If you find yourself heading to one of the best Atlantic-side beaches in all of Florida – New Smyrna Beach – then you are already in-store for what will be a fantastic experience. Until they actually let beachgoers camp out on the beach itself, finding a spot to ‘pitch your tent’ isn’t all that difficult to do in this area. That said, what you give up for convenience and close access to the white caps you’ll encounter in this beach destination makes you want to be somewhat more forgiving of the campground options available to you. 

Only about 2 miles away from the soft lulling of lapping waves, you’ll come across one of a few good options (see my other reviews for those other options), one of which is Gold Rock Campground & RV Park. Conveniently located off State Road 44 (which you’ll take after getting off the main I95 highway), you’ll head south when you come to Old Mission Road, which is just a short drive to this location. I would describe what you’ll find as basically a big open football field with a few lanes of mostly RV’s lined up side-by-side. The vibe is definitely pleasant and the place is communal with fringes of hippiness (just look at some of the psychedelic painted camper vans and buses – the owners of which will certainly not disappoint!). 

There’s a small office upon entry that you’ll check in at, pay your nightly deposit and then you’re off to find an open space of greenery that you’ll call home for the night. There’s all the standard hook-ups for the RV’s and as a tent camper, you really have the run of the town to place your portable home for the night pretty much anywhere you want to. The only real insider tips I can give you if staying here or in the area is to get to the beach early – and note that the white sandy beaches in these parts are ‘drive-on only,’ so bring everything with you, find your perfect spot at the beach and open up the backgate of your SUV or Jeep and set up your camp in the sand there for the entire day. Simply one of the best beach experiences I’ve ever had in Florida (and I live here, so that should be saying something). 

Happy Camping!