Best Camping in Florida
Are you into outdoor activities and spending time in nature? Do you love the smell of fresh air and the feel of grass under your feet? If so, then you might want to consider camping in Florida.
The Sunshine State is well-known for its many beaches, but it also has a lot to offer in terms of camping opportunities. There are a variety of different types of campsites available, from primitive sites to full-service RV parks.
Whether you need a place where you can camp for a night or two or you’re looking for a longer-term camping spot, Florida has virtually endless options.
Come and discover some of the best camping locations in Florida!
Top 12 Camping Grounds in Florida
Florida is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, and its camping options are no exception. From the state’s most popular parks to more secluded spots in nature preserves and forests, there’s something for everyone here. This list of the top 12 camping grounds in Florida will help you discover some of the best campgrounds in the Sunshine State.
1. Fort De Soto Park
This park offers excellent beach access for swimming and fishing as well as several miles of hiking trails through mangroves and pine forests. There are also facilities available for RV campers. The park has over seven miles of waterfront with white sandy beaches perfect for swimming and fishing. It also offers several miles of hiking trails through mangroves and pine forests.
Fort De Soto is listed as one of the best beaches in the nation. It is composed of five connected islands and offers excellent swimming and fishing. The 2.25-mile recreational canoe trail will take you through the mangrove forests and a chance to explore the Soldier’s Hole area.
2. Bahia Honda State Park
Another excellent camping spot in Florida, Bahia Honda State Park has a lot to offer. The park has 3.5 miles of beach perfect for swimming and fishing. Offering turquoise water and pristine white sand, it’s no surprise that Bahia Honda State Park is a must-visit place for those who love snorkeling.
As you visit, you can either bring your own gear or rent it from the park. From snorkel gear to kayaks, you’re sure to find the equipment you need. Another great thing about the park is that it’s open year-round and offers plenty of campsites for those who want to stay overnight. You can have a picnic with your family, enjoy the beach and swim in the clear waters. The park also has a concession stand that offers food, drinks, and souvenirs. Just make sure to leave the place as you found it, as it is known for its unmatched cleanliness.
3. Ichetucknee
Located in Fort White, Ichetucknee is one of the most popular camping and tubing spots in Florida. The place is well-known for its natural springs that offer a refreshing experience, especially during the summertime.
The Ichetucknee River is a six-mile-long river with several springs along the way. It’s perfect for tubing and swimming as the water is crystal clear and very refreshing. The place is also popular for the Blue Hole, which is considered a “must-see” attraction in Florida, especially for certified divers.
You can also rent kayaks and canoes and enjoy the beauty of nature while encountering local species such as river otters, manatees, and more. After a long day, if you want to relax indoors, there is a nearby rec center with a game room, air hockey, and other fun activities perfect to end your night. What’s more, the place has its own shuttle service making it easier for visitors to go around and enjoy the place.
4. Ocala National Forest
If you’re looking for a place to camp that is away from the hustle and bustle of the city, then Ocala National Forest is the perfect spot for you. It is located in North Florida and offers a serene environment perfect for those who love nature. The forest has several camping areas that are suitable for both tents and RVs. You can also bring your own equipment or rent it from the ranger station.
The place is also popular for its hiking trails that will take you through different ecosystems such as pine flatwoods, cypress swamps, and oak hammocks. What’s more is that you can enjoy this serene place with your family with its cabins for large groups. Skiing, boating, fishing, kayaking, and other activities, you name it, the place has it. You can also visit the nearby Juniper Springs Recreation Area which offers crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming.
5. Anastasia State Park
A sandy beach located in St. Augustine, Anastasia State Park is a great place to enjoy the sun, sand, and sea. The place has a lot to offer such as four miles of pristine beaches, salt marshes, and an upland island. Just a short trek away from the beach, Anastasia State Park also has a coquina quarry where you can see how the early settlers used to mine for this material.
The place is also popular for its birdwatching opportunities as it is home to more than 100 species of birds. You can also go fishing, kayaking, and canoeing in the park’s lagoon. If you want to stretch your legs a bit, you can rent a bike where you can ride to or from the nearby historic district of St. Augustine.
6. Sebastian Inlet State Park
Located in Melbourne beach, one of the hottest spots in Florida, Sebastian Inlet State Park is a great place for you to enjoy the beach. The park has over three miles of beachfront where you can sunbathe, swim, fish, and surf. It is adjacent to the Indian River Lagoon which is also a popular spot where you can rent a kayak and canoe.
