Florida has a lot to see and do and one of the best ways to get to know the Sunshine State is by staying in Florida campgrounds. Yes, there are beaches and theme parks, but Florida also has forests, wetlands, natural springs, and amazing wildlife. Camping in Florida is also a great way to save money while exploring the state. You can find some great Florida RV rental deals that will end up costing a lot less than staying in hotels.
To help you get started on your Florida adventure, we’ve put together this list of the best campgrounds in Florida. It includes both RV camping and tent camping sites.
1. Dry Tortugas National Park
For the best tent camping in Florida, head over to Dry Tortugas National Park. This unique campsite is on an island 70 miles from Key West. It is only accessible by boats or seaplane.
While in the park, you’ll be able to visit Fort Jefferson, swim, snorkel, or relax on the beach. Then at night, camp under the stars to the sound of waves and palm trees. Keep in mind, though, that these are primitive campsites, meaning you’ll have to bring everything with you.
2. West Palm Beach / Lion Country Safari KOA Journey
One of the best campsites in Florida is located inside one of the top state attractions, Lion Country Safari! In this drive-thru safari, animals like lions, zebras, and lions roam free. But don’t worry, you’ll be perfectly safe in the campground!
In fact, you’ll be more than okay in the campground. Sites have full hookups with up to 50 amp service. There is complimentary WiFi, a year-round pool, basketball, volleyball, and shuffleboard courts, a playground for kids, and a fenced dog park.
3. Fort Myers Beach RV Resort
Along Florida’s west coast and only three miles to Fort Myers Beach is one of the best campgrounds in Florida. Fort Myers Beach RV Resort offers well-maintained grounds, shade trees, and clean facilities. It also has a swimming pool, fitness center, clubhouse, shower facilities, and laundry facilities.
Things to do nearby include visiting beautiful Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel Lighthouse. Both are less than 20 minutes away.
4. Oscar Scherer State Park
One of the best Florida campgrounds for wildlife lovers is Oscar Scherer State Park. Located on the Gulf Coast between the beach towns of Sarasota and Venice, it’s a quiet haven for nature lovers. While there, be on the lookout for gopher tortoises, bobcats, deer, and many types of birds, including Bald Eagles.
The park has 104 RV and tent campsites, all of which have 30 or 50-amp electric hookups and water hookups. There are also shower and laundry facilities, as well as WiFi.
5. Orlando Southwest KOA
If you’re vacationing in Florida with kids, one of the best central Florida campgrounds is Orlando Southwest KOA. It’s perfectly located between Orlando and Lakeland, making it easy to get to many theme parks and other family-friendly attractions. Legoland Florida, Walt Disney World Resort, SeaWorld, and Universal Studios are just a few top attractions.
The campground has back-in and pull-through RV sites, cable TV, complimentary WiFi, and fire pits. The kids will especially love the campground’s pool, basketball court, and playground. If you’re traveling with a dog, the campground also has a dog park.
6. Hopkins Prairie Campground
Located inside Ocala National Forest is Hopkins Prairie Campground. This primitive site is perfect for tent camping. There are vault toilets, but not much else, so double check your camping checklist to make sure you have everything you will need.
Ocala National Forest is one of the best US National Forests. There are over 600 lakes and rivers, making it the perfect destination for those wanting to swim, fish, kayak, or snorkel. It’s also an excellent destination for birding.
7. Escribano Point Wildlife Management Area
About 45 minutes east of Pensacola in northwest Florida, you’ll find Escribano Point Wildlife Management Area. Not only does it offer some of the best campsites in Florida, but they’re also free! It is open year-round and has tent-only camping in the Bayou Campground and tent or small RV camping in the Bayside Campground.
The campgrounds also have easy access to beautiful stretches of undeveloped coastline. If you’d like to venture out a bit, the National Naval Aviation Museum and Gulf Breeze Zoo are nearby popular attractions.
8. St. Augustine Beach KOA
Another of the best campgrounds in Florida is the St. Augustine Beach KOA. This campground is located near historic St. Augustine, where you can visit the Fountain of Youth Archeological Park and the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum.
The campground can accommodate vehicles up to 70 feet long and offers cable TV, WiFi, a pool, fishing pond, dog park, picnic tables, and fire rings.
9. Little Talbot Island State Park
If camping in Florida means being right on the water, then you’ll love Little Talbot Island State Park. Just 30 minutes east of Jacksonville, you’ll find salt marshes, dunes, and maritime forests. There are 36 campsites, 20 of which can accommodate RVs and trailers and most sites are close to the water so you’ll have great views.
Popular things to do in the park include surfing, swimming, fishing, shelling, biking, kayaking, and canoeing. If you’d like to head into town, Jacksonville has fun attractions like the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens and the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens.
10. Florida Caverns State Park
You might be surprised to learn that Florida has limestone caves. Yes, it’s true! You can explore these caves in Florida Caverns State Park, where they also have some of the best Florida campgrounds. There are 32 sites equipped with 30/50-amp electricity, water, sewer hookups, a picnic table, a grill, and a fire ring. There are also three primitive tent sites.
Tours of the caverns are the area’s main attraction, but there are also hiking and equestrian trails. If you’re interested in water activities, you can swim in the Blue Hole swimming area or go kayaking on the Chipola River.
Ready to go camping in Florida?
Florida campgrounds are a great value, whether you’re wanting a cheap summer vacation or trying to escape a cold winter. Florida and its attractions have a reputation for being expensive. One way to decrease costs while getting to know this diverse state is by renting an RV and going on a Florida road trip.
There are campgrounds and resorts all over the state. RV park rates will vary depending on location, amenities, and season, but you’ll most likely still save money compared to staying in hotels. There are also a lot of options for free primitive camping. So whichever campground you choose, we know you’ll have a fun time exploring the state while also saving some money!
