Camping in Florida is one of the best ways to explore the state. In the winter months, snuggle up to a campfire. Or enjoy the summer breeze by camping beachside. Some sites are resort-like (hot tubs, shower facilitiy, visitor center) while others are primitive with few amenities. No matter the time of year or location, Florida has a campground to suit.
Florida’s campgrounds range from beachfront views to a forest canopy, from the grounds of Everglades National Park to the center of Walt Disney World at Disney’s Fort Wilderness. Florida boasts some of the most beautiful back country campground spots too – though to get to them, you will need to canoe for hours through the Everglades or hike miles along Florida Trail. We offer in-depth camping tours of Florida – a 6 night canoe trip in Everglades National Park, for example – but Florida’s Top 5 Campgrounds are accessible to all by car, bike, or on foot. So next time you are planning a trip to Florida, consider packing a tent!
Florida’s Top 5 Campgrounds
5. Disney’s Fort Wilderness. Yes, yes… we realize that camping at Disney World is not the most outdoors’y way to get out into nature, but if you are going to be spending time at an Orlando theme park, we think camping at Fort Wilderness is the closest you can get to a balanced holiday. The campground is surrounded by beautiful forest, and never short on human sightings. With a huge swimming pool, lots of campfire activities (movie under the stars with popcorn and roasted marshmallows, anyone?), and a free shuttle to any Disney property… this is a must stay campground when visiting Orlando.
4. St. Augustine – Anastasia State Park.
Atlantic Ocean. Sand Dunes. Beaches as far as the eye can see. This picturesque state park has one of the best campgrounds in the North. After a full day visiting the oldest city in the United States, St. Augustine, take an early evening dip in the water before heading to sleep. When the alarm wakes you up in the wee hours of the morning, know that you are minutes away from witnessing the awe of the sun rising up over the ocean. If you are quick enough, drive over to Florida’s west coast to watch the sun dip below the Gulf of Mexico, all in one day.
3. Homosassa Springs. Located just under Florida’s panhanlde (northwest Florida), Homosassa Springs is the jumping off point for visiting with the elusive Florida Manatee (lovingly referred to as the “cow of the sea”). This area of Florida is home to spring-fed rivers, virgin forests, and a touch of souther hospitality. A number of local operators offer campground facilities in the area.
2. Florida Keys – Bahia Honda State Park. If waking up to a sandy beach and crystal blue water for a morning dip sounds nice, then book a campground at Bahia Honda State Park now (it books up especially quick in the winter). Just 37 miles from Key West, Bahia Honda boasts gorgeous views, great kayaking, and a little South Florida history – stop by the visitor’s center to learn about the Old Bahia Bridge.
1. Everglades National Park. Miles from any city, with sky views that reach to the heavens, camping anywhere in Everglades National Park will be a most memorable experience. After a day of Alligator tracking, bird watching, and canoeing through the Mangrove jungles, drive to the tip of the park (nearly 40 miles from the main entrance) for Florida Bay views of open water and set up camp for a night under the stars. And don’t worry about the Alligators (and crocodiles in this part of the park), they’ll be sleeping too!
Florida’s Top 5 Campgrounds is selected by Florida Adventure Treks – Florida’s ONLY small group adventure tour company in the state. Our seven (7) and fourteen (14) day tours take you to all of Florida’s best campgrounds, as well as tourist hot-spots and plenty of off-the-beaten-path destinations. Check out our itineraries at http://www.floridaadventuretreks.com/our-tours/adventure-tours.
Budget travel is an art form – it is all about exploring a new land, learning about its people, and experiencing a destination as if you lived there. There is no better way to travel. But sometimes, traveling on a budget isn’t easy. The United States doesn’t have a rail system that even closely rivals Europe. Given how big our country is, buses are a distant second to plane hopping. And, the time and effort to check-in at an airport every few days is not exactly our idea of a holiday.
Yes, Florida is known for its beautiful beaches and, of course, Disney World. We have Miami’s South Beach and Key West. The Space Shuttle launches from Cape Canaveral. The celebrated Florida Alligator lives in our Everglades (sometimes in our backyards!) There are other attractions too, but most visitors to the Sunshine State barely break the surface of Florida’s greatness.
