Florida features a diverse collection of campgrounds ranging from state parks to resort-style facilities. Fort De Soto Campground in Saint Petersburg and Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort near Orlando exemplify the range available, with accommodations spanning primitive tent sites to full-service RV hookups and cabin rentals. Many campgrounds offer year-round accessibility, with beach proximity being a significant draw at coastal locations like Fort Pickens Campground in Pensacola Beach and Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park in Jacksonville.
Reservations are highly recommended at most developed campgrounds, particularly during winter months when snowbirds migrate south. Mixed-use campgrounds throughout the state provide varying levels of amenities, from basic facilities to luxury options with full hookups. "We stayed a week here and had a great time. The sites are relatively level and very clean. The park is in a convenient location and quiet," noted one visitor about Presnell's Bayside Marina and RV Resort. Weather considerations are significant, with summer bringing high temperatures, humidity, and afternoon thunderstorms, while hurricane season from June through November may affect travel plans. Many campgrounds feature water access, with swimming, fishing, and boating opportunities.
The state's campground options reflect Florida's natural diversity, from coastal dunes to springs and river systems. Manatee Springs State Park Campground in Chiefland and Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground in Apopka provide access to Florida's famous freshwater springs. Campers frequently mention the wildlife viewing opportunities, with several parks offering guided nature programs. According to one camper, "Excellent park for hiking, kayak, and fishing. Beautifully preserved wildlife and well maintained facilities." Sites at popular destinations like Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Campground and Anastasia State Park Campground often book months in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. Most developed campgrounds provide amenities like drinking water, electric hookups, and shower facilities, though availability varies by location.
$38 - $48 / night
"As an camper with northern roots, I have found it hard to camp in Florida. This campground helped me relieve those worries. I will start by saying that this campground is south of St."
"Nice walking/bicycle path around the edge. Bike paths also throughout the park. Sites 1-8 or so have direct beach access, but swimming is not allowed. Mangroves surround the rest of the peninsula."
$56 - $201 / night
"The best campground in Florida ! Fun beautiful and lots to do even without going to the parks Wildlife is abundant Bunnies deer turkey"
"Big park so lots of walking if you don’t have the cart (or you can bring your own and/or bikes). Our grandsons loved the golf cart!"
$28 / night
"You really can have it all at this campground - with its 'next door' proximity to one of the most amazing beachheads on Florida's Atlantic coastline and quick access to the country's oldest town (St."
"Great location & in close proximity to St. Augustine. One of my favorite places to visit in Florida. If you've never been to St."
$20 - $40 / night
"This might be my favorite place to camp in all of florida. The campgrounds are clean , quiet and steps from the beach. Great hot showers that are cleaned daily. A visit to the fort is a must."
"Fort Pickins is a large National Park campground on Gulf Islands National Seashore in Florida. There are 4 camping loops. Loop D is tents only."
$12 - $30 / night
"The campground is situated next to a large lake, with fishing allowed. Nice beach area with in walking distance or short drive of the camp sites."
"Beach close by - walking distance on park roads/paths. Nice lake (no swimming). Full hookups. Better for medium to small rigs. The big guys often have trouble on narrow roads within park."
$24 - $145 / night
"My wife and I are frequent campers in NW Florida and Alabama. Topsail is certainly one of our favorites. Excellent access to the beach, hiking, biking (many miles), lakes, great campground. "
"Beautiful beach, trees between paved spots, bike path, cute coffee shop on site, bike rentals, & a great location!"
$20 / night
"Easy access to the park and quick and painless check-in process with reservations. The main road in the campground is fine but the roads to the sites are gravel with potholes."
"Step into a world of deer, manatee, and unknown river surprises at Manatee Springs State Park."
$24 / night
"Close to home and took a drive through one day. Haven't been camping yet this year due to illness but getting ready to get on the road."
"We camp a lot during the summer but since this is Florida it's HOT regularly and sizzling during the summer months."
$24 / night
"Then exit 7 to Highway 301 north about 10 miles to the campground. The way in which the state park and campground are set up is easy too."
"This was my first time at a campground in Florida! I was surrounded by beautiful wildlife (alligators, birds, and even a wild boar). The hiking trails were perfect for a beginner or a regular hiker."
$26 / night
"The cost of camping in Florida isn't cheap though this one actually had the value in it given that you could also rent boats and paddle up river alongside manatees to the wild man encampment."
"Jonathon Dickinson SP, Jupiter Florida Dickinson SP Large park with miles of paved and off road trails for biking and hiking."
TravelerClean, quiet and Level are the spots here. Gravel pad, full hookups and picnic area with charcoal grille. Clean bathrooms with showers. Walking distance to beach.
TravelerI travel in a toyota sedan so I was a bit worried about taking the dirt road. From the blacktop, it’s about 2 miles of bumpy dirt road. My car had no trouble playing go-cart, but wouldn’t come through here in the rain. Otherwise, will be back if I’m in Northern FL.
I stayed in a tent and had no trouble finding a flat area with good drainage. Stakes were easy to set in the ground and held well.
Camped for one night with just two other campers. Very quiet and great view of the stars.
Decent cell service for Verizon, was even able to stream.
Bring a book or plan for some quiet meditation as there’s no trails or much to explore. Great place to stop for the night before heading down to the keys.
Grab food and supplies before entering the National Forest. If you poop, bury it unless you want to lull critters to your campsite (: No trash available so plan ahead.
I heard mourning doves, Carolina wrens, and Cardinals before the sunset and fell asleep to the southern frog chorus.
