Florida is a camper’s haven given the diverse range of experiences it offers from beachside retreats to deep forest adventures. Florida offers a variety of options for tent camping, with numerous campgrounds and state parks that cater to both tent campers and RV campers.
In this article we will focus particularly on tent camping in Florida. That doesn’t mean these sites are off for RV campers. Keep reading to find out the best camping spots for families, adventure seekers and solo travel along with famous hiking trails, attractions nearby and the best time to visit.
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Florida Camping
Beach Camping in Florida
Fort De Soto Park
Fort De Soto Park Campground, located near St. Petersburg, is a popular destination known for its beautiful beaches, historic sites, and excellent recreational facilities. They’ve got 238 campsites with water and electrical hookups and offer pristine, white sand beaches along the Gulf of Mexico.
Campsites are spread across three areas, Area 1, 2 and 3. Area 1 is designated for tents and small campers only (under 16 feet) while Area 2 & 3 are open to both tents and RVs, with many waterfront sites. If you are into wildlife viewing and birdwatching, Arrowhead Nature Trail is the hiking trail that you shouldn’t miss.
The park also features a 7-mile paved trail that connects to the Pinellas Trail. Plenty of aquatic activities to keep you occupied with all the kayaking, snorkelling, diving and boating. Gulf Pier and Bay Pier are two large fishing piers that offer excellent fishing opportunities.
You can rent all the equipment you need like kayaks and boats from the nearby shops. If you are interested in learning the location’s history, explore the historic fort, built in the early 1900s, and visit the small museum. Tampa Bay and Egmont Key State Park are two other nearby attractions that you should pay a visit to if you’ve the time.
Curry Hammock State Park
Located on Little Crawl Key in the Middle Keys, Curry Hammock State Park offers stunning ocean views, The campground offers 28 sites suitable for tents and RVs, all with ocean views and all amenities such as water, electric hookups, restrooms, showers, picnic tables, and grills.
Most sites have tent pads and Site 1 is ADA accessible. Campers on the west end of the beach have access to a fire pit. For the hikers, a 1.5-mile nature trail winds through the mangroves and along the shore. Biking is also allowed on the park’s roads and the Overseas Heritage Trail, which passes through the park.
Like most beach camping spots, you can go kayaking, canoeing, stand-up paddle boarding and snorkelling. Nearby attractions include one of the longest bridges in the world which is the Seven Mile Bridge and Bahia Honda State Park which is another splendid location for beach camping.
Anastasia State Park
Located in St. Augustine, camping at Anastasia State Park offers a blend of natural beauty, recreational activities, and proximity to historical attractions. There are 139 campsites suitable for tents and RVs. Each site is equipped with water and electric hookups, a picnic table, an in-ground grill, and a fire ring.
Easy access to 4 miles of pristine, white sandy beaches. It gets somewhat muddy when it rains though but then again that is to be expected. The Ancient Dunes Nature Trail is a popular hiker’s choice here which is a 0.7-mile loop through a shaded maritime hammock, offering a glimpse of the park’s diverse plant life.
The most important attraction here and the reason why this campsite is special is the St. Augustine historical area. Just a 10-minute drive away, you get to explore the rich history of America’s oldest city.
Visit Castillo de San Marcos, the St. Augustine Lighthouse, and other historic sites. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, explore the local wildlife, or visit nearby St. Augustine, Anastasia State Park provides an ideal setting for a memorable camping experience.
River Camping in Florida
St. Johns River
Camping along the St. Johns River in Florida offers a variety of experiences, from state parks with full amenities to more primitive and secluded spots. Some campgrounds that you should tryout are Blue Spring State Park in Orange City, Hontoon Island State Park in DeLand, Lake George State Forest near Seville and Trout Creek Park & Marina near Jacksonville.
The last one is a good base for exploring the northern part of the St. Johns River. All these locations offer campsites with electric and water hookups, restrooms, and shower facilities. If you prefer camping experience away from the crowd, Hontoon Island State Park is the ideal campground for you. Accessible only by boat or park ferry, this island park provides a more secluded camping experience with primitive campsites.
For wildlife viewing, Lake George State Forest is the best choice as it is home to a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles and deer. You can engage in all the usual aquatic activities like kayaking, boating, fishing and snorkelling in all these campsites. Many parks and forests along the river have scenic hiking trails as well. Camping along the St. Johns River offers a blend of relaxation and adventure in a beautiful natural setting. Enjoy your time exploring one of Florida’s most scenic and diverse rivers!
Myakka River
Camping along the Myakka River in Florida offers an invaluable chance to experience one of the state’s oldest and most diverse natural environments. Myakka River State Park is a popular location for campers. The environments range from wetlands to prairies, hammocks, and pinelands. And the wildlife from alligators, deer to various bird species. Located near Sarasota, the Myakka River State Park offers 90 campsites in total with hammock camping permitted on six of those.
Myakka River State Park offers a variety of camping options, including full-facility campsites, primitive campgrounds, and cabins. The full facility campsites include water and electric hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings. Restrooms with hot showers are nearby. Facilities are minimal on the primitive campsites of course so bring your own water.
If you are a camper who prefers the legitimate rugged and secluded experience, these primitive campsites are for you. For the cabin camping experience, you get rustic cabins with basic furnishings, kitchens, and bathrooms. You also get an elevated charcoal grill and fire pit as well as a picnic table outside. However, as of May 6, 2024, campfires in Myakka River State Park are not permitted until further notice due to a burn ban in Sarasota County.
There are over 39 miles of hiking trails and several miles of biking trails for hiking enthusiasts. Make sure to not miss the Canopy Walkway for a treetop view. Nearby attractions include the Warm Mineral Springs which are in North Port. This natural spring is known for its therapeutic waters, so it is worth a visit if you plan your camping trip well.
These are just a handful of the many camping sites available in Florida and as you can see, each site has its own way of delivering a special camping experience, tent or RV. For further contact information regarding these sites, check the website. Make sure to bring the appropriate camping gear such as a durable tent, sleeping bags, sleeping pads and the essential utensils.
Not to mention lightweight, quick-dry clothing, swimwear and extra layers for the evenings. The best time to camp in Florida depends on your weather preferences and planned activities. Fall and winter are generally considered the most comfortable and popular times, while spring offers blooming beauty and mild temperatures.
Summer can be hot and humid but provides the advantage of fewer crowds and certainly the time for water activities. With an early plan and accurate packing, you can enjoy a memorable camping experience in Florida year-round. Hope this guide is both informative and enjoyable. Happy camping!
Thanks for taking the time to read this article. I hope this post has given you the information you need. If you have any recommendations, tips or advice, I would love for you to share them in the comment section below!
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