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The best waterside camping in North Florida

·
97% (1.7K)

Top-rated campgrounds near North Florida

  • Bay Forest Retreat
  • Bay Forest Retreat
  • Bay Forest Retreat

1. Bay Forest Retreat

96%
(362)
7 sites · Tents, Lodging · Navarre, FL
Explore 11+ acres of rustic and untamed woods. We are a military veteran family who enjoys the land as a place for family and friends to explore, camp, and relax at the 250+ feet of the East Bay beach. We do not have WiFi, but we do have 5g service throughout the 11 acre property. Our camping sites DO NOT have electricity These are hike-in only campsites ☺️ Primitive camping is permitted at designated wooded high grounds in the middle of the property. It is a 5 and 10-minute rugged hike in to the middle ground respectively. The trail remains under development, so please bring close-toed shoes or boots for hiking throughout the property (depending on rainfall, there may be mud and water). We have two primitive campsites these campsites are first come first serve, they are not assigned when booking. Plesea see pictures. Our Glamper tent is a 10x12 canvas furnished full size bed with bedding, pillows and enough floor space for two sleeping bags. The tens are located off a short trial, but rugged 2-minute hike from the parking area. We provide the opportunity to go camping without having to pack the tent. Closed toed shoes are highly suggested as well as plenty of lighting with batteries or solar charging capability. This is a rugged, fun and serene camping experience. Locates justminutes from the Emerald Coast - 7 mins to Navarre Beach, - 30 mins to Pensacola Beach, - 15 mins to Naval Live Oaks, - 45 mins to Fort Pickens, - 50 mins to NAS Pensacola, - 45 mins to Santa Rosa Island, - 35 mins to Okaloosa Island, - 40 mins to Destin. Recommended local restaurants: St. Michael's Brewery which has rotating food trucks and is family friendly, Ye Olde Brothers Brewery, Dewey Destin’s, Andy D's on Navarre Beach, Stripe's Pub, Johnny Huston's, Windjammers, TC’s Front Porch, Deb’s Coffee, The Eatery food truck park, Top’s Burgers, and New York Pizza Depot. Other sightseeing in the area includes: Museums: National Naval Aviation Museum, Air Force Armament Museum, Fort Pickens, Indian Temple Mound Museum, Pensacola Museum of Art, Museum of Industry, and Destin History & Fishing Museum Additional activities include: Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center, HH Arts Gallery, Emerald Coast Science Center, Gulf Breeze Zoo, and Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$28
 / night
  • J & T Hideaway / Silver Springs, FL
  • J & T Hideaway / Silver Springs, FL
  • J & T Hideaway / Silver Springs, FL

2. J & T Hideaway / Silver Springs, FL

97%
(73)
1 site · RV · Silver Springs, FL
Beautiful high and dry corner lot with privacy hedge and full hook ups in the highly sought after Wilderness RV Resort. Our property is nestled within the tranquil Ocala National Forest, complete with tons of resort amenities! Did we mention our resort is located on a portion of the Florida Black Bear Scenic Highway! Come Explore the Local Area! The Florida freshwater springs are a natural and tropical central Florida paradise with pristine crystal clear waters. Enjoy the wide array of wildlife the Ocala National Forest and the Florida freshwater springs offer! Our property is located just minutes from Silver Springs State Park, Silver Springs, Salt Springs, Juniper Springs, and Alexander Springs! Do you love the "Lake Life?" Central Florida is known for their beautiful lakes such as Lake George and Lake Kerr! Love to canoe or kayak? There are tons of canoe runs throughout this area of central Florida. In fact, you can canoe or kayak on the Ocklawaha River with direct river access from the resort! Love mountain biking? Check out the Santos Trailhead which offers over 30 miles of mountain bike trails with three levels of difficulty! One visit to Santos Trailhead and you'll see why so many people say that these are the BEST bike trails in Florida! Explore a Bit Farther! From our property's location and with a short drive, you can easily access the following towns and/or cities: Orlando - 1.5 hour drive Daytona Beach - 1 hour drive Gainesville - 30 minute drive Crystal River - 1 hour drive The Villages - 45 minute drive Enjoy the many amenities that Wilderness RV Resort offers: * Community Pool and Hot Tub * Full Hook Up Service * Direct Access to the Ocklawaha River (canoe/kayak rentals through resort) * Direct Access to Florida Greenway Hiking Trail * Clubhouse/Lodge * On Site Restaurant * On Site Candy Shop (w/ Whoopie Pies) * Laundry Facility * Bathhouse * Recreation Room (Ping Pong, Pool, Darts) * Private Mail Box
Pets
Full hookups
from 
$58
 / night
  • Ocala National Forest
  • Ocala National Forest
  • Ocala National Forest

