- December 14, 2025
In an effort to expand services at its county-run campground on the banks of Dead Lake, the Flagler County Board of County Commissioners approved on Monday the purchase 3.3 acres of land at the Bull Creek Fish Camp.
The county will pay $75,000 for the land, which is contiguous with approximately 28 acres already owned by the county at the camp, five of which are developed as a fishing and camping resort and the rest of which are undeveloped wetlands. The decision was approved unanimously.
“I want to congratulate everyone on the purchase,” Commissioner Barbara Revels said immediately afterward. “It’s a fabulous land and a great price.”
The county will use Environmentally Sensitive Lands funding to pay for the property, which has been considered a priority since 2011, according to county documents.
After the meeting, Commissioner George Hanns said the purchase promises to increase the revenue capacity of the camp ground, which is packed during fishing seasons.
“We are badly in need of more parking and camping sites, because the guys with boat trailers have been parking on both sides of the street,” Hanns said. “Of course, that creates a hazard.”
Hanns said more camping spaces could also be provided with the land.
Included in the purchase is a 1,500-square-foot house, built in 1922 by Dr. John J. Kinney, an Ohio doctor who stayed in it when he vacationed in western Flagler County during winter months. When he was in town, locals would bring sick family members to see him. Kinney saw patients on his front porch and charged no fee to see them, according to county documents.
The house is currently unoccupied and is considered in good repair, although the Flagler County Building Department did observe signs of water damage during its inspection. It may be used to house a full-time caretaker at the park or may be moved elsewhere as a historical exhibit, said County Administrator Craig Coffey.
“The Bull Creek Fish Camp is very profitable,” Hanns said. “That place, when it’s booked, it’s booked solid.”
