Best Campgrounds in Florida

From the crystal-clear springs of the Panhandle to the otherworldly landscapes of the Everglades, Florida offers camping experiences unlike anywhere else in the United States. The Sunshine State’s unique geography—a peninsula embraced by the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean—creates incredible diversity in its natural environments. Florida’s campgrounds allow visitors to experience ecosystems ranging from coastal dunes and mangrove forests to cypress swamps and pine flatwoods, often within the same park. Whether you’re seeking beachfront tent camping, rustic cabins in the woods, or full-hookup RV sites, Florida’s vast network of state parks, national forests, and private campgrounds offers something for every style of outdoor enthusiast. Let’s explore some of the best camping destinations in this subtropical paradise.

Bahia Honda State Park

Number of Campsites: 80
Reservations: Florida State Parks Reservations
Address: 36850 Overseas Highway, Big Pine Key, FL 33043

Midway down the Florida Keys, where the turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean meet the Gulf of Mexico, Bahia Honda State Park offers what many consider the ultimate Florida camping experience. This tropical paradise spans over 500 acres across Bahia Honda Key, with camping sites situated just steps from what are consistently ranked among the most beautiful beaches in America.

The campground is divided into three distinct areas—Buttonwood, Bayside, and Sandspur—each offering its own unique perspective on this island paradise. Buttonwood sites sit nestled among the gnarled, salt-tolerant trees that give this camping area its name, providing welcome shade in an otherwise sun-drenched environment. The sites along the bayside offer unobstructed views of spectacular sunsets, where the sun sinks into the Gulf of Mexico in a nightly display of orange, pink, and purple hues that reflect off the still waters.

What makes Bahia Honda truly special is the immediate access to pristine beaches with powder-soft sand and crystal-clear waters. The park’s beaches feature the shallow, warm waters typical of the Keys, with sandbars extending hundreds of feet offshore where water remains just knee-deep. This creates ideal conditions for swimming, snorkeling, and paddling, with minimal currents and excellent visibility. The Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary lies just a few miles offshore, accessible via tour boats that depart directly from the park’s marina, offering world-class snorkeling among vibrant coral reefs teeming with tropical fish.

Mornings at Bahia Honda begin with the gentle sounds of water lapping against the shore and the distant calls of osprey and magnificent frigatebirds soaring overhead. The quality of light is extraordinary—golden sunshine filtering through the thin canopy of tropical vegetation, casting dappled patterns across the campground. As the day progresses, the ever-changing colors of the surrounding waters create a living painting that shifts from deep blue to emerald green depending on depth and sunlight angle.

The old Bahia Honda Bridge, partially demolished after the creation of the modern overseas highway, creates a distinctive silhouette against the sky and serves as a reminder of the Keys’ fascinating history. Walking or biking along the remaining section of this historic bridge offers panoramic views of the surrounding waters and nearby keys, with the chance to spot dolphins, sea turtles, and rays swimming in the clear waters below.

As night falls, the lack of urban development creates conditions for extraordinary stargazing. The Milky Way stretches across the night sky in breathtaking clarity, while the gentle breeze carries the scent of salt water and tropical flowers throughout the campground. The rhythmic sound of waves creates nature’s perfect lullaby, completing an immersive experience that captures the essence of the Florida Keys.

Juniper Springs Recreation Area

Number of Campsites: 79
Reservations: Recreation.gov
Address: 26701 FL-40, Silver Springs, FL 34488

Deep in the heart of the Ocala National Forest lies Juniper Springs Recreation Area, where crystalline waters bubble up from the ground at a constant 72 degrees year-round. This hidden gem offers an extraordinary camping experience centered around one of Florida’s most beautiful natural springs. The campground feels like a secret garden, with sites tucked among towering oak trees draped in Spanish moss and saw palmetto understory that creates natural privacy barriers between campsites.

The 79 campsites are arranged in a loop that follows the natural contours of the land, with each site offering a different perspective on this lush subtropical forest. The dense tree canopy creates deep shade throughout the day, making this a comfortable camping destination even during Florida’s warmer months. The constant bubbling of the springs creates a soothing soundtrack that permeates the entire campground, promoting deep relaxation and peaceful sleep.

What makes Juniper Springs truly magical is the spring itself—an oasis of crystal-clear, azure blue water emerging from limestone caverns deep beneath the earth’s surface. The main spring basin has been developed with a stone retaining wall and steps leading into the refreshing waters, creating a natural swimming area reminiscent of an ancient Roman bath. The water’s clarity is nothing short of astonishing, with visibility often exceeding 100 feet, allowing swimmers to observe the intricate limestone formations and occasionally catch glimpses of freshwater fish darting among underwater plants.