3. Ocala National Forest

83%
(61)
635 sites · Silver Springs Shores, Florida
This watery wilderness is perfect for hikers, campers, and outdoor explorers.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
  • Nice quiet campground with plenty of separation in case you are not the only one there. Set up my tent and relaxed.
  • Osceola National Forest
  • Nice quiet campground with plenty of separation in case you are not the only one there. Set up my tent and relaxed.

4. Osceola National Forest

100%
(7)
78 sites · Glen St Mary, Florida
Osceola National Forest is 200,000 acres of exploration with your name on it! In the northeastern Floridian forest, pine flatwoods and cypress-hardwood swamps surround, with diverse wildlife abound. In this leafy paradise lives gopher tortoises (they act like gophers, but are tortoises!), alligators, black bears, and the skunk ape, also known as the “stink ape,” which bears an uncanny resemblance to bigfoot. Areas of recreation include Ocean Pond--a fave place for boaters, skiiers, and campers, and Olustee Beach for swimming, fishing, and picnicking. The park is also open to hunters and fishermen with permits. With so much land to explore in this National Forest, we wouldn’t be surprised if bigfoot was hiding in there!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets

5. Blackwater River State Park

100%
(4)
27 sites · Harold, Florida
Discover Blackwater River State Park's natural beauty and outdoor fun.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
  • Conecuh National Forest
  • Conecuh National Forest
  • Conecuh National Forest

6. Conecuh National Forest

100%
(1)
74 sites · Carolina, Alabama
The southernmost outdoor playground in Alabama, Conecuh National Forest is sure to keep the most experienced adventurers in awe with it’s stunning wetlands and pine forests. This low coastal plain can be enjoyed best in the wintertime. The cool temps and bugless days will allow you to enjoy the 20 mile Conecuh Trail with ease. Wind through bogs and ponds, hunters will dig plentiful deer, quail and turkey season. You might even meet these woodland friends on the trail! Camping at Open Pond Recreation Area means brews, fishing and biking all steps from your tent...who doesn’t want to fish with a beer in hand? A real southern dream, Conecuh knows how to turn on the charm and turn up the heat!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
  • Apalachicola National Forest
  • Apalachicola National Forest
  • Apalachicola National Forest

7. Apalachicola National Forest

63 sites · Hosford, Florida
Florida's largest national forest reveals the tropics’ ecological diversity on a vast scale.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
97% (1.7K)

Top-rated campgrounds near North Florida

  • Bay Forest Retreat
  • Bay Forest Retreat
  • Bay Forest Retreat

1. Bay Forest Retreat

96%
(362)
7 sites · Tents, Lodging · Navarre, FL
Explore 11+ acres of rustic and untamed woods. We are a military veteran family who enjoys the land as a place for family and friends to explore, camp, and relax at the 250+ feet of the East Bay beach. We do not have WiFi, but we do have 5g service throughout the 11 acre property. Our camping sites DO NOT have electricity These are hike-in only campsites ☺️ Primitive camping is permitted at designated wooded high grounds in the middle of the property. It is a 5 and 10-minute rugged hike in to the middle ground respectively. The trail remains under development, so please bring close-toed shoes or boots for hiking throughout the property (depending on rainfall, there may be mud and water). We have two primitive campsites these campsites are first come first serve, they are not assigned when booking. Plesea see pictures. Our Glamper tent is a 10x12 canvas furnished full size bed with bedding, pillows and enough floor space for two sleeping bags. The tens are located off a short trial, but rugged 2-minute hike from the parking area. We provide the opportunity to go camping without having to pack the tent. Closed toed shoes are highly suggested as well as plenty of lighting with batteries or solar charging capability. This is a rugged, fun and serene camping experience. Locates justminutes from the Emerald Coast - 7 mins to Navarre Beach, - 30 mins to Pensacola Beach, - 15 mins to Naval Live Oaks, - 45 mins to Fort Pickens, - 50 mins to NAS Pensacola, - 45 mins to Santa Rosa Island, - 35 mins to Okaloosa Island, - 40 mins to Destin. Recommended local restaurants: St. Michael's Brewery which has rotating food trucks and is family friendly, Ye Olde Brothers Brewery, Dewey Destin’s, Andy D's on Navarre Beach, Stripe's Pub, Johnny Huston's, Windjammers, TC’s Front Porch, Deb’s Coffee, The Eatery food truck park, Top’s Burgers, and New York Pizza Depot. Other sightseeing in the area includes: Museums: National Naval Aviation Museum, Air Force Armament Museum, Fort Pickens, Indian Temple Mound Museum, Pensacola Museum of Art, Museum of Industry, and Destin History & Fishing Museum Additional activities include: Navarre Beach Sea Turtle Conservation Center, HH Arts Gallery, Emerald Coast Science Center, Gulf Breeze Zoo, and Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$28
 / night
  • J & T Hideaway / Silver Springs, FL
  • J & T Hideaway / Silver Springs, FL
  • J & T Hideaway / Silver Springs, FL

