18 Best Campgrounds in Florida
Florida is one of the most popular states in the US and it’s not hard to see why. It has beautiful beaches, lots of sunshine and it’s home to some great camping spots.
We have had the opportunity to stay at some of the best campgrounds in Florida. My husband and I lived in Florida for a year before we had children. Although we are New Englanders now we still visit the Sunshine State every year.
Recently we decided to become snowbirds and travel down south with our Camper Callie! This past winter we stayed in Florida Campgrounds for 2 months!
Here are some of the best campgrounds in Florida organized by region.
Panhandle Camping
Henderson Beach State Park Campground
Henderson Beach State Park Campground is located in the Panhandle region of Florida. This is in the highly sought after family beach vacation destination, Destin. The campground offers secluded sites and swimming as well as fishing opportunities on the Gulf of Mexico.
Our favorite part about this campground is that there is a private beach just for campers. A non crowded pristine white beach in Destin? Sign me up!
This has been time and time again the most mentioned when asked “what is one of the best campgrounds in Florida?” This is a Florida State Park, so they book quickly. Be sure to reserve 11 months in advance if possible.
Blackwater River State Park Campground
Blackwater River State Park is a great camping destination in Milton Florida that offers visitors a chance to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
The park is home to the Blackwater River, which is a popular spot for kayaking, canoeing, and tubing. Visitors can camp at one of the park’s well-equipped campsites, which offer amenities such as picnic tables, grills, and fire rings.
The park also offers hiking trails, fishing, and swimming opportunities in the crystal-clear waters of the river. Blackwater River State Park is a great choice for anyone looking to enjoy outdoor activities in a beautiful and peaceful natural setting.
Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park Campground
Although the name is a mouthful, this is a must see to add to your list of the best campgrounds in Florida!
The park itself is located on St. George Island, a barrier island off the coast of Florida’s panhandle, providing campers with breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico.
The park’s campground offers both RV and tent camping sites, all of which are spacious, shaded, and equipped with picnic tables, grills, and access to water and electric hookups.
In addition to the campground’s amenities, the park offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, birdwatching, and swimming. The park also has a network of trails that allow campers to explore the island’s unique ecosystem, which includes salt marshes, sand dunes, and coastal forests.
The park’s beach is also a major draw, with pristine white sand and crystal clear waters perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying stunning sunsets.
Gulf Coast Camping
Fort De Soto Park Campground
Fort De Soto Campground is located on the Gulf of Mexico, and it has over 200 campsites. You can choose from a variety of sites including RV water/electric hookups and tent sites.
There are also showers, restrooms, laundry facilities and more at this campground.
Fort De Soto Park is close by if you want to ride your bike on the trails or take advantage of their beaches.
Our favorite beach at Fort De Soto Park is North Beach where we once found 13 sand dollars in one afternoon! This is one of the best campgrounds in Florida.
Rainbow Springs State Park Campground
Rainbow Springs State Park is a beautiful and tranquil camping destination in Dunnellon, Florida that offers visitors a chance to experience the natural beauty of the area up close.
The park is home to stunning waterfalls, crystal-clear springs, and lush forests, making it a haven for nature lovers. Visitors can camp at one of the park’s well-equipped camping sites, go hiking or biking on the park’s many trails. Or, of course, explore the park’s numerous springs and waterways.
Myakka River State Park Campground
One of the main draws of this park is its stunning natural beauty. The park is home to miles of pristine wilderness, including expansive wetlands, pine forests, and the Myakka River State Park itself.
This makes it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking, fishing, boating, and wildlife watching.
Speaking of wildlife watching, one of the park’s most famous residents is its large population of alligators. These magnificent creatures can often be spotted lounging in the sun along the riverbanks. I heard these are some of the biggest alligators in the state!
The campground at Myakka River State Park offers a range of camping options, including tent sites, RV sites, and cabins. The facilities are well-maintained and include amenities such as picnic tables, grills, and access to electricity and water.
Inland Camping
Blue Spring State Park Campground
The park is located on the banks of the Santa Fe River in Orange City, Florida. It features a variety of activities including hiking, canoeing and kayaking. The park also has an interpretive center that offers tours throughout the year.
Blue Spring itself is one of Florida’s most popular springs for swimming and diving because it has no currents or waves (if you’re into snorkeling).
Because of conservation efforts the manatee population is increasing. In 2022 the number of winter manatees reached a record of 724.
Silver Springs State Park Campground
Silver Springs State Park Campground is located in Ocala, Florida. The park offers a variety of campsites, including tent sites, RV sites and cabins.
I first heard about this campground by a lady I met at a pool. She told me that there are monkeys in Silver Springs State Park! Apparently, Silver Springs State Park is home to a unique population of monkeys, which were brought to the park in the 1930s for use in a tourist attraction.