Sebastian Inlet State Park was once given the name Treasure Coast. There are visitors that claim to have found some treasures on the shoreline. These treasures are believed to be leftovers from the Spanish Treasure Fleet of 1717. Sebastian Inlet State Park is perfect for any kind of camper. Whether you bring your own tent or have an RV, the place can surely accommodate you. There’s also a wifi spot near Marina if you wish to reconnect with the world.
7. Myakka River State Park
One of the oldest and largest state parks in Florida, Myakka River State Park is a must-visit when you’re in the Sunshine State. The place is located between Sarasota and Fort Myers and is popular for its diverse ecosystems. It offers 58 square miles of nature where you can see alligators, deer, bobcats, and more.
Expect to see a lot of palm trees, live oaks, and cypress in Myakka River State Park. It is also a great place for birdwatching as well as canoeing and kayaking. You can also go camping but you have to get a permit first.
8. Lithia Springs Park
Want to spend a night or two camping with the kids? Lithia Springs Park is a popular destination for families in Florida that want to enjoy the outdoors. It is located in Lithia, which is about 30 minutes away from Tampa.
The park offers a wide range of activities such as swimming, fishing, canoeing, and hiking. You can also relax in the hot springs or take a dip in one of the two freshwater springs. If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, there is a dedicated swimming hole which is a great place to take a dip. Lithia Springs Park is also a great place for camping. The park offers primitive camping sites as well as RV hookups. There are also some cabins that you can rent if you want to enjoy the outdoors in comfort.
9. Wekiwa Springs State Park
If you want complete seclusion from the hustle and bustle of the city, Wekiwa Springs State Park is the place for you. The park is located in Apopka which is about 15 to 20 minutes away from Orlando.
Wekiwa Springs offers plenty of activities such as swimming, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, and biking. It has 13 miles of trail where you can explore the lush vegetation of the park. Wekiwa Springs State Park is also a great place for birdwatching as it is home to several species of birds.
If you don’t have a kayak, there’s a concessionaire in the park where you can rent one. There’s also a spring perfect for swimming, and campsites if you wish to stay overnight.
10. Long Key State Park
A 965-acre park located in the Florida Keys, Long Key State Park is a massive park that offers a lot of activities and natural views. The place is also already equipped with camping staples including fire circles, launches, and picnic tables. If you want to cool down, the cool waters of the Atlantic are just a few steps away.
Long Key State Park is also home to several species of birds such as the osprey, roseate spoonbills, and pelicans.
11. Ginnie Springs
Cold and clear waters await you in Ginnie Springs. The place is located in High Springs which is about an hour away from Gainesville.
Ginnie Springs is a great place for swimming, camping, and kayaking. It also offers several amenities such as changing rooms, showers, and picnic tables. If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, it is also a must-explore area for divers that want to discover what Ginnie Springs has to offer underwater.
Unlike other parks, you can bring a few cold beers with you as long as you don’t get drunk and rowdy. The place is also pet-friendly so feel free to bring your furry friends with you. If you have a spare floating device in your home, Ginnie Springs is the best place to use it. But don’t worry if you don’t have one, you can rent one on-site. Let the current take you away and sit back and enjoy the view.
12. Peace River
As good as its name suggests, the Peace River is a great place to relax and take a break from your busy life. It is located in Arcadia which is about an hour and a half away from Tampa, and offers terrain where you can enjoy driving ATVs or other outdoor vehicles. Pets and children are welcome as the place offers a campground filled with family-friendly activities. From a playground with a game room to a bike path where you can explore the place, there’s surely an activity for everyone in the family.
There’s also a laundry facility if you need to wash your clothes. Is river water too cold? There is also a heated pool where you can take a dip.
Conclusion
Whenever we hear Florida, the beach and Disney World are the first things that come to our minds. But what most people don’t know is that Florida has so much more to offer. With its diverse landscape and climate, there’s an outdoor activity for everyone in Florida.
If you are planning to go on a camping trip with your family during the weekends, consider one of these parks. Whether you have an RV or just a tent, there’s plenty of space for everyone to enjoy themselves. You can also go fishing or swimming in the lake if you aren’t into hiking.
Plan your trip, pack your bags, and get ready for an unforgettable camping adventure experience with your family in Florida!
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