2. J & T Hideaway / Silver Springs, FL

97%
(73)
1 site · RV · Silver Springs, FL
Beautiful high and dry corner lot with privacy hedge and full hook ups in the highly sought after Wilderness RV Resort. Our property is nestled within the tranquil Ocala National Forest, complete with tons of resort amenities! Did we mention our resort is located on a portion of the Florida Black Bear Scenic Highway! Come Explore the Local Area! The Florida freshwater springs are a natural and tropical central Florida paradise with pristine crystal clear waters. Enjoy the wide array of wildlife the Ocala National Forest and the Florida freshwater springs offer! Our property is located just minutes from Silver Springs State Park, Silver Springs, Salt Springs, Juniper Springs, and Alexander Springs! Do you love the "Lake Life?" Central Florida is known for their beautiful lakes such as Lake George and Lake Kerr! Love to canoe or kayak? There are tons of canoe runs throughout this area of central Florida. In fact, you can canoe or kayak on the Ocklawaha River with direct river access from the resort! Love mountain biking? Check out the Santos Trailhead which offers over 30 miles of mountain bike trails with three levels of difficulty! One visit to Santos Trailhead and you'll see why so many people say that these are the BEST bike trails in Florida! Explore a Bit Farther! From our property's location and with a short drive, you can easily access the following towns and/or cities: Orlando - 1.5 hour drive Daytona Beach - 1 hour drive Gainesville - 30 minute drive Crystal River - 1 hour drive The Villages - 45 minute drive Enjoy the many amenities that Wilderness RV Resort offers: * Community Pool and Hot Tub * Full Hook Up Service * Direct Access to the Ocklawaha River (canoe/kayak rentals through resort) * Direct Access to Florida Greenway Hiking Trail * Clubhouse/Lodge * On Site Restaurant * On Site Candy Shop (w/ Whoopie Pies) * Laundry Facility * Bathhouse * Recreation Room (Ping Pong, Pool, Darts) * Private Mail Box
Pets
Full hookups
from 
$58
 / night
  • Ocala National Forest
  • Ocala National Forest
  • Ocala National Forest

3. Ocala National Forest

83%
(61)
635 sites · Silver Springs Shores, Florida
This watery wilderness is perfect for hikers, campers, and outdoor explorers.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
  • Nice quiet campground with plenty of separation in case you are not the only one there. Set up my tent and relaxed.
  • Osceola National Forest
  • Nice quiet campground with plenty of separation in case you are not the only one there. Set up my tent and relaxed.

4. Osceola National Forest

100%
(7)
78 sites · Glen St Mary, Florida
Osceola National Forest is 200,000 acres of exploration with your name on it! In the northeastern Floridian forest, pine flatwoods and cypress-hardwood swamps surround, with diverse wildlife abound. In this leafy paradise lives gopher tortoises (they act like gophers, but are tortoises!), alligators, black bears, and the skunk ape, also known as the “stink ape,” which bears an uncanny resemblance to bigfoot. Areas of recreation include Ocean Pond--a fave place for boaters, skiiers, and campers, and Olustee Beach for swimming, fishing, and picnicking. The park is also open to hunters and fishermen with permits. With so much land to explore in this National Forest, we wouldn’t be surprised if bigfoot was hiding in there!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets

5. Blackwater River State Park

100%
(4)
27 sites · Harold, Florida
Discover Blackwater River State Park's natural beauty and outdoor fun.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
  • Conecuh National Forest
  • Conecuh National Forest
  • Conecuh National Forest

