Family-friendly beach camping in Florida

With its 1,100-mile coastline and year-round sun, Florida is tailor-made for a beach camping trip.

98% (1965 reviews)
98% (1965 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Florida

Star Hosts in Florida

12 top beach campgrounds in Florida

97%
(1347)

Taste of Old Florida

12 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Palm City, FL
A small but unique piece of land that was given to a family in the 1920s by the Florida Railroad Company. It stayed in the family until we purchased it. It is unique because the surrounding area does not have much tree coverage. This is due to the ground underneath, which is a vein of grey marl. This is why the area is called the Allapattah (an Indian word for Alligator) Flats. We are hoping that our county stays the way it is so people will know what Old Florida really looks like. Minutes from I-95, but surrounded by the Allapattah Flats Wildlife Management Preserve. Located on Martin Hwy, which was recently designated as a Florida Scenic Hwy. Fifteen minutes to Stuart and thirty minutes to West Palm Beach, a world away from the hustle and bustle. We realize that people also love Florida for Disney and tropical paradises but if that is what you want than this may not be your kind of place.
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$25
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97%
(599)

By the Pond...

12 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents33 acres · Ruskin, FL
Stay by a lovely pond on 33 acre fruit and ornamental tree nursery property with great vibes. Located near I-75 just 20 miles South of Tampa, 35 miles east of Saint Petersburg, 35 miles North of Sarasota, 2 hours West of Orlando. This property is home to a farm/nursery operation and has a large pond on the west side. The pond is Spring-fed at the headwaters of Marsh Branch Creek which begins at our property and flows West about five miles in to Tampa Bay. Approximately 33 private acres allows for plenty of space between our campsites. Site is loaded with hundreds of fruit trees Lychee, Mango, Starfruit, Papaya, Guava), and thousands of banana plants. Fishing can be great, wildlife and bird watching too. Fenced and gated for safety, this old historic nursery property has good vibes and plenty to offer. Until you see it - you really may not understand. Parts of property are wide open, other areas are rugged and difficult to walk through including some wetland areas. The nursery has plenty of trees, and some fields -the large pond is surrounded by cattails and marsh/wetlands and has fish (Bass, Tilapia, Sunfish, Catfish). Several species of wildlife have been seen on the property. We think the property is lovely, and definitely want you to enjoy your camping experience!
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$32.50
 / night
97%
(212)

Hidden Gem

16 sites · RVs, Tents11 acres · New Smyrna Beach, FL
Welcome to our HIDDEN GEM which is tucked away in 11 acres of beautiful oak trees. Splashed with Spanish moss this tropical paradise offers a serene experience and creates a perfect environment for the Monarch Butterfly to thrive. We offer hot outdoor showers and flushable toilets. Our sites are large and secluded. We are 10 minutes from the white sandy beaches of the Atlantic Ocean. Bring your boat if you like to fish. We are 3 minutes from the boat ramp which accommodates boats large and small to access off shore fishing at the Inlet or flats fishing at Mosquito Lagoon. If you are a motorcycle enthusiast we are 30 minutes from Daytona Speedway and NSB Speedway. Kayak and surfing with your own or rentals are available. All the popular attractions are one hour drive time from us. There are 5 Golf Courses in NSB as well as an array of fine dining, art shows and of course lots of sunshine. As lifelong campers it is a pleasure to share our Hidden Gem with you. We love animals so bring your best friends along.
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$40
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100%
(274)