For adventurous spirits, the 7-mile Juniper Run offers one of Florida’s premier paddling experiences. This narrow, winding waterway begins at the headspring and meanders through increasingly pristine wilderness areas, transforming from an open, spring-fed stream into a tunnel of vegetation where overhanging branches create a natural canopy above the water. The journey takes paddlers through multiple ecosystems, from the open spring basin through dense subtropical forest and eventually into marsh-like areas where the creek widens before joining the larger St. Johns River system.

Hiking enthusiasts will appreciate the network of trails that wind through the surrounding Ocala National Forest, offering opportunities to explore the world’s largest contiguous sand pine scrub forest. The Juniper Springs Nature Trail forms a one-mile loop directly from the campground, with interpretive signs explaining the unique ecology of this spring-fed ecosystem and the remarkable diversity of plants and animals that call it home.

Dawn at Juniper Springs brings a symphony of birdsong, with dozens of species filling the air with their calls. Patient observers might spot white-tailed deer coming to drink at the spring run, or catch a glimpse of otters playing in the crystal waters. As steam rises from the spring on cooler mornings, creating an ethereal mist that hangs just above the water’s surface, the experience feels almost otherworldly—a glimpse of Florida as it existed for thousands of years before modern development.

Anastasia State Park

Number of Campsites: 139
Reservations: Florida State Parks Reservations
Address: 300 Anastasia Park Road, St. Augustine, FL 32080

Just minutes from historic St. Augustine, yet worlds away from urban life, Anastasia State Park offers a coastal camping experience that combines pristine beaches with maritime hammock forests. The park encompasses over 1,600 acres of unspoiled beaches, tidal marshes, and ancient dunes covered in a dense forest of live oaks and cabbage palms. This diverse landscape provides a natural buffer from the outside world, creating an immersive natural experience despite the park’s proximity to Florida’s oldest city.

The campground is thoughtfully designed to maintain the natural character of the land, with 139 sites nestled among the trees of a maritime hammock forest. Massive live oaks create a natural canopy over most sites, their twisted branches draped with Spanish moss that sways gently in the constant ocean breeze. The dense vegetation between sites creates natural privacy screens, making each campsite feel like a personal retreat within the larger forest.

What draws most visitors to Anastasia is its spectacular beach—four miles of pristine white sand that feels remarkably uncrowded even during peak seasons. The beach here offers the perfect balance of natural beauty and accessibility, with boardwalks leading through the protective dune system to preserve this fragile ecosystem while still providing easy access to the shore. The Atlantic waters off Anastasia feature gentle slopes and typically moderate surf, making it ideal for swimming, boogie boarding, and beachcombing.

Morning light at Anastasia filters through the oak canopy, creating golden patterns across the forest floor as campers awaken to the sounds of shore birds and the distant rhythm of waves. A short walk from any campsite leads to the park’s extensive trail system, including the ancient dune trail that winds through some of the oldest dune formations on Florida’s east coast. From elevated points along this trail, visitors can gaze across the entire park, taking in views of salt marshes, forests, and the ocean beyond.

Water enthusiasts have endless options at Anastasia. The park’s Salt Run, a tidal lagoon protected from the open ocean, provides ideal conditions for kayaking, paddleboarding, and witnessing wildlife up close. Herons stalk the shallows, mullet leap from the water’s surface, and dolphin occasionally venture into the protected waters, creating memorable encounters for those quietly paddling along the marsh edges.

The park’s beach access also offers world-class surfing opportunities, with consistent breaks that appeal to beginners and experienced surfers alike. The Anastasia Island Surf Shop, located within the park, provides rentals and lessons for those looking to try this quintessential Florida activity.

As daylight fades, the campground transforms into a peaceful haven. The constant background hum of ocean waves creates a soothing soundtrack, while the dense forest canopy takes on a magical quality as campfire light dances among the twisted oak branches. The proximity to St. Augustine means campers can easily venture into the historic city for dinner or exploration, then return to their natural retreat for stargazing and the simple pleasures of camping life.

Jonathan Dickinson State Park

Number of Campsites: 135
Reservations: Florida State Parks Reservations
Address: 16450 SE Federal Highway, Hobe Sound, FL 33455

Where the wild and scenic Loxahatchee River winds through nearly 11,500 acres of protected land, Jonathan Dickinson State Park offers one of South Florida’s most diverse camping experiences. This expansive park encompasses multiple ecosystems—from pine flatwoods and cypress swamps to sand pine scrub and mangrove forests—creating a natural tapestry that rewards exploration and provides habitat for an incredible diversity of wildlife.

The park features two distinct campgrounds, each offering a different experience. Pine Grove Campground provides 90 sites nestled among tall slash pines that create dappled shade throughout the day. The open understory allows for easy movement between sites while still maintaining a sense of space and privacy. The River Campground, with 45 sites, offers a more secluded experience closer to the Loxahatchee River, with dense vegetation creating natural boundaries between neighboring campers.

