R
Ron D.
Scout
ScoutLake Arbuckle Park & Campground
Site are fairly big and a rate of $20 to stay the night with water and electricity is reasonable. Bathrooms are not very clean. That's why I only gave a 3 star review.
Best Campgrounds in Florida
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.
Best Campgrounds in Florida (1,787)
1. Fort De Soto Campground
148 ReviewsTierra Verde, FLWebsite+1 (727) 582-2100$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."
2. Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
132 ReviewsWindermere, FLWebsite+1 (407) 939-2267$56 - $201 / night
"I love coming here even if I never step foot inside the theme parks. There plenty to do here. You can rent golf carts or bring your own. I love just driving around on the golf carts."
"The best campground in Florida ! Fun beautiful and lots to do even without going to the parks Wildlife is abundant Bunnies deer turkey"
3. Anastasia State Park Campground
123 ReviewsSt. Augustine, FLWebsite+1 (904) 461-2033$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."
4. Fort Pickens Campground — Gulf Islands National Seashore
103 ReviewsGulf Breeze, FLWebsite+1 (850) 934-2622$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."
5. Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park
99 ReviewsAtlantic Beach, FLWebsite+1 (904) 255-6767$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."
6. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park Campground
74 ReviewsSanta Rosa Beach, FLWebsite+1 (850) 267-8330$24 - $130 / 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!"
7. Manatee Springs State Park Campground
69 ReviewsChiefland, FLWebsite+1 (352) 493-6072$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."
8. Pine Grove Campground — Jonathan Dickinson State Park
63 ReviewsJupiter, FLWebsite+1 (772) 546-2771$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."
9. Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground
65 ReviewsApopka, FLWebsite+1 (407) 553-4383$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."
10. Hillsborough River State Park Campground
65 ReviewsThonotosassa, FLWebsite+1 (813) 987-6771$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."
Recent Camping Photos in Florida
1825 Photos of 1787 Florida Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
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Recent Reviews in Florida
8122 Reviews of 1787 Florida Campgrounds
Sue H.ScoutHenderson Beach State Park Campground
We stayed in Loop A, site 7. Sites are big, level, and secluded. Concrete sidewalk to beach boardwalk, which is also private. Bathrooms are clean and modern.
- Sue H.Scout
defuniak springs free camping
Directions on the dirt AND Google take you to an outdated, run down housing complex that's really sketchy looking. No campsite, bathroom, etc there.
- Nan N.
GuideJohn Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Campground
The sites are pretty close and right on top of one another, but the location is good! The bath houses are kept clean. There is construction here right now at the marina, so that's less than ideal, but it should be nice when done. We are here at a very rainy time, so it's pretty swampy and the mosquitoes are relentless, so highly recommend bug spray and a screened tent.
ashley R.GuideSt. Andrews State Park Campground
Heaven on earth!
Mary B.
TravelerAnastasia State Park Campground
We are in the tent section and the site is secluded with a forest feel. Rustic. The comfort station is clean and could use a little updating but works fine
- ddavid F.Scout
Ho-Hum RV Park
Not the best place for a family for an extended stay. Bath and showers are outdated and just a weird feeling there. Dirt lots and just not for me.
- ddavid F.Scout
Orlando/Kissimmee KOA
Tim and Leisha were the best! Great campsite close to Disney is what we wanted.. clean and well organized. They make you feel at home and they even invited us to dinner at the pool and provided all the food. I will definitely be going back when I’m in town. They loved our kiddos too!
Stuart K.
LegendJennings State Forest- Hammock Campground
Pristine, Secluded Camping Outcrop
You’ll only need to drive 30 minutes or so outside of JAX to access this one-of-a-kind back-country state forest featuring 24K acres of some pretty pristine thin longleaf pine forests complete with wiregrass where you’ll discover 9 pretty amazingly carved foot trails as well as 4 equestrian trails to take your noble steed for a ride. The roads in and around Jennings SF are unpaved heavily packed sandy dirt roads, so what that means when there’s lots of rain is a bit of a muddy mess where in some places you’ll need to be careful not to get stuck.
As for Hammock Campground, you’ll drive several miles to reach this camping outpost, but if you’re on the hunt for real P&Q and being nearly completely secluded, then the journey is well worth it. Just following the half dozen or so signs that beckon you here and upon arrival – you can’t miss it as there is one of those iconic FL shaped state park signs greeting you – just follow the lone, 1-way loop around the campground until you find your assigned # campsite. This is a primitive campground, so apart from an in-ground fire-ring w/ fold-over grill, 15 X 15 wooden perimeter tent camping pad (with raised sand silt ground) and standard issued picnic table, there aren’t many other amenities.
The single-use restrooms offer up a vaulted toilet and are - truth be told - God awful (make a note to bring your own TP) and not clean at all. There was a small communal area that featured a wonderful sheltered pavilion and a half dozen picnic tables along with a much larger communal fire pit with a half dozen seemingly brand new wooden benches – perfect for a bonfire or group s’mores for a party of 20 or so. I found the space between campsites along the serpentine-like drive to be perfectly spaced apart giving you decent distance between you and your neighbors with relatively good-to-great brush providing decent privacy.
Insider’s tips? Here’s a few: (1) From a fauna standpoint, you’ll be sharing this SF with the likes of white-tailed deer, otters, gray fox, eastern cottontail, raccoons, opossums, wild turkeys and the Florida black bear, so be sure to plan accordingly; (2) While we didn’t think to bring our bicycles with us, we regretted it – so be sure to load up yours as there are miles and miles of great bike trekking to be had, but do ensure you bring fatter bike tires that can get you through the heavy sand roads; (3) Should you have a kayak or canoe, you should bring it as there are some 4 different kayak launches to choose from that will have you oaring; (4) Jennings SF is connected to the Great Florida Birding trail and features such fowl as northern bobwhite quail, pine warbler and an assortment of hawks; and (5) Make no mistake about it friends, this is a thick forest and is a host to some of the worst ticks you can catch – so take it from me and bring the tick repellant and be sure to wear trousers.
Happy Camping!
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
- Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground that offer activities for kids. One parent said, “A little pricey but worth it in my opinion.”
- Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities to keep everyone entertained. A review from Hillsborough River State Park Campground mentioned, “Great campground with good shade and privacy between sites.”
- Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having food on hand can make outings easier. A camper at Wekiwa Springs State Park Campground noted, “We didn’t want to leave at the end of our trip.”
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
Which Florida campgrounds are most suitable for families with children?
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?
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?
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?
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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