Looking for a memorable place for your next camping trip in Florida?
Florida has something for everyone, from pristine white sandy beaches to springs to forests. Whether you’re looking for a good birding spot, an excellent hiking destination, or somewhere best suited for activities on the water, Florida has something for you.
Below, we’ll cover 12 of the best camping spots in Florida, but there are so many more beyond this list. These are a great place to start if you want to explore all the wonderful camping opportunities Florida offers.
Everyone will have different preferences, so we’re listing some excellent spots for your next Florida camping trip in no particular order. Let’s dive right in!
Best Camping Spots in Florida
Florida’s camping spots offer the perfect blend of sunshine, nature, and relaxation for an unforgettable outdoor adventure!
Related read: Best Camping Places in the USA
1. Everglades National Park
The Everglades National Park is an extremely unique camping destination in Florida. You can enjoy tent-only and RV sites that come fully equipped with dump stations, solar showers, and hookups – though you may want to bring a set of solar panels just in case!
There are also opportunities for beach camping, but this should be reserved for those with advanced back country skills. Enjoy landmarks, trails, wildlife viewing areas, fishing spots, and guided kayak, tram, or airboat tours.
Some such tours originate from the Flamingo Visitor Center, which also offers waterfront camping spots, food and beverage vendors, and a marina store.
The winter months mark the prime season for activities here, as there aren’t as many bugs and less rain. The wildlife is also more active.
Related read: How to do Sustainable Camping
2. Rainbow Springs State Park
Want a refreshing destination for your next camping trip? Look no further than Rainbow Springs State Park, where you can dip your toes into the Rainbow River, one of the state’s largest natural springs.
In this area, you can check out the river tubing trail or enjoy hiking trails and man-made waterfalls. Remember that you might have to travel some distance from the camp grounds to get to the springs.
3. The Campsites at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
If anything is iconic in Florida, it’s Disney. Did you know that Disney even offers camping opportunities?
This destination offers a woodsy camp ground resort with both camp-site and cabin accommodations. The campground is home to deer, rabbits, ducks and armadillos roaming the 750 acres of pine and cypress forest. Campsites are fully equipped and can accommodation a maximum of 10 guests. Every campsite comes with enhanced privacy through landscaping, along with water, cable TV, electrical hook-ups, a picnic table, and a charcoal grill. Many sites also offer sewer hook-ups, and a few even welcome pets.
It’s a great choice for those looking for a camping destination to go to with the kids!
4. Fort De Soto Park
Fort De Soto Park sprawls across 1,136 acres within the Pinellas County Park System, forming a beautiful tapestry of five interconnected islands (keys). These keys boast a rich habitat of beach plants, mangroves, wetlands, palm hammocks, hardwoods, and a diverse array of native plants, collectively contributing to the crucial preservation and safeguarding of the natural environment.
You can enjoy hiking, kayaking, or canoeing while staying in the park. There’s also a fort, which is why it’s called Fort De Soto.
There is an expansive family camping zone with 236 sites offering a range of amenities such as picnic tables, grills, water, electricity, washers, dryers, sanitary disposal stations, modern restrooms, showers, play areas, and a campground store, while also featuring dedicated sites for camping with pets.
5. Bahia Honda State Park
Looking for a tropical escape on your next camping trip? Check out the Bahia Honda State Park and its beautiful white sand beaches, with plenty of wildlife to observe and sea views to enjoy.
You can enjoy paddling, swimming, or snorkeling in the pristine waters. There’s plenty to enjoy in this picturesque destination.
6. Myakka River State Park
The Myakka River State Park was built in the 1930s and offers plenty of exciting canoeing, kayaking, boating, and fishing opportunities.
Want to stay on land? No problem – the park boasts miles of trails for biking and hiking.
You can also enjoy elevated views by climbing into Myakka’s palm tree canopy.
7. Long Key State Park
Want to check out the Florida Keys? Long Key State Park encompasses nearly 1,000 acres along Long Key.
You’ll find plenty of opportunities for snorkeling, fishing, hiking, birding, and kayaking at this destination!
8. Cayo Costa State Park
Want a bit more of an adventurous camping trip? Cayo Costa State Park is only accessible by kayak or boat. Ideal for swimming, fishing, shelling, and snorkeling, this destination embodies so much of the spirit of Florida.
With 9 miles of undeveloped shoreline, this is truly a unique place to camp. You might even see manatees, sea turtles, or porpoises.
9. Gulf Islands National Seashore
Check out the gorgeous and protected natural beaches located at Gulf Islands National Seashore. It’s one of the busiest campgrounds the National Park Service has, with part of its popularity coming from it being one of the primary starting points for the Florida National Scenic Trail.
There’s so much history in this area to see, including the ruins of a Civil War-era fortress and battery and the on-site discovery center.
If you’re planning a trip to this camp-site, it’s best to bring everything you’ll need to this camp-site. Check out our camping gear guide for inspiration of what to pack!
10. Collier-Seminole State Park
Want to get a fresh look at what Florida has to offer? Check out one of the largest mangrove swamps the world has by camping in the Collier-Seminole State Park. In this region of subtropical wetlands, you can see a wide range of exciting wildlife – you’ll surely see something memorable in your time there!
Consider a bike ride or hike along any of the Collier-Seminole State Park’s four nature trails, or take a paddle down the canoe trail on the Blackwater River.
11. Faver-Dykes State Park
This park is home to the beautiful Pellicer Creek, which makes a great place for visitors to enjoy an easy kayak or canoe trip on its paddling trail.
If you prefer to stay on land, you can instead hike along paths and take in beautiful sites of saw palmetto and hardwood hammock.
Want to try your hand at birding? This site is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail.
Faver-Dykes State Park has all that and more to offer to visitors looking to have a memorable camping trip here, so it’s definitely worth adding to your list!
If you’re interested in checking out St. Augustine while you’re in the area, there’s lots to see and do! Founded in 1565, St. Augustine has a lot of history and charm for visitors to enjoy.
Related read: Best Day Trips From St. Augustine
12. Ocala National Forest
Ocala National Forest features over 600 rivers and lakes suitable for fishing, snorkeling, swimming, boating, and canoeing. Not only that, but there are hundreds of miles of trails that you can explore. With numerous campgrounds to choose from, you’re sure to find a great spot to set up camp and enjoy all of the beauty and nature this incredible area offers.
This is a great destination for activities including paddling, swimming, mountain biking, and even wildlife photography. There’s something here for everyone!
Enjoy the Diverse Camping Spots in Florida
As you can see, there are a ton of great camping options available to those in The Sunshine State! While this only scratches the surface of the many available great camping opportunities in Florida, these options are a great place to start finding your next destination for outdoor adventures.
Ask yourself what you’re looking for in your next camping trip. Are you looking for beautiful sandy beaches or something more tucked away in the forest? Are you hoping to spend more time on the water or land?
From refreshing springs to exciting tides and from kayaking to birding and everything in between – Florida camping has something for everyone.
Of course, as things can change, we highly recommend doing your own research on the campsite you choose to ensure the information is up-to-date before embarking on your next adventure.
Good luck, and happy camping!
Or, if you’re not into camping, check out our other guides for places to stay in Florida:
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