9 Best Places to Camp in Florida

9 Best Places to Camp in Florida - Jelt Belt

If you look for the best places to camp in Florida, you'll come across a lot of warnings about hot, muggy, mosquito-infested nights in swampy settings. While camping in the wrong place at the wrong time can always result in this exact experience, there are many wonderful places to camp when the season is right. (If you want to avoid sweltering heat, heavy rains, and an abundance of biting bugs on your camping trip, stick to the months between October and March). From dense forests to the tropical Florida Keys, we have mentioned the best places to camp in Florida below.

Before we jump into our list of places, we should have a look at certain necessary things you should pack for your camping trip.

Essential Things to Pack for Your Camping Trip

Essential Things to Pack for Your Camping Trip

Now it’s time to get to the exciting part of this piece - The best places to camp in Florida.

1. Sunshine Key RV Park and Marina

Sunshine Key RV Park and Marina

Sunshine Key RV Park and Marina offer a combination of an RV resort and a nearby marina as two of its amenities. It is located near Big Pine Key in the lower Florida Keys and provides access to a variety of water activities, including a beach, kayaking, fishing, swimming in a lovely 90-degree pool, diving, and snorkeling.

2. Long Key State Park 

Long Key State Park

This camping spot, which spans nearly 1,000 acres along Long Key, was once a favorite of wealthy socialites, celebrities, and even U.S. presidents in the early twentieth century. 

This beachy state park now offers kayaking, hiking, birding, fishing, and snorkeling. If you want to spend the night, Long Key has tent-only oceanfront campsites with views of the Florida Keys.

3. St. George Island State Park

St. George Island State Park

St. George Island State Park, located on the east end of St. George Island, is a state park in northwestern Florida accessible via a 4-mile-long bridge off US-98. 

Also known as Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park has a campground with 60 campsites with electricity and water hookups, a central dump station, and two bath houses with hot showers, toilets, and washing facilities. 

A short hike or kayak trip will take you to two tent-only camping areas, and a basic group camping area is also available for scouts. St. George Island State Park has six large picnic shelters with picnic tables and grills, as well as a variety of activities, such as swimming, shelling, beachcombing, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing.

4. Flamingo Campground, Everglades National Park

Flamingo Campground

On the shores of the Florida Bay, Flamingo Campground in Everglades National Park provides walk-in and drive-up tent campsites. Solar-heated showers, picnic tables, and grills are among the many amenities here. 

Birdwatchers in Florida will enjoy the park's more than 300 avian species, as well as other wildlife, like manatees and crocodiles, in the marina area. Paddlers will appreciate the park's extensive mangrove forests, canals, and canoeing trails.

5. Hopkins Prairie Campground

Flamingo Campground

Hopkins Prairie Campground is ideal for both backpackers and tent campers. This site on the Florida Trail in the Ocala National Forest is shaded by an oak hammock and surrounded by winding grasslands. 

It has a hand pump for water, vault toilets, and parking. You can enjoy fishing in the scattered ponds and shallows of the prairie, as well as in Lake George to the east. To the north, stop in Salt Springs for gas, supplies, and outdoor gear.

6. Cayo Costa State Park

Cayo Costa State Park

You can camp in almost any state, but what distinguishes camping in Florida is the opportunity to do so on the beach or near the ocean. Cayo Costa State Park, where primitive campsites and cabins are available for overnight stays, has stunning oceanfront camping views.

The only way to get to this unspoiled Gulf Coast island is by boat or kayak, though a ferry service runs from several locations on the mainland, those who make the trip will be rewarded with blue water, dunes, sun-bleached trees twisted by the wind, and nine miles of freedom along the undeveloped shoreline.

7. Anastasia State Park

Anastasia State Park

Visit Anastasia State Park to show your appreciation for not only the beach, but also the wildlife that surrounds it. Visit the dunes by walking on turbulent trails. Nothing but a serene and tranquil view of the ocean will greet you for up to 4 miles. You can go bird-watching or snorkeling in the beautiful ocean here.

Spend some time beachcombing if you want to find some valuable items. There are nearly 140 camping spots available. Some are only a short walk from the beach, while others will require you to take a taxi.

8. Bahia Honda State Park

Bahia Honda State Park

Beautiful beaches, camping, and an abundance of emerald-colored waters can be found at Bahia Honda State Park.

Every mile of your journey to the Florida Keys will be filled with joy and breathtaking views of the ocean. Whether you're driving a travel trailer or pitching a tent in front of the ocean, this place has it all.

Snorkeling and bathing in the sun while the sea breeze cools you down are two of the best activities you can do here with your family. Enthusiastic anglers can rent boats or fish from the shore. In addition to kayaking, reef trips are available.

The majority of the camping areas have water and electricity hookups. To make things even better, you can bring your pets.

9. Florida Caverns State Park

Florida Caverns State Park

This is one of the few state parks in Florida with dry caves and the only one that offers public cave tours.

Most camping areas in Florida offer water sports and other activities, as well as the beauty of the ocean. This is one of the most unusual camping spots because it allows you to discover the mysteries of the caves.

Almost all of the caves here are dry caves, and you can explore them on dozens of tours. Flowstones, limestone stalactites, soda straws, and other minerals and natural components contribute to the region's incredible landscape. You can have even more fun by going fishing, horseback riding, or trekking.

There are over 30 camping sites here with rates to suit any budget.

Wrapping Up

So, these were our top 9 places to camp in Florida. You can go with your friends and family or even on a solo trip, and enjoy your time away from all the worries about your otherwise hectic lifestyle. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of camping?

Camping can prove to be beneficial for both your physical and mental health. Here are some of the benefits camping provides:

  • Peace and Quiet
  • Reduces stress
  • Builds better relationships with family and friends
  • Better sleep
  • Intake of fresh air
  • Unplugging and getting away from screen
  • Connection with nature

How do you pick a good spot to camp?

Choosing the right campsite can make or break your camping trip. As a result, you must proceed with caution. Listed below are some considerations to make when selecting a campsite:

  • Look for level ground.
  • Examine the drainage at your campsite.
  • Make the most of the sun and the shade.
  • Examine your surroundings for high-traffic areas.
  • Look for poisonous trees.

What are the common types of camping?

The common types of camping are:

  • Tent camping
  • Backpack camping
  • Survivalist camping
  • Canoe Camping
  • RV and Van Camping

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