Best Camping in Florida

Florida's campgrounds range from beachfront Gulf sites to remote Big Cypress backcountry. The state park system — 175 parks — is consistently ranked among the best in the nation.

Bahia Honda State Park (Florida Keys)
The most beloved campsite in the Florida Keys, on one of the only natural sand beaches in the Keys (most beaches here are artificial fill). Cabins and tent sites are booked months in advance. Snorkeling at nearby Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary is world-class. Reserve well ahead — this is one of the most competitive parks in the state system.

Fort Desoto Park (Pinellas County)
Five islands connected by causeways in Tampa Bay. Fort Desoto consistently wins national best-beach awards. The campground has 236 sites, fishing piers, kayak rentals, and a ferry to Egmont Key. Close to St. Petersburg but feels remote.

Jonathan Dickinson State Park (Martin County)
On the Loxahatchee River in South Florida, this park offers cabins, primitive sites, and RV hookups surrounded by Florida scrub and river swamp. The Thurston House cabin is accessible only by boat — one of the most unique camping experiences in the state.

Myakka River State Park
Florida's largest state park (37,000 acres) has tent camping, RV sites, and primitive backcountry. The vast dry prairie habitat is extraordinary for birding — sandhill cranes, Florida scrub-jays, and bald eagles are common. The five backcountry camps require a permit and offer solitude in a large wild landscape.

Big Cypress National Preserve (Backcountry)
For serious wilderness campers, Big Cypress offers primitive camping throughout its 729,000 acres. The wet season (summer) makes much of the preserve inaccessible by foot; dry season (November–April) opens up miles of cypress prairie and swamp. A free permit is required; no facilities exist outside of designated campgrounds near US-41.

Anastasia State Park (St. Augustine)
Ancient coquina rock cliffs, salt marsh, and Atlantic beach within walking distance of St. Augustine's historic district. The campground's 139 sites are popular with snowbirds — book early for winter stays.