The Wandering Path

9 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents21 acres · Milton, FL
Located 20 minutes north of downtown Milton, FL, The Wandering Path is a serene escape, offering a unique blend of untouched natural beauty and comfortable accommodations. With 2000 feet of waterfront along the picturesque Coldwater Creek, this nature retreat is a world away from the hustle and bustle of city life, set within a sprawling 20-acre landscape. Accommodations at The Wandering Path are designed for those seeking a peaceful retreat. Four glamping tents, equipped with real full-size beds, portable AC for summer, heaters for winter, and essential amenities, ensure a comfortable stay amidst nature. Each tent is adorned with solar string lights, and outdoor essentials like a picnic table, fire pit ring, small charcoal grill, and trash can are provided. For those who prefer a more raw connection with nature, four primitive campsites are available, each equipped with solar string lights, a fire pit ring, and a trash can. A hike-in site with a picnic table is also an option for adventurers. Guests have access to a centrally located bathhouse with two full bathrooms, ensuring comfort and convenience. There is now an outdoor kitchen for all guests to use. There is no cookware, silverware or dishes. There is a counter-top oven, toaster, 2 stove top burners, 1 flat top griddle, sink and keurig coffee maker. There are reusable k-cups for you to put your own coffee in, or your own k-cups. The property boasts 2000 feet of trails alongside the creek, perfect for hiking and exploring the natural surroundings. Kayak rentals are available for guests with appropriate vehicles, and fishing enthusiasts are welcome to cast their lines into the spring-fed creek. At The Wandering Path, nights come alive under a starlit sky, unblemished by city lights, making every evening perfect for a campfire. It’s more than just a stay; it’s an experience of tranquility, a chance to recharge amidst nature’s embrace. We look forward to becoming your go-to spot when you’re in need of recharging. We are less than 1 hour from Pensacola and Navarre beaches, 15-20 minutes to local grocery stores and restaurants. At this time, no pets or children under 12 are allowed in yurts. ***All pets do require prior approval to maintain the safety of other guests.
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$40.50
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97%
(234)

Happy Campers Rescue Ranch

11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Dunnellon, FL
Welcome! 🌿 We're thrilled to have you join us for an unforgettable experience surrounded by nature and animals. 🐾 At our ranch, we're dedicated to providing a sanctuary for rescued animals and offering our guests a unique opportunity to connect with nature and support our mission of animal welfare and conservation – it's a haven where you can relax, unwind, and make memories that will last a lifetime. 🌟 During your stay, you'll have the chance to meet our furry friends, including rescued farm animals and adorable companions who call Happy Campers Rescue Ranch home. Whether you're feeding the goats, cuddling with the kittens, or exploring the beautiful surroundings, there's something for everyone to enjoy. 🐷🐱🌳 But that's not all – we also offer a range of exciting extras to enhance your experience. Rent a Kayak or Paddle Boat to explore the area and crystal-clear waters of Rainbow Springs, or choose our cooler with built-in air conditioning ❄️ to stay comfortable during hot summer days inside your tent. As a guest, you'll not only have the opportunity to relax and unwind, but you'll also be supporting our mission of animal rescue and rehabilitation. A portion of your stay goes directly towards caring for our rescued animals and maintaining our sanctuary, allowing us to continue our important work. 🤲 We can't wait to welcome you to out ranch and share our love for animals and nature with you. Whether you're looking for a weekend getaway, a family vacation, or a unique retreat, we're here to make your stay unforgettable. 🌈 ***We kindly request bookings for a maximum duration of up to 7 days. This allows us to maintain the integrity of our sanctuary and ensures that our animals receive consistent care and attention while also offering our guests the opportunity to enjoy a refreshing and rejuvenating getaway. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in this matter. Thank you for choosing our ranch – we look forward to hosting you soon! 🎉
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$30
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99%
(82)

Celestial Acres

6 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Hastings, FL
Welcome to our little homestead. Nestled amidst the serene countryside, this quaint campground offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. Surrounded by lush farms and sprawling horse pastures, the air is filled with the sweet scent of wildflowers and the gentle rustle of leaves. With only a handful of RV spots and a few cozy tents scattered among the trees, guests can truly reconnect with nature while roasting marshmallows over crackling campfires under a blanket of stars. Here, the pace slows down, allowing visitors to unwind and immerse themselves in the simple pleasures of rural life. We just finished (well 2 years ago) traveling the country in an RV with five of our 7 kids (oldest two were in college) and we had a terrible time finding places to stay in Saint Augustine when we came home to visit. I hope that we can offer some nice people a safe and beautiful place to park their rig. Things to do: The property is near the historic St. Augustine, a fun walkable/bikeable city, lots of state parks and of course an awesome beach! Other things to note: 6 Miles away is 4 Lakes Campground with dumping facilities
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$9.89
 / night
98%
(113)

