We’re excited to announce our newest Branch Out Glamping destination: Dead Lakes, a rare and peaceful Florida glamping retreat set alongside one of the most unique natural landscapes in the region.
Located near the edge of the Apalachicola River basin, Dead Lakes offers guests a chance to experience a side of Florida that feels untouched, quiet, and deeply connected to nature.
Towering cypress trees, still waters, and wildlife-filled wetlands create an atmosphere that invites guests to slow down and truly unplug.
While the setting feels wonderfully remote, the Gulf Coast beaches of Mexico Beach and Port St. Joe are just a short drive away, making it easy to pair quiet days on the water with coastal exploration.
Dead Lakes is named for the ancient cypress trees that rise directly from the water, creating a hauntingly beautiful environment found in very few places in the U.S. The surrounding ecosystem is shaped by seasonal flooding, rich biodiversity, and centuries-old natural rhythms.
This is a destination defined by contrast: calm waters and dense forest, open skies and shaded wetlands, stillness broken only by birdsong or the ripple of a passing kayak.
For guests, it’s a chance to experience Florida beyond beaches and theme parks, a place where nature leads the way.
Every successful project starts with alignment on vision, pace, and values. At Dead Lakes, this partnership came together quickly and organically.
We first connected with David. From the outset, he had a clear vision for the property and moved decisively to bring it to life. His reliability, responsiveness, and willingness to collaborate created the foundation for a partnership built on trust and momentum.
On the ground, the guest experience is shaped day to day by John and Ariel Guinn, who live at Dead Lakes and care deeply about the place and the people who visit it. John, a United States Marine Corps veteran, brings strong leadership, structure, and attention to detail to daily operations. An avid outdoorsman, he feels at home on the water and enjoys sharing the rhythms of the area with guests. Ariel complements this with a thoughtful, guest-focused approach, ensuring every stay feels smooth, welcoming, and well supported.
From the very beginning, everyone involved in the project has shared the same feedback: John and Ariel are a pleasure to work with. They are responsive, positive, results-oriented, and deeply guest-focused, qualities that have made coordination seamless and set a high standard for the experience from day one.
Together, this partnership reflects what we look for most: people who care about their land, move with intention, and believe that meaningful hospitality starts with how guests are welcomed.
"Dead Lakes RV Park is peaceful, clean, and beautifully maintained. The new staff have really turned this place around — you can tell they care about every detail. Friendly staff, great views, and a relaxing atmosphere. The grass is cut beautifully and makes the parks and swings more accessible I highly recommend!"
At Dead Lakes, we took a thoughtful, measured approach to the accommodations, starting with a small number of stays designed to blend naturally into the landscape while offering the comfort guests expect.
The site features three wall tents, each intentionally sized to feel open, airy, and comfortable. Two of the tents are ideal for couples, while the larger tent offers additional room and sleeping flexibility, making it a great option for families or guests traveling with a child.
All tents have been upgraded with solid flooring, power, and internet access, allowing guests to stay connected when needed while still feeling immersed in nature. Inside, guests will find a comfortable queen bed, bedside tables with lamps, a mini fridge, coffee maker, indoor seating, and practical touches like a clothes rack. The family-friendly tent also includes an additional twin bunk bed.
Outside, each tent opens onto a private deck with seating, and guests have access to on-site barbecues and grill utensils, inviting relaxed meals and slow evenings spent outdoors.
The result is a stay that feels intentional and welcoming — comfortable enough to settle into, yet close enough to nature to make every moment feel part of the experience.
Dead Lakes is a place that adapts naturally to the people who visit it. Rather than offering a rigid itinerary, it invites guests to shape their stay around what draws them most to the outdoors.
For many guests, the water is the main attraction. The calm channels of Dead Lakes and the nearby Apalachicola River system are ideal for kayaking, canoeing, and small-boat exploration. Paddling through cypress-lined waters offers a peaceful way to experience the landscape up close, while anglers are drawn to the area’s strong fishing traditions. Whether casting a line at sunrise or drifting quietly through wetlands, time on the water defines the rhythm of a stay here.
Nature lovers and photographers find Dead Lakes especially rewarding. The wetlands are home to abundant birdlife, turtles, and other wildlife that appear naturally as part of daily life. Early mornings bring mist rising off the water, while evenings settle into stillness broken only by birdsong or the ripple of water. For guests who enjoy slowing down, this is a place to observe, listen, and reconnect with the natural world.
Dead Lakes also appeals to couples, creatives, and remote workers looking for calm without isolation. Reliable internet access allows guests to stay connected when needed, while the quiet surroundings encourage focus, reflection, and unhurried days. Whether reading on the deck, journaling by the water, or working with nature as a backdrop, guests often find clarity in the simplicity of the setting.
Families and small groups are drawn to Dead Lakes for its sense of openness and ease. Days unfold naturally between outdoor exploration, shared meals on the grill, and relaxed evenings on the deck. With room to spread out and no pressure to rush, it’s a setting that encourages conversation, connection, and time spent together outdoors.
For guests who want to explore further, the surrounding Apalachicola region offers rivers, trails, and natural areas that reflect Florida’s wild side. And while Dead Lakes feels wonderfully remote, the Gulf Coast beaches of Mexico Beach and Port St. Joe are just a short drive away — making it easy to combine wetlands, waterways, and coastal exploration in one trip.
Plan Your Dead Lakes Getaway
Wake up to mist rising off the water, spend your days exploring one of Florida’s most unique ecosystems, and fall asleep to the quiet sounds of the wetlands.
Whether you’re seeking adventure, reflection, or a true escape into nature, Dead Lakes invites you to experience Florida at its most peaceful — now with the thoughtful care and hospitality of Branch Out Glamping.
👉 Book your stay at Dead Lakes today
https://booking.branchoutglamping.com/dead-lakes