Camp Crystal Lake sits between Starke and Keystone Heights in North Florida, containing 140 acres of thriving ecosystems and 3 freshwater lakes that join with the spirit of camp to create the place we call “paradise.”
After serving as part of the Keystone Army Air Base during WWII, the camp was purchased from the federal government by the Alachua County School Board in 1948.
Among our modern and updated facilities. four of these originals building are still used today, keeping the history and tradition of Camp Crystal alive and well. Check out some of the highlights of our facilities by exploring the pictures below. Learn more about renting our facilities here.
Waterfront
Camp Crystal is home to two beautiful sand bottom lakes. Big Crystal is the home of free swim, water sports, skiing, and sailing. Little Crystal is where we canoe, paddleboard, and enjoy stunning sunsets. Tucked in our rustic camping grounds, Hotdog Heights, is Mosquito Lake, a clear pond where we fish, play, and skin dive.
Cabins
Our ten modern cabins are split between the girls’ side (Cabins G1-G5) and boys’ side (Cabins B1-B5) of camp. Each cabin can hold 20 people and contains indoor bathrooms, showers, and decks with lakefront views.
Rec Hall
Formerly the Officer’s Club of the Keystone Army Air Field, the Recreation Hall serves as a hub for many camp-wide activities, including our weekly Thursday night dance.
Dining Hall
With our motto of “fun, family, and fellowship” on the back wall, the air-conditioned Dining Hall holds up to 210 people and is a focal point of camp energy. It’s the place where songs are sung before meals, decorations transport campers into their theme weeks, and delicious meals are shared. Camp also has a nearby Dining Hall Pavilion with picnic tables, lights, and fans, for an outdoor class or meal.
Council Ring
Some of our fondest camp memories are from the times we've shared together at the council ring. Decades of songs, stories, celebrations, and s'mores all have taken place here.
Ropes Course
The ropes course stands proudly at the entrance of camp. The “Challenge Village” features our Alpine Tower, rock wall, climbing grotto, low ropes course, zip line, treehouse, and more.
Archery Range
Across the road from the ropes course is our archery range, with well-maintained targets and a pavilion with fans and picnic tables.
Courts and Fields
As our sports programs at camp are constantly expanding, many additions to our sports facilities have been made in recent years. Situated in front of the dining hall is a full basketball court, four-square court, Ga-Ga ball pit, and beach volleyball court.
We also have a full soccer field where campers enjoy playing soccer and lacrosse, a full frisbee golf course, and many other open grassy areas for sports and games.
Arts and Music Building
Clinic and Offices
A lot of camp magic happens behinds the scenes in these two buildings. Our fully-equipped clinic is the home-base for our team of camp nurses during the summer, and meets the medical needs of our groups throughout the year.
Our main office is the first stop for guests of camp, and is the hub of communication with parents, teachers, and visitors.
Click here to learn more about our rental opportunities of the Camp Crystal facilities.