawaha