Best Campgrounds in Florida

Despite being home to some of the most popular beaches in America, Florida has more freshwater springs than anywhere else in the world. While tourists flood the coastlines, you can head inland to one of Central Florida’s dozen spring systems to find a beautiful, serene spot that is perfect for camping in Florida.

One of the largest, clearest spots is Ginnie Springs, located 35 miles northwest of Gainesville. The year-round 72-degree water is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, scuba, and cave diving. The seven-spring system is a magnet for divers who love the underwater cave system, while the gentle current of the Santa Fe River attracts day tubers and kayakers. Pack a snorkel when you go camping in Florida to be rewarded with glimpses of bass, mullet, catfish, turtles, and other natural critters.

Plus, with over one hundred campsites, visitors to Ginnie Springs can also enjoy accessible camping spots complete with electric hookups. If you’re looking for a truly authentic Florida experience, wilderness sites are also scattered throughout Ginnie Springs’ 200 acres, many of which are right on the riverfront or a spring. You will truly be one with nature as you wake up next to your own crystal-clear spring, waiting for you to dive in.

Another nearby spring system perfect for camping is Rainbow Springs State Park, located 60 miles straight south of Ginnie Springs. Rainbow Springs is the fourth largest freshwater spring in Florida and feeds into the Rainbow River, giving the spring a gentle current that is great for tubing or canoeing.The Rainbow River campground has 60 sites ready for both RVers and tent campers, complete with electrical service.

There is no better way to get in touch with nature or experience camping in Florida than with the natural water systems of the state. These refreshing sites are a unique Floridian attraction that will make your next camping experience stand out above the rest. With The Dyrt, you can be sure to find more unique spots for all your camping in Florida needs.

Best Camping Sites in Florida (1,553)

    1. Fort De Soto Campground

    136 Reviews
    538 Photos
    1243 Saves
    Tierra Verde, Florida

    Located off the St. Petersburg coast, near the mouth of Florida’s Tampa Bay, the tiny islands that make up Fort De Soto County Park have a long and storied history. More than 1,000 years ago, the islands were home to the Tocobaga peoples, who sustained themselves on local plants and seafood. In the 1500s, Spanish conquistadors began exploring Florida’s barrier islands and mainland, among them, Hernando de Soto. From the Civil War in the 1860s until the conclusion of World War II in the 1940s, the islands were used as military emplacements, first as a Union blockade, then as coastal defensive batteries. The islands finally became a state park in 1963 as an effort to preserve their long history, and provide a recreation area for locals and visitors. The park was designated America’s Top Beach in 2009, and sees more than 2.7 million annual visitors.

    Fort DeSoto County Park reservations offer 238 sites for tent and RV campers. It is located on the St. Christopher and St. Jean Keys, approximately 10 miles southwest of St. Petersburg. The campground is mostly wooded, and divided up into three areas: Area 1 for tents, vans, and small campers, and Areas 2 and 3 for larger RVs. All sites are equipped with electrical and water hookups, picnic tables and cooking grills. Comfort stations with restrooms, showers and laundry facilities are located in each area; a dump station is located near Area 2. The campground also features a small store, dayroom, two playgrounds, and Wifi service; bike and kayak rentals are available. Dogs are permitted in Area 2 and the designated dog park only. Alcoholic beverages and gas-powered generators are not permitted in the park. Reservations are recommended, and can be made up to six months in advance; seven months for locals. Campsite rates are $36–$42/night.

    There are plenty of activities to enjoy on a visit to Fort DeSoto County Park, including visiting Fort DeSoto. Located on the southernmost point of Mullet Key, the historic military emplacement is open to the public for self-guided tours. Explore officers’ quarters, the bakery, the hospital and various other facilities. Look out across the Gulf of Mexico for the lighthouse, constructed in 1858, on neighboring Egmont Key. The park also features more than 7 miles of sparkling, white sand beaches, including East Beach and North Beach, for sunning and swimming. These can be reached via a paved, multi-use path from the campground. There are also boat launches, a fishing pier and a snack bar. As part of the Pinellas National Wildlife Refuge, bird watchers can scan for some of the more than 300 species of resident and migratory birds, including waterfowl, shorebirds, songbirds, woodpeckers, and raptors.

    A 236-site family camping area with facilities including picnic tables, grills, water, electricity, washers, dryers, sanitary disposal stations, modern restrooms, showers, play areas, and a campground store. Special camp sites for camping with pets.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $38 - $48 / night

    2. Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground

    129 Reviews
    373 Photos
    485 Saves
    Windermere, Florida

    Fort wilderness camping features 4 types of campsites accommodate everything from tents to 45-foot and longer RVs, with a maximum of 10 Guests per site. Each campsite is equipped with privacy-enhancing landscaping, water, cable television and electrical hook-ups, a picnic table and a charcoal grill. Most campsites also include a sewer hook-up, and some even permit pets.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $56 - $201 / night

    3. Anastasia State Park Campground

    111 Reviews
    321 Photos
    1260 Saves
    St. Augustine, Florida

    The campground has 139 sites for both RVs and tents, all located within the beautiful maritime hammock and just a short walk or bike ride from the beach. Certain sites are paved and have accessible picnic tables and grills. All sites have electricity and water, a picnic table, an in-ground grill and a fire ring. A communal dump station is free for park campers. Please put your trash in the compactor near the entrance to the campgrounds. Anastasia also offers the Bedtime Story Camper Lending Library of picture books for campers ages 4 to 9. Ask to check out a book from the ranger station. Pets are permitted in accordance with our Pet Policy. Maximum RV length = 38 feet. Consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in the park, except for campers who consume alcoholic beverages within their campsites. For reservations, visit the Florida State Parks reservations website or call or TDD 888-433-0287.

    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $28 / night

    4. Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore

    96 Reviews
    374 Photos
    810 Saves
    Gulf Breeze, Florida

    Overview

    Fort Pickens Campground is situated on Santa Rosa Island, a part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore south of Pensacola and Gulf Breeze, Florida. Visitors are drawn to the Gulf of Mexico for Gulf Islands National Seashore's emerald coast waters, magnificent white beaches, fertile marshes and historical landscapes. Come explore with us today! Each camp site offers a fire pit, picnic table, and a paved pad to park on. There are heated showers and flush toilets. We offer electric and non-electric sites. Many of our sites have restrictions from low limbs or bushes so be sure you will fit. Limited overflow parking is available. Choose a site that will accommodate all of your equipment. Campers may not stay in the campground more than 14 consecutive days. This policy is strictly enforced. Entrance fees are required for the Fort Pickens area and are good for seven consecutive days from purchase. Pets are not allowed on any beaches sound and gulf side, ferries, piers, in forts, batteries, pavilions, or inside facilities.

    Recreation

    Many visitors young and old come to Fort Pickens to enjoy its scenic location on the beach. The white sands of Santa Rosa Island are the perfect place for a long walk or an afternoon of building sandcastles. The warm ocean waters are great for swimming and snorkeling. Fishermen will find a pier just a short distance from the picnic pavilions. It can be used by visitors without a Florida fishing license. Many hiking trails through the sand dunes provide beautiful views and hours of exploration. Historic Fort Pickens, a pentagonal fort built to defend Pensacola Bay in 1834, is just 1 mile from the campground. The structure was fortified after the War of 1812 and was one of four forts in the South never occupied by Confederates during the Civil War.

    Natural Features

    The campground is located on a barrier island between the Gulf of Mexico and Pensacola Bay. Groves of live oak trees are scattered across the island, providing shelter for resident and migrating bird populations, as well as shade for park visitors. The Gulf Islands National Seashore is home to sparkling blue waters, white beaches and coastal marshes. However, more than 80% of the national park is underwater, as it's a vital protective habitat to marine life.

    Nearby Attractions

    The campground is a short distance from restaurants and beach nightlife, downtown Pensacola, the Pensacola Naval Air Station and Naval Aviation Museum, the Pensacola Lighthouse and other historic sites. Campsites are within 1/4 mile of the beaches of the Emerald Coast of the Gulf of Mexico and Pensacola Bay.

    Charges & Cancellations

    Cancellation and modification fees are non-refundable.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $20 - $40 / night

    5. Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park

    95 Reviews
    249 Photos
    463 Saves
    Atlantic Beach, Florida
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $12 - $30 / night

    6. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Campground

    66 Reviews
    255 Photos
    677 Saves
    Santa Rosa Beach, Florida

    Welcome to Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Topsail Hill is named for its dunes, which rise like a ship's sails over soft sand beaches and the emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Those same white quartz dunes are responsible for a rare coastal ecosystem — freshwater dune lakes — which teem with aquatic wildlife. Walkers will pass through old-growth pine forests, sandy scrubland, dunes and wetlands, where they may see some of the 13 imperiled species that find refuge here, like the Choctawhatchee beach mouse and otherworldly-looking pitcher plants. Topsail Hill offers three miles of pristine beaches and is a bird-watching and hiking paradise.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $24 - $145 / night

    7. Manatee Springs State Park Campground

    68 Reviews
    238 Photos
    405 Saves
    Chiefland, Florida

    MAG1

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $20 / night

    8. Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground

    65 Reviews
    153 Photos
    535 Saves
    Apopka, Florida

    Wekiwa Springs Camping offers slopes of gently rolling hills supporting longleaf pine among other specialty plants is the Sandhill habitat where the 60 spacious campsites are located. Each wooded site has water and electrical hook-up, a fire ring with grill and a picnic table. Some sites also have sewer hook-ups and a dump station is located at the campground. Accessible camp sites can be requested at the time of reservation. Two accessible restrooms with showers are located in the camping area. Firewood is available at the ranger station. Well behaved pets are allowed in the campground in accordance with our Pet Policy.

    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    9. Hillsborough River State Park Campground

    63 Reviews
    275 Photos
    344 Saves
    Thonotosassa, Florida

    Just minutes from downtown Tampa, this Hillsborough River State Park Camping offers a refuge from city life with its seven miles of nature trails and ample places to cool off in the water.

    Except for occasional reenactments, the cannon and guns are now silent at Fort Foster. No longer do Seminole Indians have to fight to keep a foothold in Florida, and soldiers no longer guard a strategic river crossing. The reconstructed fort and its surroundings are now part of Hillsborough River State Park.

    Besides a living history lesson, visitors can kayak or canoe class II river rapids, rare in Florida, hike seven miles of nature trails and swim in an ADA accessible swimming pool.

    Tucked away, only a short distance from the bustling city of Tampa, camping is a popular activity at Hillsborough River State Park.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $24 / night

    10. Pine Grove Campground — Jonathan Dickinson State Park

    58 Reviews
    223 Photos
    461 Saves
    Jupiter, Florida

    PG

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $26 / night

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Recent Reviews in Florida

7286 Reviews of 1553 Florida Campgrounds



Guide to Florida

Camping in Florida offers a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure. From lush state parks to family-friendly resorts, there's something for everyone.

What to do

  • Explore the Springs: Visit places like Alexander Springs Recreation Area for swimming and wildlife spotting. One camper noted, “The spring is walking distance from the campground - we saw turtles, otters, and many fish while swimming in the spring.”
  • Kayaking and Canoeing: Many campgrounds, such as Silver Springs State Park, offer kayaking opportunities. A visitor shared, “We had our own kayaks so we put in at the head springs and paddled down to the campground.”
  • Hiking Trails: Check out Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground for beautiful trails. One reviewer mentioned, “The trails are absolutely gorgeous. Natural palms growing among tall pines.”

What campers like

  • Natural Beauty: Campers love the scenic views and wildlife. A review from Blue Spring State Park Campground said, “The facilities, the manatees, the fireflies, the sites… everything was wonderful.”
  • Amenities: Many campgrounds have great facilities. A camper at Lake Louisa State Park praised, “Shower facilities are recently remodeled and impeccable, with new wall tiles and epoxy floors throughout.”
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Campgrounds like Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground offer tons of activities. One family shared, “There are so many sites and yes there are people around but there’s serious vegetation between all the sites that you have plenty of privacy.”

What you should know

  • Pricing: Some campgrounds can be pricey for what they offer. A visitor at Salt Springs Recreation Area noted, “The big problem here is that some politician must have received a big kick back to give this contract to American Land and Leisure concessionaire.”
  • Noise Levels: Campgrounds can get noisy, especially during busy weekends. One camper at Juniper Springs Recreation Area mentioned, “Over Thanksgiving weekend it got pretty noisy due to one large multi-site group.”
  • Limited Privacy: Some sites are close together, which can affect your experience. A camper at Lake Louisa State Park said, “The camping here is literally all RVs, there’s zero privacy.”

Tips for camping with families

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Hillsborough River State Park Campground mentioned, “Maneuvering a larger rig might take some time backing into sites but there were plenty of big rigs there so it is doable.”
  • Look for Full Hookups: Sites with full hookups can make your stay more comfortable. A camper at Lake Louisa State Park shared, “The bathrooms are very clean and upgraded!”
  • Be Prepared for Weather: Florida can have sudden rain. One camper at Juniper Springs Recreation Area advised, “The level of cleanliness seems typical of concessionaire run campgrounds. Poor.”

Camping in Florida is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors, but being prepared can make all the difference!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What camping is available in Florida?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Florida offers a wide range of camping options, with 1553 campgrounds and RV parks in Florida and 35 free dispersed camping spots.

  • Which is the most popular campground in Florida?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground in Florida is Fort De Soto Campground with a 5-star rating from 136 reviews.

  • Where can I find free dispersed camping in Florida?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 35 free dispersed camping spots in Florida.

  • What are the best parks in Florida?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 465 parks in Florida that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.