Daytona Beach is more than just nightlife—it’s surrounded by some of Florida's best nature.
Daytona Beach is an action-packed destination for families, spring breakers, and motorheads. But beyond its neon boardwalk, this city offers access to a gorgeous stretch of Atlantic coastline and some of the best nature preserves in Central Florida. Around Daytona Beach, camp on the banks of the Intracoastal Waterway or the shores of the Atlantic, watch manatees in crystal-clear spring water, and hike in some of Florida’s best-preserved forests. Whether you want a nature escape from Orlando or a great place to extend your visit to Cape Canaveral or St. Augustine, Daytona Beach is prime for camping.
For a relaxing camping experience that keeps you close to the bustle of downtown Daytona Beach, Port Orange and New Smyrna Beach campsites can’t be beat. Try a campground with cabins, tent sites, RV camping, or even a swimming pool.
Just 10 miles north, Tomoka State Park in Ormond Beach puts campers on a hardwood hammock with access to a boat launch as well as canoe and kayak rentals. Directly north of Tomoka toward Flagler Beach is Bulow Creek State Park, a hiking and kayaking destination known for its live oak trees. Look out for oceanfront RV parks and pet-friendly RV resorts with full hookups, wifi, laundry facilities, and restrooms.
One of Florida’s best sites for manatee viewing is less than an hour away, near Deltona. At Blue Spring State Park in Orange City, hundreds of manatees congregate in turquoise spring water to stay warm in winter. This park has a campground and a boat launch on the St. Johns River with on-site kayak rentals.
With miles of hiking and biking trails, the Ocala National Forest west of Daytona Beach is a camper’s paradise and one of the best-preserved forests in Florida. For forest hiking, park campsites, and RV sites closer to town, try Tiger Bay State Forest.
Daytona Beach is a popular spring break party beach, meaning crowds surge in March and April. A few other major Daytona events that may make for a louder trip: the Daytona 500 motor race held each February at the Daytona International Speedway, the Daytona Beach Bike Week motorcycle rally in March, and the Biketoberfest motorcycle rally in October. Otherwise, expect temperate winters and hot, rainy summers.