Beach camping in Florida? There’s plenty of it. From the marshes to the beachfronts, all you need is a pop up tent. In fact, there are hundreds of awesome campgrounds in the state, so today we’re listing out some of our favorite beach camping sites in Florida. Create memories with your family and friends, while experiencing the Sunshine State in a different way.
Are you ready to get in touch with nature again? Here’s some of the top beach camping areas in Florida:
Originally Published: August 14, 2019
Florida’s Best Camping Spots
Blue Spring State Park || Orange City
The refreshing 72 degree waters of Blue Spring greets visitors at this oasis along the St. Johns River. Conservation measures, years of park improvements and manatee protection efforts have ensured wintering manatee numbers have continued to grow. This area also attracts a variety of wading birds, ospreys, eagles and kingfishers. To see all the park’s wonders, you can hike along the spring run or on the 4.5-mile Pine Island Trail. One can also launch a canoe or kayak, rent one at the park or take a guided river boat cruise.
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Bahia Honda State Park || Big Pine Key
This tropical destination is known for its iconic Florida scenery. You will see palm-lined beaches, gin-clear waters and magnificent sunsets – just to name a few of the sights! Kayaks and snorkeling gear can be rented and boat trips to the reef for snorkeling excursions are available. The park is also an excellent place to observe wading birds and shorebirds, while the Sand and Sea Nature Center introduces nature lovers to the island’s plants and animals.
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Paines Prarie Preserve State Park || Gainesville
Not just found out west, herds of wild horses and bison roam the prairie in this surprisingly diverse preserve south of Gainesville. Paynes Prairie is unique in many ways. Nowhere else in Florida can visitors experience wild-roaming bison and horses. Nearly 300 species of birds also frequent the park along with alligators, deer and many other animals.
The park’s eight trails, including the 16-mile paved Gainesville-Hawthorne State Trail, allows one to explore the park’s interior and observe wildlife, while a 50-foot high observation tower provides for panoramic views. Fishing and canoeing on Lake Wauberg is popular along with a shaded campground.
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Cayo Costa State Park || Pine Island
Cayo Costa State Park protects the Charlotte Harbor Estuary and provides visitors with a majestic piece of untouched Florida. An unspoiled Gulf Coast island with wind-shaped trees, dunes, beaches and freedom to explore. Accessible only by boat or kayak, this former fishing ground of the Calusa Indians features nine miles of undeveloped shoreline for swimming, snorkeling, shelling, fishing, birdwatching and exploration along with several walking and bicycling trails through the island’s interior. Shorebirds are numerous and one might spot manatees, porpoises and sea turtles offshore.
This is coastal Florida at its best! Campsites and cabins are available for overnight stays and a ferry service runs to the island from several mainland locations. Visitors are reminded that camping is only allowed in designated camp sites in the campground on Cayo Costa.
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Ocala National Forest || Silver Springs
The Ocala is a unique and fascinating forest. The mild winters are fine for family camping while a summer canoe trip down a palm-lined stream is a cool way to spend an August day. There are huge springs, twisting streams and lakes for fishing and water skiing. Many of the scenic lakes were formed when limestone bedrock dissolved, permitting the surface layer to slump and fill with water. The cool crystal-clear water of Juniper Springs, Alexander Springs, Salt Springs and Silver Glen Springs entice many visitors to take a cool dip. Snorkelers frequently find a thrilling underwater view of fish, swaying vegetation and cavernous springs.
Camping can be enjoyed during all seasons on the Ocala. The majority of camping is on a first-come, first-serve basis. All of the group campgrounds and cabins are by reservation only. The camping grounds are divided into three classes; developed campgrounds, primitive campsites and dispersed tent camping.
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Myakka River State Park || Sarasota
The Myakka River is Florida’s first state-designated wild and scenic river, and it flows through a vast expanse of unspoiled wetlands, prairies, hammocks, and pinelands that make up Myakka River State Park. Boating, fishing, canoeing and kayaking are popular activities on the water while hikers and bicyclists explore miles of trails and backroads.
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Rainbow Springs State Park || Dunnellon
This natural wonder boasts sapphire-blue waters, ornamental gardens and man-made waterfalls. Take a walk through lush, mossy hammocks and then cool off in the springs—it’s a time-honored tradition. There are also lots of great camping spots here to check out and explore.
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TH Stone Memorial St. Joseph’s Peninsula State Park || St. Joe’s
The St. Joseph Peninsula stretches 20 miles into the Gulf of Mexico with sandy white beaches and tall dunes. The park is teeming with wildlife, providing vitally important habitats for beach nesting birds including the snowy plover, three species of sea turtles, and much more. This park is a favorite for getting away, swimming, fishing and enjoying Florida’s Gulf coast and spectacular sunsets.
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Grayton Beach State Park || Santa Rosa Beach
Soaking in warm gulf breezes while relaxing on pristine Grayton Beach might be the main attraction, but that’s only one aspect to this gorgeous park. Grayton Beach consistently ranks among the most beautiful and pristine beaches in the US. Western Lake offers fishing and paddling, and those who want to explore on foot have four miles of trails through a coastal forest.
An overnight excursion yields its own unique experience with a stay in one of the well-outfitted cabins or a more rustic accommodation at one of Grayton’s cozy campgrounds.
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