6. Conecuh National Forest

100%
(1)
74 sites · Carolina, Alabama
The southernmost outdoor playground in Alabama, Conecuh National Forest is sure to keep the most experienced adventurers in awe with it’s stunning wetlands and pine forests. This low coastal plain can be enjoyed best in the wintertime. The cool temps and bugless days will allow you to enjoy the 20 mile Conecuh Trail with ease. Wind through bogs and ponds, hunters will dig plentiful deer, quail and turkey season. You might even meet these woodland friends on the trail! Camping at Open Pond Recreation Area means brews, fishing and biking all steps from your tent...who doesn’t want to fish with a beer in hand? A real southern dream, Conecuh knows how to turn on the charm and turn up the heat!
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
  • Apalachicola National Forest
  • Apalachicola National Forest
  • Apalachicola National Forest

7. Apalachicola National Forest

63 sites · Hosford, Florida
Florida's largest national forest reveals the tropics’ ecological diversity on a vast scale.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires

Public campgrounds in and near North Florida

West Tower Hunt Primitive Campground

West Tower Hunt Primitive Campground

1 site · Tent, RV · in Osceola National Forest
West Tower Campground

West Tower Campground

1 site · in Osceola National Forest
Wiggins Hunt Primitive Campground

Wiggins Hunt Primitive Campground

1 site · Tent, RV · in Osceola National Forest

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

J & T Hideaway / Silver Springs, FL
c
chuck
2 weeks ago
17 ft travel trailer
With pets
1 night at J & T Hideaway / Silver Springs, FL
Great location, nice community, easy to back into
See more
J & T Hideaway / Silver Springs, FL
c
chuck
2 weeks ago
17 ft travel trailer
With pets
Weekend Trip to J & T Hideaway / Silver Springs, FL
Great location, easy to back trailor in. Great community, resteraunt on premise , great food. Actually thinking about buying a lot there
See more
J & T Hideaway / Silver Springs, FL
K
Kate
3 weeks ago
13 ft travel trailer
With pets
2 nights at J & T Hideaway / Silver Springs, FL
A beautiful place to camp! The restaurant on property is amazing and I was literally a kid in the candy shop!
See more
J & T Hideaway / Silver Springs, FL
S
Sara
November 2025
34 ft Class C
With pets
1 night at J & T Hideaway / Silver Springs, FL
Easy parking! Convenient location. Quiet park. Fun restaurant on site! We needed it as a stop for the night but look forward to coming back for a long stay! Highly recommend a golf cart!
See more
Baking biscuits with the dry heat method on my coleman stove.
S
Scarlett
November 2025
1 night at Bay Forest Retreat
Secluded and private getaway from the norm. My fiance and I slept really hard. The host was super nice & helpful!
See more
Bay Forest Retreat
A
Amanda
November 2025
Weekend Trip to Bay Forest Retreat
I loved this hidden gem! I was traveling and decided to call it a night and this spot was perfect for me. The host was extremely helpful and led me straight to the spot in the dark. I will be back! Thank you again, Hillary!
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Bay Forest Retreat
Avatar
Haylee
October 2025
Weekend Trip to Bay Forest Retreat
The space was very secluded and clean. We would come again!
See more
Baking biscuits with the dry heat method on my coleman stove.
R
Rachel
October 2025
With kids
Weekend Trip to Bay Forest Retreat
Great place to stay! It was quiet, clean, the tent smelled great which I don’t expect camping. It was just what I look for. Secluded enough to not be shoulder to shoulder but it had all the convenient amenities. We will be back!
See more
Bay Forest Retreat
A
Amaury
October 2025
2 nights at Bay Forest Retreat
Kids loved having their own tent. The parents got Glamper 1 and the boys got Glamper 2. Great setup. We will be coming back.
See more
Baking biscuits with the dry heat method on my coleman stove.
A
Amaury
October 2025
With kids
2 nights at Bay Forest Retreat
What a wonderful place tucked away next to the bay. Our host was very helpful and nice. 2 Adults and 3 kids stayed in both of the glamping tents. The camping experience by far was even more pleasant than we had imagined. Navarre beach and a several night at here will be something we do again. Bring your kayaks and explore the East Bay river. What a treasure!
See more
Baking biscuits with the dry heat method on my coleman stove.
T
Tabitha
October 2025
Weekend Trip to Bay Forest Retreat
Everything was good. Bed was comfy. Fire pit, porta potty, a d water spigot were close. Would recommend to others and stay again.
See more
J & T Hideaway / Silver Springs, FL
S
Sarita
September 2025
25 ft travel trailer
With pets
Weekend Trip to J & T Hideaway / Silver Springs, FL