T.L.C.'S GYPSY HAVEN

8 sites · RVs, Tents40 acres · Lithia, FL
We are a working horse farm who hosts groups, summer camps, after school program, boarding, girl scouts, boy scouts, and birthday parties! We are very kid friendly and are perfect getaway for the family. Come and camp on our open, grassy field. We are offer horseback riding, boarding, and more with our beautiful horses. Lithia Springs is only 15 minutes away and the beaches are an hour from our property. You're also near tons of different parks with canoeing, playgrounds, pavilions, and activities only 15 minutes away, restaurants are only 10 minutes from our facility We are private property off of a private road and await your visit! Learn more about this land: We are a working horse farm who hosts groups, summer camps, after school program, boarding, girl scouts, boy scouts, and birthday parties! We are very kid friendly and are perfect getaway for the family.  Come and camp on our open, grassy field. We  offer horseback riding, boarding, and more with our beautiful horses. Lithia Springs is only 15 minutes away and the beaches are an hour from our property.  You're also near tons of different parks with canoeing, playgrounds, pavillions, and activities only 15 minutes away, restaurants are only 10 minutes from our facility We are private property off of a private road and await your visit! We can accommodate two, 30 amp & one, 50 amp site plus four, 20 amps or less at this time. We do not have a septic black tank hook up for RVs or campers. We do have a bathroom in the barn with a working toilet and sink but no shower.  We do have plenty of room for campers, tents, and RVs!
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$34.20
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100%
(172)

30A Bay Hideaway

1 site · RV1 acre · Miramar Beach, FL
Private, gated waterfront estate on the shores of Choctawhatchee Bay. Close to the activities on 30A and the Gulf of Mexico (7 minutes) but secluded enough to feel like you have your own private piece of paradise with amazing sunset views. The bay is full of life: watch mullet jump, catch crabs, watch for dolphins and sting rays. If you enjoy fishing, try night fishing on the dock, too. Bay charters come to the waters around our dock on their excursions! If you bring a boat, Cessna Landing is just under 2 miles away with a very nice boat launch. Tie your boat to our dock for the duration of your visit. Boating, paddle boarding, kayaking, fishing, swimming, sunset watching, bicycling and campfires are a few things to enjoy while at the 30A Bay Hideaway. Sunset viewing deck, bay beach/dock, fire pit and an outdoor shower and sink with hot water and an outdoor mini-fridge are included in the listing. Owners are not onsite during rental periods and the property is limited to one RV site so you can be sure you will have the property all to yourself!
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$113.05
 / night
Value Prop
Value Prop
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Family-friendly beach camping in Florida guide

Overview

Beautiful beaches, world-famous theme parks, and tropical islands—you probably think you know all there is to know about Florida. But the Sunshine State is also a five-star destination for outdoor adventurers with natural attractions to rival its theme parks. Campers can cruise wildlife-filled wetlands, snorkel coral reefs, hike through national forests, and explore historic forts. Some of the best RV camping is found in the 175 Florida state parks, and with balmy winter temperatures, tent camping is possible year-round. Avoid heart-of-summer camping if possible, though—the heat can be extreme, and it’s hurricane season along the coast. 

Where to go

Panhandle and Big Bend

White-sand beaches and laid-back beach towns fringe the Gulf of Mexico in Florida’s north-western county. Panama City, Destin, and Pensacola are gateways to the Panhandle, where you can pitch your tent right on the beach along the Gulf Islands National Seashore or check into an RV resort at one of the seaside state parks. The Apalachicola National Forest, just outside Tallahassee, is another favorite for campers, with everything from primitive tent sites to RV sites with electric hookups. 

