If you’re dreaming of falling asleep to ocean waves and waking up with sand between your toes, beach camping in Florida is where it’s at.
From wild islands you can only reach by boat to campgrounds with sunrise views, the state has some seriously incredible spots to pitch a tent by the water.
Whether you’re a full-on camping pro or just want to try something new, these beach spots are packed with cool stuff to do.
Ready to find your perfect patch of sand? Let’s check out 9 of the best beach camping spots in Florida that are 100% worth the trip.
1. Henderson Beach State Park
Henderson Beach State Park sits right off Highway 98 in Destin and gives you 6,000 feet of sugar-white sand and clear emerald water to camp beside.
There are 60 campsites here behind the dunes, each with water, electric hookups, picnic tables, grills, and easy access to hot showers and clean restrooms.
You’ll need to book ahead through Florida State Parks and follow posted rules about turtle nesting season and quiet hours.
And once you’ve settled in, hit the 0.75-mile nature trail, fish in the surf, look for wildlife, or head to the Destin Harbor Boardwalk nearby.
2. Grayton Beach State Park
Next up is Grayton Beach State Park, a peaceful mix of coastal dunes, pine forests, and one stunning stretch of beach.
It’s home to 59 campsites and 30 cozy cabins, with beach access, clean restrooms, and a trail that leads to Western Lake, a rare coastal dune lake.
And if you want to explore, paddleboarding the lake, biking the 4.5-mile trail, or grabbing coffee in Grayton Beach town are all great ways to spend the day.
With so much to enjoy, it’s no surprise this place fills up fast, so be sure to reserve your campsite early through the Florida State Parks website.
3. Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park
Way out on Florida’s Forgotten Coast, Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park is the place for quiet beaches and star-filled night skies.
It has 60 campsites between the Gulf and Apalachicola Bay, complete with water, electric hookups, restrooms, a dump station, and even a playground.
This place is all about slowing down, swapping the crowds and noise for shell hunting, fishing, birdwatching, and sunsets that will stop you in your tracks.
Before you go, book through Florida State Parks and come prepared with a bug net if you’re camping in summer.
4. Little Talbot Island State Park
Switching things up on the northeast coast, Little Talbot Island State Park is where you’ll find wild beaches, driftwood-covered shores, and oak-shaded campsites.
The park keeps things simple, with 36 campsites just a short walk or bike ride from the beach, each offering water, electricity, fire rings, and hot showers.
If you’re up for some fun, try hiking the 4-mile Dune Ridge Trail, paddling through tidal creeks, or hunting for shark teeth along 5 miles of undeveloped beach.
Reservations here are a must (especially on weekends), and be sure to follow fire safety rules and store food properly since the raccoons are always hungry.
5. Canaveral National Seashore
If you’re up for something totally off-the-grid, Canaveral National Seashore is one of the few places in Florida where you can camp on primitive island sites.
There are 14 back-country campsites here, and reaching them means paddling or boating in with all your supplies (including drinking water).
You’ll also need to grab a permit in advance through the National Park Service, but it’s worth it for the miles of untouched shoreline and epic stargazing.
Just keep in mind: There are no facilities, so pack in, pack it out, and check with park rangers for safety tips and tide info before heading out.
6. Fort De Soto Park
Up next is Fort De Soto Park near St. Pete, where beach camping meets history, plus there’s lots of fun extras you don’t usually get at a campground.
You’ll find 236 campsites here, and many of them back right up to the water, with picnic tables, grills, electricity, restrooms, and even a camp store.
After settling in, you can kayak through mangroves, bike the 7-mile paved trail, explore the actual Spanish-American War fort, or take the ferry to Egmont Key.
This place is super popular, so book early through Pinellas County’s website and check the site map if you want one of the waterfront spots (they go fast).
7. Cayo Costa State Park
For island camping at its best, Cayo Costa State Park offers nine miles of unspoiled beaches reachable only by boat or kayak.
The campground has 30 tent sites and a few rustic cabins within walking distance of the beach, plus restrooms, cold showers, and shaded picnic areas.
With no cars, restaurants, or shops around, you’ll have to pack in everything you need and reserve your site through Florida State Parks.
And once you’re all set up, you can hike or bike the island’s nature trails, watch manatees in the bay, or just chill on the sand and do absolutely nothing.
(At the time of writing, overnight stays at Cayo Costa State Park are temporarily unavailable, so check online before planning your visit.)
8. Long Key State Park
Down in the Florida Keys, Long Key State Park offers waterfront camping where the ocean’s never far from view.
There are hike-in, tent-only sites here offering picnic tables and grills, with restrooms and showers nearby (but heads up: shade is limited).
It’s the perfect base for kayaking through mangroves, hiking the 1.5-mile Golden Orb Trail, or waking up early to catch the sunrise from your tent.
Reservations are made through Florida State Parks, and because the campground is still recovering from hurricane damage, check for the latest updates before you go.
9. Bahia Honda State Park
Last but not least, Bahia Honda State Park is a favorite for its crystal-clear water and incredible snorkeling just steps from your tent.
You’ll find 80 campsites spread across three areas, including options at the Buttonwood campground, with picnic tables, grills, electric hookups, and restrooms.
For some fun, snorkel right off the beach, rent a kayak, hike up to the old Bahia Honda Rail Bridge for awesome views, or book a boat tour out to Looe Key Reef.
This place fills up fast, especially in winter and spring, so grab your spot early through Florida State Parks and be ready for picture-perfect sunsets.
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