The monkeys were part of a larger attraction called “Colonial Spanish Quarter,” which was a recreation of a colonial-era Spanish village. The monkeys were added to the attraction as a way to add to the “authenticity” of the experience.
As the attraction closed, the owner decided to just release the monkeys. They have been there ever since!
My kids agree this is the best campground in Florida (and unique!). This is one of the best Florida State Parks for camping.
Ocala National Forest Campgrounds
This national forest is located in Central Florida. There are many different campgrounds to choose from in this area. It offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, camping, and fishing. There are a variety of campsites available, including tent sites and RV sites.
This is a popular place to camp because there are lots of areas to enjoy “dispersed camping”. Dispersed camping is just camping for free in areas that allow it.
A few favorite campgrounds from Ocala National Forest:
Salt Springs Campground – full hookups
Rodman Campground – water/electric only
Alexander Springs Campground – primitive camping
Juniper Springs Campground – primitive camping
Lake Delancy Campground – primitive camping
Lake Kissimmee State Park Campground
This park is home to one of the largest remaining tracts of Florida dry prairie, providing visitors with a unique and beautiful natural setting.
The park is also located on the shores of Lake Kissimmee, one of Florida’s largest and most picturesque lakes. This offers campers breathtaking views of the water and plenty of opportunities for fishing, boating, and kayaking.
The campground itself offers a range of camping options, including tent sites, RV sites, and cabins, all of which are well-maintained and equipped with amenities such as picnic tables, grills, and fire rings.
The park also offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking trails, birdwatching, and horseback riding, as well as ranger-led tours and educational programs.
Atlantic Coast Camping
Anastasia State Park Campground
This campground is located on Anastasia Island, which is known for its pristine beaches, beautiful sand dunes, and unique ecosystems.
The campground itself is nestled among the island’s natural vegetation, providing campers with a peaceful and serene atmosphere.
The campground offers a range of camping options, all of which are well-maintained and equipped with amenities such as picnic tables, grills, and access to electricity and water. The park also offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking trails, fishing, and swimming as well as opportunities for kayaking and paddle boarding.
Anastasia State Park is also home to the Anastasia Island Lighthouse, which was built in 1874 and is open to the public for tours. The park also has a rich history dating back to the time of the Spanish conquistadors. There are several historical landmarks and structures within the park that offer visitors a glimpse into the area’s past.
Anastasia State Park campground is located just a few miles from the historic city of St. Augustine. This city is well known for its rich history, cultural attractions, and delicious cuisine.
Visitors can easily spend a day exploring the city’s historic landmarks, museums, and art galleries, and then return to the peaceful and beautiful surroundings of the campground.
Jonathan Dickinson State Park Campground
This state park is located in a beautiful natural setting that offers visitors a chance to explore Florida’s unique ecosystems.
The park is home to a variety of habitats, including riverine swamp, sand pine scrub, and coastal strand, providing visitors with a diverse range of outdoor experiences.
One of the main draws of Jonathan Dickinson State Park campground is its proximity to the Loxahatchee River! This is one of only two designated Wild and Scenic Rivers in Florida. Visitors can rent canoes or kayaks to explore the river, which is home to a variety of wildlife, including manatees, alligators, and bald eagles.
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Campground
This park is located in the Florida Keys and is the first undersea park in the United States, covering 70 nautical square miles.
This is a State Park campground, so be sure to reserve these early! They go live 11 months in advance.
The park also offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking trails, fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding, and snorkeling.
One of the main attractions of John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Campground is the park’s extensive coral reefs and abundant marine life. Be sure to rent a glass bottom kayak to see the beauty that lies underneath!
The park is home to some of the most spectacular underwater scenery in the world! Including colorful coral formations, schools of tropical fish, and even shipwrecks.
Bahia Honda State Park Campground
This state park is located on Big Pine Key in the Florida Keys. It offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Old Railroad Bridge.
Bahia Honda State Park offers a range of recreational activities, such as hiking, fishing, and snorkeling.
One of the main attractions of the park is its stunning beaches. These are regularly ranked among the best in the country. This campground is easily one of the best campgrounds in Florida!
Additionally, the park features historic structures, such as the Bahia Honda Rail Bridge, a must see architectural wonder.
In conclusion, Florida offers a plethora of amazing campgrounds for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. From the beaches of the Gulf Coast to the forests of the panhandle, there are campgrounds for every type of camper.
Whether you prefer RV camping or pitching a tent, the state has something to offer for everyone. Our list of the best Florida campgrounds provides a starting point for exploring all the Sunshine State has to offer.
So pack your bags, grab your gear, and get ready for an unforgettable camping adventure in Florida.
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