Best Car Camping in Florida

Florida offers diverse car camping experiences—from sandy beaches to pine forests and swamplands. The state’s 1,100 miles of coastline and year-round sunshine make it tailor-made for outdoor adventurers. Many Florida State Parks provide drive-in campsites with water, electricity and grills, blending comfort with nature. Whether you seek sunset beachside views or secluded riverbanks, Florida’s campsites deliver. For example, Florida Caverns State Park in the Panhandle offers guided cave tours and forest trails, while Manatee Springs State Park’s boardwalk leads campers through cypress swamps to a clear spring-fed river. Highlights:

  • Scenic Variety: From Gulf beaches and coral sands (e.g. Fort De Soto Park’s white-sand keys) to freshwater springs and pine hammocks.

  • Rich Wildlife: Florida’s parks shelter panthers, alligators, manatees, migratory birds and more.

  • Modern Amenities: Many car-camp sites have water/electric hookups, restrooms and even showers.

  • Year-Round Camping: Mild winters allow camping even in January, though summer storms and mosquitoes can be intense.

  • Easy Beach Access: With over 1,100 miles of coast, you can literally camp on the beach in places like Bahia Honda and Grayton Beach.

A rustic Florida campground trail. Forested parks like Blackwater River State Park (Panhandle) offer drive-in campsites under pine and cedar canopies.

Top Car Camping Destinations

Florida Panhandle & North Florida

  • Florida Caverns State Park (Marianna): The only Florida State Park with cave tours, Caverns SP offers illuminated limestone caverns plus camping under pine forests. Sites include water, electric, picnic tables and grills.

  • Blackwater River State Park: Famous for its crystal-clear sand-bottom river, Blackwater has 27 campsites (26 RV-friendly) right along white-sand shores. Canoeing or tubing the tannic waters is a highlight, and giant Atlantic white cedar groves abound.

  • Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center SP (White Springs): Camp “Down Upon the Suwannee River” at this cultural park. Daily carillon concerts ring across the river and trails follow the historic riverfront. Hike, kayak, or attend the Suwannee River Jam music events nearby.

  • Grayton Beach State Park (Santa Rosa Beach): Iconic Panhandle campground with coastal dunes, rare coastal scrub and miles of sugar-sand beach. (Sites fill up fast!)

  • Crooked River (Withlacoochee State Forest): Primitive campsites nestled in pines and hardwoods. Each remote site has a fire ring and picnic table, but you must hike or canoe. (Good for backpack-car camping hybrids.)

Central Florida

  • Myakka River State Park (Sarasota County): One of Florida’s oldest/largest parks, with 90 campsites offering water, electric, picnic table and fire ring. Hike or paddle in ancient oak hammocks and prairies teeming with herons, alligators, and even panthers.

  • Rainbow Springs State Park (Dunnellon): Crystal-clear spring-fed river and waterfalls. The campground has 54 sites (many for RVs/tents) with hookups, plus several primitive tent-only sites. Snorkel or canoe in 72°F springs and then relax by the campfire.

  • Silver River State Park (Ocala): Adjacent to famous Silver Springs, known for glass-bottom boats. Camp in live oak hammocks and visit the reconstructed pioneer village and museum. Wildlife viewing on the Silver River (manatees, turtles) is unmatched.

  • Anastasia State Park (St. Augustine): Oceanfront camping just minutes from historic St. Augustine. This year-round campground has 139 sites with water/electric, grills and ADA options. Walk the sandy Ancient Dunes Trail or relax on the Atlantic shoreline.

  • Little Manatee River State Park (Wimauma): Riverside campground with easy canoe access – ideal for families. (Notable trails and wildlife-viewing.)

  • Lake Louisa/Minnie/Moss Park (Clermont): Chain of lakes campgrounds surrounded by pine flatwoods and wetlands. Fishing, hiking, and night skies are highlights.

Wooden boardwalk in Florida’s wetlands. Many parks (like Manatee Springs) have boardwalks or trails through marshes and hammocks to river springs.

South & Southeast Florida

  • Everglades National Park – Flamingo Campground: At the southern tip of the peninsula, this drive-up campground (115 sites) offers tent and RV camping with solar showers, dump stations, grills and ranger programs. It’s on Florida Bay – enjoy mangrove trails and abundant wildlife (manatees, crocodiles, birds).

  • Everglades National Park – Long Pine Key Campground: The “northern” Everglades site (seasonal Nov–May). Both tent and RV sites (90 total) with basic hookups. Surrounded by pine forests and sawgrass prairie.

  • Big Cypress National Preserve: The rural sister of Everglades NP has campgrounds (Monument Lake, Midway) with hookups and close gator encounters. (Separate fee.)

  • Jonathan Dickinson State Park (Martin/Loxahatchee): East of West Palm Beach, this park straddles the Loxahatchee River. It has two campgrounds (Pine Grove, River) where all sites include water, electricity, table and grill. Pine Grove even has full RV hookups. Trails and paddling are superb, and the Burt Reynolds estate is nearby as a curiosity.

  • Bahia Honda State Park (Big Pine Key): The Keys’ premier state park campground. Beach camping on turquoise waters, 60 sites (some beach-front) with water/electric. Snorkeling and sunset views make this a classic Florida Keys experience.

  • Fort Wilderness Resort (Orlando): For a “Disney camping” experience, stay at this woodland campground with full hookups and nightly entertainment (campfires, boat parades).

  • Sugarloaf Key/Key West KOA: Though private, this KOA is a beachfront RV resort between oceans. Retro Airstream rentals and day-trips to Key West are featured attractions.

