Florida serves up camping variety like few other places. Think sandy beaches right beside murky swamplands. This state really has outdoor adventures for all kinds of campers. Pitch a tent among tall pine trees. Or park an RV next to clear, cool springs. Either way, Florida camping spots create memories that stick.
Everglades National Park: Wilderness at Its Finest
Everglades National Park is a top spot for camping in Florida. Its huge subtropical wilderness covers more than 1.5 million acres. You’ll find three main camping areas, each showing a different side of this special place.
Down at the park’s southern tip sits Flamingo Campground. It puts you right on Florida Bay. Wake up to amazing sunrises over calm water here. Fishing is also great. This spot has 234 sites for tents and RVs (up to 40 feet). You get restrooms, showers, and a marina nearby. Rent kayaks or join tours from there.
Long Pine Key Campground feels totally different. Nestled in pine rockland habitat, tall slash pines offer shade and cooler air. It has 108 sites. This is the spot if you want a classic forest camping vibe, still surrounded by Everglades creatures.
For real adventure, try wilderness camping. Reach backcountry sites only by canoe or kayak. Find true solitude on chickee platforms or ground spots. You need a permit and good planning. But the reward is unmatched access to one of America’s most unique wild areas.
Dry Tortugas National Park: Remote Island Paradise
Camping at Dry Tortugas National Park feels different from any other spot in Florida. Getting there needs effort – it’s 70 miles west of Key West, reached only by ferry or seaplane. Your base is Garden Key. Just ten primitive campsites sit near old Fort Jefferson.
Here, modern life disappears. Forget electricity, cell service, or fresh water on the island. You bring all your own supplies: water, food, everything. But the payoff is huge. Snorkel in island waters, incredibly clear. Explore a massive 19th-century fort right there.
This isolation makes stars truly shine. With no city lights, night skies explode with stars and frequent meteor showers. Views at sunrise and sunset over the Gulf? Simply breathtaking.
Book campsites early; they disappear fast. Ferries run daily from Key West, but weather can change plans. This trip suits adventurous folks who love remote places and history.
Anastasia State Park: Coastal Camping Excellence
Anastasia State Park sits near St. Augustine, mixing beach camping with deep history. Spanning 1,600 acres, it holds 139 campsites tucked within old sand dunes and seaside woods. Sites welcome tents and RVs; many offer water and electric hookups.
Campers get access to four miles of clean, quiet beach. Swimming, surfing, fishing, and beachcombing happen here often. This shore stays less packed than other Florida beaches, giving a calmer visit.
Paths through different habitats let you see wildlife. Over at Salt Run, kayaking is a top choice in tidal marshes and lagoons. Unique ancient coquina rocks line the shore.
Historic St. Augustine sits minutes from the park. After camping activities, explore America’s oldest city. See places like Castillo de San Marcos National Monument and other historic spots nearby.
Blue Spring State Park: Manatee Encounters
Blue Spring State Park near Orange City delivers a truly special Florida camping trip. Its big draw? A crystal-clear spring, always a refreshing 72 degrees. Come winter, West Indian manatees flock to these warm waters, giving you amazing chances to see them up close.
Choose between 51 different camping spots. Need hookups for a large RV? They’ve got those. Prefer a simpler, budget spot for your tent? Primitive sites are available too. Every site comes with a picnic table and fire ring. Clean restrooms and hot showers are handy for everyone.
You can swim in certain parts of the spring run. But the spring head itself stays off-limits to protect those manatees. The clear water makes it easy to spot fish and other underwater life. Canoeing and kayaking are great ways to explore the nearby St. Johns River.
Walk the hiking trails winding through shady hardwood forests and sunny pine flatwoods. A park boardwalk gets you near prime manatee hangouts without bothering them. Learn more about efforts to help these gentle creatures through park programs.
Bahia Honda State Park: Keys Paradise
Camp at Bahia Honda State Park in the Florida Keys. You’ll find some of the state’s prettiest beaches here. Set on Bahia Honda Key, this park has three campgrounds, each offering something different.
Sandspur Beach Campground sits right on the Gulf of Mexico. Expect amazing sunset views. Its 40 sites let you drift off listening to gentle waves. Each spot includes water and electric hookups; a bathhouse is close by.
Over on the calmer bayside, Bayside Campground offers shelter. Its 40 sites are great for fishing and catching beautiful sunrises. Calmer waters make it a favorite spot for families.
Buttonwood Campground gives the most secluded feel, tucked into thick tropical plants. Sites here are farther from the beach but offer more privacy and shade. A short walk takes you to either beach.
Bahia Honda’s beaches regularly rank among America’s best. Clear waters full of tropical fish make snorkeling excellent. The old Bahia Honda Bridge works as a top fishing pier and gives panoramic views over the surrounding keys.
