Camping in Florida

Beach camping in Florida: 14 sandy sojourns

By Bob Rountree Camping in Florida, Beaches in Florida, Florida Roundups

Beach camping in Florida is living the dream. Stars in the sky, surf softly lapping ashore, shorebirds gliding. Let’s go camping!

Two top campgrounds, pristine beaches, surfing, kayak the lagoon and fab fishing at Sebastian Inlet

By Bob Rountree Camping in Florida, Florida Wildlife, Kayak, Canoe, Paddle Trails, Orlando/Central Florida, Southeast Florida

Sebastian Inlet has always been a favorite destination, and these two public campgrounds will make your getaway pleasurable.

Ancient oaks caress the soul at Highlands Hammock

By Bob Rountree Parks, Forests & Preserves, Bike & Hike, Camping in Florida, Orlando/Central Florida

Old-growth live oaks draped in air plants and Spanish moss dominate the 9,000-acre Highlands Hammock State Park, one of Florida’s original state parks. It offers lush nature trails, scenic bike riding and shady camping.

Best Florida camping: A few of our favorite campgrounds

By Bob Rountree Camping in Florida, Florida Roundups

We thought it would be fun to share a few of our favorite campgrounds — and most of the best campgrounds are in Florida’s award-winning state park system.

Florida cabin rentals in state parks: Like camping, but with comfort

By Bonnie Gross Cabins, Unique Lodging, Camping in Florida, Parks, Forests & Preserves

One of the best places to enjoy nature is in a cabin in a Florida state park. But the cabins book up fast, so now is the time to make reservations for the winter. Our guide explains which parks have cabins, what they offer and what they cost. Of the 21 parks in Florida with cabins, we’ve stayed in 13 of them.

Discover Lake Wales Ridge State Forest for hiking, exploring, camping

By Bonnie Gross Bike & Hike, Camping in Florida, Florida Birding, Orlando/Central Florida, Parks, Forests & Preserves

Lake Wales Ridge State Forest is for explorers – folks who like to find places that aren’t in the guidebooks. Here you can hike for miles in the woods, hear only nature and have a chance to spot wildlife, including bear, bald eagles and endangered scrub jays.

After Hurricane Irma in 2017, Long Key State Park built a picturesque chickee hut overlooking the beach. (Photo: Bonnie Gross)

Long Key State Park: Florida Keys gem but camping limited

By Bob Rountree and Bonnie Gross Florida Keys, Beaches in Florida, Camping in Florida, Kayak, Canoe, Paddle Trails

Once the site of a luxury resort for the rich and famous, Long Key State Park is a terrific place to spend a few hours hiking, beachcombing, swimming, snorkeling and kayaking in the Florida Keys. While most of its highly prized beachfront campsites are closed, a few tent sites are open.