The possibilities for camping in Florida are endless, from idyllic beachfront to turquoise springs and Civil War forts. In terms of campground options, the state has a little bit of everything—from glamping to full RV hookups in state parks to private beach camping—the state has a destination-worthy site for every sort of traveller. And the options are plentiful: trek kilometres into the wilderness, kayak with manatees, or roast marshmallows with Disney characters from these outdoor hotspots.

07 Best Camping in Florida

Here are the top 07 destinations we picked for camping in Florida.

Blackwater River State Park

Blackwater River State Park is a must-see for Game of Thrones enthusiasts. This golden brown-hued river, which runs through Blackwater State Forest and the neighbouring park, defies its name. Indeed, the forest is one of the world’s largest contiguous longleaf pine/wiregrass regions, making it rarer than tropical rainforests. Of course, campgrounds abound in this area. Electric service, potable water, RV hookups, picnic tables, fire rings, and grills are available at each of the 30 sites.

The Blackwater River is regarded as one of the world’s purest sand-bottom rivers. The river’s sand-bottom, black tannic water, and contrasting big white sandbars have attracted international interest, and the park’s 590-acre setting is ideal. The last two miles of the river are within the park, which has been designated as a Florida canoe route.

Flamingo Campground, Everglades National Park

The Flamingo Campground, located 38 miles past the main Homestead entrance of Everglades National Park along Florida Bay, forces you to disconnect. You’ll have no option but to appreciate the calm of America’s largest subtropical wilderness here in this Wi-Fi-free landscape, an hour southwest of anything approximating civilisation. There are 274 tent sites and 65 RV sites at the year-round campsite, as well as a few “glamping” eco tents with beds, patios, and bug protection screens. The campsite marina, which is interspersed with hiking trails, also rents kayaks for exploring the bay or the Buttonwood Canal. While there are no flamingos here, this is the area of the park where you’re most likely to see crocodiles, as it’s the only spot in the contiguous United States where they live.

Long Key State Park

This camping area, which spans approximately 1,000 acres around Long Key, was formerly a favourite of wealthy socialites, celebrities, and even US presidents in the early twentieth century. Kayaking, hiking, birding, fishing, and snorkelling are all available at this beachy state park today. Long Key offers tent-only oceanfront campsites with views of the Florida Keys if you opt to stay the night.

Cayo Costa Island State Park

Cayo Costa Island State Park is only accessible by boat or kayak and offers nine miles of unspoiled beachside splendour. Cayo Costa is the essence of Florida camping, with opportunities for fishing, swimming, snorkelling, and shelling. It doesn’t get much more lovely than this, with cabins and campsites flanking the store.

Wind-shaped trees, dunes, beaches, and the freedom to explore come to mind when thinking of a pristine Gulf Coast island. This is particularly true of Cayo Costa Island.

This former fishing ground of the Calusa Indians is only accessible by boat or kayak and offers nine miles of unspoilt shoreline for swimming, snorkelling, shelling, fishing, birdwatching, and exploring, as well as various walking and bike paths within the island’s interior. Shorebirds abound, while manatees, porpoises, and sea turtles can be seen offshore.

This is the greatest of coastal Florida! Overnight stays are offered at campsites and cabins, and a boat service connects the island to many mainland locations. Visitors are advised that camping is only permitted in approved areas of the Cayo Costa campground.

Myakka River State Park

Myakka River State Park is one of Florida’s oldest and largest parks, centred on its namesake river, which meanders through 58 square miles of wetlands, prairies, 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 campgrounds in the region. Oh, and while you’re there, make a point of climbing into Myakka’s palm tree canopy, which provides fantastic views over the park.

The lands of Myakka River State Park were used for cattle ranching from the 1850s until the 1920s. Bertha Palmer, the last of these ranchers, is commemorated on Ranch House Road. The kiosk where the old Ranch House originally stood is open to visitors hiking or biking on Ranch House.

The Civilian Conservation Corps arrived at the Myakka River Valley in the 1930s to turn it into a park. Many of the park’s paths, structures, and buildings bear their name. The CCC constructed the visitor centre, South Pavilion, Log Pavilion, five cabins, boat basin, and weir.

The park in Myakka features two tiny playgrounds. One is close to the South Pavilion and near the State Road 72 entrance. The other can be found near the Clay Gully Pavilion on the park’s north side. A responsible adult must always oversee children.

Bicyclists can explore a variety of Florida environments on their way to Myakka. Seven miles of asphalt road pass through leafy hammocks, green marshes, and the Upper Myakka Lake shoreline. The North Drive is frequently less congested than the Main Drive. On wilderness dirt roads north of State Road 72 and the Myakka Island Trail to the Carlton Reserve, bicycles are permitted. Some roads are hardpacked and grassed over, while others are sandy, muddy, or pig-dug. During the summer, roads are frequently flooded.

Jonathan Dickinson State Park 

Any tourist should be enticed by the fact that Jonathan Dickinson State Park is located just north of the late Burt Reynolds’ estate. But if it doesn’t appeal to you, perhaps the park’s gorgeous 16 natural communities will. The Loxahatchee River winds through the park, covered by cypress trees and bordered by mangroves, making kayaking and canoeing a favourite recreation. However, be aware that alligators, like turtles, enjoy swimming in the water.

The park has two campgrounds that can be reserved. The River Campground is roughly four miles from the park entrance, while Pine Grove is located on the park’s east side. Water, electricity, a table, and a grill are available at both campgrounds, however, sewer hookups are only available at Pine Grove. Five campsites can accommodate your horse if you’re going camping with them.

Off the Florida Trail, there are only two primitive backpacking campsites, both of which can be reserved. Just remember to bring a stove, as collecting firewood is prohibited in Florida state parks.

Anastasia State Park

The campground at Anastasia State Park is steeped in history. The Ancient Dunes Nature Trail loop, located in northeast Florida, allows campers to stroll their way back to antiquity. Don’t worry, 80 of the 123 campsites have RV hookups, so you’ll be back in the modern century in no time.

Anastasia State Park is also a historical site in Florida. The Coquina Quarry, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, is located near the park’s entrance. The coquina quarry offered important materials that would constitute the basis of St. Augustine hundreds of years ago.

The campsite includes 139 RV and tent sites, all of which are nestled within the gorgeous maritime hammock and are only a short walk or bike ride from the beach. Some of the locations are paved and contain picnic tables and grills that are easily accessible.

Electricity and water are available at all sites, as well as a picnic table, an in-ground grill, and a fire ring. Park campers have access to a free communal disposal facility. Please deposit your trash in the compactor located near the campgrounds’ entrance.

Anastasia also has a picture book lending library for campers ages 4 to 9 called the Bedtime Story Camper Lending Library.