Myakka River State Park: Wild Florida Experience
Myakka River State Park sits near Sarasota, showing Florida’s natural side. Its 37,000 acres guard one of the state’s oldest and most varied natural areas. Camping here means choosing from 76 spots split between two loops, each with its own feel.
Oak Grove Campground nestles under huge, old live oaks covered in Spanish moss. These shady spots offer a break from Florida sun while keeping a slightly mysterious vibe. Some sites have full hookups for RVs; simpler primitive spots work well for tent campers wanting basic outdoor living.
Palmetto Ridge Campground gives a different scene, set among palm trees and open spaces. Sites here catch more sunshine. Some visitors like that for solar power, or just to soak up Florida’s famous rays.
Wildlife thrives across the park’s mix of habitats. Spotting alligators in the river or wetlands happens often. Many bird species live in different parts of the grounds. Trails range from easy boardwalk strolls to tougher backcountry paths.
Try an airboat tour for a unique view of the river and surrounding wetlands. Guides help spot animals and explain why this ecosystem matters. You can also rent a canoe or kayak to explore on your own.
Grayton Beach State Park: Emerald Coast Beauty
Grayton Beach State Park on Florida’s Emerald Coast lets you camp right by some truly beautiful shoreline. Its 59 campsites sit tucked among coastal dunes and scrubby oak woods. This means shade is easy to find, and getting to the beach is quick.
You’ll find two main camping spots. Sites near the beach put you closer to Gulf of Mexico water. They get more breeze and less shade. Sites back in the woods offer more shelter and privacy, surrounded by native plants.
Grayton Beach often gets called one of America’s prettiest beaches. That bright white sand and clear green water feel like a tropical escape. People love swimming, fishing, and walking the shore here. Because the coast isn’t crowded with buildings, it keeps a real natural vibe.
Trails wander through dunes and nearby wetlands. These different habitats are home to all sorts of animals. That includes sea turtles, which lay eggs on this beach over summer. Park programs help visitors see how coastal habitats work.
Inside the park, Western Lake adds another cool feature. This coastal dune lake is a spot where fresh water and salt water mix. You can kayak or fish in this unique setting.
Fort De Soto Park: Island Camping Adventure
Fort De Soto Park sits on five islands linked together at Tampa Bay’s entrance. You’ll find 236 campsites here, split between two campgrounds with different feels.
Area One campground puts you nearer the old fort and fishing pier. This means easy walks to history and great fishing spots. Sites take tents and RVs, and many offer full hookups.
Area Two campground lands you closer to beaches and boat launches. It’s popular with boat owners or anyone wanting quick sand access. Amenities are similar, just the surroundings change.
Park beaches run over seven miles long, giving plenty of room. Swimming, fishing, kayaking, and windsurfing are all common. Even though the park is well-liked, these shores often stay peaceful.
Historic Fort De Soto itself offers a real look into Florida’s military past. Built around 1900, it’s got well-kept buildings and signs explaining things. Tours give you the full story about its job guarding the coast.
Ichetucknee Springs State Park: Crystal Clear Adventures
Ichetucknee Springs State Park sits in north Florida. Camping near one of Florida’s prettiest spring rivers is possible here. The park itself doesn’t have overnight camping. Instead, private campgrounds right nearby give great access to this natural spot.
Staying at these places means you can easily enjoy the famous Ichetucknee River tubing. Water stays a steady 72 degrees year-round. That makes swimming or floating ideal anytime. You can see right down to the bottom in the clear water, spotting fish and other life.
Several springs feed into a six-mile waterway perfect for a float. Rent tubes if you need them, though lots of people bring their own gear. The current is gentle, so it’s easy for everyone, no matter age or experience.
Wildlife is plentiful along the river. Expect turtles, fish, and different birds. Hardwood forests around the banks are home to many land animals too.
Planning Your Florida Camping Adventure
Florida camping works year-round, but each season feels different. Winter brings cooler air and fewer bugs – great for hiking and being outside. Spring offers comfy temps and parks filled with blooming wildflowers.
Summers get hot and sticky, perfect though for swimming with warm water. Just plan for heat and those common afternoon storms. Fall? Another top time for camping, with pleasant temps and less humidity.
Booking a spot varies. State parks often need reservations booked way ahead, especially when busy. National parks run their own systems with specific rules and deadlines.
Pack smart for Florida camping:
- Bug spray and sunscreen are musts.
- Rain gear matters – weather shifts fast.
- Layer clothes to handle changing conditions.
- Water shoes protect feet in lakes or springs.
- Binoculars help spot wildlife.
Final Thoughts
Florida packs amazing camping variety into one place. You’ll find spots on remote islands or near crystal-clear springs. Each one gives you its own special feel and moments. Want adventure, quiet time, or a chance to see wildlife? Florida campgrounds offer outdoor stays you won’t forget, showing off the state’s natural beauty and varied ecosystems.
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