Best Camping in Florida

Camping in Florida

By Nathan Swartz

Florida has long been a mainstay for RVers seeking that ideal camping location to wait out the winter months. Few other places in the United States remain as consistently warm as what you’ll find while camping in Florida, and the Sunshine State has an abundance of camping available, in a variety of forms.

See a map of all camping in Florida.

Florida RV Parks

Whether you've come this far south in search of decadent, resort-style RV parks or primitive camping amongst the palms, Florida certainly doesn't disappoint, Campendium's guide to Florida RV Parks will help you find exactly the experience you're after. Fishing meccas like Lake Okeechobee, the family affairs to be had in Orlando and historic sites in our nation's oldest city, St. Augustine, all let you define the perfect camping trip on your terms.

National Parks in Florida

In Southwest Florida, recreation areas like Everglades National Park and Big Cypress National Preserve keep the thermostat kicked up high enough to make any dad angry all year long. The Everglades are a birding paradise, where exotic creatures like alligators and even monkeys play in the cypress forests and swamps just outside of your RV site. Big Cypress is home to Florida’s remaining panther population, and along with two other national parks in Southern Florida, offer millions of acres to explore.

Florida National Forests

Respite from the relentless heat of the state’s southern tip can be found in Central Florida's Ocala National Forest, where in addition to a little shade from the forest canopy, one can find free tent camping and sites suitable for RVs as well. Along the panhandle, camping can be had along the Gulf of Mexico and in Apalachicola National Forest, where small towns and beach resorts alike await travelers from the world over.

Florida State Parks

Beyond the national forests and parks, Florida's various water management districts and wildlife management areas also offer camping opportunities, but the truest gem the state offers--its state park system--is coveted above all else. While they often require reservations placed months in advance, Florida's State Parks are exemplary, featuring unspoiled beachfront or natural springs to rest your weary rig awhile.

Free Camping in Florida

Where the state parks can be difficult to get into and private RV parks often dangle a pricey nightly rate, free camping across the state is luckily abundant. From complimentary overnight parking at local Walmarts, casinos and Interstate rest stops to free spots at county parks, fishing docks, and national forests, the thrifty RVer is never far from free camping in Florida.

For generations, travelers in search of a destination like no other in these United States have flocked to Florida, and the state’s economy and culture has risen up to meet their needs. From the Panhandle to the Keys, Florida promises a place to pull up next to a picnic table and a fire ring and call home.

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Recent Florida Campground Reviews

Winter Garden, FL

Cracker Barrel

Mar 18, 2024

"No Overnight Parking"

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Telephoned 3/18/2024. Employee confirmed that County does not allow overnight parking.

julia
37 reviews
Mar 17, 2024

"Wonderful Free Campground"

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This campground was a pleasant experience and has well-maintained facilities. The bathrooms were clean, and the warm showers were fantastic. There is trash available as well. The sites are numbered and are first come, first serve. We arrived late afternoon on a Saturday in mid-March and there were two sites left. The sites are quite long and it...
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white.van_no.plan
47 reviews
Wesley Chapel, FL

Quail Run RV Resort

Mar 17, 2024

"Cramped crowded and rude"

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Would not stay here ever again. The campground is a 55+ snowbird resort. The full timers were not friendly and the manager was not friendly and welcoming. The cost was too much for the unlevel small gravel site. The cable tv did not work the grass area by the gravel was riddled with fire ants. You had to stay on the concrete picnic table area to...
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llll
8 reviews
Mar 17, 2024

"Friendly snowbirds"

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This campground is mostly snowbirds but everyone was very friendly. The concrete site was level and easily accessible. WiFi worked well, shower/bathrooms and clubhouse were close to our campsite and very clean. Did not try the heated pool but others were enjoying themselves. They have a military discount which we appreciated. Everything worked...
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llll
7 reviews
Mar 17, 2024

"Beautiful Location, Waterfront Views, And A Beach And Playground With The Boat Ramp"

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We had a nice day here and not expensive. My dad got a discount because he is a resident so he came early and signed up for us. There were tons of spots in March. Definitely would stay here again you do have to dump at the station which was a little inconvenient, but you can also shower at the nice facilities there Beach was closed near there...
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camper-833964
3 reviews