North Florida

Most visitors to North Florida make a beeline for the Atlantic Ocean, where the hubs of Jacksonville, St Augustine, and Daytona Beach are dotted with sandy beaches and historic monuments. Campers looking to escape the beaten track can enjoy backcountry camping along the Canaveral National Seashore or park up by the beach in Anastasia State Park. Inland, the sprawling Lakelands of the Ocala National Forest are camping nirvana, surrounded by state parks and natural springs. 

Central Florida

Fun-seeking families probably have Orlando’s theme parks at the top of their Central Florida to-do list, but there are plenty of ways to get back to nature too. There’s great hiking and primitive camping in Seminole State Forest and Kissimmee State Park, both just outside the city. Other popular camping spots include the Jonathan Dickinson State Park in West Palm Beach, Lake Okeechobee, and Cayo Costa State Park, just off the coast of Fort Myers.

South Florida

The vast Everglades National Park is the star attraction of the Gulf Coast, where boating, biking, and canoeing tours will take you through the UNESCO-listed wetlands. Look out for manatees and American alligators along the way. Over on the Atlantic Coast, the buzzing beach resorts of Miami and Fort Lauderdale draw sun-seekers year-round. Intrepid campers can escape the masses in the Biscayne National Park, where the tent camping sites are reachable only by boat or kayak.

Florida Keys

If kayaking around tropical islands, and snorkeling and scuba diving along remote coral cays sounds like your idea of fun, look no further than the Florida Keys. The Overseas Highway runs all the way to Key West, and campers will find RV sites and tent camping grounds peppered around the many islands. Campgrounds in Bahia Honda State Park have boat launches and hammock camping, while the remote Dry Tortugas National Park has backcountry camping far from the crowds.

Frequently Asked Questions About Camping in Florida

Can you camp on the beach in Florida?

Yes, you can go beach camping in Florida in certain areas, typically on some BLM land and in dozens of state parks including Bahia Honda State Park in the Florida Keys, Grayton Beach State Park outside Destin, and eastern Florida’s Sebastian Inlet State Park. Campers in Florida are generally not allowed to camp in the sand unless expressly stated otherwise in the areas above. Most Florida beach campgrounds are set behind sand dunes with picnic tables, electric hookups, and toilet access. Remote, primitive, boat-in beach campsites can also be found on Elliott Key and Boca Chita Key in Biscayne National Park. Find more beach camping in Florida.

Is primitive camping allowed in Florida?

Yes, primitive camping is allowed in Florida in some state parks, national forests, state forests, and on the US Forest Service’s Florida Trail, usually for a small fee. Primitive camping, typically described as dispersed camping away from designated campgrounds without facilities, is available for backpackers and campers at more than 25 Florida state parks, including Cayo Costa State Park near Fort Myers, Wekiwa Springs State Park outside Orlando, and Jonathan Dickinson State Park near West Palm Beach. BLM land does not exist in Florida, though you can find more private, secluded camping in Florida with Hipcamp.

Where can you camp for free in Florida?

You can find free camping in Florida in its national forests: Apalachicola National Forest, Osceola National Forest, and Ocala National Forest, each of which spans thousands of acres and is made up of diverse landscapes. These campsites are generally primitive and dispersed with no facilities, so you’ll need to come prepared.

How many state parks in Florida have RV camping?

Florida has an incredible number of state parks (190 and counting!) and about 52 state parks offering RV campgrounds and campervan campsites. Myakka River State Park, Rainbow Springs State Park, Blue Springs State Park, and Silver Springs State Park are among Florida’s most popular state parks with RV camping. Find more Florida RV camping.

What is the best month to go camping in Florida?

The very best months to go camping in Florida are March and April, when the weather is best for tent camping and RV road trips with temperatures hovering between a low of 65°F and a high of 85°F. During these months, humidity is at its lowest, rain is unlikely, and ocean waters are warmest in south Florida’s Miami Beach and Key West. Hiking and backpacking are best suited for the cooler months of January and February. August, September, and October are the worst months to go camping in Florida thanks to wet weather, high humidity, and potential thunderstorms or hurricanes.

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