Gulf Coast Beaches

  • Fort De Soto Park (St. Petersburg): This Pinellas County treasure spans five keys and 1,136 acres of barrier islands. Its 236-site campground has spacious wooded lots (most with electricity). Campers enjoy 7 miles of paved trails, a dog beach, and the #1-ranked public beach in Florida. (Reservations open 6 months ahead; sites fill quickly.)

  • Cayo Costa State Park: Accessible only by boat/ferry, this remote park on a barrier island has primitive campsites under palm hammocks. (Emphasis on solitude.)

  • Grayton Beach State Park (okala): White-sand beach camping on Western Panhandle coast (trailheads, dune lakes).

  • St. Andrews State Park (Panama City): Sandy beach and marina, 220 campsites with hookups.

Car Camping Tips & Essentials

  • Reservation Required: Most Florida parks strongly recommend advance booking. Many sites (especially waterfront or pet-friendly) fill up months in advance. Florida State Parks allow reservations up to 11 months out. If planning a busy season trip, book early!

  • Best Seasons: Fall–Spring (especially Dec–Apr) are ideal. Summers bring daily storms, high heat and mosquitoes. Winters in Florida are mild (daytime ~77°F, nights ~50°F), making outdoor camping very pleasant.

  • Insects & Wildlife: Always pack strong insect repellent, long-sleeve shirts and netting. Florida’s wetlands teem with mosquitoes and biting flies. In mangrove areas (Everglades, Keys) bugs can be fierce, so wear repellent or treated clothing. Raccoons and birds may scavenge food at night; keep everything sealed or in your car.

  • Campfires & Equipment: Most developed campgrounds provide fire rings or grills. In Everglades National Park, fires (including charcoal) are not allowed – bring a camping stove instead. (Example: Jonathan Dickinson bans wood collection; campers use gas stoves.) Always follow local fire regulations.

  • Water & Supplies: Don’t assume natural sources are drinkable. Carry plenty of water, especially in summer. Although many sites have drinking water spigots, some remote sites do not.

  • Pets: Many Florida parks allow leashed pets at camp. For example, Manatee Springs welcomes dogs on leash, and Fort De Soto even has a dedicated dog beach. However, dogs are usually prohibited from backcountry or beach wilderness campsites, so check park rules.

  • Weather Awareness: Hurricane season runs June–November. Monitor forecasts and have a backup plan. Check park alerts or closures (e.g. any trail closings due to storms). Always have sun protection: hats, sunglasses, sunscreen.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Q: What is car camping in Florida?
    A: Car camping means camping at drive-in campsites where you can park your vehicle right at your tent or RV site. In Florida, this is common in state and national parks. These campsites often include amenities like picnic tables, grills, and hookups. Unlike backcountry camping (hiking in), you can bring more gear and use your car’s storage and cooler.

  • Q: Where can I go car camping in Florida?
    A: Florida’s state parks are the best places. Nearly all Florida State Parks (e.g. Anastasia, Rainbow Springs, Silver River) and National Parks (Everglades, Dry Tortugas, Biscayne) have drive-in campgrounds. Additionally, county and private parks (Fort Wilderness Resort, KOAs) offer car-access sites. We’ve highlighted many top spots above – from beach parks like Fort De Soto to forested parks like Blackwater River.

  • Q: When is the best time to go car camping in Florida?
    A: The ideal season is late fall through early spring. Florida winters are mild (daytime 70–80°F), and bug levels are lowest, making camping comfortable. Avoid summer if possible – temperatures exceed 90°F and afternoon thunderstorms (and no-see-ums) can disrupt camping. Spring (March–April) is popular but also spring break, so book sites early.

  • Q: Do I need a permit or reservation?
    A: Yes. Most Florida parks require reservations (except some small county parks). Reserve campsites online via Florida State Parks or ReserveAmerica. Everglades and Dry Tortugas require National Park permits. For example, Everglades’ wilderness (chickee) sites need a backcountry permit. Always check the specific park’s website for booking rules.

  • Q: What should I bring for camping in Florida?
    A: Pack bug spray (mosquitoes are ubiquitous), sun protection (hats, sunscreen), and plenty of water. Since Florida humidity can cause condensation, bring a tarp or ground cloth under your tent. If camping near water, waterproof your gear. A flashlight or headlamp is essential (few tent sites are lit). If camping in cooler months, bring a warm layer for nights.

  • Q: Are pets allowed at these campgrounds?
    A: Many Florida parks welcome pets on leash. For instance, Manatee Springs SP explicitly allows leashed pets. Check each park’s pet policy: usually pets must be confined to your site (no roaming) and aren’t allowed at certain beaches or trails.

  • Q: What about campfires and wildlife safety?
    A: In developed campgrounds, campfires are usually permitted in provided rings. Never leave a fire unattended. In parks like the Everglades, open fires are not allowed (camp stove only). Keep food sealed and never feed wildlife (Florida raccoons and birds are notorious scavengers). Remember that alligators inhabit many freshwater parks – they generally avoid humans but keep a safe distance, especially from water’s edge.

Conclusion

Florida’s campgrounds offer something for everyone: serene springs, ocean sunsets, and bayou wilderness. Whether you’re pitching a tent by a turquoise Keys beach or parking an RV among ancient cypress, Florida delivers a memorable outdoor escape. To make the most of it, plan ahead: check park websites for fees and alerts, reserve sites early (especially beachfront or bayside ones), and respect wildlife rules. Embrace the adventure – many campers find Florida’s combination of warm climate and ecological diversity second to none. Happy camping, and enjoy the Sunshine State’s great outdoors!

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