If you fancy pitching your tent under palm trees, waking up to the sound of waves, or roasting marshmallows near a river, Florida has you covered.
This state is packed with state parks that are perfect for camping, whether you want to sleep steps from the ocean or deep in a forest full of wildlife.
We’re talking crystal-clear springs, hidden islands, suspension bridges, and even spots where you can snorkel with tropical fish without leaving the U.S.
So grab your sleeping bag and get ready to discover 11 of the coolest, wildest, most adventure-packed state parks for camping in Florida.
1. Grayton Beach State Park
Dune lakes and Gulf Coast beauty
Grayton Beach State Park is located in the Florida Panhandle, right off Scenic Highway 30A, and it’s known for its sugar-white sand and clear emerald-green water.
You can camp in one of 59 sites that accommodate both tents and RVs, with some offering full hookups and others providing water and electric only.
Or stay in one of 30 cozy two-bedroom cabins tucked away in the pine forest.
Expect quiet nights under the stars, easy beach access from your campsite, and walking trails that start just steps away.
Don’t miss the 4.5-mile hiking and biking trail, swimming in Western Lake (a rare coastal dune lake), or kayaking through calm waters filled with wildlife like herons and turtles.
2. St. Andrews State Park
White sands and crystal-clear waters
Just a short drive from Panama City Beach, St. Andrews State Park packs in big adventure with its white sand beaches, saltwater marshes, and shady pine forests.
The campground has 176 sites with water, electricity, plus access to clean restrooms and other amenities, so whether you’re in a tent or RV, you’re set for a comfy stay.
This is the kind of place where you might spot dolphins splashing in the bay and end the day roasting marshmallows just steps from the water.
Hop on the shuttle boat to Shell Island, snorkel around the jetty, or walk the short 0.5-mile Gator Lake Trail, where you might spot actual gators lounging near the water.
3. Ochlockonee River State Park
Pine forests and rare wildlife
Tucked away in Florida’s Big Bend region, Ochlockonee River State Park is where rivers, forests, and wildlife all meet in one peaceful spot.
There are just 30 campsites here with water and electric hookups, so it’s a quieter, more laid-back camping experience that’s perfect if you’re looking to escape the crowds.
You’ll fall asleep to the sounds of owls and crickets, and wake up ready to paddle the calm Ochlockonee River or hike the short Pine Flatwoods Nature Trail.
Keep your eyes out for white squirrels and bring your fishing pole as this park is a hidden gem for catching bream, largemouth bass, and catfish right from the shore.
4. Ichetucknee Springs State Park
Tubing paradise with clear springs
Ichetucknee Springs State Park, up near Fort White in North Florida, is the place to go when you want to explore some of the clearest, bluest water in the state.
While the park itself doesn’t have campsites, nearby campgrounds like Ichetucknee Family Canoe and Cabins offer tent and RV spots just minutes from the spring entrance.
The main event here is tubing down the Ichetucknee River, a crystal-clear spring run that stays 72°F year-round and winds through shady hammocks for about 3.5 miles.
You can also snorkel in Blue Hole Spring, hike the 0.75-mile Trestle Point Trail, or just float the day away watching fish swim under your toes.
5. Fort Clinch State Park
Historic fort meets oceanfront camping
About a 45-minute drive north of Jacksonville in Fernandina Beach, Fort Clinch State Park gives you both beach camping and serious history all in one spot.
There are two campgrounds here: one near the beach and another tucked in the woods beneath mossy oak trees, both offering water and electric hookups.
The big draw is the actual Fort Clinch, a brick Civil War fort you can explore from top to bottom, with real cannons and reenactors in full uniform on the first weekend of each month.
You can also bike the 3.3-mile park road, look for sharks’ teeth along the shoreline, or hike the Willow Pond Trail, where gopher tortoises like to hang out.
6. Anastasia State Park
Atlantic beaches near historic St. Augustine
Next up is Anastasia State Park in St. Augustine, where you can camp just a short walk from 4 miles of wild Atlantic beach.
The campground has 139 shady sites with water and electric hookups, all tucked into a coastal hammock just a quick bike ride from the sand.
This is the kind of place where you can spend your morning paddleboarding on Salt Run, then head into town for tacos and a peek at the St. Augustine Lighthouse.
Don’t miss the Ancient Dunes Trail, a 0.7-mile loop through old sand dunes and live oaks that feels like something out of a nature documentary.
7. Blue Spring State Park
Manatees and refreshing spring swims
If seeing manatees up close is on your bucket list, Blue Spring State Park in Orange City is the spot you’ve been looking for.
The campground has 51 sites with water and electric hookups, plus six two-bedroom cabins if you’re in the mood for something cozier, all surrounded by shady oaks.
In winter, hundreds of manatees crowd into the warm spring water, and in summer, you can swim, snorkel, or tube the short spring run for a quick, refreshing float.
There’s also the 3.6-mile Pine Island Trail if you want to stretch your legs, and you can rent kayaks right at the park to paddle the St. Johns River.
8. Hillsborough River State Park
River rapids and suspension bridge
Just outside Tampa, Hillsborough River State Park mixes peaceful camping with some seriously cool rapids, which is not something you see every day in Florida.
There are 112 campsites with water and electric hookups, and lots of shade, hot showers, and all the essentials for a comfortable stay.
The River Rapids Nature Trail is a 1.2-mile path with boardwalks, suspension bridges, and scenic views of Class II rapids rushing along the Hillsborough River.
You can also rent a canoe and paddle past turtles and wading birds, or check out the old Fort Foster replica for a dose of 1800s frontier and Second Seminole War history.
9. Myakka River State Park
Wetlands, prairies, and diverse wildlife
Heading down toward Sarasota, Myakka River State Park is one of Florida’s oldest and wildest parks, with tons of space to explore and loads of wildlife around every corner.
There are three campgrounds here with a total of 90 campsites, all with water, electric, and some sewer hook-ups, and you’ll likely hear owls or gators at night—it’s that wild.
You can hike the 38.9-mile Myakka Hiking Trail, climb the 74-foot Canopy Walkway tower for tree-level views, or take a guided boat tour across Upper Myakka Lake.
Keep your camera ready, because it’s not unusual to see deer, wild turkeys, and more gators than you can count on one trip.
10. Oleta River State Park
Urban camping with kayaking trails
Right in the middle of Miami’s city buzz, Oleta River State Park gives you a totally different kind of camping experience—think salty air, mangroves, and skyline views.
Camping here means staying in one of 14 small, air-conditioned cabins or pitching a tent at the primitive group campsite if you’re feeling more rugged.
This park is all about paddling and pedaling, with miles of mountain biking trails and kayak routes through the mangrove tunnels of Biscayne Bay.
After a day on the water, you can chill on the sandy beach or watch the sun set behind the skyscrapers.
11. Bahia Honda State Park
Iconic beaches in the Florida Keys
Way down in the Florida Keys, Bahia Honda State Park is your go-to spot for tropical camping with some of the best snorkeling in the state.
The park has 80 campsites for tents and RVs, plus a few waterfront cabins, and many sites sit just steps from the water.
You can snorkel right off the beach at Calusa or Loggerhead Beach, or take a boat tour out to Looe Key Reef, a vibrant coral reef about 9 miles offshore.
There’s also the Old Bahia Honda Bridge remnants, where you can walk a portion for panoramic views, and at night, the stars here are next-level thanks to the dark skies over the ocean.
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