GuideVery nice place with great staff. Larger community with 2 pools and courts. Well maintained and clean. The sites are a bit tight but they have some newer sections that back to a lake that are very nice. Great spot overall
LegendIf coming in from the east/Tallahassee on I-10, avoid Exit 241 (Madison/Greenville). Approaching from US-90 requires sharp right turns to reach the campground( CG). Instead, take Exit 251 for an easier left turn onto the CG road. This was our sixth year staying at the resort, and check-in at the office remained the same under the new ownership. After checking in, we proceeded to back-in buddy site 60A with full hookups to meet friends in site 60. One change involved the golf process, as we needed to go to the golf course clubhouse to pay for a golf package, then return to the office to pick up a golf cart. Water pressure was acceptable at around 40 psi. Cell service showed 3 bars on T-Mobile and 2 bars on Verizon. CG Wi-Fi was on the slower side with download speeds around 7 Mbps, so we relied on T-Mobile Home Internet, which consistently delivered speeds in the 200 Mbps range. The CG has relatively few trees, so satellite service was not an issue. The local Winn-Dixie has closed, leaving Bob& Jim’s Market as the primary grocery option in town, with Dollar General carrying a limited selection of basics. Prices at Bob& Jim’s were on the higher side. An Aldi was renovating the former Winn-Dixie building during our stay and was expected to open in about six months. For broader shopping and services, the nearest major amenities are in Live Oak, about 30 miles away. During our two-month stay, we learned that the new ownership planned to renovate the golf course and facilities into an executive 9-hole course, with construction scheduled to begin April 14, 2026, and a projected reopening in the fall or winter timeframe. Plans also included removing the first two holes near the entrance to add additional RV sites, bringing the total site count to around 200. Based on our experience, we plan to return again next year.
ScoutI recently stayed at the new RV resort, and it truly exceeded my expectations! The spacious RV spots, separated by lush greenery, offer privacy and a peaceful vibe. The pool area is fantastic, and the on-site restaurant serves delicious meals in a lovely setting. Everything is impeccably clean, from the restrooms to the common areas. This resort delivers a luxurious, upscale camping experience—I highly recommend it!
TravelerSpring break got hit with a cold front but we got 1 day in the springs. It’s nice and clean
GuideWe stayed at this little unique park the first week in March. The park truly does look like a trip back to the 1960s Drive in but inside the office is the most fun with a hollywood museum and tons of memorabilia. The phone booth has been coverted to a shower and a photo booth. The owners are great and gave us a map to all of the best places to go locally along the beach 30a area as they are very close to it. Would highly recommend not to miss this place.
GuideWas actually at the spot geocaching, but really like the look of this little campground. And I mean little.
There’s a combination of electric hook ups and non-electric hook ups. It’s all very well kept and clean and organized.
Favoring this one for potential return to actually camp at. Gave this one 4 to 5 stars which is above average for me. But I’ve earned a fifth star if it wasn’t so close to the road with road noise and had been staffed full-time, and had a few more amenities.
ScoutChecked in Tuesday at the specified time 3 o’clock, hit our billing with directed to our site, which is very close to the office. Unit has a pool and pool tables (2) with a bar which serves beer and wine. There is a clubhouse and propane and wood for fires pull through spot was very adequate with electrical 30 and 50 amp water and drain for black water. Probably the only negative that we have found so far is you’re getting a little bit of noise at night from 19 and if you park close to the clubhouse people coming in and out in the evening are a little loud.
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.
Camping in Florida is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors, but being prepared can make all the difference!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Florida campgrounds are most suitable for families with children?
Florida offers several family-friendly campgrounds that kids will love. Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground near Lake Buena Vista is perfect for families with its proximity to Disney attractions, plus organized activities and amenities designed specifically for children. Alexander Springs Recreation Area in Ocala National Forest is another excellent choice, featuring large campsites that can accommodate multiple family tents. The spring provides safe swimming opportunities and the facilities are clean with showers available. Families also enjoy Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground, where children can swim in the natural spring, rent canoes or kayaks, and explore easy hiking trails suitable for all ages.
What are the best beach campgrounds in Florida?
Florida's coastline offers spectacular beach camping experiences. Cayo Costa State Park Campground stands out as one of the best beach camping destinations in the state. This special island location offers primitive camping with amazing shelling opportunities and a true back-in-time experience. The park is accessible only by boat, providing a remote, uncrowded beach experience. Another excellent option is Shell Key Preserve, a water-access-only camping spot where you can observe abundant wildlife including stingrays, turtles, and various bird species. For those seeking more amenities while still enjoying beach access, Fort De Soto Campground near Saint Petersburg offers reservable sites with water and toilet facilities while maintaining a beautiful coastal setting.
Where can I find tent camping opportunities in Florida?
Florida offers diverse tent camping experiences across the state. For primitive tent camping enthusiasts, Black Water River State Forest Primitive Camping on the Florida-Alabama line provides a true backcountry experience. Remember to bring everything you need as there are no facilities, but you'll be rewarded with extensive hiking opportunities. For a more developed experience, Oscar Scherer State Park Campground on the Gulf Coast offers quiet tent sites with hiking and biking trails nearby. Other excellent tent camping options include Anastasia State Park Campground near St. Augustine, which provides beach access along with standard amenities, and Hillsborough River State Park with its beautiful riverside setting.
What are the top-rated campgrounds in Central Florida?
Central Florida offers excellent camping options with Santos Trailhead & Campground in Ocala standing out for its spacious, shaded sites that make you feel miles from civilization while actually being near town. It provides easy access to mountain biking trails and a peaceful forest setting. Another highly-rated option is Jonathan Dickinson State Park, which offers excellent value with great facilities for tent campers. The park features boat rentals and opportunities to paddle alongside manatees. For those seeking a unique experience, Istokpoga Canal Boat Ramp And Campsite provides gorgeous surroundings with options for both sun and shade, clean facilities, and trails connecting to nearby camping areas.
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