An Old Florida Fish Camp
On the Backwaters of the Central St. Johns River in DeLand
RV Sites | Cabins | Boat Launch & Marina | Boat Rentals | Guided Fishing | Bait & Tackle
Proudly Frozen in Time
Highland Park Fish Camp in Deland, Florida is proudly frozen in time — it’s the way “old Florida” used to be, before theme parks arrived on the landscape. In 2025, we celebrated our 63rd anniversary of the family owned fish camp, where the largemouth bass are biting year round. This rustic destination has updated conveniences over the years, but nature has been preserved. Highland Park Fish Camp is an authentic haven carved out of the wilderness and the perfect place for the fisherman, the family that loves camping and the nature lover.
Highland Park Fish Camp is a 30 acre gem located on the Norris Dead River, a portion of the St. Johns River that is neatly situated on the boundaries of Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge, a 23,000 acre preserve that has been left untouched by development. It is a nature lover’s paradise that has been left natural, unlike the growth and development of Central Florida, but only five miles from the center of historic downtown DeLand where there is plenty of unique restaurants and shops to enjoy.
At the Edge of A Watery Wilderness
Situated on the eastern edge of the 22,000-acre Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge, Highland Park Fish Camp offers easy boat access to this pristine watery wilderness of scenic lakes, winding creeks and sloughs, expansive flooded prairies, shady hammocks, and cypress swamps.
A historic logging canal leads from the camp to the Norris Dead River, which in turn provides access via Lakes Woodruff and Dexter to the main St. Johns River. The town of Astor is approximately 45 minutes downriver; Silver Glen Springs is another 45 minutes. About an hour and a half upriver is Blue Springs State Park. DeLeon Springs State Park is accessible by shallow draft boats via Lake Woodruff.
In addition to exceptional year-round fishing for speckled perch (crappie), bream, and of course trophy largemouth bass, the area offers great bird and wildlife watching opportunities.
Join Us for Lunch!
Chef Justin Meadows and his Marker 38 food truck are calling Highland Park Fish Camp home this winter, serving up delicious Southern staples every Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Don’t miss the fried St. Johns River catfish sandwich with red cabbage slaw, tomato, and remoulade or the mouthwatering 1/3 lb. burger — perfect after a morning on the water!
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MARKER 38 CATFISH SANDWICH — Fried St. Johns River catfish, red cabbage slaw, tomato, remoulade on a toasted bun with a side. $12
FRIED SHRIMP PO’BOY — Cornmeal-dusted shrimp, lettuce tomato, onion, pickles with remoulade on a toasted roll w/ a side. $15
CLASSIC CHEESEBURGER — 1/3 lb. all-beef patty, lettuce, tomator, onion, pickles, burger sauce on a toasted bun with a side. $13
CHICKEN SALAD SANDWICH — Lettuce and tomato on a toasted croissant. $12
SMOKED SAUSAGE $7
ALL BEEF HOT DOG $4
SIDES — Chips / potato salad / coleslaw / BBQ beans / anana pudding $3
Highland Park Fish Camp on Instagram
63 Years and Counting
Highland Park Fish Camp is a true Florida original, owned and operated by the Rawlins family since Derris Rawlins purchased 12 acres at the end of an old logging canal outside DeLand back in 1962.
When Derris passed away in 1970, the camp passed to his two sons, Rick and Ron, who ran the camp for 45 years before passing it on to a third generation. Today, Rick’s daughter Bryn, a licensed captain and 7th-generation Floridian, operates the camp along with longtime guide and employee Capt. James Hillman.
We’re proud to say that not a lot has changed here over the past six decades. The camp itself has come a long way since its origins as a 10’ by 10’ bait shop, but we’ve found a way to offer the modern conveniences while still maintaining the “old Florida” charm that is fast disappearing.
This is Your Sign
Ready to get away? Give us a call at (386) 734-2334 to check availability! We’re open from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day. After hours, use the form below, and we’ll get back to you soon.