Best Tent Camping in Florida
Florida tent camping locations range from established sites to remote backcountry areas across diverse ecosystems. Hillsborough River State Park offers tent campsites with picnic tables and fire rings, while Cayo Costa State Park provides more primitive tent camping on a barrier island accessible only by boat. Dry Tortugas National Park features Garden Key Campground with basic tent sites located 70 miles west of Key West, offering a unique remote camping experience.
Most tent campgrounds in Florida require reservations, especially during winter months when conditions are most favorable. Sites typically feature sandy or packed dirt surfaces, though some locations like Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park include designated tent pads. Drinking water availability varies significantly between locations, with established parks providing potable water while primitive sites may have none. Tent campers should be prepared for high humidity and insects, particularly during summer months. Campfire regulations differ by location and season, with some parks like Highlands Hammock State Park prohibiting fires entirely.
The backcountry tent camping experience in Florida offers unique opportunities to experience natural environments away from crowds. Sites in the Everglades, like the Johnson Key Chickee, provide remote tent camping platforms surrounded by water. Primitive tent sites at Princess Place Preserve feature elevated platforms to help keep tents dry during rain. Florida's tent camping areas often provide access to hiking trails, paddling routes, and wildlife viewing opportunities. According to one visitor at Princess Place Preserve, "The camp sites are huge. The tent sites are elevated which should help keep the soil dryer in case of rain." Tent campers should note that weather conditions can change quickly, with afternoon thunderstorms common during summer months.
