Florida is a paradise for campers, with its diverse natural landscapes, abundant wildlife, and year-round warm weather. Whether you prefer to pitch a tent, park an RV, or rent a cabin, you can find a campground that suits your needs and budget in one of the many state parks in Florida. In this guide, we will introduce you to some of the best Florida state parks for camping, and what you can expect to see and do there.
Why Camp in Florida State Parks?
Florida state parks offer more than just a place to sleep. They are also destinations for outdoor recreation, education, and conservation. Here are some of the benefits of camping in Florida state parks:
- You can enjoy access to some of the most scenic and diverse natural areas in the state, from pristine beaches and springs to lush forests and wetlands.
- You can explore the rich history and culture of Florida, with many state parks featuring historic sites, museums, and interpretive programs.
- You can participate in a variety of activities, such as hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and more.
- You can support the preservation and management of Florida’s natural and cultural resources, as your camping fees help fund the state park system.
- You can save money and time, as state park campgrounds are generally cheaper and closer than private campgrounds.
How to Camp in Florida State Parks?
Camping in Florida state parks is easy and convenient, but you need to plan ahead and follow some rules. Here are some tips on how to camp in Florida state parks:
- Make a reservation. Florida state parks are very popular, especially during peak seasons and holidays. You can reserve a campsite online at reserve.floridastateparks.org or by calling 800-326-3521 or TDD 888-433-0287. You can book up to 11 months in advance, and you need to pay a fee (campsites range from $16 to $42 per night).
- Choose your campground. Florida state parks offer different types of campgrounds, from full-facility campsites with water, electricity, a grill and picnic table, along with centralized showers, restrooms and dump station, to primitive campsites with no amenities. Some state parks also have cabins or group camps for rent. The maximum RV length varies by park.
- Check the weather. Florida’s climate is generally warm and humid, but it can also be unpredictable. Be prepared for rain, wind, heat, cold, or storms depending on the season and location. Pack appropriate clothing, gear, and protection.
- Follow the rules. Florida state parks have regulations to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all visitors and the protection of the environment. Some of the rules include:
- Check-in and check-out times are usually 3 p.m. and 1 p.m., respectively.
- Quiet hours are from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m.
- Pets are allowed in most campgrounds but must be leashed and well-behaved.
- Fires are allowed only in designated fire rings or grills.
- Alcohol is prohibited in most state parks.
- Leave no trace: pack out what you pack in.
What are the Best Florida State Parks for Camping?
Florida has more than 175 state parks, so choosing the best ones for camping can be challenging. To help you narrow down your options, we have selected some of the best Florida state parks for camping based on their location, scenery, facilities, activities, and reviews. Here they are:
Fort De Soto Park
This park is located on five offshore keys in Pinellas County and offers stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa Bay. It has four full-facility campgrounds with 238 campsites (some waterfront), as well as two group campsites. It also has a historic fort, two fishing piers, a boat ramp, a dog park, a nature trail, a canoe trail, and a beach that was voted America’s best by TripAdvisor in 2008 and 2009.[^1^][5]
Fort De Soto Park is a great place to enjoy the sun, sand, and sea, as well as the history and wildlife of the area. You can fish for snook, redfish, trout, and more, or kayak through the mangroves and see dolphins, manatees, and birds. You can also visit the fort and learn about its role in the Spanish-American War, or relax on the beach and watch the sunset.
Fort De Soto Park is located at 3500 Pinellas Bayway S, Saint Petersburg, FL 33715. For more information, visit https://pinellas.gov/parks/fort-de-soto-park/.
Honeymoon Island State Park
This park is located on a barrier island across St. Joseph’s Sound from Palm Harbor, Ozona, and Crystal Beach. It has a full-facility campground with 28 campsites, as well as four cabins. It also has four miles of sandy beaches, a nature center, a butterfly garden, a bird observation area, a hiking trail, a bike path, and a ferry service to Caladesi Island State Park, another popular camping destination.[^2^][6]
Honeymoon Island State Park is a perfect spot for nature lovers and beach goers alike. You can swim, surf, or sunbathe on the beach, or snorkel and scuba dive in the clear water. You can also hike or bike through the pine forest and see ospreys, eagles, gopher tortoises, and armadillos. You can also take the ferry to Caladesi Island and explore its pristine beach and mangrove swamp.
Honeymoon Island State Park is located at 1 Causeway Blvd, Dunedin, FL 34698. For more information, visit https://floridastateparks.org/honeymoonisland.
Silver Springs State Park
This park is home to Florida’s original tourist attraction: the glass-bottom boat tours that started in 1878. It has two full-facility campgrounds with 59 campsites, as well as 10 cabins. It also has one of the largest artesian springs in the world, where you can kayak or canoe and see wildlife such as wild monkeys, manatees, alligators, otters, and birds. It also has hiking and biking trails, a museum, a pioneer village, and a concert venue.[^3^][1]
Silver Springs State Park is a place to experience the natural beauty and history of Florida. You can marvel at the crystal-clear water and colorful fish from the glass-bottom boat tour, or paddle your own way through the spring and river. You can also walk or bike through the oak hammock and sandhill habitats and see deer, foxes, turkeys, and more. You can also visit the museum and learn about the history of the park and its role in Hollywood movies.
Silver Springs State Park is located at 5656 E Silver Springs Blvd, Silver Springs, FL 34488. For more information, visit https://www.floridastateparks.org/silversprings.
Myakka River State Park
This park is one of the oldest and largest state parks in Florida, covering 37,000 acres of wetlands, prairies, hammocks, and pinelands. It has three full-facility campgrounds with 90 campsites, as well as five historic log cabins. It also has a scenic lake, a winding river, an observation tower, a canopy walkway, a boat tour, an air
FAQs
How much are Florida State Parks camping?
Camping fees in Florida state parks vary depending on the park and the type of campsite. Backcountry campsites are typically the least expensive, while RV campsites with hookups are the most expensive.How much are Florida State Parks camping?
How many Florida state parks allow camping?
There are over 175 state parks in Florida, and most of them allow camping. Some parks offer a variety of camping options, while others only offer a few.
Can I camp at Florida state parks?
Yes, you can camp at Florida state parks. However, it is important to make reservations in advance, especially during peak season. You can make reservations online or by calling the park’s reservation office.
Is Florida a good state for camping?
Florida is a great state for camping. The state has a variety of natural landscapes, from the white-sand beaches of the Atlantic Coast to the lush forests of the Everglades. There are also many state parks in Florida that offer camping, so you’re sure to find the perfect spot for your next camping trip.
Here are some additional questions that you may have about camping in Florida state parks:
- What are the best times of year to camp in Florida?
The best times to camp in Florida are spring and fall, when the weather is mild. Summer can be hot and humid, and winter can be cold, so these are not the best times to camp.
- What are the amenities that are available at Florida state parks?
The amenities that are available at Florida state parks vary depending on the park. Some parks have basic amenities, such as restrooms and showers, while others have more amenities, such as laundry facilities and dump stations.
- What are the rules and regulations for camping in Florida state parks?
There are a few rules and regulations that you need to follow when camping in Florida state parks. These rules and regulations are designed to protect the environment and ensure the safety of campers.