Quiet and very nice community. Everyone was friendly. Nice spot for the camper. We enjoyed ourselves. The only drawback about this community is there is no Wi-Fi.
See more
Bay Forest Retreat
J
Joseph
August 2025
With kids
1 night at Bay Forest Retreat
What a wonderful experience! This was the perfect introduction to camping for my three-year-old son and me. Even with hot weather and a rainy, chilly day, having the spacious canvas tent made everything smooth and enjoyable. A huge thank you to our co-host, Brooke, who was absolutely fantastic. Her quick and polite replies, along with her excellent customer service, really enhanced our stay. We even received a bonus night for Labor Day weekend, which was an awesome surprise.
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Baking biscuits with the dry heat method on my coleman stove.
J
Joseph
August 2025
With kids
Weekend Trip to Bay Forest Retreat
This was the first time camping with our three-year-old son, and it was a wonderful experience for him and for us! He absolutely loved his first time seeing a campfire, and it was so special to experience that with him as a parent. The campgrounds were clean and well-maintained. We especially appreciated the provided tent, which was a fantastic touch. Communication with the landlord and manager was excellent; their responses were both respectful and quick. I highly recommend this spot!
See more
Bay Forest Retreat
M
Mckinnon
August 2025
With kids
Weekend Trip to Bay Forest Retreat
The place was great easy to find pretty private. Loved being able to use the kayaks..
See more
Bay Forest Retreat
E
Emily
August 2025
1 night at Bay Forest Retreat
Super cool area!! Would highly recommend! Very clean and a great outdoor space to spend with family! We stayed in Glamper 2 and it was perfect for us!
See more
Bay Forest Retreat
R
Rebecca
July 2025
With kids
Weekend Trip to Bay Forest Retreat
We enjoyed our stay!!! This is a great place if you are looking to spend less than a hotel or an air BNB, and a more fun and relaxing, in my opinion. It was a short drive to Navarre Beach and also close to Pensacola. Every evening we loved watching the sunset on the bay and the free kayaks. It was hot, as expected in late July, but with a cheap battery operated fan we brought it was very pleasant at night. I would definitely recommend and plan to return.
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Bay Forest Retreat
J
Jessica
July 2025
With kids
3 nights at Bay Forest Retreat
My family and I loved this property! Would definitely recommend 👌
See more
J & T Hideaway / Silver Springs, FL
K
Kimberley
July 2025
30 ft travel trailer
2 nights at J & T Hideaway / Silver Springs, FL
This is a great 55+ RV community that was so welcoming and friendly!! It was our first trip out in our RV and we hadn’t anticipated the challenge of backing in the RV but a nice couple out walking helped us get the RV backed in properly so we didn’t have any issues. The hosts were very responsive to texts and calls, super helpful and accommodating! There are several lots for sale in this community but we didn’t find any others on Hipcamp. We did not use any of the amenities but it is a great option to have them available so close. The resort is only a short distance from town so you can run to Walmart, Starbucks, or Bob Evans if you need anything. You are also a short distance from several springs as well. We will definitely be back again!!
See more
J & T Hideaway / Silver Springs, FL
H
Heather
June 2025
26 ft travel trailer
6 nights at J & T Hideaway / Silver Springs, FL
This spot was so perfect for what we needed. The site is clean and level and the deck provided such a nice spot for morning coffee or relaxing at the end of the day. The pool and hot tub were a nice addition. Laundry was really fairly priced. The cafe had great breakfast and you must get a Whoopie pie from the candy store! This spot is in a park but there are other RVs. Everyone was nice and friendly. Would go back!
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Nearby public parks

Browse national and state parks near North Florida

Ocala National Forest
83%
(61)
Ocala National Forest
Silver Springs Shores, Florida
Osceola National Forest
100%
(7)
Osceola National Forest
Glen St Mary, Florida
Blackwater River State Park
100%
(4)
Blackwater River State Park
Harold, Florida
Conecuh National Forest
100%
(1)
Conecuh National Forest
Carolina, Alabama
Apalachicola National Forest
Apalachicola National Forest
Hosford, Florida
Value Prop
Value Prop
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Popular North Florida trips

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Top parks in and near North Florida

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Top regions near North Florida

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Top cities in and near North Florida

Jacksonville
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