What makes Jonathan Dickinson truly special is the Loxahatchee River—Florida’s first federally designated “Wild and Scenic River.” This pristine waterway winds through the park’s interior, transitioning from narrow, cypress-lined channels to broader stretches flanked by mangrove forests as it approaches the Atlantic Ocean. Paddling the Loxahatchee offers an extraordinary opportunity to witness Florida as it existed centuries ago, with massive cypress trees creating a cathedral-like atmosphere in the upper reaches of the river.

The park’s diverse ecosystems support an impressive array of wildlife. Lucky visitors might spot white-tailed deer bounding through the pine flatwoods, otters playing along the riverbanks, or even catch a glimpse of the elusive Florida black bear. Birdwatchers are rewarded with frequent sightings of osprey, wood storks, bald eagles, and numerous wading birds that congregate along the river’s edge.

For history enthusiasts, Jonathan Dickinson offers fascinating glimpses into Florida’s past. The park contains the restored camp of Trapper Nelson, known as the “Wild Man of the Loxahatchee,” who lived as a trapper and animal collector along the river from the 1930s to 1960s. Guided tours of his homestead reveal the ingenious adaptations he made to live in harmony with this challenging environment.

Adventure seekers have numerous options within the park’s boundaries. The extensive trail system includes more than 25 miles of paths for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, ranging from short nature trails to challenging off-road cycling routes. For a unique perspective on the park’s landscape, visitors can climb to the top of Hobe Mountain, a 86-foot sand dune that represents the highest natural point in South Florida. The observation tower at its summit offers panoramic views of the entire park and, on clear days, glimpses of the Atlantic Ocean.

As evening approaches, the campground comes alive with the sounds of the Florida wilderness. Chuck-will’s-widows call from the pines, frogs create a constant chorus from nearby wetlands, and occasionally, the distinctive hoot of a barred owl echoes through the forest. The dark skies above Jonathan Dickinson provide good stargazing opportunities, with the Milky Way visible on clear nights despite some light pollution from nearby coastal communities.

Myakka River State Park

Number of Campsites: 90
Reservations: Florida State Parks Reservations
Address: 13208 State Road 72, Sarasota, FL 34241

In the heart of Florida’s Gulf Coast region lies Myakka River State Park, where vast prairies, wetlands, and pine forests create one of the state’s most distinctive landscapes. This 37,000-acre wilderness, one of Florida’s oldest and largest state parks, offers an immersive camping experience centered around the wild and scenic Myakka River as it winds through breathtaking natural environments.

The park features three campgrounds—Big Flats, Old Prairie, and Palmetto Ridge—each offering slightly different experiences within this remarkable ecosystem. Big Flats and Old Prairie provide traditional camping with sites nestled among palm trees and live oaks, while Palmetto Ridge offers full-hookup sites for those seeking more amenities. Regardless of which campground you choose, the surrounding landscape creates a sense of vastness rarely found in Florida’s more developed regions.

What makes Myakka River State Park truly special is its remarkable diversity of environments and wildlife viewing opportunities. The park’s centerpiece is Upper Myakka Lake, a shallow, 930-acre expanse of water that serves as home to hundreds of alligators and countless wading birds. The lake’s edge features extensive prairies and wetlands where visitors can observe wildlife from a safe distance, often spotting deer, wild turkeys, and feral pigs foraging in the early morning hours.

The park’s canopy walkway provides an experience unlike any other in Florida’s state park system. This suspension bridge hangs 25 feet above the ground, allowing visitors to walk among the treetops of a hammock forest. The adjacent observation tower rises even higher, offering panoramic views across the park’s vast prairies and wetlands—an especially breathtaking sight at sunrise when golden light bathes the landscape and morning fog often hugs the ground, creating an ethereal atmosphere.

Water enthusiasts have numerous options for exploration. The park offers guided boat tours on Upper Myakka Lake, where knowledgeable rangers point out wildlife and explain the delicate balance of this ecosystem. For more independent adventures, canoes and kayaks can be rented to explore the lake or the winding Myakka River. Paddling quietly along the river’s edge often reveals alligators sunning themselves on banks, anhingas spreading their wings to dry after fishing dives, and occasionally, roseate spoonbills wading in the shallows—their pink plumage creating striking contrast against the dark waters.

Hikers and cyclists have access to more than 39 miles of trails throughout the park, including the 6.2-mile Myakka Trail that loops through diverse habitats ranging from dry prairie to wetlands and hammock forests. During winter months, these trails offer excellent opportunities to explore without the heat and humidity that characterizes Florida’s summer season.

As evening approaches, the campground becomes a gathering place for wildlife as well as campers. Raccoons, possums, and armadillos often make appearances at dusk, while the calls of barred owls and eastern screech owls create a wild soundtrack for the night. The vastness of the park means minimal light pollution, creating excellent conditions for stargazing—the broad prairie landscape allowing for unobstructed views of the night sky stretching from horizon to horizon.

