In the Sunshine State, camping takes on a whole new meaning. Camping in Florida gives you acres of wide-open beaches, breathtaking ocean views, and crystal-clear seas.
Plan a trip to one of Florida’s top camping locations if you’re searching for your next outdoor adventure.
(For a cooler and less-buggy experience, bring plenty of bug spray and camp between October and March.)
Summary
| Guide | Camping In Florida |
|---|---|
| Things to bring | Sunglasses, water, etc |
| Best Places to Visit near Florida | Sarasota, Key west, etc |
| Campgrounds | Long Key State Park, Rainbow Springs State Park, etc |
| Situated | Florida |
Camping In Florida
1. Long Key State Park
This camping area, which spans approximately 1,000 acres around Long Key (one of the Florida Keys), was formerly a favorite of affluent socialites, celebrities, and even US presidents in the early twentieth century.
Kayaking, hiking, birdwatching, fishing, and snorkeling are available at this beach state park.
Long Key provides tent-only beachside campsites with views of the Florida Keys if you opt to stay the night.
Address: 67400 Overseas Hwy, Layton, FL 33001
2. Myakka River State Park
This State Park is one of Florida’s oldest and largest parks, centered on its eponymous river, which meanders through 58 square miles of marshes, grasslands, and pinelands.
Boating, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing are all popular activities in this area.
Hikers and bicyclists will enjoy miles of trails. Set up a tent around a fire pit and break out the s’mores at one of the six campsites in the region.
Make a point of climbing into Myakka’s palm tree canopy, which provides beautiful vistas.
Address: 13208 State Rd 72, Sarasota, FL 34241
3. Blackwater River State Park
This Park is a must-see for Game of Thrones enthusiasts. This golden brown-hued river, which runs through Blackwater State Forest and the neighboring park, defies its name.
Indeed, the forest is one of the world’s biggest contiguous longleaf pine/wiregrass regions, making it rarer than tropical rainforests.
Of course, campsites abound in this area. Electric service, potable water, RV connections, picnic tables, fire rings, and grills are available at every 30 sites.
Address: 7720 Deaton Bridge Rd, Holt, FL 32564
4. Cayo Costa Island State Park
This Park is only accessible by boat or kayak and offers nine miles of unspoiled beachside splendor.
Cayo Costa is the essence of Florida camping and has opportunities for fishing, swimming, snorkeling, and shelling.
It doesn’t get much more lovely than this, with cottages and campsites flanking the shop.
Address: Captiva, Florida 33924
5. Rainbow Springs State Park
Thanks to its lush, mossy hammocks and artificial waterfalls, humans have been visiting Rainbow Springs for thousands of years.
The pure, aqua-blue waters are a pleasure to behold, and they’re a great place to cool off after a day of touring and trekking the grounds.
Camping on-site allows you to enjoy the springs for several days.
A campsite store, showers and bathrooms, a laundry facility, and a playground for the kids are among the amenities.
Address: 19158 SW 81st Pl Rd, Dunnellon, FL 34432
6. Fort De Soto County Park
It has five beautiful islands that comprise over 1,100 acres of land and include award-winning beaches.
This camping location has something for everyone, with canoeing, kayaking, and hiking aplenty.
There’s even a fort with gun holds, cannons, and shooting galleys (thus the name).
The more you go towards the summit, you see views of the park and Tampa Bay.
Address: St. Petersburg, FL 33715
7. Canaveral National Seashore
At Canaveral National Seashore, there are more than a dozen island campgrounds. What’s the best part?
You may (and should!) time your visit to coincide with a rocket launch since this park is known for providing spectacular views of the NASA facility.
Address: S Washington Ave, Titusville, FL 32796
Best Places To Visit near Florida
Sarasota
Think again if you think this tiny community on Florida’s west coast is like any other in the state.
Sarasota attracts art lovers and collectors with many art-related attractions and events such as the John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art, the Art Center Sarasota, and many craft exhibits and festivals.
However, art in this country is not just about classic works like paintings and sculptures.
Ballet, opera, and circus acts are all popular forms of entertainment in this seaside city. In reality, the circus has a stronghold in Sarasota.
Two of the Ringling Bros. Circus’ founders, John and Charles Ringling, relocated to Sarasota just before it became a city in 1913.
In addition, John Ringling’s old mansion, Ca’ d’Zan, is now one of the city’s most popular attractions.
Key West
Key West, known for its beautiful beaches and quirky locals who live in the moment, provides a relaxing yet surprising beachside excursion.
Follow in the footsteps of the locals (known as Conchs) and explore where your free spirit may take you (possibly on a guided tour or a snorkeling trip).
You may find yourself at a Duval Street bar, a Mallory Square boutique, or perhaps Ernest Hemingway’s old house.
Checklist Before Camping In Florida
There are many different camping checklists in books, periodicals, and online.
The following is a list of common goods as well as items that may be particularly necessary while camping in Florida:
- water
- sunscreen
- sunglasses
- A hat that shields your face
- a good map
- insect repellent (not just for mosquitoes, but ticks and chiggers, too)
- flip-flops for wearing in public showers
- flashlight
- first-aid kit
- toiletries
- trash bags
- at least one extra change of clothing per day
- Some kitchen utensils to cook with
FAQ
Does it get too cold in the evenings like in other states when camping in Florida?
In general, whatever the month is, Florida is not too cold, but just in case having one or two jackets with you could help, especially in winter.
Do I have to bring a lot of protection from the cold when camping in Florida?
During winter and evenings, you should have some protection from the cold just in case it gets too cold.
Do I have to pay for camping in Florida?
Depending on the campground you choose, you might or might not pay for camping.
Shefali Jain is a Content Writer & Editor at USWorkforce.org
After completing her graduation in hospitality, Shefali decided to follow her passion and started writing. Shefali has been writing for two years now and contributes to our website as a skilled editor and content writer with strong research skills. Writing product and service reviews, biographies, and book reviews are some of her key areas, among many others in which she specializes. In her time at the organization, she has written and edited content on a range of topics, including employment law, human resources, and business management.
