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
"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."
$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."
$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."
ScoutFelt safe in a gated community over looking the firehouse but also felt like maybe we were not supposed to be there and so we spent a lot of time inside our trailer.
TravelerHas a lake for swimming, small playground for kids, nice trails. Waterfall depends on rainfall however was a nice addition to the hike. Site 7 was close to site 8. We could hear them walking around the inside of their trailer. It was the only site close to another site. 7
TravelerMy family and I have stayed at this historic campground for over 50 years. It is a taste of old florida , with sandy streets and very few streetlights . Several wonderful bath houses and half a mile bike ride to the beach . Sanibel has many miles of bicycle paths ( class 1 only ). And many on the island bicycle . This is a wonderful campground .
ScoutI'd like to give you the positives. Crisp, clean, manicured, food and bar pretty good, well-appointed amenities. We had a pretty good week, having found a quiet pool area. Saw a bald eagle and a swallow-tail kite. I’d like to tell you about that, but that’s not the review.
Here’s the review: if you book here, you will be checking into a bizarre combination of tropical paradise, tailgate party, spring break, and a middle school playground. On St. Patrick's Day, we had been doing some sightseeing. We came back to our site, and the folks who had arrived behind us fired up their music. I don't have a problem with music or other noise prior to"quiet time," so long as it's not over the top. This was way over the top. Kim was on the phone with the nursing home about her 91-year old mother and she couldn't hear the other end of the call.
We called Security and asked for help, they came around and talked to the offenders. Whereupon the offenders started yelling around"who complained about our music?" And, they sent their preteen daughters on their bicycles going around and asking"did you complain?” Let's just say it was downhill from there. They jacked the volume even more, and started taunting us. Kim lost her temper and started yelling at them to quiet down. They responded by threatening her. She told me to call security, but since they hadn’t helped, and the on-duty rent-a-cop had no interest in helping, I called 911(which the campground rules said to do in an emergency). Apparently, that was a mistake. The rent-a-cop was pissed off that we called 911 when he was supposed to already be on top of it(which he wasn't). So there was a conclave of police cars, and the night manager, and the three large guys from the offending site, etc.
Bottom line: management demanded that WE leave, in half an hour, or be arrested. It’s 10:30 pm, and I told the rent-a-cop that I was in no shape to drive. “Figure it out,” he said, and walked away. So two 70-year olds had 30 minutes to get everything packed up and drive to some alternative place.
While we were striking the site, the kids at the offending site were chanting"we won, we won." And they started playing"Hit the Road You Jack" quite loud. And the adults were yelling"we're Republicans. We can do whatever we want." They noted our Maine license plates and told us to"go back to Canada where you belong."
We ended up in a wicked expensive hotel in the next town over, paying spring break prices($340 a night!!). And we lost the cost of two nights at the campground.
So if you’re a party animal, this may be your kind of place. Just don’t complain about anything, or you will be asked to leave.
It’s interesting to note which rules are enforced and which aren’t. For instance, there’s a poolside bar, and lots of signs between the bar and the pool saying“no food or drink beyond this point.” Not only was there lots of food and drink around the pool, there were wait staff taking orders and delivering it.
In retrospect, the fact that they have a rent-a-cop cruising the premises every night should have been a red flag. I’ve never seen that before, but apparently they expect rowdiness. They just don’t want to deal with the negative repercussions.
TravelerSecluded campground near a boat launch. Our spot was right on a creek, and you could have had a boat right out back. Cool, quiet place
TravelerClean facilities, level gravel lots on most sites, the beach is pristine, even some hiking trails. A must visit campground and State Park. Some sites even are direct waterfront.
TravelerThis is a great RV Park. Things to do for the kids everyday, private beach access, Places to rent Kayaks, and great location, BUT it was the most that I have ever paid for a RV site.
ScoutThe location is convenient to restaurants shopping and I95 interstate. Very friendly people
TravelerClean, quiet and full hookups. Bath with showers and laundry. Lots of blacktop to bike. Right on a Marina and beaches.
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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