Everglades National Park – Flamingo Campground

Number of Campsites: 190 (plus 40 eco-tents in winter)
Reservations: Recreation.gov
Address: 1 Flamingo Lodge Highway, Homestead, FL 33034

At the southernmost tip of mainland Florida, where freshwater prairies gradually give way to saltwater mangrove forests, Flamingo Campground offers one of the most unique camping experiences in the United States. Located within Everglades National Park, this remote campground sits at the edge of Florida Bay, providing access to one of the world’s most remarkable ecosystems—a place where alligators and crocodiles coexist, where endangered panthers still roam, and where the phrase “river of grass” takes on vivid meaning.

The campground features two distinct areas—a traditional campground with 190 sites for tents and RVs, and during winter months, an “eco-tent” area with 40 elevated platform tents that offer a glamping experience in this wild setting. The sites are arranged in an open configuration typical of subtropical environments, with some shade provided by scattered gumbo-limbo trees, mahogany, and palms. The lack of dense forest creates unobstructed views of spectacular sunrises and sunsets, with Florida Bay visible from many campsites.

What makes Flamingo truly extraordinary is its position at the confluence of multiple ecosystems. Here, freshwater marshes meet saltwater environments, creating one of the most productive biological zones on the planet. The brackish waters around the campground teem with life—from fish and crustaceans to manatees and dolphins that can often be spotted from the shoreline. This ecological richness attracts an incredible diversity of birds, with over 300 species recorded in the park, creating a paradise for birdwatchers.

The absolute isolation of Flamingo campground—it’s roughly 38 miles from the nearest town—creates an immersive wilderness experience rarely found in modern Florida. The lack of surrounding development means no light pollution, allowing for spectacular stargazing where the Milky Way stretches overhead in breathtaking clarity on clear nights. The remoteness also means preparedness is essential—campers should arrive with all necessary supplies, as the small store at Flamingo offers only basic items.

Water adventures define the Flamingo experience. The marina offers canoe and kayak rentals for exploring the park’s extensive water trails, ranging from short paddles through mangrove tunnels to multi-day wilderness expeditions. The Nine Mile Pond loop is particularly popular, taking paddlers through a landscape of sawgrass prairie dotted with tree islands and abundant wildlife. The contrast between the vast open water of Florida Bay and the intimate mangrove channels creates diverse paddling experiences all accessible from the campground.

For those seeking to understand the Everglades’ unique ecology, ranger-led programs operate seasonally from the Flamingo Visitor Center. These include guided walks through coastal prairie trails, canoe tours through mangrove wilderness, and evening programs that explain the complex web of life that makes the Everglades unlike any other place on Earth.

Wildlife viewing opportunities at Flamingo are unparalleled. American crocodiles, an endangered species found nowhere else in the United States outside of South Florida, often bask along the marina banks. Massive flocks of wading birds—including roseate spoonbills, wood storks, and multiple species of egrets and herons—gather in feeding groups that can number in the hundreds. Patient observers might spot bottlenose dolphins hunting in the shallow waters of Florida Bay or manatees surfacing for breath in the marina basin.

As the sun sets over Florida Bay, the campground transforms. The constant buzz of insects creates a white noise backdrop, while the occasional splash of feeding fish or call of night birds punctuates the darkness. The warm, humid air carries the distinctive scents of the Everglades—a mixture of salt water, decaying vegetation, and the earthy aroma of a living ecosystem continuously recycling itself in the subtropical climate.

Final Thoughts About Camping in Florida

Florida’s campgrounds offer experiences as diverse as the state’s remarkable geography. From the crystalline springs of the interior to the subtropical wilderness of the Everglades, from the oak-shaded hammocks of the Atlantic coast to the turquoise waters of the Keys, camping in Florida connects visitors with natural environments that range from familiar to otherworldly.

What unites these diverse destinations is water—it shapes the landscape, dictates the ecosystems, and creates the unique character of each camping experience. Whether you’re seeking the refreshing embrace of a 72-degree spring, the gentle lapping of Gulf waters against a sandy shore, or the wild remoteness of the Everglades waterways, Florida’s campgrounds provide gateways to some of America’s most distinctive natural environments.

The changing seasons bring different advantages to Florida camping. Winter months (November through April) offer pleasant temperatures and lower humidity, but require advance planning as campgrounds fill quickly with visitors escaping northern winters. Summer camping provides more availability but comes with higher temperatures and afternoon thunderstorms that are as reliable as they are spectacular.

Whatever season you choose, Florida’s campgrounds deliver experiences that challenge preconceptions and create lasting memories. Pack your tent, bring plenty of sunscreen, and discover why the Sunshine State ranks among America’s premier camping destinations.