Florida is a paradise for campers who love nature, adventure and sunshine. Whether you want to pitch a tent on a pristine beach, park your RV in a forested campground or rent a cozy cabin near a natural spring, you’ll find plenty of options for camping in Florida. Here are some of the best places to camp in Florida and what to do there.

Ocala National Forest

Ocala National Forest is the largest national forest in Florida, covering more than 600,000 acres of pine scrub, sandhills, lakes and springs. It’s also home to the Florida Black Bear Scenic Byway, a 60-mile route that showcases the forest’s diverse wildlife and landscapes. You can choose from 14 developed campgrounds with sites for tents and RVs, or opt for one of the two rustic cabins that can accommodate up to 12 people. The Salt Springs Recreation Area offers full hookups for RVs, as well as access to a natural spring pool where you can swim, snorkel or kayak. Other activities in Ocala National Forest include hiking, biking, fishing, hunting and horseback riding. You can also explore the Florida National Scenic Trail, a 1,500-mile path that crosses the forest and offers scenic views and wilderness camping.

Campsite fees start at $31 per night. You can make reservations online at recreation.gov or call 877-444-6777.

Florida State Parks

Florida State Parks offer more than 50 campgrounds across the state, ranging from beachfront sites to wooded retreats. You can enjoy full-facility campsites with water, electricity, grill and picnic table, as well as showers, restrooms and dump stations. Some parks also offer cabins, yurts, cottages and lodges for rent. Florida State Parks are ideal for camping in Florida because they provide access to some of the state’s most beautiful natural attractions, such as springs, rivers, lakes, beaches and wildlife habitats. You can also participate in various outdoor activities, such as swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, biking and birdwatching. Some of the most popular state parks for camping in Florida include:

• Bahia Honda State Park: Located on a tropical island in the Florida Keys, this park offers stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. You can camp on one of the three campgrounds with sites for tents and RVs, or rent one of the six cabins overlooking the water. You can also enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, fishing and hiking on the park’s trails and bridges.

• Anastasia State Park: Located near St. Augustine, this park features more than 4 miles of white sandy beach and a salt marsh teeming with wildlife. You can camp on one of the 139 sites for tents and RVs, or rent one of the seven cottages with kitchenettes and screened porches. You can also enjoy surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, fishing and hiking on the park’s trails and boardwalks.

• Fort De Soto Park: Located near St. Petersburg, this park consists of five interconnected islands with more than 7 miles of waterfront. You can camp on one of the 238 sites for tents and RVs, some of which have waterfront views. You can also enjoy swimming, kayaking, fishing and biking on the park’s trails and bike paths. The park also features a historic fort, a museum and a dog park.

You can make reservations online at floridastateparks.reserveamerica.com or call 800-326-3521. Campsite fees vary by park and season.

Other Campgrounds

If you’re looking for more camping options in Florida, you can also check out some of the private campgrounds and RV resorts that offer amenities and services for campers of all kinds. Some of these campgrounds are affiliated with national or regional chains, such as KOA, Jellystone Park and Thousand Trails, while others are independently owned and operated. Some of the best campgrounds and RV resorts in Florida include:

• Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort: Located near Orlando, this resort offers a magical camping experience for Disney fans. You can camp on one of the 750 sites for tents and RVs, or rent one of the 409 cabins with kitchenettes and porches. You can also enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, horseback riding and golfing on the resort’s facilities. You can also access the Disney theme parks, water parks and entertainment venues with complimentary transportation.

• Bluewater Key RV Resort: Located near Key West, this resort offers a luxurious camping experience for RVers. You can park your RV on one of the 81 sites, each with its own private tropical landscaping, tiki hut, patio furniture and grill. You can also enjoy swimming, kayaking, fishing and boating on the resort’s waterfront and marina.

• Camp Gulf: Located near Destin, this campground offers a beachfront camping experience for tents and RVs. You can camp on one of the 200 sites, some of which are right on the sand. You can also enjoy swimming, surfing, fishing and parasailing on the campground’s beach and water sports rentals.

You can make reservations online or by phone for these campgrounds. Campsite fees vary by campground and season.

Tips for Camping in Florida

Camping in Florida is a great way to enjoy the state’s natural beauty, diversity and fun. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or an adventurous vacation, you’ll find a campground that suits your needs and preferences. However, camping in Florida also comes with some challenges, such as heat, humidity, bugs and weather. Here are some tips to help you have a successful camping trip in Florida:

• Keep a checklist: Before you pack your bags, make sure you have everything you need for camping in Florida. Some of the essential items include water, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, map, insect repellent, rain jacket, tent stakes, sleeping cot and flashlight. You can find many camping checklists online or in books and magazines to help you prepare.
• Make sure your tent is big enough: As mentioned earlier, a larger tent allows for better air circulation and comfort in hot and humid Florida. You should also look for a tent with screened windows on all sides to let the breeze in and keep the bugs out. If possible, find a shady site near water to keep your tent cool.
• Value your sleep: Sleeping well is important for enjoying your camping trip in Florida. You should bring a sleeping bag that is suitable for warm weather (such as a lightweight synthetic or cotton bag) or a sheet and blanket that you can adjust according to the temperature. You should also bring a sleeping pad or cot to elevate yourself from the ground and provide some cushioning. A pillow or inflatable pillow can also make a difference in your comfort level.
• Stay safe: Camping in Florida can expose you to some hazards, such as wildlife, plants, fire and water. You should always follow the rules and regulations of your campground and respect the nature around you. You should also be aware of your surroundings and avoid touching or feeding any animals or plants that you are not familiar with. You should also keep your food and trash secure from animals and dispose of them properly. You should also practice fire safety by using designated fire pits or grills and keeping them away from flammable materials. You should also be careful around water sources and avoid swimming or boating alone or in bad weather.
• Test your gear first: Before you head out to your campground, you should make sure that your gear is working properly and that you know how to use it. You should set up your tent at home

FAQs for Camping in Florida

Here are some of the frequently asked questions (FAQs) for camping in Florida and their answers:

• Does Florida have good camping?

Yes, Florida has good camping for all types of campers, from tent campers to RVers to cabin dwellers. Florida offers camping in national parks and forests, state parks and recreational areas, county and city parks, as well as private campgrounds. The right campground provides a home base for outdoor enthusiasts – from active sports such as hiking and biking to more relaxing pursuits, such as fishing and boating¹.

• Where can you camp for free in Florida?

There are some places where you can camp for free in Florida, but they are usually primitive, dispersed and without facilities. You can camp for free on most national forest lands and grasslands, unless otherwise posted. You can also camp for free on some water management district lands, but you may need a permit or reservation. You can also camp for free on some Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands, but they are very limited in Florida. You can find more information about free camping in Florida on websites such as freecampsites.net or campendium.com.

• Where is it legal to camp in Florida?

It is legal to camp in Florida on designated campgrounds that are managed by federal, state, county or city agencies, or by private owners. You can find a list of campgrounds in Florida on websites such as floridastateparks.org, recreation.gov, reserveamerica.com or koa.com. It is illegal to camp in Florida on private property without permission, on public property that is not designated for camping, or on any area that is posted as no camping.

• How much does it cost to camp in Florida?

The cost of camping in Florida varies depending on the type of campground, the location, the season and the amenities. Generally, camping fees range from $16 to $42 per night for state park campsites, from $31 to $50 per night for national forest campsites, and from $20 to $100 per night for private campgrounds². Some campgrounds may also charge extra fees for reservations, hookups, pets or additional vehicles. You can find more information about camping fees in Florida on the websites of the campground providers or on websites such as campflorida.com or rvparkreviews.com.