The sun shines year-round in Florida's state parks, home to more than 100 miles of beaches and 800,000 acres of natural landscapes to explore. From the white-sand shores of the Panhandle to the coral-fringed islands of the Florida Keys, you’ll find endless options for beach camping. Don't stick to just the coast, though—venture inland to discover forest hikes, lakeside fishing, and historic forts. The main camping season is from November through May, as temperatures are warm enough to camp through winter. Summer brings extreme heat and hurricane season, so ditch the tent and opt for an air-conditioned RV instead.
Where to Go
Panhandle and Big Bend
The white-sand shores of the Gulf of Mexico are dotted with state parks, and beach campers have plenty of options. Camp by coastal dunes or riverside beaches in the Blackwater River State Park and Henderson Beach State Park, both close to Pensacola. For a change of scenery, explore the natural caves of Florida Caverns State Park or visit Florida's tallest waterfall at the Falling Waters State Park, both within day-trip distance of Panama City and Tallahassee.
North Florida
Coastal wetlands and historic monuments pepper the shores of the Atlantic Coast, while inland, North Florida is an expanse of lakes and natural springs. Big Talbot Island, outside of Jacksonville, is a birding hotspot, or head south to Anastasia State Park to camp by the beach. Silver Springs State Park near Ocala is another popular camping spot, where activities include kayaking and glass-bottom boat cruises.
Gulf Coast
The tranquil waters and white-sand beaches of Florida’s West Coast host some of the state’s most popular state parks. Honeymoon Island and Caladesi Island state parks tempt day-trippers from Tampa, but campers will have to overnight in the nearby Hillsborough River or Little Manatee River state parks. Further south, Cayo Costa State Park has campsites and cabins along pristine beaches.
Atlantic Coast
The buzzing beach resorts of Miami, West Palm Beach, and Fort Lauderdale bring a steady stream of holiday-makers to the Atlantic Coast, and the region’s state parks are the best bet for campers. Oleta River State Park has tent camping and rustic cabins close to Miami, while beach camping at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is reachable only by boat or kayak.
Florida Keys
The tropical islands and coral cays sprinkled along the Florida Keys are home to an impressive ten state parks. Curry Hammock State Park is a top choice for RV camping, while Bahia Honda State Park has primitive camping right by the beach, and Long Key State Park has hike-in sites with ocean views.
State Park campgrounds in Florida.
Pristine beaches, island getaways, and wildlife-filled wetlands await discovery in Florida's 175 state parks.
The sun shines year-round in Florida's state parks, home to more than 100 miles of beaches and 800,000 acres of natural landscapes to explore. From the white-sand shores of the Panhandle to the coral-fringed islands of the Florida Keys, you’ll find endless options for beach camping. Don't stick to just the coast, though—venture inland to discover forest hikes, lakeside
Read more...The sun shines year-round in Florida's state parks, home to more than 100 miles of beaches and 800,000 acres of natural landscapes to explore. From the white-sand shores of the Panhandle to the coral-fringed islands of the Florida Keys, you’ll find endless options for beach camping. Don't stick to just the coast, though—venture inland to discover forest hikes, lakeside fishing, and historic forts. The main camping season is from November through May, as temperatures are warm enough to camp through winter. Summer brings extreme heat and hurricane season, so ditch the tent and opt for an air-conditioned RV instead.
Where to Go
Panhandle and Big Bend
The white-sand shores of the Gulf of Mexico are dotted with state parks, and beach campers have plenty of options. Camp by coastal dunes or riverside beaches in the Blackwater River State Park and Henderson Beach State Park, both close to Pensacola. For a change of scenery, explore the natural caves of Florida Caverns State Park or visit Florida's tallest waterfall at the Falling Waters State Park, both within day-trip distance of Panama City and Tallahassee.
North Florida
Coastal wetlands and historic monuments pepper the shores of the Atlantic Coast, while inland, North Florida is an expanse of lakes and natural springs. Big Talbot Island, outside of Jacksonville, is a birding hotspot, or head south to Anastasia State Park to camp by the beach. Silver Springs State Park near Ocala is another popular camping spot, where activities include kayaking and glass-bottom boat cruises.
Gulf Coast
The tranquil waters and white-sand beaches of Florida’s West Coast host some of the state’s most popular state parks. Honeymoon Island and Caladesi Island state parks tempt day-trippers from Tampa, but campers will have to overnight in the nearby Hillsborough River or Little Manatee River state parks. Further south, Cayo Costa State Park has campsites and cabins along pristine beaches.
Atlantic Coast
The buzzing beach resorts of Miami, West Palm Beach, and Fort Lauderdale bring a steady stream of holiday-makers to the Atlantic Coast, and the region’s state parks are the best bet for campers. Oleta River State Park has tent camping and rustic cabins close to Miami, while beach camping at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is reachable only by boat or kayak.
Florida Keys
The tropical islands and coral cays sprinkled along the Florida Keys are home to an impressive ten state parks. Curry Hammock State Park is a top choice for RV camping, while Bahia Honda State Park has primitive camping right by the beach, and Long Key State Park has hike-in sites with ocean views.